What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Michael Schulman, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Oscar Wars', dives into the chaotic world of Oscar contenders, focusing on the controversial film 'Emilia Perez'. He discusses its unique blend of a trans storyline and cartel narrative, sparking debate over creative risks versus negative stereotypes. The film’s surprising Oscar nominations raise questions about Hollywood's evolving identity politics. Schulman also highlights social media backlash against representation and the challenges facing films during this tumultuous award season.

In this discussion, Chris McGreal, a writer for The Guardian US with a deep background in South African politics, analyzes Trump's controversial stance on South Africa. They explore why the president is concerned about land reforms affecting white farmers, linking it to a media narrative. McGreal delves into the complexities of crime rates and historical victimization narratives, critiquing how figures like Elon Musk shape discourse around race and ownership. The podcast highlights the intersection of politics, history, and individual narratives in shaping current perceptions.

Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate specializing in legal issues, dives into the ongoing fallout from the 'Stop the Steal' movement. He discusses a North Carolina Republican's radical strategy to disqualify ballots in a tight Supreme Court race. Stern emphasizes the implications of challenging electoral results and the disturbing trend it could inspire. The conversation also touches on the complexities of voter registration accuracy and the potential disenfranchisement of voters, highlighting significant issues in today's elections.

Gábor Scheiring, a former Hungarian parliament member and assistant professor at Georgetown, discusses the striking parallels between Viktor Orbán’s regime and Donald Trump’s approach to governance. He dives into the erosion of democracy in Hungary and how this can inform resistance efforts in the U.S. Scheiring highlights economic discontent and the political landscape, stressing the need for meaningful connections with citizens to protect democratic values. His insights serve as a cautionary tale for American politics today.

Jason Koebler, cofounder of 404 Media, dives into the alarming consequences of government data purging under Trump’s directives. They discuss how executive orders reshape health and science data, erasing critical information pertaining to diversity and inclusion. Koebler highlights the threats to rare disease treatment and public health due to data manipulation. The episode also scrutinizes the ethical dilemmas faced by federal employees and the efforts of archivists to protect vital government data during political shifts.

Elon Musk's recent foray into video games raises eyebrows. He's been caught using boosting to climb rankings in titles like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. This move sparks a discussion on the ethics of gaming and competition. Are wealthy players undermining fair play by purchasing upgrades? The contrasting perspectives of dedicated gamers versus those who take shortcuts is at the heart of the controversy, shining a light on authenticity in the gaming world.

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED, dives into the ambitious and controversial initiatives driven by Elon Musk's vision for government efficiency. They discuss the unsettling impacts of a federal email offering resignations, which highlights employee anxiety amid staffing cuts. The conversation shifts to the role of young talent in Musk’s enterprises, showcasing their significant contributions. Lastly, they explore Musk's political influence, raising questions about accountability and his actions' implications for future governance.

Andrea Pitzer, author of One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps, dives into the alarming resurgence of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center for immigrants, challenging assumptions about its closure. She examines the complex immigration policies and the implications for human rights. With a historical perspective, Pitzer discusses the labeling of detainees and the troubling realities behind transparency in government operations. The conversation raises crucial questions about legal exceptions and the risks of repeating past injustices.

Franco Ordoñez, a White House correspondent for NPR, and Fred Kaplan, Slate’s war stories correspondent, delve into the intriguing challenges facing USAID. They explore why the agency, vital for humanitarian support, is under scrutiny and its funding facing freezes. The discussion covers the historical role of USAID in diplomacy, contrasting it with military interventions. They also touch on the organization's turbulent past, particularly during the Trump era, and examine how external critiques, including from figures like Elon Musk, have shaped its future.

Dan Kois, a seasoned writer at Slate and author of five books, dives into the pressing issues of aviation safety. He discusses the alarming increase in near misses and the systemic challenges faced by air traffic control due to staffing shortages. The conversation critiques the political blame game following recent crashes, questioning Congress's commitment to safety versus convenience. Kois also examines the impact of pilot shortages and calls for a transparent culture in aviation, urging a reevaluation of our societal values regarding safety.