Today, Explained

Ted Johnson, a retired U.S. Navy commander and columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the nuanced relationship between Black Americans and the American flag. He discusses how artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar use patriotism in their music, reflecting pride and critique simultaneously. Johnson emphasizes the historical pain intertwined with pride, examining how contemporary expressions of Black identity reshape the significance of national symbols. His insights reveal the complexities of patriotism in today's socio-political landscape.

Jackie Shine, a historian and expert on Disney's America from DePaul University, discusses the audacious yet controversial theme park envisioned by Disney in the '90s. They delve into the complexities of intertwining entertainment with sensitive historical narratives, particularly regarding slavery. Jackie highlights the backlash against Disney's land acquisition in Virginia and the protests that culminated in the project’s demise. The conversation critically examines the struggle over how American history is portrayed and the challenges in addressing racial and social issues within a commercial framework.

Burgess Everett, Congressional Bureau Chief for Semaphore, and Jonathan Chait, Writer for The Atlantic, dive into the potential fallout from monumental Medicaid cuts linked to a new Senate tax bill. They discuss how these cuts could slice healthcare access for millions and fracture the GOP's voter base before 2024. The duo explores the implications of work requirements on Medicaid recipients, revealing bureaucratic hurdles that could leave many uninsured. The episode highlights the political risks that might reshape how Republicans approach healthcare policy.

ICE agents are showing up to immigration raids masked. The Trump administration says it's for the protection of the agents, but how does it impact accountability? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Miles Bryan with help from Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Gabrielle Berbey, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast. Residents surround federal and Border Patrol agents after an immigrant raid in Bell, CA. Photo by Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Joseph Stern, a legal writer for Slate and co-host of the SCOTUS podcast, teams up with Ian Millhiser, Vox's Supreme Court correspondent, to dive into the intriguing intersection of pornography and the law. They discuss the Supreme Court's history with porn cases and the unusual practice of justices having to watch it in the past. They also tackle contemporary issues like age verification laws, balancing child protection with free speech, and the evolving landscape of First Amendment protections concerning sexual content.

Alexandra Horowitz, from Barnard College, and Holly Molinaro, a passionate researcher, dive into the fascinating world of canine cognition. They discuss the complexities of interpreting dog emotions and the common pitfalls of projecting human feelings onto our furry friends. With humorous anecdotes and intriguing insights, they challenge listeners to consider dogs' unique perspectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding their world through smell and behavior rather than solely through our own emotions. The episode redefines what it means to truly connect with our pets.

Constance Grady, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in culture and gender, joins writer and strength training advocate Casey Johnston for a lively discussion. They explore the rapid rise of women in weightlifting, challenging conventional ideas of strength and fitness. The conversation highlights the cultural shift towards body positivity and the empowerment found in strength training. They also share personal journeys that redefine relationships with exercise, emphasizing joy and self-acceptance in the pursuit of fitness.

Suzy Hansen, a journalist focused on the Middle East and author of Crimes of the Century, discusses the failure of international humanitarian law amid the Gaza conflict. Omer Bartov, a professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, reflects on shifting views regarding genocide. Together, they delve into the moral and legal complexities surrounding the accusations of war crimes, the role of civilian casualties, and the effectiveness of international accountability amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Guests Akilah Kino, a journalist at the Financial Times, and Kyla Scanlon, an economic author and content creator, dive into the growing trend of 'buy now, pay later' services. They discuss how these apps influence consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations, and the risks of accumulating debt for everyday purchases. The conversation highlights financial wisdom challenges and raises alarms about the implications of this trend in an unstable economic landscape, revealing how debt is seen as a necessity now.

Andrew Hawkins, the Transportation editor at The Verge, dives into Tesla's ambitious launch of its robo-taxi service in Texas. He discusses the crucial implications of this rollout for Tesla’s future in autonomous driving. The conversation touches on the challenges facing the initiative, including safety concerns and Musk's unfulfilled promises. Hawkins also contrasts Tesla's approach with competitors like Waymo, shedding light on public trust and the future of transportation as robo-taxis become more prevalent.