The Daily
This is what the news should sound like. The biggest stories of our time, told by the best journalists in the world. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff. Twenty minutes a day, six days a week, ready by 6 a.m. 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.
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Recent Episodes
A New Media Empire
Mar 04, 2026The bidding war between Paramount and Netflix over the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery appeared to come to a close last week, when Netflix backed out. The Times journalists Nicole Sperling, La...
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This episode examines the $111 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery by Paramount, creating a massive media empire under the Ellison family. The deal marks a significant power shift in Hollywood, with implications for both the entertainment industry and the broader political landscape, as Larry and David Ellison emerge as potentially more influential than the Murdoch family.
- The Scale and Significance of the Deal
- How Paramount Won the Bidding War
The Midterms Begin With a Texas-Size Showdown
Mar 03, 2026Democrats and Republicans will head to the polls in Texas today for an election that will send both parties a message about what voters want in Trump’s America. Shane Goldmacher, a national politica...
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In a pivotal Texas primary, both parties face defining identity questions about their future. Republicans must choose between establishment incumbent John Cornyn and Trump-aligned firebrand Ken Paxton, while Democrats debate whether to nominate fighter Jasmine Crockett or healer James Tallarico for Senate. With over $100 million spent, this race has become the most expensive primary in American history and serves as the first test of what voters want in Trump's America.
- The Texas Primary's National Significance
- John Cornyn: The Establishment Republican Under Siege
Celebration and Mourning: Inside an Iran at War
Mar 02, 2026The United States and Israel continued to strike Iran with missiles for a second day on Sunday, destroying more power centers of the Iranian regime and, according to rights groups, bringing the civili...
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In this episode of The Daily, correspondent Farnaz Fassihi reports on the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, marking a historic turning point after his 35-year rule. The episode explores the deeply divided reactions within Iran and its diaspora, examines Khamenei's legacy of domestic repression and regional militancy, and discusses the uncertain future of the Islamic Republic as the regime attempts an orderly transition while facing the possibility of popular uprising or fundamental change.
- A Historic Moment: The Death of Iran's Supreme Leader
- Divided Reactions: Celebration and Mourning
The United States and Israel on Saturday launched an attack against Iran, killing the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and, according to Iranian state media, several people in the coun...
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In this breaking news episode of The Daily, reporters Mark Mazzetti and David Sanger analyze the unprecedented U.S.-Israeli military assault on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Khamenei and multiple top officials. The attack represents the most aggressive U.S. military action against Iran in generations, aimed at toppling the regime. The episode explores how we reached this moment, the justifications used, the scale of the operation, Iran's capacity to respond, and the uncertain future that lies ahead—including risks of civil war, regional instability, and the potential reshaping of U.S. foreign policy doctrine.
- The Scale and Significance of the Attack
- The Path to War: From Protests to Military Buildup
'The Interview': Maggie Gyllenhaal Thinks Hollywood Likes Women to Direct ‘Little Movies’
Feb 28, 2026With a big budget and a lot to say, the filmmaker is unleashing her inner monster with “The Bride!” Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Watch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInter...
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Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her journey from actress to director, focusing on her latest film 'The Bride,' a reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein story. She reflects on themes of female rage, sexual violence, working within the Hollywood studio system, and the challenges of creating art that pushes boundaries while reaching a wider audience. The conversation explores her relationships with family members in the industry, her experiences as a woman director, and the vulnerable process of releasing her work into the world.
- From Acting to Directing: A Terrifying Leap
- Reimagining the Bride of Frankenstein
China Took His City. And Now His Father.
Feb 27, 2026When pro-democracy protesters marched in the streets in Hong Kong in 2019, China responded by arresting thousands, including the leaders of the movement. One of the arrested was Jimmy Lai, who had u...
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This episode of The Daily tells the story of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and newspaper tycoon in Hong Kong who was sentenced to 20 years in prison under China's national security law. Through an interview with his son Sebastian, the episode explores Jimmy's journey from poverty in communist China to becoming a multimillionaire in Hong Kong, his transformation into a democracy champion, his imprisonment, and what his case means for Hong Kong's future. It's both a personal family story and a larger narrative about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
- Jimmy Lai's Journey from Communist China to Hong Kong
- Life as Jimmy Lai's Son: Growing Up with a Colorful Father
When Mexican forces captured and killed the country’s most-wanted cartel boss, it revealed how much President Trump’s growing pressure is forcing Mexico to take on cartels. Maria Abi-Habib and Jack ...
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The episode examines the Mexican military's operation to kill El Mencho, the world's most wanted drug lord and leader of the Jalisco cartel, amid mounting pressure from President Trump. The discussion explores how this unprecedented takedown represents both a major victory and the beginning of a potentially long and bloody war against Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.
- El Mencho's Rise from Poverty to Power
- The Jalisco Cartel's Brutal Business Model
In his first State of the Union address of his second term, President Trump offered a rosy portrait of a United States that has lost confidence in his leadership. He also relentlessly baited Democra...
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In this Daily episode, Chief Washington Correspondent David Sanger analyzes President Trump's longest State of the Union address in history, delivered at a critical moment when polls show declining public confidence. The 107-minute speech attempted to paint a rosy picture of his administration's accomplishments while launching partisan attacks on Democrats, all against the backdrop of economic anxiety, Supreme Court challenges to his authority, and potential military action in Iran.
- The Stakes and Opening: America's 250th Anniversary
- Trump's Claimed Accomplishments and Economic Reality
Trump Weighs War With Iran
Feb 24, 2026The United States has been building up a military presence around Iran for weeks, even as negotiators from both countries plan to meet later this week in hopes of finding a diplomatic solution to the ...
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This episode examines the massive U.S. military buildup around Iran and the escalating tensions as President Trump considers potential military action. While diplomatic talks are scheduled for later in the week, the administration has assembled the largest military presence in the Middle East since the Iraq War buildup in 2003, creating uncertainty about whether the U.S. is pursuing a diplomatic solution or preparing for a preventive war against a weakened adversary.
- The Unprecedented Military Buildup
- Trump's Unclear Objectives and Multiple Rationales
The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that President Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from nearly every U.S. trading partner. Tyler Pager, Ana Swanson and Andrew ...
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In the wake of the Supreme Court's monumental ruling striking down President Trump's tariffs, the world is grappling with massive uncertainty. The Daily examines reactions from the White House, international community, and corporate America as Trump responds by imposing new 15% tariffs, countries reconsider their trade deals, and businesses face questions about refunds on billions already paid. The ruling represents a significant constraint on presidential power and has fundamentally altered America's approach to global trade negotiations.
- The Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariffs
- Chaos at the White House: From 10% to 15% in 24 Hours
Is the Swipe Era Over?
Feb 22, 2026In 2012, Tinder revolutionized dating apps with its swipe feature. With the flick of a finger, singles could accept or reject a potential mate. While this innovation has worked for many, some have gro...
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Rachel Abrams explores the evolution of modern dating beyond the swipe, examining how people are responding to dating app fatigue through both in-person events and AI-powered solutions. The episode features dating columnist Gina Sherlis on why apps have lost their appeal, producer Luke Vander Ploeg's firsthand accounts of unconventional singles events including wrestling speed dating, and Amanda Hess's investigation into AI matchmaking technology that promises to optimize romance.
- The Rise and Fall of Swiping
- Wrestling Speed Dating: Gen Z Gets Physical
The self-help influencer on his values, his journey and criticism of his work. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] Watch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcast For tran...
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David Marchese interviews Jay Shetty, the wellness influencer and former monk whose books Think Like a Monk and Eight Rules of Love became bestsellers. They explore the tensions between Shetty's spiritual training and his current life as a successful entrepreneur and celebrity influencer, discuss controversies around plagiarism and credentials, and examine whether ancient wisdom can coexist with modern success. Shetty defends his approach of making spiritual wisdom accessible while acknowledging the internal struggles of balancing monastic principles with entrepreneurial ambitions.
- Jay Shetty's Mission and Philosophy
- Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Special Episode: Trump's Tariffs Struck Down
Feb 20, 2026In a historic 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs were illegal, jeopardizing a pillar of the president’s second term. The New York Times chief legal ...
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In a historic 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump's sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are illegal, delivering a major blow to a cornerstone of his economic policy. Chief Justice Roberts, writing for the majority that included two Trump appointees, determined that Congress had not clearly authorized the president to impose tariffs under this 1977 law. The ruling has seismic implications for presidential power, the economy, and creates uncertainty about refunds for businesses and consumers who paid these now-invalidated tariffs. Trump responded defiantly, announcing plans to reimpose tariffs using alternative legal authorities.
- The Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariffs
- The Legal Reasoning: Congressional Authorization Required
A Royal Arrest and Global Fallout Over Epstein
Feb 20, 2026Warning: This episode mentions suicide. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested by the British police on Thursday amid widening scrutiny over his ties to the disgraced fin...
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This episode of The Daily examines the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten (formerly Prince Andrew) in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, along with the broader fallout from the Justice Department's recent release of millions of Epstein files. While Andrew faces arrest for misconduct in public office related to sharing confidential information, the episode explores why criminal consequences have been so rare, and how the release of these files has triggered a wave of professional consequences for powerful figures associated with Epstein—even as questions about justice and accountability remain unresolved.
- The Arrest of Former Prince Andrew
- The Disastrous 2019 BBC Interview
‘Thugs’: The Moderate Democrat Railing Against ICE
Feb 19, 2026Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada is nobody’s idea of a partisan firebrand. She’s a moderate, swing-state Democrat with a résumé steeped in law enforcement — all of which makes her an unlikely ...
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In this episode of The Daily, host Michael Barbaro interviews Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada about her decision to support withholding funding from the Department of Homeland Security over immigration enforcement practices. The moderate Democratic senator, a former attorney general with deep law enforcement roots, explains how she arrived at the controversial position of supporting a government shutdown—something she previously opposed. Cortez Masto details her concerns about ICE's rapid expansion, lowered hiring standards, and what she views as unconstitutional enforcement tactics, arguing that these issues represent a fundamental violation of proper law enforcement principles and civil liberties.
- Senator Cortez Masto's Background and Approach to Governance
- Early Concerns About ICE's Expansion and Lowered Standards
Can A.I. Already Do Your Job?
Feb 18, 2026“Vibecoding,” or using artificial-intelligence tools such as Claude Code to generate code for websites or apps, is the newest A.I. trend, and it could transform the software-development industry. Kev...
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Kevin Roos explains the revolutionary development of 'agentic coding' - AI tools that can autonomously write software and perform complex tasks with minimal human oversight. Through a live demonstration of Claude Code, he shows how these tools have evolved from basic assistants to capable agents that are transforming the job market, particularly for entry-level programmers and white-collar workers.
- What is Vibe Coding and How It Started
- The Evolution to Agentic Coding
After Venezuela, Is Cuba Next?
Feb 17, 2026For more than six decades, the United States has tried to topple the regime in Cuba. After ousting President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, who was one of Cuba’s closest allies, the Trump administration...
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The Daily examines how the Trump administration's aggressive strategy has brought Cuba closer to regime collapse than ever before in its 67-year history. Through deliberate economic pressure—especially cutting off oil supplies by ousting Venezuela's Maduro and threatening tariffs—Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pursuing his decades-long mission to topple the communist government. The episode explores Cuba's history of survival, the current humanitarian crisis, and the uncertain path forward as the island faces what experts call an 'unsustainable' situation.
- Cuba at an Unprecedented Breaking Point
- Six Decades of Failed U.S. Attempts to Topple Castro
Tech companies are racing to build thousands of huge data centers to power the artificial intelligence revolution. To find the land they need, they are barreling into rural communities across the Unit...
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The New York Times reporter Karen Wise examines how tech companies are racing to build massive AI data centers across rural America, spending over $400 billion in just one year. The episode focuses on St. Joseph County, Indiana, where an initial $11 billion Amazon data center sparked a local movement that ultimately rejected a proposed $13 billion follow-up project, illustrating the growing tension between Silicon Valley's AI ambitions and local communities asserting control over their resources and future.
- The Massive Scale of AI's Infrastructure Boom
- St. Joseph County's Initial Welcome to Big Tech
In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” the host Rachel Abrams is joined by her New York Times colleagues Motoko Rich, Shawna Richer and Juliet Macur, who are all covering this year’s Olympic Games. Th...
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This Daily episode explores the 2024 Milan Winter Olympics, examining how unprecedented geopolitical tensions are playing out alongside the competition. The episode focuses on three main storylines: the political tensions affecting American athletes competing against countries targeted by Trump administration policies, the intensified hockey rivalry between the U.S. and Canada amid tariff threats, and the heartbreaking performances of two favored athletes—Lindsey Vonn's catastrophic injury and Ilya Malinin's stunning collapse under pressure. The coverage reveals how the Olympics serve as both a stage for superhuman athletic achievement and a mirror reflecting broader political and human struggles.
- Political Tensions and American Athletes Speaking Out
- The Canada-U.S. Hockey Rivalry as Geopolitical Proxy
'The Interview': The Woman at the Center of the French Rape Trial That Shocked the World
Feb 14, 2026Gisèle Pelicot opens up about surviving years of secret abuse and her life today. Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcri...
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Gisèle Pelicot sits down for her first interview with American media to discuss the horrific abuse she endured for years at the hands of her husband Dominique Pelicot, who drugged and orchestrated her repeated rape by dozens of men. In this deeply moving conversation, she reflects on her 50-year marriage built on a lie, the devastating moment she learned the truth, her courageous decision to make the trial public, and her remarkable journey toward healing and even finding love again.
- Life Before the Horror: The House of Happiness
- The Blackouts and Medical Gaslighting