Today, Explained

Joining the conversation are Alex Duval, an experienced Sudan scholar and director of the World Peace Foundation, and Josh Keating, a Vox reporter specializing in foreign policy. They dive into the conflict sparked by two military generals in Sudan and discuss Trump’s involvement. Duval reveals harrowing accounts of massacres and the RSF's brutal tactics, while Keating analyzes U.S. diplomatic efforts and the complexities of regional influences, particularly from the UAE. The risks of simplified diplomacy are also assessed, highlighting the challenges ahead.

Join Kadia Goba, a Congress reporter for The Washington Post, and Jacob Shamsian from Business Insider as they delve into the political ramifications of Trump’s push to release the Epstein files. Goba discusses the surprising bipartisan support in Congress and reveals tensions within the GOP. Shamsian explores intriguing emails from Epstein's estate, including mysterious references to Trump and the implications of a 'Bubba' email. Together, they predict the ongoing fallout and scrutiny from the newly released documents, highlighting the complexities of this evolving story.

Victoria Guida, an economics correspondent for Politico, and Catherine Rampell, economics editor at The Bulwark, dive into the complexities of pricing amid economic promises. They discuss how Trump's tariffs aimed at job protection have inadvertently raised prices. The duo explores the rising costs of energy and food, as well as escalating housing prices. Rampell highlights the difficulty of presidential influence over prices, emphasizing that falling prices may indicate economic trouble. Voter dissatisfaction rooted in unmet affordability promises adds a fascinating layer to the conversation.

Join Jerusalem Dimsay, an insightful housing commentator, Aisha Roscoe, an NPR host and shared homeowner, and Rachel Cohen-Booth, a Vox policy correspondent, as they dive into the changing landscape of housing. They explore why homeownership is overrated and discuss Aisha's shared living experiment with a friend, balancing finances and family. Rachel highlights innovative housing trends like adult dorms and intergenerational sharing, while Jerusalem argues that renting can enhance social mobility and better align with today's reality.

Evan Osnos, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Haves and Have Yachts,' explores the soaring number of billionaires and the growing backlash against them. He unpacks how tax rules have favored wealth accumulation and examines the cultural display of lavish luxuries. With shifting public sentiment and rising resentment over inequality, Evan discusses the implications of billionaires in politics and society. He connects social media visibility with increasing discontent, explaining why anti-billionaire sentiment is peaking.

Danny Font, a reporter covering sports betting and author of *Everybody Loses*, dives into the growing scandal surrounding MLB players manipulating bets. He discusses how micro prop bets enable real-time exploitation and the explosive rise of live betting thanks to tech advancements. Font explores why wealthy athletes still gamble and the dark side of betting's impact on fans and player safety. He also examines the history of legalized betting, the persistence of black markets, and the potential tipping points for a reckoning in the industry.

David Gilbert, a reporter for Wired specializing in disinformation and online extremism, dives into the troubling rise of Nick Fuentes, a controversial figure within conservative circles. He explains Fuentes' antisemitic beliefs and his unique appeal to disaffected young men seeking identity and community. The discussion unfolds how Fuentes employs strategic media tactics to gain traction and infiltrate the GOP, raising questions about the Republican Party's future as it grapples with extremist elements. Gilbert's insights reveal underlying fractures within the right.

Sumita Mukhopadhyay, a writer and editor, shares her personal journey with the weight-loss drug Manjaro, detailing its emotional and physical effects. Dr. Dan Bessison, an endocrinologist, explains the evolving medical understanding of obesity and the revolutionary impact of GLP-1 drugs. They discuss how these medications change appetite and behavior, the historic stigma around weight loss treatments, and the challenges patients face when adjusting to life changes post-medication. Their insights reveal a new era in the conversation about dieting and health.

Join Andrew Prokop, a senior political correspondent for Vox, and David Axelrod, seasoned political analyst, as they dissect the recent government shutdown deal. Prokop unpacks the complex dynamics that led to bipartisan support from Democrats despite pushback. Axelrod explores the electoral implications and strategic shifts influenced by recent elections. They also discuss the pressure from real-world impacts like SNAP cuts and unpaid federal workers, and the mixed reactions to Chuck Schumer’s leadership amidst these challenges.

Lisa Jarvis, a healthcare reporter for Bloomberg, helps listeners navigate the complexities of health insurance, from understanding premiums to choosing plans during open enrollment. Julie Rovner of KFF Health News sheds light on why U.S. healthcare costs are skyrocketing, highlighting factors like aging populations and weak price regulation. Dylan Scott from Vox discusses alternative insurance options, such as cost-sharing ministries, and their potential pitfalls. Together, they provide valuable insights on reducing healthcare spending in a high-cost system.