What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Imani Gandy, Editor-at-Large for Rewire News Group, and Mary Ziegler, law professor and author, dive into the heartbreaking case of Adriana Smith, who was declared brain dead while pregnant. They discuss the complex legal and ethical dilemmas her family faces, highlighting the tension between fetal rights and bodily autonomy. The conversation touches on reproductive rights, systemic biases in healthcare, and the troubling implications of current laws, all while emphasizing the need for dignity and equitable treatment in medical scenarios.

Marisa Lagos, a political correspondent for KQED and co-host of Political Breakdown, dives into Gavin Newsom's strategic maneuvering in his political career. She discusses his ambitious rise from San Francisco mayor to a possible presidential candidate. The conversation highlights his efforts to bridge gaps with right-wing figures while grappling with his California liberal identity. Lagos also addresses the complexities of maintaining authenticity amidst political pressures and how Newsom's governance style influences his national ambitions.

David Armstrong, an investigative reporter at ProPublica and author of "The Price of Remission," dives into the staggering costs of life-saving medications like Revlimid. He highlights the shocking disparity between the mere 25-cent production cost and the thousand-dollar price tag, raising ethical concerns about drug pricing. Armstrong also shares the emotional toll on patients and the quest for reforms, as well as the complex history of Revlimid's development. His insights illuminate the ongoing struggles within America’s healthcare system.

In this enlightening discussion, automotive lighting expert Daniel Stern and headlight activism moderator Paul Gatto dive into the growing concern over blinding car headlights. They unravel the history of headlight design, revealing how advancements meant for safety have created a dazzling problem on the roads. The pair share personal stories and examine the activism surrounding headlight regulation, shedding light on a movement advocating for safer standards. With headlight glare now a major issue for drivers, they tackle the urgent need for regulatory changes.

Hilary Allen, a Professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, dives into the intertwining worlds of politics and cryptocurrency. She discusses the influential financial contributions of the crypto industry during elections and the implications of the bipartisan GENIUS Act. Concerns about regulation and the potential risks posed by stablecoins are examined, especially in light of historical financial crises. Allen critiques the unexpected support for crypto among Democrats, highlighting the challenges of achieving financial inclusion while safeguarding economic stability.

The passage of Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' has stirred up a whirlwind of political action. Experts analyze its journey through the House and the upcoming challenges in the Senate. The chaotic 24-hour debate reveals both the absurdity and the intensity surrounding the bill's presentation. Internal conflicts rise within the Republican Party as deficit hawks and moderates clash over fiscal conservatism versus social welfare. It's a fascinating look at the messy art of legislation.

Karen Hao, a reporter and author of "Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI", dives into the transformative journey of OpenAI, revealing how it evolved from a nonprofit focused on safe AI to a competitive powerhouse chasing artificial general intelligence. She discusses the organization's culture of secrecy, the chaotic dynamics during its transition to for-profit, and the unexpected rise of ChatGPT, which drastically altered its trajectory. Karen also highlights internal power struggles and the implications of corporate control on society.

Reverend Doctor William J. Barber II, a passionate pastor and professor, dives deep into the intersection of faith and politics. He contests Republican budget decisions through moral arguments and highlights the urgency of advocating for vulnerable populations. The discussion showcases the resilience of the Moral Mondays movement, the pain of redistricting in North Carolina, and the role of empathy in religious leadership. Barber calls for collective action and a reevaluation of healthcare as a moral imperative, challenging listeners to unite against injustice.

Thomas Frank, editor for E&E News’ climate finance team, dives into alarming proposals targeting FEMA under the Trump administration. He discusses the chilling implications of cuts to disaster relief and how these changes could affect victims of tornadoes and severe weather. The conversation touches on the complexities of federal aid, state preparedness, and the evolving challenges of climate-related disasters. Frank shares insights into the controversial relationship between FEMA and politics, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable disaster response in an unpredictable climate.

Leo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown's McCourt School and healthcare policy expert, discusses the GOP's push to impose work requirements on Medicaid. He argues that these requirements, based on flawed data, primarily benefit financial interests rather than those in need. Cuello highlights the failures of similar policies from the 1990s, illustrating how they lead to significant insurance losses for individuals, including working citizens. He critiques the costly bureaucratic hurdles and societal implications of such measures, revealing the precarious situation for millions accessing healthcare.