United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1996
Ownership
Slate is a US online magazine created in 1996 by Michael Kinsley with Microsoft's backing. In 2004 it was bought by The Washington Post Company, later renamed Graham Holdings Company, and since 2008 has been operated by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings subsidiary. It is privately controlled by Graham Holdings, the Graham family's diversified holding company.
Funding
Financed through a mix of advertising and subscription revenue, including the Slate Plus membership program introduced in 2014, which provides ad-free podcasts and bonus content. It is a commercial, for-profit operation.
Affiliation & stance
Slate has a clearly liberal/left editorial voice but no party, state, union or church ownership; its owner Graham Holdings is a publicly listed commercial conglomerate. Because it is privately and commercially owned with no party or government control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 264
61/100
Factual
54/100
Objective
468
Articles
467
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
We’ve Heard Some Disturbing Rumors About Our Kid’s Awful Teacher. I’m Not Sure Where to Go From Here.
A parent writes to a parenting advice column expressing concern over their child's experience in a private school. Their child, Jamie, initially thrived in early grades but began struggling after being taught by a teacher described as 'the worst teacher ever.' The teacher allegedly bullied Jamie and other students, failed to communicate with parents, and has a history of being disliked by students. Now entering 5th grade, Jamie faces the possibility of encountering the same teacher again, which could lead to further academic decline. The parent is torn between removing Jamie from the teacher's classes (potentially leading to less challenging courses) or facing the risk of repeated exposure to the problematic instructor. They also consider moving to a different district to access better public schools, though this would involve significant disruption.
Slate Pears Game 365: Aug. 14, 2026
This article promotes Slate's daily 'Pears' game, a word-based puzzle where players submit words to be featured in future editions. The latest edition, Game 365, was released on August 14, 2026, with the longest word from Game 364 being 'PISSOIRS.' The article highlights that Slate Plus members have access to over 300 past games and encourages readers to submit new words via email. Additional content includes mentions of other Slate offerings like the Mini Crossword, SoundBites, and a crossword puzzle themed around travel from Antarctica.
The DOJ Is Asking a Conservative Court to Give Trump a Terrifying New Power
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Attorney General Todd Blanche, is appealing a Tennessee judge's decision to dismiss an indictment against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. The DOJ argues that the judge incorrectly classified the case as having a 'vindictive motive' and seeks to overturn this ruling. The appeal goes beyond simply reinstating the indictment; it challenges the authority of judges to dismiss cases based on subjective assessments of prosecutorial motives, which the DOJ claims infringes on executive power. Abrego Garcia was among approximately 200 immigrants deported under President Trump's controversial immigration policies, and his case has become a focal point in debates over judicial oversight of prosecutorial decisions.
I Just Got Home From a Trip With 12 People. It Would Have Been Unbearable Were It Not for a Simple, Underrated Solution.
The article discusses the challenges of group travel with multiple people and suggests a solution based on 'parallel play', a concept borrowed from child development. The author recounts a recent trip to Paris with 12 people, including three couples, where traditional group activities led to stress and logistical issues. Instead, the group opted for a more flexible approach where individuals could pursue personal interests independently, without coordinated schedules or shared activities. This allowed for greater enjoyment and reduced conflict, as participants engaged in activities they genuinely wanted to do without pressure from others.
Off the Record: We Don’t Talk About Natalie
The article discusses an episode of the Slate podcast 'What Next' where a reference to former President Donald Trump being called a 'human printer' by Jon Ossoff sparked controversy. The episode notes that while there was no objection to Ossoff criticizing Trump's performance, the mention of Trump as a 'human printer' led to significant backlash. The episode is described as member-exclusive and requires subscription to Slate Plus for access. The article highlights the sensitivity around such remarks and the potential for them to escalate tensions.
My Wife Told Me She Has Only Had Sex With One Other Person. Then She Told Me Her Definition of “Sex.”
The letter writer describes confusion over his wife's definition of 'sex,' which she limits to vaginal penetration, excluding oral and anal activities. He notes that while she claims to have had sex with only one person, she considers oral and anal acts as forms of sex when discussing her relationship with him. The columnist, Rich, responds by questioning the validity of such a narrow definition, suggesting it may stem from cultural or religious beliefs around virginity. He critiques the idea that certain sexual acts are less significant or morally acceptable, emphasizing that all consensual sexual activity is equally valid. He also points out that legally, oral and anal sex are considered sexual contact.
Donald Trump Is Prosecuting a Famous Civil Rights Group. Among Its Biggest Critics Are Liberals.
The Trump administration has initiated a federal fraud case against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a prominent anti-hate group known for monitoring extremist activities. In April 2026, the Justice Department accused the SPLC of deceiving donors and financial institutions regarding funds sent to informants within white supremacist groups. Heidi Beirich, a former high-ranking SPLC official, faces charges related to these alleged misrepresentations. The SPLC denies any wrongdoing, arguing that their informant program is a legitimate method to combat extremism and share intelligence with authorities. Critics suggest the case may be politically motivated, targeting an organization the Trump administration opposes. However, some longstanding criticisms of the SPLC, such as concerns over its fundraising practices and focus on advocacy rather than direct aid, have historical roots, as highlighted by civil rights attorney Stephen Bright.
Here's how America's $40 trillion debt can hit your wallet
The U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion, prompting discussions about its potential impact on American households. While individuals do not directly owe this debt, growing federal borrowing could lead to higher taxes, reduced spending, or changes to federal benefits. Economists typically examine the $32 trillion portion held by the public. The Trump administration's tax policies and increased military funding are expected to add significantly to future deficits. Rising debt may increase borrowing costs for mortgages, student loans, and small businesses by pushing up interest rates. Experts warn that higher debt could lead to inflation pressures if investors lose confidence in the government's fiscal stability. The federal government is projected to spend over $1 trillion on interest payments in 2026, surpassing spending on most mandatory programs except Social Security and Medicare.
Charles Manson's granddaughter reveals moment she discovered dark family secret: 'It was devastating'
In 2022, Sophia Maddox, a 22-year-old aspiring filmmaker and actress, learned through a phone call with her father, Daniel Arguelles, that her grandfather was Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader responsible for the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. Arguelles had been searching for his biological father and discovered through DNA testing that his father was Manson. Maddox was shocked and devastated upon realizing the connection, as she had previously believed her father was not involved in anything dark. She later documented her experience in the Hulu documentary 'My Grandfather Charles Manson,' where she explored her family history and connected with individuals linked to Manson. The revelation significantly impacted her personal and professional life.
My Mother-in-Law’s Pushiness Put My Baby in the ICU. I Can’t Believe What My Family Wants Me to Do Now.
A woman writes to an advice column detailing how her mother-in-law, Heather, kissed her newborn son Oscar despite having oral herpes, leading to severe illness and hospitalization. The child suffered lasting health effects, prompting the family to cut off contact with Heather. After Heather moved into a nursing home, the woman's sister-in-law and others continue to pressure her to reconnect, claiming she is being cruel by keeping the children away. Despite her husband's efforts to manage the situation, the woman feels isolated and overwhelmed by persistent family pressure.
My Fiancé and I Just Gave Our Wedding Guests One Simple Rule. People Are Losing Their Minds.
A couple planning a wedding has decided to make it child-free, citing the negative experiences of misbehavior by children at previous weddings. This decision has caused significant backlash from family members, including the bride's brother and groom's sister, who argue it is selfish and inconvenient. The families are pressuring the couple to either allow children or cover the cost of childcare, which the couple cannot afford. The couple is considering eloping but faces accusations of being selfish for doing so. The letter writer advises the couple to stand firm in their decision, emphasizing that the wedding is theirs to decide, while also expressing surprise at their choice to exclude children.
This Summer Has Had a Hit as Big as “Old Town Road,” Even Though You Might Never Have Heard It
In 2026, country music has made a significant resurgence on the Billboard charts, with Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' emerging as the dominant hit of the year. Despite not receiving heavy airplay on major New York-based pop radio stations like Z100, the song has achieved massive success through streaming platforms such as Spotify. 'Choosin' Texas' has spent multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and is on track to match the record held by 'Old Town Road' for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 for a non-holiday song. The track's traditional country style, featuring steel guitar and mandolin, has helped elevate other country and country-influenced songs onto the pop charts, marking a notable shift in the music landscape.
Your Doctor’s Office Might Soon Start Charging an Unexpected Fee
The article discusses the emerging trend of direct primary care (DPC), where primary care physicians charge patients directly through monthly or annual membership fees instead of relying on insurance reimbursement. This model allows doctors to spend more time with patients and manage smaller patient panels, potentially improving the quality of care. The current system is criticized for being inefficient, with many doctors handling over 2,000 patients and providing brief, rushed visits. DPC practices typically charge between $50 and $100 per month, covering routine care such as annual check-ups and chronic disease management. While some doctors see benefits in reduced burnout and better patient relationships, the shift raises questions about accessibility and affordability for patients.