Today, Explained

The US debt keeps breaking records. Should we panic?

This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

An electronic display shows the national debt in Washington, DC on August 19, 2026, after the US gross national debt surged past $40 trillion for the first time. Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images.

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President Trump is racing to finish his ballroom, and if the Supreme Court doesn't stop him it will have major implications for conservation efforts around the country.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media alongside posters of his proposed White House ballroom amid construction at the White House. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

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Natalie Harp may be the most powerful executive assistant in the world, and her unusual relationship with her boss — the president — is getting a lot of attention.

This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

President Donald Trump and his executive assistant Natalie Harp at Dover Air Force Base on July 22, 2026. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/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.⁠
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A new crop of Democrats is running on an old slogan: Medicare for All. Now might be the moment it finally catches on.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

A protester holds a sign at a rally in New York calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive healthcare for all, without exception. Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket 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.⁠
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Move aside extroverts. In this episode — which aired last year — we explore personality types and whether they are set in stone.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by We Are/Getty Images.

If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
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