The Daily

Mark Mazzetti, a Washington investigative correspondent for The New York Times, digs into the intriguing saga of NSO Group and its controversial Pegasus spyware. He reveals how, despite a U.S. ban, various government factions sought to utilize this powerful tool for alleged surveillance. The discussion covers the ethical dilemmas faced by the agency when using technology designed for lawful purposes but often misused to target journalists and activists. Mazzetti's insights shed light on the complex ties between the U.S. and surveillance firms.

A mother's intuition tells her something is wrong with her newborn, leading to a complicated quest for a birth certificate in Colombia's bureaucratic maze. The narrative highlights systemic barriers that prevent access to essential healthcare. It dives into the emotional turmoil of navigating medical care while tackling issues of identity and health disparities in rural communities. The podcast also touches on the broader implications of inadequate birth registrations and their impact on public health initiatives, revealing the fragile balance between life, death, and documentation.

In this discussion, Jim Tankersley, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the urgent debt ceiling crisis facing the U.S. He outlines the high-stakes negotiations between President Biden and congressional leaders. The conversation reveals Biden's potential radical move involving the 14th Amendment to avoid a default, alongside the implications of this decision. Tankersley also highlights the tensions with Republicans over spending cuts and the possible pathways to a bipartisan agreement, making the fiscal landscape even more intriguing.

Michael Gold, a New York politics correspondent for The New York Times, dives into George Santos' growing legal troubles. He examines the serious federal charges Santos faces, including wire fraud and money laundering. Gold discusses the impact of these allegations on Santos' congressional role and the delicate balancing act for House leadership. The podcast highlights Santos' defiance amidst declining support and the potential ramifications of his actions for the Republican majority.

Ben Weiser, a New York Times correspondent specializing in Manhattan federal courts, discusses the landmark verdict finding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll. He delves into the complexities of this nearly 30-year-old case, the challenges that survivors face in court, and the pivotal role of the Me Too movement. Weiser also touches on the broader implications for justice in sexual misconduct cases and highlights significant legal frameworks like the Adult Survivors Act that empower victims.

Miriam Jordan, a national correspondent for The New York Times specializing in immigration, shares her insights on the imminent expiration of Title 42 and its implications for the U.S.-Mexico border. She discusses the expected surge of asylum seekers and how new Biden administration policies will reshape immigration processes. The complexities faced by migrants, including legal hurdles and personal tragedies, are also examined. Overall, Jordan highlights the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform in the face of changing border dynamics.

Adam Liptak, Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the escalating concerns over ethics within the Supreme Court. He discusses the explosive allegations surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas and his undisclosed connections to billionaire donors. Liptak emphasizes the need for accountability and possible new ethics rules to restore public trust. The dialogue also touches on the judiciary's self-regulation challenges and the complexities of implementing an effective code of conduct in light of political pressures.

In a heart-wrenching yet hopeful narrative, a substitute teacher shares her family's ongoing battle with the realities of the pandemic. As Covid continues to loom large, she reflects on the emotional toll of returning to in-person learning. The challenges faced by students and families in South Central Los Angeles highlight deep socio-economic disparities and the urgent need for mental health support. Through resilience and community ties, the story reveals the importance of compassion in education amidst lingering trauma.

In a thought-provoking discussion, John Koblin, a media reporter for The New York Times, delves into the striking realities faced by Hollywood writers amidst the rise of streaming services. He unveils how this tech-driven shift has disrupted traditional compensation models, leading to financial instability for writers. Koblin explores the precarious job market emerging from streaming's dominance and the dramatic changes in storytelling opportunities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for fair pay and the ongoing struggle for writers' rights in a rapidly evolving industry.

Jan Hoffman, a health law correspondent for The New York Times and expert on the opioid crisis, dives into the critical topic of Narcan, a newly approved nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses. She explains its potential to drastically change the opioid crisis landscape by making it available over-the-counter. Hoffman discusses the history of Narcan, the challenges of accessibility, and societal perceptions. With increasing acceptance, she highlights the importance of normalizing Narcan's use to save lives and combat stigma.