Today, Explained

Wizzy Kim, a senior reporter at Vox, and Elizabeth Pancotti, a strategic advisor at the Groundwork Collaborative, dive into the rising costs of groceries. They discuss how prices have surged by 25% since 2019 and the troubling trend of 'shrinkflation' where products shrink while prices rise. The duo also examines supply chain disruptions and the government's struggle to implement effective price controls. With insights on market competition and comparisons to European grocery strategies, they shed light on what's really driving up our grocery bills.

Shohei Ohtani, a record-setting player renowned for his extraordinary skills as both a pitcher and hitter, recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this insightful conversation, he reflects on his groundbreaking $700 million contract and its implications for the future of MLB. Ohtani also discusses his role as a cultural ambassador, shedding light on the sport's ongoing diversity challenges, particularly the declining representation of Black players, and the efforts needed to create a more inclusive baseball environment.

Andrew Walker, an associate professor of Christian ethics, joins to dissect the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that classifies embryos as children. He shares compelling insights on the ethical dilemmas surrounding IVF, where pro-life beliefs clash with modern family planning. The discussion navigates the political implications of reproductive rights, revealing how this topic could shape voter sentiment and the upcoming elections. Walker's expert perspective adds depth to the ongoing dialogue about personhood and reproductive technologies.

Argentina is facing a staggering inflation rate over 200%, and the country is divided over its new anarcho-capitalist president, Javier Milei. Reports from Buenos Aires highlight the harsh realities of life as citizens grapple with economic shock therapy measures. Protests and strikes are erupting as many express dissent against his radical policies. Through the voices of the populace, the podcast captures the struggles and hopes of a nation burning with discontent and looking for change amidst economic turmoil.

Abed Ayyub, the National Director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, discusses the shifting perspectives among Arab and Muslim Americans in Michigan regarding Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Bill Ballinger, publisher of TheBallingerReport.com, provides insights on the significance of uncommitted voters in the presidential primary. Both highlight the community's growing dissatisfaction and possible support for alternatives, including Donald Trump, while examining the political landscape and implications for Biden's re-election viability.

Alice Fullwood, an economics writer at The Economist, and Kate Mann, an associate professor at Cornell, dive into the harsh realities of fatphobia in America. They discuss how fat women earn less than their thinner counterparts and face obstacles in promotions. The conversation critiques the societal pressure for weight loss linked to economic and career opportunities. They evaluate the efficacy of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, revealing that economic success goes beyond mere body transformation and challenges deep-rooted biases in health and employment.

In this engaging discussion, economics journalist Michael Tukjer sheds light on how Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug, Ozempic, is a financial powerhouse for Denmark. Writer Josh Barrow dives into Ozempic's booming popularity and its profound societal impacts. They explore the economic dependency of cities revitalized by job creation from the pharmaceutical giant. The conversation also touches on the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and the potential future of obesity treatment in America, as these drugs reshape the healthcare landscape.

ProPublica reporter Mary Hudetz, an expert on Native American repatriation, joins curator Catherine Roberts Shteynberg from the McClung Museum to discuss the impacts of new federal regulations on museum exhibits. They highlight the urgent need for museums to gain consent from Native tribes before displaying artifacts. The conversation dives into the ethical complexities of repatriation, the evolution of museum practices, and the vital importance of centering Indigenous perspectives in cultural heritage discussions.

Andrea Bernstein, a seasoned reporter and host of "We Don't Talk About Leonard," sheds light on Donald Trump's recent legal setbacks. Joined by Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent at Vox, they discuss the staggering implications of Trump's half a billion dollars in debt. They explore how these financial troubles impact not just Trump, but the broader political landscape. The conversation dives into the complexities of his legal challenges and how they might influence his presidential campaign, revealing the intricate dance of money, power, and public opinion.

Mie Dahl, a freelance reporter focusing on the Panama Canal, and Sharat Ganapati, an assistant professor of international economics, discuss the severe drought impacting the canal's shipping capacity. They unpack the cascading effects on global trade, emphasizing rising costs and delivery delays for US-bound goods. Climate change's role in this crisis is also examined, alongside potential solutions for water management. The conversation reveals how geopolitical tensions further complicate global shipping routes, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.