What Next

Daily news and analysis from Slate.

Advertisement

About the Show

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.

Host

  • Mary Harris is the host and managing editor of What Next, Slate's new daily news podcast. She has reported throughout the public radio system, for NPR, Marketplace, and WNYC.

When Your Book Gets Banned by the School Board

How did Ashley Pérez’s novel Out of Darkness get blackballed from schools across the country?

The School Shooting Down the Street

Republicans have blocked nearly all consideration of gun laws in Michigan. After the latest tragedy, Democrats are trying to revive the debate.

What Peng Shuai Started

The tennis player unraveled China’s carefully-curated image.

House Democrats’ Long Shot Plan to Dodge Disaster

An interview with the guy in charge of making it happen.

The 30-Year Plan to End Roe

When it comes to abortion rights, conservatives played the long game.

Why No One Told Chris Cuomo No

A trove of documents revealed just how involved he was in his brother’s damage control.

Everything We (Don’t) Know About Omicron

A new variant is here. How worried should we be?

Are the Democrats Making Child Care Even Worse?

Biden’s infrastructure bill promises more funding for a broken industry. But money isn’t all that’s needed.

RIP to the SAT

Will one university’s decision to scrap the test send shock waves across higher education?

Whose Second Amendment Is It?

An unlikely alliance on guns.

Was the Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict Inevitable?

And why Kenosha didn’t erupt after the verdict.

Inflategate

Are Americans doing inflation to themselves?

Can Beto O’Rourke Fail Up?

In his bid for Texas governor, the candidate is hoping the third time’s the charm.

The Battle Over San Francisco’s Schools

A petition. A recall vote. And it’s just getting started.

Is the FBI’s Surveillance of Muslims Really a State Secret?

The Supreme Court considers whether to shield the FBI from accountability for its surveillance of Muslims.

“I Quit My Job Today”

Stories from those who quit…and who were quit on.

The Astroworld Tragedy

At least eight people died and hundreds were injured during Travis Scott’s set.

A Controversial New Plan to Fight Homelessness

Is L.A.’s new policy a political gimmick?

Has Minneapolis Given Up on Police Reform?

A ballot measure to restructure the police department failed by more than 10 points.

Do Vaccine Mandates Work?

What happened when New York City gave its workers nine days to get the shot?