Why So Many Parents Are Opting Out of Public Schools
The Daily
08/20/25
•29m
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Across the country, public schools are facing steep declines in enrollment, while the movement to use public funds for private education grows.
Dana Goldstein, who covers education and families for The New York Times, explains why so many parents are using taxpayer money to privately educate their children — and what this means for American education.
Guest: Dana Goldstein, a reporter covering education and families for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- A decline in the number of children and rise in the number of choices has created a crisis for public schools.
- In July, Congress approved the first national school voucher plan, helping to pay for private education.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Zack Wittman for The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Previous Episode
Zelensky Survives Second Oval Office Meeting
August 19, 2025
•30m
European leaders raced to Washington to show their support for President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine as he met with President Trump on Monday.
It was their first face-to-face meeting at the White House since their disastrous blowup in the Oval Office in February.
Michael Schwirtz, who covers global intelligence, explains how and why Mr. Zelensky’s approach has changed.
Guest: Michael Schwirtz, the global intelligence correspondent for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Can Mr. Zelensky trust Mr. Trump? Ukraine’s fate may depend on the answer.
- Mr. Zelensky and other European leaders have learned a thing or two about negotiating with Mr. Trump.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Next Episode
The Right-Wing Provocateur Who Has Trump’s Ear
August 21, 2025
•37m
Warning: This episode contains strong language.
In President Trump’s second term, Laura Loomer has emerged as the most influential outside adviser, telling the president whom to fire and shaping major policy decisions.
Ken Bensinger, who covers media and politics, explains how a social media provocateur became Mr. Trump’s favorite blunt instrument.
Guest: Ken Bensinger, a New York Times reporter covering media and politics.
Background reading:
- Ms. Loomer is Mr. Trump’s blunt instrument.
- Her role in firings at the National Security Council showed a rising sway of fringe figures on the president.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Greg Kahn for The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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