Today, Explained

Hasan Piker, a prominent left-leaning streamer and political commentator, teams up with Andrew Marantz, a staff writer for The New Yorker, to explore the shifting dynamics of the U.S. political landscape. They discuss the surprising increase in younger voters' support for Trump and what that means for Democrats. Piker offers unconventional strategies for engaging young male voters, while Marantz examines the impact of long-form media on political narratives. Together, they highlight the urgent need for innovative messaging in today's media environment.

Kate Shaw, a law professor and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, and Ian Millhiser, Vox's Supreme Court correspondent, dive into the tense relationship between Donald Trump and the judiciary. They discuss Trump's legal setbacks and his threats to impeach judges. The conversation sheds light on the balance of power between branches of government, the unusual involvement of Chief Justice Roberts in political matters, and the shifting loyalties among justices, particularly focusing on Amy Coney Barrett's judicial independence amidst Republican expectations.

Mary Kakatos, a health and science reporter for ABC News, dives into the alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S. despite its elimination in 2000. She discusses the significant outbreak in Western Texas, highlighting low vaccination rates and the impact of cultural beliefs. Kakatos tackles the misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly debunking unverified treatments promoted by anti-vaccine advocates. Listeners will find a mix of serious public health insights and humorous anecdotes, all underscoring the urgent need for vaccine education.

Marae Silkoff, an author known for her viral piece on aging and sex, Lisa Whittington-Hill, author of "Girls Interrupted," and Dr. Wendasha Jenkins-Hall, a human sexuality researcher, explore the blossoming sexual lives of Gen X women. They discuss how divorce can lead to newfound freedom, transforming dating dynamics, especially with younger partners. The guests also highlight the evolution of media portrayals of middle-aged women and the complexities of sexuality through the generations, encouraging a celebration of sexual autonomy at every stage of life.

Nadira Goffe, a staff writer at Slate with insights on pop culture, dives into the controversies surrounding Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White. She discusses representation and the portrayal of dwarfs, addressing outdated stereotypes. Goffe examines casting choices that have sparked political debates and how they fit into broader inclusivity discussions. The impact of the original animated classic versus the new take is also explored, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition and modern values in storytelling.

In this chat, Rachel Cohen, a Vox journalist focused on family policy, and Alice Evans, a Senior lecturer at King's College London, dive into the complexities of the pro-natalism movement. They discuss the dramatic decline in global birth rates and its societal implications. The conversation explores how fear of economic collapse and shifts in societal norms influence family planning. They also critique government intervention in personal reproductive choices and examine the rise of single lifestyles and loneliness among young people.

Ted Hessen, an immigration reporter at Reuters, and Lilia Luciano, a national correspondent for CBS News, delve into the complexities of U.S. deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador. They discuss the murky evidence surrounding gang affiliations and the harsh realities faced by deportees in a mega-prison. The conversation highlights the troubling conditions in El Salvador's prisons and raises critical questions about justice and due process under an autocratic regime, shedding light on broader implications for immigration policy and human rights.

Steve Herman, a longtime Voice of America correspondent and author, shares insights about the impact of recent government actions on the iconic broadcaster. Sarah Ellison, media reporter at The Washington Post, discusses Carrie Lake's controversial appointment and its implications for journalistic integrity. They explore the historical significance of VOA, its mission to deliver credible news, and the repercussions of its shutdown on global awareness. The conversation highlights the ongoing tensions between political influence and independent journalism.

In this discussion, Jeff Stein, Chief Economics Correspondent for The Washington Post, and Chris James Michener, Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University, dive into the ramifications of America's recent shift towards aggressive trade policies. They reflect on past protectionist measures, like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, and the economic fallout from earlier trade wars. The conversation highlights the uncertainty businesses face today, public sentiment on tariffs, and the broader implications for global trade relations and the economy.

In this engaging discussion, Abdullah Fayyad, a Vox writer focused on race and class issues, teams up with Eric Ellis, CEO of Integrity Development, to dissect the current backlash against corporate DEI initiatives. They explore how these efforts have evolved from mere compliance to attempts at real systemic change, revealing the tensions between performative actions and authentic commitments. The duo also highlights the impact of political shifts and social movements on these initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for genuine dialogue to foster meaningful change in workplaces.