What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Terence Roehrig, a national security affairs professor at the U.S. Naval War College and expert on East Asian issues, discusses the alarming declaration of martial law by South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. He highlights the immediate parliamentary pushback that swiftly overturned the decision. The conversation dives into the fraught political landscape, examining Yoon's background and the striking resilience of South Korean citizens who rallied against military restrictions. Roehrig also critiques the implications for democracy and the international response to this crisis.

Ankush Khardori, a senior writer at POLITICO and former federal prosecutor, dives into the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden by President Joe Biden. They discuss the implications of perceived favoritism and the contradiction to Biden's previous promises. The conversation also covers the intricate legal issues surrounding Hunter's charges and the potential biases in the justice system. Khardori further explores the political ramifications of this pardon, questioning Biden's legacy and the profound impacts of presidential pardons on governance.

In this discussion, Emily Tamkin, a global affairs journalist and author, unpacks the recently passed legislation regarding terrorist financing and American hostages. She highlights concerns over its potential to label nonprofits as terrorist funders, particularly in a politically charged environment with Trump potentially returning to power. Tamkin also addresses how this bill reflects broader threats to democratic freedoms and the chilling effects on civic organizations that advocate for marginalized voices.

Drew FitzGerald, a telecom reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into the alarming rise of GPS spoofing in aviation. He discusses a tense incident involving an American Airlines flight that faced critical navigation warnings. FitzGerald explores how fake GPS signals pose daily risks to pilots, particularly in conflict zones, and highlights the urgency for airlines to adopt better safety measures. The conversation underscores the need for alternative navigation methods as technology evolves, keeping aviation safety a top priority.

Will Oremus, a technology writer for the Washington Post, dives into the shifting landscape of social media post-election. He discusses the rise of Bluesky and how it’s gaining traction as users flee from X, formerly known as Twitter. Oremus examines the nostalgia for earlier social media experiences and the challenges Bluesky faces in scaling while maintaining user engagement. He also contrasts Bluesky with Threads, highlighting the competitive dynamics shaping online discourse today. Can Bluesky fill the void left by Twitter? Tune in for insights!

Explore the unexpected cultural battles sparked by a beloved children's book about a mouse and a cookie. Discover how its innocent tale became a rallying cry for conservative critiques of welfare. The discussion dives into the author's intentions versus the political narratives pinned on her work. You'll also hear about Ferdinand the Bull, a symbol of peace amidst political chaos. Plus, misconceptions about welfare are challenged, revealing deeper truths about societal values and literature's power to shape perspectives.

Marcia Brown, a food and agriculture reporter at POLITICO, dives into the issues surrounding the recent spike in egg prices caused by avian flu. She explains how 'eggflation' affects both consumers and the market, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Brown discusses the public health risks and the challenges of implementing effective biosecurity measures on farms. The conversation touches on the tensions between farmers and government policies, revealing frustrations with federal interventions during the avian flu crisis.

Linda Greenhouse, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Supreme Court reporter for the New York Times, dives into the evolving landscape of abortion laws in the U.S. She discusses the Supreme Court's recent decisions and the unique lawsuits from three states claiming that abortion access threatens their birth rates. Greenhouse also explores the resurgence of outdated anti-abortion arguments and the socio-political implications of declining birth rates, highlighting how these narratives are shaping future legal battles over reproductive rights.

Jaden Edison, a public education reporter for the Texas Tribune, dives into the controversial integration of Bible stories into Texas public school curriculums. He discusses the implications of teaching history from a Christian perspective, raising concerns about the First Amendment. The conversation highlights the heated debates around the Blue Bonnet Learning curriculum and the challenges teachers face due to recent legislative changes. Edison also reveals the political dynamics influencing educational policies and the potential legal ramifications of these developments.

Gina Kolata, a medical reporter for the New York Times, joins Deb Cromer, mother of Kendrick, the first recipient of commercially approved gene therapy for sickle cell anemia. They share Kendrick's journey through this groundbreaking treatment, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by families. The conversation reveals the hopes and fears surrounding this 'cure' and discusses access to innovative healthcare solutions. Deb reflects on her family's resilience, while Kolata emphasizes the importance of empathy in medical care.