What Next

In a thought-provoking discussion, Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his historical insights, and Jeremy Lindenfeld, a reporter focused on climate and inequality, dive into Trump’s military posturing in California. They analyze the implications of federal troop deployment, questioning whether these moves reveal a desperation for control. The conversation also broaches the historical context of government crackdowns on protests, drawing parallels to state responses and the challenges faced by Democrats in opposing authoritarianism effectively.

In this discussion, Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation and author of *Mass Starvation*, delves into the dire situation in Gaza, where millions face starvation amidst political turmoil. He highlights personal stories of families struggling against food scarcity and explores the weaponization of famine in warfare. The conversation reveals the psychological impact on individuals and the urgent challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, emphasizing the historical context of food rations as a method of control.

In this discussion, Christina Cauterucci, a Slate senior writer and host of Outward, dives into the decline of corporate support for Pride Month. She critiques the commercialization of Pride while exploring its roots in activism against oppression. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots movements in reclaiming the authentic essence of Pride, emphasizing community over corporate interests. Cauterucci encourages listeners to reflect on what Pride truly represents and how it can be revitalized in more meaningful ways.

Elizabeth Goitein, co-director at the Brennan Center for Justice, dives deep into the recent decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles amid protests against ICE raids. She discusses the legal foundations of such a move, navigating the complexities of the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act. The conversation highlights the mixed responses from local officials and the ethical implications of federal intervention in civil unrest. Goitein underscores the potential threats this poses to democracy and constitutional rights.

Nancy Scola, a reporter from POLITICO, dives into the pivotal antitrust challenges Google faces, led by Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater. They discuss Slater's unique approach to breaking up the tech giant, emphasizing her past in the Trump era and how it shapes today's regulatory landscape. The conversation reveals political tensions influencing legal strategies and highlights the evolving relationship between tech power and government oversight. Scola also sheds light on the impact of these cases on innovation and competition in the industry.

Sean Diddy Combs’s trial in New York started about a month ago and was expected to take about two months, so here at the halfway mark, we check in with a Slate correspondent who has been on the scene at the courthouse.Guest: Nadira Goffe, staff writer of culture at Slate.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.

Sheera Frenkel, a tech reporter for The New York Times, dives into the controversial role of Palantir in government data management. She discusses how the company's tools aim to break down data silos but raises concerns about privacy implications. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemma of centralized data collection, especially its impact during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Frenkel also highlights the tension within Palantir regarding its partnership with government agencies and the potential risks to civil liberties.

Mark Betancourt, a freelance reporter specializing in immigration, shares the harrowing story of an Ethiopian woman tortured by her government and facing deportation from the U.S. They discuss the chilling consequences of shifting asylum policies under the Trump administration, particularly the dismantling of protections for torture survivors. Betancourt highlights the evolving asylum process and its impact on vulnerable individuals, revealing the legal battles and human rights implications embedded in these changes.

Isaac Saul, executive editor of Tangle and author of "I think I’m leaving Zionism, or Zionism is leaving me," dives into the evolving landscape of Zionism amid ongoing conflict. He discusses the surge in anti-Semitic incidents and the complex identity struggles many face. Saul reflects on personal transformations during pivotal visits to Israel and explores how younger generations perceive the term 'Zionist.' The conversation underscores the urgent need for empathy and dialogue, emphasizing pathways towards understanding amidst polarized views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Marcia Howard, president of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, and Brandt Williams, a senior editor at MPR News, delve into the profound impact of George Floyd's murder five years later. They discuss the ongoing struggle for police reform, highlighting promises unfulfilled by city leaders. Howard emphasizes the crucial role of educators in activism, while both guests reflect on the transformation of George Floyd Square into a symbol of justice. The complexities surrounding community safety and urban infrastructure are also examined, underscoring the continuing fight against systemic oppression.