Today, Explained

Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive leader fighting for Medicare for All and higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy, outlines a proposed annual wealth tax and a $1 billion cutoff. He discusses funding direct payments, an asset registry despite privacy tradeoffs, and calls to slow AI development to protect workers and democracy.

Reeves Weideman, a New York Magazine features writer who profiled David Ellison, explains Ellison’s climb from aspiring actor to Skydance power player. The conversation covers the massive studio merger at the heart of Hollywood consolidation. They talk layoffs, shrinking creative risk, streaming shakeups, and how industry power and politics reshape who gets to make movies.

Ross Barkin, New York Magazine columnist who covers U.S. politics and foreign policy, joins to unpack changing American views on Israel. He talks about shifting polls, growing skepticism on the left and right, and how fundraising and grassroots movements are reshaping support. He also explores party divisions and what a prolonged conflict could mean for the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Micah Rosenberg, investigative reporter at ProPublica who documented family detention at Dilley, narrates firsthand interviews and case details. He recounts Ariana’s sudden arrest and life inside Dilley. Children describe fear, illness, overcrowding, and limited schooling. Reporting covers legal tensions over Flores, administration rule changes, protests, releases with no clear pattern, and emotional impacts on families.

Mohamed Sergi, a Gulf-based editor reporting on regional energy and trade, and Mike Bird, Wall Street editor covering markets and oil. They discuss soaring gas prices and market volatility. They outline how energy shocks ripple into food, manufacturing, and inflation. They explain Gulf export disruptions, Strait of Hormuz risks, LNG and fertilizer impacts, and shifting investor confidence.

Joe (Yohe) Suarez, Cuban journalist who fled persecution in 2022, speaks about daily life under the regime and hopes for change. Vivian Salama, Atlantic staff writer on wars and international conflict, explains U.S. policy aims, why Cuba is seen as strategically important, and possible paths for change. They discuss timing, regional ties with Venezuela, and what meaningful transition might look like.

Mary Dozier, a clinical psychologist who treats hoarding, offers a therapeutic take on when possessions become harmful. Randall O'Reilly, a neuroscience professor, explains brain drives, decision avoidance, and memory’s role in keeping stuff. Emily Stewart, a reporter on consumer trends, traces mass consumption, minimalism, and cultural forces behind accumulation. They explore practical decluttering approaches and values-based letting go.

Rahm Emanuel, veteran Democratic politician and former White House chief of staff, reflects on Israel’s global isolation under Netanyahu. He discusses Congress’ role in authorizing military action. He critiques mixed White House messaging and political framing. He assesses shifts in U.S. political support for Israel and debates Israel’s democratic strengths and inequalities.

Megan Garber, a culture and politics writer at The Atlantic, and Sean McIndoo, a hockey reporter at The Athletic, explore why a rare hockey moment quickly became politicized. They trace how social media and power figures blur culture and politics. They also revisit a dramatic Olympic goal, locker-room fallout, and where purer hockey joy might still exist.

Luke Winkie, Slate journalist who reported from outside Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home, recounts the surreal swirl of true-crime creators and media. He describes who showed up, the tactics they used, and how online tribes amplified speculation. Short, vivid snapshots of drone feeds, doorbell footage, and the crowd chasing answers.