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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 12, 2021 • 22min
Does Google Actually Want to Hire Black Engineers?
Back in 2014, Google released in-depth diversity data for its workforce for the first time. 1.1 percent of its tech team identified as Black. Six years later, after millions of dollars spent and a much-hyped partnership program with historically Black colleges and universities across the country, that number is up to 2.4 percent. How did such a promising effort yield such incremental change?Guest: Nitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter at the Washington PostHostLizzie O’Leary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 12, 2021 • 22min
TBD | Does Google Actually Want to Hire Black Engineers?
Back in 2014, Google released in-depth diversity data for its workforce for the first time. 1.1 percent of its tech team identified as Black. Six years later, after millions of dollars spent and a much-hyped partnership program with historically Black colleges and universities across the country, that number is up to 2.4 percent. How did such a promising effort yield such incremental change?Guest: Nitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter at the Washington PostHostLizzie O’Leary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2021 • 20min
The Fight to Reopen Schools in Memphis
Why did schools stay closed for so long in Memphis? And why weren’t parents clamoring for them to reopen? To answer those questions, you have to tell a longer story about the relationship between a majority-Black, Democratically-controlled city and a largely white, Republican-controlled state. Guest: Laura Faith Kebede, reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 10, 2021 • 23min
White, Republican, and Vaccine Skeptical
Nearly a third of republican voters say they’re not interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine. What does that mean for the spread of the virus? Guest: Dan Diamond, national health reporter for the Washington Post. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 9, 2021 • 17min
Who Gets to Work on Capitol Hill?
The 117th U.S. Congress is the most diverse ever. But that distinction does not extend to senior staff on the Hill. How does the makeup of Congressional staff influence legislation?Guest: Maya King, author of Politico’s Recast newsletter on how race and identity shape politics, policy, and power. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 8, 2021 • 20min
Derek Chauvin on Trial
George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police last year sparked an international protest movement and amplified calls for police accountability. Now, as the former police officer Derek Chauvin goes on trial, Minneapolis is preparing for another public reckoning. Guest: Jon Collins, senior reporter for Minnesota Public Radio.Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 5, 2021 • 21min
The Failing Lifeline for Low-Income Americans
The federal Lifeline program was intended to bridge the gap between Americans who could comfortably pay for phone and internet service, and those who couldn’t. But in the midst of the pandemic, Lifeline is falling woefully short.How did a program meant to help connect low-income Americans with phone and internet service ended up making them second-class digital citizens at the worst possible moment? Guest: Tony Romm, senior tech policy reporter at the Washington Post, author of“How the Federal Lifeline Program Failed Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic”HostLizzie O’Leary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 5, 2021 • 21min
TBD | The Failing Lifeline for Low-Income Americans
The federal Lifeline program was intended to bridge the gap between Americans who could comfortably pay for phone and internet service, and those who couldn’t. But in the midst of the pandemic, Lifeline is falling woefully short.How did a program meant to help connect low-income Americans with phone and internet service ended up making them second-class digital citizens at the worst possible moment? Guest: Tony Romm, senior tech policy reporter at the Washington Post, author of“How the Federal Lifeline Program Failed Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic”HostLizzie O’Leary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 4, 2021 • 28min
Good Luck Voting in Georgia Next Election
After Joe Biden’s surprising win in Georgia, Republicans in the state started in on legislation to limit voting access in the state. Their efforts mirror what’s happening in state houses across the country. Is there any way to slow down these efforts to limit access to the ballot? Guest: Ari Berman, writer for Mother Jones and the author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 3, 2021 • 24min
A National Wave of Anti-Trans Bills
As legislative sessions begin across the country, a rash of anti-trans bills have been brought to the floor by Republican legislators. Many of the proposals target trans youth -- both in sports, and access to medical care. If any of these bills become law, what will it mean for trans rights across the country? Guest: Kate Sosin, Reporter for the 19thSlate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
