The Daily

Christina Jewett, an investigative journalist covering the FDA for The New York Times, delves into a startling scandal involving lead-tainted applesauce that endangered hundreds of children. She uncovers how this hazardous product slipped through the food safety system, revealing alarming flaws in regulations. The discussion highlights devastating family experiences, the long-term impacts of lead exposure, and the urgent need for reforms in food safety practices to protect vulnerable consumers.

Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times specializing in national security, discusses alarming developments in space warfare. He reveals U.S. concerns about Russia potentially deploying nuclear weapons in orbit and highlights the escalating tension between the U.S. and China. Lipton explains how these nations' advancements in military space capabilities are shaping a new arms race. The conversation digs into the vulnerabilities of U.S. satellites and the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure to maintain military supremacy in space.

Jennifer Medina, a political reporter for The New York Times, dives into the evolving political landscape in Michigan due to the Gaza war. She reveals grassroots efforts urging voters to express discontent with President Biden's support for Israel. The discussion highlights the growing disillusionment among Arab American communities and lifelong Democrats grappling with their political identities. Personal stories underscore the emotional toll of these changing loyalties, with Michigan's Democratic primary shaping up to be a telling indicator of voter sentiment.

Azeen Ghorayshi, a New York Times reporter specializing in sex, gender, and science, joins Meghan S. Cole, a lawyer in Alabama undergoing IVF treatment. They discuss a recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that redefines frozen embryos as children, dramatically impacting fertility treatments. Meghan shares her emotional journey navigating the fallout as IVF procedures come under siege, while Azeen highlights the broader implications for reproductive rights amidst shifting legal landscapes. The conversation reveals the heart-wrenching challenges couples face in their pursuit of parenthood.

Berner, co-founder and CEO of Cookies, dives into the fascinating world of cannabis branding, likening it to streetwear icons like Supreme. He shares his journey from rapper to cannabis mogul and the challenges of building a legal empire amid fluctuating markets. The discussion highlights Cookies' unique marketing strategies, the cultural impact of cannabis, and the intriguing fusion of music and marijuana. Berner also touches on the controversies faced within the industry and remains optimistic about the future of cannabis culture.

Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent at The New York Times known for her insights on Donald Trump, teams up with Jonah Bromwich, a criminal justice correspondent. They dive into the recent civil court ruling against Trump, potentially cutting him off from his real estate empire and impacting his political ambitions. The conversation touches on the severe penalties, inflated property values, and how this legal turmoil may shape Trump’s public image and fundraising as he navigates his presidential campaign amidst significant financial challenges.

Yevgenia Albats, a Russian investigative journalist and close friend of Aleksei Navalny, reflects on the profound impact of Navalny's sudden death on the opposition in Russia. She discusses his journey as a political force, his grassroots campaigning, and the personal sacrifices he made against an authoritarian regime. Albats also highlights the leadership vacuum left behind and the resilience of his supporters, especially the youth, who are determined to continue fighting for democracy despite the challenges they face.

Steven Erlanger, the Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for The New York Times, delves into Europe's urgent need to bolster its defense against a backdrop of increasing Russian aggression. He highlights the collapsing confidence in NATO as U.S. support wavers, sparking fear and urgency among European leaders. The chilling impact of Alexei Navalny's death is discussed, alongside the challenges of creating a cohesive European defense strategy. Erlanger underscores the shift in Europe's reliance on American military power, questioning if they can effectively defend themselves.

Ghada al-Kurd, a freelance journalist from Gaza, and Hussein Owda, a Gazan resident, share their gripping experiences of life in Rafah amidst the escalating conflict. They describe the harrowing reality of displacement and scarcity as over a million people find themselves trapped with no clear escape. Ghada reveals the emotional toll of relentless bombardment, while Hussein recounts the desperate search for necessities and the nightmarish struggle to keep families safe. Their stories highlight resilience in a city overshadowed by chaos and uncertainty.

Katie Thomas, an investigative health care reporter at The New York Times, dives deep into the troubling trend of tongue-tie releases in the podcast. She reveals how dentists and lactation consultants are pushing unnecessary procedures on new mothers, often prioritizing profit over patient well-being. Thomas shares a family's emotional struggle with their newborn's breastfeeding difficulties and critiques the financial incentives driving surgeries in the healthcare system. This conversation uncovers the urgent need for accountability and informed decision-making in medical care.