What Next

Billionaires’ Favorite Tax Reform

The program was meant for communities in need.

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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.

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  • 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.

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Episode Notes

When President Donald Trump passed his tax overhaul in 2017, Democrats and Republicans were excited about the prospect of one specific provision. “Opportunity zones” were meant to spur investment in low-income communities. Two years later, it’s unclear if that has actually happened. Billionaires, on the other hand, are benefiting from the program left and right.

Guest: Justin Elliott, reporter at ProPublica.

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Podcast production by Mary Wilson, Jayson De Leon, Danielle Hewitt, and Mara Silvers.