Slate News

Gabrielle Canon, a climate reporter and extreme weather correspondent for The Guardian US, dives into the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and their far-reaching consequences. She discusses the emotional turmoil of affected residents, emphasizing their search for accountability amidst the chaos. Canon also sheds light on the complexities of climate change, local leadership's responsibility, and the urgent need for improved funding for firefighting efforts. The conversation reveals the intricate web of recovery challenges facing the community post-disaster.

Drew FitzGerald, a telecom reporter for the Wall Street Journal, shares his insights on the evolving relationship between tech and politics. He discusses how the new FCC leadership could lead to regulatory changes that might punish dissenting voices. The conversation highlights recent corporate decisions, like Meta's shift away from diversity initiatives, and the implications for media regulation. FitzGerald also examines the future of net neutrality and the complex landscape of tech policies as the Biden administration's regulations face challenges.

Gautam Hans, a clinical professor of law at Cornell specializing in constitutional and technology law, dives into pivotal legal battles. He discusses the ramifications of Trump's recent sentencing, particularly regarding how it impacts the Supreme Court’s approach under his presidency. Hans sheds light on the controversial TikTok ban, exploring tensions between national security and First Amendment rights. The conversation highlights the complexities of foreign influence in American social media and the broader implications for free speech.

This week: Los Angeles continues to try and fight back its most devastating wildfire ever. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the fires raging in Los Angles and how they highlight the growing problem with disaster insurance as well as the complex issues around prison labor. Then, Meta is walking back their content moderation, giving hate speech more of a chance to thrive on their platforms. The hosts debate what this will mean for advertisers and Meta employees alike. And finally, New York City has at last implemented its congestion pricing. And while it’s too early to know the effects, the hosts look to London to see what the future could hold for the city’s commuters. In the Slate Plus episode: Wirkin Bag Economics  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.

Will a First Amendment defense keep TikTok running in America? Guest: Emily Baker White, tech reporter for Forbes. 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.Podcast production by Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard professor and author, joins the conversation. They dive into Donald Trump’s ongoing legal issues, highlighting the perceived gaps in accountability within the legal system. The talk shifts to the cozying up of tech giants like Zuckerberg and Musk to political power, raising questions about the impact on democracy. Wildfires in California are also discussed, emphasizing the challenges communities face and the complexities of managing climate change's effects. It's a blend of law, technology, and environmental resilience.

Delve into the intricate legal web surrounding Trump's appeals and presidential immunity. The hosts dissect the implications of his Hush Money sentencing and how it might reshape public perceptions of justice. With insights from a prominent legal expert, this discussion offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of law and politics amid ongoing legal battles.

Chris Murphy, the US senator from Connecticut, dives into critical issues threatening American democracy. He discusses the rise of political influence within law enforcement, emphasizing fears of loyalty to Trump. Murphy navigates the intricacies of confirming nominees and strategizing to protect democratic values. He also critiques how political distractions undermine vital legislative actions. The conversation addresses the media's role in shaping political narratives and highlights the dire need for accurate health information amidst misinformation crises.

Heather Schwedel, a staff writer at Slate, dives into the swirling drama surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. They discuss Lively's fluctuating public image, shaped by her past roles and current controversies. The conversation explores the backlash against the film 'It Ends With Us,' revealing how promotional strategies can backfire. Insights into Baldoni’s shift from actor to advocate highlight the complexities of tackling serious themes like domestic violence in Hollywood. Finally, the couple's legal entanglements add another layer to the already complicated narrative.

In this discussion, Jane Marie, a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist known for her work on multi-level marketing, offers a deep dive into the troubling realities of MLMs. She unpacks the allure of these schemes, particularly their appeal to women, and reveals the financial traps participants often fall into. The conversation sheds light on the deceptive practices within MLMs, including misleading income statements and emotional manipulation. Jane also explores the historical roots and regulatory challenges these companies face, providing a comprehensive view of this controversial industry.