Today, Explained
What did Wikipedia do?
May 8, 2025
Stephen Harrison, a journalist with eight years covering Wikipedia, dives deep into the encyclopedia's tumultuous relationship with the Trump administration. He discusses how Wikipedia, once seen as the last bastion of shared reality, faces accusations of bias and scrutiny from the U.S. government. Harrison uncovers alarming threats linked to extremist groups and addresses controversies surrounding key political figures impacting the platform. With insights from his novel, he reflects on Wikipedia's evolving role in combating misinformation in today's chaotic information landscape.
27:48
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's scrutiny of Wikipedia highlights concerns over content manipulation by foreign actors and potential risks to its tax-exempt status.
- Despite facing accusations of bias, Wikipedia continues to assert its commitment to neutrality and maintaining credibility as a vital information source.
Deep dives
The Unique Onomatopoeia of Rice Krispies Around the World
Rice Krispies, also known as Rice Bubbles in Australia and New Zealand, are famously marketed for the distinctive sounds they make when milk is added, referred to as snap, crackle, and pop. Interestingly, these sounds vary significantly across different languages and cultures. For instance, in Danish, they are represented as 'piff, puff, puff,' while in German, it's 'nisper, nisper, nusper.' This quirky facet of the cereal emphasizes the charm of linguistic diversity and how regional influences shape consumer experiences.
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