Slate News

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.

This discussion dives into the economic ramifications of the U.S. shifting its alliances from Europe to Russia. The hosts assess Intel’s potential restructuring and its implications for the tech world. They also spotlight Quince, a brand redefining affordable luxury, and the cultural significance of fashion dupes. Light-hearted segments include a humorous exploration of soaring egg prices and quirky anecdotes from the world of chickens and airline mishaps.

Deepak Gupta, the founding principal of Gupta-Wessler LLP and former senior counsel at the CFPB, dives into the implications of a new conservative legal theory invoked by Trump's administration. Gupta analyzes the potential for an 'imperial presidency' through the unitary executive theory and its challenges at the Supreme Court. He discusses the crucial role of the CFPB in consumer protection and highlights ongoing legal battles concerning agency independence. The conversation raises urgent questions about the balance of power in governance as political dynamics shift.

Max Chafkin, features editor and tech reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, dives deep into the complexities of Elon Musk's relationship with federal funding. They discuss Musk's contradictory stance on government while his companies benefit from taxpayer dollars. Chafkin highlights the anxieties of organizations reliant on federal funds amidst Musk's growing influence. The conversation also touches on the implications of Musk's layoffs for national security and examines the techno-libertarian ideals shaping his vision for America's governance.

This week features Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute and author of "Why Nothing Works." He dives into the troubling interplay between political corruption and ethics, particularly regarding NYC Mayor Eric Adams and his controversial dealings. The conversation covers how authoritarian tactics shape governance and the dire need for accountability. Dunkelman also discusses systemic reforms necessary to tackle the evolving challenges facing our government, especially in light of modern data privacy issues.

Tammy Kim, a contributing writer at the New Yorker, brings her political insight to discuss Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination as labor secretary. They delve into Chavez-DeRemer's rare bipartisan support for pro-union legislation and her strategic navigation of labor politics amid a predominantly partisan administration. The conversation also touches on how her family background shapes her labor relations and the implications for worker rights in light of recent federal firings. Expect a compelling analysis of labor dynamics in today's politics.