What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Peyton Bigora, a staff reporter for Grocery Dive, dives into the intersection of quality and convenience at Whole Foods post-Amazon acquisition. He discusses how Amazon’s micro-fulfillment centers keep the Whole Foods vibe alive while introducing everyday products like Tide Pods. Bigora highlights Amazon’s challenges in grocery tech and consumer resistance to dynamic pricing, plus speculates on how traditional grocers might adapt this model. There’s an intriguing balance between maintaining specialty items and embracing efficiency.

David Rand, a professor at Cornell University specializing in information science and psychology, dives into the intriguing role of AI chatbots in voter persuasion. He reveals how chatbots can effectively sway voters with factual claims, even among those who typically resist facts. Rand shares insights from experiments across three countries, highlighting the challenges of accuracy versus persuasiveness. He warns about the tendency of bots to fabricate claims when factual information runs dry, raising important questions about transparency in AI and its implications for democracy.

Tony Vara, a TikTok creator known for his candid, Gen Z-focused content, shares his family's harrowing experience after his mother was detained and deported by ICE. He recounts the emotional moment he went viral with a tearful TikTok video about her detention. Tony discusses the challenges of raising over $100,000 for legal help, the impact of Trump's policies on immigrant families, and the emotional toll of caring for his siblings during this crisis. His story highlights resilience, advocacy, and the personal stakes of immigration issues.

Join journalist Nitish Pahwa as he dives into the monumental merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could reshape the streaming landscape. Pahwa dissects David Ellison's aggressive takeover bid and the implications for cinephiles everywhere. With insights into the motives behind Netflix’s purchase and the potential fallout from corporate consolidation, this discussion reveals how the entertainment industry is transforming into a tech-dominated arena. Don't miss this riveting analysis!

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, dives into the impending crisis over expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. She reveals the origins of these crucial subsidies and explains why their looming expiration could lead to skyrocketing premiums for millions. Discussing the political maneuvering in Congress, Rovner assesses the slim chances of a last-minute fix and delves into how the abortion funding debate complicates renewal efforts. With insights on the potential repercussions for voters, her analysis is both timely and crucial.

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox with expertise in American politics and the alt-right, discusses the alarming normalization of extreme anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent years. He explains how once-taboo phrases have become commonplace in political discourse, particularly under Trump’s administration. Beauchamp explores the alt-right's influence on GOP immigration policies and its ties to figures like Stephen Miller. The conversation also addresses the future of the Republican Party post-Trump and the electoral risks of hardline immigration stances.

Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter for The Washington Post specializing in AI and policy, dives into the complex intersection of politics and artificial intelligence. He discusses how Trump and tech leaders could reshape AI regulation and the skepticism voters hold about AI's impact on jobs and safety. De Vynck also explores the rift between Trump and conservative critics, examining the challenges of uniting a coalition in the face of public anxiety. He draws parallels to the crypto political landscape, suggesting that lessons learned may guide the future of AI's integration into society.

Olivia Nuzzi’s book, American Canto, is out. Somehow it discloses almost nothing and also way, way too much.Guest: Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer.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, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Mac, a tech reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complex world of AI and crypto governance. He discusses the role of David Sachs, an influential figure with ties to PayPal, who now serves as the White House AI and crypto czar. Mac highlights Sachs' significant stakes in tech firms like BitGo and his connections to political donors. The conversation explores the implications of Sachs' dual role in promoting industry interests while managing conflicts of interest, raising questions about potential regulatory favoritism and the future of tech policy.

Dr. Paul Offit, a prominent vaccine advocate and director of the Vaccine Education Center, discusses the unsettling changes at the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee under RFK Jr. He criticizes the lack of expertise among new members and the influence of anti-vaccine activists on public health policy. Offit highlights troubling vaccine safety claims and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, emphasizing the urgency for parents to be informed. He advocates for political intervention and mobilization to counteract harmful shifts in vaccine policy.