Welcome back to The Daily Courant, your afternoon assortment of Puck’s best new reporting.

First up today, Dylan Byers scoops the $150 million megadeal that will install Bari Weiss as an editorial leader at CBS News. Of course, Paramount boss David Ellison’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery—which could extend Bari’s jurisdiction to CNN—has only amplified anxieties about the rightward drift of the news industry. But is a disruptor like Weiss exactly what the fourth estate needs?

Plus, below the fold: Leigh Ann Caldwell digs into Ted Cruz’s ’28 positioning and the latest Jeff Roe mishegas in Texas. Bill Cohan relays Canadian P.M. Mark Carney’s anxieties about America under Trump 2.0. Rachel Strugatz chronicles a Sephora vs. Ulta bidding war for the next skincare sensation. And for Inner Circle members, Marion Maneker presents his fireside chat with legendary art dealer Larry Gagosian about the most pressing art market trends.

Meanwhile, on the pods: Matt Belloni is joined by Eriq Gardner on The Town to break down Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC. And on The Powers That Be, Peter Hamby and Matt assess F.C.C. Chairman Brendan Carr’s next crusade.

MEDIA

Bari Weiss, the Times defector turned Free Press founder, is now poised to cash a giant check from David Ellison and seize the reins at CBS News, sending staffers running for the smelling salts.

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WASHINGTON

Many have noticed that the Texas senator has been displaying an unusual amount of independence from the White House lately. Is it simply a naked bid to position himself in a sure-to-be crowded ’28 primary?

WALL STREET

News and notes on Canadian prime minister and Goldman alum Mark Carney’s view of America under Trump 2.0, and an opening interest rate salvo from the president’s new man at the Fed.

FASHION

Ulta and Sephora are squaring off for a makeup artist–led brand that everyone thinks could be the next Rhode. While Ulta is the sentimental favorite—brand founder Mikayla Nogueira worked there once upon a time—can it beat Sephora’s renowned brand-building?

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ART

The legendary art dealer is feeling optimistic about the market, notwithstanding its current difficulties. During a candid chat at Puck’s Art of Influence conference, he discussed the slow but broadening market, working with Jeff Koons, why everything has a price, and more.

HOLLYWOOD

Matt is joined by Eriq Gardner to discuss the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and unpack what could happen next. They talk about why Brendan Carr and the F.C.C. may not be as powerful as they seem, whether affiliate stations can preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, and whether Disney could leverage its power by withholding its most valuable content—like the NFL and college football—from these affiliate networks.

HOLLYWOOD

Matt Belloni joins Peter to share a behind-the-scenes look at Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC this week following his suspension from the airwaves. While Kimmel’s return on Tuesday was a ratings bonanza, as Matt explains, there’s no reason to believe the F.C.C. is going to start pumping the brakes in its crusade against free speech.

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