The Daily

Stacy Cowley, a business reporter at The Times specializing in consumer finance, dives into the end of student loan forgiveness. She highlights the shockwaves this policy shift sends through millions of borrowers, with payments resuming after a lengthy pause. Cowley discusses the emotional toll and potential damage to credit scores, and how this reckoning on student debt may reshape public views on higher education funding. The conversation raises urgent questions about the future of student loans and the financial strain Americans now face.

The podcast reveals how analytics have transformed the role of starting pitchers in baseball. It highlights the remarkable debut of rookie Paul Skenes, who struck out ten batters in a single game. As teams prioritize data-driven strategies, starting pitchers face reduced workloads and the rise of relievers. This shift raises questions about the balance between individual achievements and team performance. The episode also examines the evolving landscape of talent assessment and the challenges pitchers encounter in adapting to modern practices.

Nate Bargatze, a stand-up comedian renowned for his clean and relatable humor, shares his journey from having a magician father to navigating the landscape of mainstream comedy. He discusses the importance of authenticity in his craft and reflects on his aspirations to create family-friendly entertainment in Nashville. Nate dives into personal anecdotes, touches on balancing traditional stand-up with more contemporary themes, and dreams of building a theme park that nurtures creativity while maintaining his humble roots.

Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter and host of 'The Run-Up', interviews Michigan voters about their thoughts on Trump’s tariffs. The discussion reveals a complex sentiment, with some workers believing tariffs could bolster local manufacturing, while others express skepticism amid layoffs. Voter reactions show deep political divides and struggles for Democrats to connect with their traditional working-class base. The podcast also critiques current leadership responses and the broader implications of rising prices on perceptions of Trump.

Cecilia Kang, a New York Times reporter specializing in technology and regulatory policy, dives into the high-stakes antitrust trial against Meta. She unpacks the contentious relationship between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump, exploring its impact on Facebook's policies. The discussion highlights the legal challenges Meta faces regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as the broader implications for tech regulation. Kang sheds light on how this trial might redefine the power dynamics between tech giants and government oversight.

David E. Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times, delves into President Trump’s unexpected shift regarding Iran's nuclear deal. He discusses the complexities of the new negotiations against the backdrop of Trump's previous criticisms of the Obama-era agreement. The conversation highlights conflicting U.S. demands, Iran's uranium enrichment tensions, and the delicate balance of military and diplomatic strategies. Sanger also explores the potential challenges and risks of creating a new and improved deal.

Adam Liptak, a Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times, dives into the gripping story of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported to a dangerous Salvadoran prison. He discusses the complex legal battles that reveal systemic issues in deportation practices. Liptak also addresses the tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch under Trump, emphasizing the implications for the rule of law. The conversation sheds light on how one man's plight highlights broader questions of justice and governmental accountability.

Beth Benike, the award-winning founder and CEO of Busy Baby, shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges her business faces due to soaring tariffs that could cripple her operations. The conversation dives into her creative solutions for surviving these economic pressures, including the possibility of shifting to domestic manufacturing. Beth also emphasizes the emotional toll these changes have on small business owners, while advocating for a skills-first hiring approach to support workers facing job market barriers.

Nick Casey, a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine based in Madrid, dives into the unsettling journey of a couple uncovering the hidden past of their new home in Poland. They discover connections to the Meinecke family and risks of finding German soldiers' remains, sparking a debate about memory and moral responsibilities. Casey explores the Volksbund's mission to repatriate soldiers’ remains, the controversies surrounding Nazi cemeteries, and how personal histories clash with national memory amid rising far-right sentiments in Germany.

Ramy Youssef, a comedian and creator known for his insightful exploration of the Muslim American experience, shares his journey with self-reflection and comedy. He discusses his animated series, 'Number One Happy Family USA,' blending humor with serious themes from the post-9/11 era. Ramy reflects on navigating identity, the immigrant experience, and the importance of emotional truth in comedy. He also highlights the excitement of collaborative creativity and hints at upcoming projects, revealing how personal narratives shape his work.