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May 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
Political Gabfest: Justice Alito's Upside Down Flag
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s right-wing flag-flying; David Leonhardt’s take on A New Centrism; and OpenAI’s use – or not – of Scarlett Johansson’s voice. Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:Jodi Kantor for The New York Times: At Justice Alito’s House, a ‘Stop the Steal’ Symbol on Display; Jodi Kantor, Aric Toler, and Julie Tate: Another Provocative Flag Was Flown at Another Alito Home; Jodi Kantor and Abbie VanSickle: Display at Alito’s Home Renews Questions of Supreme Court’s Impartiality; and Abbie VanSickle: What Do Judicial Rules Say About Alito and a ‘Stop the Steal’ Symbol?V: The Original Mini Series on Prime Video Mark Sherman for AP: Roberts, Trump spar in extraordinary scrap over judges and Mark Sherman and Lindsay Whitehurst: Supreme Court Justices Barrett and Sotomayor, ideological opposites, unite to promote civilityDavid Leonhardt for The New York Times: The Rise of a New Centrism and A New Centrism Is Rising in WashingtonJohn Dickerson for Gabfest Reads and New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the Westby David E. SangerBobby Allyn for NPR: Scarlett Johansson says she is ‘shocked, angered’ over new ChatGPT voiceNitasha Tiku for The Washington Post: OpenAI didn’t copy Scarlett Johansson’s voice for ChatGPT, records show and Molly Roberts: Scarlett Johansson’s ChatGPT face-off confirms our fears about AIMidler v. Ford Motor Co., 849 F.2d 460 (9th Cir. 1988) on JustiaBlake Brittain for Reuters: New York Times denies OpenAI’s ‘hacking’ claim in copyright fightMichael Sainato for The Guardian: Consultant behind deepfaked Biden robocall indicated for Democratic primary schemeHer by Warner Bros. PicturesHere are this week’s chatters:Emily: Hacks on Max John: Lauren Aratani for The Guardian: Majority of Americans wrongly believe US is in recession – and most blame BidenDavid: 99% Invisible: Towers of Silence Listener chatter from Aaron Tax in Washington, D.C.: Andrea Sachs for The Washington Post: A beloved alley cat now lives in the Watergate. Was she kidnapped, or rescued? For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, John, and David talk about Republican politicians’ answers to the question: will you accept the results of the 2024 presidential election? See Alec Hernandez for NBC News: Here’s what top Trump VP picks say about the 2020 election results – and whether they’ll accept the 2024 outcome; Justin Green for Axios: Listen to Republicans on whether they’ll accept 2024 election results; and Patrick Svitek for The Washington Post: Top Republicans, led by Trump, refuse to commit to accept 2024 election results. In the next Gabfest Reads, David talks with Sierra Greer about her new book, Annie Bot: A Novel. 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 Huygen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 25, 2024 • 51min
Amicus Opinionpalooza: A Bad June Rising At SCOTUS
As we stand poised at the threshold of June, we brace ourselves for the fire hose of opinions headed our way in the next four or so weeks. But why? Why –even as the Court is taking on fewer cases – is there an absolute dogpile of decisions, with no map for what will come down or when, beyond a SCOTUS-adjacent cottage industry in soothsaying and advance-panic and guessing? Dahlia Lithwick takes us through a whirlwind of Supreme Court decisions and controversies, expertly assisted by Professor Steve Vladeck (whose New York Times bestseller The Shadow Docket came out in paperback this week) and Mark Joseph Stern in untangling the complex web of legal, political, and personal dramas enveloping the nation's highest court. From Justice Alito's flag-flying fiasco, to the forces shaping the court’s docket, to its divisive rulings, this episode could well be titled “Why Are They Like This?” As the court's term hurtles towards its frenetic close, Dahlia and her guests dissect the legal and ethical ramifications of the justices' actions, both on and off the bench. Tune in to this must-listen episode of Amicus for an eye-opening exploration of the Supreme Court's turbulent session, the ideological battles at play, and what it all could mean for the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. Whether you're a legal aficionado or simply concerned about the direction of the country, this episode is the end-of-term preview you really need to understand what the heck is happening over the next few weeks. Want more Amicus? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes. Plus, you’ll 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/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 25, 2024 • 7min
Amicus Opinionpalooza: Justice Alito Flies the Flag for Racial Gerrymanders (Preview)
In this Opinionpalooza emergency bonus episode, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discuss Thursday’s decision in Alexander v. South Carolina NAACP, highlighting the implications for racial gerrymandering and voting rights. They delve into Justice Alito's majority opinion, Justice Kagan's dissent, and Justice Thomas's concurrence. This decision would seem to effectively close the door permanently on racial gerrymander claims in federal courts. Dahlia and Mark discuss how this decision makes justice - and democracy - inaccessible for plaintiffs already shut out of the political system through racist maps with political excuses. In recent years, the Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act and now seems intent on hollowing out equal protection and diluting the reconstruction amendments; the constitutional provisions central to building a thriving diverse democracy.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes of Amicus, but you’ll also 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/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 2024 • 27min
What Next TBD: Scarlett Johansson vs OpenAI
When OpenAI showed a demo for the latest version of ChatGPT —the one that you can chat with, you know, with your voice—one of the voices sounded eerily familiar. And instead of a victory lap, it was a reminder of all of the implications for intellectual property and one’s own basic human likeness that this technology carries with it.Guest: Sigal Samuel, senior reporter for Vox's Future Perfect and co-host of the Future Perfect podcast.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 23, 2024 • 31min
What Next: Diddy’s Reckoning
Sidney Madden, NPR Music Reporter and co-host of Louder Than a Riot, discusses Sean 'Diddy' Combs' response to assault allegations after video surfaced. They explore Diddy's journey from college dropout to music mogul and the impact of abuse allegations in the hip-hop industry.

May 22, 2024 • 26min
What Next: Does Netanyahu Have an Exit Strategy?
Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses Netanyahu's exit strategy amidst the Gaza conflict. Topics include ICC charges, Iran's political changes, Hamas tactics, and Israeli government dynamics.

May 22, 2024 • 41min
Amicus | How Originalism Ate The Law: What We Can Do About It
Justice Todd Eddins and Madiba Dennie discuss how originalism has impacted the law, offering solutions to combat its effects. They delve into the consequences of originalist interpretations, the importance of dissenting opinions, and the need for a balance between tradition and adaptability in shaping the law.

May 22, 2024 • 44min
ICYMI: The Aftermath of a Layoff
Former co-host of NPR’s Invisibilia, Yowei Shaw, discusses the aftermath of a layoff, including her own experience. The podcast explores the psychological impact of layoffs, humor as a coping mechanism, and the formation of supportive spaces for employees. Shaw reflects on the value of NPR and the impact of job loss on individuals.

May 21, 2024 • 27min
What Next: Is Killing a Protester Still a Crime?
Christopher Hooks, contributing editor at Texas Monthly, discusses the controversial case of Daniel Perry, who was pardoned by Governor Abbott after killing a protester at a BLM protest. They delve into self-defense, online behavior, and the complexities of gun carrying in Texas.

May 20, 2024 • 1h 9min
Hang Up: The Wolves Chomped the Champs
Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Pacers’ and Timberwolves’ Game 7 wins in the NBA’s conference semifinals. Slate’s Alex Kirshner also joins to talk about Scottie Scheffler’s arrest at the PGA Championship. Finally, they review Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s ultra-conservative commencement speech.NBA playoffs (3:11): Looking back at a pair of historic road victories. Scheffler (20:18): A bizarre weekend at Valhalla for the world’s no. 1 golfer. Butker (35:47): The Catholic football player launched himself into a culture war.Afterball (51:53): Stefan on where Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up and what he overcame.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. 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 our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


