Slate Daily Feed

Kat Tenbarge, an Internet culture reporter for Spitfire News, dives into the heated debate surrounding free speech online, triggered by reactions to Charlie Kirk's death. She explores how influencers blur lines between politics and celebrity, shaping societal responses. Tenbarge highlights chilling effects of laws like FOSTA-SESTA on marginalized voices and discusses how online platforms wield censorship through biased algorithms. Finally, she offers strategies for counteracting these trends through civic engagement and media literacy.

Justin Driver, a Yale Law School professor and author, dives into the fallout from the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action ruling. He discusses how this decision has sharply decreased Black enrollment at elite colleges and opened doors for attacks on racial justice initiatives. Driver passionately argues that affirmative action has historically benefited social mobility for Black professionals. He also highlights the rising tensions surrounding anti-classification and anti-subordination approaches in legal debates, urging a serious reconsideration of liberal strategies.

In the rarefied world of smash pop singles, there are No. 1s—and there are No. 1 debuts. Entering Billboard’s Hot 100 at the top is one of the hardest tricks in music. In fact, it wasn’t possible in the U.S. until 1995. That’s when the record labels hacked the Hot 100 and figured out how to send new singles straight into the chart penthouse.  But scoring a No. 1 in Week One doesn’t mean it’s built to last. For every enduring hit like “Fantasy,” “Shake It Off” or “Hello,” there are plenty of one-off oddities, coronation pabulum from American Idol finalists, and even a few missteps from chart luminaries. Within a couple of years these fast-breaking hits may be forgotten—never to be spun on the radio or streamed on Spotify. Join Chris Molanphy as he explores the chart calculus, superfan interventions, and fluky conditions that create a perfect storm of pop-chart insta-success. It’s a parade of pop bangers that scored a fast pass to the front of the line.Get more Hit Parade with Slate Plus! Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of "The Bridge," and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Hit Parade show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Olivia Briley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why would Donald Trump rush to announce that Tylenol is a potential cause of autism, a claim unsupported by the research? Guest: Dan Diamond, White House reporter for the Washington Post. 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. Podcast production by Evan Campbell, and Patrick Fort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beverly Gage, a Yale historian and author of the Pulitzer-winning biography on J. Edgar Hoover, joins the discussion to delve into the historical context of McCarthyism. She sheds light on the Red Scare's origins and its chilling effects on free speech and civic life. The panel debates how past political repressions echo in today's climate, emphasizing strategic responses to modern political bullying. From anti-communist blacklists to the power of media pushback against overreach, the conversation explores essential lessons for contemporary democracy.

Karen Attiah, a former Washington Post columnist and global opinions editor, dives into her controversial firing over social media posts critiquing performative mourning and political rhetoric. She reflects on the vital role of institutions in defending free speech, particularly after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The conversation highlights the unequal consequences for conservative versus critical voices in media and the chilling atmosphere affecting diversity and representation in journalism. Attiah plans to continue her work on independent platforms while honoring silenced voices.

Child Passenger Safety Technician Jamie Grayson, a baby-gear expert, shares invaluable insights on car seat safety. He explains the importance of correctly installing seats, choosing between infant and convertible options, and common mistakes parents make. Jamie emphasizes the need for proper harnessing, the dangers of counterfeit seats, and recommendations on buying used. He also dispels myths about rear-facing seats and advises on flying with kids. His key takeaway? Always read your car seat manual and don’t hesitate to seek help!

Dr. Mohammed 'Adeel' Khaleel, a minimally invasive spinal surgeon, recounts his harrowing experiences volunteering in Gaza amidst escalating violence. He explores the tragic shift from blast injuries to gunshot wounds as aid distribution sites became targets. Adil shares the emotional toll on medical staff, the chaos of overcrowded hospitals housing thousands of refugees, and the desperate shortage of medical supplies. He reflects on the psychological burden of leaving colleagues behind and the daunting uncertainty of future trips to a war-torn Gaza.

Dive into the knitting drama between Hank Green and the online knitting community. His SciShow episode sparked a wave of passionate responses, with nearly 30-minute reaction videos surfacing. Accusations of belittling language and misogyny fueled the fire, leading to heartfelt apologies and TikTok knitting vows. The hosts share personal knitting stories and explore how an offline hobby morphed into a hotbed of online conflict. This narrative showcases the complexities of community and the interplay between science and craft.

Guest Nasreen Munni Kabir, an expert on Hindi cinema, dives into the fascinating world of Bollywood's playback singer tradition. She highlights how playback singers like the legendary Lata Mangeshkar rose to stardom, becoming integral to Indian films and beloved by the public. The conversation explores the differences in singer recognition between Hollywood and Bollywood, and how these dynamics shape cultural perceptions of music in cinema. Kabir’s insights reveal why good singing remains paramount in the Indian film industry.