What Next | Daily News and Analysis
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 25min
TBD | Crypto Keeps Criming
In this discussion, David Yaffe-Bellany, a tech reporter for The New York Times, unpacks the ongoing struggles within the cryptocurrency industry. He delves into illicit cash flows, highlighting an alarming $28 billion surge onto exchanges. The conversation also examines Trump's controversial decisions regarding crypto investigations and the implications for platforms like Binance. Yaffe-Bellany emphasizes the waning decentralization in crypto as main finance industries take over, while investor sentiment remains surprisingly optimistic despite past volatility.
10 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 26min
Who Killed the Penny? She Did.
In this discussion, Caity Weaver, a culture writer at The Atlantic, explores the surprising decision to stop minting pennies. She delves into the 'perpetual penny paradox,' revealing how production costs vastly outweigh their value. Caity outlines the legal pathways that allowed the Treasury to make this decision and compares it to Canada’s effective penny phase-out strategy. She even speculates on the future of other coins and questions what a cashless society means for our beloved change.
10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 30min
Sudan on the Brink
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former UK foreign secretary, dives deep into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He highlights the staggering death toll and the millions displaced by the ongoing civil war. Miliband discusses the strategic interests tied to Sudan's resources and the complex web of international allegiances. He stresses the urgent need for humanitarian aid and accountability, sharing a moving survivor story of resilience amidst chaos. The crisis reflects broader global challenges of empathy and responsibility.
9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
Have the Epstein Files Broken MAGA?
Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark known for his insights into right-wing media, dives into the implications of the Epstein files on Trump's political landscape. He discusses how these revelations challenge Trump's support within the GOP and the shifting stance of figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Sommer explains the ideological rift between MAGA and America First movements, highlights electoral risks for extremists, and predicts the ongoing influence of Epstein's baggage on Trump's future. A compelling look at the cracks within the GOP.
19 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 28min
The National Guard Is Asking Questions
Kat Lonsdorf, a reporter from NPR, dives into the complex dynamics of the National Guard's recent domestic deployments. She highlights the discomfort among Guard members about unclear missions and community pushback. Lonsdorf shares insights into the hesitation of some Guardspeople to sign up for deployments, likening their roles in urban patrols to combat experiences. She also questions the effectiveness of these deployments in crime reduction or immigration enforcement, revealing the legal and ethical challenges faced by the Guard.
32 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 32min
TBD | How Meta Profits Off Fraud
Jeff Horwitz, a tech reporter for Reuters specializing in platform safety, sheds light on Meta's troubling relationship with scam ads. He reveals that 10% of Meta's revenue is linked to these ads, with the platform being a significant conduit for scams in the U.S. Horwitz discusses how Meta’s algorithms inadvertently amplify fraudulent content and how scammers exploit the system. The conversation unveils the challenges in enforcement, the economics behind scam ads, and the precarious balance Meta must strike between profit and user safety.
19 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 25min
TBD | Data Centers on the Ballot
Margaret Barthel, a WAMU/NPR reporter specializing in Northern Virginia, dives into the fascinating intersection of local politics and the booming data center industry. She highlights how data centers emerged as a crucial election issue across party lines. With insights on community concerns, economic promises, and the state's powerful incentives, Margaret explains the trade-offs local residents face. As the number of data centers grows, she suggests future elections will be shaped by energy costs and voter priorities linked to this rapid development.
11 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 26min
Wikipedia Enters the Culture Wars
Join Stephen Harrison, a writer and tech lawyer, as he delves into the controversial landscape of Wikipedia and its challenges. He discusses Elon Musk's attempt to create Grokipedia, which presents AI-generated inaccuracies. Harrison analyzes how Grokipedia portrays Musk and questions its motives, arguing it could undermine reliable information. He highlights the risks Wikipedia editors face globally, the political pressures to manipulate content, and why encyclopedias remain crucial in the battle for truth.
9 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
No, Women Didn't Ruin the Workplace
Danielle Kurtzleben, a political correspondent at NPR, dives into the provocative narrative suggesting women have 'ruined' the workplace. She discusses the backlash against feminism, connecting it to historical patterns and cultural shifts. Kurtzleben critiques how movements like MeToo are mischaracterized and tied to the rise of a feminine economy. The conversation highlights the tension between evolving gender roles and political identities, exploring the implications for both men and women in a changing workforce.
13 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 27min
How To Lose a Government Shutdown
Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times opinion columnist and political analyst, delves into the recent government shutdown and the Democratic strategy behind it. He explains why shutdowns typically backfire on the minority party and critiques Democrats for their ineffective goals. Bouie analyzes Chuck Schumer's leadership role, discusses generational divides within the party, and highlights the political costs of the shutdown. He also examines Trump's declining popularity and predicts how he might react to political setbacks.
