Slate News

Lee Bollinger, President Emeritus of Columbia University, dives deep into the challenges facing higher education today. He discusses how the Trump administration's funding strategies threaten academic freedom, pointing out the critical reliance universities have on federal support. Bollinger also addresses the delicate balance of free speech and accountability within campuses, especially regarding anti-Semitism. He shares insights on navigating the heated debates over affirmative action and strategies for universities to rally support amid political pressures.

The hosts dive into the new film featuring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, discussing its mix of espionage and romance. They analyze the humor and drama in the Hulu series 'Deli Boys,' where two siblings unexpectedly inherit a crime syndicate. Reflections on the impact of a famous memoir on writing and personal growth lead to lively debates about literary ambition. Finally, a passionate endorsement of 'A French Village' showcases its intricate storytelling set against a WWII backdrop, making it a must-watch.

Dana Mattioli, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "The Everything War," delves into Jeff Bezos's shifting political strategies. She discusses the fraught relationship between Bezos and Trump, revealing how past tensions are being replaced with attempts at collaboration. The conversation highlights Amazon's ambitions and challenges, including navigating antitrust scrutiny under the Biden administration. Through Mattioli's insights, listeners gain a keen understanding of how corporate power and politics dance in a changing landscape.

The discussion kicks off with the intriguing impact of DOGE on the Social Security Administration and a physical takeover of the US Institute of Peace. The conversation pivots to the complexities of identity verification for social security benefits amid bureaucratic changes. There's an eye-opening examination of authority disruptions, illustrated through Elon Musk's actions and their implications for governance. Finally, a spectacular sale makes the Boston Celtics the highest valued sports team, spotlighting the evolving landscape of sports ownership.

Quinta Jurecic is a governance expert at the Brookings Institution and a senior editor at Lawfare, while Mimi Marziani is a civil rights lawyer recently challenging Elon Musk. They discuss the alarming erosion of the rule of law during the Trump administration, including constitutional crises and conflicts between the judiciary and executive. Marziani shares insights on her legal strategies targeting the implications of political decisions, emphasizing the human cost and the essential role of civic engagement in defending judicial integrity.

Katherine J. Wu, a staff writer for The Atlantic specializing in science, delves into the alarming impact of federal grant terminations on biomedical research. She discusses how the Trump administration's cuts threaten vital research fields, including aging and vaccine development. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on researchers and the ethical dilemmas faced by NIH staff under political pressure. Wu emphasizes the long-term consequences for public health and the potential exodus of scientists due to compromised funding integrity.

Ruth Marcus, a legal columnist for The New Yorker and former writer for The Washington Post, joins the conversation to tackle pressing issues. They discuss the constitutional crisis linked to mass deportation and the tension between judicial authority and executive power. The dialogue shifts to the evolving political landscape, highlighting emerging voter demographics and Trump's strategies, including his TikTok engagement. Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Ukraine, and the historical context of leadership decisions are also explored, making for a compelling and insightful discussion.

The economy that Donald Trump inherited from Joe Biden had low unemployment, slowing inflation, and a growing GDP. So what is he trying to achieve by imposing heavy tariffs on our allies and trading partners? Guest: Stephanie Ruhle, NBC business analyst and the host of The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle.Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your  other 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mass deportations were a big part of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and now in office, he’s making good on the wide-sweeping aspects of his policy, though the numbers aren’t yet massive. Most recently, he’s justified these actions through the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which only applies during wartime. When a judge attempted to halt the deportations to evaluate this use of the rarely-utilized law, Trump called for him to be impeached. Guest: Michelle Hackman, U.S. immigration policy reporter in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau. Want more What Next? Join Slate Plus to unlock full, ad-free access to What Next and all your  other 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this urgent extra episode of Amicus,  host Dahlia Lithwick and Slate's senior writer Mark Joseph Stern discuss the unfolding constitutional crisis triggered by the Trump administration's defiance of a court order to halt flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to be delivered to El Salvador’s so-called Terrorism Confinement Center - a vast foreign prison  that could  be described as a labor camp.  Lithwick and Stern explore the timeline of events that unfolded in Federal Court Judge James Boasberg’s court this week, and on planes bound for El Salvador. Next, they try to parse the legal arguments put forth by the Justice Department, claiming apparently boundless power for President Trump to render anyone he deems a gang member. Finally, they discuss why the Trump administration has chosen this particular constitutional hill to die on, and how far Chief Justice John Roberts might be prepared to go along with it. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock weekly bonus episodes of Amicus—you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices