Today, Explained

Explore the contrasting political movements stemming from the Great Recession. Discover how shareholder capitalism evolved in the 1980s, igniting frustration that led to the rise of the Tea Party. Experience the vibrant protests of Occupy Wall Street, where diverse voices united against capitalism. Delve into the changes in news consumption and its impact on American politics. Finally, uncover the shared grievances of seemingly opposing groups, revealing a common discontent with the capitalist system and the urgency for systemic reform.

Michael E. Mann, a leading climate scientist and author, dives into the six D-words crucial for understanding climate change this Climate Week. He discusses the 'hockey stick graph,' revealing alarming temperature trends and collective skepticism towards climate science. Mann emphasizes the shift from denial to division tactics used by industries like ExxonMobil. He critiques the deflection of responsibility, stressing that individuals alone can't fix this crisis. The conversation culminates with a call for urgent, systemic action to secure our future.

Stephen Nesson, a transit reporter at New York Public Radio, dives into New York City's groundbreaking plan for congestion pricing. He discusses its potential to reduce traffic and improve air quality while highlighting the legal challenges from New Jersey. Nesson also reflects on the historical context of congestion pricing, including past efforts and public reactions. He emphasizes the broader implications for urban transportation policies, especially as the nation watches New York's ambitious approach.

Join Marin Cogan, a Senior Correspondent at Vox, and Umair Irfan, a reporter covering climate change, as they dive into Florida's explosive growth amid rising sea levels. They discuss how newcomers are reshaping the political landscape and culture while examining the dichotomy of Miami's booming real estate against a backdrop of declining population. The conversation highlights innovative sustainability efforts and the challenges faced by residents in a city striving to balance development with climate resilience.

In a compelling discussion, Nora Eckert, an auto reporter for The Wall Street Journal, shares insights on the ongoing United Auto Workers strike, highlighting workers' demands for fair wages and better working conditions. Marick Masters, a business professor at Wayne State University, analyzes the reluctance of the Detroit Big Three automakers to meet those demands. They explore innovative strike tactics, the struggle for equity in the auto industry, and the evolving identity of Detroit amidst the looming shift to electric vehicles.

The conversation kicks off with a look at capitalism's neglect of marginalized communities, especially Black individuals. It dives into the battle between Milton Friedman's profit-first ideology and Ralph Nader's push for corporate responsibility. The discussion reveals how Jack Welch's leadership at General Electric transformed corporate priorities, leading to a focus on shareholder profits at the expense of social responsibility. Finally, it questions the legitimacy of corporate philanthropy in an era where profit often outweighs ethics.

Jenny Town, the Director of the 38 North program at the Stimson Center, delves into Kim Jong Un's recent bulletproof train ride to meet Vladimir Putin. She highlights the mutual benefits of their evolving alliance amid geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning military cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. Town also discusses North Korea’s pressing food security issues, exacerbated by the pandemic, and Kim's push for agricultural reforms. Surprisingly, she illuminates North Korea's unexpected strategic ties with nations like Cuba and Venezuela.

Dr. Keren Landman, Vox's in-house epidemiologist, dives into the emergence of the Pirola COVID variant and its implications for public health. She shares insights on the recent surge in cases, particularly affecting children, as schools reopen. The conversation touches on the evolving public attitudes towards health risks and the importance of adaptable strategies for managing safety. Landman also discusses the challenges of tracking new variants and emphasizes the ongoing relevance of vaccination and treatments like Paxlovid in navigating this new landscape.

Adi Robertson, a Senior Editor at The Verge, and David Pierce, Editor-at-large at The Verge, dive into Google's antitrust case. They discuss the trial's implications for competition in internet search and the intricacies of proving Google's alleged anti-competitive practices. The conversation highlights Google's journey from a Stanford startup to a dominant player, revolutionizing how we access information. Listeners will gain insights into the historical context of Google's rise and how it reshaped digital visibility, illuminating the ongoing challenges posed by big tech.

Aruna Viswanatha, a Wall Street Journal reporter covering high-stakes investigations, teams up with Jonathan Lemire, White House bureau chief for Politico. They dissect the upcoming indictment of Hunter Biden and its potential fallout on President Biden's reelection campaign. Key discussions revolve around Hunter's personal struggles with addiction and legal troubles, the Biden administration's strategy in addressing ongoing investigations, and how these controversies might reshape public perception and political dynamics during a crucial election season.