Today Explained
News & Politics
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Breaking down the latest in politics, tech, and culture with a heavy dose of facts and the most important news. We go beyond the headlines to provide context, analysis, and a balanced perspective on the stories shaping our world. Stay truly informed. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/today-explained--6659607/support .
Episodes
- Americans feel financial pinch of Iran war
The military crisis in the Middle East has led to domestic economic disruption in the United States. This has caused record high gas prices due to disruptions in global oil supplies and increased electricity and home heating bills.
- Alex Murdaugh granted NEW TRIAL after court throws out murder convictions
Alex Murdaugh has been granted a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court vacated his double-murder convictions. The court cited jury tampering by the Clerk of Court and prejudicial evidence related to financial crimes as grounds f…
- China lookahead - Will Iran war overshadow Trumps China trip
The ongoing war in Iran and stalled ceasefire negotiations have disrupted the planned agenda for President Trump’s state visit to China, overshadowing his summit with President Xi Jinping.
- Can Alex Murdaugh be retried for murder
Alex Murdaugh's double-murder convictions were unanimously overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court on May 13, 2026, resulting in an order for a new trial. The Attorney General stated that prosecutors intend to retry Murdaugh promptl…
- A Russian ship carrying nuclear reactors sank. Where was it headed
The sunken Russian ship Ursa Major was secretly traveling to North Korea to deliver components for two submarine nuclear reactors. The vessel was meant to dock in Rason, carrying reactor casings and piping, despite an official cover route…
- Comparing hantavirus and COVID-19
This episode compares hantavirus and COVID-19, emphasizing their fundamental differences and varying pandemic risks according to health experts. It addresses public concerns following a cruise ship outbreak, clarifying that hantavirus lack…
- Families in Lebanon still search rubble for loved ones killed in a day of Israeli strikes
This episode of Today Explained discusses families in southern Lebanon searching for loved ones lost in Israeli strikes. It covers the impact of incidents like "Black Wednesday" and subsequent targeted strikes.
- Cyberattack on Canvas platform highlights vulnerabilities and risks for schools
A recent cyberattack on the Canvas learning management system has highlighted vulnerabilities in educational infrastructure. This incident potentially exposed the data of millions of students and staff.
- How EU efforts to stem migration affect a dangerous sea route to the Canary Islands
This episode of Today Explained discusses the complex impact of the EU's migration efforts on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, noting a reduction in arrivals but an increase in danger for those still attempting the journey.
- New U.S. counterterror strategy focuses on drug cartels but omits right-wing extremism
The 2026 United States Counterterrorism Strategy, signed by President Donald Trump, focuses on drug cartels as a primary threat, using military power and FTO designations. The strategy notably omits right-wing extremism from its priorities.
- Can hantavirus spread between humans - What to know as WHO investigates ship outbreak
An outbreak of hantavirus caused by the Andes virus (ANDV) has been identified on a Dutch cruise ship. The WHO and ECDC are investigating the cluster, and limited human-to-human transmission is possible for this specific strain.
- 4 things to know about Pope Leo XIV and American Catholics
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, marks his first anniversary as the leader of the global Catholic Church. This episode discusses his historic American identity, his extensive missionary work in Peru, and his emphasis on unity within…
- An accidental chef traces her unlikely journey into the culinary world in new memoir
Trinidadian food writer Brigid Washington shares her experiences in the professional kitchen, documented in her 2026 memoir, "Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef."
- How author Douglas Stuarts journey to a remote Scottish island inspired John of John
Author Douglas Stuart traveled through the Outer Hebrides to manage anxiety before the release of his debut novel, Shuggie Bain. He was encouraged by his husband to embark on this journey.
- Why Russia may be feeling a greater threat from Ukraine
Russia's perception of the threat from Ukraine has evolved from a border conflict to a direct challenge affecting its domestic stability, industrial capacity, and leadership security. This shift is evidenced by drone attacks on Moscow and…
- Election results in England, Scotland and Wales so far
UK elections on May 9, 2026, have reshaped the political landscape. Wales saw a historic Labour defeat after 27 years, with Plaid Cymru emerging as the largest party. Reform UK achieved a significant breakthrough, finishing second.
- Trump says US-Iran ceasefire still in place after exchange of fire in Strait of Hormuz
US and Iranian forces engaged in an exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, a significant test of a month-long truce. The US military conducted self-defense strikes against Iranian facilities after reporting an unprovoked attack on its d…
- Hantavirus outbreak not the start of a pandemic, says World Health Organization
The World Health Organization stated that a recent hantavirus outbreak, identified as the Andes strain, is not the beginning of a new pandemic. Experts confirmed the public health risk is low, as the virus spreads primarily from rodents to…
- The story of the Calvine UFO photograph
The Calvine photograph, described as the clearest UFO image, was rediscovered in 2022. The 1990 incident involved two workers in the Scottish Highlands observing a diamond-shaped craft and an RAF Harrier jet, with photos taken before the o…
- The tech powering modern blockbusters
Modern blockbusters utilize real-time rendering and AI, replacing green screens with LED volumes and game engines for realistic, interactive backgrounds. Advanced scanning creates detailed digital doubles and environments, blending physica…
- Newt Gingrich - You get what you inspect, not what you expect
Newt Gingrich uses the phrase "You get what you inspect, not what you expect" to advocate for rigorous monitoring and verification systems in government reform and management.
- Tom Homan - Were going to FLOOD THE ZONE in New York
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, intends to deploy more ICE agents to New York to counter the state's limitations on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This strategy involves increased arrests in neighborhoods and wor…
- Iran's president met with new supreme leader
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian disclosed a meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed March 2026. This occurs as U.S.-Iran negotiators near a potential deal, with the meeting signaling leadership unity and support for the…
- US takes out Iranian tanker's rudder after ignoring blockade
A US Navy fighter jet disabled the rudder of the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman after the crew ignored warnings. The vessel was unladen and is no longer transiting to Iran.
- US military FIRES on Iranian oil tanker trying to break blockade
On May 6, 2026, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet engaged the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was attempting to violate a blockade by heading toward an Iranian port and was disabled after ignoring repeate…
- 5 Trump-backed challengers defeat GOP incumbents
President Donald Trump's backed candidates defeated at least five Republican incumbents in the Indiana state Senate primaries on May 5, 2026. This outcome was reportedly part of a revenge campaign against lawmakers who opposed a Trump-back…
- The standouts & stumbles from CA governor debate
The May 5, 2026, California gubernatorial debate was a two-hour contest where frontrunner Xavier Becerra was targeted by opponents. Candidates aimed to differentiate themselves as mail-in voting began for the June 2 primary in a race witho…
- Dems' election odds improving
Democrats currently hold an advantage in polls and prediction markets six months ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. This trend is amplified by President Trump's declining approval ratings.
- Putin fears assassination attempt amid stalling war with Ukraine
Recent intelligence reports indicate Vladimir Putin has heightened his personal security due to fears of an assassination attempt or coup, according to a leaked European intelligence dossier.
- Obama jokes Colbert could run for president
During an interview at the Obama Presidential Center, former President Barack Obama humorously remarked that Stephen Colbert might perform better in the White House than some past candidates.
- 'Absolutely outrageous'_ Enten spotlights priciest gas in the US
CNN analyst Harry Enten discussed the high gas prices in California, calling them "absolutely outrageous." The average price in the state has reached $6.13 per gallon.
- Enten highlights Trump's 'absolute collapse' with one key demo
Political analyst Harry Enten notes a significant decline in support for President Trump among Republican-leaning Independent voters between 2024 and May 2026. This trend is reportedly linked to economic and foreign policy concerns, potent…
- Iran claims striking US warship as Trump pledges ship passage
Iran's state media reported a U.S. frigate was struck by missiles and retreated, while U.S. Central Command denied any U.S. Navy ships were hit.
- Spirit Airlines shuts down, cancels all flights
Spirit Airlines has permanently ceased operations and canceled all flights effective May 2, 2026. The airline will automatically process refunds for tickets bought with credit or debit cards, but contacting your bank for a chargeback is al…
- Trump 'can't imagine' Iran peace plan 'would be acceptable'
President Trump shared on social media his skepticism about a 14-point Iranian peace plan, suggesting Iran has not yet paid a high enough price for its past actions.
- How is Trump's Iran war already as unpopular as Vietnam
A 2026 US military campaign in Iran has reached public disapproval levels similar to the Vietnam War in a fraction of the time, with 61% of Americans surveyed calling the use of military force a mistake.
- Supreme Court ruling sets off gerrymandering scramble
A recent Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais has invalidated the state's congressional map due to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. This decision has initiated a rapid redistricting process across the US.
- How is a depleted Iran damaging so many US bases
Iran has offset the depletion of its conventional forces by developing an asymmetric strategy that prioritizes precision, successfully targeting at least 16 US installations across eight Middle Eastern countries as of May 2026. The acquisi…
- US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000
The U.S. Pentagon will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months. This move will bring the troop presence back to pre-invasion of Ukraine levels from 2022.
- Is this the true face of Anne Boleyn
A study released on May 2, 2026, by computer scientists from the University of Bradford suggests an AI facial recognition analysis has identified a sketch as the only known lifetime likeness of Anne Boleyn.
- Valve discusses new Steam Controller and what's happening with the Steam Machine
This episode of Today Explained discusses the launch of the new Steam Controller and the current status of the Steam Machine. It details the features of the new controller, including anti-drift TMR sticks and dual trackpads.
- Germany_ US troops in both countries' interests
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that US troops in Germany are in the mutual interest of both countries. This follows the Pentagon's announcement of a planned withdrawal of around 5,000 troops.
- Deadline reached for Trump to seek approval for war with Iran
On May 1, 2026, President Trump informed Congress he would not seek authorization for the war with Iran, arguing the War Powers Resolution deadline has passed. He stated the conflict, which began February 28, 2026, has effectively ended du…
- UK airlines to be allowed to cancel flights in advance over fuel shortages
The UK government has enacted emergency measures allowing airlines to cancel flights in advance due to potential jet fuel shortages. These plans, prompted by conflict in the Middle East disrupting energy routes, enable airlines to manage s…
- Golders Green attack part of a 'cancerous and dangerous trend', says David Miliband
Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated that the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green is indicative of a "cancerous and dangerous trend" and a critical juncture for British society, emphasizing the need for authorities to fir…
- PM says Golders Green stabbing attack 'was not a one-off' and 'people are scared'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the April 29, 2026, stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green was not an isolated incident but part of a series of attacks on Jewish people and institutions, acknowledging the fear in the UK's Jewi…
- Iran's supreme leader vows to eliminate 'the enemy's abuses of the waterway'
On April 30, 2026, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, released a statement declaring Tehran's intent to secure the Persian Gulf and eliminate enemy abuses of the waterway, signaling a new phase of regional management.
- Speaker Johnson talks after House passes DHS funding bill
Speaker Mike Johnson spoke after the House passed a bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security on April 30, 2026. He described the bill's passage as a significant move towards ending a 75-day partial shutdown.
- How Taylor Swifts Spotify clause is helping artists get paid
A clause negotiated by Taylor Swift in 2018 is now resulting in payouts for thousands of Universal Music Group artists. This is due to UMG selling half its Spotify stake for approximately $1.4 billion, with proceeds to be shared with artis…
- Did Jeffrey Epstein Leave a Suicide Note
New reports indicate a potential suicide note from Jeffrey Epstein has been sealed for nearly seven years. The note's existence was not mentioned in the 2023 DOJ Inspector General report, though the official cause of death remains suicide…