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.
1351
Why Paid Family Leave Might Finally Happen
The pandemic laid bare just how little support caretakers have. Is Congress ready to change that?
25 min
1352
Why Flying Sucks Lately
Airlines are managing chaos in the best of circumstances -- and this summer has been particularly chaotic.
23 min
1353
Afghanistan’s Power Vacuum
Two suicide bombings at the Kabul airport beg the question of whether even the Taliban have control in Afghanistan.
19 min
1354
TBD | Elizabeth Holmes on Trial
The founder of Theranos faces criminal charges in court next week. Here’s what to expect.
21 min
1355
The OnlyFans Debacle
Why a website, famous for sexual content, decided to ban sexual content.
27 min
1356
What Does Haiti Actually Need?
Not more international interference.
25 min
1357
Will R. Kelly Survivors Finally Get Justice?
After decades of allegedly abusing women, the singer is back on trial.
25 min
1358
California's Recall Nightmare
Gavin Newsom needs to campaign just to keep his job.
23 min
1359
TBD | Will Booster Shots Make a Difference?
Globally, what’s the best use of the next available dose?
18 min
1360
The Afghans Who Couldn’t Get Out
They worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Now, they're stuck.
24 min
1361
A Texas Standoff
The Democrats fled. The Republicans can have them arrested when they return. What happens now?
20 min
1362
How Afghanistan Ended Like This
The Taliban is back in control. What happened?
23 min
1363
Mask Wars and the Start of School in the South
Mississippi’s hospital system is days away from collapse.
23 min
1364
TBD | What's Taking the FDA So Long?
Full approval of the vaccines could move the needle on U.S. vaccination rates. So what’s the holdup?
23 min
1365
When Your Town Burns Down
Greenville, California was a microcosm of America: full of heart and bedeviled by bitter arguments over how to face the long-term threat of fire.
23 min
1366
A DOJ Lawyer’s Attempt to Overthrow the Election
And why the next attempt may be closer than you think.
25 min
1367
The Latest Blow to American Workers
Richard Trumka’s death marks the end of an era in organized labor.
31 min
1368
A Doctor in the Middle of the Florida Surge
Healthcare workers are fed up, and Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn’t seem to care.
24 min
1369
TBD | Can America Fix Its Trains?
To make a real difference, we first need to learn how to spend the money well.
16 min
1370
Washington’s Most Broken Institution?
How to play bipartisan hardball.
26 min
1371
Cuomo vs. Everyone
New York’s governor will not go quietly.
26 min
1372
Why Republicans Compromised
No one got exactly what they wanted, so why is Congress patting itself on the back?
24 min
1373
Take This Job, Please!
Where did all the workers go?
23 min
1374
TBD | I Bought It. Why Can't I Fix It?
Manufacturers don’t let customers repair their own stuff. That may be about to change.
16 min
1375
Will the Jan. 6 Hearings Accomplish Anything?
Four officers who protected the Capitol speak out.
20 min