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.
2026
The Side Door Into College
Rich families wanted a guarantee. What they got was an FBI investigation.
21 min
2027
Big Banks Say “No” to Private Prisons
Protesters chanted in front of Jamie Dimon’s house and got results.
16 min
2028
Joe Biden's Laundered History
We all know Uncle Joe, but do we know Joe Biden?
19 min
2029
Is Mark Zuckerberg Gaslighting You?
What to think of the Facebook founder’s latest blog post.
20 min
2030
The Scandal Catching Up to Justin Trudeau
Could this imbroglio prompt the rise of Canada’s far right?
17 min
2031
Listening to Ilhan Omar
The congresswoman has a case to make.
18 min
2032
Things That Should Scare You More Than Momo
YouTube’s algorithm is the real boogeyman.
12 min
2033
The National Emergency Isn’t Really Trump’s Fault
It’s a natural escalation of constitutional hardball.
20 min
2034
Reconsidering Michael Jackson
How could a documentary change everything when a criminal trial changed nothing?
24 min
2035
Sins of the Fathers
What will accountability look like for the Catholic Church?
17 min
2036
The Gun-Owning Doctors Changing the Gun Debate
The NRA told them to stay in their lane. They replied, “This IS our lane.”
20 min
2037
Civil Rights Cold Cases Find Teenage Allies
A student-teacher duo put their curriculum to the test and passed legislation that would help solve civil rights crimes.
23 min
2038
Venezuela’s Crisis Deepens
Vice President Pence reaffirmed American support for Venezuela. How far will it go?
18 min
2039
The Laquan McDonald Case Isn’t Over
Here's how it's shaping Chicago's contentious mayor's race.
15 min
2040
Who Wants to Be a (Heavily Taxed) Millionaire?
America’s one-percenters weigh their options: Higher taxes, or mobs with pitchforks?
23 min
2041
Meet the EPA’s Ghost-Writer
For years, one scientist has been saying the U.S. should loosen rules around toxins. Now, he’s writing a new government standard.
20 min
2042
The Fight to Change Frat Culture
If financial pressures won’t force frats to change, will the courts?
13 min
2043
Utah’s Medicaid Battle
Voters approved an expansion of the health care program. Lawmakers rolled it back.
18 min
2044
A Cautionary Green New Deal Tale
What lessons should Americans take from California’s high speed rail boondoggle?
12 min
2045
Has Anything Changed Since Parkland?
There were marches, there were town halls, there were midterms. Are we any closer to solving our gun violence problem?
15 min
2046
The Democratic Divide Over Israel
Republicans saw a chance to pit the Democrats against one another and jumped at it.
15 min
2047
When a Border Wall Isn’t Enough
This Arizona border town already has a wall. The Trump administration still doesn’t think that’s enough.
12 min
2048
How to Get Away With Highway Robbery
A South Carolina newspaper takes a closer look at civil asset forfeiture.
18 min
2049
How an Abortion Bill Started the Mess in Virginia
Are we about to see a lot more bare-knuckled politicking as states try to expand access to abortions?
13 min
2050
How Trump’s Inaugural Committee Got Into Trouble
Inaugurations are always a little unseemly. But Trump’s crew seemed unbothered by the appearance of influence-peddling. And now prosecutors want receipts.
12 min