Vermont just got slammed with flash floods, road closures, and evacuations. Harvard’s Juliette Kayyem says the storm reveals how unprepared the US is for the present moment, when natural disasters are more frequent and more intense than ever before.This episode was produced by Jon Ehrens and Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Michael Raphael, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Juliette Kayyem, a guest on the show, discusses the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The podcast covers the reasons behind the attack, the delayed response from Israel, and the impact on perception. They also explore Israel's deals with Arab nations and the inclusion of gains for the Palestinians. Additionally, they touch upon the challenges faced by the GOP in choosing a House Speaker and the internal divisions within the party.

Juliette Kayyem, author of 'The Devil Never Sleeps' and former DHS official, dives deep into the hurricane season's misinformation crisis. She discusses the chaos following hurricanes, emphasizing the struggle for FEMA amid a flood of false claims. The conversation highlights how social media complicates disaster relief and the crucial need to restore public trust in government responses. Kayyem also underlines the importance of community preparedness and the impact of accurate narratives on recovery efforts, painting a vivid picture of today's disaster landscape.

Former FBI assistant director Frank Figliuzzi and national security expert Juliette Kayyem, along with former FBI special agent Asha Rangappa and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig, discuss the degradation of political and legal institutions, decline in trust in law enforcement, challenges in the Trump era, and the effectiveness of the FBI in prosecuting federal statutes. They also touch on unsolved murders on the nation's highways and the importance of enhancing the flavor of whiskey with water.

Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard expert in government, dives into a range of hot topics. She explores Tim Walz's inspiring political journey and the intricacies of vice presidential dynamics. The discussion takes a sharp turn to Google's antitrust troubles and its monopolistic practices impacting consumer choice. Additionally, Kayyem addresses the complexities of military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, emphasizing the legal hurdles faced by victims' families. The blend of serious political discourse and lighter Olympic anecdotes keeps the conversation lively.

Juliette Kayyem, a former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, shares insights on the shocking New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans, discussing its implications for national security. Ewan Ashley, a renowned professor at Stanford, presents groundbreaking research highlighting exercise as a transformative medical intervention, showcasing its effects on health. Together, they explore the interconnectedness of security challenges and personal well-being, emphasizing the need for vigilance in both public safety and health initiatives.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, delves into the historic context of non-consecutive presidential terms and the implications of recent electoral outcomes. Juliette Kayyem, a national security analyst, discusses foreign threats to the election and global responses, while Michael Curry, NAACP board member, shares his firsthand experience as a poll-watcher in Michigan. The conversation weaves through voter dynamics, community engagement, and the challenges of reconnecting with younger generations, emphasizing active civic participation.

David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights into Donald Trump's political rhetoric, joins Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and CNN analyst with experience in national security. They dive into the alarming escalation of violent language in Trump’s campaign, discussing its impact on political discourse and societal attitudes. With concerns about accountability and the potential normalization of extremism, they highlight the urgent need for civil dialogue and civic engagement to preserve democratic values.

Juliette Kayyem, an expert in disaster management and a faculty chair at Harvard's Kennedy School, discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where over 120 lives have been lost. She highlights the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts between local officials and the federal government. Kayyem emphasizes lessons learned from past disasters that can guide future resilience strategies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the political climate's complex relationship with climate change and the importance of proactive community adaptation.

Join Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard expert in government and public policy, as she dives into the political landscape. The discussion centers on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's role as a Democratic vice presidential nominee. Kayyem and the hosts unpack the ramifications of Google's antitrust trial loss and the legal complexities surrounding plea deals in 9/11 cases, revealing the interplay of legal and political dynamics. Humorous anecdotes and serious analysis intertwine, making for an engaging exploration of pressing issues.