The Daily

Sharhonda Bossier, deputy director at Education Leaders of Color, shares her inspiring journey as an activist against police brutality. She reflects on the profound lessons taught by her grandmother about challenging authority and the painful history of her community. Bossier discusses the tragic story of Latasha Harlins, which opened her eyes to systemic injustice. The conversation also dives into the complexities of leaderless movements, the emotional toll on activists, and the transformative power of collective action for social justice.

Reid J. Epstein, a Campaign and Elections reporter for The New York Times, dives into the uncertainties surrounding mail-in voting for the upcoming presidential election. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on traditional voting practices and examines the contrasting experiences of Georgia and Montana in implementing these new systems. The podcast addresses security concerns, discusses myths about voter fraud, and highlights how effective mail-in voting can boost voter turnout despite logistical challenges. Epstein's analysis offers critical insights into the future of voting in America.

Kashmir Hill, a technology reporter, joins producer Annie Brown to discuss the troubling reality behind facial recognition algorithms. They dive into the harrowing story of Robert Julian-Borchak Williams, who was wrongfully accused due to flawed technology. The conversation highlights the racial biases inherent in these systems, revealing the emotional fallout of being misidentified. They also explore the implications of these biases for law enforcement practices and societal perceptions, emphasizing a critical need for reform in algorithmic accountability.

Exploring the complexities of female anger, the discussion dives into how societal norms shape its expression and the accompanying shame. Personal stories and psychological insights reveal the stigma surrounding women's rage. The narrative champions embracing anger as a tool for empowerment, connecting it to iconic literature and culture. Through an examination of public figures and art, it highlights the necessity of recognizing both vulnerability and anger in women's experiences. Ultimately, it advocates for a multifaceted understanding of female emotions and their potential for advocacy.

Jennifer Steinhauer, a Washington reporter for The New York Times, dives into the shocking case of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, whose tragic death has ignited national outrage. The discussion highlights the rampant sexual harassment culture within the military and the struggles women face in seeking justice. Steinhauer also sheds light on the systemic challenges in prosecuting harassment claims, advocating for significant reforms to ensure accountability. This conversation marks a critical moment for military women, echoing the broader #MeToo movement.

Cecilia Kang, a technology and regulatory policy reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on the recent congressional hearing with the CEOs of tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook. She highlights the intense scrutiny they faced over anti-competitive practices and allegations of bias. The discussion draws intriguing parallels between today's tech giants and the historic tobacco industry, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation. Kang explores how lawmakers’ questions reflect bipartisan concerns over corporate power and its consumer implications.

Edward Wong, a diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the shifting dynamics of U.S.-China relations. He discusses the recent closure of the Houston consulate and the implications of espionage concerns. The conversation highlights the trade war under Trump, revealing conflicting ideologies among advisors. Wong also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed cooperation into confrontation, raising crucial questions about human rights and national security. His insights shed light on the complexities facing these superpowers.

Nicholas Fandos, a Congressional reporter for The New York Times, discusses the unrest among Republicans over federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic. He reveals the deep divisions within the party about the $600 weekly support, highlighting the ideological clash between fiscal conservatives and moderates. Fandos also shares insights on how these internal conflicts could shape the party's identity and strategies moving forward, particularly in light of their response to urgent economic needs and the looming expiration of aid.

In this engaging discussion, Brian M. Rosenthal, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, unpacks the stark inequalities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. He highlights how hospital choice significantly impacted survival rates, with some community hospitals seeing three times the mortality. Rosenthal also explores the alarming disparities in healthcare quality, staffing, and resources between affluent and public hospitals. Missteps in the city's pandemic response, including the struggles of a temporary hospital, underscore the need for systemic reform.

Sarah Vereen, a professor of creative nonfiction and journalist, shares her harrowing experiences with false accusations against her wife. They discuss the daunting emotional toll of navigating unfounded allegations within academia and how these situations can warp personal lives and reputations. Vereen reflects on the struggles of storytelling with honesty, revealing the complexities of obscuring identities due to past trauma. This conversation sheds light on the repercussions of rumors and the powerful intersection of truth and storytelling.