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
Jan 15, 2024 • 48min
One Year: 1990: Mandrake the Magician
In this podcast, learn about Henry Brown's mission against cigarette billboards in Black communities. Hear about his secret identity, encounters, and efforts to raise awareness. Explore how cigarette companies targeted youth and Black communities. Join Henry and Gwen on their risky mission to whitewash billboards. Discover how Henry becomes the mysterious figure known as Mandrake the Magician. Explore his impact on the neighborhood, from billboards to a city park named after him.
Jan 14, 2024 • 19min
Is Your Car Tracking You?
Technology and privacy reporter Kashmir Hill discusses the privacy concerns and potential risks of car tracking, including its impact on victims of domestic violence. The podcast explores the need for new laws to address these issues and highlights the challenges of disabling tracking in cars.
Jan 12, 2024 • 32min
Boeing’s Max Mess
Jon Ostrower, Editor-in-chief of The Air Current, discusses the recent incident with a blown out plug door on a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leading to an investigation revealing larger problems with Boeing's MAX planes. The podcast explores the challenges of manufacturing, outsourcing, and the FAA's concerns about safety standards. It also examines the implications of the incident, the need for repairing Boeing's reputation, and the limitations of cockpit voice recorders in investigations.
Jan 11, 2024 • 22min
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 • 21min
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 • 23min
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 • 16min
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 • 22min
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 • 26min
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 • 22min
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.
