What Next Plus
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.
276
The New Rules of Campus Protest
How “free” does your “free speech” get to be?
29 min
277
What Was The Point of Israel’s Pager Attack?
Was this the opening salvo of open war with Hezbollah? An attack on communication in Lebanon? A terrorizing taunt?
26 min
278
TBD | Trump Called. Laura Loomer Answered
How a rightwing provocateur entered the chat, right into the former president’s inner circle.
22 min
279
Bonus: The Surge | 45 Days from Election Day
Jim Newell from Slate’s The Surge newsletter joins Mary for a Slate Plus exclusive.
19 min
280
TBD | Can Instagram Really Keep Kids Safe?
Is a safer social media just a few settings away?
27 min
281
Inside Israel’s October 7th Tourism
It’s the site of a massacre—and a new tourist attraction.
26 min
282
The View from Springfield, Ohio
Trump’s words dropped like a bomb on the town. And now residents are left to sort through the wreckage.
28 min
283
When Cops Police Your Vote
Election integrity, or voter intimidation?
26 min
284
TBD | Is Boeing Lost in Space?
How the Starliner derailed Boeing’s space ambitions.
21 min
285
The Kamala Endorsement (Taylor’s Version)
If Taylor delivers the Swifties, can it sway the election?
26 min
286
TBD | TikTok Goes to Court
The law has been signed, but lawmakers are still on the app.
22 min
287
The Pandemic Lessons We’ve Forgotten
A long summer COVID surge—and outbreaks of mpox and bird flu—have mostly been met with a shrug.
24 min
288
Trump and Harris, Head to Head
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump make their cases to the nation.
24 min
289
Her Sister Died in 9-11. She Almost Got Justice.
After 23 years, a plea deal seemed in reach—then the Secretary of Defense canceled it.
29 min
290
Should Parents Face Charges for Kids’ Crimes?
Prosecuting parents seems like another way to treat a symptom and ignore the disease.
26 min
291
TBD | The Misguided Buzz About Mosquitoes
21st century mosquitoes need 21st century solutions.
20 min
292
TBD | US v. Google… Again
The Justice Department won its case against Google’s search monopoly. Now it turns its focus to Google ads.
20 min
293
Who—and Why—Israelis Are Protesting
Can a general strike and mass protests sway Netanyahu’s government—or will it just double down?
23 min
294
Could Arlington Cost Trump Military Votes?
We’ve reached that stage where the candidates try to prove they’re the ones who truly love the military.
24 min
295
Why Shein and Temu Are At War
It’s tough out here for fashion brands—and for Chinese tech companies with American customer bases. It’s even tougher being both.
23 min
296
How To Put a Toxic Job Behind You
Rudhir Krishtel on rethinking what makes us happy at work.
37 min
297
TBD | Telegram's CEO Just Got Arrested. Huh?
Why you should be paying attention to Pavel Durov’s arrest.
25 min
298
TBD | Back To School… Without Phones
Are smartphones really a detriment to learning—or a scapegoat?
26 min
299
JD Vance’s Anti-Rizz
Sure, he’s not great in front of a crowd, but he’s also bad one-on-one.
23 min
300
Venezuela’s Opposition Brought Receipts
Even a member of the election council is saying that Maduro lost. Will it matter?
22 min