The Daily

Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, shares his journey of turning a passion for travel and credit card rewards into a thriving empire. He discusses the evolution of credit card rewards, revealing how they've transformed from simple payment methods to powerful travel tools. Kelly reflects on navigating travel during the pandemic, emphasizing the impact of tourism on local cultures, and dives into the complexities of loyalty programs. His personal anecdotes and expertise shed light on maximizing benefits in the intricate world of travel rewards.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the urgent topic of COVID-19 vaccination for children. She discusses the complexities of vaccinating kids, who often display milder symptoms yet remain essential for herd immunity. The conversation also touches on parental hesitance regarding vaccines, the timeline for immunization, and the implications for school reopenings. Mandavilli emphasizes the need for safe public health strategies to protect unvaccinated children and navigate a cautious return to normalcy.

Declan Walsh, Chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times, and Abdi Latif Dahir, East Africa correspondent, dive into the controversial story of Paul Rusesabagina, famed for his role in the Rwandan genocide. They discuss the complexities of Rwanda's narrative, balancing heroism against authoritarianism under Kagame. The dangers faced by dissenters in today's political climate are examined, alongside Rusesabagina's precarious legal situation and the international response to his imprisonment. Insights from a jailhouse interview highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights.

Clifford Krauss and Brad Plumer dive into Texas's recent winter storm crisis that left millions without power. Krauss, a National energy correspondent from Houston, shares insights on the failed electric grid, while Plumer, a climate reporter, explores the implications of climate change on energy infrastructure. They discuss how deregulation exacerbated the crisis and argue for urgent reforms to adapt power systems to unpredictable extreme weather. The conversation underscores the pressing need for diverse energy sources to prevent future blackouts.

Stacey Plaskett, Congresswoman from the U.S. Virgin Islands and an impeachment manager, shares her insights on Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. She reflects on the emotional dynamics and strategies of the impeachment process, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Plaskett discusses the impact of the Capitol riot and expresses the emotional toll felt by the impeachment managers. She also highlights the necessity of establishing accountability through investigations and the significance of learning from past actions to protect democracy.

Scam calls are a booming industry, costing Americans $20 billion. Meet L., a vigilante exposing scammers on YouTube, and follow his investigative journey to India. The podcast reveals heartbreaking stories, like an elderly woman's vulnerability to a tech support scam. Delve into the inner workings of call centers and the complex motivations of scam workers. A journalist's daring encounters with scammers provide chilling insights into their tactics and justifications, showcasing the darker side of human interaction in the digital age.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Constant Méheut, a New York Times reporter based in France, unpacks the complexities of 'laïcité'—France's principle of secularism. He explores the legal and cultural debates surrounding the tragic murder of teacher Samuel Paty, raising questions about freedom of expression and multiculturalism. The conversation delves into the challenges of integration for the Muslim community and the clash between national identity and religious belief, illuminating the evolving dynamics of French society.

Amy Julia Harris, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, delves into the complexities of New York City's homeless shelter system, focusing on Victor Rivera, a nonprofit leader with a controversial past. The conversation explores Rivera's dual narrative of redemption and the serious allegations of abuse and misconduct that haunt his career. Harris highlights the urgent need for accountability and oversight in the system, revealing systemic failures that jeopardize the safety of vulnerable individuals. The discussion underscores the vital role of investigative journalism in exposing these troubling truths.

Dana Goldstein, a national education correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the challenges of reopening schools during the pandemic. She highlights the Biden administration's ambitious goal of resuming K-8 in-person learning while navigating fierce opposition from teachers' unions. Goldstein emphasizes the emotional stakes for vulnerable students and the varying perceptions of safety among parents. The conversation reveals political tensions within the Democratic Party and the intricate dynamics of teacher safety versus educational needs.

Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The New York Times, delivers sharp insights into the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump's words may have incited the January 6 chaos and explores both sides' arguments. Rutenberg highlights the charged political atmosphere leading to the Capitol riots and examines the defense team's shift from fraud claims to constitutional challenges. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance of political speech and its implications for democracy.