The Daily

Charlie Savage, a national security and legal policy reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the U.S. military's controversial strikes on South American boats. He unpacks the legal ramifications of a Sept. 2 attack that may have violated international laws by killing survivors. Savage discusses the discrepancies in the administration's rationale for the actions, whether they constitute armed conflict, and the potential implications for those involved. Amid calls for accountability, he highlights the vital questions about legality and oversight surrounding these military operations.

Peter S. Goodman, a journalist for The New York Times, dives deep into the hazardous reality of recycled lead in battery supply chains. He reveals how the U.S. auto industry promotes battery recycling as an eco-friendly achievement while ignoring the severe health impacts on communities in Nigeria. Goodman contrasts safe recycling practices in the U.S. with dangerous smelting operations abroad. He discusses the failures of audits and enforcement, and highlights the moral dilemmas around consumer costs for truly safe recycling.

Hamed Aleaziz, a Times correspondent specializing in Homeland Security and immigration policy, dives into the shocking incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who shot two National Guard members. He reveals Lakanwal's troubled past in a CIA-backed unit, discusses the sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy triggered by the event, and explores the implications for Afghan allies and veterans. The discussion also covers the complexities of vetting processes and the political fallout surrounding the incident.

Joumana Khatib and Sadie Stein, editors at The New York Times Book Review, dive into the world of holiday gifting through books. Joumana praises the evocative writing in Annika Norlin's "The Colony" and highlights Kiran Desai's sweeping immigrant epic. Sadie recommends thought-provoking titles like "Perfection" and quirky options for those hard-to-shop-for friends. They share strategies for personalized gifts and celebrate cozy mysteries for moms, while exploring culinary-themed books and unique finds for dads. Plus, a fun quiz wraps up their recommendations!

Join Jeff Roth, the dedicated archivist at The New York Times, as he takes you on a fascinating journey through the newspaper's extensive morgue, housing clippings and photos dating back to the 1800s. Discover the serendipitous finds that inspire reporters and learn about the archive's quirky filing system. Jeff shares his passion for preserving history, recounts the evolution of archival practices, and reflects on how the Internet has transformed the usage of this treasure trove. It's a captivating glimpse into the heart of journalism's past.

Simon Cowell, the iconic television producer and talent-show judge, opens up about his transformation from 'king of mean' to a more introspective version of himself. He candidly discusses his experiences with therapy, fatherhood, and the pressures of fame on young artists like Liam Payne. Simon reflects on significant moments in his career, including his regrets over the Spice Girls and the creation of One Direction. He also shares his mixed feelings about AI in music and emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with new talent in a rapidly changing industry.

In this engaging conversation, Steven Rinella, a passionate hunting advocate and author, shares his transformative journey from a youthful antagonist of environmentalists to an 'environmentalist with a gun.' He highlights the deep connection between hunting, conservation, and food, emphasizing the ethics of eating what you kill. With stories from his Michigan childhood and a memorable duck hunt in Montana, Rinella showcases the visceral joy of wild food and the cultural significance of hunting in conservation efforts.

In this fascinating discussion, Kim Barker, a New York Times reporter on the Ukraine war, shares the intense Ukrainian backlash against a controversial peace plan perceived as pro-Russian. She highlights the deep sense of capitulation felt by Ukrainians and connects it to ongoing corruption scandals affecting President Zelensky's leadership. David E. Sanger analyzes the plan's Kremlin-like origins and the internal U.S. divisions that influenced its creation. Together, they explore the diplomatic complexities and the urgent need for a viable solution amid a turbulent backdrop.

A federal judge on Monday tossed out separate criminal charges against the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey and New York’s attorney general, Letitia James.The manner in which the judge dismissed the Comey indictment could now lead to a legal fight over whether the government can try to refile the charges with another grand jury.Devlin Barrett, who covers the Justice Department and the F.B.I. for The New York Times, discusses President Trump’s campaign of retribution against his perceived enemies and walks us through the judge’s rulingsGuest: Devlin Barrett, a New York Times reporter covering the Justice Department and the F.B.I..Background reading: The cases against Mr. Comey and Ms. James are dismissed.Photo: Drew Angerer for 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of rising autism diagnoses, emphasizing that shifting definitions, not just environmental factors, drive the trends. Kathy Lord, a seasoned clinical psychologist, reflects on the historical views of autism and the implications of expanding criteria. They discuss the growing neurodiversity movement, resource competition for services, and the controversial proposal for a 'profound autism' category. The conversation raises critical questions about identity, representation, and care within the autism community.