Today, Explained

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.

Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in foreign policy and national security, dives into the complex implications of U.S. military actions against Iran. He discusses the ineffective outcomes of bombing Iran and the escalating tensions that may arise. The conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy and the historical context of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Keating emphasizes that military engagement could burden the U.S. while unraveling international relations in the region, revealing a multifaceted view on this geopolitical issue.

Join Leslie Paris, a UBC professor and author of 'Children's Nature,' alongside producer Devan Schwartz and Vox correspondent Anna North, as they dive into the nostalgic world of summer camps. They explore the evolution of these camps from the late 19th century and their cultural significance in fostering friendships. Discover how films like 'Wet Hot American Summer' and 'Friday the 13th' showcase the duality of camp experiences—filled with joy and fear. They also discuss the challenges families face in planning summer activities amidst societal pressures.

Ronnie Mola, Senior Correspondent at Sherwood News, shares insights from his visit to Snailbrook, Texas, Elon Musk's ambitious company town. Price Fishback, a Regents Professor at the University of Arizona, discusses the historical context of company towns. They explore the contrasts between Musk's utopian vision and the rough reality of Snailbrook, which struggles with minimal infrastructure and community life. The conversation also delves into the implications of modern company towns and their impact on rural identities.