Today, Explained

Simon Van Zylenwood, a New York Magazine features writer who covered Turning Point USA and youth conservatism, discusses the surge of devotion after Charlie Kirk's death and how campuses became TPUSA's growth engine. He profiles campus leaders, the role of conservative women, and how leaderless local chapters, influencers, and algorithms shape the movement's next directions.

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. 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.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Budson, a neurologist who studies memory and neuroplasticity, and Stuart Jeffries, a journalist exploring the history of stupidity, discuss cultural worries about declining intelligence. They debate AI, bland culture, cognitive outsourcing, memory formation, sleep’s role in learning, social isolation’s effects, and practical ways to sharpen critical thinking.

Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General and former congressman known for civil-rights advocacy, discusses ICE's surge in Minneapolis. He explains legal fights over federal tactics. He addresses subpoenas, access to investigative files, and the risks if the Insurrection Act were invoked. He also talks about protest rights, impacts on the Somali community, and how Democrats might respond.

Kara, a recent bride who signed a prenup and shares friends' reactions. Jennifer Wilson, a New Yorker reporter who studies the rise of prenups. They talk about why young couples now favor prenups. They discuss prenup apps and modern clauses like social media, embryos, AI and updated infidelity definitions. They also cover social stigma and risks when agreements favor one partner.

David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and Henry Farrell, Professor at Johns Hopkins University, dive into the curious case of Trump's Greenland ambitions. They dissect the NATO framework, revealing how Europe skillfully managed threats with strategic deterrence. Rennie highlights historical military ties that made ownership moot, while Farrell explains Europe's economic deterrence tactics. Together, they illuminate the complexities of U.S.-EU dynamics and the diplomatic dance that allowed Trump to back down gracefully.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, reveals an internal ICE recruiting plan with a $100 million budget designed to attract macho, patriotic applicants through targeted ads at events like NASCAR and UFC. Eric Levitz, a senior correspondent for Vox, analyzes troubling white nationalist undertones in ICE's messaging, linking phrases to extremist ideologies. Both guests highlight concerns over how aggressive recruitment strategies might attract violent-minded recruits, stirring public outrage and sparking debate over the agency's tactics.

David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author exploring the future of American governance, breaks down Project 2025's ambitions and achievements. He discusses how Trump's administration was influenced from day one, outlining significant policy shifts in gender rights, immigration, and foreign policy. Graham highlights shortcomings like limited social welfare reforms and warns of potential regulatory overreach. The conversation also touches on the internal dynamics of the Heritage Foundation and the evolving landscape of conservative politics.

In this engaging discussion, Des Friedman, a Professor of Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, unpacks the incredible rise of Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul whose influence reshaped political discourse. They explore Murdoch's privileged beginnings, ruthless tactics in press manipulation, and his alignment with political figures like Margaret Thatcher. The conversation highlights the birth of Fox News, its sensationalist approach, and Murdoch's lasting impact on global media and politics, revealing the complexities of power in modern journalism.

Join Emma Glassman-Hughes, a culture reporter from PopSugar; Michelle Ganim, an insightful columnist from The Cut; and Chayla Hunter, a skilled intimacy coordinator as they dive into the phenomenon of Heated Rivalry. They explore how the show taps into cultural yearning and the evolution of TV sex, tracing its journey from censorship to the intimacy that resonates today. Chayla shares her choreography process for sex scenes, highlighting consent and safety, while Michelle discusses the appeal of queer storytelling for diverse audiences.