Slate Daily Feed

Ryan Mac, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, digs deep into the multifaceted role of David Sachs in the tech and political arenas. Mac highlights Sachs's significant stake in crypto firm BitGo and his influence in shaping U.S. AI and crypto policies. Their discussion uncovers potential conflicts of interest stemming from Sachs's retained business investments while advising the White House. They also explore Sachs's political evolution and the administration's push for deregulation in AI, raising questions about the implications for future tech policies.

This week, the conversation dives into the controversy surrounding a U.S. military strike that allegedly killed survivors from a drug boat, raising serious legal and moral questions about military conduct. The hosts analyze the outcomes of a special election in Tennessee and its implications for midterm dynamics. They also explore the role of self-driving cars as a public health initiative, discussing safety data and the public's willingness to accept longer travel times for increased security. A captivating discussion on free speech and academic freedom rounds out the topics.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Paul Offit, a prominent pediatrician and vaccine advocate, delves into the shocking changes within the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. He expresses grave concerns about the decline in expertise among members and shares his experience of being removed from an FDA advisory panel. Offit critiques misleading CDC language on vaccines and autism, highlights the rise in vaccine-preventable deaths, and emphasizes the need for proactive public engagement. He urges parents to seek reliable vaccine information and discusses the broader implications of public distrust in health policies.

The hosts tackle the challenge of supporting a friend dealing with a struggling child. They discuss the importance of practical help, like meals and scheduled check-ins, while also emphasizing emotional validation through small messages. Triumphs from their own lives add humor, with one host surviving a solo trip with kids. Finally, they suggest ways to ease the emotional load by offering conversation choices and sharing relatable experiences, highlighting the importance of being there without smothering.

Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker specializing in political journalism, dives deep into the controversial world of presidential pardons. He discusses Donald Trump’s unprecedented use of this power, describing it as 'brazen.' The conversation reveals the stark contrasts between past presidents' approaches and Trump’s midterm pardon spree. Wallace-Wells also categorizes Trump’s pardons and highlights their political implications, including the dangers of creating an 'immunity culture.' His skepticism regarding the pardon power raises essential questions about its role in modern governance.

Reverend Jim Mitolsky, former Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church in San Francisco, shares stories from the AIDS crisis and its aftermath. He discusses the transformative impact of antiretroviral treatments, which shifted the community from despair to hope. Jim highlights the church's bold activism, including medical marijuana distribution and addressing homelessness. He reflects on the challenges of balancing faith and social justice amid community backlash and personal sacrifices, ultimately revealing the complex legacy of AIDS energy in activism.

Dive into the wild tale of the 'Danish Deception,' where a former Bachelor contestant gets ensnared in a web of lies by a charming scammer. Discover the shocking loans and money trails that led to heartbreak and financial ruin. The hosts dissect why TikTok's response differed from similar scandals, exploring race dynamics and the societal implications. With a critical eye on missed warnings and the allure of luxury travel, this saga unravels the real villain behind the scam. Expect a riveting discussion that balances drama and introspection!

Steve Dorman, creator of the 1980s VideoMate project, and Joe Pickett, co-creator of the Found Footage Festival, dive into the quirky world of video dating. They reminisce about Videomate: Men, a VHS tape where men auditioned as potential dates. The duo reflects on how they rediscovered and shared this nostalgic content online, sparking a viral sensation. They also discuss the cultural impact of video dating and how modern interpretations struggle with the vulnerabilities that video demands, revealing profound insights on love and self-expression.

Guest host Jamelle Bouie, an insightful opinion columnist, joins Julia and Steve to delve into Rian Johnson's new film, highlighting the compelling dynamics between Benoit Blanc and priest Josh O’Connor. They also tackle Ken Burns’ comprehensive documentary on the American Revolution, praising its intricate storytelling. The trio engages in a thought-provoking debate on whether we're witnessing a 'Great Stupidening,' exploring the nuances of educational decline and societal intelligence. Fun endorsements round out the discussion!

Steven J. Lepper, a retired Air Force major general and former deputy legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sheds light on the implications of unlawful military orders. He discusses alarming reports about a September boat strike, emphasizing how military lawyers play a critical role in preventing illegal actions. The conversation also covers the political fallout from a veterans' video reminding troops to refuse unlawful commands, and Lepper argues for the responsibility of senior officers to safeguard their subordinates from illegal orders.