Slate News

Randy Stein, an academic from Cal Poly Pomona, discusses his pivotal research on debunkings and public trust. He explores the paradox where fact-checking, intended to enhance credibility, often fuels audience skepticism. The conversation highlights how complex narratives in journalism and science communication during crises like COVID can muddle facts. Stein also addresses the struggle of countering misinformation in political coverage, emphasizing the need for engaging strategies to rebuild trust amidst widespread doubts.

The hosts delve into the thrilling near-misses of the U.S. men's and women's basketball teams on their way to gold. They celebrate the U.S. women's soccer team's triumphant return, capturing gold after a transformative overhaul. The conversation shifts to the Paris Games, exploring whether they managed to restore the Olympics' sparkle. Along the way, they highlight the emergence of rising stars and discuss the changing cultural landscape of sports, all while reflecting on memorable moments and personalities that defined the Games.

Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate, dives into the dramatic financial battles facing progressive Democrats. He discusses AIPAC’s significant role in unseating members of the Squad, exploring how massive funding influences elections. The conversation highlights Cori Bush's evolving political stance and the struggles of incumbents like Ilhan Omar against well-financed opponents. Sammon also touches on the current public sentiment towards Israel, revealing the complexities for Democrats navigating these turbulent waters.

In this engaging discussion, lead researcher Christopher Gardner shares insights from his groundbreaking study on diet and health, utilizing 22 sets of identical twins. He debunks the myth that going vegan is essential for good health, emphasizing the benefits of both plant-based and omnivorous diets. Listeners learn about the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables for longevity, the challenges of healthy eating on a budget, and the intriguing connections between diet and telomere health. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in nutrition!

Brandon Tensley, a national political reporter for Capital B News, dives into the implications of Project 2025, a policy blueprint aimed at reshaping U.S. governance. He and the host discuss how the project could undermine racial justice and affirmative action, impacting the Black community and education equity. They also explore potential job instability from political appointments and the adverse effects on Black history education. The ties between Trump's campaign and Project 2025 reveal broader threats to social justice, emphasizing the need for community advocacy.

Nitish Pahwa, an associate writer for business and tech at Slate, and Paula Gardner, a business reporter for Bridge Michigan, dive into the current state of electric vehicles. They discuss the fluctuating public enthusiasm for EVs and the pressing need for better charging infrastructure. Despite challenges like supply chain issues and range anxiety, EV sales are thriving, especially in urban areas. The conversation highlights not just the cultural dynamics surrounding EVs but also prospects for innovation and collaboration in making electric transportation more viable.

Michael Cohen, former attorney for Donald Trump, shares his dramatic legal journey and the ethical quagmires lawyers face while representing the former president. He discusses the precarious balance of loyalty and professional integrity within Trump's legal web, highlighting the personal risks lawyers endure. The conversation explores the troubling trend of attorneys pleading guilty to serious charges and questions the motivations behind their continued representation of Trump. It’s a deep dive into accountability, the intricate legal landscape, and the moral dilemmas in politically charged situations.

Shira Ovide, a journalist at the Washington Post, and Anna Szymanski from Reuters dive into Japan's turbulent market. They discuss how recent volatility, interest rate changes, and a rush of retail investors have shaken the financial landscape. The conversation also highlights the implications of a guilty verdict against Google for monopolistic practices. Additionally, they analyze Boeing's ongoing struggles and question whether its new CEO can steer the company away from turmoil while tackling challenges in the aviation industry.

Leah Nylen, an antitrust reporter at Bloomberg, dives deep into Google's recent legal troubles following a landmark ruling deeming it an illegal monopoly. She explores how this decision could ripple across Silicon Valley, putting other tech giants on notice. The discussion highlights Google's powerful grip on online advertising and search, and the financial ties that reinforce its dominance. Nylen also draws parallels to past antitrust cases, raising intriguing questions about the future of competition and regulation in the tech industry.

Join Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard expert in government and public policy, as she dives into the political landscape. The discussion centers on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's role as a Democratic vice presidential nominee. Kayyem and the hosts unpack the ramifications of Google's antitrust trial loss and the legal complexities surrounding plea deals in 9/11 cases, revealing the interplay of legal and political dynamics. Humorous anecdotes and serious analysis intertwine, making for an engaging exploration of pressing issues.