Today, Explained

America runs on credit. Those plastic cards we carry around can get us into big trouble — or score us free vacations.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Avishay Artsy and Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File.

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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Jeffrey Epstein remained a thriving member of the elite for decades, even when everyone seemed to know what he was doing.

This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Pictures provided by the Department of Justice as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on video at 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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A thousand bucks to see Harry Styles. Who’s to blame for high concert ticket prices, and why some artists are ditching the tour bus altogether.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Harry Styles performing at The O2 Arena in London. Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images.

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The DHS secretary and her work husband who have been tormenting America.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Corey Lewandowski behind her. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images.

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When streamer Clavicular bashes his face with a hammer or does meth to stay skinny, it's not just himself he's hurting.

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

Illustration photo of a male TikTok influencer hammering his cheekbone. Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images.

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Lessons from the defeat of the "Trump of the Tropics."

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King. It was supported by a grant from Protect Democracy. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace. Photo by Ton Molina/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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Protein in your soda. Protein in your cereal. Protein in your bread. In this rerun from last year, we explain how protein got added into so much of what we eat and drink.

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

Protein Cold Foam drink at Starbucks. Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images.

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When crises hit, neighbors turn to mutual aid.

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

Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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JB Pritzker of Illinois has a playbook for fighting back against the Trump administration — and he says it's working.

This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joins demonstrators during a "No Kings" protest in Chicago. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on video at 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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GLP-1 drugs are easier than ever to get. But losing weight might also mean losing your personality.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Ads for GLP-1 drugs are everywhere. A Super Bowl commercial for GLP-1 drugs. Photo by Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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The number of immigration cases has risen sharply since President Donald Trump took office, and DOJ lawyers are crashing out.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Dustin DeSoto and Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Federal agents arresting a man in Minneapolis. Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images.

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Donald Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations helped him win. But the reality of enforcement is hitting people hard. Even in red states.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Dustin DeSoto and Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo by Lauren Miller, Montana Free Press, CatchLight Local/Report for America.

Further reading: You can follow Montana Free Press coverage at this link: https://montanafreepress.org/froid.

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On Moltbook, AI agents yap about their creators, trade coding tips, and wonder about the meaning of life and memory. Should we be concerned?

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.

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President Trump has a track record of election interference. And now he's threatening to nationalize or even cancel the midterm elections.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A protester holding a "Stop the steal" placard during a pro-Trump demonstration. Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.

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The days are shorter and colder, and can leave us feeling listless and drained of energy. When do the winter blues tip over into seasonal affective disorder, and how do we make the most of the season?

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Avishay Artsy, it was also edited by Avishay alongside Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Thomas Warnack/picture alliance via Getty Images. 

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. 

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett wants you to know she comes by her controversies and clap-backs honestly.

This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado and Hady Mawajdeh, mixed by Shannon Mahoney and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) at a SiriusXM Town Hall. Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for SiriusXM.

You can also watch this episode on video at 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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From the Grammys to the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny is having an amazing year. We’re revisiting last summer’s historic concert series in his home island of Puerto Rico.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Press Conference . Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images.

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Millions of new documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have been released, and it doesn't look good for the world's rich and powerful.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Jeffrey Epstein posing with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 1997. Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images.

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TikTok has new owners in the US. With claims of censorship, widespread outages, and possible algorithm changes on the way, the reboot has been rocky so far.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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As a first lady, Melania Trump has kept a low profile. Until now.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

First Lady Melania Trump at the world premiere of Melania at The Trump Kennedy Center. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.

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President Donald Trump will be 80 this year. He says worries about his age and health are unfounded. But the evidence is mixed, and Americans are suspicious after President Joe Biden said the same thing.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Nicki Minaj and President Trump hold hands on stage, making visible the bruise on Trump's hand. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

Further reading: 'The Superhuman President'.

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The internet is forever. So how do we handle posts from our past selves?

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Hady Mawajdeh.  

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. 

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The polls all point to the new reality: Trump voters are disappointed in the president they helped elect, especially when it comes to ICE, affordability, and the Epstein files. We hear from them.

This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

President Trump after a rally in North Carolina. Photo by Cornell Watson/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Thanks to The Bulwark’s Focus Group podcast for their swing voter footage.

You can also watch this episode on video at 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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It's 2016 on the internet again. The nostalgia is a reminder that many Millennials are starting to hit their first "aging cliff."

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Drake poses with his awards during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. Photo by David Becker/Getty Images.

Further Reading: Falling off the aging cliff at 44

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President Donald Trump has issued a flurry of pardons and commutations in his second term — but it's not entirely different from how his predecessors used that power.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers and Jenny Lawton, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

President Trump at the 2025 Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House. Photo by Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images.

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The president's Board of Peace is kind of like the UN Security Council. But it costs a billion dollars to join for life. Israel, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina have already signed on.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

President Trump at the "Board of Peace" meeting during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images.

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Young conservatives are struggling with where to turn after Kirk's assassination. Some of the options are frightening.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

A woman holding an American flag at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. Photo by Olivier Touron / AFP via Getty Images.

Further Reading: Inside the Conservative Campus Revolution
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Federal agents killed a second civilian observer in Minneapolis this weekend. Now, the Trump administration is feeling the political pressure.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Miles Bryan with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

A makeshift memorial for Alex Pretti after he was shot dead by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Photo by Octavio JONES / AFP via Getty Images.

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Bland colors, AI summaries, and declining literacy rates have lots of us worried that we’re losing our intelligence to the modern world. Can we get it back?

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images. 

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. 

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Thousands of federal immigration officers have descended onto Minneapolis. The state is in a full-blown conflict with the Trump administration. What can Democratic leaders do, and what it would mean if Trump invoked the Insurrection Act there?

This episode was produced by Jesse Ash, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado and Danielle Hewitt, engineered by Shannon Mahoney, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A demonstrator holds a photo of Renee Nicole Good, the anti-ICE protester fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images. 

You can also watch this episode on video at ⁠⁠youtube.com/vox⁠⁠.

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More young people are insisting on prenups. They’re not just for millionaires and celebrities anymore.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers and Jenny Lawton, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo by Chantal CASANOVA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.

Further listening: The Breadwinners Podcast featuring guest Libby Leffler.

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President Trump has given up trying to buy Greenland — at least for now.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

President Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

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Trump wants to hire a slew of new ICE agents. He's targeting fans of NASCAR, UFC, video games and guns.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Chicago. Photo by Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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Trump has delivered conservatives much of the Project 2025 wishlist already. The Heritage Foundation wants him to keep going.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Donald Trump being sworn into office a year ago. Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson - Pool/Getty Images.

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How a nepo baby from Australia changed political discourse and remade the world. We revisit the rise of Rupert Murdoch and his media empire.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen with help from Denise Guerra, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Rupert Murdoch speaking at a Fox News podium. Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images.

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Why we’re obsessed with Heated Rivalry and hooking up on the small screen.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton and Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. 

Heated Rivalry press photo by Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max. 

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Let them eat steak.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

The revised Food Pyramid from the Department of Health and Human Services. Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images.

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Europe is taking President Donald Trump’s threats against Greenland more seriously after the US’s actions in Venezuela. But will intervention be a red line for Republicans in Congress?

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Protesters with Greenland flags outside the US embassy in Copenhagen. Photo by Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images.

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The Trump administration says Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have "immunity" in Minneapolis. That could mean few — or no — consequences for the agent who shot Renee Good.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

A Border Patrol Tactical Unit agent pepper sprays a protestor in south Minneapolis. Photo by Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images.

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The Trump administration has a warning for student loan borrowers in default: Pay up, or we'll take it out of your paycheck.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatisciore, and hosted by Noel King.

Image by Hokyoung Kim for Vox.

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When President Donald Trump took office, he promised to be tough on China. One year later, China's global position is stronger than ever.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Miles Bryan.

Labubu dolls on display at a Pop Mart store in Shanghai. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images.

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How this season’s flu got supercharged — and why viruses may make you healthier.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.  Photo by Elisa Schu/picture alliance via Getty Images. 

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here.  Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. 

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Most of us don't even realize it, but we're increasingly hearing AI music in the wild.

This episode was producer by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

Photo by Ying Tang/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

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First there was a fraud scandal involving the Somali community in Minnesota. Then, Trump sent in ICE. Now a woman is dead and people want answers.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado and Ariana Aspuru, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

A protestor at the scene where an ICE officer shot a woman in her car in Minneapolis, MN. Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images.

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How the Trump administration is using "third country deportations" to expel asylum seekers.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Miles Bryan.

Photo by Scott Olson/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 biggest sporting event is coming to North America this year. Here’s what it means that President Trump will get to host the world.

This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

President Donald Trump places the FIFA Peace Prize around his neck after receiving it from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 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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President Trump says the US will "run Venezuela." Here’s what that looks like from Caracas, given the US's history in the region.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact checked by Avishay Artsy, Andrea Lopez-Cruzado, and Kelli Wessinger, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Noel King.

A woman in Caracas holds a portrait of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a rally after he was captured by the U.S. military. Photo by APHOTOGRAFIA/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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Once a place of serendipity and discovery, the internet now thrives on feeding us toxic rage bait designed to piss us off. Can we get the good internet back?

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. 

Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images. 

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.

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We investigate.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo credit Eder Paisan/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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Demand for cocaine around the world has exploded. Production is at record highs. Law enforcement can barely keep up. Cocaine is back in a big way.

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

Photo by Matthieu Delaty / Hans Lucas / AFP 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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