Slate News

Laura Meckler, a national education writer for the Washington Post, joins Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and author of an insightful Atlantic piece on banning phones. They tackle the mental health struggles students face since the pandemic and explore whether removing cell phones from classrooms can mitigate these issues. The discussion reveals how phone bans may enhance face-to-face interactions and boost student well-being, despite mixed reactions from both educators and students.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate and other campaign goings-on; the January 6th and classified documents cases brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith; and the national housing shortage with Conor Dougherty of The New York Times. Here are this week’s chatters:Emily: Wayne Homes: The Great Debate: Front Porch vs. Back Porch; Mariah Timms for The Wall Street Journal: Lawsuits Fly Over Election Rules and Who Gets to Vote; Fin Gómez and Nidia Cavazos for CBS News: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton raids Latino Democrats’ homes, including those of LULAC members; and Frederka Schouten and Tierney Sneed for CNN: Democrats sue to block new GOP-backed Georgia election certification rulesJohn: Glenn Thrush for The New York Times: Would-Be Trump Assassin’s Interest in Violence Went Back to 2019David: Jonathan Shaw for Harvard Magazine: Mapping the Human BrainListener chatter from Adam Webb in Chicago: Paul Collins in The Believer: Why Can’t My Son Vote? For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, David, Emily, and John will talk about the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz interview. Bonus content this week will be available on Friday. In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with Joshua Leifer about his book, Tablets Shattered. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna RothResearch by Julie HuygenPublic.com+Public Investing Disclosure: Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gus Walz, son of Minnesota's governor and advocate for neurodivergent children, gained attention at the DNC, sparking important conversations about parenting in the face of public scrutiny. The discussion covers emotional connections for those with nonverbal learning disorders and how these dynamics challenge societal norms around masculinity. Topics include balancing a child's independence with safety, humorous family moments, and the role of community in fostering personal growth. Walz's insights resonate deeply with parents navigating similar journeys.

Sam Adams, a senior editor for Slate's Culture department, dissects J.D. Vance's awkward public appearances and his struggles with humor in political discourse. He explores the backlash from Vance's 'childless cat ladies' quip and the disconnect between his digital persona and actual campaign interactions. The discussion highlights Donald Trump's successful use of humor and celebrity dynamics, contrasting it with Vance's approach. They delve into the power of political humor and its role in shaping public perceptions and connections.

Nadira Goffe, a culture writer, teams up with Jonquilyn Hill, former host of Vox’s The Weeds, to explore Kamala Harris’s vibrant internet history. They discuss her transformation from California Attorney General to Vice President, highlighting the K-Hive and the memes that shaped her image. Expect laughs as they dissect awkward viral moments and the interplay between social media and public perception. They also emphasize the crucial role of community support, especially among Black voters, in bolstering her campaign.

Ana Vanessa Herrero, a Washington Post correspondent based in Venezuela, offers a gripping insight into the country’s tumultuous political landscape. She dives into the chaos surrounding the recent presidential election, detailing claims of electoral fraud and the resulting protests. Herrero sheds light on the impact of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who resonates with voters amidst a backdrop of mass emigration. The discussion reveals the oppressive atmosphere journalists face while exploring how citizens strive for integrity in a volatile democracy.

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: PSL (not the drink).Claudia de la Cruz cannot, mathematically, win the presidency. But she’s running anyway… because the two-party system doesn’t lend itself to real representation or the public interest.Claudia joins us to make the case for voting socialist, because the parties with all the power aren’t as different as they want you to think.We’ll also share an important update about the future of Hear Me Out at the end of the episode. After that, please feel free to email the show: hearmeout@slate.comPodcast production by Maura Currie.Want more Hear Me Out? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/hearmeoutplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since becoming the nominee, Kamala Harris has renounced some of her more progressive policy goals from her 2020 campaign, tacking closer to the Biden administration line and political center. So far, though, it hasn’t cost her progressive support.Guest: Pramila Jayapal, U.S. representative for the 7th congressional district of Washington. 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 Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do Georgia’s new “electoral integrity” laws create more faith in the voting process—or just make it more restrictive?Guest: Sam Gringlas, politics reporter at WABE in Atlanta.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 Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. James R. Jones, an author and professor known for his insightful work on racial issues in government, joins the discussion on the persistent racism and lack of diversity within Congress. They dive into the experiences of Black staffers, illustrating the parallels between plantation dynamics and present-day Capitol Hill. Factors influencing workplace culture, such as political events and personal testimonies, are explored. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change and greater representation of diverse voices in legislative spaces.