Slate News

This week: A judge has blocked a Biden era rule that would prevent medical debt from affecting credit scores. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck discuss the logic behind the proposed rule and the economic consequences of this decision. Then, the French Prime Minister has proposed eliminating two national holidays as a way of reducing the national debt. The hosts discuss the likely efficacy of the plan, as well as Trump’s similar suggestion about axing Juneteenth. Finally, Trump made a post implying that Coca-Cola has agreed to use sugar cane instead of high fructose corn syrup in their US products– a claim which the company seems to dispute. What would such a change mean for the corn and sugar industries? And more importantly, which version of Coke actually tastes better? In the Slate Plus episode: The Protein Obsession is Helping Cheese Farmers Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Aaron Reichlin Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, dives into the alarming shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. He highlights the intensification of raids and arrests and the troubling normalization of such tactics, raising concerns about civil liberties. The conversation also explores the financial implications of building a police state and examines the significant effects on immigrant communities living in fear. Reichlin Melnick's analysis provides a critical look at the evolving landscape of immigration law.

In this conversation, Anna Merlan, a senior reporter at Mother Jones known for her deep dives into conspiracy theories, explores the explosive impact of Jeffrey Epstein’s client list within MAGA circles. She discusses the fallout from prominent figures like Kash Patel denying the existence of such a list and examines how misinformation intertwines with political narratives. The episode also highlights the role of social media in amplifying conspiracy theories and the challenges of navigating discontent among political supporters as they face mounting controversies.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the epic MAGA meltdown over the DOJ’s “there’s nothing to see here” Epstein files memo, how the Supreme Court is using the “shadow docket” to bolster Trump’s efforts to dismantle the federal government, and whether rescission will kill NPR and PBS.  For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss what they are enjoying reading, watching, and cooking so far this summer.   In the latest Gabfest Reads, David talks with author Alison Bechdel about her new book, Spent.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Research by Emily Ditto   Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Donald Trump was often the only Western leader with anything nice to say about Vladimir Putin.But with Russia and Ukraine still fighting six months into his term, their friendship is on the rocks. Are we seeing a temporary spat – or a real policy shift?  Guest:  Michael McFaul, U.S. ambassador to Russia 2012-2014, author of the upcoming book “Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder.” 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 Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, immigration attorney Jonathan Ryan sheds light on the harrowing journey of his client, Nyo Myint, a refugee from Myanmar deported to South Sudan. Ryan navigates the murky waters of third-country deportations and the urgent legal battles against these practices. He highlights the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by detainees and the role of advocacy in a complex legal landscape. With personal anecdotes, he exposes the harsh realities of immigration policies and the dire circumstances surrounding those impacted.

Exploring the 'Gen-Z stare,' the hosts dive into how social dynamics have shifted, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They tackle the bizarre pressures of frequent logins and app downloads for even the simplest tasks. With humor, they critique the absurdities of tech integration into everyday life, from smart appliances to data requests. The conversation also touches on privacy concerns and the monetization of personal data, raising important questions about the future of online engagement.

Ben Mathis-Lilley, a senior writer at Slate and author of "How Strategist Brain Took Over the Democratic Party," discusses the Democratic Party's faltering electoral strategies. He critiques the reliance on consultants who prioritize polling over real voter needs. Mathis-Lilley highlights historical missteps, the shift from grassroots activism to financial backing, and the internal divide that complicates unity. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for the party to engage authentically with voters to rebuild its identity and effectiveness.

This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares to vote on Emil Bove, who has been promoted from Trump’s personal lawyer to his current nominee for a lifelong appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In any other administration, Bove would be a real outlier. But here? He’s par for a very strange course.  Guest: Jay Willis, editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes. 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 Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kashmir Hill, a features writer at the New York Times with a focus on technology, explores the fascinating yet alarming relationship between humans and AI. The discussion reveals how AI can distort reality, influencing individuals to embrace questionable ideas. Hill delves into the emotional vulnerability tied to human-AI attachments, highlighting the risks for those who form deep bonds with technology. With a blend of humor and insight, she raises critical concerns about mental well-being and the ethical responsibilities of AI developers.