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.
1701
Where Social Distancing Is Impossible
“The virus doesn’t move at the pace of government.”
23 min
1702
TBD | Risking Your Life for $8.71
While much of the country shelters indoors, Instacart workers have found themselves on the front lines of COVID-19. Who’s keeping them safe?
18 min
1703
Jerry Falwell Jr. vs. the Coronavirus
Liberty University’s Trumpian response to the coronavirus.
20 min
1704
Should You Be Wearing a Mask?
A simple question with a complex answer.
19 min
1705
“It’s Every Man for Himself”
How one Florida mayor is trying to protect her city from COVID-19.
22 min
1706
What New York City Did Wrong
Health experts and politicians looked for a definitive sign that this outbreak would be serious. It came too late.
23 min
1707
TBD | Where Are All the Tests?
Here’s why America isn’t ready for widespread testing.
22 min
1708
When Your Doctor Gets COVID-19
A shortage of protective equipment leaves doctors exposed. What happens when they get sick?
25 min
1709
Does 1918 Even Apply Here?
There’s a pattern to most historic pandemics. Coronavirus might be different.
19 min
1710
How to Hold an Election During a Pandemic
COVID-19 will test our election infrastructure like never before.
25 min
1711
Can Congress Save the Economy?
A nearly $2 trillion dollar coronavirus rescue package hangs in the Senate’s balance.
18 min
1712
WN TBD: Big Tech Eyes the Pandemic
Silicon Valley’s biggest players have been trying to break into health care for years. The coronavirus may provide an opportunity.
20 min
1713
Italy's Message From the Future
“Did you think you were invincible? Did you think the virus would behave in a different way in America?”
18 min
1714
How Long This Could Last
The woman who used to advise the White House on pandemic preparedness tells us what to expect.
19 min
1715
We Still Have to Talk About Elizabeth Warren
This one hurts.
18 min
1716
Can Our Economy Handle This?
Congress is dithering while the Fed tries to prevent a financial disaster.
20 min
1717
An ER Doctor Prepares for the Worst
Hospitals are bracing for a surge in coronavirus cases, even as tests remain elusive.
15 min
1718
WN TBD: What If They Close All the Schools?
As the coronavirus spreads across the country, many schools are considering moving their classes online. For many, that’s not a realistic option.
15 min
1719
If Prisoners Could Vote
People behind bars weigh in on American politics.
22 min
1720
What the World Left Behind in Syria
Assad’s latest violent attempt to wrest control over the country has left millions of displaced Syrians with nowhere to go.
22 min
1721
Will the Coronavirus Tank the Economy?
A combination of volatile oil markets and the coronavirus could spell trouble.
20 min
1722
Donald Trump Wants Your Digits
The 2020 election will be decided, in part, by who can collect the most data.
22 min
1723
WN TBD: Did the Internet Doom a Pregnancy?
The real-life cost of online misinformation.
19 min
1724
How Biden Made His Comeback
And why so many black voters went for him.
21 min
1725
He Saw the Coronavirus Coming
It was only a matter of time.
17 min