Today, Explained

John Lewis, a research fellow at George Washington University focusing on ideological violence, joins Meredith Lehrer, a Professor at George Mason University studying American culture and the military. They discuss the shocking rise of political violence in the U.S., linking it to incendiary political rhetoric and social media influence. The pair also examines the implications of a recent military parade, exploring the complexities of patriotism and the widening gap between the military and civilian life. Their dialogue reflects on America’s conflicting narratives of progress and protest.

Miles Bryan, a producer with a keen eye for urban issues, joins the discussion on the challenges of bike safety, particularly in Los Angeles. The conversation delves into the historical evolution of bike infrastructure in the U.S., highlighting key moments that shaped urban planning. Bryan shares insights on the funding mechanisms behind successful bike lanes in Washington, D.C., while contrasting them with the political hurdles faced in LA. The episode captures the dynamic tensions between advocates and local communities, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards safer urban cycling.

Jesse David Fox, a comedy writer for Vulture and host of the podcast Good One, dives into the vibrant world of Dropout, a unique streaming service blending improv comedy and gaming. He highlights the phenomenal success of shows like Dimension 20 at Madison Square Garden, showcasing community engagement. Fox discusses how smaller platforms like Dropout prioritize creativity and collaboration over competition, presenting a refreshing approach in the streaming landscape amidst larger corporate giants. The future of streaming might just lie in this community-driven model.

Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media and host of the 404 Media podcast, joins John Davison from EPIC to discuss the troubling partnership between Palantir and the U.S. government. They dive into the ethical implications of merging personal data across agencies, highlighting risks for marginalized groups. The conversation explores how data collected could be abused and what this means for privacy rights. With humor interwoven, they unravel the complexities of government surveillance and the technology that enables it.

Journalist Joshua Keating from Vox dives into the intricate relationship between the U.S. government and Elon Musk, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on SpaceX for national security and space missions. Meanwhile, Elaine Kamarck from the Brookings Institution sheds light on Musk's influence during the Trump administration, particularly regarding unmet promises of government spending cuts and the fallout from federal workforce reductions. Their discussions reveal critical insights into government dependencies and the pressing need for entitlement reform.

Join investigative reporter Andy Kroll, known for his deep dives into the Federalist Society, and David French, a New York Times columnist, as they dissect Trump’s fracturing ties with this key conservative legal group. They explore how judges appointed by Trump have increasingly ruled against his wishes, signaling a rift within the conservative movement. Further, they delve into Leonard Leo's ambitious plans to reshape American entertainment, showcasing how politics and culture intertwine in unexpected ways.

Rachel Uranga, an LA Times reporter, dives into the tumultuous landscape of immigration unrest in Los Angeles. She highlights the chaos following ICE raids and the deployment of the National Guard to restore order. Mark Krikorian, from the Center for Immigration Studies, offers a counterpoint, defending the administration's stance. Together, they explore the emotional toll on families torn apart by raids, the impact on immigrant communities, and the complex dynamics of labor in agriculture amidst rising enforcement.

Hannah Aaron Lang, a markets reporter at The Wall Street Journal, joins the discussion on quirky recession indicators. From analyzing consumer habits like press-on nails and Klarna purchases to the nostalgic rise of 'recession pop' featuring Katy Perry, she delivers unique insights. The conversation blends humor with serious economic analysis, exploring how everyday choices can reflect larger financial trends. Listeners will find practical advice on spotting signs of economic distress and preparing for uncertainties, all while enjoying pop culture references.

Jonna Stern, a personal technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the fascinating world of AI in filmmaking. She shares her experience creating a short film using Google's Veo 3, a groundbreaking AI video tool that blurs the line between reality and animation. The discussion touches on the ethical implications of AI, its potential to enhance creativity, and fears surrounding job displacement in Hollywood. Jonna's creative journey highlights the challenges and perks of integrating AI into storytelling, sparking a deeper conversation about the future of film.

Jason Mast, a science and biotech writer at Stat News, dives into the groundbreaking treatment of baby KJ, who received experimental gene editing for a fatal condition. The discussion highlights the urgent medical intervention and innovative therapy involving lipid nanoparticles. Mast also explores the ethical controversies surrounding gene editing, from CRISPR babies to the implications of modifying human embryos. Global perspectives on gene editing regulations add another layer to this compelling conversation about the future of medicine.