Today, Explained

The Democratic Socialists of America is seeing a surge of enthusiasm for its candidates around the country.

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

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on his election night. Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images.

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Jared and Ivanka Kushner thought they were investing in luxury resorts in Albania. Instead, they sparked the biggest protests the country has seen since the fall of communism.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in Egypt last year. Photo by YOAN VALAT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

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Fender declared war on guitar makers. Lululemon declared war on Costco. Ugg declared war on Quince. Welcome to the era of the dupe product wars.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers and Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Photo by Francois LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.

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The World Cup is showing what Trump can’t destroy about America.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

US fans at the FIFA Fan Festival at LA Memorial Coliseum after the US scored their first goal against Paraguay. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images.

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The trick to living a longer, happier life.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Michelle Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Iris Apfel celebrating her 100th birthday party in New York City. Photo by Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images for Central Park Tower.

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The group of men that famously helped propel Trump to the White House in 2024 is having second thoughts. Here’s what that means for Republicans in the future.

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.

Fans at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the South Lawn of the White House where President Trump hosted Ultimate Fighting Championship matches. Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images.

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No friends, no kids, no partner. You might think their lives are sad, but loneliness influencers are attracting huge followings.

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

Screenshot from Lana Isa's Instagram account in which she charts her life as a single girl with no friends, no partner and no kids.

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Donald Trump famously came to Washington, DC to “drain the swamp,” but he may have inadvertently created one.

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

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and algae this morning. Photo by Sean Rameswaram/Vox.

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Ten ways Elon Musk could use his money to make the world a better place... and why he probably won’t.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

A poster critical of Elon Musk's wealth from the "Everyone Hates Elon" activist group in England. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images.

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President Trump's ongoing efforts to become a mobile mogul and to run a bank suggest Trump grift is alive and well.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Trump Mobile offers both a cellular plan and a smartphone that will provide the same coverage as the three nationwide phone service carriers. Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

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North Korea has been led by a string of vicious dictators — all men. But Kim Jong Un seems to be auditioning his daughter for the job.

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

A TV screenshot of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un's daughter attending a parade for North Korea's 75th anniversary. Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images.

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They’re the deadliest animal on the planet. Now even Google is getting into the extermination business.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Michelle Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A tiger mosquito is crushed in the hand of a man after being bitten. Photo by MATTHIEU DELATY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images.

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AI, policing and generational change are among the issues influencing two primary races in New York that reflect the broader 2026 midterms.

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.

Voting signage at a polling location for the primary election in New York. Photo by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Gen Z is saying no to dating and backing away from romantic relationships. This episode of The Gray Area explains why.

This episode was produced by Beth Morrissey and Thor Neureiter, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and Cristian Ayala, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, and hosted by Sean Illing.

Photo by Michael Nguyen/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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The president's push to redraw congressional maps to favor Republicans is making voters mad on both sides.

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

State Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, speaking to demonstrators after the state's governor approved a new congressional map that will aid Republicans. Photo by Madison Thorn/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Deal or no deal? Doesn’t matter. The war on Iran has irrevocably transformed the country and the region.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

An anti-President Trump billboard on the street in Tehran. Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images.

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Former supporters of President Trump have speculated about whether he could be the Antichrist. Accusations like this are not new to politics in the US.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

New York Daily News front page for February 19, 2016. Photo by New York Daily News via Getty Images.

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President Trump's messaging on the economy is increasingly bizarre. So is our perception of it.

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

A sticker depicting President Trump on a fuel pump at a Shell gas station. Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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How our relationship with writing has changed, and how that’s changed us.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A third grader practices his cursive handwriting at P.S.166 in Queens, N.Y. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer.

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Hasan Piker has become one of the most prominent leftist voices in the US. But his rapid rise has sparked a furious backlash from establishment Democrats -- specifically the Third Way think tank.

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.

Further reading: Third Way’s critique of Hasan Piker in the Wall Street Journal.

The streamer Hasan Piker speaking at a conference in Vancouver. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Ge...

It's blockbuster season, but low-budget horror films from YouTubers — like Iron Lung, Obsession, and Backrooms — are what's got Hollywood talking.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

A still from the movie Backrooms. Courtesy A24 Films.

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And once a brand has lost its cool, it's almost impossible to get it back.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces wearing her Nike A'One player exclusive signature shoes. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

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Senate candidate Graham Platner swept the Maine Democratic primary no problem. The question is whether his "authenticity" can carry him past his scandals to a win in November.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Graham Platner at an event with voters in Portland, Maine. Photo by Laura Brett/Getty Images.

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America's 250th birthday party has gotten political. So did its last big one.

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

The Capitol and Lincoln Memorial near a video display showing "250" projected on the Washington Monument during an America250 kickoff celebration. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Russia has long been a cradle of modern longevity science, even before its current president started spending billions to extend his life.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin sunbathing during a vacation in southern Siberia. Photo by Alexey NIKOLSKY / SPUTNIK / AFP via Getty Images.

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YouTube has advice for how to do everything from plumbing to electrical work. Should you take it?

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Home improvement DIY-er Imani Keal painting her Washington, DC apartment.

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We went to Virginia to report on redistricting. What we found was a potential new message for Democrats to win over voters.

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.

Voters attending a candidate forum hosted by RVA indivisible at the Libby Mill Library in Richmond, VA. Photo credit Alex Peterson.

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Ferrari is about to drop an almost $700,000 electric vehicle on the market. It has even fewer fans than the typical EV.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Handout photo of Ferrari Luce. Ferrari/PA/Press Association via AP Images.

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Trump and Netanyahu are beefing over Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon. Israel has seized land there, in Gaza, and in Syria. And in service of something called "Greater Israel," it may not be done yet.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arriving for a press conference at the White House. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images.

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The Trump administration will no longer create a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, the latest in a series of losses for the President and his agenda.

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

President Donald Trump dancing on stage after delivering remarks. Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images.

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Some of the richest companies on Earth want your money. OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX are racing to raise as much of it as possible by going public.

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

SpaceX's Starship 39 rocket launching from Starbase during the 12th test flight. Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images.

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As Ebola continues to spread in Central and East Africa, conspiracies and myths about the disease are making it harder to control.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

A health worker crouching beside the coffin of a suspected Ebola victim during safe burial procedures in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo by Michel Lunanga/Getty Images.

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Our fears about infidelity reveal a lot about us. And so do our reasons for cheating.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Jay-Z and Beyonce attend a gala in 2014 in New York. Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.

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Democrats talk a lot about protecting democracy, but for most Americans, the system was written to exclude them a long time ago.

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.

Photo by Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times 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 ⁠vo...

The Enhanced Games are kind of like the Olympics except everyone is on performance enhancing drugs. The organizers want to push back on the shame of doping. But they're also trying to sell you something.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Deadlifter Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson competes in the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas. Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Enhanced.

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Ben Shapiro used to be the leading voice in MAGA media. His downfall tells a bigger story of chaos and shifting allegiances in the conservative media world.

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

Commentator Ben Shapiro at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Argentina. Photo by Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images.

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Lawmakers around the country are trying to make it easier to access raw milk. Our co-host Sean takes a sip.

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

A cow gets acquainted with Today, Explained’s Sean Rameswaram at Prigel Family Creamery in Glen Arm, Maryland.

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Cuba seems willing to concede more than ever if the Trump administration is willing to take the win.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

A rally in support of former Cuban president Raul Castro outside the US Embassy in Havana. Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images.

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Real-life humans are searching for love and seem to be finding it… with their chatbots. We revisit our conversation with them.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

An AI rendering of Anina Lampret and her chatbot.

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In this episode from last year, we explain how a return to orality is frying our politics and our brains.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers and Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Denise Guerra, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images.

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