Slate News

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.

Discover the latest sounds of summer from Love Island and pop culture! Dive into the brewing controversy around Partiful, the event invite app now tangled in ethical debates due to its founders' past associations. Uncover the connection to Palantir and the implications for user privacy, while pondering why no good invite apps seem to exist anymore. Plus, share your coming-out stories for an upcoming Pride feature!

Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors, revealing the legal and emotional struggles faced by families. He also examines the broader implications of this decision, linking it to previous rulings and the ongoing fight for trans rights. The conversation delves into Justice Kagan's surprising alliances with the conservative justices, pondering what it means for the future of civil rights and judicial strategy.

The hosts dive into the newly passed GENIUS Act, discussing its potential to reshape crypto regulation and payment processing. They highlight the surprising 400% raise for Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, reflecting on pay equity in sports. The conversation playfully shifts to AI-generated versions of themselves, tackling the implications of AI in podcasting and the challenge of replicating human authenticity. They also delve into the rising trend of interruptions at work and how AI might help manage them.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the troubling world of memes and immigration policy. He discusses how the Trump administration employs humor to frame mass deportations, transforming serious issues into viral content. Harwell examines the mixed public reactions to such tactics and the implications for political discourse. He highlights a controversial incident where a deported woman's image became a meme, showcasing how personal pain is exploited in the digital age. It's a deep look at the intersection of social media, meme culture, and nationalism in shaping narratives.

This week, the hosts dive into the controversial question of U.S. military involvement in Israel's conflict with Iran. They also tackle the unsettling surge in political violence within the U.S. and the troubling implications it carries for safety and accountability. A significant discussion arises around a Supreme Court decision regarding transgender care for minors, reflecting ongoing tensions in gender rights. Plus, listener contributions spark engaging conversations on the intersection of AI technology and historical research. A real treat for those following pressing political narratives!