Slate News

Dr. Mohammed 'Adeel' Khaleel, a complex spinal surgeon, shares his harrowing experiences volunteering in Gaza. He discusses the chaos of treating severe blast and gunshot injuries amidst escalating violence. With overcrowded hospitals and dwindling supplies, he highlights the dire humanitarian crisis. Khalil describes the emotional toll of encountering child victims and families suffering from malnutrition. He reflects on the challenges of aid distribution, expressing uncertainty about the future of Gaza and his commitment to return, despite the dire conditions.

Nadira Goffe, a Slate writer and Philadelphia native, discusses HBO's gritty crime drama Task, exploring its connections to local culture and character performances. Forrest Wickman, Culture editor and birding enthusiast, dives into the quirky documentary Listers, celebrating its charm and unique take on extreme birdwatching. The conversation also tackles the rollercoaster of Jimmy Kimmel's show cancellation and reinstatement, examining the implications for free speech and democracy. Engaging insights abound!

Max Blau, a ProPublica reporter focused on immigration, shines a light on the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. He highlights the critical role of these visas in American agriculture amid mounting labor shortages and the Trump administration's proposed cuts to oversight. Blau discusses alarming enforcement gaps leading to exploitation and wage theft in the industry, illustrated by a compelling case study. The conversation reveals the precarious balance workers face between legal employment and vulnerability to ICE.

Nitish Pahwa, a staff writer at Slate focusing on business and technology, dives into the troubling dynamics of media consolidation. He discusses how media giants like Paramount and Disney have quickly yielded to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, with potential implications from new ownership like the Ellisons. The conversation highlights the chilling effects of this consolidation on the news landscape and the broader consequences for journalism and public discourse. Pahwa's insights shed light on the intersection of power, influence, and media integrity.

Danielle Abril, a technology-in-the-workplace reporter for The Washington Post, shares insights on the evolving role of AI in job recruitment and employment. She discusses her own experience with virtual recruiters and the implications of AI screening tools on job seekers. Abril highlights recent labor data showing a connection between AI and rising graduate unemployment. The conversation also explores how AI may save time yet raises concerns about skill atrophy, as well as the mixed reactions of workers and companies to AI's influence on the job market.

Neil Irwin, a senior economics reporter at Axios and a Fed expert, joins the discussion to dive into the surprising dynamics of a recent Fed meeting marked by unusual dissent. He elaborates on the impact of Trump appointee Stephen Miran and the implications for Fed independence. The conversation shifts to rising premium credit card fees, exploring why financial institutions are targeting status-conscious consumers. Lastly, they touch on the alarming bankruptcy of Publishers Clearing House, leaving past winners in a precarious situation regarding their promised payouts.

Mary Anne Franks, a First Amendment and civil rights law professor at George Washington University, delves into the complexities of free speech in America. She highlights how free speech absolutism paradoxically undermines dissent, using recent cases like Charlie Kirk's to illustrate power's manipulation of free speech rhetoric. Franks also discusses the intertwining of technology, media, and governmental influence, exploring how these factors have muddled public discourse and led to a troubling erosion of First Amendment principles.

Ryan Broderick, a reporter on online culture and author of the newsletter Garbage Day, dives into the chaotic virality of the Charlie Kirk killing. He explores how footage spread like wildfire, igniting conspiracy theories and confusion among investigators. Broderick delves into the troubling history of meme-linked violence and highlights the institutional blind spots that hinder law enforcement and media from effectively responding to internet-driven events. The conversation shines a light on the urgent need for better internet fluency in today’s interconnected world.

This week, Michael Schaefer, host of CityCast DC and Politico columnist, joins the conversation to delve into Washington, D.C.'s evolving political landscape. They discuss the chilling effects of intimidation tactics following Charlie Kirk’s assassination and explore the U.S. military's actions regarding Venezuela. Schaefer highlights significant changes in D.C. governance, including economic cuts and legislative maneuvers affecting local powers. The dialogue is both insightful and urgent, showcasing the complex interplay of local and national politics.

In this engaging discussion, economist Justin Wolfers from the University of Michigan dives into the recent Federal Reserve rate cut and its implications for the struggling economy. He highlights the risks of rising unemployment and potential stagflation. Wolfers also breaks down how tariffs and erratic policies are undermining economic confidence and disrupting e-commerce. Additionally, he sheds light on the impact of cronyism on startups and the broader costs associated with populism. It's a thought-provoking analysis of the current economic landscape.