What Next | Daily News and Analysis
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.
526
Marvel’s Disastrous Year
The commercially-declining MCU ends 2023 with its rising star found guilty of reckless assault and harassment.
20 min
527
When a Miscarriage Becomes a Crime
How an anti-abortion legal strategy turned a miscarriage into “abuse of a corpse.”
20 min
528
Oh the Humanities!
It’s been three months since West Virginia University cut more than two dozen programs. We go inside an academic culling.
23 min
529
Where Do Returned Gifts Go?
Sending something back has never been more convenient. But easy returns have hidden costs.
20 min
530
TBD | The Case Against CLEAR
What place does a private company have in a mandatory government service?
22 min
531
TBD | Shein’s Newest Offering? An IPO
Shein has already faced criticism over its labor practices and environmental impact. What will it mean if the company goes public?
24 min
532
What Texas Abortion Laws Leave Unsaid
The State Supreme Court decides what constitutes “life-threatening.”
25 min
533
Some Israeli Hostages Came Home. His Son Didn't.
The Gaza ceasefire came and went; his son is still held by Hamas.
26 min
534
Pilots' Hidden Mental Health Crisis
Under current regulations, seeking help for mental health can cost pilots their ability to work.
21 min
535
War in Gaza; Violence in the West Bank
Violent assaults by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank have doubled since October 7.
17 min
536
TBD | Musk's War on Free Speech
He may not like what you have to say—and he'll file frivolous lawsuits to discourage you from saying it.
28 min
537
TBD | Spotify Unwrapped
2023 wraps up…with layoffs.
24 min
538
Pickleball vs. Everybody
The turf war raising a racket for park departments across the country.
24 min
539
The Supreme Court Takes On Opioids
The Supreme Court has to decide whether victims of the opioid crisis can settle for $6 billion—even if it means the perpetrators get off easy.
23 min
540
Nikki Haley’s Surge to Second
She’s got big money and a Koch endorsement. But does the Haley voter really exist?
22 min
541
Is Amazon Too Big To Regulate?
OSHA can’t fix the Bezos Behemoth in one fell swoop.
22 min
542
TBD | They See You When You’re Shopping
Holiday shopping is upon us. Is it too late to expect a little privacy and control over your data online?
28 min
543
TBD | A Moral War for A.I.
What Sam Altman's return to OpenAI means for the industry's future.
31 min
544
Eric Adams May Not Get Out of This One
Will scandals sink the once (self-appointed) future of the Democratic party?
23 min
545
Mental Health Treatment—by Court Order
California has a new court system designed to help people who are struggling with psychotic disorders. Is it a step forward or a civil rights violation waiting to happen?
23 min
546
The Cops Don’t Want You Listening In
The NYPD is spending $500 million on new radios—shutting out the “scannerheads” who break stories of police brutality.
23 min
547
What Comes After the Ceasefire?
Hamas has freed a few dozen hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians detained by Israel. But the specter of more fighting looms.
23 min
548
The Race (Back) to the Moon
The world is competing to make the longest ice run ever.
21 min
549
TBD | Where Scams Are Born
A corridor of shady casinos in remote parts of Asia are fueling a global “scamdemic.”
26 min
550
Decoder Ring: The Forgotten Video Game About Sl...
In 1992, the company behind The Oregon Trail tried to simulate Black history. It did not go well.
44 min