The Daily - ‘The Interview’: George Saunders Is No Saint (Despite What You May Have Heard)

The celebrated author on the challenges of being kind, the benefits of meditation and the reality check of death.

 

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1A - The News Roundup For January 9, 2026

We start the week in Minneapolis where a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Wednesday. Authorities claim the woman attacked officers while they were digging their car out of the snow, but video from the scene and the municipal officials heavily dispute that claim.

This week GOP lawmakers from Minnesota testified at a hastily-scheduled House Oversight Committee hearing about welfare fraud scandal allegations in their state. And on Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services froze $10 billion in five states including Minnesota, New York, California, Illinois and Colorado. That funding covers childcare subsidies, cash support for low-income families, and other social services.

Meanwhile, its been nearly one week since Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces and brought to face charges of narco-terrorism on American soil.

And the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela are having ripple effects across the globe. Europe is on edge as the U.S president this week suggested the territory could be in his crosshairs next, raising questions about America’s relationship with NATO.

Also this week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending U.S. support for global 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions, following his administration’s review of participation in and funding for all international organizations.

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The Gist - Ezekiel Emanuel: “Don’t Be a Schmuck”—and Yes, Eat Your Ice Cream.

The physician and health-policy veteran lays out six "simple" rules for a long, healthy life, arguing that most wellness advice fails by demanding perfection—and that moderation, sociability, and routines matter more than optimization. He gets data-nerdy on risk (Everest versus skydiving), alcohol as social lubricant, and why "good" ice cream can fit into a sane diet. Plus, a look at the Trump administration's politically self-sabotaging response to the Minneapolis ICE shooting—and a detour through the seized "ghost fleet" tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1), the kind of ship that survives by constantly changing its identity.

Produced by Corey Wara

Coordinated by Lya Yanne

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

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The Bulwark Podcast - Anne Applebaum and Jacob Frey: Using Lies to Justify Violence

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says ICE descended on his city with hopes of rounding up undocumented Somalis. When agents couldn't find any, they started driving around terrorizing people. And now with the killing of Renee Good, they are clearly making the city less safe. But federal officials are also lying about Good's actions before the shooting and her character—and with their bold claims of absolute immunity for ICE agents. More broadly, the administration is trying to intimidate ordinary citizens from documenting the masked agents deployed around the country. Plus, Trump is acting like a conqueror from the Middle Ages when he claims a right to Venezuela's oil, Putin is trying to mask the weakness of Russia's economy, Europeans are back to being anxious over Greenland, and Iranians are taking to the streets again.

Anne Applebaum and Mayor Jacob Frey join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Federalist Radio Hour - ‘For Christ And Country’: Charlie Kirk And The Spiritual Battle For America’s Soul

On this episode of The Federalist Radio Hour, Drew Allen Thomas, author and host of The Drew Allen Show, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to examine Charlie Kirk's faith-filled mission and explain what the Turning Point USA founder's martyrdom means for Christians and the future of the country. 

You can find Allen's book For Christ and Country: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk here

The Federalist Foundation is a nonprofit, and we depend entirely on our listeners and readers — not corporations. If you value fearless, independent journalism, please consider a tax-deductible gift today at TheFederalist.com/donate. Your support keeps us going.

The Daily - An Interview With the President

Four White House reporters from The New York Times sat down with President Trump on Wednesday for an extended interview in the Oval Office.

David E. Sanger, one of the reporters, walks us through their conversation.

Guest: David E. Sanger, a White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times

Background reading: 

Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

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Getting Hammered - Bonus: Venezuela Native Daniel Di Martino on His Childhood, Socialism, and Hope for the Future

Mary Katharine Ham interviews Daniel Di Martino, a Venezuelan-born economist and Manhattan Institute fellow, about the recent political changes in Venezuela and the implications of socialism versus capitalism. DiMartino shares his personal experiences growing up in Venezuela, the impact of the regime on the economy, and the importance of educating young people about the dangers of socialism. He emphasizes the need for charismatic leaders in politics and discusses the future of Venezuela and the hope for a free society.

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Pod Save America - ICE Kills Minnesota Mom

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three living in Minneapolis, is gunned down in her car by an ICE agent as cameras roll. Jon and Dan react to the tragedy and discuss the administration's response, especially JD Vance's despicable remarks in the White House briefing room. Dan talks to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey about how the city plans to investigate and push back. Then, Jon and Dan discuss Trump's quest for hemispheric domination, and how Congressional Republicans are are starting to cross him on foreign policy and health care. Then, Mayor Zohran Mamdani talks with Tommy about a new deal with Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand free childcare in New York.

New York Times video analysis: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


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The Gist - Not Even Mad: Michael A. Cohen & Charles Fain Lehman

Michael A. Cohen, author of the Truth and Consequences newsletter, and Charles Fain Lehman, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, debate the capture of Nicolas Maduro and whether Marco Rubio is positioning himself as the "Governor General of Latin America." The panel analyzes Tim Walz's exit from the Minnesota governor's race amid a $9 billion pandemic fraud scandal and the controversial appointment of Cea Weaver to New York's housing office. Plus,the debunking of the "Heritage American" myth that only 37–39% of the population meets the pre-1860 ancestry criteria, the New York Times' creative statistics on 8.5 MPH bus speeds, and Larry David's strict January 7th statute of limitations on wishing anyone a "Happy New Year."

Produced by Corey Wara

Coordinated by Lya Yanne

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

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