Slate News

Asha Rangappa, a former FBI special agent and legal contributor for ABC News, shares her insights on the state of law enforcement integrity. She discusses troubling incidents such as the recent firings at the Pentagon and questionable appointments within the FBI. Asha warns about the dangers of individuals in power who manipulate the law for their own ends. The conversation also highlights the radicalization in the military and the alarming role of private security in democratic spaces, raising critical questions about authority and accountability.

Ryan Mac, a tech reporter from the New York Times and co-author of “Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter,” dives into the resignations of federal workers protesting DOGE leadership issues. He discusses the chaos within federal agencies, sparked by Musk's controversial directives. The podcast explores the emerging resistance against tech leaders and the implications for future government interactions. Additionally, Mac addresses how generative AI is reshaping communication and highlights the political backlash surrounding this evolving landscape.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, delves into the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic alliance, highlighting Europe's changing view of the U.S. as a potential adversary. The conversation touches on Ukraine’s security threats and Europe's need for unity amid rising populism. They also analyze the controversial House GOP budget resolution and its implications on essential services, alongside the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party. Finally, they discuss the Trump administration's aggressive tactics against the press, raising alarms about media freedom.

Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Deep Shtetl newsletter, dives deep into the emotional complexities of the Gaza ceasefire. He discusses the grim realities facing hostages and their families, shedding light on the trauma involved. The conversation explores the challenges of negotiating Gaza’s future amidst ongoing hostilities. Personal stories reveal the impact of the conflict, while negotiations around the terms of the ceasefire highlight the intricate web of political and humanitarian issues still at play.

Greg Bluestein, a political reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, brings an insider's view of the growing unrest among constituents in Georgia. Joined by Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer for Slate, they delve into the public outrage over federal spending cuts, shaking every corner from town halls to Republican districts. Highlights include a representative's evolving stance on Dogecoin and the broader implications of political leaders avoiding direct engagement with their voters. The conversation unveils the rift between political actions and community sentiments, reshaping upcoming elections.

Dan Adler, a staff writer for Vanity Fair and an expert on Barron Trump, dives into the mystery surrounding the president's youngest son. With no social media and little public speech, Barron has become an icon of Trump masculinity for Gen Z. Adler discusses the transformation of Barron's image during his father's presidency, the cultural impact of memes, and his college experience at NYU amidst a political spotlight. The conversation delves into the narratives shaping Barron’s role in the evolving political landscape and celebrity culture.

Dermot Corrigan, a seasoned sports writer for The Athletic based in Madrid, provides firsthand insights into the sensational trial of Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish soccer chief convicted of sexually assaulting World Cup star Jenni Hermoso. The discussion highlights the trial's implications for Spanish soccer and the pervasive misogyny within the sport. Additionally, Corrigan touches on the contentious Canada vs. USA hockey match and the notable end of ESPN's long-standing partnership with MLB, emphasizing how these topics intersect with broader societal issues.

Reflecting on the 2011 Wisconsin protests, the discussion highlights the ongoing challenges for public sector workers facing threats to their rights. As government shutdowns loom, thoughts turn to the possibility of a major strike, drawing parallels with successful protests worldwide. The importance of solidarity among U.S. workers is emphasized, alongside innovative resistance strategies against rising authoritarianism. Personal stories from the Watergate era underscore the significance of the First Amendment in the fight for democracy.

Joining the panel is Nitish Pahwa, a tech reporter for Slate, who dives into the intriguing themes of identity and labor in the Apple TV+ show 'Severance.' They explore the emotional depth of the story and its commentary on work-life separation. The discussion also shifts to the poignant documentary 'No Other Land,' highlighting the struggles faced by Palestinians. Finally, Nitish shares insights from his reporting on BuzzFeed's upcoming AI-driven platform, BF Island, and its efforts to tackle online toxicity in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

David Yaffe-Bellany, a cryptocurrency reporter for The New York Times, dives into the intriguing world of crypto's ties to Donald Trump. He discusses how the crypto industry rallied behind Trump, hoping for legitimacy but instead facing chaos. The launch of meme coins like $Trump reveals a speculative frenzy, showcasing both financial gains and losses. Yaffe-Bellany also explores the controversies surrounding Trump's crypto ventures and how they intertwine with political interests, shedding light on scams and the sector's struggle for credibility.