Today, Explained

Israel's war against Hamas has now been raging for over 100 days. According to Ian Lustick, professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania, history tells us what it will take to end it.

This episode was produced by Isabel Angell and Amanda Lewellyn , edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Hady Mawajdeh and Haleema Shah, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Growing cocaine demand and booming coca leaf cultivation is fueling unrest in Ecuador. The Economist’s Ana Lankes and Will Freeman of the Council on Foreign Relations explain what’s happening in the place that until recently was Latin America’s safest country.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Isabel Angell, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Trump won big. DeSantis came in second, but Vox’s Zack Beauchamp says that won’t be enough to keep his campaign alive.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Isabel Angell, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The studios promoting Mean Girls, Wonka, and The Color Purple are hiding something from you. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh explains why.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers with original music by Noam Hassenfeld, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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This weekend, Taiwan goes to the polls, kicking off the biggest election year in history. The Guardian’s Amy Hawkins brings us up to speed on the candidates, and Vox’s Bryan Walsh explains the stakes for democracy.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Nikki Haley is gunning for second place in the Iowa Republican caucuses. In New Hampshire polls, she’s gaining on Donald Trump. Vox’s Andrew Prokop and Republican strategist Scott Jennings explain Haley’s rise.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Last year’s counteroffensive failed and Ukraine needs American aid to win. Republicans in Congress won’t give it up without a fight.

This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Isabel Angell, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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The Houthis, a rebel group from Yemen, are seizing cargo ships in retaliation for the war in Gaza. Vox’s Joshua Keating explains how the pirates are expanding the Israel-Hamas war into the Red Sea — and your wallet.

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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Your aunt mailed you a sweater for Christmas that’s three sizes too small. Armed with a gift receipt, you set out to return it. The Atlantic’s Amanda Mull enters the returniverse to find out what happens next.

This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman and Rob Byers, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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As states decide whether Donald Trump is eligible to be on their primary ballots based on his actions on January 6, 2021, the Supreme Court is facing its most consequential elections decision since Bush v. Gore.

This episode was produced by Isabel Angell, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

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