Dear Colleagues,

Happy New Year! We hope you’ve enjoyed the winter holidays with your friends and family.

As we’re jumping into 2023, we’d like to give you a rundown of what we’ve been up to these past few weeks.

Our Special Holiday Episode: Talking Turkey

Recognizing one of the most daunting Thanksgiving tasks, cooking a turkey, The Daily released a special episode dedicated to the notoriously difficult bird. Kim Serverson, a food correspondent for The New York Times, takes us through some historical tips, tricks, and gimmicks that have attempted to make the annual exercise easier. The episode ends with Food Columnist J. Kenji López-Alt’s “foolproof” secret for cooking a turkey, which involves a dry-brine and mayo-rub.

A Tribute to Child Victims of Gun Violence

In recent years, gun violence has become the leading cause of death for American children. The New York Times Magazine devoted its end-of-year issue, which traditionally focuses on those who have died in the past year, to these victims.

With this harrowing reporting, The Daily released an episode honoring three lives that were taken far too soon: Shiway Barry, Elijah Gomez, and Lavonte’e Williams. Their stories are told not through their deaths, but through the lives that they lived.

The New York Times Magazine writers and contributors read their essays and shared snippets of interviews with loved ones and family. The essay on Shiway Barry was read by Susan Dominus and features the voice of Cheese, Shiway’s best friend. The essay on Elijah Gomez was read by Dwayne Betts and features the voices of Elijah’s Aunt, Crystal Cathcart, and mother, Jennifer Cathcart. Lastly, the essay on LaVonte’e Williams was read by Linda Villarosa and features the voices of LaVonte’e ‘s mother, Miracle Jones, and grandparents Michael and Tanika Jone.

Each of these stories offer a glimpse into the passions, interests, and personalities of the children. From an environmental cleanup dedication to a friendship forged inside a video game, this episode holds intimate memories of the three victims and reminds listeners how grave the issue of gun violence is to our nation.

Until next time,

-The Daily Team