Slate News

Dylan Scott, Senior Health Correspondent at Vox, dives into the alarming surge of measles cases in the U.S., highlighting how a Texas Mennonite community sparked a nationwide outbreak. He discusses new CDC guidelines for summer camps to curb further spread and examines the importance of vaccinations amid rising skepticism. The conversation sheds light on mixed messaging from health officials that fuels public confusion and emphasizes the urgent need for trust in immunization to protect the most vulnerable, especially young children.

Mike Pesca hosts The Gist and brings a sharp wit, while Susan Glasser is a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker. They dive into Elon Musk's ambitious but complicated bid to launch a third political party in the U.S. The conversation shifts to Trump's erratic foreign policy, blending self-interest with national strategy and its chaotic effects on global relations. The pair also discuss the rising trend of traffic fatalities in NYC, and whether recent policy changes contribute to improved safety, alongside light-hearted takes on music and culture.

Jennifer Wilson, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the innovative role of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood, born from the #MeToo movement. She discusses how these professionals ensure safety and comfort during intimate scenes, revolutionizing the industry. The conversation reveals challenges they face and the broader cultural implications of prioritizing consent and mental health. Wilson also reflects on the historical impact of events like the Clinton scandal, connecting power dynamics in politics to the evolving landscape of intimacy in film.

Jeff Goodell, a climate change writer and author of impactful books on environmental crises, dives into the catastrophic flooding in central Texas. He discusses the preventability of such disasters and the urgent need for modernized infrastructure in the face of climate change. Goodell emphasizes the connection between climate trends and increased rainfall, highlighting historical flooding issues and advocating for improved disaster response strategies. The conversation stresses accountability for warning systems and the necessity of adapting community safety measures to combat escalating climate risks.

In this engaging discussion, Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his insightful political analysis, explores striking parallels between the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and today’s immigration enforcement. Bouie highlights how historical injustices have shaped modern politics and the role of presidential power. He delves into the motivations behind anti-slavery activism, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary society. The conversation raises important reflections on political polarization and the potential for violence in our current landscape.

Join journalist Brian Goldstone, author of 'There Is No Place For Us', as he reveals the hidden struggles of the working homeless in America. He shares shocking insights into how many employed individuals face homelessness, debunking common misconceptions. Goldstone discusses exploitative housing practices like extended stay hotels and the severe lack of affordable housing. He advocates for viewing housing as a fundamental human right, drawing lessons from international examples to reshape America’s approach to this growing crisis.

In this discussion, Sommer Brugal, a reporter for Axios in Miami, dives into the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a newly established migrant detention center. She critiques its unsettling branding and the swift political maneuvers surrounding it. The conversation sheds light on the repurposing of an abandoned airstrip for immigration detention and its environmental implications. Brugal also explores the troubling realities of detention conditions, spotlighting community reactions and the troubling narratives shaping public perception around immigration.

Will Oremus, a technology news analysis writer for the Washington Post, dives into the unpredictable world of AI legislation. He discusses how a critical moratorium on state AI regulations was dropped from a key policy bill yet still receives robust industry backing. Oremus highlights the ongoing clash between federal and state regulations, the evolving landscape of AI funding, and the tension between innovation and public safety in U.S. policy, all set against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics.

This week: The US stock market has reached a new all time high.  Felix Salmon, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers are joined once again by investments expert Barry Ritholtz who talked us through the market turmoil of Trump’s tariff spree back in April. Barry helps the hosts break down the behavior of the markets right now, examine the historical context of record breaking highs, and theorize why the price of the US dollar is still falling.  In the Slate Plus episode: Should we just let kids have the summer to rot?Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern answer your questions about threats to federal judges, how far religious opt-outs can go in public schools in light of  Mahmoud v. Taylor, and whether or not the rule of law in America is, in fact, cooked. This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock weekly bonus episodes of Amicus—you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.