Today, Explained

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has created chaos in healthcare, complicating access to crucial medications like methotrexate and delaying life-saving procedures. Patients face ethical dilemmas and emotional turmoil, while providers grapple with new legal uncertainties. Insights from the president of the American Medical Association reveal rising concerns among doctors. Meanwhile, advancements in genetic research hold promise for better medical treatments, showcasing the contrasting sides of healthcare in this turbulent landscape.

Justin Baragona, a media reporter for The Daily Beast, offers a fascinating deep dive into the collapse of One America News, a network once buoyed by conspiracy-laden content and strong ties to the MAGA movement. He discusses OAN's initial rise, examining its financial backing from AT&T and its overt support for false voter fraud claims. The conversation also touches on OAN's dwindling viewership and the implications of misinformation, alongside a humorous detour into sustainability and unexpected dinosaur trivia.

Andrew Roth, Moscow correspondent for The Guardian, delves into the recent assassination of Darya Dugina, a pro-Putin commentator, possibly intended to target her father, nationalist Alexander Dugin. Roth explains how her death could shift power dynamics in Russia and exacerbate tensions within the country. He discusses the potential implications for the conflict with Ukraine and fears of escalating unrest as Independence Day approaches. Additionally, the conversation touches on the broader influence of war on global sustainability efforts.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous journeys of rappers Young Thug and Gunna, both facing serious legal troubles under the RICO Act. It explores the controversial practice of using rap lyrics as evidence in court, raising questions about artistic freedom and racial biases. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of gangster rap in the legal system and the fight against the criminalization of artistic expression. Additionally, there's a call for collective action to tackle global issues, linking the world's challenges to a need for innovative solutions.

Dive into Hollywood's obsession with intellectual property and the challenge of letting stories fade away. Explore the ethics of posthumous music releases, pondering authenticity in a digital age. Laugh along as the hosts discuss the potential of resurrecting artists, from holograms to unexpected collaborations. Delve into the pressures of reviving franchises while balancing originality and audience demands. Finally, reflect on the art of concluding a story and the bittersweet feelings that come with it.

In this discussion, Peter Kafka, Senior correspondent at Recode and Vox, shares his expertise on HBO's ambitious plans with 'House of the Dragon', a prequel to the much-maligned 'Game of Thrones' finale. He highlights the show's potential to attract viewers while addressing significant challenges in the streaming landscape. Kafka explores the impact of HBO's media ownership changes, as well as broader societal issues like carbon neutrality. He also touches on how recent leadership shifts at Warner Brothers Discovery are affecting content strategy and quality in a competitive market.

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, dives into the complexities of the Justice Department's investigation into Donald Trump. He discusses Attorney General Merrick Garland's cautious approach following the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago. The conversation highlights the legal challenges of prosecuting a former president and the implications of mishandling classified documents. Beauchamp also examines the Republican Party's mixed reactions, raising questions about political bias and the erosion of trust in government institutions.

Join journalist Robin Wright, a seasoned expert on Iran and a notable writer for The New Yorker, as she delves into the harrowing attack on Salman Rushdie. The discussion unveils how the fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini was never solely about Rushdie, but rather a reflection of deep societal issues. Wright highlights the chilling implications for freedom of expression and the cultural ramifications of censorship. The podcast also examines the celebratory reactions within Iran post-attack and its effects on U.S.-Iran relations.

In this discussion, Matt Viser, a White House correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into the intriguing evolution of the 'Dark Brandon' meme, which has transformed from mockery to a symbol of Biden's recent victories. He analyzes Joe Biden's surprising rise as a viral figure online, contrasting it with Trump's presence. The conversation explores the implications of Biden's reelection campaign amidst skepticism over his age and performance, as well as how memes can shape political narratives and public perception.

Russia is paying teachers big bucks to teach a pro-Kremlin curriculum in Ukraine. It’s part of a campaign to formally annex occupied Ukraine into the Russian Federation.This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Dominguez, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices