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
1
Gutting Our National Parks | 2025 in Review
27 min
2
He Wrote About Anti-Fascism—Then Fled the Count...
34 min
3
The Flight Attendant Who Wants You to Go on Str...
27 min
4
TBD | We Made a Memecoin | 2025 in Review
Because—how hard could it be?
31 min
5
Bonus: SchadenFriday: Spewing Bile and Susie Wiles
She meant he has an “alcoholic’s personality” in a good way, probably.
7 min
6
TBD | Data Center Space Race
Elon is eyeing two birds with one IPO.
22 min
7
Why Antisemitism Is Everywhere
Australia’s mass shooting is just the latest attack on Jews. Why is antisemitism rising? And who should be responsible for stopping it?
26 min
8
The Unaffordable Economy
With tariffs dragging us down, Fed governors are torn on what to do with interest rates.
28 min
9
Candace Owens at a Turning Point
The far-right can’t condone what she’s saying—but can’t look away either.
24 min
10
The Boot Camps Treating Kids’ Pain
Where does teaching pain tolerance end and further trauma begin?
27 min
11
TBD | Whole Shopping List
You can’t buy Tide PODS at Whole Foods. Amazon is trying to fix that.
20 min
12
TBD | Ready for Chatbot Canvassers?
Democracy dies in Chatbots.
26 min
13
His Mom Got Deported. Then He Went Viral.
How Tony Vara used his popular TikTok account to document his family’s separation.
28 min
14
The Fight Over The Future of Movies
25 min
15
Healthcare Is Expensive. It’s About To Get Worse.
26 min
16
It’s the Alt-Right’s GOP Now
21 min
17
TBD | ChatGOP?
How AI is splitting the MAGA coalition.
19 min
18
SchadenFriday Plus: Feelin’ Nuzzi
The story all of your favorite journalists are groaning over.
4 min
19
TBD | The AI & Crypto Czar’s Conflicts
David Sacks is making policy in Washington. And it benefits his firm.
22 min
20
The Year of Vaccine Backsliding
Where can the majority of parents—who believe in inoculation—find advice they can trust?
26 min
21
Pardon Me, Mr. President
A look inside Trump’s clemency machine.
27 min
22
A Textbook Example of an Unlawful Order
That reminder to refuse illegal orders may have come a few months too late.
24 min
23
What Kids Aren't Learning About US History
Books like his are being banned from classrooms—so that’s where his book tour went.
28 min
24
TBD | If You Give A.I. a Nuke
Don’t worry. Computers can’t decide to drop a bomb. Yet.
24 min
25
TBD | Rebroadcast: Dupes!
Is your skincare/skirt/vacation island as good as the real thing?
30 min