Today, Explained

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RIP Spirit Airlines May 05, 2026

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Lessons from the life and death of America’s most beloved, most hated, most bootleg airline.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

Spirit Airlines planes parked on the tarmac in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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The Supreme Court's gerrymaxxing May 04, 2026

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States are already making changes to their election maps after the Supreme Court decided to unleash a new era of partisan gerrymandering. And just in time for the midterms!

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Activists protesting gerrymandering outside the Supreme Court. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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The cost of “I do” May 03, 2026

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Love is in the air, but only if you’ve got thousands to throw at it. How couples are navigating the pressures and expenses of planning their perfect wedding.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo of an October wedding by Alyssa Neely.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.

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Grading America's first 250 years May 02, 2026

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America at 250 years old may need a new founding document. Historian Heather Cox Richardson drafts a new social contract.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. In this episode, Richardson references a tweet of Boebert's, not a text.

A protester holds a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a US flag at a rally. Photo by ANDREW HOLBROOKE/Corbis via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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The burnout economy May 01, 2026

Show notes

From special coaches to luxury sleep vacations, you can beat burnout — for a price.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

Producer Peter Balonon-Rosen with his recording equipment in his room at the Sleep Lab at Equinox Hotel in New York.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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The Michael Jackson "biopic" Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

The movie is breaking records at the box office despite — or maybe because of — moonwalking past the abuse allegations.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Today, Explained host Sean Rameswaram at a matinee showing of Michael.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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China is winning the Iran war Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

The US and Iran still have not reached a deal to end the war, but one winner is already clear: China.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz. Handout Photo by the US Navy via Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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“Staged” Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Conspiracy theories flooded the internet after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. What used to be fringe is now a default reaction.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Security agents rush HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of the ballroom during the shooting at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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Who's afraid of teen takeovers? Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Teenagers are taking over pockets of American cities and local governments are struggling to deal with them. We set out in search of solutions.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

An AI-generated flyer saying “Link up at U Street” advertising a teen takeover in Washington, DC.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠

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Burnout sandwich Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

How to manage the squeeze of taking care of your kids and your parents at the same time.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Three generations of a family. Photo by ANDRE PAIN/AFP via Getty Images.

You can find AARP's Care for the Caregiver guide here.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.
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