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.

News
1301
TBD | Why Does Matt Damon Want Me to Buy Crypto?
A former teen star unpacks the hottest Hollywood hustle.
14 min
1302
Is Biden Flunking COVID?
Something’s wrong with the plan. Or the message. Or the messengers. Or, maybe, there’s a problem with all three.
26 min
1303
The Supreme Court, Unmasked
The conservative majority is openly challenging the power of the federal government.
26 min
1304
The New King of Conservative Media
Dan Bongino is the most popular radio host you’ve probably never heard of.
24 min
1305
TBD | Where Are The Little Kids' Vaccines?
Why don’t they seem to be a priority for the government or the pharmaceutical companies, while parents are stressed to a breaking point?
20 min
1306
Should Democrats Compromise on Election Reform?
If additional voting protections can’t pass the Senate, there’s another way to protect future elections from sabotage.
21 min
1307
Greg Abbott’s PR Play at the Border
In an election year, Governor Abbott is using his power to make a show of force on immigration.
24 min
1308
Chicago’s Public School Meltdown
It’s teachers vs. Mayor Lori Lightfoot… again.
19 min
1309
J.D. Vance’s Long Game
As he runs for Senate in Ohio, the “Hillbilly” elegist is turning his ire on the left – and borrowing from a new intellectual movement on the political right.
23 min
1310
TBD | The Aftermath of Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes was found guilty of defrauding investors this week in federal court.
23 min
1311
Rapid Test Blues
Why is the U.S. still falling down on COVID testing?
22 min
1312
Is the Pandemic Getting Better... Or Worse?
The omicron variant is scrambling our plans, our workplaces, and our confidence.
21 min
1313
The Coup Next Time
What if January 6 was just a first attempt?
23 min
1314
The Capitol Rioters, A Year Later
The number of defendants facing federal charges continues to grow.
26 min
1315
TBD | Best of 2021: It’s Time to Talk About U.F...
A new report shows that the government is changing its tune on unidentified aerial phenomena.
21 min
1316
Best of 2021 | When Your Town Burns Down
Greenville, California was a microcosm of America: full of heart and bedeviled by bitter arguments over how to face the long-term threat of climate change.
27 min
1317
Best of 2021 | Will the NFL Finally Support Gay...
Standing behind Carl Nassib is going to take more than a tweet.
31 min
1318
Best of 2021 | How Should We Remember Colin Pow...
Untangling the former general’s complicated legacy.
28 min
1319
Best of 2021 | God Doesn’t Want Me Vaccinated
Examining the religious claims of the COVID vaccine’s conscientious objectors.
25 min
1320
TBD | Best of 2021: Are We Getting COVID Testi...
It may be time to reimagine how we use tests in the U.S.
26 min
1321
Best of 2021 | When the Culture War Comes For Y...
It started with a Facebook group and ended with violent threats.
29 min
1322
Best of 2021 | One Woman’s Year Protecting Geor...
Why activists held onto the block where George Floyd was murdered.
34 min
1323
Best of 2021 | The Plight of the Delivery Worker
New York City depends on food carriers. So why are they struggling to survive?
28 min
1324
Joe Biden's Putin Problem
The west still has a way to keep Russia from pushing further into Ukraine.
22 min
1325
TBD | The Carbon Capture Fantasy
The IPCC says we may need to pull carbon out of the atmosphere to keep the planet from overheating. That won’t be easy.
23 min