Slate News

Radley Balko, journalist and author who tracks policing and militarization, breaks down how federal immigration enforcement grew more aggressive. He discusses citizen videos exposing abuses. He traces the warrior-cop roots and Border Patrol’s unique culture. He examines tactical intimidation, masking, and political uses of force. He closes with how communities and local measures push back.

Will Stancil, a Minneapolis lawyer and rapid-response observer who tracks federal agent activity, discusses the shooting of Alex Pretti. He describes arriving at the chaotic scene, video and witness accounts, and the tactics and posture of Border Patrol and ICE. He also talks about political fallout and how local responses to federal forces are shifting.

Reeves Widemann, features writer at New York Magazine, breaks down David Ellison’s rise from Flyboys to boardroom deals. He tracks Ellison’s blockbuster taste, Skydance’s hit-or-miss film record, the role of family money in buying studios, and the tech-forward pitch behind major acquisitions. Short, sharp scenes on ambition, scale, and how far one will go to build a modern Hollywood empire.

A roundup of why Davos feels newly influential this year and how in-person meetings accelerate policy coordination. A look at how Trump’s presence shifted agendas and the tone around affordability. A debate about AI hiring tools and a lawsuit pushing for auditability under consumer protection rules. Light cultural notes on films, awards, and quirky travel trivia.

Alex Reinert, a law professor and litigator who directs centers for rights and constitutional democracy, unpacks how qualified immunity and weakened Bivens doctrine shield federal agents. He traces legal origins, explains why courts often deny remedies, examines ICE practices and administrative warrants, and sketches legislative and state-based paths to restore accountability.

The administration’s justification for their actions in Minneapolis owe a lot to the right-wing influencers—and they seem happy to keep this vicious cycle rolling onto California next. Guest: Will Sommer, journalist for the Bulwark.Want 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week delves into Trump's controversial interest in Greenland and its potential impact on international relations. The hosts examine how this fixation contrasts with pressing domestic concerns like inflation. They also explore the Supreme Court's implications for Federal Reserve independence and reveal troubling shifts within the FBI's focus. Additionally, a conversation with author Curtis Sittenfeld highlights themes of privilege and personal struggles in her latest work.

Join Joshua Keating, a senior foreign policy correspondent at Vox, as he unpacks Donald Trump's controversial interest in acquiring Greenland. Keating explores Europe’s strong reactions at Davos, linking the proposal to broader themes of U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and existing alliances. He delves into the strategic value of Greenland, the allure of its resources, and the implications of Trump's approach on NATO. Can the U.S. actually seize Greenland? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on geopolitics and global relationships.

In this member-exclusive episode, co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss the Supreme Court’s fact-free foray into Trump v. Cook, a case that economists warn could crater the economy. President Donald Trump spent the first weeks of his second stint in the White House firing a lot of people from government agencies. For the most part, the High Court’s conservative justices let it slide, in line with their general “he’s the President, let him do it” posture. But Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook was different. In August, Trump fired off a post on Truth Social, then sacked Cook a few days later, leaving a huge question mark hanging over the independence of the Fed.  Turns out, that’s a very big deal for anyone who wants to avoid hyperinflation and economic disaster. During Wednesday’s arguments, it was clear that even Trump’s hand-picked justices felt as though they would like to avoid such catastrophes. What ensued was more about feelings, fear, and frustration than law, but that may be the best we can hope for. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock weekly bonus episodes of Amicus—you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court heard arguments over state-level bans on trans athletes competing in public schools last week. Though it’s hard to imagine the conservative-majority court calling the bans “discriminatory,” trans athletes and allies have reason to hope for a narrow ruling, rather than an expansion of the existing laws.Guest: Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter for The 19th.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.