What Next | Daily News and Analysis

In this insightful discussion, WIRED reporter Vittoria Elliot delves into the intricate balance between government efficiency and individual privacy regarding data sharing. She highlights the risks of data centralization, especially its impact on vulnerable populations. The talk also explores alarming revelations about how immigrant data is managed and the ethical implications of surveillance in immigration enforcement. Elliot emphasizes the need for transparency and oversight to ensure that enhanced data access does not compromise justice.

Sara Nelson, the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, advocates passionately for worker rights and a general strike. She discusses the urgent need for solidarity among labor unions in response to political challenges. Nelson shares her journey from flight attendant to prominent labor activist, emphasizing the power of grassroots organizing. The conversation highlights the impact of past struggles, like the 2019 government shutdown, and explores the potential for unions to unite against modern adversities, calling for clear demands to drive effective change.

Why Trump wants to ouster his own appointee, Jerome Powell, from the Fed chair—and why the rest of the world is rooting for Powell to stay put.Guest: Liz Hoffman, Semafor’s business and finance editor, host of Semafor’s World Economy Summit, and author of Crash Landing: The Inside Story of How the World’s Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your  other 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preaching for empathy and compassion, Pope Francis was at times seen as an agent of dramatic change in the Catholic Church. Did he succeed? Is that even an answerable question before the world knows his successor?Guest: David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham UniversityWant more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your  other 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, Isabel Angell, and Rob Gunther.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ankush Khardori, a senior writer at Politico Magazine and former federal prosecutor, dives into the pressures facing major law firms under the Trump administration. He discusses the ethical dilemmas these firms confront while navigating political scrutiny, including the shift from voluntary pro bono work to questionable practices driven by greed. Khardori also highlights the tensions between maintaining client relations and the integrity of the legal profession amidst these challenging dynamics.

Stephanie Murray, a writer for The Atlantic and creator of the newsletter Family Stuff, dives into the controversy surrounding the use of baby monitors in parenting. She discusses a family's decision to monitor their kids via a makeshift device while on vacation, sparking online backlash. The conversation highlights the evolution of parenting technology, the anxiety it brings, and the societal pressures parents face today. Murray explores the balancing act between modern conveniences and traditional caregiving practices, revealing the complexities of contemporary parenthood.

Paresh Dave, a senior writer at WIRED, dives deep into the intense antitrust trial facing Meta. He discusses the historical context of Facebook's bold acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, outlining the strategic motivations behind these moves. The conversation highlights the FTC's case that could redefine Meta's future, potentially breaking it up as a monopoly. Paresh also touches on the broader implications for big tech, shedding light on how this legal battle may influence market dynamics and future acquisitions across the industry.

Shoshana Walter, an investigative reporter for The Marshall Project focusing on social justice, dives into the controversial practice of drug testing new mothers in U.S. hospitals. They discuss the troubling implications of false positives and the emotional toll on families, particularly in light of the opioid crisis. Walter highlights the historical context of these tests and advocates for better protocols to protect maternal health. The conversation also touches on the lasting psychological effects of these interactions, emphasizing the importance of keeping mothers and infants together.

Callie Ferguson, an investigative reporter for the Bangor Daily News, dives into the intense clash between Maine's Governor Janet Mills and the Trump administration over transgender athlete policies. The conversation reveals the federal government's push to cut funding in response to state resistance. Ferguson discusses how this spat reflects wider tensions on LGBTQ+ rights and the complex dynamics of state versus federal authority. The impact of political decisions on local governance and the potential precedent Maine sets for other states is also explored.

In this discussion, guest Francine Lipman, a law professor and tax law expert from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, delves into the troubling collaboration between the IRS and immigration enforcement. She highlights how unauthorized immigrants, who contribute significantly to federal tax revenue, face increased risks due to recent policy shifts. Lipman emphasizes the potential chilling effects on communities and the historical parallels of marginalized groups being exploited. She advocates for a more humane approach to immigration and taxation, raising critical questions about justice in America.