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
Jan 11, 2024 • 26min
2024’s Primary Season is Already Chaos
Ari Berman, voting-rights reporter for Mother Jones, talks about the chaos of the upcoming 2024 primary season, discussing the disorganized nature of the contests, the confusion of the primary calendar, and the significance of early states like Iowa. He also highlights the controversy and confusion surrounding the Nevada primaries, criticizing the parties for disenfranchising voters.
Jan 10, 2024 • 24min
The NRA’s Wayne’s World Era is Over
Dr. Matthew Lacombe, Associate Professor in American Politics at Case Western Reserve University, discusses the NRA's recent challenges and whether it's losing its political influence. Topics include the lawsuit against Wayne LaPierre, the decline of the NRA, its potential comeback, and the organization's brand tarnish versus policy success.
7 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 27min
The Anti-Defamation League at War
Mari Cohen, associate editor at Jewish Currents, discusses the Anti-Defamation League's commitment to Israel and its impact on combating antisemitism. Topics include rise in hate incidents, controversies surrounding the ADL's fight against hate, complex identity of the ADL, ADL's relationship with Elon Musk and Twitter, and the implications of their data on anti-Semitism.
Jan 8, 2024 • 19min
GOP Bets It All on the Border
Marianna Sotomayor, congressional reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the challenges faced by Congress in addressing government funding, immigration policies, and border security. The podcast explores the shifting power dynamics within the Republican Party, the ongoing negotiations, and the potential impact of conservative measures. It also examines the difficulties of overhauling the immigration system and the motivations behind Marjorie Taylor Greene's impeachment attempt against Alejandro Mayorkas.
Jan 7, 2024 • 25min
TBD | Tesla's Cybertruck Problem
Guest Edward Niedermeyer, author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, discusses Tesla's Cybertruck problem and its implications for safety, regulation, and Tesla's reliance on Elon Musk. They analyze the unique design of the Cybertruck, address safety concerns, discuss production delays and challenges, explore the role of regulators, and question the true nature of the Cybertruck.
5 snips
Jan 5, 2024 • 28min
TBD | Why the New York Times Sued OpenAI
Tech editor Megan Morrone discusses the lawsuit between the New York Times and OpenAI over the use of articles to train AI models. They also delve into the decline of the news industry, AI companies' response to lawsuits, the value of the company involved, and the role of copyright law in regulating AI.
Jan 4, 2024 • 26min
22 States Hiked the Minimum Wage. Now What?
David Neumark, labor economist and professor, discusses the recent increase in minimum wage in different states and its potential implications for workers and the economy. The podcast explores the ongoing fight for a $15 minimum wage, the historical context of the minimum wage debate, and the impact of raising the minimum wage on the economy, poverty, job loss, and minority groups. It also highlights a scientist's study on the effects of minimum wage increases on fast food restaurants in California.
Jan 3, 2024 • 24min
How Ukraine Loses The War
Fred Kaplan, Slate’s “War Stories” correspondent and author of The Bomb, discusses Ukraine’s war with Russia and the potential impact of Western intervention. Topics include Russia’s rocket attacks, their integrated command system and extensive reserves, the intensification of the conflict, shifting narratives in Ukraine, negotiations for aid from the US, changing American opinions, and the potential consequences if aid is not renewed.
Jan 2, 2024 • 27min
The Murder of Wadee Alfayoumi
Aymann Ismail, a Slate staff writer, discusses the murder of Wadee Alfayoumi, a six-year-old Arab-American boy, and the impact it has had on the community. The podcast explores the complex relationships and challenging living conditions faced by Wadee's mother. It also delves into the tense living arrangements between the victim and perpetrator and provides harrowing details of the violent incident. Additionally, the interviewee criticizes the US government's support in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and expresses frustration with the hypocrisy of funding attacks on Palestinians.
Jan 1, 2024 • 24min
The Renewable Energy Shell Game
Najib Aminy, producer for Reveal, discusses the controversial practice of buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) instead of investing in true sustainability. The podcast explores a trash incinerator turned renewable energy source, the commodification of burnt trash through RECs, the federal government's role in the REC market, the illusion of RECs, and alternative actions for clean energy.
