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.

Daily News
News Commentary
Politics
1401
TBD | The Fight Against Election Day Falsehoods
Researchers are expecting a deluge misinformation on Election Day.
21 min
1402
Our Pandemic Winter
The virus isn’t taking a holiday. Neither can we.
31 min
1403
Still Fighting for Breonna Taylor
An activist-turned-lawmaker explains why she won’t stop marching for justice.
29 min
1404
First-Timers: A New Citizen Votes
After a drive-thru, pandemic citizenship ceremony, this voter is ready to be heard.
15 min
1405
What Happens to the Pro-Choice Movement Now?
Reproductive justice activists are picking up where pro-choice proponents left off.
33 min
1406
TBD | A Historic Case Against Google
For the first time in two decades, the federal government is trying to loosen Google’s grip on search.
18 min
1407
Is an Upset Brewing in Iowa?
Senator Joni Ernst appears to be in a battle for her political life.
19 min
1408
It’s Still Worth Panicking About the Election
The polls have shown Biden with a steady lead, but the healthy thing to do is freak out!
19 min
1409
First-Timers: Out of Prison and Finally Able to...
He spent 21 years behind bars before being granted clemency. Now, he’s about to cast his first ballot.
20 min
1410
Conflict Over COVID Restrictions in Orthodox Br...
And how one local, Trumpian figure is fanning the flames.
23 min
1411
TBD | Facebook Flips on Holocaust Denial
The social network’s reversal on its most controversial policy signals a shift to a new way of thinking about speech.
19 min
1412
A Former Coronavirus Task Force Member Speaks
Olivia Troye says she saw some disturbing things in the White House. Now she’s talking.
27 min
1413
Democrats, Take The Stimulus Deal Already
The chances of a better deal are dwindling by the day.
23 min
1414
Kelly Loeffler Picked the Wrong Fight
The players of the WNBA have turned against the Republican senator, right as she faces her first election.
28 min
1415
TBD | What Landlords Have on You
Automated background checks help landlords decide who gets to rent their properties. They’re deeply flawed.
18 min
1416
The Fight Over Voting Access in Texas
Republican Governor Abbott expanded mail-in voting access. Then he backtracked.
25 min
1417
How Much Is Mike Pence to Blame?
The vice president has neither hastened the coronavirus response nor tempered Trump’s ego.
23 min
1418
Scandal and COVID Strike a Tight Senate Race
In North Carolina, the voting has already begun, and the October surprises keep on coming.
23 min
1419
The Superspreader In Chief
Does the president grasp what his diagnosis means for the rest of us?
27 min
1420
TBD | The Attack on Florida’s Latino Voters
A flood of Spanish-language misinformation could tip the scales in Florida.
15 min
1421
This Devastating School Year
Remote learning isn’t working for many and the damage could be lifelong.
25 min
1422
The Bottom Line on Trump’s Taxes
What happens if collectors come knocking at the White House door?
24 min
1423
The Most Important Question in Tonight's Debate
President Trump has yet to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election.
17 min
1424
Who Is Amy Coney Barrett?
Trump’s Supreme Court pick hasn’t been on the federal bench for long.
24 min
1425
TBD | A Vaccine Won’t Be the End
Many of us are hoping that an effective vaccine will end mask-wearing and social distancing. That would be a mistake.
19 min