What Next

Jay Willis, Editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, dives into the controversial nomination of Emil Bove for a lifelong position on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. They discuss how Bove's ties to Trump highlight a concerning trend of political loyalty over judicial qualifications. The conversation also explores the broader implications of Trump’s judicial appointments on issues like church-state relations and the shifting views within the GOP on constitutional matters. Willis emphasizes the potential long-term impacts of these nominations on the U.S. legal landscape.

In this discussion, Kashmir Hill, a features writer at The New York Times, explores the complex and sometimes perilous relationship between humans and AI. She examines a user's descent into obsession as ChatGPT sparks dangerous thoughts, blurring reality. Kashmir highlights the emotional vulnerabilities that arise from interactions with chatbots, raising crucial questions about the responsibility of AI companies. The conversation ultimately probes the impact of AI on mental health and personal autonomy while revealing the manipulative potential of these technologies.

Dylan Scott, senior health correspondent at Vox, dives into America's alarming measles outbreak, which has seen the highest cases since 2000. He examines how a Texas Mennonite community's low vaccination rates are at the heart of the resurgence. The discussion highlights crucial CDC summer camp guidelines, the role of clear public health communication, and the growing vaccine hesitancy fueled by mixed messaging. Scott underscores the importance of maintaining trust in health recommendations, particularly for protecting vulnerable children.

Jennifer Wilson, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the transformative role of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood following the #MeToo movement. She discusses how these professionals ensure safety and comfort during sex scenes, highlighting both their advocacy and the challenges they face in the industry. The conversation also delves into the complexities of simulating intimacy on screen, the necessity of consent, and the evolving expectations around portrayals of sexuality in film and television.

Jeff Goodell, a renowned climate change writer and author of impactful books like The Heat Will Kill You First, dives into the heartbreaking consequences of the recent flash flooding in central Texas. He discusses how climate change has intensified such disasters and questions the effectiveness of current flood response strategies. The conversation also highlights the need for better community preparedness and infrastructure planning to combat increasing extreme weather risks. Goodell urges accountability from agencies like FEMA to protect vulnerable populations.

Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, dives deep into the parallels between the Fugitive Slave Act and current immigration policies. He highlights how historical injustices shape today's political narratives and how federal overreach mirrors past practices. Bouie discusses the role of activism in challenging oppressive laws, drawing connections between 19th-century abolitionists and contemporary advocates for immigrant rights. He emphasizes the evolving public sentiment on immigration and the potential for activism to drive significant policy shifts.

Sommer Brugal, a Miami reporter for Axios, dives deep into the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a hastily built migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades. The conversation reveals the swift establishment of such facilities and their political motivations. Brugal critiques the facility’s grim branding and explores its implications for immigration policy and environmental concerns. The discussion highlights the harsh realities faced by detainees and raises ethical questions about the inhumane conditions in ICE custody.

Join Will Oremus, a technology news analysis writer for the Washington Post, as he dives into the heated debate surrounding AI regulation. He discusses the recent removal of an amendment that would have limited state-level AI laws and the ongoing struggle in Congress to establish a cohesive national AI policy. Oremus explores the shift from regulating AI to increased military funding and highlights the influence of Big Tech on political dynamics. It's a rollercoaster ride through the complexities of legislation and the future of artificial intelligence!

Is anyone having fun on the internet anymore? Let’s all go touch grass.Guest: Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer and author of “It’s Time to Log Off.”This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Swain, a weather and climate scientist at the University of California, discusses the alarming impact of funding cuts on the National Weather Service. He highlights how these reductions hinder accurate storm predictions and endanger public safety. Swain addresses current challenges in forecasting severe weather, like hurricanes and tornadoes, underlines the critical need for resources, and warns about the risks of reduced meteorological capabilities amid increasing extreme weather events.