Slate News

Cameron McWhirter, a national affairs reporter for The Wall Street Journal and author of 'American Gun', explores the surprising rise of gun ownership among liberals. He discusses how shifting political attitudes, particularly since COVID-19, are reshaping the conversation around guns. The podcast examines the motivations behind this trend, including personal safety and evolving narratives within the Democratic party regarding the Second Amendment. McWhirter also highlights initiatives like the LA Progressive Shooters group, aiming to promote responsible gun ownership.

On this month’s edition of Gabfest Reads, Political Gabfest host David Plotz talks with author Elizabeth Strout about her new book, Tell Me Everything. They discuss how Strout conceives of interconnected stories and characters across her work, including the return of beloved characters like Olive Kitteridge. They also dig into the importance of listening and the ways ordinary lives can be extraordinary. 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.

Sophie Hurwitz, a politics and social movements reporter at Mother Jones, joins Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, to discuss the evolving nature of campus protests. They explore how universities are balancing the regulation of protests with the principles of free speech. Hurwitz and Roth dive into the implications of new policies that might confuse students. They also highlight recent protests at Wesleyan regarding divestment and the critical role of youth activism ahead of the 2024 elections.

Shane Harris, an intelligence and national security reporter at the Washington Post, joins to discuss Israel's recent military actions against Hezbollah. They dive into what Israel's blowing up of pagers and walkie-talkies really signifies in the geopolitical landscape. The conversation examines the moral implications of civilian safety amidst military strategies, and how these actions are perceived internationally. The evolution of Hezbollah from a militant group to a political entity also plays a key role in their analysis.

Laura Loomer, a controversial political provocateur, has made waves as a key figure in the Trump campaign, leveraging her internet notoriety to gain influence. In conversation with Ken Bensinger, a politics reporter for the New York Times, she discusses her unorthodox rise from online controversies to political insider status. They explore the use of memes and trolling in shaping right-wing narratives and the internal tensions among MAGA supporters. The duo also examines how these dynamics affect electoral strategies and the evolving landscape of political discourse.

In this discussion, journalist Linda Greenhouse, a former Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, reveals the intricate dynamics of the current Supreme Court. She analyzes Chief Justice Roberts' unexpected alignment with Trump-related decisions and the resulting public backlash from earlier rulings. The conversation delves into the court's issues with leaks, trust, and transparency. Greenhouse poses critical questions about the implications of upcoming election cases, highlighting the evolving challenges the Chief Justice faces in navigating public sentiment and judicial integrity.

Financial journalist Felix Salmon, reporter Emily Peck, and media entrepreneur Elizabeth Spiers dive into the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. They discuss how these changes might reshape the economy and influence voters. The trio also critiques Trump's tax cut proposals, questioning their viability. In a quirky twist, they touch on Tupperware's bankruptcy, hinting at an underground container-sharing movement. There's even a mention of a whimsical bread lamp, showcasing the humorous side of unexpected topics in finance.

It’s just 45 days until election day—and the polls are telling us…a little bit of everything. In our first Slate Plus exclusive crossover, Mary sits down with one of the nation’s foremost experts on political nonsense.Guest: Jim Newell, Slate’s senior politics writer, who writes the weekly newsletter The Surge.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of The Surge but you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit  slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instagram’s new default privacy settings for teenagers are designed to keep kids safe from strangers online. It’s a worthy endeavor, but are privacy settings enough? And what about all the other hazards teenagers face on social media?  Guest: Natasha Singer, New York Times tech reporter, focused on how technology is affecting childhood and schooling.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.Public.com+Public Investing Disclosure: Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Bazelon, an acclaimed journalist and author; John Dickerson, a seasoned political correspondent; David Plotz, a prominent journalist and editor; and Josh Levin, host of Slow Burn, dissect the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. They analyze how extreme rhetoric fosters hatred and fear. The conversation pivots to the presidential race, exploring immigration debates, polling dynamics, and unexpected endorsements. They also delve into the influential role of Fox News, from its origins in journalism to today’s partisan landscape.