Slate Daily Feed

Trump wants his “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed by July 4. But the bill is so large and expensive—with deep tax cuts only partially offset by huge cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—there’s something in there for almost every member of Congress to hate. Guest: David Dayen, executive editor of the American Prospect. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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 Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, dives into the Trump administration's controversial move to strip funding from PBS and NPR. He reflects on the historical context of public media funding and how it has evolved through the years. Stelter contrasts heartfelt appeals, like Mr. Rogers’ famous song for support, with today’s polarized political dialogues. The discussion highlights the vital role of public broadcasting in rural communities and the ongoing battle against perceived biases and funding cuts, emphasizing the stakes for independent journalism.

Mack Haygood, a Professor at Miami University and author of Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control, dives into the booming world of white noise. He explores the psychological motivations behind our growing dependence on these soothing sounds in a multi-billion dollar industry. Listeners discover the fascinating evolution of sound management and the transformative power of ambient noise. Haygood also discusses the history of noise machines and how our relationship with sound has shifted to embrace new auditory experiences.

A woman in her 50s goes viral on TikTok for documenting her plastic surgery journey, sparking a conversation about beauty standards. Humor blends with serious reflections as discussions analyze the societal implications of openness about cosmetic procedures. The cultural shift towards accepting surgery is highlighted, particularly through celebrity transparency like Kylie Jenner's. The podcast delves into how these narratives challenge aging stereotypes and the evolving discourse around body image, prompting a thoughtful look at how women are reshaping their beauty journeys.

Join legal luminaries Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown law professor, Sherrilyn Ifill, a civil rights advocate, and New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie as they dissect the Supreme Court's latest term. They delve into the emergency docket's overlooked rulings, Justice Jackson's stark warnings on judicial disdain, and the cultural conflicts in recent decisions affecting marginalized communities. The discussion sheds light on how historical context and personal beliefs shape the Court's approach to civil rights and governance in today's polarized climate.

This discussion features Sam Adams, a Slate writer and editor, and Daisy Rosario, a senior supervising producer at Slate. They delve into Brad Pitt's new film about Formula 1, questioning its clichés and celebrating its thrilling visuals. The duo also explores the delightful absurdity of the British panel show 'Taskmaster,' sharing its charm and humor. Additionally, they tackle the New York Times' 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, dissecting representation in Hollywood and their personal favorites that often get overlooked.

Mark Joseph Stern, a Senior Writer at Slate who covers courts and the law, dives into the recent Supreme Court rulings and their implications. He highlights how the court has reshaped the power of district courts, particularly regarding controversial cases like birthright citizenship. Stern discusses the chaotic legal landscape facing families due to varying state laws. He also addresses internal struggles among justices and the erosion of rights, painting a picture of a court increasingly aligned with conservative outcomes.

Maryanne Wolf, director of UCLA’s Center For Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, shares her insights on reigniting a passion for reading. She discusses the reading brain and how modern distractions affect our connection to literature. Personal experiences of grief highlight the challenges in returning to books. Wolf suggests immersing oneself in engaging mysteries and prioritizing pleasure in reading. With practical strategies, she encourages rekindling joy in reading, even amidst life's chaos.

Alexandra Paul, a talented actress best remembered for her role in Baywatch, shares her chilling experience of being stalked for over a decade. She reveals how admiration turned into obsession, costing her emotionally and financially. Paul discusses the psychological impact of being a public figure and the complexities of navigating legal protections against harassment. With frank reflections, she emphasizes the importance of boundaries and coping strategies. Her story serves as a haunting reminder of the darker side of fame and the vital need for empathy towards victims.

Join Ricky O’Donnell, a basketball reporter and SB Nation editor, as he dives into the turbulent world of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. They dissect her injuries, the media scrutiny surrounding her rise, and the overall state of women's basketball. Switching gears, O’Donnell breaks down the NBA draft, focusing on the exciting prospects like Cooper Flagg and team strategies. There’s also a look at MLB teams adapting to minor league parks, revealing the quirky challenges they face. A wild ride through sports drama and future stars!