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.
426
TBD | Why Tech Lays Women Off First
Rounds of layoffs have disproportionately affected women in tech—including those on maternity leave.
27 min
427
TBD | America’s $5 Trillion Grid Problem
The electric grid is the only thing making parts of America habitable this summer. It desperately needs a makeover.
24 min
428
Judging the Supreme Court
Senate Democrats want the Court to adopt a code of ethics. Do the Justices have to listen?
22 min
429
The Indefensible Defense Bill
The National Defense Authorization Act has been drafted into the culture wars.
19 min
430
How Hollywood Shot Itself in the Foot
The paltry wages of the streaming economy made these strikes inevitable.
29 min
431
Thousand-Year Floods, Annually
The floodplain maps are falling out of relevance faster than they can be replaced.
21 min
432
TBD | America’s Killer Car Problem
U.S. infrastructure doesn't prioritize the lives of pedestrians. Why?
32 min
433
TBD | Will UPS Workers Join "Hot Strike Summer?"
It's not just Hollywood—UPS workers may soon be striking too.
29 min
434
QAnon Goes to the Movies
How "The Sound of Freedom" wove conspiracy theories into box office gold.
23 min
435
What Homelessness Is Really Like
A landmark study on the crisis in California.
27 min
436
Can’t Stand the Heat
The smoke, the malaria, the straining infrastructure—it’s all exacerbated by heat.
26 min
437
Can Moms for Liberty Swing an Election?
Their conference drew both protestors and presidential candidates—but what’s the endgame for these moms?
22 min
438
TBD | Is Your Son Watching Andrew Tate?
How one of the biggest misogynists on the internet infected the mindset of a generation of teenage boys.
33 min
439
TBD | Threads vs. Twitter
If your rate limit has been exceeded one too many times, Mark Zuckerberg is here with an alternative.
24 min
440
Is Biden To Blame for the Student Debt Mess?
The administration chose speed over sound, legal footing—and got burned.
24 min
441
Beyond Biden vs. Trump
How a third party—or a fourth or a sixth—could be more than just a spoiler.
24 min
442
Slow Burn: A National Disgrace
What if Anita Hill hadn’t been the only woman who testified against Clarence Thomas?
63 min
443
Justice Roberts Takes Back the Court
Imagine, if you will, a Supreme Court where justices accept lavish, undisclosed gifts from conservative donors: what might their latest term look like?
24 min
444
TBD | Turning Your Face Into Your Ticket
Facial recognition tech at the airport is being sold as an opt-in convenience—for now.
20 min
445
TBD | The Never-Ending Cancer Drug Shortage
This problem isn't new—and it's completely preventable.
31 min
446
Would You Join the Army for US Citizenship?
The US Military is facing a recruitment crisis. But offering citizenship for service is not as straightforward as it sounds.
26 min
447
Why We Have to Take RFK Jr. Seriously
An old-politics last name meets a dangerous new political moment.
21 min
448
We Need to Talk About Kevin McCarthy
After a month of fights, strikes, censures, and name-calling, can Kevin McCarthy control his House?
21 min
449
The Failed Coup in Russia
On Friday, a mercenary leader began a coup against Vladimir Putin. By Saturday, it was over. But experts say the ramifications - will last a lot longer.
24 min
450
TBD | Can Ozempic Cure Addiction?
Some patients claim it "quiets their brain." Researchers have been studying its effect on addiction for years. Does it actually work?
26 min