Slate News

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the chilling implications of recent Supreme Court decisions that threaten constitutional rights. It critiques the ruling in Trump v. CASA, highlighting the challenges citizens face in pursuing justice. Conversations about the dangers of limiting district court authority raise alarms about the erosion of democratic principles. The impact on LGBTQ rights is also explored, particularly regarding a decision that lets parents exclude LGBTQ content from schools, further stigmatizing diversity. Plus, it examines healthcare rulings and their consequences for vulnerable populations.

In this engaging discussion, Maggie Miller, a cybersecurity reporter for POLITICO, unpacks the high-stakes cyber war between Iran and Israel. She highlights a significant attack on Iran's banking system, revealing the chaos wrought by pro-Israel hackers. The conversation dives into the dynamics of cyber warfare, the psychological implications of these attacks, and the effects of U.S. budget cuts on cybersecurity efforts. With tensions rising, Miller sheds light on the intricate connections between digital conflicts and traditional military actions.

Ruth Marcus, a contributor to The New Yorker and author of 'Supreme Ambition,' joins Yale professor James Forman, known for 'Locking Up Our Own,' and Steven Cook from the Council on Foreign Relations. They dive into Trump’s controversial bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, exploring its complex geopolitical implications. The discussion shifts to Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York’s Democratic primary, highlighting grassroots strategies and voter demands for authenticity. They also touch on ethical concerns in judicial practices, bringing light to significant legal challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Ross Barkan, a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine and editor of The Metropolitan Review, dives into the rise of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate shaking up New York City politics. They explore Mamdani's unique ability to engage first-time voters and form diverse coalitions. Barkan reflects on the political landscape and the challenges of fulfilling ambitious campaign promises. He critiques the establishment's support for conventional candidates, highlighting the need for a shift towards addressing everyday economic issues.

Kelsey Weekman, a Senior Entertainment Reporter at Yahoo News specializing in internet culture and the creator economy, shares her insights fresh from VidCon. She discusses the surprising revival of YouTube's prominence at the event, highlighting the induction of iconic creators into VidCon's Hall of Fame. The conversation reveals why TikTok, despite its popularity, hasn't dethroned YouTube's standing. Kelsey also reflects on the evolution of digital content creation and shares personal anecdotes, making this a vibrant exploration of today's social media landscape.

Alleen Brown, an independent investigative reporter and editor at Drilled, dives into the implications of a massive lawsuit against Greenpeace tied to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. She discusses how this unprecedented financial judgment could intimidate activists across the country. Brown also unpacks the legal tactics used to suppress protests today, including law enforcement infiltration and the rise of SLAPP lawsuits. The discussion emphasizes the ongoing challenges for social movements, particularly those fighting for environmental and indigenous rights.

In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by author James Frey to discuss his new novel, Next to Heaven, set among America’s ultra-ultra-rich, the real life billionaires he knows who inspired it, and why he thinks money is addicting.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. While the Pentagon says these facilities are severely damaged, a diplomatic end to the conflict and a nuclear disarmament agreement feel less possible than ever. Guests: ⁠Gregory Gause⁠, Visiting Scholar at the ⁠Middle East Institute⁠ and ⁠Professor Emeritus of International Affairs⁠ for the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University  ⁠David Faris⁠, ⁠political science professor⁠ at Roosevelt University, ⁠contributing writer⁠ for Slate. 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 Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media and co-host of the 404 Media Podcast, delves into the shocking practice of airlines selling passenger data to the government. He reveals how the Airlines Reporting Corporation funnels sensitive travel information to Customs and Border Protection without transparency. The conversation raises urgent questions about privacy and surveillance, exploring the ethical implications of such data transactions and the public's growing outcry for accountability and transparency in airline practices.