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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Daily News
News Commentary
Politics
126
A Marco Rubio for All Seasons
The journey from “Little Marco” to Trump’s do-everything cabinet member.
26 min
127
Trump v. the Judiciary
Time to find out how coequal these branches really are.
24 min
128
TBD | How Elon Wields Power
You can’t run the country like a company. Musk is learning that the hard way.
30 min
129
TBD | Marc Andreessen’s New Deal
How the Silicon Valley kingmaker became a Washington mover and shaker.
22 min
130
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
Trumpism comes to Congress.
24 min
131
Inside the ICE Prison Holding Student Detainees
After visiting Rümeysa Öztürk in Louisiana, Rep. Ayanna Pressley has some recommendations for the Democrats.
25 min
132
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
133
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
134
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
135
TBD | The Immigration Data Dragnet
25 min
136
The Flight Attendant Who Wants You to Go on Strike
Is organized labor the sleeping giant that could stop Trump’s agenda?
23 min
137
Fed Up!
Why the White House has turned on its own Federal Reserve appointee.
24 min
138
Ciao Papa
Remembering what made Pope Francis special.
23 min
139
Why Did Big Law Fold So Easily?
What kind of high-powered law firm just gives in like that?
23 min
140
TBD | The Baby Monitor Trap
How a device designed to give parents some space demands that they pay more attention than ever.
25 min
141
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
142
Should Hospitals Drug Test New Moms?
False positives are common. The legal consequences can be devastating.
24 min
143
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
144
Trump’s Weaponized IRS
It's likely counter to the law and almost definitely going to cost us tax revenue.
25 min
145
Project 2025’s Plan for Your Family
24 min
146
TBD | TikTok: Somehow Also Affected by the Tariffs
Like everything else, TikTok finds itself subject to changing winds of one President Trump.
18 min
147
TBD | Trump Tariffs Hit Mushroom Kingdom
How Nintendo tried to save their console princess.
20 min
148
Impeachment From the Bottom Up
"Hands Off" isn't specific enough. Tell them what you want.
23 min
149
A Cancelled Actor Scripts His Comeback
What to make of Jonathan Majors’ return to the press circuit.
22 min
150
The Mass Grave in Gaza
In the days since the ceasefire fell apart, Gazans have faced bombardment, malnutrition, and a dire political plan for their future.
26 min