Slate Daily Feed

On this week’s show, our fighters Steve, Julia, and Dana enter the ring to tussle over The Smashing Machine, the Dwayne Johnson vehicle directed by Benny Safdie. Can they smell what the Rock is cooking? Is it a subtly modulated performance about a sensitive pro UFC fighter? Or, a shameless Oscar play? Next, it’s on to the offbeat climes of Tulsa, Oklahoma by way of The Lowdown, a shaggy noir series created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke. Finally, they gaze into the uncanny eyes of Tilly Norwood, the A.I. beauty that launched a thousand think pieces and a Hollywood freakout.On an exclusive bonus episode for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel unburies an old hatchet to discuss Elizabeth Gilbert’s newest memoir. Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com. Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch.EndorsementsDana: The N+1 essay "Large Language Muddle" and Isaac Butler's deep dive on Daniel Day-Lewis in Slate.Julia: Walking in Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve.Steve: James Meek's essay in The London Review of Books "Computers that want things" and the novel Gargoyles by Thomas Bernhard (and welcomes listener suggestions for what else to read by Bernhard). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Deep Shtetl, dives into the complexities of the Gaza negotiations. He discusses Trump's bold 20-point ceasefire plan, expressing skepticism about its authenticity. The conversation highlights Hamas's cautious acceptance and the temporary wave of hope it brought. Yair also breaks down the challenges of achieving lasting peace, including Netanyahu's political pressure and the intricate dynamics of negotiation. Tune in to learn what could shift the landscape in the coming days.

Peter van Agtmael, a renowned photojournalist and author of "Look at the U.S.A.: A Diary of War and Home," explores the complexities of war photography. He reflects on his disillusionment with iconic images and their real impact. Peter shares intimate stories about embedding with soldiers and the emotional toll of covering conflicts. He also discusses his shift towards documenting veterans and the ethical dilemmas of capturing deeply personal moments, including unexpected uses of his work in unexpected contexts.

Nitish Pahwa, a Slate staff writer specializing in prediction markets and sports betting, dives into the intricate world of legal gambling. He discusses how platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operate under tight regulations and their competing dynamics with traditional sportsbooks. The conversation also touches on the implications of betting predictions on politics and crises, and the future of gambling amidst changing public attitudes. Additionally, the hosts talk about Bill Belichick's rocky start at UNC and the ongoing conflict between WNBA players and commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate and co-host of Amicus, dives into the Supreme Court's latest term and its implications. He discusses the normalization of the Court's actions and critiques the term 'curtain raiser.' Stern predicts a likely strike down of Colorado's conversion therapy ban. He highlights the risks of weakening the Voting Rights Act ahead of the midterms and explains the challenges related to agency removal protections. Mark emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding the Court's growing influence on policy.

This discussion dives into the real struggles of feeling 'touched out' as a parent. The hosts give permission to set boundaries and even take breaks when kids are overwhelming. They reflect on the latest kid fads, sharing tips to avoid overpaying for trendy toys. Listeners get practical strategies to teach kids about physical boundaries and safely redirect sensory-seeking behavior. From breaking the latch during nursing to scheduling rough play, this episode is packed with advice for navigating the chaotic world of parenting!

In this installment, Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the video game industry, dives into the recent $55 billion acquisition of EA. He discusses the implications for the 14,500 employees amidst concerns of layoffs and shifting business models. The conversation touches on the influence of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Jared Kushner's involvement, and how EA's live-service games drive revenue. Jason also explores gamers' mixed feelings about EA and the future of the gaming landscape as it transitions towards persistent revenue models.

Tony Ho Tran, a senior business and tech editor at Slate, explores the implications of EA Games being acquired by Saudi Arabia. He reveals how this deal could threaten the creative freedom of beloved games like The Sims, particularly for LGBTQ+ representation. The discussion dives into fears of potential censorship under new ownership and how this reflects a broader trend of state influence in media. Tran also shares insights on community responses and the importance of preserving creative independence in gaming.

The discussion dives into Trump's surprising $20 billion bailout for Argentina, questioning its motives and effects on American soybean farmers. The impact of the U.S. government shutdown on markets is also examined, revealing who really pays the price. Additionally, the hosts explore a record-breaking $55 billion buyout of Electronic Arts involving Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. They ponder if it matters that a foreign entity controls a major gaming company and reflect on the shifting landscape of media consumption.

Ian Millhiser, Senior Correspondent at Vox, dives into the Supreme Court's upcoming term with hosts, exploring significant cases that appear skewed in favor of the Trump administration. They discuss the troubling impact of the shadow docket on public perception and the legitimacy of the court. Key topics include the risks to voting rights, the implications of campaign finance cases, and challenges faced by transgender athletes. Millhiser raises concerns about how conservative shifts in case selection could further threaten democracy.