What Next | Daily News and Analysis

David Faris, a political scientist and writer known for his sharp analysis on U.S. elections, explores the potential for a Democratic resurgence in the upcoming midterms. He discusses how record retirements might reshape congressional dynamics. The conversation highlights the implications of independent voter sentiments and the chaotic immigration narrative impacting GOP support. Faris also emphasizes the importance of Latino and youth turnout as pivotal for Democratic success, while assessing gerrymandering concerns and key Senate pickup opportunities.

Jonathan M. Katz, a journalist and historian specializing in American expansion, dives into the complexities of U.S. imperialism and political rhetoric. He draws parallels between Trump's language and early 20th-century imperialism, exploring how it shapes modern foreign policy. Katz discusses the Monroe Doctrine's anti-colonial roots, Roosevelt's justifications for interventions, and the long-term consequences of U.S. actions, noting how they often lead to repressive regimes. He also examines the implications of claiming Greenland and the performative nature of modern political discourse.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Koebler, co-founder of 404 Media and tech journalist, dives deep into the controversial use of Grok on X. He unpacks how users have hijacked the platform to create explicit images, including targeting minors, and shares alarming statistics on the scale of these activities. Koebler critiques Grok's misleading apologies, explores the weakened moderation on X, and discusses the legal landscape surrounding non-consensual imagery. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications of AI in adult content.

In this discussion, Alex Kirshner, a contributing writer at Slate, delves into the intriguing world of prediction markets. He shares a captivating story about an anonymous individual who made a staggering $400,000 by betting on the fall of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The conversation touches on the legal gray areas surrounding these markets, the challenges of insider trading regulations, and how market behaviors can mislead public perception. Kirshner also discusses why lawmakers often overlook these platforms and the need for regulatory improvements.

Jon Collins, a senior reporter at Minnesota Public Radio, shares his insights on the tragic ICE surge in Minneapolis that led to the shooting of Renee Good, a mother advocating for her community. He discusses the chaotic scene, describes the role of on-the-ground observers, and reflects on the local response amid rising tensions. Collins critiques the Trump administration's handling of the situation and explores Minnesota's historical context in this crisis. He emphasizes the growing community solidarity and the challenges ahead for accountability.

Deena Winter, a Minneapolis City Hall reporter for the Star Tribune, delves into the turmoil surrounding Tim Walz’s governor campaign. She explores how wild allegations of daycare fraud, amplified by right-wing narratives, pressured Walz into withdrawing. Winter distinguishes between credible fraud cases and recycled claims, revealing the extensive COVID-related exploitation of feeding programs. The conversation highlights the political ramifications, impacts on Minnesota's social safety nets, and the fear experienced by the Somali community amidst these scandals.

Ryan Reilly, an NBC News reporter and author of 'Sedition Hunters,' dives into the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack. He discusses the chaos following Trump's return and the impact of swift pardons on ongoing investigations. Reilly highlights troubling cases of recidivism among participants and the serious threats still looming over officials. He also reflects on the emotional toll within the Justice Department, revealing how a 'weaponization' agenda is shaping future prosecutions and public memory of that fateful day.

Shane Harris, a national security and intelligence writer for The Atlantic, explores the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. He discusses the motives behind the mission, including narcoterrorism and oil interests, while questioning the future leadership in Venezuela. Harris critiques the framing of the operation as law enforcement rather than military action, assesses the international response, and highlights daily life in Caracas amid uncertainty. His insights reveal the complexities and risks of U.S. involvement in the region.

Joel Achenbach, a seasoned journalist and author of 'Moondoggle', delves into NASA's Artemis program. He highlights the public's confusion over lunar and Mars missions and why it's crucial to prioritize the moon as a testing ground for Mars exploits. Achenbach discusses the political and budgetary hurdles NASA faces, alongside the intricate architecture of Artemis, including the SpaceX lunar lander plans. He also examines the impact of competition with China and the waning interest in space among younger generations, emphasizing lessons for Earth.

Host Mary Harris appeared on stage a few weeks back to speak in response to a night of “Resistance Theater,” considering how she, as a journalist, is preparing to meet this political moment. 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.