The Daily

In this fascinating discussion, Kim Barker, a New York Times reporter on the Ukraine war, shares the intense Ukrainian backlash against a controversial peace plan perceived as pro-Russian. She highlights the deep sense of capitulation felt by Ukrainians and connects it to ongoing corruption scandals affecting President Zelensky's leadership. David E. Sanger analyzes the plan's Kremlin-like origins and the internal U.S. divisions that influenced its creation. Together, they explore the diplomatic complexities and the urgent need for a viable solution amid a turbulent backdrop.

A federal judge on Monday tossed out separate criminal charges against the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey and New York’s attorney general, Letitia James.The manner in which the judge dismissed the Comey indictment could now lead to a legal fight over whether the government can try to refile the charges with another grand jury.Devlin Barrett, who covers the Justice Department and the F.B.I. for The New York Times, discusses President Trump’s campaign of retribution against his perceived enemies and walks us through the judge’s rulingsGuest: Devlin Barrett, a New York Times reporter covering the Justice Department and the F.B.I..Background reading: The cases against Mr. Comey and Ms. James are dismissed.Photo: Drew Angerer for The New York TimesFor more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  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.

Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of rising autism diagnoses, emphasizing that shifting definitions, not just environmental factors, drive the trends. Kathy Lord, a seasoned clinical psychologist, reflects on the historical views of autism and the implications of expanding criteria. They discuss the growing neurodiversity movement, resource competition for services, and the controversial proposal for a 'profound autism' category. The conversation raises critical questions about identity, representation, and care within the autism community.

Kyle Buchanan is a pop culture reporter for The New York Times and an expert on awards season, while Madison Malone Kircher reports on internet culture and is a longtime Wicked fan. They explore the impact of the new film, Wicked: For Good, discussing the challenges of adapting its second act and how audience expectations shape the narrative. The duo debates the film's political messages, the chemistry between stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and the overall reaction from fans who have followed the franchise. They also reflect on the marketing strategies and fandom that fuel its ongoing success.

Join bestselling author and YouTube creator John Green as he dives into the complexities of hope and suffering. He shares profound insights from his time as a children's hospital chaplain, reflecting on how witnessing pain reshaped his understanding of the human experience. John also discusses the challenges of online fame, the power of YA fiction, and his ambivalence towards social media. With a new adult novel in the works, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in both writing and life.

In this thought-provoking discussion, the parents of Allie, a transgender teen, bravely share their journey of relocation from Tennessee to Connecticut for their child's safety and care. They recount the challenges of navigating gender-affirming treatments amidst governmental pushback, personal fears, and the emotional toll on their family. From early signs of Allie's identity to the struggle for medical options and eventual triumph in a supportive community, their story highlights resilience in the face of adversity.

Cade Metz, a technology reporter for The New York Times specializing in AI, delves into the current concerns surrounding the A.I. bubble. He discusses the staggering investments from tech giants like Amazon and Google, driven by both optimism and fear of missing out. Cade contrasts this situation with the dot-com bubble, highlighting potential risks tied to debt financing. He also tackles the uncertainty surrounding the achievement of Artificial General Intelligence and the possible broader implications for industries, including healthcare.

In this engaging discussion, Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for The New York Times, decodes the rebellious wave among Republicans that led to the decision to release Jeffrey Epstein's files. Carl Hulse, the Chief Washington correspondent, provides insight on how this reflects changing congressional dynamics and Trump’s influence. Representative Thomas Massie shares his inspiring journey spearheading the discharge petition, revealing the pressure he and others faced. Together, they unravel the implications of this pivotal House vote.

David Gelles, a climate reporter for The New York Times, and Brad Plumer, an energy policy expert, dive into the shifting dynamics of global energy. They discuss China's ascendance as a leader in clean tech, showcasing its dominance in solar, wind, and electric vehicles. Gelles highlights how China's massive renewable projects enhance its geopolitical influence, while Plumer explains how U.S. energy policy has evolved, grappling with its reliance on fossil fuels and potential green tech competitiveness. The conversation reveals a critical energy showdown between superpowers.

Conor Dougherty, a housing and development reporter for The New York Times, dives into Trump's controversial 50-year mortgage proposal, a bold challenge to traditional mortgage norms. He elaborates on its potential to lower monthly payments while highlighting serious concerns about total interest costs and slower equity buildup. Discover why housing affordability remains a daunting issue and how local policy, rather than federal mandates, is pivotal in addressing the longstanding housing shortage.