Today, Explained

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Trump v. Mangione Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

The Trump administration is seeking the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, who is scheduled back in court this week. Plus, a closer look at a work that may have inspired Mangione (the Unabomber’s manifesto).

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Luigi Mangione appearing at a February hearing for the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson. Photo by Curtis Means - Pool/Getty Images.

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Why Harvard is fighting back Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Harvard is refusing to play along with the Trump administration's demands of elite universities, whereas at least 10 Florida public universities are openly cooperating with ICE.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.

Harvard University's unofficial turkey mascot during a February college basketball game. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

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Art of the (Iran) deal Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Iran allegedly plotted to assassinate President Donald Trump late last year. But that’s not stopping the Trump administration from trying to strike a nuclear deal with Iran.

This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey and Travis Larchuk, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Further reading: Revenge by Alex Isenstadt.

Newspaper front pages at a kiosk in Tehran as talks with the US begin. Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images.

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It’s China’s turn Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

China has spent years preparing for this trade war — and for a world no longer dominated by the US.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A store at a Beijing shopping mall displaying its advertising banner. AP Photo/Andy Wong.

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What if college isn't for everyone? Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

For decades, high schools and parents have prioritized college for all graduating seniors. Now, more students are asking if there's another way.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy and Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images.

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Watercooler TV is back Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

The Pitt, The White Lotus, and Severance have people talking about TV again. A writer from The Pitt and Vulture's Kathryn VanArendonk explain why.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

A scene from the medical drama The Pitt. Photograph by Warrick Page/Max via HBO.

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Laura Loomered the NSA Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

President Trump fired the head of the NSA — not because of a cyber attack, but because conservative activist Laura Loomer said so. How did she become so influential?

This episode was produced by Gabrielle Berbey and Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Far-right activist Laura Loomer. Photo by Jacob M. Langston for The Washington Post via Getty Images.

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Plastic rain, plastic rain Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

We (mostly) got rid of acid rain, but now there’s another scary thing falling from the sky.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Further reading: We got rid of acid rain. Now something scarier is falling from the sky. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.

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The nostalgia economy Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

President Donald Trump’s tariffs are meant to return America to a throwback economy — and culture. An economist who advises the White House makes the case for why looking to the past is the best plan for the future.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: The powerful force behind Trump's tariffs. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

President Trump during his “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event last week. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

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Project 2025’s next chapter Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Project Esther offers a blueprint for casting some campus protesters as part of a “Hamas Support Network,” making it easier to detain and deport them. Critics say the plan doesn’t fight antisemitism — and could make it worse.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Further reading: Project Esther: A National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

An exterior view of The Heritage Foundation building. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

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