The Daily

Dive into the intriguing life of Benjamin B. Bolger, a man with 14 advanced degrees from prestigious universities. His story sparks a conversation about the relevance of higher education today. Discover his struggle with dyslexia and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, despite challenges. Explore the innovative world of college admissions consulting, blending personal storytelling with elite connections. Finally, witness the unique homeschooling adventures of a father and daughter as they tackle hands-on learning and important social issues like summer hunger.

Jelly Roll, a singer known for crossing genres and sharing his struggles with addiction and incarceration, discusses his transformative journey from jail to music stardom. He highlights how his emotional songs resonate with fans seeking hope. Jelly Roll reflects on the misconceptions of success in the music industry, emphasizing personal growth over wealth. He candidly addresses juvenile rehabilitation and voting rights while sharing light-hearted moments about playing Wordle. The conversation reveals the complexities of addiction recovery and the joy of impending fatherhood.

Emily Badger, a cities and urban policy expert at The New York Times, delves into the complex relationship between air conditioning and climate change. She discusses how this technology, essential for modern living, poses a paradox as it helps us cope with rising temperatures yet exacerbates global warming. Badger shares her personal journey from a pre-air-conditioned childhood to the climate-driven shifts in American infrastructure. The conversation also highlights our growing dependence on air conditioning and its implications for sustainability and community engagement.

Shawn Hubler, a California reporter for The New York Times, dives into the state's homelessness crisis following a pivotal Supreme Court ruling. They discuss the urgency of California's response, with Governor Newsom clearing encampments amidst rising political pressure. Hubler highlights Los Angeles' unique approach of avoiding criminalization while struggling to provide resources. The conversation reveals the complexities behind combating homelessness in a state grappling with income inequality and ineffective policies.

Steve Lohr, a technology and economy reporter for The New York Times, discusses the landmark antitrust ruling against Google and its historical parallels with the United States v. Microsoft case. He highlights how Microsoft's aggressive tactics against Netscape in the 90s mirror today's challenges for Big Tech. Lohr dives into the implications of these rulings for future tech competition, emphasizing the importance of these legal battles in shaping innovation and the tech landscape.

Nate Cohn, the chief political analyst for The New York Times, shares insights on the shifting landscape of the 2024 presidential race. He discusses how Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead of former President Trump in key battleground states, particularly appealing to Black and young voters. Cohn analyzes the emerging political strategies and vulnerabilities for both campaigns, highlighting the challenges Trump faces in countering Harris's increasing popularity and how broader voter dynamics could reshape the election.

Jonathan Swan, a political reporter for The New York Times, dives into the tumultuous weeks of Donald Trump's campaign after President Biden's surprise decision not to seek re-election. He reveals Trump's struggle to adapt to the new competitive landscape with Kamala Harris and discusses the chaos following the Republican National Convention. Swan highlights Trump's misguided press conference and the campaign's tactics to undermine Harris's credibility. With ongoing turmoil, including an assassination attempt and external hacking threats, Trump remains defiantly committed amid the shifting political storm.

Joy Milne, a Scottish retiree, possesses a rare ability to smell Parkinson's disease, which she first detected in her husband, Les. Their emotional journey sheds light on the profound impact of the condition and highlights Joy’s unique role in advancing early diagnosis research. The discussion delves into how olfactory clues could revolutionize medical diagnostics, linking scent to disease in a way that opens new possibilities in healthcare. Joy's remarkable story not only uncovers the mysteries of smell but also emphasizes the challenges faced by caregivers.

Senator James Lankford, a United States Senator from Oklahoma and former Baptist youth minister, dives into the political hurdles that thwarted his immigration bill. He shares insights on how Trump's rhetoric reshaped GOP dynamics and explores the balance between security and moral considerations in immigration policy. Lankford reflects on the interplay of personal faith and political responsibility, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in a divided landscape while preparing for the future of the party beyond Trump.

Jonathan Abrams, a New York Times reporter specializing in sports and culture, breaks down the history and significance of breaking’s Olympic debut. He discusses how this dance form, born in the 1970s Bronx, reflects the cultural empowerment of marginalized youth. Abrams also explores the excitement and skepticism surrounding its Olympic inclusion, particularly how it might impact the identity of breaking as an art form. The conversation highlights key figures, the evolution of breaking into a competitive sport, and the balance between authenticity and global appeal.