Slate News

Ketamine has gone from a recreational psychedelic to an approved treatment, and it has caught on in Silicon Valley in a big way. Are the long-term effects of using ketamine—recreationally or therapeutically—sufficiently known? Are we witnessing them right now?Guest: Shayla Love, staff writer for the Atlantic.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: A leaked Signal message revealed illegal use of the commercial app by the Defense Department. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain how this is a common issue in finance, where employees often defy SEC regulations on secure communication in favor of more convenient ways of communicating. Then, a recent study shows that people are leaving states with anti-abortion laws and other evidence suggests political migration in the US is on the rise. Finally, Dollar Tree is selling Family Dollar to private equity for $1 billion, 10 years after buying it for $8 billion. The hosts discuss what might have led to the end of the disastrous merger. In the Slate Plus episode: Felix joins What Next host Mary Harris to talk about the godfather of crypto, Satoshi Nakamoto. 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.

Mark Joseph Stern, a Slate senior writer known for his legal expertise, and Wendy Weiser, vice president for democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, dive deep into the Trump administration's legal turmoil surrounding voting rights. They discuss the contradictory legal claims made by Trump lawyers, the potential Supreme Court involvement in the Alien Enemies Act, and a troubling executive order that threatens voter integrity under the guise of preserving it. The conversation underscores the urgent need for civic engagement amidst growing challenges to democracy.

Azeem Khan, an advisor to UNICEF’s crypto fund and co-creator of the blockchain Morph, joins the discussion on the quirky world of memecoins. They dive into the creation of their own memecoin, BuenWim, navigating the absurdity and humor behind investing in crypto with no real value. The conversation highlights the chaos of the crypto market, personal experiences of novice traders, and the importance of community engagement. They also stress the risks involved, urging caution against scams in this playful yet volatile landscape.

This week features a wild discussion about the accidental leak of secret military plans from the Trump administration to a journalist. It dives into the troubling capitulation of law firms to political pressure, jeopardizing legal integrity. The hosts also chat about the adverse effects of these policies on higher education and the escalated scrutiny faced by universities. Plus, there's a nostalgic reflection on childhood antics, hilariously connecting it to today's meme coin trends. Tune in for some captivating insights!

Adam Kinzinger, former Republican Congressman and Air Force veteran, offers keen insights into a leaked Signal chat among Trump administration officials discussing military actions. He critiques the casual approach to sharing sensitive military details, raising concerns about national security. Kinzinger highlights the trust issues within the administration and the mixed reactions from military personnel regarding Trump's defense. He emphasizes the need for accountability in political actions and explores the enduring loyalty of Trump's supporters amidst shifting socio-economic landscapes.

Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a higher education reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the chaos surrounding student loans amid changes in the Department of Education. She discusses the fallout from Trump's executive order aimed at dismantling the department, leaving over 40 million borrowers in limbo. The conversation highlights the challenges of repayment options, particularly the problematic SAVE plan, and explores the emotional toll on frustrated borrowers. Danielle underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to enhance educational access and support for future students.

David Weigel, a national political reporter at Semafor, dives into the electrifying rallies led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, discussing their 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour. He unpacks the Democratic Party's struggle to unify against rising populism and wealth inequality. Weigel contrasts the current landscape to the Tea Party movement, stressing the need for innovative strategies. The conversation highlights grassroots energy and the challenges progressive figures face as they navigate the shifting dynamics within the party.

Lee Bollinger, President Emeritus of Columbia University, dives deep into the challenges facing higher education today. He discusses how the Trump administration's funding strategies threaten academic freedom, pointing out the critical reliance universities have on federal support. Bollinger also addresses the delicate balance of free speech and accountability within campuses, especially regarding anti-Semitism. He shares insights on navigating the heated debates over affirmative action and strategies for universities to rally support amid political pressures.

Dana Mattioli, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "The Everything War," delves into Jeff Bezos's shifting political strategies. She discusses the fraught relationship between Bezos and Trump, revealing how past tensions are being replaced with attempts at collaboration. The conversation highlights Amazon's ambitions and challenges, including navigating antitrust scrutiny under the Biden administration. Through Mattioli's insights, listeners gain a keen understanding of how corporate power and politics dance in a changing landscape.