What Next
Slate Podcasts
The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning. Get more of What Next with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of What Next and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit slate.com/whatnextplus for access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 24min
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Rerun: Death of the Weather Forecast?
Daniel Swain, a weather and climate scientist at the University of California, discusses the alarming impact of funding cuts on the National Weather Service. He highlights how these reductions hinder accurate storm predictions and endanger public safety. Swain addresses current challenges in forecasting severe weather, like hurricanes and tornadoes, underlines the critical need for resources, and warns about the risks of reduced meteorological capabilities amid increasing extreme weather events.
38 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 26min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - One Big Deeply Unpopular Bill
David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, delves into President Trump's expansive and controversial bill ahead of its July 4th deadline. He reveals how its hefty tax cuts for the wealthy clash with sharp reductions to essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP, making it deeply unpopular across the board. The conversation also explores the intricate political maneuvers and party tensions as lawmakers grapple with the bill's implications for healthcare and fiscal accountability. Dayen highlights the implications for constituents and potential fallout on Democrats ahead of the midterms.
27 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 27min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Is This the End of NPR and PBS?
Brian Stelter, CNN's Chief Media Analyst, dives into the looming threat to public broadcasting as the Trump administration gears up to cut funding from NPR and PBS. He reflects on the historical significance of public media and Mr. Rogers’ heartfelt plea to Congress. Stelter discusses the dire consequences of these funding cuts, particularly for rural stations that rely on public broadcasting. The conversation unpacks the battle for federal support and the ongoing struggle to maintain independent journalism in an increasingly polarized media landscape.
16 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 28min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - We Need to Talk About the Supreme Court
Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate who specializes in courts and law, dives into the tumultuous recent decisions from the Supreme Court. He discusses the significant shift in the court’s approach to universal injunctions and the implications for judicial authority. The conversation highlights changes to birthright citizenship laws and the confusion they may bring for families. Stern also addresses the partisan dynamics at play, revealing how recent rulings favor Republican interests and the challenges faced by liberal justices.
18 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 27min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Why Is ICE Masked Up?
Philip Bump, a Washington Post columnist, and Scott Shuchart, a former ICE official, dive into the controversial practice of ICE agents wearing masks during arrests. They discuss how this trend threatens public trust and accountability in law enforcement, drawing parallels to masked protesters. The conversation touches on rising concerns over officer safety versus community perceptions, the skepticism surrounding reported assaults on officers, and the urgent need for political oversight in immigration enforcement practices.
27 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 21min
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - The FTC’s Merger Shakedown
Kate Conger, a technology reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit," dives into the evolving dynamics of advertising amidst the fallout from Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. She discusses how advertisers are shifting strategies due to concerns over controversial content, especially with rising hate speech. Conger also analyzes the FTC's aggressive stance on advertising mergers in this politically charged environment, questioning the balance between antitrust regulations and the complex landscape of free speech.
18 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 21min
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - The Other Iran-Israel War
Maggie Miller, a cybersecurity reporter from POLITICO, dives into the escalating cyber warfare between Iran and Israel. She discusses the recent cyber attack on Iran's Bank Zipa and the chaos unleashed by pro-Israeli hackers. The conversation reveals Israel's advanced cybersecurity tactics and Iran's strategic use of cyber attacks for political messaging. Miller also explores the blurry line between cyber warfare and psychological tactics, and the implications for international relations, especially amid U.S. and Russian involvement.
36 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 27min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Zohran Mamdani’s Former Boss Weighs In
In this discussion, Ross Barkan, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and editor of The Metropolitan Review, dives into the surprising political rise of Zohran Mamdani. He discusses Mamdani's unique strategies that galvanized first-time voters and united diverse communities. Barkan contrasts his campaign style with that of more traditional candidates, unpacking the impact of ranked-choice voting. The chat also navigates the realistic challenges Mamdani faces in governance versus his ambitious promises, revealing the complexities of change within the political landscape.
16 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 26min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Even This Senator Had No Warning About Iran
Mark Warner, Democratic Senator from Virginia and Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expresses frustration over Congress being blindsided by military actions against Iran. He discusses the significant intelligence gaps that left lawmakers unprepared for the bombings and unravels the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations. Warner highlights the critical need for better communication regarding national security and outlines the geopolitical implications of military actions, including concerns over nuclear proliferation and legislative hurdles in foreign policy.
12 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
What Next | Daily News and Analysis - The Lawsuit Scaring Protesters
Independent investigative reporter Alleen Brown, an expert on the Standing Rock protests, dives into the recent monumental ruling that found Greenpeace liable for over $660 million connected to the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She highlights the broader implications of using legal tactics to intimidate activists and discusses the persistent surveillance and suppression faced by protesters. Brown reveals how these legal battles threaten environmental advocacy and explores the precarious balance of activism in today's political climate.
