President Donald Trump gave an impromptu with the New York Times Washington Correspondent Michael Schmidt at his Mar-A-Lago property Thursday. Alexander Heffner, Host of PBS' "The Open Mind," explains what this interview reveals about the relationship between Trump and the media.
"All forms of media will tank if I'm not there because without me, their ratings are going down the tubes," Trump told the NYTimes. Heffner says the report in the New York Times showcasing a thirty minute conversation with Trump amplifies the president's microphone.
"There is incest in every situation with Trump and the media," said Heffner. "There's incest when you want access." Schmidt reportedly crossed paths with Trump while he was meeting Newsmax founder Chris Ruddy at the Florida resort.
"We have to acknowledge--I think--on part of the media that its important that we use discretion, deliberation, precision in our reporting of this administration," says Heffner.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students returned to school on Wednesday, two weeks after a mass shooter killed seventeen people. Since that tragic event, a student-led movement has been rallying support for changes to gun laws. But on Capitol Hill House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) signaled his disinterest in new restrictions on gun purchases. Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fl) discusses the state of gun control.
The Democratic lawmaker says that, if there's no change to current legislation, gun control will be an issue during this year's midterm elections.
Mashable recently published a three-part multimedia project on climate change. The series shines a spotlight on the Marshall Islands which are considered a forgotten nation still reeling from nuclear testing. Mashable Science Editor Andrew Freedman explains the impact of this project, which features journalist Kim Wall's last unpublished work since her tragic death in 2017.
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
As anti-trans bills creep up in state and local governments around the country, businesses like Lush are taking a stand. All of February, the beauty brand has partnered with transgender rights organizations to promote equality.
It appears a battle is brewing in the White House between Senior Advisor Jared Kushner and Chief of Staff John Kelly. The latter reportedly downgraded Kushner's security status, and some members of the Trump family aren't too happy about it.
Dick's Sporting Goods announces it will no longer sell assault-style weapons in its stores. Amazon is buying video doorbell company Ring in a deal worth $1 billion. And is it time for "The Fresh Princess of Bel Air?"
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: DACA, flying cars, and the Ryan Seacrest scandal. With Motor Trend, YourTango, and Reason Magazine.
Adi Robertson, senior reporter at The Verge, discusses the move this week by Senate Democrats to try and overturn the FCC's repeal of net neutrality. Democrats filed a resolution that would require a majority vote in Congress to pass.
Georgia's Lieutenant Governor is calling on Delta to reinstate its relationship with the NRA. The Dow closes down 300 points. Amazon is buying smart doorbell maker Ring. Former NBA star Al Harrington is looking to become the next marijuana mogul. Cronos Group started trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday. The vertically integrated company became the first marijuana company to join a major exchange in the United States.
