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
Apr 11, 2024 • 26min
The Judge Protecting Trump
Lee Kovarsky, a professor of law at the University of Texas, discusses the legal battle between special prosecutor Jack Smith and Judge Eileen Cannon over classified documents in Trump's trial. The episode explores the judge's motives, potential legal strategies, and implications of delaying the trial.
Apr 10, 2024 • 28min
How the Government Botched Financial Aid
National higher education reporter Danielle Douglas-Gabriel discusses the botched financial aid system, highlighting issues with the FAFSA form, delays in aid processing, and the impact on students. The podcast explores the complexities of financial aid, errors in calculations, and the challenges faced by high school seniors navigating college choices.
Apr 9, 2024 • 25min
No Labels Is Out. But RFK Jr. Remains.
Dave Weigel, reporter for Semafor, discusses the potential impact of third-party candidates in the 2024 election. They explore the challenges faced by No Labels and the Biden campaign, the evolution of third-party movements in American politics, and the strategic measures employed by Democrats to counter the threat of third-party contenders.
Apr 8, 2024 • 26min
How Young Is Too Young to Work?
Labor reporter Lauren Kaori Gurley explores the controversial topic of child labor violations, discussing the challenges faced by young workers, loopholes in child labor laws, and the impact of varying regulations across states. The podcast sheds light on the experiences of teenage employees, the need for stringent laws to protect them, and the ongoing debate on youth employment in the US.
Apr 7, 2024 • 30min
TBD | America Needs More Power
Evan Halper, a business reporter, discusses the surging demand for electricity in the U.S. due to AI, manufacturing, and electric vehicles. They explore challenges of updating the grid, costs, local vs. centralized planning, and managing rising energy demand in developed countries.
Apr 5, 2024 • 27min
TBD | Truth Social’s Rocky Week
Nitish Pahwa discusses the financial struggles and controversies of Truth Social, including questionable business practices and reliance on loyal supporters. The chapter also analyzes speculative investing strategies, investor motivations for Truth Social shares, and the challenges faced by the platform for mass adoption.
Apr 4, 2024 • 25min
How Much Longer Can Netanyahu Hold On?
Yair Rosenberg, staff writer for The Atlantic, discusses how Israel's ultra-Orthodox military exemption could impact Netanyahu's power. The IDF's need for manpower in a two-front war highlights political tensions and coalition dynamics in Israel.
Apr 3, 2024 • 27min
How Gambling Took Over Sports
Jay Caspian Kang, staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses the intertwining of sports and gambling, exploring recent scandals and the impact of widespread legalization. Topics include the evolution of sports betting, the intersection of betting and Major League sports, and the concerns surrounding app-based betting.
Apr 2, 2024 • 25min
How a Democrat Flipped a Seat in Alabama
Marilyn Lands, Alabama lawmaker, won a special election in a deeply red state. She discusses how she secured an unexpected win by focusing on reproductive rights. Personal stories of difficult pregnancies and abortion access intertwined with political campaigning. Lands' victory highlights the importance of diverse and inclusive political approaches in historically Republican strongholds.
Apr 1, 2024 • 28min
The Group Behind Christian Conservatives’ Winning Streak
David Kirkpatrick, a staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses the Alliance Defending Freedom and their efforts in pushing for more restrictions on the abortion pill. They delve into the group's goals, legal victories, and impact on conservative Christian values in key Supreme Court cases.
