What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Guest Karen Hao, journalist and data scientist, discusses the impact of Chat GPT on the AI industry and the ideological divide. They also explore the reorganization of the board, the lack of diversity, and the need for transparency and informed decision-making in AI development.

David Freedlander, New York Magazine contributor and author of The AOC Generation, discusses the controversies and challenges surrounding Eric Adams' political career. They explore investigations, allegations of campaign finance irregularities, and a recent sexual assault allegation. The chapter also delves into Adams' background, his journey to becoming mayor of New York City, and the uncertainty surrounding recent events involving FBI agents and a federal judge.

Guest April Dembosky, health correspondent for KQED, discusses California's new 'CARE courts' designed to assist individuals with psychotic disorders. They explore the controversy surrounding court-ordered mental health treatment and the challenges of involuntary commitment. The connection between mental illness, homelessness, and the housing crisis in California is also examined.

A contributing editor and photojournalist, Todd Maisel, discusses the impact of the NYPD encrypting police radios and the concerns surrounding it. The podcast explores the dangers of public access to police radios, the consequences of encrypting scanners, and the potential consequences if New York City's police scanners go dark. It also delves into the future of police radios, abortion care restrictions in the United States, and the importance of police transparency.

Guest Peter Beinart, a professor of journalism and political science, talks about the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, discussing the release of hostages and detainees. The episode explores the emotional experiences and reflections on the ceasefire, as well as the power of protests and advocacy efforts. Qatar's role in facilitating communication between Israelis and Palestinians is also examined. There are concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the responsibility of the United States in ensuring a fair criminal system.

Washington Post reporter Chris Davenport discusses the race to return to the moon, the renewed interest in lunar missions, the role of private companies like SpaceX, the lack of regulations surrounding moon mining, and the ethical questions and potential benefits of moon exploration.

Cezary Podkul, reporter for ProPublica, discusses the prevalence of money laundering and scams in Southeast Asia, including the connection between casinos and money laundering. He also explores the intricate workings of a pig butchering scam that transitions into a cryptocurrency fraud, and the connection between scammers and human trafficking. The role of Southeast Asian casinos in facilitating money laundering is addressed as part of the solution to combat scams effectively.

While the What Next team celebrates the holiday, enjoy this episode from our colleagues at Decoder Ring.In 1992, a Minnesota-based software company known for its educational hit The Oregon Trail released another simulation-style game to school districts across the country. Freedom! took kids on a journey along the Underground Railroad, becoming the first American software program to use slavery as its subject matter.Less than four months later, it was pulled from the market. In this episode, we revisit this well-intentioned, but flawed foray into historical trauma that serves as a reminder that teaching Black history in America has always been fraught.This episode was written by Willa Paskin. Decoder Ring is produced by Willa Paskin and Katie Shepherd. This episode was also produced by Benjamin Frisch, and edited by Erica Morrison. Derek John is executive producer. Joel Meyer is senior editor-producer and Merritt Jacob is senior technical director.We’re grateful to Julian Lucas for his expertise, reporting, and generosity, without which this episode would not have been possible. His New Yorker article, “Can Slavery Reenactments Set Us Free?,” revisits the Freedom! story as part of an exploration of the live Underground Railroad re-enactments that Kamau Kambui pioneered.Thank you to Jesse Fuchs for suggesting this topic. Thanks also to Coventry Cowens, Brigitte Fielder, Bob Whitaker, Alan Whisman, Wayne Studer, Alicia Montgomery, Rebecca Onion, Luke Winkie, and Kamau Kambui’s children: Yamro Kambui Fields, Halim Fields, Mawusi Kambui Pierre, Nanyamka Salley, and Kamau Sababu Kambui Jr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Sammon, Slate politics writer, discusses the division within the Democratic Party over Israel policy. The podcast explores the strained relationship between progressives and the party, the influence of the Israel lobby, and the potential consequences of APAC's growing power.

Guest Mike Isaac, technology reporter at the New York Times, discusses the firing of Sam Altman, the recent leadership changes and conflicting philosophies within OpenAI, concerns about AI, and the challenges and consequences of AI development.