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.
676
The Renewable Energy Shell Game
The cheap, easy, and likely counterproductive path to “going green” that the federal government is hooked on.
21 min
677
TBD | Who’s Afraid of A.I.? | 2023 In Review
Real harm from A.I. doesn’t have to look like Skynet—it’s already happening.
30 min
678
TBD | America’s Killer Car Problem | 2023 In Re...
U.S. infrastructure doesn't prioritize the lives of pedestrians. Why?
33 min
679
Does Steven Spielberg Have an Oscars Curse? | 2...
It’s hard to call the most commercially-successful director of all time “underappreciated” but Spielberg’s relationship with the Academy hasn’t been particularly rosy.
26 min
680
Congress Wants to Know: Do Aliens Exist? | 2023...
Three officials say UFOs aren’t just real; in the military, they’re an open secret.
27 min
681
Wait, China’s Taking Our Pandas Back? | 2023 In...
A story of soft (and cuddly) power.
28 min
682
The Plot Against Pope Francis | 2023 In Review
The 86-year-old knows there are people in the Vatican working to undo everything he’s done once he’s dead—but he has succession ideas of his own.
26 min
683
TBD | Stephen King Is Just as Confused About Bl...
A meltdown over its subscription service reveals Twitter’s wheels coming off.
31 min
684
FT News Briefing: Markets, Elections, and A.I. ...
A look at how the world might look next year.
14 min
685
TBD | Can Hybrid Cars Save Us?
Are hybrids a bridge to fully electric vehicles, or a dead end?
24 min
686
Marvel’s Disastrous Year
The commercially-declining MCU ends 2023 with its rising star found guilty of reckless assault and harassment.
20 min
687
When a Miscarriage Becomes a Crime
How an anti-abortion legal strategy turned a miscarriage into “abuse of a corpse.”
20 min
688
Oh the Humanities!
It’s been three months since West Virginia University cut more than two dozen programs. We go inside an academic culling.
23 min
689
Where Do Returned Gifts Go?
Sending something back has never been more convenient. But easy returns have hidden costs.
20 min
690
TBD | The Case Against CLEAR
What place does a private company have in a mandatory government service?
22 min
691
TBD | Shein’s Newest Offering? An IPO
Shein has already faced criticism over its labor practices and environmental impact. What will it mean if the company goes public?
24 min
692
What Texas Abortion Laws Leave Unsaid
The State Supreme Court decides what constitutes “life-threatening.”
25 min
693
Some Israeli Hostages Came Home. His Son Didn't.
The Gaza ceasefire came and went; his son is still held by Hamas.
26 min
694
Pilots' Hidden Mental Health Crisis
Under current regulations, seeking help for mental health can cost pilots their ability to work.
21 min
695
War in Gaza; Violence in the West Bank
Violent assaults by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank have doubled since October 7.
17 min
696
TBD | Musk's War on Free Speech
He may not like what you have to say—and he'll file frivolous lawsuits to discourage you from saying it.
28 min
697
TBD | Spotify Unwrapped
2023 wraps up…with layoffs.
24 min
698
Pickleball vs. Everybody
The turf war raising a racket in park departments across the country.
24 min
699
The Supreme Court Takes On Opioids
The Supreme Court has to decide whether victims of the opioid crisis can settle for $6 billion—even if it means the perpetrators get off easy.
23 min
700
Nikki Haley’s Surge to Second
She’s got big money and a Koch endorsement. But does the Haley voter really exist?
22 min