In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss billionaire Robert F. Smith’s historic gift to the Morehouse College class of 2019, a proposed fur ban in New York City, and the opening of a chic new hotel in the TWA terminal.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Private equity billionaire Robert F. Smith surprised the graduating class of Morehouse College when he promised to pay off their college loan debt, a sum totaling an estimated $40 million. Niki referred to this Slate article that posited the gift as a “natural experiment.” Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article about Smith’s unique approach to investing. Neil recommended this Dissent article about the extent of the student loan crisis. Niki referred to Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom’s book Lower Ed.
- New York City is considering a ban on the sale of fur, but some residents are fighting back hard. Neil recommended Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”
- The TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy airport has reopened — as a high-end hotel. Natalia recommended this St. Louis magazine article about the downfall of TWA.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz’ Longreads article, “An Audience of Athletes: The Rise and Fall of Feminist Sports.”
- Neil discussed his latest column for The Week, “Censoring gay marriage on TV could be an ominous sign of things to come.”
- Niki shared DeNeen L Brown’s Washington Post article, “Harriet Tubman is already appearing on $20 bills whether Trump Officials like it or not.”
