The Daily

As the pandemic unfolded, innovative authors crafted short stories inspired by historical plagues. The podcast explores themes of isolation, love, and resilience during crises, drawing parallels to Boccaccio's work. Personal reflections highlight the struggle for health and connection amid anxiety. Heartfelt narratives reveal the emotional toll of loss and the importance of community bonds. Listeners journey through poignant tales of love and remembrance, showcasing how storytelling can help us process shared human experiences.

David Enrich, Business investigations editor for The New York Times, and Adam Liptak, Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times, dive into the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows prosecutors access to President Trump's financial records. They discuss the historical context of financial transparency for candidates and the ongoing legal battles stemming from The New York Times' investigations. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between public access, presidential immunity, and the role of investigative journalism in democracy.

Matt Apuzzo, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, joins Dr. Camilla Rothe, an infectious disease specialist, to discuss the alarming early detection of coronavirus in Germany. They highlight the missed warnings about asymptomatic spread, emphasizing the challenges faced in conveying this critical information. The conversation critiques how the World Health Organization handled early data, navigating public confusion surrounding silent infections and their implications for controlling the pandemic. The discussion reveals the urgent need for better public health communication.

The U.S. government has been quietly gathering extensive coronavirus data, revealing stark regional and racial disparities. Learn how journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering these truths and the legal battles to obtain critical data from the CDC. Meanwhile, hear from astronauts aboard the International Space Station as they reflect on their unique experiences and the profound connections to Earth. The conversation shifts to a stunning celestial event, blending a sense of wonder with the urgency of environmental awareness.

Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, delves into President Trump's provocative speech at Mount Rushmore. She analyzes how this rhetoric attempts to shift focus from pressing issues like the pandemic to a perceived threat from leftist ideologies. The discussion covers the president's defense of American heritage amidst cultural debate and the growing disconnect between his messaging and public sentiment on race. Haberman also highlights the evolving voter dynamics and the president's reliance on personal instincts over polling.

Donald G. McNeil Jr., a seasoned science and health reporter for The New York Times, dives into crucial insights about the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses alarming infection rate surges tied to indoor transmission, particularly in restaurants and bars. The guest highlights how race significantly impacts COVID-19 outcomes for Black and Latino communities, and shares fascinating details about the virus's mutations and their implications. McNeil also emphasizes the vital role of investigative journalism in unraveling these complex issues.

Ernesto Londoño, The Times’s Brazil bureau chief, delves into Brazil’s unexpected struggle with COVID-19, contrasting its past public health successes. He illustrates how the festive spirit during the carnival collided with governmental denial regarding the virus's severity. The discussion highlights the impact of political populism on public health responses, revealing how leadership decisions diverted resources and thwarted effective crisis management. Londoño provides insights into the societal divisions exacerbated by these failures, painting a harrowing picture of the pandemic’s toll in Brazil.

Eric Schmitt, a New York Times reporter specializing in terrorism and national security, exposes a chilling Russian plot to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. He discusses a covert operation involving payments to Taliban operatives, revealing shocking electronic intercepts. Schmitt highlights the U.S. administration's failure to act on this intelligence, raising urgent questions about national security. The investigation also delves into the broader geopolitical motivations behind Russia's bounty program and the implications for U.S.-Russia relations.

Supreme Court correspondent Adam Liptak from The New York Times dives into a pivotal ruling that struck down a restrictive Louisiana abortion law, preventing a state from having only one clinic. He discusses Chief Justice John Roberts' surprising alliances with the court's liberal justices, which signals a potential shift in abortion jurisprudence. Liptak also highlights how the ruling affects women's healthcare access and the implications for future conservative challenges in the legal landscape.

Vince Champion, the Southeast Regional Director for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, delves into the evolving landscape of policing post-George Floyd. He discusses the controversies surrounding police unions and their role in defending officers with misconduct records. Champion emphasizes the need for reform, including the inclusion of social workers in crisis situations, and confronts the systemic issues of race and bias in law enforcement. The conversation is a candid exploration of accountability, community trust, and the complexities of change within policing.