Today, Explained

Trump's chokehold on the Republican Party is over, according to many within the party. Among them: Rod Dreher, a conservative author and friend of JD Vance.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

President Donald Trump watches as the last piece of steel is hoisted for construction of the White House ballroom during an event on Nov. 4, 2026 in Washington, DC. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

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The blue wave turned into a blunami. Rahm Emanuel was in Congress the last time this happened.

This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Kelli Wessinger with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed smiles onstage after declaring victory in Michigan's US Senate race during an election night party in Detroit, Michigan, early on November 4, 2026. Photo by Jeff Kowalsky / 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.
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A new era of American populism kicked off with Donald Trump in 2016. Ten years later, Americans don't have much to show for it.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

People cheer as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Macomb Community College on April 29, 2025 at Warren, Michigan. Photo by Scott Olson/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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Is it even possible? Voters going to the polls this week hope so, but solutions will require some out-of-the-box thinking.

This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Noel King.

A woman shopping for groceries in the supermarket. Photo by chabybucko 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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If you've optimized your free time so much that it feels like work, maybe it’s time to rethink how you craft and kayak.

This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.

A woman athlete catching her breath and holding a padel racket on a blue court. Photo via Noko LTD/Getty Images.

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