The Daily

Valerie Hopkins, an international correspondent for The New York Times, dives into Russia's political landscape amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. She discusses the surprising resilience of Putin's popularity despite sanctions and explores the evolving consumer culture in Russian malls. The emotional impact on families, like the Kadira family grieving their son, highlights the complex relationship between patriotism and loss. Hopkins also touches on Yulia Navalny's call for protest amid rising political tensions, revealing the stark realities of dissent in contemporary Russia.

Jeanna Smialek, a U.S. economy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the unique struggles of the cohort born in the early '90s. She discusses how these peak millennials grapple with economic adversity, from student debt to career instability, while trying to hit traditional life milestones like homeownership and family planning. Jeanna highlights the profound impact of the Great Recession and rising costs of living on their aspirations, revealing the pressures faced by a generation navigating a system that's often too small to accommodate them.

Dave Philipps, a military affairs correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the chilling case of a mass shooting by an Army reservist in Maine. He discusses how repeated exposure to explosive blasts may contribute to severe brain damage, altering behavior in veterans. The conversation reveals that military training can inflict hidden injuries, challenging long-held beliefs about combat's sole impact. This exploration not only sheds light on the gunman's psyche but also impacts treatment for veterans and approaches to criminal justice.

Mike Baker, a national reporter for The New York Times, dives into Oregon's controversial decriminalization of hard drugs. He outlines the initial hope for a treatment-focused approach and the subsequent rise in overdose deaths that shocked the community. Baker discusses the backlash and calls for renewed restrictions, revealing how Measure 110 has reshaped public opinion on drug policy. He also provides insight into the challenges faced by both lawmakers and residents in navigating this escalating crisis, making for a compelling conversation.

Conor Dougherty, an economics reporter for The New York Times, dives into the secretive land acquisitions by Flannery Associates in Solano County. He explores how tech industry moguls plan to build a new city to tackle California's housing crisis, amid local resistance from long-time farmers. The conversation highlights the tension between innovative solutions and community distrust, raising questions about transparency and the true motivations behind these large-scale developments. Dougherty's insights reveal a fascinating intersection of ambition and skepticism.

The psychological challenges of life on Mars are explored, focusing on the emotional toll of isolation during extended missions. A NASA experiment simulates Martian conditions, revealing the deep mental strains potential astronauts may face. The podcast highlights personal stories of loss and resilience, capturing mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety. It underscores the logistical hurdles of sustaining human life on another planet while questioning our capacity to endure psychological torment. The narrative weaves hopes for colonization with profound emotional realities.

Jim Tankersley, a White House reporter for The New York Times specializing in economic policy, discusses President Biden's recent State of the Union address. He highlights Biden's strategy to rally support for reelection while confronting potential opponent Donald Trump. They delve into Biden's remarks on democracy's fragility, the implications of economic challenges like shrinkflation, and the administration's agenda on wage growth and housing costs. Tankersley also touches on the president's diplomatic tone regarding immigration and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Kevin Roose, a technology columnist for The New York Times and co-host of "Hard Fork," delves into the controversy surrounding Google's new AI, Gemini. He discusses the fears around AI's alignment with social values and the backlash from its launch. Roose sheds light on the complexities of bias in AI systems and the challenges tech companies face in ensuring fairness. He also critiques the influence of tech elites on content moderation and the potential impacts on user experience in an increasingly personalized digital landscape.

Nate Cohn, chief political analyst for The New York Times, dives deep into the shifting political landscape as we approach the election. He highlights a crucial segment of 'double haters'—voters dissatisfied with both Biden and Trump—who may impact voter turnout. Cohn discusses alarming polling trends, especially among younger and minority demographics, and emphasizes how these undecided voters pose a threat to Biden's chances. The conversation sheds light on the volatility of voter sentiment and the challenges facing candidates in this polarized environment.

Hiba Yazbek, a reporter-researcher for The New York Times, offers keen insights into the dire situation in Gaza. She discusses a harrowing incident where desperate civilians clashed with Israeli troops during an aid delivery, resulting in significant casualties. The podcast reveals conflicting accounts from local health officials and the military about the tragic events. Yazbek also highlights the severe hunger crisis affecting families, particularly children, drawing attention to their resilience amid conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.