The Daily

Explore the powerful stories of individuals impacted by loss, from Barbara Krupke's lottery win to Juanita Pippins' journey through grief and activism. Personal narratives interweave with reflections on community resilience amid the pandemic. The podcast also tackles urgent issues like social justice sparked by George Floyd's death, examining the intersection of tragedy and political activism. Each tale invites listeners to remember, reflect, and understand the complexities of identity and collective experience.

Kenneth Chang, a science reporter at The New York Times, dives into the exciting resurgence of space travel with the first private company sending NASA astronauts to orbit. He discusses the implications of this shift away from government-run missions, highlighting the evolution of NASA's space program, including triumphs and tragedies from the shuttle era. The episode also touches on SpaceX's innovative practices and setbacks in their launch schedule, offering a glimpse into the future of commercial space exploration.

Derek Harpe, a dedicated Postal Service worker from rural North Carolina, shares his firsthand experiences navigating the challenges of delivering mail during the pandemic. Nicholas Fandos, a New York Times reporter, delves into the complex political landscape impacting the Postal Service’s financial struggles. They discuss how COVID-19 has exacerbated existing issues, the agency's historical significance, and the ongoing fight for congressional support amidst declining mail volume. The conversation paints a vivid picture of the Postal Service's vital role in communities.

Two brothers, Javier Morales, 48, and Martin Morales, 39, died of coronavirus within hours of each other in their adopted home of New Jersey. Their last wish was to be buried at home in Mexico, but, to make that happen, their family must navigate the vast bureaucracies of two countries, international airfare and the complications of a pandemic. Guest:Annie Correal, an immigration reporter for The New York Times, spoke with Shaila and Melanie Cruz Morales, twin sisters from New Jersey who are the men’s nieces. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily Background reading: In Mexico, being buried near home is a sacred rite. These are the obstacles the Morales family has faced as they try to return their uncles’ bodies home. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PewDiePie, one of the largest YouTube stars renowned for his edgy humor, dives deep into the complexities of his influence and public perception. He candidly reflects on his controversial past and the evolution of his content. The discussion highlights the fine line creators walk between humor and societal backlash. PewDiePie also shares insights on philanthropy and the ramifications of a past donation gone wrong. Additionally, he explores how gaming can serve as a lens to examine broader societal issues, blending entertainment with profound reflection.

Jeannie Chance, a pioneering reporter for KENI radio in Anchorage during the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, shares her gripping personal account of this historic disaster. Joined by Jon Mooallem, author of 'This Is Chance', they delve into the chaos that unfolded as Anchorage transformed overnight. The conversation highlights Chance’s resilience as Alaska's first female newscaster, her struggle in a male-dominated world, and the profound community connections formed in the aftermath of tragedy. A tale of strength amid destruction unfolds.

Pam Belluck, a health and science writer for The New York Times, joins 14-year-old Jack McMorrow, who faced a mysterious inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19. They discuss Jack's alarming symptoms and the emotional turmoil of navigating his health crisis. With insights into how this syndrome, similar to Kawasaki disease, disproportionately affects school-age children, the conversation raises critical questions about long-term impacts and the urgency of understanding these medical mysteries.

Linda Villarosa, a writer for The New York Times Magazine focused on racial health disparities, joins Nicole Charles, who shared her heartbreaking story of losing her husband to COVID-19. They discuss the staggering death rates of Black Americans and the systemic racism embedded in healthcare. The conversation highlights biased medical care, the role of essential workers, and the cumulative emotional toll on communities. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for awareness and reform in addressing these health inequities.

Maggie Haberman, a seasoned White House correspondent for The New York Times, dives into President Trump's controversial pattern of firing inspectors general. She reveals how these dismissals pose a threat to government accountability and oversight, particularly during a pandemic. The conversation highlights the political motivations behind these actions and questions the integrity of federal watchdogs. Haberman also touches on the fallout from these firings, emphasizing their implications for democracy and public trust.

Ben Casselman, an economics reporter for The New York Times, joins Jerome H. Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, to tackle the pressing economic crisis. They discuss the alarming rise in unemployment and the urgent need for government intervention to prevent long-term damage. Powell emphasizes the necessity for Congress to provide fiscal support, even at the cost of increasing national debt. The conversation reveals the contentious divide between Democrats and Republicans over relief measures, highlighting the challenges of political action during this unprecedented time.