Today, Explained

Join Jane Patterson, Politics editor at Radio New Zealand, as she delves into the life and rise of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Discover how Ardern's compassionate leadership emerged in the wake of the Christchurch shooting, uniting a nation in grief and prompting stricter gun laws. Patterson discusses Ardern’s groundbreaking ascent in politics as a young female leader, her innovative social media strategies, and the overwhelming public support during her historic tenure, including the unique experience of giving birth while in office.

Andy Rudalevige, a government professor at Bowdoin College and an Electoral College expert, dives into the heated debate surrounding this foundational voting system. He explains the historical roots of the Electoral College and contrasts it with calls for a national popular vote. The conversation highlights recent movements to reform or abolish this system and explores how demographic shifts are reshaping electoral conversations. Rudalevige emphasizes the importance of civic education to ensure fair representation in modern democracy.

Madeleine Baran, an investigative journalist and host of "In the Dark," discusses the alarming case of Curtis Flowers, who has faced six trials for a quadruple homicide in Mississippi. She highlights the racial biases in jury selection that have plagued his case, examining how the Batson Rule aims to combat such discrimination. Baran reveals the systemic injustices within the legal system and the implications of Curtis's journey to the U.S. Supreme Court, shedding light on the broader issues of racial disparity and legal misconduct.

Dan Nosiewicz, a Vox reporter specializing in the CBD industry, dives into the booming world of CBD. He unpacks its integrations into everyday products—from lattes to wellness treatments—and reveals the lack of regulation surrounding it. The conversation navigates the murky waters of CBD legality shaped by the 2018 Farm Bill, with insights on government support for hemp. Nosiewicz also highlights the ongoing research into CBD’s health benefits while cautioning against misconceptions and potential placebo effects.

A.C. Thompson, an investigative reporter with ProPublica, dives deep into the alarming rise of white supremacy in America. He discusses the chilling implications of the Christchurch shooting on Muslims in the U.S. and reflects on identity and community in the face of hate. Thompson highlights the troubling evolution of extremism, the complexities of its young recruits, and how technology has amplified these threats. He also sheds light on the evolving strategies law enforcement must adopt to effectively tackle this pervasive issue.

Addie Robertson, a Senior reporter for The Verge, discusses the harrowing mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. She examines the shockwaves this terrorist act sent through both local and global communities. The conversation dives into the complexities of social media's role in spreading hate and the darker implications of live-streamed violence. Addie highlights the emotional turmoil within the Muslim community, juxtaposing their resilience against the stark reality of ongoing Islamophobia.

The tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which killed all 157 aboard, led to a global outcry and an unprecedented response. The discussion highlights the challenges pilots faced with the automated systems during the Boeing 737 Max incidents. Key issues around the MCAS system and its safety implications are examined, alongside the contrasting global reactions to grounding the aircraft. The FAA's role and its impact on trust in aviation safety are scrutinized, revealing tensions in regulatory responses and the future of the Boeing MAX.

Scott Jacek, Editor of Inside Higher Ed, dives into the shocking college admissions bribery scandal, where celebrities and wealthy parents face charges for unethical practices. He breaks down how affluent families exploit the system, revealing the stark inequities faced by low-income students. Jacek critiques legacy admissions that favor wealthy, predominantly white applicants and highlights the illusion of equal opportunity in education. The conversation is both eye-opening and a call to rethink the fairness of college admissions.

Ella Nilsen, a political analyst at Vox, dives into the controversial world of security clearances in the Trump administration. She discusses how some officials, including Jared Kushner, navigated troubling pasts to gain access to top-secret information. Nilsen highlights the ongoing investigations by Democrats into these practices and their potential implications for national security. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Congress in obtaining documentation and the scrutiny surrounding foreign connections, particularly regarding Trump's dealings with Russia.

Ellen Stofan, former chief scientist of NASA and current director of the National Air and Space Museum, dives into the future of space exploration. She discusses the critical role of water in Mars missions and the quest for extraterrestrial life. Stofan highlights NASA's plans beyond Mars, including potential human missions. She also contrasts public and private space initiatives, notably their combined impact on the landscape of exploration. Expect visions of innovative technologies like submarines on Titan, further fueling the excitement for what's out there in the universe.