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
33 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 49min
Amicus | Dear Justice Kavanaugh, “I’m American, Bro”
Ahilan Arulanantham, a human rights lawyer and UCLA law professor, joins to discuss a controversial Supreme Court ruling that has been interpreted as legalizing racial profiling by ICE. He elaborates on the implications for both immigrants and U.S. citizens, detailing how the ruling could usher in a new era of scrutiny for communities of color. Arulanantham also critiques Justice Kavanaugh's reliance on unsupported claims and the broader lawless trends in immigration enforcement, urging for local resistance and highlighting the ruling's potential to infringe on civil liberties.
20 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 28min
TBD | A.I. for Cops
Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the complex world of AI in policing. He explains how tools like LongEye help detectives manage overwhelming amounts of digital evidence. The conversation raises crucial civil rights concerns, discussing data access, surveillance tools, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining human oversight in AI use. Gerrit also touches on public sentiment regarding privacy versus convenience, revealing the broader implications of AI on society and law enforcement.
Oct 10, 2025 • 6min
Bonus: SchadenFriday: Portland Puts A Frog On It
Dive into the absurdity of current events with a lighthearted twist! Discover how playful protests in Portland turned grim narratives upside down with inflatable costumes. Enjoy a guessing game as audio clips reveal unexpected moments of joy amid chaos. Tune in as humor meets political theatrics, showcasing the power of levity in dark times. This unique take on serious news will leave you chuckling at the unexpected, proving that laughter is a powerful tool for coping.
30 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 25min
TBD | The People Suing ICE
Joseph Cox, cofounder of 404 Media and an investigative journalist, dives into the challenges of obtaining information from ICE and DHS. He discusses the significance of FOIA requests and the controversies surrounding a data-sharing agreement between CMS and ICE, which could expose how Medicaid data is utilized for enforcement. Cox also reveals troubling insights about ICE's spyware contracts, emphasizing the potential implications for privacy and immigrant rights. His pursuit of transparency highlights the broader issues of government secrecy and public accountability.
52 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 27min
The People Joining ICE
Robert Klemko, a Washington Post reporter focused on law enforcement and criminal justice reform, sheds light on ICE's controversial recruitment practices. He discusses the urgency behind attracting new agents through lowered standards and the implications for public safety. Klemko reveals alarming trends at recruitment fairs, including troubling attitudes among applicants and the dangers of miscommunications due to inadequate training. With increased funding, he warns of the risks of a rapidly growing, ideologically driven agency, potentially paving the way for a more confrontational future.
22 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 30min
Inside the Portland “War Zone”
Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, shares insights on the contrasts between President Trump's rhetoric and the reality of protests in Portland. He highlights the diverse makeup of demonstrators and their focus on supporting migrants. Elizabeth Lopatto from The Verge delves into how media narratives shape perceptions of the protests and discusses the implications of labeling groups like Antifa as domestic extremists. Both guests examine the impact of federal interventions and the evolving local tactics in response to ongoing tensions.
39 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 30min
Is the Gaza Deal Real?
Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the newsletter Deep Shtetl, dives deep into the complexities of Trump's Gaza negotiations. He discusses why the announcement seemed premature, the contents of the 20-point plan, and the cautious approach to Palestinian self-governance without explicitly mentioning statehood. Rosenberg also explores the shifting dynamics in Israel's negotiations, the role of Hamas, and the sticky issues like hostages and guarantees, offering insights into potential outcomes and implications for Netanyahu's future.
64 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 31min
When You’re A Justice They Let You Do It
Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer for Slate and co-host of Amicus, dives into the Supreme Court's contentious new term. He unpacks the implications of upcoming cases, highlighting how partisan agendas are normalized within the Court. Expect a potential strike down of Colorado's ban on conversion therapy and a discussion on Louisiana's redistricting efforts that dilute Black votes. Stern also critiques the shadow docket, revealing how it favors Trump, and voices concerns from legal experts about the Court's fracturing of coherent law.
19 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 24min
TBD | Saudi Arabia Gets into EA’s Games
In this engaging discussion, Jason Schreier, a seasoned video game reporter for Bloomberg, delves into the recent $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and Jared Kushner. He highlights the concerns around employee layoffs and the significance of the deal within the gaming industry. Jason also explores the shift towards live service models, the implications of taking EA private, and Saudi Arabia's interest in diversifying its economy through gaming, all while reflecting on the future of game types.
27 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 29min
TBD | Who Owns TikTok Now?
Emily Baker White, a senior writer at Forbes and author of 'Every Screen on the Planet: The War Over TikTok,' discusses TikTok's fascinating algorithm, shaped by insights from young curators in Mexico City. She reveals how the platform used data from various sources to refine its recommendations and explains the controversial 'heating' feature that allowed manual boosts. The conversation delves into the implications of a U.S. takeover, questioning whether control over the algorithm would actually change user experience and content diversity.
