The Daily

Declan Walsh, Chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times, provides a gripping analysis of Sudan's descent into chaos. He explains how a rivalry between Generals Burhan and Hamdan escalated into violent conflict, undermining hopes for a democratic transition. Walsh sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis affecting civilians and the complexities of military power struggles. With international interest in Sudan’s stability, he discusses the geopolitical implications of this unrest and the ongoing challenges to establish civilian governance.

John Mualim, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, takes us to Ivrea, Italy, where the legendary Battle of the Oranges unfolds. This chaotic festivity sees 8,000 participants hurling 900 tons of oranges at each other, embodying both joy and fierce competition. Mualim reveals how the pandemic's absence heightened the event's significance, as locals embraced catharsis and community spirit. With humor and history, he highlights the festival’s unique blend of celebration and connection amidst the absurdity.

Dave Philipps, a military correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the alarming case of Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old airman arrested for leaking top-secret military documents. They discuss how low-ranking personnel have sweeping access to classified information, particularly after the reforms post-9/11. The conversation touches on the fragile balance of trust within the military, the historical context of intelligence leaks, and the ongoing risks they pose to national security in an increasingly digital age.

Jeremy W. Peters, a media and politics correspondent for The New York Times, shares insights from inside the courtroom during the surprising settlement between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News. He discusses the strong evidence Dominion had, the intense courtroom atmosphere, and the implications of Rupert Murdoch potentially testifying. The last-minute $787.5 million settlement raises questions about accountability in media and whether it will lead to meaningful change at Fox or simply reinforce its profit-driven strategy.

Adam Liptak, the Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the renewed abortion debate as the Court faces dueling rulings on abortion pills. He discusses a controversial ruling from a Texas judge questioning FDA approval and the implications it could have on drug accessibility. Liptak examines the complexities of the Supreme Court’s decision-making and the potential impacts of its conservative majority. With the abortion issue once again at the forefront, Liptak sheds light on the delicate balance of judicial reasoning in a politically charged atmosphere.

Alan Rappeport, an economic policy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the IRS's ambitious $80 billion overhaul aimed at modernizing tax collection. He discusses the agency's historical mismanagement issues and the fears of repeating past mistakes. Rappeport highlights how the IRS has been wielded as a political tool, especially during past administrations, and addresses ongoing scrutiny regarding its audits of low-income taxpayers. The podcast also examines challenges in tackling sophisticated tax strategies of the wealthy amid a politically charged environment.

Edward Wong, a diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, dives deep into the complexities of U.S.-China relations, examining why China is fixated on Taiwan. He unpacks the historical roots of this tension, tracing back to the civil war in the 1940s. Wong discusses recent military drills by China following Taiwan's president's U.S. visit and highlights the significance of U.S.-Taiwan ties. He also reflects on the concept of strategic ambiguity in U.S. foreign policy and Taiwan's struggle for legitimacy in the face of aggressive maneuvers from Beijing.

In this engaging discussion, Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, a contributor to the New York Times Magazine, delves into China's covert campaign of economic espionage against the U.S. He reveals the intriguing story of a GE Aviation engineer who unwittingly becomes part of a broader intelligence operation. Topics include the ethical dilemmas of professional exchanges, the surprising implications of seemingly innocent trips to China, and the FBI’s role in unveiling significant espionage cases. Bhattacharjee underscores the ongoing threat to American innovation posed by such activities.

Michael Paulson, a theater correspondent for The New York Times, dives deep into the final moments of "The Phantom of the Opera," Broadway's longest-running musical. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the closing performances, capturing the emotional connection of cast and fans. The discussion highlights the show's legacy and its impact on theater, as well as the economic challenges that led to its closure. Paulson reflects on Broadway's evolution, exploring changes in audience tastes and the future of musical theater.

David E. Sanger, a White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the recent leak of classified Pentagon documents. He explains how these revelations expose sensitive information about the Ukraine war and U.S. espionage. Sanger discusses the military insights gained from the leaks, the risks they pose to diplomatic relations, and the potential advantages for adversaries like Russia. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of intelligence breaches and their far-reaching implications for national security.