The Daily

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, delves into the recent shift to annual COVID vaccinations. She discusses the end of booster shots and the strategic changes as infections rise again. Mandavilli explains who should get the new vaccine and when, while emphasizing the importance of vaccination against long-term effects. The conversation also touches on adapting to evolving public health guidelines, personal responsibility, and the broader implications of these changes amid ongoing global events.

Neal Boudette, an auto industry correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on a potential historic strike involving 150,000 U.S. autoworkers against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. He discusses the evolving dynamics between the United Auto Workers and automakers, unveiling the long history of labor negotiations that led to current tensions. Boudette also highlights the striking contrast between rising automaker profits and worker dissatisfaction, as new union leadership calls for fair wages and better working conditions. It's a critical moment for labor in America.

In this intriguing discussion, David McCabe, the technology policy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the landmark antitrust trial against Google. He explores the government's allegations of monopolistic practices that stifle competition in online search. The conversation highlights significant challenges in proving market power misuse and the potential ripple effects on the tech industry. McCabe also draws parallels with historical antitrust cases, revealing what a ruling against Google could mean for the future of technology and consumer choice.

John Gertner, a contributor to the New York Times Magazine, dives into the evolving relationship between Wikipedia and AI technologies. He discusses the concerns that editors have about the integrity of Wikipedia in an age dominated by profit-driven tech giants. Gertner highlights the potential threat posed by AI-generated content, stressing the irreplaceable value of human editors in maintaining accuracy. He also examines the risks of misinformation and the challenges that both Wikipedia and AI face in ensuring reliable knowledge sharing.

Lynsey Chutel, Southern Africa correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on a tragic fire in Johannesburg that claimed 76 lives. She discusses the ignored warnings about the building's safety, highlighting Johannesburg's decline from a hopeful post-apartheid city to a crisis-ridden symbol of neglect. The conversation explores the dire housing situation, systemic failures, and the personal stories of survivors, painting a stark picture of resilience amidst tragedy in a rapidly deteriorating urban landscape.

Rebecca Robbins, a business reporter for The New York Times specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, delves into the controversial practices of Gilead Sciences. She reveals how the company prioritized profits by delaying a safer H.I.V. treatment. Robbins recounts a retiree's struggle with H.I.V. medications, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by companies that may sacrifice patient safety for financial gain. The discussion illuminates the challenges posed by patent laws and the impact on drug innovation, access, and affordability.

Nicholas Fandos, a New York Times reporter specializing in state politics, dives into the chaotic surge of over 100,000 migrants seeking asylum in New York. He highlights the strain on the city's resources, including shelters and schools. Fandos also discusses how this influx has turned into a political crisis for Democratic leaders, who fear Republican exploitation amidst an election year. Tensions are mounting as local officials grapple with the humanitarian implications while demanding more federal support and navigating internal party struggles.

Sydney Ember, an economics correspondent for The New York Times with a focus on aviation, reveals startling findings about near-collisions involving U.S. passenger planes—happening far more frequently than the public is aware. She discusses the alarming trend of close calls as air traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels and critiques the strained safety systems in aviation. Ember also highlights the critical shortage of air traffic controllers and the risks posed by inexperienced personnel, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety protocols.

Christopher Flavelle, a climate adaptation reporter for The New York Times, teams up with Chuck Podolak, head of Arizona's Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, to explore Arizona's growing water crisis. They discuss the alarming rates at which groundwater is depleted, posing a threat to both drinking water and agricultural sustainability. Delving into controversial solutions like desalination and the financial and environmental hurdles of a major pipeline project, they highlight the urgent need for innovative and sustainable approaches to secure Arizona's water future.

In this engaging discussion, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy correspondent for The New York Times, and Rebecca Robbins, a business reporter specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, explore the historic overhaul empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices. They dive into the intense lobbying efforts from drugmakers to resist these changes and the potential effects on medication costs for older Americans. The guests shed light on how this could reshape the pharmaceutical landscape, balancing corporate profitability with patient affordability.