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Ryan Felton, a Wall Street Journal reporter covering the automotive industry, dives into the precarious state of electric vehicles as tax credits face cuts. He examines how this could stifle sales, transforming EVs from accessible options to luxury items. The discussion highlights the historical evolution of tax incentives and their impact on consumer behavior. Felton also sheds light on the challenges American automakers face against international competitors and how industry representatives in Colorado are navigating these turbulent waters.

This week, the hosts dig into Tesla's jaw-dropping $1 trillion incentive for Elon Musk, questioning why the richest man needs such extravagance. They also dissect a recent antitrust ruling on Google, where the judge called it a monopoly yet avoided a breakup, prompting a discussion on the implications for tech competition. Additionally, they explore the world of litigation finance linked to Trump’s tariffs, illuminating the intricacies of recovering tariff refunds. It's a mix of finance, tech, and investor intrigue!

Kat Tenbarge, a writer for Spitfire News specializing in internet culture, joins the conversation to defend the Gaylor fandom—fans who believe Taylor Swift is secretly queer—after recent backlash due to her engagement. The discussion dives into the complexities of fan dynamics, the impact of Swift's lyrics on LGBTQ+ theories, and the emotional rollercoaster fans experience during significant announcements. Tenbarge highlights the historical context of fandoms and the unique relationship between Swift and her devoted LGBTQ+ supporters.

Jill Lepore, an esteemed historian and law professor at Harvard, discusses the urgent need to reimagine the U.S. Constitution amidst today's political polarization. She emphasizes the importance of the amendment process as a tool for societal renewal and reflects on underrepresented voices in constitutional history. The conversation also critiques the current state of presidential power, advocates for public engagement in constitutional discourse, and the necessity for a living Constitution that adapts to modern governance.

Ed Zitron, author of the newsletter Where’s Your Ed At and host of Better Offline, shares his critical insights on the current state of artificial intelligence. He discusses the potential bursting of the A.I. bubble, drawing parallels to past tech booms. Zitron highlights the financial struggles of companies like OpenAI and the unrealistic expectations investors have about generative A.I.'s profitability. With a sharp focus on the skepticism surrounding inflated valuations, he warns of the societal implications if these technologies aren’t implemented sustainably.

This week, public health expert Josh Sharfstein shares insights from his experience as a former health commissioner and FDA official. He discusses the troubling implications of recent CDC changes, including risks to public health and vaccine accessibility. The conversation also covers the political ramifications of the Trump administration's legal challenges as they near the Supreme Court and the complicated landscape of a potential government shutdown. The team weighs in on how these issues could reshape public trust and health initiatives moving forward.

Abdallah Fayyed, a policy correspondent at Vox, dives into the extravagant redecoration of the Oval Office during Trump's presidency. He discusses how Trump's aesthetic choices reflect his self-centered worldview and affect the U.S. government's image. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of presidential opulence, critiquing the shift from traditional elegance to a more branded, flashy style. Fayyed raises fascinating questions about identity, authority, and the impact of cultural defense messaging in current discourse.

Today on the show: What to do when your kid won’t stop sucking their thumb. Lucy, Elizabeth, and Zak offer guidance for moving on from thumb-sucking—without turning to bribes or battles—as well as alternative methods of self-soothing. In ‘triumphs and fails’ Elizabeth and Zak wrestle with airports and big international moves, while Lucy deals with a budgeting tantrum.Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask questions, share feedback, and suggest future topics. 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 an extra weekly grab-bag of content on the Plus Playground, an ad-free experience across the network, and support 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, Isaac Butler, author of The Method, joins the discussion. They explore the 1990s crime film Caught Stealing featuring Austin Butler, spotlighting its unique blend of humor and grit. The panel shifts to The Thursday Murder Club adaptation, examining challenges in portraying aging characters. They also delve into A24's artistic impact, discussing their innovative approach amidst industry changes and the potential risks of AI in filmmaking. This lively conversation is filled with nostalgic reflections and critical insights into modern cinema.

Luke Broadwater, a White House reporter for The New York Times, dives into Donald Trump's efforts to consolidate power within independent agencies like the Federal Reserve and his influence over Congress. The conversation highlights rising tensions in D.C. as both parties prepare for budget battles, scrutinizing Trump’s controversial governance tactics and their implications. Broadwater also discusses the challenges posed by Trump's possible biases against federal institutions and the future of accountability in American politics.