Close All Tabs

C.J. Ciaramella, a criminal justice reporter for Reason, dives into the complex issue of whether recording ICE is a protected right. He discusses the chilling rhetoric from the Trump administration that labels filming law enforcement as obstruction. Ciaramella highlights recent court rulings affirming the First Amendment right to record police activity, despite increasing attempts to suppress this practice. He shares insights on how fear tactics and legal challenges impact journalists and activists, illuminating the importance of accountability in law enforcement.

This episode features Chris Egusa, a tech and internet culture senior editor; Maya Cueva, a producer focusing on online trends; and Chris Hambrick, an editor dissecting media trends. They discuss OpenAI's controversial job opening for a 'Head of Preparedness,' examining its implications. The team covers the global RAM shortage and how it's affecting consumer technology. They also explore the rise of AI artists and predict potential job displacement. Lastly, a touching viral video serves as a remedy to toxic masculinity, promoting vulnerability among men online.

When KitKat, a beloved bodega cat, was killed by a Waymo in San Francisco in late October of this year, the incident quickly went viral. It ignited grief and outrage. It also renewed scrutiny of autonomous vehicles. But in a city where hundreds of animals are hit by vehicles each year, why did this incident — and this particular cat — hit such a nerve? We hear from Oscar Palma, the first reporter on the scene, about what unfolded the night KitKat was killed. Then, Mission Local managing editor Joe Eskenazi and KQED reporter Sydney Johnson explore the limits of autonomous vehicles and why one cat’s death resonated so deeply in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco. Guests: Sydney Johnson, reporter at KQED Oscar Palma, reporter at Mission Local Joe Eskenazi, managing editor at Mission Local Further Reading/ Listening: KitKat, liquor store mascot and ‘16th St. ambassador,’ killed — allegedly by Waymo — Oscar Palma, Mission Local  San Francisco Supervisor Calls for Robotaxi Reform After Waymo Kills Neighborhood Cat — Sydney Johnson, KQED How Kit Kat Was Killed: Video Shows What a Waymo Couldn’t See — Heather Knight, The New York Times  Driverless car startup Cruise's no good, terrible year — Dara Kerr, NPR Cruise admits lying to feds about dragging woman in San Francisco — Kevin Truong, The San Francisco Standard Waymo hits dog in S.F. weeks after killing Mission bodega cat — Kelly Waldron, Mission Local Dog hit by Waymo in SF put down by family after suffering 'severe pelvic trauma' — Alex Baker, KRON4 The self-driving taxi revolution begins at last — The Economist  Read the transcript here Email: ⁠CloseAllTabs@KQED.org⁠ Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok Credits: Close All Tabs is hosted by Morgan Sung. This episode was produced by Maya Cueva and edited by Chris Egusa. Our team includes producer Maya Cueva, editor Chris Hambrick and senior editor Chris Egusa, who also composed our theme song and credits music. Additional music from APM. Audio engineering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Jen Chien is our Director of Podcasts. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this captivating discussion, investigative journalist Melkorka Licea offers a deep dive into the chaotic online fandom surrounding Luigi Mangione after his controversial arrest. She unpacks the emergence of various supporter factions, from health-care advocates to innocence believers and thirst-driven fan accounts. Law professor Daniel Medwed sheds light on the complexities of jury selection in high-profile trials, exploring how online narratives can skew perceptions and the risks of jury nullification. Together, they reveal how a single crime has sparked broader cultural conversations.

In this engaging discussion, producer Maya Cueva shares her nostalgic memories of playing games from Purple Moon, a groundbreaking studio founded by Brenda Laurel. Brenda, a pioneer in interactive media, reveals how Purple Moon aimed to empower girls through narratives and emotional experiences. They discuss the male-dominated gaming industry of the '90s, the unique ways girls play, and the innovative features of Purple Moon's games. Brenda also reflects on the studio's sudden closure and its lasting impact on girls in tech.

In this engaging discussion, investigative journalist Erica Hellerstein guides us through Ukraine's tech-powered resistance, spotlighting the incredible contributions from volunteer groups. Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO of the software company MacPaw, shares insights on wartime tech innovations, including the recent missile damage to their office. Irina Shlukdenko, co-founder of Zyga's Paw, reveals how grassroots efforts are delivering essential tech gear and drones to the front lines. Together, they illustrate an inspiring blend of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.

In this discussion, Ross Scott, a passionate filmmaker and founder of the Stop Killing Games movement, highlights the need for better preservation regulations in the gaming industry. Nicole Carpenter, an insightful freelance reporter, shares fascinating anecdotes about the emotional bond gamers formed with titles like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. They delve into the reasons behind game shutdowns, the financial motivations of publishers, and the rise of player-driven preservation efforts, all while exploring how communities grieve their lost virtual worlds.

When wildfire engulfed much of Los Angeles earlier this year, artist and game designer Alice Bucknell found themselves stuck inside, replaying “Firewatch,” a quiet game about exploring the wilderness in anticipation of an impending wildfire. It helped them process emotions that felt too overwhelming in real life. “Firewatch,” and other games like it that focus on exploration rather than fighting or competing, are known as walking simulators. Throughout their career, Alice has used this approach to craft exploratory games that invite players to stretch their imagination and emotional capacity. In this episode, Morgan talks with Alice about how walking simulators and other virtual worlds can reframe our understanding of failure, climate grief, and our connection to one another. From simulating life as a moth to wandering through abandoned metaverses like Second Life, they explore how digital spaces can become sites of mourning, reflection, and hope. Guests: Alice Bucknell, artist, writer, and game designer Further reading/listening: The video game that makes the climate apocalypse look good — Erin X. Wong, High Country News Second Life’s loyal users embrace its decaying software and no-fun imperfections — Alice Bucknell, Document Journal Playing with Feelings: Video Games and Affect — Aubrey Anable, University of Minnesota Press Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Credits: This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung and produced by Francesca Fenzi. Our team includes producer Maya Cueva, editor Chris Hambrick and senior editor Chris Egusa. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Audio engineering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Grayson, co-founder of Aftermath and author of *Stream Big*, dives into the complexities of Twitch as a political platform. He discusses the recent assault incident at TwitchCon and the growing concerns over safety for streamers. Grayson highlights how political commentary has surged on Twitch, with streamers like Hassan Piker gaining significant audiences during the pandemic. The conversation also tackles the challenges of moderation and the financial implications of political content on the platform, raising questions about Twitch’s future.

What do colorful and plush Labubu dolls have in common with Mesopotamian mythology? If you believe some viral TikToks, everything. Recent conspiracy theories have linked the toys to everything from ancient demonic spirits to Satan worship. But behind those ideas flooding online feeds is something older and darker: the return of moral panic. In this episode, host Morgan Sung digs into how a new generation of “satanic panic” has gone digital, from fears of occult rituals in song to online crusades against queer and trans people. Journalist Sarah Marshall, host of the new podcast series The Devil You Know, joins Morgan to help trace how misinformation and moral outrage keep recycling the same fears — just with new villains.  Guests:  Sarah Marshall, journalist and host of the You're Wrong About podcast Further reading/listening: The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall — CBC Podcasts You're Wrong About podcast — Sarah Marshall The right’s moral panic over “grooming” invokes age-old homophobia — Aja Romano, Vox  The strange origins of the Satanic Panic: How one Canadian book started a worldwide witch hunt — Leah Collins, CBC Arts Read the transcript here Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at CloseAllTabs@KQED.org You can also follow us on Instagram Credits: This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Chris Hambrick is our Editor. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Audio engineering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices