What Next

CT Jones, a culture writer at Rolling Stone, dives deep into Jonathan Majors' tumultuous career, from promising indie star to facing legal scandals. They discuss the irony of Majors promoting 'Magazine Dreams,' a film about a troubled bodybuilder, while navigating his own demons. The conversation explores Hollywood's complex narratives on redemption and accountability, questioning if societal perceptions are changing. Jones also reflects on the implications for the Black community and the evolving standards of fame and forgiveness in today’s entertainment industry.

Aya Batrawy, an NPR international correspondent based in Dubai, sheds light on the intense humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She discusses the perilous conditions for aid workers, detailing tragic incidents of violence against them. Batrawy highlights the dire shortages of food and medical supplies, affecting the most vulnerable populations, especially children. The conversation digs into Israel's military strategy under President Trump's plan and the international community's response to the urgent need for aid amidst ongoing conflict.

Jonathan Last, the Editor of The Bulwark and a voice in conservative political commentary, dives deep into the complexities of Trump's tariffs. He discusses the flawed logic behind trade imbalances and how tariffs could lead to economic turmoil for political gain. The conversation turns to the upcoming 2024 elections, analyzing voter sentiment and the disconnect between consumer perception and economic reality. Last encourages listeners to reflect on the political motivations behind tariffs and their implications for democracy.

Felix Salmon, Chief Financial Correspondent at Axios and co-host of Slate Money, dives into Elon Musk's intriguing connection with Wall Street. He discusses Wall Street's enduring support for Musk, despite controversy surrounding his leadership. The conversation highlights the clash between Musk's unorthodox style and traditional corporate norms while unpacking Tesla's recent sales decline. Salmon also explores the implications of Musk's unpredictability for investors and the complex interplay between financial markets and political dynamics.

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED who delves into the intersection of politics and technology, discusses the looming layoffs of 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services. She highlights the potential dangers these cuts pose to public health and safety. The conversation also covers the influence of Dogecoin on government dynamics, including how its rise mirrors political changes and raises concerns about privatization. Kelly critiques the treatment of constituents as customers, similar to Elon Musk’s approach at Twitter.

Jonathan Blitzer, a New Yorker staff writer and immigration expert, joins Nick Miroff from The Atlantic to delve into the devastating realities of Trump-era deportations. They share alarming stories of innocent individuals, including the harrowing case of Andri José, seeking asylum after escaping persecution. The discussion highlights the dehumanizing conditions in U.S. immigration detention and the misinterpretation of tattoos as gang affiliation leading to wrongful deportations. These personal narratives expose the profound impact of immigration policies on families and communities.

Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox with a focus on courts and law, dives into the Supreme Court's consideration of Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood in South Carolina. He discusses the surprising journey this case took to reach the highest court despite legal precedents against defunding. The conversation touches on political influences affecting judicial decisions, the implications for healthcare access, and patients’ rights in the context of significant state actions. Millhiser unpacks the complexities of this legal battle and what it means for abortion rights.

Aymann Ismail, a staff writer at Slate, sheds light on the shocking detention of Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk by ICE agents. The discussion unravels the troubling connections between federal surveillance and the suppression of free speech, especially for Muslim activists. Ismail delves into how organizations like Canary Mission exacerbate fears among foreign students. With personal stories and broader implications at stake, the conversation highlights the chilling effect on dissenting voices in America’s academic landscape.

John Nichols, associate editor at The Capital Times and expert on electoral issues, tackles the unprecedented financial stakes in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, reaching nearly $100 million. He reveals Elon Musk's staggering $19.3 million influence and his attempts to steer judicial appointments. Nichols discusses the ideological shift in the court and how this impacts crucial issues like abortion rights. The conversation also uncovers the sensational tactics used in campaigning and the broader implications of billionaire influence on democracy.

Ketamine has gone from a recreational psychedelic to an approved treatment, and it has caught on in Silicon Valley in a big way. Are the long-term effects of using ketamine—recreationally or therapeutically—sufficiently known? Are we witnessing them right now?Guest: Shayla Love, staff writer for the Atlantic.Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.