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
1626
How Sioux Falls Became a Hot Spot
A single pork plant is responsible for a large portion of South Dakota’s confirmed cases of COVID-19.
17 min
1627
Democrats’ Plan to Win the Senate
Somehow, politicians are still campaigning.
20 min
1628
What’s Happening in Florida’s Nursing Homes?
Local journalists are fighting for every scrap of data they can get.
26 min
1629
TBD | Can the U.S. Really Track the Coronavirus?
Widespread contact tracing will be critical for preventing a resurgence of the coronavirus.
20 min
1630
What Will Summer Be Like?
We’re in this for the long haul.
23 min
1631
20 Years of Failing to Prepare
Washington doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to handling pandemics.
25 min
1632
Where’s My Check?
The first individual coronavirus bailouts are expected this week. That won’t be enough.
22 min
1633
What America's Biggest Nursing Union Wants
Here’s how COVID-19 exacerbates the tension between hospital administrators and its workers.
17 min
1634
TBD | The Limits of Coronavirus Predictions
Can mathematical models chart the course of this pandemic?
16 min
1635
Seasick: How the Coronavirus Upended the Navy
“Military readiness” is no match for COVID-19.
24 min
1636
Why COVID-19 Hits Black America Hardest
Chicago’s mayor says the numbers are “breathtaking.”
25 min
1637
The Fight Over Wisconsin’s Election
Partisanship plus the coronavirus means chaos.
24 min
1638
Where Social Distancing Is Impossible
“The virus doesn’t move at the pace of government.”
23 min
1639
TBD | Risking Your Life for $8.71
While much of the country shelters indoors, Instacart workers have found themselves on the front lines of COVID-19. Who’s keeping them safe?
18 min
1640
Jerry Falwell Jr. vs. the Coronavirus
Liberty University’s Trumpian response to the coronavirus.
20 min
1641
Should You Be Wearing a Mask?
A simple question with a complex answer.
19 min
1642
“It’s Every Man for Himself”
How one Florida mayor is trying to protect her city from COVID-19.
22 min
1643
What New York City Did Wrong
Health experts and politicians looked for a definitive sign that this outbreak would be serious. It came too late.
23 min
1644
TBD | Where Are All the Tests?
Here’s why America isn’t ready for widespread testing.
22 min
1645
When Your Doctor Gets COVID-19
A shortage of protective equipment leaves doctors exposed. What happens when they get sick?
25 min
1646
Does 1918 Even Apply Here?
There’s a pattern to most historic pandemics. Coronavirus might be different.
19 min
1647
How to Hold an Election During a Pandemic
COVID-19 will test our election infrastructure like never before.
25 min
1648
Can Congress Save the Economy?
A nearly $2 trillion dollar coronavirus rescue package hangs in the Senate’s balance.
18 min
1649
WN TBD: Big Tech Eyes the Pandemic
Silicon Valley’s biggest players have been trying to break into health care for years. The coronavirus may provide an opportunity.
20 min
1650
Italy's Message From the Future
“Did you think you were invincible? Did you think the virus would behave in a different way in America?”
18 min