What Next | Daily News and Analysis

In a fascinating discussion, Brian Donovan, a professor at the University of Kansas known for his course 'The Sociology of Taylor Swift,' delves into the impact of celebrity endorsements on politics. He explores Taylor Swift’s political evolution, revealing how her shift from silence to activism influences voter demographics, especially among white women. Donovan also highlights the emotional ties Swifties have with their icon and how endorsements can bond or divide fan communities, underscoring the cultural significance of celebrity influence in elections.

Micah Maidenberg, a space business reporter for the Wall Street Journal, dives into Boeing's recent challenges with the Starliner mission. While the spacecraft has successfully landed, astronauts remain stranded on the ISS. The conversation highlights Boeing's setbacks, including labor strikes and safety concerns, leading NASA to rely more on SpaceX. Maidenberg contrasts Boeing's traditional approach with SpaceX's innovative methods, discussing the ongoing evolution of commercial spaceflight and the implications for future missions.

Emily Baker-White, an investigative reporter at Forbes, delves into TikTok's intense legal battles as the app faces potential bans in the U.S. She discusses the clash between free speech and national security as TikTok challenges recent legislation. The conversation highlights the importance of creators in shaping political dialogue, especially with the Democratic National Committee's outreach to TikTok influencers. Emily also sheds light on the geopolitical implications of the app's future amid rising U.S.-China tensions.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at the New York Times, delves into the post-pandemic public health landscape. She discusses the current public apathy towards COVID-19 vaccinations despite rising cases and emerging threats like mpox and bird flu. Mandavilli critiques the lack of proactive measures and the persistence of summertime COVID-19 surges. The conversation also highlights vaccine hesitancy fueled by political factors and the significance of addressing gaps in healthcare access to better manage infectious disease outbreaks.

David Faris, a politics professor at Roosevelt University and a contributing writer for Slate, dives into the heated debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He analyzes the critical moments surrounding key issues like abortion and healthcare. Faris highlights Harris's strategic approach to contrasting herself with Trump, while critiquing Trump's lack of effective communication. The discussion also touches on how the debate could sway undecided voters and the unpredictable dynamics of the upcoming election.

Terry Kay Rockefeller, a founding member of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, shares her emotional journey grappling with justice after losing her sister in 9/11. The discussion reveals the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding legal proceedings against the accused, especially the impact of the recent cancellation of plea deals. Rockefeller highlights the ongoing struggles for accountability, the emotional toll on victims' families, and the quest for healing in the wake of profound loss.

After the school shooting in Georgia last week, charges were brought against the 14-year-old alleged gunman—and also against his father. Who’s really responsible?Guest: Josie Duffy Rice, journalist focused on prosecutors, prisons, and other criminal justice issues and host of What A Day.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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 Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis in the northeast made headlines, but as far as mosquito-borne illnesses go, EEE is serious but still rare. What’s getting way too common is the mosquito itself.Guest: Amesh Adalja, doctor and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health SecurityWant 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Nylen, an antitrust reporter at Bloomberg, dives into Google’s recent legal battles. With a federal judge declaring Google a monopoly, the Justice Department now targets its ad practices. Nylen discusses the potential fallout if Google loses again, including possible breakups and its impact on the digital advertising landscape. She unpacks how Google's acquisition of DoubleClick redefined online advertising and the opacity of its revenue streams. The stakes are high, as the trial could reshape competition in the $300 billion ad industry.

Will the deaths of six hostages mark a turning point in how Israelis view the war in Gaza—and how Netanyahu’s government is conducting it?Guest: Yair Rosenberg, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Deep ShtetlWant more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across 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 Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices