Today, Explained

Sophie Miyoshi, executive director of ROC D.C., and Tony Tomelden, owner and bartender, dive into the murky waters of tipping. They discuss the struggle for fair wages in the restaurant industry and the legislative push for higher minimum wages. The conversation uncovers the history of tipping in America, its impact on workers, and the ongoing debate about taxing tips. With personal stories and listener insights, they examine the complexities of compensation and the cultural attitudes surrounding gratuities.

Kendall Cunningham, a culture reporter at Vox, dives into the phenomenon of 'crashing out,' shedding light on its prevalence among Gen Z and its emotional implications. Psychologist Maytal Eyal discusses how online emotional outbursts reflect a deeper need for connection in a technology-driven age. Together, they explore the evolution of emotional expression through platforms like TikTok, the allure of vulnerability, and the rising trend of 'crying TikTok.' They also highlight the benefits of group therapy in combatting loneliness and fostering deeper connections.

Nicole Norea, a senior politics reporter at Vox, and Amanda Frost, a UVA law professor and author, dive into the complex issue of denaturalization. They discuss the recent DOJ memo and its ties to citizenship revocation, raising concerns about its implications for immigrant communities and political motivations. The conversation also journeys through America’s troubling history with denaturalization, highlighting pivotal moments like the Dred Scott decision and the Expatriation Act, revealing deep-rooted patterns of disenfranchisement and civil rights struggles.

In this discussion, Miles Bryan, a senior producer and reporter, highlights the remarkable decline in crime rates across America, particularly in Baltimore. He shares insights on the cultural reflections of policing through the lens of HBO's The Wire. The conversation also delves into local initiatives like the ROCA program, showcasing transformative stories of at-risk youth. With a focus on community investment and innovative strategies, Bryan explores the socio-economic factors contributing to this unprecedented drop in violence and the ongoing challenges within the city.

David Fulkenflick, NPR's media correspondent, and Matt Bellany, founding partner of Puck and media expert, dive into the tumultuous landscape of American media. They discuss the unexpected cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' and the political fallout surrounding it. The conversation also unpacks Trump’s legal battles against Rupert Murdoch and his attempts to stifle press freedom. Listeners will be intrigued by the insider views on the intense rivalry between media giants and political figures that could reshape the future of journalism.

Hannah Kiros, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, and Tracy Roof, an Associate Professor at the University of Richmond, discuss the alarming dismantling of U.S. food aid programs. They delve into the Trump administration's decision to incinerate nearly 500 tons of emergency food, highlighting the ethical ramifications and the consequences of wasted aid. The conversation touches on the historical evolution of food assistance in the U.S., and the bureaucratic challenges that lead to child hunger, while raising pressing questions about government priorities in addressing food insecurity.

Donna Harrington Luker, author of "Books for Idle Hours," discusses the fascinating history and evolution of summer reading. She shares insights about how summer reading has historically served as an escape, especially for the middle class after the Civil War. Listeners learn about the vibrant culture surrounding beach reads and how contemporary trends have transformed literary marketing. Luker also highlights the balance between light summer reads and engaging with classic literature, showcasing how summer ignites a passion for deeper literary exploration.

In this lively conversation, film critic Siddhant Adlaka discusses the mixed reactions to the new Superman movie, while comic book legend Grant Morrison delves into the character's immigrant narrative. They explore how Superman embodies kindness amid political backlash and debate the film’s complex geopolitical themes. From its origin as a symbol of activism to its evolution into a patriotic icon, the pair examines Superman's lasting impact on culture and the moral dilemmas that come with being a superhero in today's society.

Henry Grabar, a staff writer at Slate focused on housing politics, and Marina Balotnikova, editor at Vox's Future Perfect, dive into the triumph of the YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) movement in California. They discuss major reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act aimed at alleviating the housing crisis. The conversation also highlights how modern urban housing policies can align with environmental goals, the threats posed by restrictive zoning, and the stark contrast of housing challenges across the U.S.

David Weigel, a political journalist for Semaphore, and Eli Honig, a former federal and state prosecutor and author, dive into the murky waters of the Epstein saga. They discuss Trump’s complex ties to Epstein and how both political parties manipulate the narrative for their own agendas. The conversation delves into the lack of transparency from the Department of Justice regarding Epstein files and the public's demand for accountability. They also explore the implications for upcoming elections as Trump maintains support amid controversies.