Slate News

Ian Millhiser, a Senior correspondent at Vox specializing in legal issues, dives deep into the looming Supreme Court case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. He discusses how the political landscape influences judicial decisions, particularly regarding Medicaid funding for essential healthcare. Millhiser highlights the far-reaching implications this case could have on abortion rights and women's health in America. With Planned Parenthood's viability at stake, the conversation tackles the intersection of law, politics, and reproductive rights, all under the Supreme Court's scrutiny.

In this Money Talks: Amidst the Trump administration’s continued attacks on the press, David Enrich’s new book, Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, feels incredibly timely. He joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his reporting on increasing efforts to exploit the legal system to protect the rich and powerful from being held accountable, creating an incredibly fraught landscape for journalists and news outlets.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

Aymann Ismail, a staff writer at Slate, sheds light on the alarming detention of Tufts student Rumeysa Ozturk by federal agents. He discusses the broader challenges faced by international students, particularly Muslims, in a climate of surveillance and repression. The conversation highlights the troubling intersection of free speech and activism as organizations like Canary Mission influence public perception, leading to targeted actions against dissenters. Ismail emphasizes the chilling effects this has on student safety and academic freedom.

Joel Beall, a Senior Writer at Golf Digest and author of "Playing Dirty," dives into the contentious saga between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf. He discusses the failed negotiations and geopolitical implications of Saudi investment in sports. The conversation also touches on March Madness, focusing on the dominance of No. 1 seeds, and highlights Alex Ovechkin's quest to eclipse Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record. The discussion captures the evolving landscape of competitive sports and the ethical dilemmas that arise.

In this discussion, John Nichols, an associate editor at The Capital Times and electoral politics expert, dives into Wisconsin's unprecedented Supreme Court race. He examines how Elon Musk's staggering $19.3 million contributions have transformed a traditionally nonpartisan election into a high-stakes battle for control. Nichols discusses Musk's influence on voter behavior and the ethical implications of money in politics. He also highlights the contrasting ideologies of the candidates and the race's broader impact on voting rights and gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

Shayla Love, a science journalist known for her insightful reporting on ketamine, dives into its fascinating dual nature in this discussion. She reveals how ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has evolved into a controversial treatment for depression, sparking both intrigue and concern in mental health and tech circles. Love explores the psychological risks tied to recreational use versus therapeutic applications. Plus, she shares the implications of this ‘ketamine revolution’ on wellness culture, revealing both the promises and perils of this complex treatment.

A leaked Signal message highlights the illegal use of informal apps in finance, revealing regulatory challenges. Notably, political migration is on the rise as individuals flee states with restrictive abortion laws. The hosts delve into Dollar Tree's sale of Family Dollar for $1 billion, a stark contrast to its earlier $8 billion acquisition. The shift in dollar store strategies also ties into the recent decline in egg prices and the humorous elitism surrounding gourmet egg dishes. Tune in for insightful discussions and entertaining anecdotes!

Mark Joseph Stern, a Slate senior writer known for his legal expertise, and Wendy Weiser, vice president for democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, dive deep into the Trump administration's legal turmoil surrounding voting rights. They discuss the contradictory legal claims made by Trump lawyers, the potential Supreme Court involvement in the Alien Enemies Act, and a troubling executive order that threatens voter integrity under the guise of preserving it. The conversation underscores the urgent need for civic engagement amidst growing challenges to democracy.

Azeem Khan, an advisor to UNICEF’s crypto fund and co-creator of the blockchain Morph, joins the discussion on the quirky world of memecoins. They dive into the creation of their own memecoin, BuenWim, navigating the absurdity and humor behind investing in crypto with no real value. The conversation highlights the chaos of the crypto market, personal experiences of novice traders, and the importance of community engagement. They also stress the risks involved, urging caution against scams in this playful yet volatile landscape.

This week features a wild discussion about the accidental leak of secret military plans from the Trump administration to a journalist. It dives into the troubling capitulation of law firms to political pressure, jeopardizing legal integrity. The hosts also chat about the adverse effects of these policies on higher education and the escalated scrutiny faced by universities. Plus, there's a nostalgic reflection on childhood antics, hilariously connecting it to today's meme coin trends. Tune in for some captivating insights!