What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Actor Jonathan Majors, dismissed from the franchise after being found guilty of reckless assault and harassment. The podcast explores Marvel's disastrous year, the controversy surrounding Majors, his legal troubles, and the impact on his career. It also discusses the declining quality of Marvel movies, the challenge of comebacks, and the longevity of the franchise's dominance.

A law professor discusses the charging of a woman with a felony after her miscarriage in Ohio. They explore the legal uncertainties surrounding miscarriages and how the anti-abortion movement may be using this case. The podcast also delves into the implications of ruling a fetus as a corpse and the isolation and danger the law poses for women in crisis.

Guest Michael Powell, from The Atlantic, discusses the recent changes at West Virginia University, focusing on practical majors that lead directly to a job. They explore the impact of these changes on the university and its students, as well as the debate around the value of a liberal arts degree. The podcast also delves into the challenges faced by state university systems in the US and the potential decline of these systems.

Amanda Mull, staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the lack of transparency in retailers' return process. They explore the rise of online sales returns and the influence of Zappos. The podcast also delves into the handling and sorting of returned goods at return facilities, as well as the meticulous process for these products, including reselling, recycling, or destruction. It raises concerns about excessive landfill waste. Additional topics cover the detrimental effects of the consumer system on workers, the environment, and waste overconsumption. Tips for being a mindful online consumer are also shared.

David Zipper, a visiting Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the fairness and societal implications of Clear, a luxury service that bypasses airport security lines. Topics include the involvement of Clear in security checks, class-based disparities in airline security, and the impact of government policies on trust and justice.

Fast-fashion titan Shein is preparing for its initial public offering, even as questions of sustainability and labor practices linger. Guest: Jordyn Holman, business reporter covering the retail industry and consumerism for The New York TimesIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next TBD. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selena Simmons-Duffin, health policy correspondent at NPR, discusses the legal challenges faced by women seeking abortions in Texas, the complex landscape of abortion laws in the state, and contradictions in the Texas Supreme Court's opinions. The podcast also includes an interview with Simmons-Duffin and closing remarks from the host.

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, discusses the emotional turmoil of having a son held hostage by Hamas while other hostages are being released. He pleads with the Israeli government for his son's safe return and reflects on the difficulty of eradicating fundamentalism. Despite the situation, the speaker remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of taking positive actions that benefit others.

For pilots facing mental health problems of almost any kind, the cost of getting help might be too much to bear. After a crisis on an Alaska Airlines flight, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are examining how to make the skies safer, while allowing pilots to get help. Guest: Pete Muntean, pilot, flight instructor and CNN correspondent covering aviation and transportation.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As war rages in Gaza, the Biden administration has begun imposing visa bans on people involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where assaults by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have been on the rise since October 7. Guest: Dalia Hatuqa, multimedia journalist living in Ramallah, specializing in Israeli-Palestinian affairs.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices