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.
176
Yes, Shelves Will Be Empty
The consequences of “Liberation Day” are about 5-7 weeks out. It’s going to get ugly.
26 min
177
The Arts of the Deal
How Trump is imposing his will on the arts, from the Kennedy Center outward.
26 min
178
A Marco Rubio for All Seasons
The journey from “Little Marco” to Trump’s do-everything cabinet member.
26 min
179
Trump v. the Judiciary
Time to find out how coequal these branches really are.
24 min
180
TBD | How Elon Wields Power
You can’t run the country like a company. Musk is learning that the hard way.
30 min
181
TBD | The Discourse: Here Come the Tariffs
Retail CEOs and consumers are starting to feel Trump's tariffs. How will they react?
12 min
182
TBD | Marc Andreessen’s New Deal
How the Silicon Valley kingmaker became a Washington mover and shaker.
22 min
183
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Trumpism comes to Congress.
24 min
184
Inside the ICE Prison Holding Student Detainees
After visiting Rümeysa Öztürk in Louisiana, Rep. Ayanna Pressley has some recommendations for the Democrats.
25 min
185
Will HHS Survive RFK Jr?
100 days into this second Trump administration, RFK Jr.’s already spreading misinformation about autism—and failing to confront a deadly measles outbreak.
22 min
186
Are Public Schools the Supreme Court's Next Tar...
Two cases regarding religion in the classroom could upend public education as we have known it.
27 min
187
TBD | Death of the Weather Forecast?
Climate and weather aren’t the same thing, but the Trump administration would have you understand neither one.
23 min
188
Bonus: Behind the “Sinners” Smear Campaign
The ICYMI team stops by to answer the question: “When is $60 million not enough?”
18 min
189
TBD | The Immigration Data Dragnet
How DOGE is helping create a more “efficient” surveillance state.
25 min
190
The Flight Attendant Who Wants You to Go on Strike
Is organized labor the sleeping giant that could stop Trump’s agenda?
23 min
191
Fed Up!
Why the White House has turned on its own Federal Reserve appointee.
24 min
192
Ciao Papa
Remembering what made Pope Francis special.
23 min
193
Why Did Big Law Fold So Easily?
What kind of high-powered law firm just gives in like that?
23 min
194
TBD | The Baby Monitor Trap
How a device designed to give parents some space demands that they pay more attention than ever.
25 min
195
TBD | The Discourse: Slate Decrypts Cryptocurrency
A snippet of our Zoom event on Slate's crypto package.
13 min
196
TBD | The U.S. vs Meta
The U.S. alleges Meta has a social media monopoly. Meta claims that in 2025, that's simply not true.
20 min
197
Should Hospitals Drug Test New Moms?
False positives are common. The legal consequences can be devastating.
24 min
198
When a State Tells Trump 'No'
Maine’s governor said she’d follow her state’s laws—then the federal government launched more than a half dozen investigations.
24 min
199
Trump’s Weaponized IRS
It’s likely counter to the law and almost definitely going to cost us tax revenue.
25 min
200
Project 2025’s Plan for Your Family
This administration’s first two months were pulled directly from this 922 page tome—but Project 2025’s number one goal is still unrealized.
24 min