Today, Explained

Laura Meckler, an education reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the controversial influence of PragerU in American education. She reveals how their content is shaping narratives around history with a conservative lens, including misleading portrayals of figures like Christopher Columbus. The discussion also highlights PragerU's partnership with state systems and the implications for ideological biases in K-12 curricula. Additionally, Meckler explores the need for financial literacy tools for kids, like Greenlight, promoting responsible money management from a young age.

Michael Hiltzik, a columnist at the L.A. Times and author of 'Iron Empires', dives into America's struggles with high-speed rail. He discusses how the U.S. lags behind other countries, despite having historical prowess in railroads. Hiltzik highlights the financial and political hurdles of projects like California's ambitious train line. The conversation also reveals high-speed rail's transformative potential to connect cities and improve lives, prompting reflections on how America can reclaim its rail legacy.

Eric Levitz, a writer at Vox who explores the intersection of culture and politics, joins Adam Clark Estes, a senior technology correspondent at Vox. They dive into the alarming decline of reading in America and its effects on cognitive abilities and social interactions. The discussion extends to how digital orality and short-form videos are reshaping communication, particularly in politics. They also tackle the mental health implications of social media habits and celebrate the immersive joy of reading free from distractions.

Ian Millhiser, a keen observer of Supreme Court dynamics and law for Vox, joins to discuss the controversial confirmation of Emil Bove, a judge closely tied to Trump. They dive into how such political connections shape judicial appointments and what that could mean for future Supreme Court nominations. Millhiser highlights the increasing use of the 'shadow docket' under Trump, raising concerns about partisanship. The conversation blends humor with insightful commentary on the implications for justice and democracy.

Jason Kebler, a tech reporter and co-founder of 404 Media, dives into the tumultuous intersection of AI and copyright law. He discusses landmark lawsuits affecting authors and highlights the ethical dilemmas of using unlicensed materials for AI training. Kebler addresses the penguins’ impact of AI on Google Search, emphasizing concerns over content quality and shifts in user experience. He also explores how these developments threaten online creativity, while public interactions evolve amidst growing distrust towards AI.

Anat Pelled, a Wall Street Journal reporter based in Tel Aviv, and Arno Rosenfeld, a journalist at The Forward, delve into the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They discuss the dire food shortages affecting families, particularly children, and the international calls for increased aid. The complexities of aid distribution, influenced by political dynamics and accusations against various organizations, are examined. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by humanitarian efforts amidst chaos, highlighting the urgent need for solutions in a desperate situation.

Andrew Prokop, Senior politics correspondent at Vox, dives into the tangled web of the Epstein scandal and its impact on American politics. He discusses how Epstein's notorious legacy fuels a variety of conspiracy theories and highlights the political fallout, particularly for figures like Donald Trump. Prokop also tackles the ongoing Russian interference narrative, examining how these narratives shape public perception and influence political strategy. The conversation artfully reveals the intersection of scandal, conspiracy, and accountability in contemporary politics.

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.