Slate News

Roland Martin, a veteran journalist and leader in media, shares his insights on the backlash following Donald Trump’s appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention. He discusses the tensions arising from Trump's insults and examines the implications for black employment and heritage. Martin also dives into the challenges faced by the NABJ in maintaining accountability, the repercussions for media representation, and the need for effective leadership to preserve trust within the black community.

This week’s chat features Emily Bazelon, a legal commentator, John Dickerson, a seasoned political journalist, David Plotz, a prominent writer and podcaster, and Torie Bosche, a former Slatester. They dive into how Democrats label Trump and Vance as 'weird,' Kamala Harris's potential running mates, and Biden's efforts on Supreme Court reform. The conversation balances serious political analysis with lighter discussions, including puzzling competitions and a chilling look at Edith Roller's journals from the Jonestown tragedy.

Joshua Keating, a senior correspondent covering foreign policy at Vox, delves into the volatile situation in the Middle East. He discusses the recent strike on Hamas leaders and the assassination of Ismail Hania, questioning the future of ceasefire negotiations. The intricate ties between Hamas and Iran are explored, highlighting potential geopolitical shifts. Keating also analyzes Hezbollah's emerging role and the concerns within the Israeli military regarding this conflict. With internal tensions escalating globally, the region's stability hangs in the balance.

Orion Rummler, a dedicated reporter on policy and social issues, joins the discussion to unpack Project 2025, a 920-page conservative blueprint for a potential second Trump term. They delve into the alarming threats this project poses to LGBTQ rights, focusing on gender-affirming care and the criminalization of transgender identities. Rummler emphasizes the intertwining of LGBTQ rights with broader social issues, warning of the dangers that this agenda poses to families and marginalized communities. It's a call to action for allies to stay vigilant.

Alex Sammon, a politics writer at Slate, dives into America's avocado obsession and its profound impact on Mexico. He explores the avocado's transformation into a superfood, driven by savvy marketing. However, this popularity comes with troubling realities, including environmental degradation and violence linked to drug cartels. Sammon also highlights local resistance efforts against harmful practices, showcasing community struggles for water and the fight to protect their land. The episode underscores the urgent need for reevaluation of avocado consumption in light of its adverse effects.

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: who runs the world?Kamala Harris is having a brat summer, which means that you’re likely seeing lots of questions about what brat summer is and why anyone cares. But the meme being co-opted by the Harris campaign is just a small piece of the bigger puzzle.Writer and podcast host H. Alan Scott joins Hear Me Out to argue that pop stars have a huge amount of political influence — that, coupled with “cool factor,” could swing the election.  If you have thoughts you want to share, or an idea for a topic we should tackle, you can 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

Molly Henseley Clancy, a sports writer for the Washington Post, delves into the troubling reality of abuse in American gymnastics. She discusses the psychological impact of coaching practices and the dark culture these athletes face. The episode highlights the aftermath of the Larry Nassar scandal and the ongoing struggle for reform and accountability. Clancy also explores the complexities of creating a safe environment for young gymnasts and the evolving landscape of training in gymnastics.

Rebecca Schulman, a gymnastics writer, brings her expertise to the discussion about Simone Biles’ calf injury and its potential effects on her performance during the Paris Olympics. The conversation touches on Biles' remarkable comeback amidst physical challenges and reshaping athlete welfare narratives. Meanwhile, a shocking scandal reveals Canadian soccer teams allegedly employing drones for spying, raising ethical questions in sports. Tune in for insights on hope, recovery, and the integrity of competition.

Dr. Brittney Cooper, a professor of gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, discusses the racist and sexist implications behind the labeling of Kamala Harris as a 'DEI hire.' She explores the historical context of DEI and its politicization, emphasizing its impact on political representation. The conversation highlights the specific challenges faced by Black women in politics and the importance of solidarity among them. Voter dynamics, identity politics, and strategies in a divided landscape also come under scrutiny, shedding light on broader electoral implications.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Colin Hill, a microbiology professor at APC Microbiome Ireland, sheds light on the vital role of gut health. He discusses how our unique microbial communities influence digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. The episode tackles misinformation about gut health products and the importance of dietary diversity. Dr. Hill highlights the complexities of modifying the microbiome through food choices and the significance of mindful eating for long-term health.