Slate Daily Feed

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the bestselling 'How the Word Is Passed,' discusses the challenges of teaching U.S. history, particularly its uncomfortable truths about slavery and genocide. He emphasizes that excluding these topics distorts our understanding of the present. Clint reflects on his teaching experiences and compares American memory practices to Germany’s Stolpersteine memorials. He argues that confronting difficult histories can empower students to envision a more just future.

Megan Sanders, a zoo consultant, shares engaging ways to help kids get involved in animal conservation. She emphasizes the importance of local habitat projects and meaningful zoo visits, suggesting hands-on activities like scavenger hunts and creating habitat-friendly spaces. Jill Moyes, Senior Director of Animal Care at the Detroit Zoo, discusses the fascinating family structure of great apes, recounting a recent gorilla birth and the intricacies of maternal care. Together, they inspire a hopeful message about conservation and the power of empathy.

Josh Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox and an expert on foreign policy, dives into the intricate relationship between AI and nuclear weapons. He unveils the growing role of AI in military systems, from predictive maintenance to automated retaliatory frameworks. Keating highlights the clash between military leaders' skepticism and tech firms' push for automation. He warns about cyber vulnerabilities and the accelerated pace of conflict that AI introduces, ultimately reshaping nuclear policy discussions in a post-Cold War era.

Carmen Vicente, a savvy social media manager and trend analyst, dives into the nostalgia for offline hobbies. She discusses the fascinating rise of the 'analog bag,' highlighting how people are reclaiming physical media and crafts as a rebellion against our digital overload. Carmen emphasizes that, while social media isn't disappearing, platforms will evolve to promote real-world connections. Join the conversation as they explore how apps can inspire offline activities and the emotional ties we have to tangible experiences!

Jed Britton Purdy, a law professor and author, joins to dissect the complex narratives surrounding Trumpism. The discussion navigates three competing scripts: authoritarian takeover, continuity of deep-rooted democratic issues, and legitimate transformative change, likened to past eras like the New Deal. Purdy outlines the tactics of the current administration while contrasting defensive strategies against deeper reforms. The conversation also explores themes of popular constitutionalism and the importance of pluralistic reasoning in today's political climate.

Austan Goolsbee, an influential economist and current president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, shares insights into the inner workings of the Fed. He explains the FOMC's meeting dynamics and how consensus emerges through debate and voting. Goolsbee champions modern transparency, arguing it fosters public trust. He addresses critiques of the Fed and the complexities of tackling stagflation, while distinguishing the Fed's monetary role from fiscal policy. His blend of economic wisdom and candid discussion reveals what truly drives monetary decisions.

Mia Sato, a technology reporter for The Verge, dives into the fascinating online dupe economy where consumers can find cheaper knock-offs of trending products. She discusses how the internet's limitless shelf space and viral trends fuel rapid dupe production. Mia highlights beauty products as key players in this market and reveals how recommendation algorithms accelerate dupe popularity. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations around duplicates, the challenges designers face with patents, and the impact of dupes on original creativity.

Dr. David Hill, a pediatrician and allergist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, shares groundbreaking insights on peanut allergies. He discusses how early exposure to allergens, particularly peanuts, could significantly reduce allergy rates—contradicting prior avoidance strategies. Hill highlights the success of the LEAP trial, explains parents' concerns, and reflects on the hesitancy in the medical community to adopt these new guidelines. With real-world evidence backing his claims, he presents a hopeful future for allergy prevention.

This discussion dives into the erosion of trust in government as systemic dishonesty is revealed, spotlighting the DOJ and unsettling cases of false declarations. The cordial yet strategic meeting between Trump and NYC's mayor-elect raises eyebrows about political maneuvering. Tension in MAGA circles simmers as figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene resign and controversies around antisemitism bubble to the surface. Plus, a light-hearted dig into how travel civility campaigns are trying to elevate Thanksgiving flying—where decorum might just be an outfit away!

Michael Schulman, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of Oscar Wars, explores the evolution of movie press tours in the wake of 'Wicked: For Good.' He delves into the blockbuster-era publicity tactics established post-Jaws, the rise of viral marketing with Barbenheimer, and how stars like Timothée Chalamet are reshaping promotional strategies. Schulman also discusses the tension between authenticity and performance in stardom, and how studios are grappling with getting audiences back to theaters.