Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate focusing on courts and law, dives into the political theatrics surrounding election integrity in North Carolina. He discusses Republican strategies to contest election results, emphasizing Jefferson Griffin's aim to disqualify ballots from Democratic areas. The conversation highlights the implications for electoral democracy and the firsthand experiences of those impacted. Stern also connects these tactics to wider trends of partisan influence in judicial settings, raising alarms about the future of voter rights.

Julie Kliegman, a freelance writer and editor specializing in sports media, joins the hosts to unpack the Chiefs' surprising Super Bowl defeat to the Eagles. They discuss the implications of a recent executive order targeting trans women in sports, highlighting the distressing landscape for trans athletes. The conversation also dives into the growing movement to shorten game times across various sports, examining how this could reshape fan engagement and appeal to younger audiences.

Gábor Scheiring, a former Hungarian parliament member and assistant professor at Georgetown University Qatar, shares insights on Viktor Orbán's regime. He discusses the alarming parallels between Orbán and Trump, focusing on rising authoritarianism and political polarization in both Hungary and the U.S. Scheiring emphasizes the importance of actively defending democracy and addresses the socio-economic struggles of Hungary's working class. He encourages strategic engagement from opposition parties to resonate with citizens' concerns and shape a more hopeful political future.

Using Github, you can watch as government websites are brought into compliance with Donald Trump’s executive orders. Out goes the word “equity;” in comes “fair.” And health and science data, once publicly available, disappears.Guest: Jason Koebler, cofounder of 404 Media.Jeremy Prokop, data science advisor in the MidwestWant 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts dive into the chaotic trade negotiations that almost spiraled into a war with Canada and Mexico. They reveal the absurdities behind Trump's proposed U.S. sovereign wealth fund. A captivating discussion unfolds on sports betting's legal landscape, particularly as companies find ways to monetize events like the Super Bowl despite state restrictions. Plus, the differences between betting and futures trading come into focus, shedding light on regulations that influence both. It's a blend of economic insights and entertaining banter.

Laurel Braitman, author of "What Looks Like Bravery" and a wildfire survivor, shares her heart-wrenching journey of loss and recovery with Jeff, who recently lost his home. She discusses the emotional toll of grief and offers insights on navigating the aftermath. Their conversation highlights the importance of community support, self-care, and honoring what was lost while rebuilding. With humor and profound reflections, Laurel inspires hope amidst devastation and emphasizes the resilience of those impacted by wildfires.

Former Judge Nancy Gertner discusses her role in suing the Trump administration, focusing on protecting FBI agents threatened for their January 6th prosecutions. She shares insights on recent court victories and their implications for democracy. Mark Joseph Stern then dives into the ongoing DOGE litigation and controversies surrounding birthright citizenship, highlighting the judiciary's critical role in safeguarding rights amid political turmoil. Together, they shed light on the fierce legal battles against authoritarianism.

In this intriguing discussion, guest Makena Kelly, a senior writer at WIRED focusing on politics and technology, delves into Elon Musk's ambitious government initiatives. She addresses the anxieties of federal employees under Musk's Doge program, exploring potential job security threats amidst efficiency drives. The conversation highlights the legal and political murkiness surrounding Musk's actions and their implications for democratic accountability. Kelly raises concerns on the growing influence of wealth in U.S. agencies, questioning the balance between private interests and public service.

David Leonhardt, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on economics and social issues, joins the conversation. They delve into Elon Musk's bold actions impacting federal agencies and explore how U.S. economic growth contrasts with citizen well-being. The discussion highlights the widening gap between prosperity and quality of life, emphasizing income inequality and social isolation. They also examine recent state-level immigration efforts and their legal implications, navigating the contentious landscape of policy and governance in America.

This discussion dives into the complexities of parenting in today's turbulent news landscape. It offers insights on how to address children's concerns about current events without inducing fear. The hosts share personal anecdotes and strategies for fostering healthy dialogue about politics and civic engagement. Additionally, they explore ways to encourage a love for reading while managing extracurricular pressures. With humor and honesty, they reflect on the emotional challenges of travel and its impact on family dynamics.