The Daily

Join food reporter Melissa Clark, known for her recipe expertise and holiday cooking, alongside Vaughn Vreeland, a video producer focused on cookie culture. They dive into the creative world of Cookie Week, discussing unconventional flavors inspired by drinks and snacks. Delight in stories of peculiar cookies like the mortadella treat and a tasty Popcorn Bucket Cookie. Plus, learn tips for gluten-free baking, cookie storage, and unique holiday gifting ideas. Get ready for a merry mix of culinary innovation and festive fun!

In this engaging discussion, Kristen Stewart, acclaimed actress and director, shares her insights on directing 'The Chronology of Water.' She highlights the need for a 'full system break' in filmmaking, advocating for more diverse voices in the industry. Kristen tackles the nuances of female sexuality in film, calling for intimate representations over conventional portrayals. She also reflects on her journey post-'Twilight,' the challenges of creating authentic art in a commercial space, and her fascination with queer eroticism. Don't miss her candid take on balancing creativity with personal vulnerabilities.

Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, passionately dissects the evolving landscape of free speech. He explores both left and right betrayals of free expression, sharing insights from his personal journey and mental health experiences. Lukianoff delves into the chilling effects of government actions and the vital role of free speech in social change, emphasizing that equating speech with violence poses real dangers. His perspective highlights the resilience needed to defend authenticity and open debate in today's climate.

Ernesto Londoño, a Minnesota-based national correspondent, dives into the fallout from President Trump's inflammatory remarks on Somali immigrants. He discusses the deep fears now gripping the Somali community over potential ICE raids, heightened harassment, and the broader impacts of xenophobic rhetoric. Londoño also explores the complex relationships between fraud allegations, political influence, and the fearmongering that has engulfed Somali Americans, leaving them questioning their place in the country.

Charlie Savage, a national security and legal policy reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the U.S. military's controversial strikes on South American boats. He unpacks the legal ramifications of a Sept. 2 attack that may have violated international laws by killing survivors. Savage discusses the discrepancies in the administration's rationale for the actions, whether they constitute armed conflict, and the potential implications for those involved. Amid calls for accountability, he highlights the vital questions about legality and oversight surrounding these military operations.

Peter S. Goodman, a journalist for The New York Times, dives deep into the hazardous reality of recycled lead in battery supply chains. He reveals how the U.S. auto industry promotes battery recycling as an eco-friendly achievement while ignoring the severe health impacts on communities in Nigeria. Goodman contrasts safe recycling practices in the U.S. with dangerous smelting operations abroad. He discusses the failures of audits and enforcement, and highlights the moral dilemmas around consumer costs for truly safe recycling.

Hamed Aleaziz, a Times correspondent specializing in Homeland Security and immigration policy, dives into the shocking incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who shot two National Guard members. He reveals Lakanwal's troubled past in a CIA-backed unit, discusses the sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy triggered by the event, and explores the implications for Afghan allies and veterans. The discussion also covers the complexities of vetting processes and the political fallout surrounding the incident.

Joumana Khatib and Sadie Stein, editors at The New York Times Book Review, dive into the world of holiday gifting through books. Joumana praises the evocative writing in Annika Norlin's "The Colony" and highlights Kiran Desai's sweeping immigrant epic. Sadie recommends thought-provoking titles like "Perfection" and quirky options for those hard-to-shop-for friends. They share strategies for personalized gifts and celebrate cozy mysteries for moms, while exploring culinary-themed books and unique finds for dads. Plus, a fun quiz wraps up their recommendations!

Join Jeff Roth, the dedicated archivist at The New York Times, as he takes you on a fascinating journey through the newspaper's extensive morgue, housing clippings and photos dating back to the 1800s. Discover the serendipitous finds that inspire reporters and learn about the archive's quirky filing system. Jeff shares his passion for preserving history, recounts the evolution of archival practices, and reflects on how the Internet has transformed the usage of this treasure trove. It's a captivating glimpse into the heart of journalism's past.

Simon Cowell, the iconic television producer and talent-show judge, opens up about his transformation from 'king of mean' to a more introspective version of himself. He candidly discusses his experiences with therapy, fatherhood, and the pressures of fame on young artists like Liam Payne. Simon reflects on significant moments in his career, including his regrets over the Spice Girls and the creation of One Direction. He also shares his mixed feelings about AI in music and emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with new talent in a rapidly changing industry.