Today, Explained

Latest Episodes:

The spike in gun violence (Part I) Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

The nation’s murder rate rose by almost 25 percent last year — the largest increase in at least 60 years. This year might be even worse. ProPublica’s Alec MacGillis reports on “The Great Regression.”

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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An earlier version of this episode inaccurately described the no-cash bail policies District Attorney Larry Krasner's office has pursued since the start of the pandemic. The episode previously stated that Krasner stopped requesting bail in many gun cases. After publication, the office said it has pursued high bail in almost all gun cases.

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The Capitol police speak Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

Capitol police officers testified on Tuesday in the building they defended on January 6. Seamus Hughes, a former congressional investigator, explains whether their testimony will make a difference.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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The Covid Olympics Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

The 2020 Games were mired in scandal before they even started. Vox’s Jen Kirby explains how things are going now that the Olympics have finally begun.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Panic! At The Delta Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

Vox’s Umair Irfan explains why the United States is seeing another Covid-19 surge. Dr. Rhea Boyd says the country is getting unvaccinated people all wrong.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Infrastructure Pete Jul 23, 2021

Show notes

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explains what he and his boss are calling a once-in-a-generation spending plan.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Human infrastructure Jul 23, 2021

Show notes

President Biden wants infrastructure spending to include child care, elder care, food assistance, even community college. Vox’s Anna North explains how he might convince Republicans in Congress.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Our No. 2 problem Jul 21, 2021

Show notes

America’s sewage system is total crap, but there’s a new plumber in town.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Why we can’t have nice trains Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

And how it got so dam expensive to build things in America.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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Hot infrastructure summer Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

It’s a big week for President Biden’s infrastructure plans. Vox’s Li Zhou explains the obstacles in his way, and a historian says one of them is our collective memory.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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#FreeBritney was right Jul 16, 2021

Show notes

Britney Spears returned to conservatorship court this week. Vox’s Constance Grady explains how Spears has rapidly become the face of a legal reform movement.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained.

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