Slate News

Brian Stelter, the chief media analyst at CNN, dives into the contentious battle over public media funding, examining the Trump administration's attempts to strip support from NPR and PBS. He traces the historical roots of this conflict back to Fred Rogers' landmark testimony in 1969. Stelter highlights the decline of authentic dialogue in today's political climate and shares personal stories showcasing the impact of potential budget cuts. He emphasizes the crucial role of public broadcasting in underserved areas, questioning what the future holds for these beloved institutions.

Join legal experts Steve Vladeck, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Jamelle Bouie as they dissect the Supreme Court's recent term. Vladeck highlights the erosion of public trust amidst significant rulings, while Ifill warns of the implications for civil rights and judicial integrity. Bouie adds historical context, examining how originalism can marginalize voices in legal history. The trio critically assesses the court’s conservative majority and its impact on democracy, education, and the relationship between law and politics.

Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate and co-host of the legal podcast Amicus, dives into the recent contentious decisions made by the Supreme Court. He discusses the implications for birthright citizenship and universal injunctions, raising alarms over the potential chaos that could ensue. The conversation highlights the court's perceived partisanship and the troubling balance of judicial power. Stern also critiques the impact of these rulings on healthcare rights and the growing dissatisfaction among justices, painting a picture of a fraught legal landscape.

Philip Bump, a Washington Post columnist specializing in immigration enforcement, joins Scott Shuchart, a former ICE official, to discuss the controversial trend of ICE agents concealing their identities with masks. They highlight the risks this poses to community trust and officer accountability. The guests delve into the implications of such practices, especially how they impact perceptions of safety and authority. They also question claims of rising violence against ICE agents, examining the motivations behind masked operations and the evolving dynamics of immigration enforcement.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Conger, a technology reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit," dives into the chaotic aftermath of Musk's Twitter takeover. She explores how his leadership has shifted the landscape of brand advertising, increase in hate speech, and advertiser hesitance. The conversation also sheds light on the FTC's startling involvement in merger regulations, addressing the complex dynamics between politics, advertising, and free speech in today’s digital ecosystem.

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.