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On this episode: Lucy and Elizabeth are joined by guest host Rebecca Onion to dive into her and Dan Kois’ definitive list of the 25 best picture books of the last quarter century. Which modern stories have staying power? Which books belong beside the classics on your child’s shelf? The hosts debate and delight in the choices.But first, they share their latest triumphs and fails: hiding snacks, an urgent care scare, and a  deeply irrational fears. If you’re not part of the Slate Plus community, we hope you’ll consider joining! Keep reading to learn how.Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get to hang out with us on the Plus Playground every week for a whole additional grab-bag of content — and you’ll get an ad-free experience across the network. And you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Care and Feeding. Sign up now at slate.com/careplus – or try it out on Apple Podcasts.Listen to Opportunity Gap wherever you get your podcasts: ⁠⁠https://lnk.to/opportunitygapPS!careandfeeding⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focusing on business and technology. He dives into how major media companies like Paramount and Disney are aligning with the Trump administration and the FCC's Brendan Carr. They discuss Carr’s tactics, like using licensing threats to influence media mergers. Pahwa also examines the Ellison family's plans for CBS, potential acquisitions, and the risks that media consolidation poses to dissenting voices in journalism. It’s a revealing look at power dynamics in the media landscape.

Danielle Abril, a technology-in-the-workplace reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the intricate world of AI in hiring. She shares her awkward experiences with voice-activated recruiters that often misinterpret candidates, raising questions about fairness. Danielle also highlights how young workers are navigating the job market and adapting to the increasing demand for AI skills in various roles. The discussion further explores whether AI is truly replacing jobs or merely automating tasks amidst economic uncertainties.

Neil Irwin, an experienced economics reporter at Axios, joins the discussion to unpack the recent Fed rate cut and notable dissent by appointee Stephen Miran. He emphasizes the implications of a politicized Federal Reserve for future monetary policy. The conversation shifts to the rising costs of premium credit cards like AMEX and their transformation into status symbols. Lastly, the unsettling news about Publishers Clearing House's bankruptcy raises questions about the fate of 'lifetime' winners and the risk of depending on such payouts.

Josh Lora, a sociologist and content creator known as TellTheBees, dives into the rise of anti-social behavior in today’s culture. He discusses how a generation is proudly embracing staying in, fueled by smartphones and pandemic trauma. From the mainstreaming of 'loserdom' to the impact of dating apps on social interactions, Lora explores the complexities of modern connections. He also suggests remedies like low-cost third spaces to revive social gatherings and combat the doomscrolling trend.

Join law professor Mary Anne Franks, an expert in free speech and civil rights, as she and Dahlia Lithwick untangle the contradictions of free-speech rhetoric in America. They discuss how powerful figures exploit free-speech norms while enacting censorship. Franks highlights the intersection of government, media pressure, and tech influence on public discourse. They explore the chilling effects of debate tactics on academic freedom and the risks of feelings-driven legal narratives in a polarized society.

Judith Resnik, a Yale Law professor and author of *Impermissible Punishments*, shares her insights into the historical evolution of prison punishment. She delves into the grim practices of past centuries, like whipping, and how legal reforms emerged post-WWII to protect prisoner rights. The conversation highlights systemic issues within prisons today, such as overcrowding and mental health, and explores practical reforms that could enhance safety and democracy within correctional facilities.

TikTok—which was supposed to be banned again on Wednesday but, again, isn’t—may be legal once more. The Trump administration says it’s meeting with Xi Jinping Friday to finalize the agreement, which may involve—get this—a wealthy Trump-supporting tech mogul. Guest: Nitish Pahwa, staff writer for business and tech at Slate.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 TBD—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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Broderick, a reporter immersed in online culture and the author of the newsletter Garbage Day, unveils the complex relationship between internet culture and violence. He explores the viral impact of the Charlie Kirk murder, emphasizing how influencers shape public perception. The discussion touches on the chaos of online misinformation, the failure of law enforcement to grasp meme literacies, and the competing narratives that emerge around violent events. Broderick traces historical patterns of memeified violence, highlighting the challenges faced by institutions in responding effectively.

Mike Schaefer, the host of CityCast DC and a Politico columnist, sheds light on the pressing issues facing Washington, D.C. He discusses how federal interventions are impacting home-rule autonomy and the political consequences of proposed congressional legislation. The conversation delves into the chilling effects on free speech triggered by recent events, and the dynamics between Trump and Congress that threaten D.C.'s governance. Schaefer's insights highlight the ongoing struggle for local self-determination amidst federal overreach.