What Next | Daily News and Analysis
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.
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501
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
502
Where Do Returned Gifts Go?
Sending something back has never been more convenient. But easy returns have hidden costs.
20 min
503
TBD | The Case Against CLEAR
What place does a private company have in a mandatory government service?
22 min
504
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
505
What Texas Abortion Laws Leave Unsaid
The State Supreme Court decides what constitutes “life-threatening.”
25 min
506
Some Israeli Hostages Came Home. His Son Didn't.
The Gaza ceasefire came and went; his son is still held by Hamas.
26 min
507
Pilots' Hidden Mental Health Crisis
Under current regulations, seeking help for mental health can cost pilots their ability to work.
21 min
508
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
509
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
510
TBD | Spotify Unwrapped
2023 wraps up…with layoffs.
24 min
511
Pickleball vs. Everybody
The turf war raising a racket for park departments across the country.
24 min
512
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
513
Nikki Haley’s Surge to Second
She’s got big money and a Koch endorsement. But does the Haley voter really exist?
22 min
514
Is Amazon Too Big To Regulate?
OSHA can’t fix the Bezos Behemoth in one fell swoop.
22 min
515
TBD | They See You When You’re Shopping
Holiday shopping is upon us. Is it too late to expect a little privacy and control over your data online?
28 min
516
TBD | A Moral War for A.I.
What Sam Altman's return to OpenAI means for the industry's future.
31 min
517
Eric Adams May Not Get Out of This One
Will scandals sink the once (self-appointed) future of the Democratic party?
23 min
518
Mental Health Treatment—by Court Order
California has a new court system designed to help people who are struggling with psychotic disorders. Is it a step forward or a civil rights violation waiting to happen?
23 min
519
The Cops Don’t Want You Listening In
The NYPD is spending $500 million on new radios—shutting out the “scannerheads” who break stories of police brutality.
23 min
520
What Comes After the Ceasefire?
Hamas has freed a few dozen hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians detained by Israel. But the specter of more fighting looms.
23 min
521
The Race (Back) to the Moon
The world is competing to make the longest ice run ever.
21 min
522
TBD | Where Scams Are Born
A corridor of shady casinos in remote parts of Asia are fueling a global “scamdemic.”
26 min
523
Decoder Ring: The Forgotten Video Game About Sl...
In 1992, the company behind The Oregon Trail tried to simulate Black history. It did not go well.
44 min
524
How Israel-Hamas Has Divided Democrats
The constituency is fairly united on this, and so is the leadership—just on opposing sides.
22 min
525
TBD | Inside OpenAI's Implosion
Sam Altman is out—or is he?—oh yeah, he is. Wait or..?
28 min