Today, Explained

Ben Harris, economist and former Treasury official now at Brookings, and Stephen Woldenberg, SVP at family-run Learning Resources, talk through a blockbuster Supreme Court fight over tariffs. They discuss the company’s $10M hit, legal strategy under emergency trade powers, how tariffs affected pricing and reshoring, and what the ruling means for future trade policy.

A look at how a party turned public media into a partisan tool and how hard it is to unwind those changes. A discussion of political tradeoffs when trying to reverse authoritarian moves without alienating voters. A look at stalled social reforms, presidential defeat, and how frustrated voters drift toward far-right alternatives.

Dominika Lasota, a youth activist who led mass protests; Michal Rachoń, a conservative TV anchor influential in state media; Jarosław Kurski, a veteran journalist and former dissident. They discuss how media was captured and polarized. They revisit pivotal moments like the 2010 crash and the mayor's murder. They follow youth mobilization and the coalition that reclaimed democratic momentum.

Sarah Rathner, credit card rewards expert at NerdWallet, explains practical ways to maximize points. Sean Venata, financial historian and author, traces how policy and bank moves shaped high U.S. APRs. Angel Sevilla shares a personal comeback: secured cards, tough budgeting, and rebuilding credit to buy a home. They discuss rewards strategy, interest realities, and practical steps for using cards wisely.

Tara Palmieri, an independent journalist who has sifted Epstein files and interviewed survivors, walks through how the case unfolded. She outlines missed law enforcement chances. She explores who in Epstein’s circle likely knew, possible intelligence ties, hidden recordings, and lingering questions about his death. She explains why journalists pursued the story and why transparency remains elusive.

Robert Levine, Billboard columnist who analyzes touring strategies and residencies. Taylor Mims, Billboard senior editor covering ticket pricing and resale markets. They unpack why tickets now hit $1,000+, how resellers and pricing strategies fuel scarcity, artists’ moves to capture resale revenue, and why residencies are reshaping tours into big, destination events.

Burgess Everett, Congressional bureau chief and political reporter, breaks down the DHS funding standoff and the partial government shutdown. He walks through how ICE reforms became a standalone fight. He explains GOP strategy, Democratic demands, and the political pressures shaping any deal.

Charlie Warzel, journalist at The Atlantic who covers tech and culture, walks through the rise of looks-maxing online. He traces Clavicular's extreme body-mod claims and shocking stunts. The conversation digs into the subculture's slang, performative rituals, and how attention-seeking nihilism bleeds into broader online politics.

Zach Beauchamp, Vox journalist and democracy analyst, compares Trump-style leaders with Brazil and other cases. He traces corruption-fueled populism, explains how fragmented legislatures and patronage can block power grabs, and discusses reforms and public tactics that help defend democracy. Short, sharp reporting from comparative politics and on-the-ground examples.

Chris Gaiomali, writer and author of the Heavies newsletter who covers health and wellness, walks through how protein ended up in everything from soda to cereal. He traces whey’s modern rise, explores plant protein extraction and strange protein products, and considers why protein fortification appeals across ages and markets.