Slate News

Laura Loomer, a controversial political provocateur, has made waves as a key figure in the Trump campaign, leveraging her internet notoriety to gain influence. In conversation with Ken Bensinger, a politics reporter for the New York Times, she discusses her unorthodox rise from online controversies to political insider status. They explore the use of memes and trolling in shaping right-wing narratives and the internal tensions among MAGA supporters. The duo also examines how these dynamics affect electoral strategies and the evolving landscape of political discourse.

Financial journalist Felix Salmon, reporter Emily Peck, and media entrepreneur Elizabeth Spiers dive into the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. They discuss how these changes might reshape the economy and influence voters. The trio also critiques Trump's tax cut proposals, questioning their viability. In a quirky twist, they touch on Tupperware's bankruptcy, hinting at an underground container-sharing movement. There's even a mention of a whimsical bread lamp, showcasing the humorous side of unexpected topics in finance.

In this discussion, journalist Linda Greenhouse, a former Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, reveals the intricate dynamics of the current Supreme Court. She analyzes Chief Justice Roberts' unexpected alignment with Trump-related decisions and the resulting public backlash from earlier rulings. The conversation delves into the court's issues with leaks, trust, and transparency. Greenhouse poses critical questions about the implications of upcoming election cases, highlighting the evolving challenges the Chief Justice faces in navigating public sentiment and judicial integrity.

It’s just 45 days until election day—and the polls are telling us…a little bit of everything. In our first Slate Plus exclusive crossover, Mary sits down with one of the nation’s foremost experts on political nonsense.Guest: Jim Newell, Slate’s senior politics writer, who writes the weekly newsletter The Surge.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of The Surge but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit  slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instagram’s new default privacy settings for teenagers are designed to keep kids safe from strangers online. It’s a worthy endeavor, but are privacy settings enough? And what about all the other hazards teenagers face on social media?  Guest: Natasha Singer, New York Times tech reporter, focused on how technology is affecting childhood and schooling.Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and 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 Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth.Public.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Bazelon, an acclaimed journalist and author; John Dickerson, a seasoned political correspondent; David Plotz, a prominent journalist and editor; and Josh Levin, host of Slow Burn, dissect the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. They analyze how extreme rhetoric fosters hatred and fear. The conversation pivots to the presidential race, exploring immigration debates, polling dynamics, and unexpected endorsements. They also delve into the influential role of Fox News, from its origins in journalism to today’s partisan landscape.

Maya Rosen, an Israel/Palestine Fellow at Jewish Currents, dives into the rise of tourism in Israel post-October 7th. She discusses the complexities of solidarity tours, revealing emotional stories and the psychological impact on participants. The conversation addresses the disconnect between tourists' experiences and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, questioning the ethics of visiting sites of tragedy. Rosen emphasizes the need for sensitivity towards local trauma, balancing education and respect in these tumultuous times.

Aymann Ismail, a Slate staff writer, shares compelling insights from Springfield, Ohio, a city grappling with the aftermath of political rhetoric and economic turmoil. He discusses the emotional toll of recent bomb threats on Haitian immigrant families and the rising racial tensions in the community. The conversation also highlights Springfield's economic struggles and the complex dynamics surrounding immigration as it seeks revitalization. Ismail challenges misconceptions about housing competition, shedding light on the broader issues impacting the city's residents.

Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author of "Minority Rule," dives into the rise of Election Integrity Units across the U.S. He reveals their controversial methods, questioning if they genuinely combat fraud or intimidate voters. Berman discusses alarming cases of law enforcement targeting marginalized communities, particularly voters of color, raising concerns about systemic issues. The conversation also touches on the implications of these units for future elections and the fraught landscape of voting rights, especially in states like Texas and Florida.

For this Money Talks, Emily Peck chats with Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World Behind. His new novel Entitlement explores what happens when normal people enter the lives of the super-rich. Rumaan and Emily discuss class, opportunity, and how the ego and conceit of wealth can be contagious.Want more Slate Money? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes for each regular Slate Plus episode. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Slate Money show page. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Jared Downing and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.