Slate Daily Feed

In a compelling discussion with Elizabeth Spiers, Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and tech policy expert, dives into the themes of his book, The Age of Extraction. He unpacks the profit-driven mindset of Big Tech and traces the roots of extractive corporate behavior to IBM and Microsoft. Wu critiques the erosion of corporate ethics and shares concerns about monopolization's threats to democracy. He also advocates for regulatory reform, decentralized capitalism, and expresses cautious optimism about the anti-monopoly movement's potential for change.

Rebecca Onion, a Slate staff writer seeking to improve her singing, gets guidance from G. Phillip Shoultz III, an experienced choral conductor. They dive into the emotional power of communal singing and how it can create a sense of belonging. Philip shares practical tips for finding choirs, overcoming audition anxiety, and even starting a singing circle. He emphasizes that everyone can sing and discusses the inclusive environment that community efforts create. Their conversation turns into a heartfelt exploration of voice, confidence, and connection through music.

Raymond Antrobus, a British poet and author, discusses his life journey with deafness and the nuances of communication. He reflects on the challenges of wearing hearing aids and the pressure to fit into hearing culture. Antrobus shares vivid memories of his musical upbringing and the role of sound in shaping his identity. He delves into his experiences with anger management, emphasizing understanding over suppression. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of varied communication in parenting and expresses gratitude towards those who supported him on his path.

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News and host of What the Health, dives into the impending crisis of expiring ACA tax credits that could spike health insurance premiums for millions. She discusses how these credits were created and the consequences of their lapse. The conversation also covers the political dynamics of the Senate vote, the complexity of GOP support for ACA, and how Biden-era changes made healthcare more affordable. Julie highlights the risks of zero-premium plans and the larger implications for voters.

Adam Crafton, a soccer reporter for The Athletic, shares insights from FIFA's extravagant World Cup draw influenced by a longstanding connection with Donald Trump. He discusses concerns over logistics and the U.S. team’s group expectations. Jordan Bianchi, a motorsports reporter, delves into the ongoing NASCAR antitrust trial involving Michael Jordan, explaining the financial stakes and competitive landscape challenges. He highlights significant courtroom moments that could reshape NASCAR's future and reveals the intricacies of the case against the sport's governance.

Dive into a lively chat about parenting dilemmas! The hosts suggest engaging, age-appropriate TV shows that avoid being preachy while keeping kids entertained. They also tackle the challenges of parenting a clingy toddler, offering practical advice on communication and redirection. With tips on routine and emotional support, they explore how to navigate those tough moments when meltdowns happen. Plus, they encourage listeners to share their own experiences and tips.

Join Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox with a sharp focus on politics and ideology, as he unpacks the rise of alt-right ideas within the Republican Party. They delve into how once-fringe immigration rhetoric has become mainstream, particularly through Trump's incendiary remarks. Zack traces the journey of extremism from obscure forums to national platforms, analyzes the implications of 'remigration', and discusses internal GOP dynamics post-Trump. It's a thought-provoking look at the transformation of party ideology and its electoral consequences.

Gerrit De Vynck, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the complex intersection of AI regulation and politics. He discusses the conflicting views of Republicans on AI deregulation, sparked by Trump's tech ties. The patchwork of state laws versus a lack of federal legislation raises eyebrows. Voter skepticism towards AI, fueled by job fears and political populism, signals a shifting landscape. Gerrit also contemplates the potential repercussions of an AI market crash on public opinion and Trump's political future.

Nicholas Kulish, a seasoned reporter at The New York Times, joins the discussion. The group delves into Netflix's monumental acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, exploring its implications for media consolidation. Kulish sheds light on the Dells’ staggering $6.25 billion donation for children’s savings accounts, unpacking its political motives and potential effects. They also tackle troubling consumer fraud issues at Dollar General and Family Dollar, revealing the disproportionate impact on low-income shoppers. A captivating blend of media analysis and philanthropy!

Mikala Jamison, a culture writer and author of the upcoming book The Forever Project, shares her journey of recovering from an eating disorder. She discusses the surge of online scrutiny regarding celebrity bodies, sparked by films like Wicked. Jamison questions whether the obsession with thinness truly faded or if it never left. They delve into celebrity reactions, like Ariana Grande's, and the potential harm of body commentary. Ultimately, Mikala advocates for shifting discussions towards systemic issues surrounding body image and the importance of diverse, real-world experiences.