The Daily

Dani Blum, a health and science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the revolutionizing world of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. She discusses how these medications, originally for diabetes, are reshaping societal attitudes towards obesity and beauty. The conversation highlights striking personal stories, the dangers of malnutrition, and the ongoing debates around the body positivity movement. Blum brings attention to the complexities of navigating body image and health in a society grappling with evolving perceptions of obesity.

Claude Dumont Beghi, a prominent lawyer, shares the gripping saga of Sylvia Wildenstein's inheritance battle against her late husband’s powerful family. Discover how Sylvia, a glamorous widow and former model, faced off against her stepsons over her husband’s art and horse legacy. The podcast delves into the dark complexities of the Wildenstein family’s art empire, revealing legal struggles and hidden assets. Beghi exposes the emotional turmoil and intrigue within a dynasty where wealth, tradition, and deception collide.

Luke Broadwater, a congressional reporter for The New York Times, delves into the recent impeachment inquiry initiated by Speaker Kevin McCarthy against President Biden. He explains the allegations surrounding Hunter Biden's business dealings and the lack of strong evidence supporting them. The discussion also highlights the Republicans' internal tensions and strategic challenges, especially as they balance hard-right demands with the need for a credible process. Broadwater further analyzes how this inquiry may impact the political landscape leading into the 2024 elections.

Julian Barnes, a national security reporter for The New York Times, dives into Kim Jong-un's unprecedented visit to Russia to meet President Putin. He reveals how North Korea's artillery stocks are enticing for Russia amid its Ukraine conflict. The two leaders discuss potential arms deals, where North Korea could gain advanced technology and food aid. This alliance raises concerns about the destabilization of global diplomacy and enhances the threat North Korea poses, shifting the international balance as old tensions resurface.

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.