The Daily

During the continuing government shutdown, President Trump has posted memes depicting Russel T. Vought, the White House budget director, as the grim reaper.Coral Davenport, a Washington correspondent for The Times, explains how Mr. Vought, a once obscure official, has become one of the most influential figures in Washington.Guest: Coral Davenport, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on the Trump administration's dismantling of federal rules.Background reading: Mr. Vought has exerted his influence over nearly every corner of President Trump's Washington with his command of the levers of the federal budget.Both parties are resigned to deadlock as the government shutdown takes hold.Photo: Chip Somodevilla/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.

Amusement parks are enduring vacation destinations for American families. The rides, the long lines for rides, the concessions, the long lines for concessions — these are practically familial rites of passage. Theme parks are also enormous moneymakers, with industry leaders such as Disney and Universal earning billions of dollars each year from their parks.In this episode, Gilbert Cruz chats with Brooks Barnes, who writes about show business (including theme parks), and Mekado Murphy, a film editor and thrill-seeker who reports on roller coasters. They talk about the state of the contemporary amusement park and the ups and downs of roller coasters around the world.On Today's Episode:Mekado Murphy is the assistant film editor for The New York Times, and its unofficial roller coaster correspondent.Brooks Barnes covers Hollywood for The New York Times.Background Reading:Riding Your Way Through Epic UniverseSee the Real Live Man Who Grew Up in a CarnivalPhoto: Business Wire/Associated Press  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.

The California politician on his “wake-up call” at an earlier moment of political upheaval, and the one he's experiencing today.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview 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.

The suffering in the Gaza Strip has fueled international pressure on Israel to end the war and pushed western powers to recognize a Palestinian state. The isolation was on display last week at the United Nations.Jessica Cheung, a producer for “The Daily,” speaks to Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., about what Palestinian statehood means to him.Then, Mark Landler, the London bureau chief of The New York Times, discusses what the recognition means without the support of the United States and Israel, which was underscored in their new peace plan.Guest:Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N.Mark Landler, the London bureau chief of The New York Times.Background reading: World leaders recognized a Palestinian state, in a challenge to the United States and Israel.Read each point of President Trump's plan for an Israel-Gaza cease-fire.Photo: Angelina Katsanis/Associated PressFor 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.

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its second day, Democrats are trying to underline that the growing political fight is all about the rising cost of health care.The New York Times journalists Margot Sanger-Katz and Shane Goldmacher explain why the Democrats are betting on this strategy and who is to blame for the impasse.Guest:Margot Sanger-Katz, a reporter for The New York Times who covers health care policy and government spending.Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: The Trump administration forged ahead with plans to conduct mass layoffs as the fiscal standoff appeared to intensify.President Trump has made lowering health care costs a key priority, even as Democrats warn that those costs will skyrocket.For 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.

The U.S. government shut down on Wednesday morning. For the Democrats, it is an act of resistance against President Trump's second-term agenda. The question is now whether their gamble will pay off or backfire.In an episode recorded from the Capitol, Catie Edmondson and Carl Hulse, New York Times reporters who cover Congress, tell us what the decision-making looked like inside the building before the shutdown.Then, we have an interview with Senator Chuck Schumer. He explains why he pursued the shutdown in the moments before the vote.Guest:Catie Edmondson, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.Carl Hulse, the chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times.Senator Chuck Schumer, minority leader of the United States Senate.Background reading: The shutdown of the U.S. government entered its first full day with no hint that either side would give.Here's how congressional leaders are positioning themselves.Photo: Haiyun Jiang/The New York TimesFor 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.

In a new poll, The New York Times asked voters what they thought of the first eight months of President Trump's second term.Nate Cohn, the chief political analyst at The Times, explains what the survey found and what it may tell us about where the country is heading next.Guest: Nate Cohn, the chief political analyst for The New York Times.Background reading: After a volatile summer, Mr. Trump's approval remains low but stable, a new Times/Siena survey shows.See Mr. Trump's approval rating according to the latest polls.Photo: Haiyun Jiang/The New York TimesFor 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.

For the past decade, a simple message has been delivered to a generation of American students: If you learn to code and complete a computer science degree, you'll get a job with a six-figure salary.Now, thousands of students who followed the advice are discovering that the promise was empty. Natasha Singer, a technology reporter for The Times, explains.Guest: Natasha Singer, a technology reporter in the business section of The New York Times.Background reading: Goodbye, $165,000 tech jobs. Student coders seek work at Chipotle.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Andrew Spear for The New York Times 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.

This month kicked off the big four fashion weeks: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Each year, designers, brands, influencers and celebrities flock to these events to see and be seen.On today's episode, Gilbert sits down with Stella Bugbee and Jacob Gallagher, two of The Times's foremost style experts and veterans of the fashion week circuit, to discuss clothes. They talk about what fashion week means in the frenetic fashion ecosystem of 2025, and they answer some listener questions about how to cultivate a personal style. On Today's Episode:Stella Bugbee, the Styles editor for The New York Times.Jacob Gallagher, a fashion reporter for The New York Times.Background Reading:Armani's Influence on New York Fashion WeekPhoto: Simbarashe Cha 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.

The actor and instigator is ready for his renaissance. 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.

A grand jury indicted James Comey, the former F.B.I. director, on Thursday night. It is a case that President Trump has personally demanded that federal prosecutors pursue despite their own doubts about whether Mr. Comey committed a crime.Devlin Barrett, who covers the Justice Department and F.B.I. for The New York Times, explains what's in the indictment and what that means for Mr. Trump's ongoing campaign of retribution.Guest: Devlin Barrett, a New York Times reporter covering the Justice Department and the F.B.I.Background reading: A grand jury indicted Mr. Comey, a longtime Trump target.With the indictment, Mr. Trump is getting the retribution he wanted but shattering norms.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times 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.

The U.S. military has blown up three boats in the Caribbean Sea in the past three weeks, killing 17 people aboard.Each time, President Trump has claimed that the boats were carrying drugs to the United States and that those killed were “narcoterrorists.” But he has offered no concrete evidence to back up this claim.Charlie Savage, who covers national security for The New York Times, tells us what he has learned about what may be the true objective behind these airstrikes and whether any of this is even legal.Guest: Charlie Savage, who writes about national security and legal policy for The New York Times.Background reading: Last week, Mr. Trump said the U.S. military had attacked a third boat suspected of carrying drugs, killing three.He has claimed the power to kill those suspected of drug smuggling.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Elizabeth Frantz for The New York Times 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.

President Trump and his inner circle are making millions of dollars from agreements that intersect with America's national security interests, a New York Times investigation found.Eric Lipton, who wrote the article, explains why these conflicts of interest are unlike anything we've seen before.Guest: Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: Read the full investigation here, or see five takeaways.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times 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.

During a televised news conference on Monday night, President Trump repeatedly gave out unproven medical advice that linked autism to Tylenol and childhood vaccines.Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times, explains what Mr. Trump said and what decades of scientific research actually tells us.Guest: Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: Mr. Trump issued a warning based on an unproven link between Tylenol and autism.What to know about painkillers, vaccines, genes and autism.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Conservatives from around the country flocked to Arizona on Sunday to memorialize the activist Charlie Kirk. The service included leaders from the highest levels of the U.S. government, including Vice President JD Vance and President Trump.Two clear strands emerged during the memorial addresses: a message of Christian unity, and a vow to fight political enemies on the left.Robert Draper, who covers domestic politics for The Times, explains how the collision of those two messages makes this a crucial moment for the MAGA movement.Guest: Robert Draper, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist for The New York Times, who writes about domestic politics.Background reading: Thousands flocked to Phoenix for Charlie Kirk's memorial service.President Trump remembered Mr. Kirk as a martyr while attacking political opponents.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This month, The Times released a list of the 50 best restaurants in America. The Food desk's reporters, critics and editors crisscrossed the country from Portland, Ore., to Deer Isle, Maine, to scout places formal and casual, big and small, experimental and classic. Their survey is an evocation of what it's like to dine out, right now, in America.On today's episode, Gilbert sits down with the Food reporters Priya Krishna and Brett Anderson, two contributors to the list, for a veritable feast of dining wisdom. They discuss what makes a restaurant worthy of the 50 best list, how they go about finding those restaurants, and the dining trends they're loving and hating in 2025.On Today's Episode:Priya Krishna, reporter and video host for New York Times Food and CookingBrett Anderson, reporter for New York Times Food and CookingBackground Reading:America's Best Restaurants 2025Photo: Chase Castor for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The actor and producer booked her first big role when she was 14 years old. More than 30 years later, she's an entertainment-industry powerhouse.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel are creating concerns and conversations about the state of free speech in the United States.Rachel Abrams, Jim Rutenberg, Jeremy W. Peters and Adam Liptak, all journalists for The New York Times, discuss Mr. Kimmel's removal and why the action is provoking fears and applause from different camps of a polarized country.Guest:Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine.Jeremy W. Peters, a national reporter for The New York Times who focuses on free speech and the politics of higher education.Adam Liptak, who covers the Supreme Court and writes Sidebar, a column on legal developments, for The New York Times.Background reading: The Trump administration has wielded its full toolbox to bring media to heel.What to know about “hate speech” and the First Amendment.In Charlie Kirk killing, finger pointing began before the evidence was in.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Samuel Corum for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

For weeks, fights have been escalating between top scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., culminating in his accusation that the agency's top official, Dr. Susan Monarez, was untrustworthy.Dr. Monarez went before a Senate committee on Wednesday to give her side of the story.Sheryl Gay Stolberg, who covers health policy for The New York Times, discusses the testimony and the rift that the hearing exposed within the Republican Party over how far to go to support Mr. Kennedy and his vaccine agenda.Guest: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a correspondent based in Washington who covers health policy for The Times.Background reading: The fired C.D.C. director described clashes with Mr. Kennedy and turmoil at the agency.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Kenny Holston/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

On Tuesday, prosecutors charged the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk with aggravated murder, vowed to seek the death penalty and released a mountain of new evidence against him.Jack Healy, who has been covering the killing of Mr. Kirk for The New York Times, explains what the police have uncovered about his motives. Kenneth P. Vogel, an investigative reporter, discusses the emerging White House plan to use the federal government to crack down on the left-wing groups that it believes inspire political violence.Guest:Jack Healy, a reporter for The New York Times who writes about the changing Western United States and its political divisions.Kenneth P. Vogel, a reporter based in the Washington bureau of The New York Times who investigates the intersection of money, politics and influence.Background reading: The suspect in Mr. Kirk's killing faces an aggravated murder charge, and the death penalty.President Trump has invoked Mr. Kirk's killing in justifying measures to silence his opponents.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Loren Elliott for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Warning: This episode discusses suicide.Since ChatGPT began in 2022, it has amassed 700 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer app ever. Reporting has shown that the chatbots have a tendency to endorse conspiratorial and mystical belief systems. For some people, conversations with the technology can deeply distort their reality.Kashmir Hill, who covers technology and privacy for The New York Times, discusses how complicated and dangerous our relationships with chatbots can become.Guest: Kashmir Hill, a feature writer on the business desk at The New York Times who covers technology and privacy.Background reading: Here's how chatbots can go into a delusional spiral.These people asked an A.I. chatbot questions. The answers distorted their views of reality.A teenager was suicidal, and ChatGPT was the friend he confided in.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Trump to remake American government, siding with the president again and again. But many of those rulings have lacked something fundamental: an explanation for why the most important judges in the country came to their decision.Adam Liptak, who covers the Supreme Court for The Times, explains the justices' increased use of the so-called shadow docket, and why it has sown confusion — and in some cases frustration — in courts around the country.Guest: Adam Liptak covers the Supreme Court and writes Sidebar, a column on legal developments, for The New York Times.Background reading: The Supreme Court keeps ruling in Mr. Trump's favor, but doesn't say why.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is tonight, honoring the best television shows released between June 2024 and May 2025. But before the festivities begin, Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review, would like to have a TV celebration of his own.On today's episode, he gathers Jason Zinoman, a critic at large for The Times, and Alexis Soloski, a culture reporter for The Times, to “channel surf” through some of their favorite shows of the past year.On Today's Episode:Jason Zinoman, a critic at large for The New York Times who writes a column about comedy.Alexis Soloski, a culture reporter for The New York Times. Additional Reading:The 9 People Who Check In to Every ‘White Lotus'Sympathy for the Devil, er Boss: In ‘The Studio,' the Powerful Are on Defense Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The writer-director made hit after hit movie, until he didn't. But he doesn't let it get him down.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

On Friday morning, the police in Utah said they had arrested a suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination, ending a manhunt that had stretched over 33 hours.In this special episode of The Daily, we break down what we know about the suspect, and how the assassination of Mr. Kirk may be a turning point for the conservative movement.Background ReadingHere's what we know about the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Kirk's murder has raised fears of more political violence across the U.S.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

We look at the hunt for the killer of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and at the political fallout of his assassination.Nicholas Bogel-Borroughs, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, discusses why the police are struggling to answer basic questions about the shooter. And Alan Feuer, who covers extremism and political violence, discusses how the assassination might become a turning point for the conservative movement.Guest:Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, an investigative reporter at The New York Times.Alan Feuer, a reporter covering extremism and political violence for The New York Times.Background reading: The chaotic hunt for Mr. Kirk's killer.The assassination has raised fears of surging political violence.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Kim Raff for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Charlie Kirk, the conservative organizer, activist and media mogul, died on Wednesday after being shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University.Mr. Kirk brought millions of young Americans in to the Republican Party, and to the ballot box for Donald Trump.Robert Draper, who profiled Charlie Kirk for The New York Times Magazine, discusses Mr. Kirk's improbable rise to power, his stunning assassination, and his controversial legacy.Guest: Robert Draper, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist for The New York Times.Background reading: Read the profile of Charlie Kirk from February.Read updates about the shooting.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Nic Antaya for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

For months, President Trump has tried to dismiss questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, notably denying that he had been the author of a lewd birthday message to the financier and sex offender.On Monday, Congress released the message — and many more like it.David Enrich, a deputy investigations editor at The Times, explains how the book, and an investigation into Mr. Epstein's finances, reveal how Mr. Epstein leveraged his rich and powerful friends to fund a yearslong criminal conspiracy.Guest: David Enrich, a deputy investigations editor for The New York Times.Background reading: A House panel released the drawing for Mr. Epstein apparently signed by Mr. Trump.A Times investigation found that JPMorgan spent years supporting — and profiting from — the notorious sex offender, ignoring red flags, suspicious activity and concerned executives.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Uma Sanghvi/Palm Beach Post, via Associated Press Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Over the weekend, Russia bombarded Ukraine with the largest drone assault in the war thus far.It's the latest in a relentless Russian offensive that keeps escalating, despite President Trump's efforts to negotiate peace.Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers Russia for The Times, discusses the economic war machine that's driving Russia's success on the battlefield, and making it so hard for anyone to get President Vladimir V. Putin to back down.Guest: Anatoly Kurmanaev, a reporter for The New York Times, covering Russia and its transformation following the invasion of Ukraine.Background reading: Why Putin thinks Russia has the upper hand against Ukraine.Russia wants ‘security guarantees' too. Here's what they look like.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Pool photo by Alexander Kazakov Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

One month after sending the National Guard into Washington, D.C. saying they would fight crime there, President Trump is so pleased with the results that he is discussing how to put federal troops onto the streets of cities across the country — from Chicago to New Orleans. It's a potentially dramatic expansion of what has already become an unprecedented military deployment on domestic soil.Today, we hear from residents of Washington about what life is like with the National Guard in town.Guest:Jessica Cheung, a senior audio producer at The New York TimesBackground reading: The District of Columbia sued the Trump administration last week, challenging the National Guard deployment and describing it as a “military occupation.”Here's what we know about Mr. Trump's crime and immigration crackdown across the U.S.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Alex Kent for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

As kids across America head back to school, Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review, is thinking about the books he read when he was in school.On today's Sunday Special, Gilbert talks with the Book Review editor Sadie Stein and the author Louis Sachar (“Wayside School” series, “Holes”) about the books they read when they were students, and ways to encourage young readers today to keep reading.Additional reading10 Books for Kids Starting Preschool12 Books for Kids Starting Kindergarten15 Books for Kids Starting Middle SchoolFor a future Sunday Special, ask us your personal style questions. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The author and podcaster wants to apply her old ideas about vulnerability and empathy to the workplace.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In an extraordinarily tense showdown on Thursday, senators of both parties confronted Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his vaccine policies, his firing of the director of the C.D.C., and the growing list of federal health officials who have resigned in protest of his leadership.Sheryl Gay Stolberg, who covers health policy for The Times, explains what it was like in the room and describes what seems like a turning point in the relationship between Congress and Mr. Kennedy.Guest: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a correspondent based in Washington covering health policy for The New York Times.Background reading: A defiant Kennedy defended vaccine changes and the shake-up at the C.D.C.Some states said they would go their own way on vaccine policy.Will the C.D.C. survive?For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

For decades, the government has struggled with how to police monopolies in the tech industry.This week, a landmark ruling in a case against Google became the most aggressive attempt in the modern era to level the playing field.David McCabe, who covers tech policy for The Times, explains who won, who lost and what it all means for the race to dominate artificial intelligence.Guest: David McCabe, a New York Times reporter who covers the complex legal and policy issues created by the digital economy and new technologies.Background reading: Google avoided the harshest penalties in a federal judge's monopoly ruling.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Jason Henry for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In the last few weeks, the Trump administration has turned its sights on the Smithsonian, the latest target in a campaign to remake cultural institutions in its image.Officials are trying to change exhibits at the center of the country's culture wars and reshape American history at one of the largest museum complexes in the world.Robin Pogrebin, who covers cultural institutions for The Times, discusses the clash over who gets to tell the American story.Guest: Robin Pogrebin, a New York Times culture reporter who covers cultural institutions, the art world and architecture.Background reading: The White House announced a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions.The Trump administration's plan to, in effect, audit the content of Smithsonian museums drew criticism from groups that represent scholars and promote free speech.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In a series of extraordinary deals, President Trump has muscled himself directly into the business of corporate America.The U.S. government has been made the largest shareholder of Intel, one of the most iconic companies in the country. Senator Bernie Sanders has praised the move, while conservatives have criticized it as socialism.Andrew Ross Sorkin, a columnist at The Times, explains how Mr. Trump's deal could reshape America's approach to capitalism.Guest: Andrew Ross Sorkin, a columnist and the founder and editor at large of DealBook, which publishes the flagship business and policy newsletter of The New York Times.Background reading: Intel agreed to sell a 10 percent stake in its business to the U.S. government.From DealBook: Trump may expand his revision of U.S. capitalism.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Welcome to the Sunday Special, running now through the end of the year. Every Sunday, Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The New York Times Book Review, will talk with a rotating cast of Times critics and culture and lifestyle reporters about “the fun stuff”— pop culture, movies, TV, music, fashion and more.On today's inaugural episode, Gilbert sits down with Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic at The Times, and Madison Malone Kircher, an internet reporter at The Times, to recap their cultural highs and lows of this summer. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The acclaimed writer has a new memoir, and a warning.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been plunged into turmoil.Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to fire the agency's director, Susan Monarez, igniting a standoff that prompted three other senior officials to resign.One of those officials, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, explains why he chose to take a stand.Guest: Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former director at the C.D.C.Background reading: The Covid-19 pandemic made the C.D.C. a frequent target of lawmakers and segments of the general public.Mr. Kennedy's move to dismiss Dr. Monarez came after she declined to fire agency leaders or to accept all recommendations from a vaccine advisory panel, according to people with knowledge of the events.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Alyssa Pointer/Reuters Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

A curious news story emerged in New York last week. It involved the mayor's race, a reporter from the news outlet The City and a bag of chips.Michael Forsythe, a reporter on the investigations team at The New York Times, explains how the episode fits into a larger story about how China has been attempting to influence American politics.Guest: Michael Forsythe, a reporter on the investigations team at The New York Times.Background reading: In the past few years, community organizations have quietly foiled the careers of politicians who opposed China's authoritarian government.Times reporters witnessed supporters of the New York mayor, Eric Adams, handing out cash-filled envelopes. Sometimes, that money went to reporters from Chinese-language outlets.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Shuran Huang for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

President Trump's decision to try to fire a member of the Federal Reserve's governing board is his most audacious attack yet on the independence of the central bank.Ben Casselman, chief economics correspondent for The New York Times, discusses why Mr. Trump's route to controlling the Fed passes through the governor, an economics professor named Lisa Cook.Guest: Ben Casselman, the chief economics correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: Mr. Trump's move to fire Ms. Cook is a legally dubious maneuver that could undermine the independence of the nation's central bank.Seeking to retool the Fed, Mr. Trump risks upending a pillar of the global economy.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Seemingly overnight, Americans have become obsessed with pumping as much protein as possible into every drink, snack and meal.Elizabeth Dunn, a writer and contributor to The Times, explains the origins of this latest nutrition craze.Guest: Elizabeth Dunn, a writer and contributor to The New York Times.Background reading: The David bar, basically a protein Scud missile wrapped in gold foil, has had breakout success. But can the trend last?Read a fact-check about some of the big claims made about protein.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: David Chow for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.