The Daily

Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic for The New York Times, and culture reporter Joe Coscarelli dive into the world of music biopics. They explore the focus of the new Springsteen film on the making of 'Nebraska' and its themes of mental health. The duo discusses the common tropes in musician biopics, the economics behind them, and the thrill of hearing classic songs on the big screen. They also critique casting choices and celebrate unconventional films that subvert the tired cradle-to-grave formula, showcasing the genre's diverse storytelling potential.

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, discusses the importance of trust in knowledge-sharing. He explains how Wikipedia defines facts through reliable sources and how volunteer editors manage disputes transparently. Wales addresses threats to editors, including censorship and doxxing, and critiques congressional investigations into them. He also shares insights on the impact of AI on knowledge quality and the need for Wikipedia's nonprofit independence to maintain its integrity amidst political turmoil.

Tyler Pager, White House correspondent, Catie Edmondson, Congressional correspondent, and Tony Romm, economic policy reporter, discuss the unprecedented dynamics of the current government shutdown. They explore how the White House is weaponizing the situation to exert political pressure and how funding decisions are strategically used against opponents. The conversation also highlights the impact on civilian employees and the complexities surrounding legal challenges to troop payments, while considering the potential paths to resolve the standoff.

Zohran Mamdani, a dynamic 33-year-old New York State assemblyman and Democratic Socialists of America member, shares his remarkable journey to becoming a mayoral candidate. He tackles the influence of billionaires, critiques establishment Democrats, and discusses the importance of dignity-focused policies. Mamdani also candidly addresses his past tweets about policing and highlights his efforts to unify diverse communities. With plans to protect immigrant rights and engage in dialogue with opponents, he outlines his vision for a fairer New York City.

Devlin Barrett, a reporter for The New York Times covering the Justice Department and FBI, unveils the intriguing details of an undercover investigation involving Tom Homan, a former border czar. They explore how Homan received $50,000 in cash during a recorded FBI meeting and discuss how Trump's election shifted the focus of the investigation. Barrett highlights the legal complexities surrounding corruption and why the story remains captivating, with public interest fueled by the mystery of the cash's fate.

Christopher Flavelle, a reporter for The New York Times focused on the Trump administration, dives into the dramatic U.S. government shutdown and its implications for agency power. He reveals how USAID collapsed under pressure, highlighting key players, questionable evidence, and how public sentiment—including Elon Musk's tweets—accelerated its decline. The conversation also touches on the broader ramifications for global aid and the lessons learned regarding agency governance during crises. Tune in for an intriguing exploration of politics and power dynamics!

Isabel Kershner, a New York Times reporter in Jerusalem, shares insights into the complex dynamics surrounding the recent release of hostages held by Hamas. She explains the significant role these hostages played in negotiations for peace amid ongoing conflict. Kershner discusses the emotional impact on families, the public's mixed reactions toward political leaders, and the fragile cease-fire deal's implications for future Israeli-Palestinian relations. The blend of relief and unresolved tensions highlights the broader challenges faced by both communities.

Jesse Green, a culture correspondent and longtime theater critic for The New York Times, joins Elisabeth Vincentelli, an arts writer and former chief theater critic for The New York Post, to discuss making Broadway accessible. They explore early influences from cast recordings and televised theater, how the pandemic accelerated streaming opportunities, and the role of social media in promoting shows. Plus, they recommend standout cast albums and high-quality filmed performances, revealing new creative paths for theater lovers.

Joel Fagliano, the creator of the Mini Crossword and an experienced NYT games editor, shares insights into crossword selection and the editing process. Sam Ezersky, digital puzzles editor, discusses his role in curating the popular Spelling Bee game, emphasizing word-list decisions based on accessibility. The duo reveals the delicate balance of clue difficulty, the importance of player feedback, and their passion for puzzle culture. They also reflect on their unique journeys into the world of crossword creation.

Mark Mazzetti, an investigative reporter for The New York Times specializing in national security, dives into the complex diplomatic dance leading to a historic Israel-Hamas truce brokered by Trump. He highlights how returning hostages unites Israelis and the unintended diplomatic fallout from Israel's airstrike on Qatar. Mazzetti breaks down the roles of regional players like Turkey and Egypt and examines why Hamas, under pressure, is now willing to negotiate. He ultimately reflects on whether this deal genuinely signals the end of the conflict.