Today, Explained

Josh Kosman, a writer for the New York Post, dissects the Las Vegas Sphere's tumultuous first year. He discusses the challenges of balancing profitability and the visitor experience in an innovative venue. Listeners learn about the Sphere’s struggle to attract high-profile acts, its approach of booking older bands, and its grand vision amid financial hurdles. Kosman also touches on the impact of AI on investment strategies and the venue's mixed receptions, raising questions about its future in the rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

JP Acosta, a contributor to SB Nation, and Pablo Torre, a noted sports commentator, dive into the revolution of college athletics driven by name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. They discuss how these changes allow athletes to monetize their brands while highlighting disparities in earnings. The duo debates whether college athletes should be considered employees, the ethics of funding transparency, and the evolving relationship between college sports and the professional arena. Their insights shed light on the future challenges facing the NCAA and the landscape of college athletics.

Amir Tibon, a diplomatic correspondent for Haaretz and author of "The Gates of Gaza," teams up with Stephen A. Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss the fraught landscape of Israeli-Hamas negotiations. They explore the complexities of achieving a ceasefire amidst conflicting demands and the human toll on hostages' families. The duo also examines how Trump's presidency might shape U.S. foreign policy in the region, highlighting the evolving dynamics of diplomacy and the implications for both Israel and Palestine.

Karla Adam, UK correspondent for The Washington Post, and Maren Cogan, Vox's senior correspondent living in Switzerland, delve into the contentious right-to-die debate. They discuss the growing trend of assisted suicide across nations and the ethical dilemmas surrounding it. Adam shares insights from a historic UK vote favoring legalization, while Cogan highlights Switzerland's assisted dying model. The conversation explores personal narratives of suffering and the delicate balance between autonomy and care in end-of-life decisions.

Mary Beth Sheridan, Mexico City bureau chief for The Washington Post, and Kaylee Glenn, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in US-Canada relations, dive deep into Trump's unconventional diplomacy tactics. They discuss his startling remarks on Canada and Mexico, drawing attention to trade tensions and potential economic impacts stemming from tariffs. The conversation highlights Mexico's concerns over Trump's aggressive policies and how his rhetoric reshapes diplomatic norms, leaving allies in a precarious position.

E.J. Dixon, a Senior writer at New York Magazine's The Cut, and Sarah Peterson, author of "Momfluenced," dive into the intriguing world of Trad Wives. They discuss the allure of traditional gender roles, the rise of Evie Magazine as a conservative alternative to mainstream publications, and how social media shapes these identities. The conversation offers a nuanced look at societal perceptions of femininity and the cultural shifts in women's media, all while questioning the implications of these movements for women's empowerment.

Omar Alshogre, a Syrian refugee and activist, discusses his traumatic experiences in prison and the complexities of returning to Syria after the regime's collapse. Dr. Amani Qadour, a humanitarian expert, highlights the ongoing struggles of refugees and the dangers of repatriation in a still-volatile environment. Together, they explore the emotional conflicts faced by many Syrians as they navigate their identities and the uncertain future that awaits them in their homeland.

The US saw a significant drop in the number of drug overdose deaths. The Trump administration has a shot at keeping the trend going. STAT News's addiction reporter, Lev Facher, explains.This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.An addiction recovery billboard in Minneapolis. Photo by Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brittany Kriegstein, a reporter for Gothamist covering crime stories, provides insights into the shocking shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including the bizarre social media reactions that followed. Bob Herman from Stat News discusses the public's growing anger towards UnitedHealthcare, highlighting the significant disconnect between the company and its users. They delve into systemic issues plaguing U.S. health insurance, exploring how profit-driven motives affect patient care and the broader implications for workplace safety in the industry.

Sarah Nassauer, a retail reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into Target's recent struggles in the competitive retail landscape. She highlights how the brand's traditional identity has faltered as shoppers shift to rivals like Walmart. Nassauer discusses Target's stagnating sales and efforts to win back consumers amid rising inflation. The conversation explores Walmart's strategic pivot to attract higher-income shoppers and its challenges in balancing pricing with customer loyalty. It's a revealing look at the evolving dynamics of retail.