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Is anyone having fun on the internet anymore? Let’s all go touch grass.Guest: Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer and author of “It’s Time to Log Off.”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, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Swain is a weather and climate scientist at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. He discusses the severe implications of budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service, emphasizing how these reductions compromise storm prediction and public safety. The conversation highlights the critical role of accurate weather forecasting in various sectors and the importance of public advocacy to secure essential funding for weather services. Swain's insights reveal the urgency of addressing these challenges amid escalating climate extremes.

Catherine Rampell, a Washington Post opinion columnist and MSNBC anchor, joins Will Saletan, a former Slate colleague, to unpack the implications of Trump's latest budget bill. They explore its potential damage to health care for the underprivileged and how it might serve the interests of the wealthy. The discussion also reveals the evolving dynamics of the Republican Party under Trump, questioning whether there's still a place for moderates. Rampell also reflects on the ethical controversies of Trump's new merchandise ventures, including a fragrance.

David Dayen, executive editor of the American Prospect, dives into Trump's ambitious legislative push for a massive bill that many lawmakers find deeply unpopular. They discuss the bill's potential pain points, including significant tax cuts for the wealthy paired with severe cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The conversation also highlights the internal conflict among Republicans and the broader implications for healthcare and immigration policy, all amidst the looming pressures of upcoming midterm elections.

Brian Stelter, the chief media analyst at CNN, dives into the contentious battle over public media funding, examining the Trump administration's attempts to strip support from NPR and PBS. He traces the historical roots of this conflict back to Fred Rogers' landmark testimony in 1969. Stelter highlights the decline of authentic dialogue in today's political climate and shares personal stories showcasing the impact of potential budget cuts. He emphasizes the crucial role of public broadcasting in underserved areas, questioning what the future holds for these beloved institutions.

Join legal experts Steve Vladeck, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Jamelle Bouie as they dissect the Supreme Court's recent term. Vladeck highlights the erosion of public trust amidst significant rulings, while Ifill warns of the implications for civil rights and judicial integrity. Bouie adds historical context, examining how originalism can marginalize voices in legal history. The trio critically assesses the court’s conservative majority and its impact on democracy, education, and the relationship between law and politics.

Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate and co-host of the legal podcast Amicus, dives into the recent contentious decisions made by the Supreme Court. He discusses the implications for birthright citizenship and universal injunctions, raising alarms over the potential chaos that could ensue. The conversation highlights the court's perceived partisanship and the troubling balance of judicial power. Stern also critiques the impact of these rulings on healthcare rights and the growing dissatisfaction among justices, painting a picture of a fraught legal landscape.

Philip Bump, a Washington Post columnist specializing in immigration enforcement, joins Scott Shuchart, a former ICE official, to discuss the controversial trend of ICE agents concealing their identities with masks. They highlight the risks this poses to community trust and officer accountability. The guests delve into the implications of such practices, especially how they impact perceptions of safety and authority. They also question claims of rising violence against ICE agents, examining the motivations behind masked operations and the evolving dynamics of immigration enforcement.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Conger, a technology reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit," dives into the chaotic aftermath of Musk's Twitter takeover. She explores how his leadership has shifted the landscape of brand advertising, increase in hate speech, and advertiser hesitance. The conversation also sheds light on the FTC's startling involvement in merger regulations, addressing the complex dynamics between politics, advertising, and free speech in today’s digital ecosystem.

This week: Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary in the race for New York City mayor.  Felix Salmon, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the alarmist reactions from business leaders to the Mamdani’s win and why he’s hardly the threat to capitalism they make him out to be. Then, Trump has turned his sights on Jay Powell once again, threatening to prematurely name his successor for Fed Chair. The hosts break down why this “shadow chair” tactic is unlikely to work. And finally, mega-billionaire Jeff Bezos is finally marrying his beloved Lauren Sanchez in an over-the-top, star-studded wedding in Venice. Whatever happened to stealth wealth and quiet luxury?In the Slate Plus episode: The MAGA Blue Collar Obsession Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.