In a groundbreaking move, the government has set its sights on Big Tech and is now taking on Google in the first monopoly trial of the modern internet era. The trial, which is expected to last for 10 weeks, aims to rein in the power and influence of the tech giant and its core search business. If Google loses the case, it could have significant implications for the future of the company and the broader tech industry.

David McCabe, a technology policy correspondent for The New York Times, joins Sabrina Tavernise on the latest episode of The Daily to discuss the case against Google and the potential consequences of a loss for the tech giant. McCabe provides valuable insights into the trial and its significance in the ongoing efforts to regulate and control Big Tech.

The trial has faced some setbacks, as a federal judge recently ruled that the Justice Department could not move forward with certain claims in the antitrust complaints, narrowing the scope of the trial. However, this has not dampened the government's determination to hold Google accountable for its alleged monopolistic practices.

The episode also highlights the extensive team behind The Daily podcast, including Sabrina Tavernise as the host, and producers Olivia Natt, Mooj Zadie, Diana Nguyen, and Shannon Lin. The editing is done by Marc Georges and Alyssa Moxley, with Paige Cowett contributing to the episode. Original music for the podcast is composed by Dan Powell, Elisheba Ittoop, and Marion Lozano. The Daily can be listened to on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Amazon Music.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, a devastating fire broke out in a derelict building, leading to the tragic death of at least 76 people. Lynsey Chutel, a correspondent covering southern Africa for The New York Times, reveals that the authorities had been repeatedly warned about the building's potential fire hazards but failed to take any action. This tragic incident sheds light on the dire situation in Johannesburg, once a symbol of hope for post-apartheid South Africa, now plagued by a breakdown in governance and social welfare.

The episode underscores the extensive paper trail that revealed the authorities' negligence in addressing the dangers posed by illegally occupied derelict buildings. Johannesburg is grappling with a severe shortage of affordable housing, and these abandoned buildings have become firetraps, according to officials and housing advocates. Lynsey Chutel's reporting brings attention to the systemic issues that have contributed to this devastating event.

Additionally, Rebecca Robbins, a business reporter covering the pharmaceutical industry for The New York Times, delves into the complex world of drug patents and their impact on access to life-saving medications. She discusses Gilead Sciences, a drugmaker that intentionally delayed the release of a promising H.I.V. treatment in order to maximize profits from existing patents. This case highlights the perverse incentives created by patents, which can lead to delays in the availability of new and improved drugs.

Robbins reveals that Gilead's decision to slow-walk the release of the new drug allowed the company to extend the patent life of its blockbuster line of medications. Notably, in August, an expert panel recommended the new daily pill Descovy for H.I.V. prevention. Rebecca Robbins's reporting sheds light on the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry and the challenges it poses to affordable and timely access to vital medications.

Throughout the episode, the contributions of the team behind The Daily are acknowledged, including producers Eric Krupke and Will Reid, as well as editors Liz O. Baylen and Paige Cowett. The episode also emphasizes the importance of fact-checking, performed by Nicole Pasulka and Susan Lee.

As The Daily continues to tackle important issues and deliver in-depth reporting, it remains a trusted source of news and analysis. The podcast is made possible by a dedicated team of journalists, including Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, and Olivia Natt. The theme music for The Daily is composed by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

Special thanks are extended to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, and Nina Lassam, whose contributions ensure the continuous excellence of The Daily podcast. Transcripts of the episodes are also made available to enhance accessibility and convenience for the audience.