The Daily

Catie Edmondson, a Congressional correspondent for The New York Times, and Shane Goldmacher, a National political correspondent, dive deep into the recent Senate shutdown deal. They unpack the internal rift among Senate Democrats and the motivations behind their compromise with Republicans. Key topics include the backlash faced by centrist senators, the human cost of the shutdown, and the strategies used to justify the deal amidst growing intra-party anger. The discussion offers a compelling look at the political dynamics shaping the Democratic Party today.

Twenty years ago, a genocidal campaign in the Darfur region of Sudan shocked the world. Now, videos and images of new atrocities have captured global attention once more.Declan Walsh, who has been covering Sudan, discusses one of the worst humanitarian conflicts in decades, and how gold is fueling it.Guest: Declan Walsh, the chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: From December: The gold rush at the heart of a civil war.News Analysis: The world seems unable, or unwilling, to do much to stop a new struggle on an old battlefield as atrocities sweep villages and towns.Photo: Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesFor 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.

Mark Pinsley, the Lehigh County controller, dives into a shocking scandal involving a pediatrician accused of misdiagnosing child abuse, leading to wrongful removals of children. He recounts how a TikTok tip prompted his investigation into child welfare cases and reveals alarming statistics about Munchausen diagnoses in the Lehigh Valley. Families share their traumatic experiences, raising questions about the influence of child abuse pediatricians. Pinsley's compelling findings challenge the existing systems, suggesting a troubling pattern of over-reporting in the region.

Ligaya Mishan, a New York Times restaurant critic with a rich background in food culture, and Tejal Rao, an award-winning food writer covering culinary trends on the West Coast, dive deep into their lives as critics. They discuss the importance of transparency in their identities, how they choose restaurants across the U.S., and the challenge of writing negative reviews. The duo also shares insights on staying healthy while indulging in food, favorite meals, and the ongoing debate of L.A. versus New York dining.

Greg Gutfeld, a popular conservative late-night host on Fox News, dives into the shifting landscape of comedy and culture. He discusses his unique teasing style and the 'hierarchy of smears' that shapes his show. Gutfeld reflects on the recent shake-ups in the late-night scene, emphasizing how entertainment fatigue, not politics, drives ratings. He critiques anti-vax narratives from his health journalism days and shares insights on balancing humor with audience sensibilities. The conversation also touches on the appeal of the right and the risks of becoming 'cool' while avoiding exclusionary behaviors.

In this fascinating discussion, guests include Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Congressional editor at The New York Times with deep Capitol Hill insights; Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent analyzing electoral shifts; and Tyler Pager, White House correspondent focused on Trump’s policies. They delve into the fallout from recent elections and how shifts among Hispanic and Black voters signal trouble for Trump. They also explore the Supreme Court's skepticism on tariffs, the impact of tariffs on voter sentiment, and the potential chaos from the government shutdown.

Adam Liptak, a Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times, provides expert analysis on the Court's skepticism regarding Trump's high tariffs. He discusses the shift from traditional tariff statutes to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the significance of the Court's strict textual analysis. Liptak also highlights concerns about presidential overreach and the potential implications for trade policy and judicial independence, while speculating on how a ruling against the administration could impact Trump's agenda.

Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, breaks down the significant victories Democrats achieved in recent elections. He discusses the implications of these wins for President Trump and explores how Zohran Mamdani rose to become New York City's first Muslim and youngest mayor. The conversation covers strategies that resonated with voters, shifts in key demographics, and warns Republicans about their messaging. Goldmacher also reflects on how these results could shape future Democratic strategies leading into 2026.

Tony Romm, a New York Times reporter specializing in economic policy and the Trump administration, sheds light on the ongoing SNAP funding crisis. He explains the implications of the government shutdown on millions reliant on food stamps. The discussion covers urgent topics like the uncertainty of partial payments and legal battles compelling the administration to act. Romm also examines the political motivations behind SNAP cuts and how these decisions impact public trust and food security for vulnerable communities.

Karen Weise, the Beijing bureau chief for The New York Times, reveals how Amazon plans to automate over half a million jobs in its warehouses. She discusses the technological advancements driving this shift and the urgency stemming from rising costs and AI investments. Weise explains the evolution of Amazon’s workforce, the transformation brought by robotics like Sparrow, and the implications for job markets and communities. As traditional roles shrink, she raises concerns about the future of work amidst this massive automation push.