Slate News

Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors, revealing the legal and emotional struggles faced by families. He also examines the broader implications of this decision, linking it to previous rulings and the ongoing fight for trans rights. The conversation delves into Justice Kagan's surprising alliances with the conservative justices, pondering what it means for the future of civil rights and judicial strategy.

David Plotz talks with author Alison Bechdel about her new book, Spent. They discuss what’s memoir and what’s less than memoir in the comic novel, David’s own contribution to the book, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the newly passed GENIUS Act, discussing its potential to reshape crypto regulation and payment processing. They highlight the surprising 400% raise for Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, reflecting on pay equity in sports. The conversation playfully shifts to AI-generated versions of themselves, tackling the implications of AI in podcasting and the challenge of replicating human authenticity. They also delve into the rising trend of interruptions at work and how AI might help manage them.

Listen to What Next via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher, Overcast, Google Play, or iHeart.America’s most machismo and gas-guzzling car, the Hummer, has been relaunched as an electric vehicle. But who is this electrified megatruck really for?Guest: Alex Sammon, Slate features writerThis episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Ethan Oberman, and Rob Gunther.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the troubling world of memes and immigration policy. He discusses how the Trump administration employs humor to frame mass deportations, transforming serious issues into viral content. Harwell examines the mixed public reactions to such tactics and the implications for political discourse. He highlights a controversial incident where a deported woman's image became a meme, showcasing how personal pain is exploited in the digital age. It's a deep look at the intersection of social media, meme culture, and nationalism in shaping narratives.

This week, the hosts dive into the controversial question of U.S. military involvement in Israel's conflict with Iran. They also tackle the unsettling surge in political violence within the U.S. and the troubling implications it carries for safety and accountability. A significant discussion arises around a Supreme Court decision regarding transgender care for minors, reflecting ongoing tensions in gender rights. Plus, listener contributions spark engaging conversations on the intersection of AI technology and historical research. A real treat for those following pressing political narratives!

As What Next celebrates Juneteenth, please enjoy this episode ⁠from our colleagues at Hit Parade⁠. What Next will be back in your feed on Monday.Little Richard was rock ‘n’ roll’s flamboyant architect. Lesley Gore sang that no one owned her. Sylvester was a gender-fluid icon who helped define disco. Freddie Mercury made rock operatic, and George Michael demanded freedom.What all of these LGBTQ artists had in common was bold hitmaking—and fear of being fully out of the closet. For decades, queer acts topped the charts while cloaking their true identities and paving the way for today’s more openly queer stars.For Pride Month, join Chris Molanphy as he traces the hidden history of queer hitmakers on the charts—including those that managed to be both out and No. 1, right up through our modern age of Lil Nas X and Chappell Roan. It’s a celebration of these artists’ quest to feel… mighty real.Want more Hit Parade? Join Slate Plus to unlock monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of “The Bridge,” and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Slate Plus exclusive episode, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern analyse the Roberts Court's decision in Skrmetti,  effectively bans gender-affirming  care for trans minors in more than 20 states.This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slate’s coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. 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.The best way to support our work is by joining Slate Plus. (If you are already a member, consider a donation or merch!)Also! Sign up for Slate’s Legal Brief: the latest coverage of the courts and the law straight to your inbox. Delivered every Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seth Tupper, Editor-in-Chief of the South Dakota Searchlight, and Ahilan Arulanantham, Co-Director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy, delve into the rise of Kristi Noem and her power dynamics within the Trump administration. They discuss her controversial tactics in Homeland Security, highlighting military crackdowns on protests and ambitious immigration policies. The dialogue also touches on Noem's political maneuvers, including the pandemic-related fireworks at Mount Rushmore and her evolving public image amidst legal battles over immigration rights.

In this insightful discussion, Gregg Carlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Israel's recent aggressive military actions against Iran, marking a significant escalation. He delves into Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategic ambitions for regime change in Iran and the potential fallout from these actions. The conversation also explores the complex dynamics of U.S. involvement in the region, balancing military strategies with diplomatic efforts amidst rising tensions. Carlstrom highlights the implications for both Israeli and Iranian citizens caught in the chaos.