What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Ari Berman, a voting rights reporter at Mother Jones, dives into the intense redistricting battle sparked by Trump’s demand for GOP seats. He reveals how California is now on a quest for Democratic seats in response. The discussion highlights the intricate political dynamics, including California's Proposition 50 and the rare Republican resistance to gerrymandering. Berman emphasizes the long-term risks of normalizing mid-decade redistricting, which could undermine democracy by reducing competitive districts.

In this conversation with Alex Kirshner, a contributing writer at Slate specializing in cryptocurrency and finance, the discussion centers on Trump's controversial pardoning of crypto figures. Kirshner unpacks how Binance’s Changpeng Zhao leveraged political ties for personal gain and why Trump's pardons often favor financial criminals. He explores the surprising connections between crypto and politics, as well as the implications of these pardons on accountability in the industry. The conversation highlights the complex relationship between financial favor and political power.

David Kolitz, journalist and author known for his piece in Harper's Magazine, dives into the intriguing world of gooning—a subculture blending prolonged masturbation and online community. He discusses how Discord catalyzed in-person meet-ups, describes the elaborate setups of gooners, and outlines unique rituals like 'wank battling' and curated porn stashes. Kolitz also highlights the social dynamics at play, exploring how the culture satisfies both sexual desires and social needs, while raising broader concerns about youth exposure to hardcore content.

Dr. Lindsay Allen, a health economist at Northwestern University, joins to unpack the looming SNAP funding crisis. She discusses how federal plans may leave many without food assistance starting November 1. Allen highlights the unprecedented scale of potential impacts, from empty EBT cards to local economies feeling the strain. The conversation dives into political decisions shaping this scenario and outlines what states and communities can do to help. The urgency is clear—healthcare costs and hunger are intertwined, and immediate action is needed.

Join Alexander Sammon, a politics writer for Slate focused on immigration enforcement, as he delves into the Harbor Area Peace Patrol's grassroots efforts in Los Angeles. Discover their unique cover of a knitting club while conducting surveillance on aggressive ICE raids. Learn how they help the community by documenting vehicle movements to alert residents and training local businesses on safety during raids. Sammon discusses the implications of increased Border Patrol tactics and their potential ripple effect across the nation.

Jay Willis, editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, delves into the recent NBA gambling scandals that led to over 30 indictments. He explains how motivations to cheat transcend wealth, driven by thrill and peer ties. The conversation reveals how such scandals erode fan trust and discusses the political implications of betting culture. With a look at crypto's gambling-like nature, Jay emphasizes the long-term effects on youth and the urgent need for regulatory reforms amidst an ingrained gambling culture.

Isn’t a government shutdown supposed to be a crisis? The Republicans, in control of the White House, Congress and Supreme Court haven’t taken steps to end it on their own, and the ship may have already sailed on the only real ask from the Democrats. So what now?Guest:  Jonathan V. Last, editor at The Bulwark.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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renée DiResta, an expert on online misinformation and a research professor at Georgetown, dives deep into the controversial topic of government influence on tech platforms. She discusses the Trump administration's explicit tactics to moderate speech, contrasting it with past accusations against the Biden administration. Renée clarifies the nuance between coercion and persuasion in government outreach, especially regarding COVID misinformation. She also advocates for greater transparency to build public trust in these interactions.

The streets are full of ghouls, masked horrors, and terrifying make-up—also it will be Halloween soon. Guest: Luke Winkie, Slate staff writer.This episode is member-exclusive. Listen to it now by subscribing to Slate Plus. By joining, not only will you unlock exclusive episodes of What Next —you’ll also access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the What Next show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Samanth Subramanian, a journalist and author specializing in undersea cables, dives into the fragility of our internet infrastructure highlighted by the recent AWS outage. He explains how centralized cloud systems create vulnerabilities and traces the history of undersea cables from colonial times to modern investments. Samanth also discusses threats to these cables, including geopolitical risks and sabotage, and offers practical solutions for enhancing global connectivity. Should we be worried? Yes, as the internet's fragility affects us all.