Literary news includes the obituary of renowned agent Georges Borchardt and numerous book reviews for titles like **‘Call Me Ishmaelle,’ ‘Eating Ashes,’ and ‘The Flower Bearers,’ alongside a deeper look into the Bernie Goetz saga** through new publications.

• Georges Borchardt, 97, Dies; Literary Agent Championed Wiesel’s ‘Night’ — New York Times Arts -
• Book Review: ‘Call Me Ishmaelle,’ by Xiaolu Guo — New York Times Books -
• We’re Still Talking About Bernie Goetz After All These Years — New York Times Books -

• Book Review: ‘Eating Ashes,’ by Brenda Navarro — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Two Women Living Together,’ by Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘The Flower Bearers,’ by Rachel Eliza Griffiths — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Tangerinn,’ by Emanuela Anechoum — New York Times Arts -
• Book Review: ‘The Infamous Gilberts,’ by Angela Tomaski — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Departure(s),’ by Julian Barnes — New York Times Books -

Key developments in performing arts detail the Met Opera's severe financial challenges leading to layoffs and cuts, insights into Aigul Akhmetshina's portrayal of Carmen's Habanera, and Semyon Bychkov's appointment as Music Director at the Paris Opera, alongside a fun dive into pop music's nonsensical songs.

• Despite Drastic Financial Steps, Met Opera Turns to Layoffs and Cuts — New York Times Arts -
• 10 Gloriously Nonsensical Songs of Pop Gibberish — New York Times Arts -
• The World’s Reigning Carmen Breaks Down Her Signature Aria — New York Times Arts -

• The Charming Raconteur Semyon Bychkov’s Next Job: Music Director at Paris Opera — New York Times Arts -

Major updates from the screen cover the **tribute series ‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!,’ the social sensation of the show ‘Heated Rivalry,’ and predictions for the 2026 Oscar nominations, while also reflecting on ‘Mad Men’s portrayal of Black characters and Jimmy Fallon’s late-night humor regarding President Trump**.

• ‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’ Is a Funny, Bittersweet Tribute — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Heated Rivalry’ Makes Its Impact Felt Onscreen and Off — New York Times Arts -
• 2026 Oscar Nomination Predictions — New York Times Arts -

• Rewatching ‘Mad Men’ From the Outskirts — New York Times Arts -
• Jimmy Fallon Teases Trump Over Secondhand Prize — New York Times Arts -

Cultural highlights feature the National Archives' "Freedom Plane" tour of founding-era documents, a profile of President Trump's chosen Christian speed painter, and a fascinating look at **nature’s "super feather," filoplumes**, appearing in the arts section.

• Now Boarding the Freedom Plane: Precious Founding-Era Documents — New York Times Arts -
• Filoplumes Are Nature’s Super Feather — New York Times Arts -
• President Trump’s Chosen Artist? A Christian Speed Painter. — New York Times Arts -