The Journal.

- Weight-Loss Drugs Are Gobbling Up Small Town Budgets

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Inside the U.S. Deal to Get Venezuela’s Oil Sep 01, 2026

President Trump called it “the biggest oil deal in world history.” After months of secretive negotiations there was a surprise announcement that the U.S. government was getting a direct stake in a private oil company in Venezuela. WSJ’s Vera Bergengruen reports on how the deal came together and the challenges facing what’s being billed as a big foreign policy win. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Oil Companies Aren't Sold on Venezuela

- Was Maduro’s Capture About Oil?

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AI Loves Reddit, but Redditors Aren't So Sure Aug 31, 2026

Recently, Reddit has attracted a lot of attention from brands hoping to use the platform to influence chatbot results. That’s because Reddit, after big deals with AI companies, is often the most-cited website in AI answers. But as the WSJ Leadership Institute’s Katie Deighton reports, moderators on Reddit are pushing back against marketers’ growing interest in the website. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can Reddit’s IPO Survive Its Own Users?
- ‘To the Moon’
- An Oral History of WallStreetBets

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My Monday Morning: Suze Orman Aug 30, 2026

Suze Orman is one of the most famous financial advisors in America and she wakes up at 5 a.m. every single day. In the first episode of My Monday Morning, a new Journal video series inspired by the longstanding column of the same name, Lane Florsheim sits down with Suze to talk about the right age to retire, why eating out is still one of the biggest wastes of money, and why she doesn't trust AI.

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The Cancer Vaccine That Could Save Moderna Aug 28, 2026

For years, Moderna was a one-hit wonder, a company that bet everything on mRNA, struck gold with a COVID vaccine and then watched its stock crater as the pandemic faded. Now, the company may have found a way to fight skin cancer. An experimental mRNA-based vaccine succeeded in preventing melanoma from returning in high-risk patients, sending drug industry stocks soaring. WSJ’s Xavier Martinez traces Moderna’s wild ride from scrappy startup to the frontier of cancer treatment. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust

- The Creator of the Record-Setting Covid Vaccine

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Will Meta's $18 Billion Settlement Change Social Media? Aug 27, 2026

Yesterday, Meta reached a settlement in a landmark social media lawsuit. The tech giant struck a deal with 48 states to pay $18 billion and make changes to the way teens can use Facebook and Instagram. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains what this decision means for the future of social media. And Jessica Mendoza speaks with one of the settlement’s key negotiators.

Further Listening:

- The New Legal Strategy That Beat Social Media

- The Facebook Files, Part 1: The Whitelist

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Why Canada Won't Back Down to Trump Aug 26, 2026

The U.S. and Canada are once again embroiled in a fight over tariffs. During negotiations last week, President Trump threatened big hikes. Canada retaliated with their own tariffs. WSJ’s Gavin Bade explains how trade negotiations between two countries broke down and what could come next. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tariffs Are Back. What’s Changed?

- Canada’s New Leader Is Ready To Take on Trump

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Can an ‘Economic D-Day’ End the Iran War? Aug 25, 2026

Yesterday, the Trump administration announced a new strategy in the war against Iran that targets the regime’s remaining economic lifelines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it an “economic D-Day.” WSJ’s Brian Schwartz explains the U.S.’s new sanctions approach and analyzes what impact it could have on the Iranian economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Do Sanctions Still Work?

- Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Complicated Relationship

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The Bankruptcy That's Ruining Dinner Aug 24, 2026

Customers of the meal kit company Blue Apron have been complaining about canceled orders, missing ingredients and incomplete recipes. The company even acknowledged in a social media post that "recent orders have fallen short." What's behind this mess? WSJ's Sarah Nassauer breaks down the chaos at Blue Apron. Imani Moise hosts.

Further Listening:

- Jersey Mike's Journey From the Shore to Wall Street

- What's Going On With Lettuce?

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Let’s Talk Bonds. Treasury Bonds. Aug 21, 2026

The swings in the bond market this week had Wall Street scrambling. After bond yields hit a historic high the U.S. Treasury made a surprise announcement: it’s doubling the amount of long term debt it’s buying back. WSJ’s Greg Ip breaks it all down for us, explaining how bonds work, why yields have been on the rise and why we should all pay attention. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tariffs Are Back. What’s Changed?

- The Dollar Is Weaker. Is That a Good Thing?

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Why Flock Cameras Are Facing Backlash Aug 20, 2026

Flock Safety, the company behind the AI-enabled street cameras, has grown into a multibillion-dollar surveillance giant over the last few years. Supporters say the cameras have helped police reduce crime and solve cases. But critics say they violate privacy rights and are easily misused. WSJ’s Kris Maher reports on recent Flock protests and how the company is responding to the backlash. Imani Moise hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist

- The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

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Why Are Some StubHub Customers So Mad? Aug 19, 2026

StubHub, a ticket resale platform, is facing a flood of complaints from World Cup fans who bought tickets months in advance, only to be stranded hours before the games. WSJ’s Hanna Krueger unpacks her months-long investigation into the company’s customer service and one disappointed fan recounts his troubles getting his refund. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Ticketmaster Breakup Trial Just Got Messier

- Jersey Mike's Journey From the Shore to Wall Street

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He's Been a Costco Cashier for 40 Years. Now He's a Millionaire. Aug 18, 2026

Costco pays its hourly wage workers more than most retailers. The company says that this keeps turnover low and ultimately, is good for its business. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explains how this approach helps the company’s bottom line, and speaks to one Costco cashier who's been working there for 40 years and now has more than a million dollars saved for his retirement. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How IKEA Is Keeping Its Furniture Affordable

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This Opioid Alternative Is Fueling an Addiction Crisis Aug 17, 2026

Millions of Americans take the herbal supplement kratom for everything from energy to pain relief to quitting opioids. But it has also been linked to growing addiction rates and fatal overdoses. WSJ’s Sumathi Reddy explains the regulatory battles playing out across the country as some officials consider bans. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is the High Over for Hemp Drinks?

- Peptides Are Everywhere. Businesses Are Cashing In.

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The Live Auction App Where People Can Bid ‘Til They’re Broke Aug 14, 2026

Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms in the U.S., featuring live auctions that allow users to bid on trading cards, rare coins, designer fashions and more. But as WSJ’s Hanna Krueger explains, critics say Whatnot’s high-pressure countdowns and swipe-to-bid design encourage overspending and gambling addiction, claims the company denies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?

- Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less

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He Thought He Invested in SpaceX. Then His Shares Vanished. Aug 13, 2026

After the massive initial public offering earlier this year, some investors who thought they had gotten early exposure to shares of SpaceX discovered things may not have been quite what they seemed. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch chronicles the rise of special-purpose vehicle funds and the issues some investors are facing as they navigate private markets. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- 'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic

- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?

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To Solve a Cold Case, French Police Bent DNA Privacy Law Aug 12, 2026

Across Europe, law enforcement agencies want permission to use genetic genealogy to solve criminal cold cases. But privacy laws restrict the use of recreational DNA in most of Europe. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton reports on how French investigators in one case skirted their country’s DNA laws by asking the United States for help. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Did Nancy Guthrie Vanish Without a Trace?

- Camp Swamp Road

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Jared Kushner's Albania Headache: Flamingos, Contested Land and Cocaine Aug 11, 2026

Jared Kushner has been planning to build ultraluxury resorts in Albania for years. But the multi-billion dollar project has run into a string of controversies. The development has triggered mass protests, calls for the Albanian prime minister to resign and a warning from the EU. On top of all that, WSJ’s Eliot Brown reports on a suspected gangster who sold Kushner and his partners a key piece of land. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers

- The Crypto President: Part 1

- The Crypto President: Part 2

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Y Combinator CEO on How AI is Changing What Startups Build Aug 10, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are now on sale! Get yours here.

Garry Tan is the President and CEO of Y Combinator, a tech incubator that invests millions of dollars into new startups every year. Garry describes himself as “AI-pilled,” saying that he’s seen first-hand how the technology is transforming what startups can build. Ryan Knutson interviews Tan about how he remains optimistic despite AI’s risks, how AI is impacting the workforce and how we should all be having more parties.

Further Listening:

- The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist

- Chinese AI Is Spooking Silicon Valley

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Jersey Mike's Journey From the Shore to Wall Street Aug 07, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Jersey Mike’s started as a small sub shop on the Jersey Shore when a 17-year-old stepped in with big ambitions. Along the way, the company grew to several thousand locations before private equity company Blackstone bought it for $8 billion and took it to Wall Street. But its IPO comes amid struggles in the restaurant industry. WSJ’s Heather Haddon and Mark Maurer on Jersey Mike’s origins and the hurdles it will have to jump through as a public company. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can Burger King Regain Its Crown?

- How Kraft Lost Its Mac and Cheese Crown

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Inside Trump's Fundraising Machine Aug 06, 2026

Almost every night in the White House, President Donald Trump calls his fundraiser, Meredith O’Rourke, for an update. Together, they have raised more than $800 million since Trump’s second inauguration. WSJ’s Josh Dawsey and Dana Mattioli unspool their investigation into the president’s unprecedented fundraising and the political operative behind it. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Crypto President: Part 1

- The Crypto President: Part 2

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Robot Workers Are Here. Human Workers Are Fighting Back. Aug 05, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Early this year, Hyundai unveiled its newest employee: a humanoid robot named Atlas. Now, Hyundai’s unionized workers in South Korea are on a partial strike, arguing that humanoids shouldn’t join the assembly line without their approval. WSJ’s Tim Martin explains how the rest of the world is watching to see who wins the battle over the future. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over

How 1 Million Robots Are Taking Over Amazon Warehouses

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How the ‘Nostradamus of AI’ Got It Wrong Aug 04, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Leopold Aschenbrenner, age 24, was hailed as the ‘Nostradamus of AI.’ With that reputation, the wunderkind built a multi-billion dollar hedge fund called Situational Awareness, taking on an enormous amount of debt. WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman explains how the fund crashed while Aschebrenner was preparing for his wedding. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Republican Megadonor Ken Griffin on Trump’s Economy

- How an Influencer Built His Business, One Dog at a Time

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How Did Nancy Guthrie Vanish Without a Trace? Aug 03, 2026

Six months after Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Ariz., investigators have little to show beyond a trail of tragic missteps and bad luck. WSJ’s Valerie Bauerlein reports on how early errors, attention from amateur sleuths and public feuding have complicated the case. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Camp Swamp Road

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Confessions of a Recovering Work Addict Aug 02, 2026

Laura Mayer was born a tryhard, addicted to work. A quality that supercharged her career and earned her executive jobs at major media companies. But as Mayer writes in her new memoir, “Tryhard: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out,” being a tryhard comes with a cost. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:

- How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)

- The Data Is In On Work From Home

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The Vanishing of an Anti-AI Activist Jul 31, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Sam Kirchner, the founder of an anti-AI protest group, was on a mission to stop AI’s development. Then he mysteriously disappeared. WSJ’s Zusha Ellinson takes us inside the growing anti-AI movement. As violent threats against AI companies are on the rise, the backlash has tech executives and employees fearing for their lives. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside a Debate at OpenAI Over Mass Shootings

- The Killing Spree Tied to a Silicon Valley Intellectual Movement

- Artificial: The Open AI Story

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Peptides Are Everywhere. Businesses Are Cashing In. Jul 30, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Peptides are a huge part of the wellness craze that’s sweeping social media. Demand for restricted peptides has fueled an online gray market for injections promising youth, beauty and strength. Businesses are racing—and taking risks—to get in on the craze. WSJ's Sara Ashley O’Brien explores the burgeoning peptide market and how a recent FDA hearing could signal things are only just getting started. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The FDA Boss on the Agency's MAHA Makeover

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Confused About Automated Driving Features? You’re Not Alone. Jul 29, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Hands-free driving technology is changing the way people drive, and in some cases leading to accidents. WSJ's Ryan Felton reports on how Ford rolled out its BlueCruise technology and how confusion over what the system can do has led to crashes. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Deadly Airbags Are Getting Inside Cars

- The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships

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Chinese AI Is Spooking Silicon Valley Jul 28, 2026

Low-cost artificial intelligence models from China are rapidly improving, closing the gap with U.S. AI products and forcing an industry-wide debate over the future of AI. WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains how these "open-weight" models have caused a rift in Silicon Valley. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy

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Tariffs Are Back. What’s Changed? Jul 27, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

The Trump administration is imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on its major trading partners as part of a new set of duties that the White House says are designed to combat forced labor. The White House has also proposed new tariffs for fining U.S. tech companies. WSJ’s Gavin Bade walks us through the new levies and explores the architect behind them and how he built them to last. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Do You Refund $166 Billion?

- Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B.

- Trump's Tariff Whiplash.

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The Data Is In on Work From Home Jul 26, 2026

Six years after the pandemic, remote work has become a mainstay of the economy, with almost a quarter of work days taking place outside traditional offices. WSJ’s Owen Tucker-Smith explains how this has reshaped businesses, the economy and our work lives. And we hear from you about your love-hate relationship with working from home. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How an Influencer Built His Business, One Dog at a Time

- How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
Further Reading:

- The Power of Proximity to Coworkers
- Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment
- Work from Home and Productivity: Evidence from Personnel and Analytics Data on Information Technology Professionals
- Remote Work Leaves Younger Workers Sidelined
- Has the Rise of Work from Home Reduced the Motherhood Penalty in the Labor Market?
- Remote Work or More Pay: What Tech Workers Value in One Chart
- Home Alone: Remote Work, Isolation, and Mental Health

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How Deadly Airbags Are Getting Inside Cars Jul 24, 2026

Tickets for our live show in New York are on sale now! Get yours here.

Airbags are meant to save lives, but imported, counterfeit parts have killed at least 10 U.S. drivers. and regulators have don't know how many more are in cars on the road today. WSJ’s Ryan Felton breaks down the market for these parts, the race to figure out where they’re coming from and how you can stay safe. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships

- The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever

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Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point. Jul 23, 2026

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is one of the biggest movies of the year. It is also his first film entirely shot on IMAX 70mm film. But there are fewer than 40 70mm film IMAX theaters in the United States, making those tickets some of the most coveted this summer. Ryan Knutson talks with IMAX’s CEO, Richard Gelfond, about the company’s origins, his relationship with Nolan and why he isn’t scared of competitors.

Further Listening:

- These Movies Finally Got Gen Z Into Theaters

- Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts

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Do Sanctions Still Work? Jul 22, 2026

The U.S. has leaned on sanctions for decades as a way to apply pressure on its adversaries. But countries like Iran and Russia have found increasingly sophisticated ways to get around those sanctions. WSJ’s Rory Jones explains why Washington’s ability to force other governments to change through economic pressure is diminishing. And Jessica Mendoza sits down with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D., CT) to talk about a new sanctions bill against Russia.

Further Listening:

- How a Year of Sanctions Is Impacting Russians

- How Putin Has Planned For Sanctions

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What's Going On With Lettuce? Jul 21, 2026

Thousands of people across the country have fallen ill in a parasitic outbreak of cyclosporosis linked to contaminated lettuce, but a series of conflicting announcements about where this outbreak started has left consumers confused. WSJ's Jesse Newman and Sabrina Siddiqui look into Taylor Farms, the sprawling company at the center of the outbreak, and explain the communication breakdown. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

More info on our upcoming NYC Live Show here!

Further Listening:

- McDonald’s and Coke's Marriage Might Need a Refresher

- The Vape Cloud Hanging Over the FDA

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How State Farm's New Contract Sparked an Uproar Jul 20, 2026

This past year Progressive usurped State Farm as the nation’s biggest personal auto insurer, losing a throne State Farm had held since World War II. The shift sparked a dramatic overhaul at the company, including new agent contracts, sweeping benefit cuts and a big push into AI. WSJ's Jean Eaglesham reports on the fallout. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Insuring a Home in California Is Getting Harder

- Is Florida Just for Rich People Now?

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How an Influencer Built His Business, One Dog at a Time Jul 19, 2026

Elias Weiss Friedman, better known on social media as The Dogist, has made a career out of shooting portraits of dogs. Ryan Knutson met up with Elias in a New York City park to talk about photography, social media pressures, and how The Dogist has evolved and expanded over the last decade.

Further listening:

- How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind)

- Financial Influencers on Wealth and Work

- The Viral Band Trying to Sing Its Way to a U.S. Visa

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The World Cup Story, Part 3: ‘FIFA, What Have You Become?' Jul 17, 2026

The stage is set: Spain takes on Argentina in the World Cup final this coming Sunday. WSJ’s Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg discuss the highs, lows and controversies of this year’s tournament, and explain how political interference as well as FIFA’s drive to make as much money as possible have changed the World Cup forever. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The World Cup Story Part 1: Soccer and Scandal

- The World Cup Story Part 2: Too Big To Fail

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To Beat Musk, Bezos Befriended Trump Jul 16, 2026

In his first term, President Trump called Jeff Bezos “Bozo.” But things have changed. The Amazon founder has gone from an avowed enemy of the president to an energetic ally. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli unpacks Bezos’ previously icy relationship with Trump and how he has turned things around. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Are Trump and Musk Done for Good?

- Amazon After Bezos

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Apple vs. OpenAI Jul 15, 2026

Apple sued OpenAI and one of its top executives on Friday, alleging the AI company stole trade secrets as part of its effort to develop competing devices. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler unpacks the explosive filing and explores what it might mean for the tech landscape. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor?

- Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism

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How Microfinance Failed the World's Poor Jul 14, 2026

Microfinance was once hailed as a miracle cure for global poverty, promising to empower the world's most vulnerable with small business loans. But in countries like Cambodia, the industry has devolved into a cycle of predatory debt that is leaving families struggling. WSJ’s Gabriele Steinhauser explains why this once-celebrated solution has failed so many. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is Jane Goodall Fighting a Losing Battle?

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A Master Conman in His Own Words Jul 13, 2026

Over the phone, Paul Regan offered prospective clients something that sounded too good to be true: investments with guaranteed returns of 10-15%. It was all part of a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. WSJ’s Jason Zweig obtained hours of recorded phone calls, in which Regan seduced his victims, who were often older and needed help. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- An Influencer’s False Promise to Make His Followers Rich

- Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist

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How to Keep Up with AI At Work (Without Losing Your Mind) Jul 12, 2026

Artificial intelligence models have taken over the corporate world, and workers are trying to figure out how to collaborate with their new robot co-workers. In this first episode of “Work Mode,” a new series from The Journal on the evolution of work, WSJ’s Callum Borchers shares the strategies that work best and the pitfalls to avoid. And we hear from Michael Rueckert, AI power user who transformed his work life with Claude and leveraged his AI skills into a new start up. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job

- Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy

- The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

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Big Egg’s Price-Fixing Scandal Jul 10, 2026

Record-breaking egg prices in recent years were blamed on an avian flu outbreak. But a recent Department of Justice complaint spells out another cause: a scheme among some of America’s top egg producers to bid up the cost of eggs. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas explains how they allegedly manipulated the “Wall Street of Eggs.” Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Eggs Are Still Expensive. Is This Company to Blame?

- An Eggspensive Dilemma

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A Buckling Skyscraper Shakes Confidence In Office Conversions Jul 09, 2026

On Tuesday morning, something potentially very scary happened in New York City. Images of buckling steel beams at the former Pfizer headquarters led to a large evacuation in midtown Manhattan. WSJ’s Peter Grant reports on what happened and what this high-profile setback means for the nationwide trend of converting empty skyscrapers into apartments. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Compass vs. Zillow: The Real Estate Wars

- Who’s in Charge of Fixing Miami’s Aging Condos?

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The Inside Story of Europe’s Breakup With the U.S. Jul 08, 2026

President Trump’s tariffs, threats against Greenland, and other “America-first” demands have turned away the U.S.’s longtime allies. Now, Western leaders are considering how to decouple from American influence and move forward without the decades-long partnership. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw explain how this "loveless marriage" is coming apart. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers

- Make Money Not War: Trump’s Plan for Peace in Ukraine

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Europe Is Hot as Hell. Why Doesn’t It Want Air Conditioning? Jul 07, 2026

As Europe experiences record-breaking heat waves this summer, many residents are reconsidering the continent’s long resistance to air conditioning. Europe’s summer high temperatures often cause tens of thousands of people to die from heat-related causes. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton reports that the battle over air conditioning is shaping political debates. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?

- Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism

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How Polymarket Made Fake Bets Go Viral Jul 06, 2026

Hundreds of social media videos showed people hitting it big on Polymarket. But it turns out, none of it was real. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff and Katherine Long report on their investigation into a fake viral marketing campaign. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Insiders Are Cashing In on Prediction Markets

- How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big

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The Booming Industry Keeping Taylor Swift's Wedding a Secret Jul 02, 2026

Celebrities and ultrawealthy people are spending millions on advanced military-style tactics to keep their weddings private, including security, fake-out venues, airtight NDAs and secret tunnels. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber takes us inside the growing wedding security industrial complex as rumors circulate around the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at historic Madison Square Garden. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Taylor Swift’s Push to Change Music Ownership

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Microsoft’s CEO Has a Message: Don’t Let AI Eat the Economy Jul 01, 2026

Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella recently wrote a blistering essay criticizing how the race for AI supremacy has played out, and specifically called out tech leaders’ dire prophecies about job losses. Nadella says the industry needs to figure out a path forward that is more beneficial to everyone, not just the biggest AI companies. WSJ's Bradley Olson, who spoke with Nadella in an exclusive interview, says that there might be a business calculus behind his message. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job

- The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

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The Supreme Court and Trump: From Birthright to Presidential Power Jun 30, 2026

The Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s attempt to curtail birthright citizenship, rebuffing the administration’s plans to upend the longstanding guarantee that virtually everyone born on American soil is a U.S. citizen. WSJ’s James Romoser unpacks the unexpectedly close decision, and the other wins conservatives have had at the court over the past year. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Will Trump's Tariffs Survive the Supreme Court?

- How Do You Refund $166 Billion?

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Weight-Loss Drugs Are Gobbling Up Small Town Budgets Jun 29, 2026

Many small towns across the country added GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to their employee health insurance plans. Now, some of those towns are being hit with huge unexpected premiums as use of the drugs continues to grow. Imani Moise speaks to a selectwoman from Belchertown, MA who helped navigate her town through a devastating bill and WSJ’s Owen Tucker-Smith takes us through the economics for towns around the country.

Further Listening:

- Novo Nordisk's CEO Has a Comeback Plan

- Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out?

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Inside a Debate at OpenAI Over Mass Shootings Jun 26, 2026

This past summer, employees at OpenAI had a meeting. On the table were about 10 cases where users discussed violence. Months later, one of those users committed one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. Sam Altman wrote an apology letter to the devastated town of Tumbler Ridge. WSJ’s Georgia Wells reports on why OpenAI resisted internal calls to alert law enforcement. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- A Troubled Man and His Chatbot

- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?

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McDonald’s and Coke's Marriage Might Need a Refresher Jun 25, 2026

For 70 years, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have teamed up as fast food juggernauts. WSJ’s Heather Haddon and Laura Cooper explore how changing consumer tastes and increasing competition are challenging their iconic brand partnership. Imani Moise hosts.

Further Listening:

- 'It Came out of Nowhere': The Rise of Dr Pepper

- KFC Got Fried in the Chicken Wars. Can It Come Back?

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Why Alan Greenspan Is Key to Understanding Today’s Fed Jun 24, 2026

Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan died this week at the age of 100. He was a towering figure in modern finance who oversaw unprecedented growth in the US economy. But Greenspan was also blamed for stripping away safeguards that might have prevented the Great Recession. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains that while Greenspan retired two decades ago, his ideas are providing a model for the new Fed chairman Kevin Warsh. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Is the New Fed Chair?

- Barney Frank’s Legacy of Financial Reform

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Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Complicated Relationship Jun 23, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cultivated a close relationship with President Donald Trump. But in recent weeks Trump has grown frustrated with Netanyahu over the war with Iran. The relationship has major ramifications for a region on the cusp of a potential peace deal, whose future could be undone by further military attacks by Israel. WSJ’s Josh Dawsey takes us inside the complex dynamic between the two leaders. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Iran Thinks It’s Winning the War

- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?

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Why iPhones Will Probably Get Even More Expensive Jun 22, 2026

Artificial intelligence is driving up the cost of the chips inside your iPhone. In an exclusive interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that price increases are “unavoidable.” WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler breaks down how AI companies’ race for memory and storage has sent chip prices soaring, forcing Apple to choose between shrinking profits and charging customers more. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What’s Next for His Successor?

- The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips in China

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The Big Business of Holding Back Eighth-Graders Jun 18, 2026

Holding students back in school once came with a negative connotation. But with college athletes now able to earn endorsement deals, they are preparing younger and younger to be recruited and potentially get paid. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on the rise of special middle schools where students hold themselves back on purpose so they can grow, develop and mature before high school. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside the Black Market for High School Football Players
- NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports
- How Gamblers Are Rigging College Basketball

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The Economy Is Booming. Why Does It Feel Like a Bust? Jun 17, 2026

Stock markets are hitting record highs, the job market is doing fine and productivity is up. Yet many Americans are feeling strapped despite the positive data. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explains the contradictory signals. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Energy Shock Is Here

- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?

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The Rise of the World’s First Trillionaire Jun 16, 2026

The initial public offering for SpaceX crowned Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. WSJ’s Theo Francis takes us inside the staggering finances of the world’s richest man, and explores what the impact of his new status might be. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?

- The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026

- Musk vs. Altman

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The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026 Jun 15, 2026

2026 is set to be a monster year for tech IPOs. SpaceX hit the market with a blockbuster $1.77 trillion valuation while Anthropic and OpenAI are set to go public later this year. WSJ’s investing columnist Spencer Jakab takes us inside the IPO bonanza and explores the risks potentially hiding behind all the hype. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is SpaceX Worth the Hype?

- Musk vs. Altman

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The World Cup Story, Part 2: Too Big To Fail Jun 14, 2026

As the World Cup begins, we bring you a two-part Sunday special charting how FIFA built the World Cup into a global phenomenon. In Part 2, WSJ sports journalists Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson explore FIFA under its current president Gianni Infantino and how he has maximized revenue for FIFA by exploiting new markets for soccer in the Arab world and the U.S. at the expense of the sport’s longstanding fanbase. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- The World Cup Story, Part 1: Soccer and Scandal

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These Movies Finally Got Gen Z Into Theaters Jun 12, 2026

Two scrappy horror films are taking Hollywood by surprise. “Backrooms” and “Obsession” have wildly exceeded expectations at the box office. Both spring from internet culture and have brought an unprecedented numbers of Gen Z-ers into theaters. WSJ's Ben Fritz explains what this new wave means for the movie business. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts

- Elon Musk's $1.25 Trillion Megamerger

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Is SpaceX Worth the Hype? Jun 11, 2026

SpaceX is preparing the largest public offering ever on Friday. Elon Musk’s space-satellite-AI-social-media company plans to sell $75 billion worth of shares at a “take-it-or-leave-it” price of $135 a share. WSJ’s Corrie Driebusch takes us inside the SpaceX books and details what investors are thinking about the massive IPO. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Musk vs. Altman

- The Woman Behind SpaceX

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How Beef Got So Expensive Jun 10, 2026

In the era of the $100 steak, WSJ reporter Patrick Thomas traveled from a steakhouse in Omaha to a manure-splattered cattle auction in the Nebraska sandhills. What he found was a story about drought, debt and a stunning reversal of fortune that has left America's ranchers holding more power than they've had in decades. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Beef Between Cattle Ranchers and Meatpackers

- How Scotts Miracle-Gro's Weed Business Went Up in Smoke

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Bill Gates’s Carefully Crafted Image Is Cracking Jun 09, 2026

For years, Bill Gates was best known for his charitable work. The Gates Foundation spends billions on humanitarian efforts around the world. At one point, Gates was ranked as the world’s most admired man. But as details surface about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, that carefully crafted image is eroding. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reveals the lengths that Gates’s team has taken in order to burnish his reputation, and how it’s slowly cracking. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Jeffrey Epstein Made Millions From His Connections

- The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files

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Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism Jun 08, 2026

Sweden, once considered by many as the standard bearer of high-tax and high-spend government, has embraced capitalism. WSJ’s Tom Fairless reports on how the Nordic country privatized large swaths of its healthcare and school systems, promoted business and shrank the state. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?

- China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now

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The World Cup Story, Part 1: Soccer and Scandal Jun 07, 2026

As the World Cup begins this week, we bring you a two-part Sunday special charting how FIFA built the World Cup into a global phenomenon and how it became marred in scandal and corruption. In Part 1, WSJ soccer experts Jonathan Clegg and Joshua Robinson go back to the World Cup’s origins — how it grew from a small tournament in Uruguay into a massive empire. And how an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice prompted a moment for reckoning for FIFA. Ryan Knutson hosts.

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Americans Have More Credit Card Debt Than Ever Jun 05, 2026

The collective credit card debt of Americans has reached an all-time high of $1.25 trillion. Soaring interest rates and stubborn inflation have also led more people to be late making their credit card payments or not paying at all. WSJ’s Dan Frosch reports on why that debt is growing and where people can turn for help. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Arms Race in Your Wallet

Student-Loan Debt Is Strangling Gen X
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How AI Is Being Trained to Do Your Job Jun 04, 2026

There’s a new gig economy that involves training AI to do white collar jobs. And one company, Mercor, is leading the charge. The training startup hired 30,000 contractors just last year to help AI companies get their models trained up on sophisticated roles. Ryan Knutson spoke to one former Mercor contractor about the job and WSJ’s Katie Bindley lays out the tactics that have landed the startup in hot water.

Further Listening:

The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce

AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

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Can the U.S. Keep Chinese Cars Out? Jun 03, 2026

China’s carmakers like BYD, Geely and Great Wall Motor have seen immense growth in recent years. But their cars are not for sale in the U.S. due to high tariffs and tight regulations. WSJ’s Ryan Felton reports on America’s rising interest in Chinese cars, particularly because they’re so affordable. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over

- How China's BYD Overtook Tesla

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

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Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers Jun 02, 2026

For the first time since the 1930s, more people are moving out of the U.S. than moving in. It's a trend driven largely by the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda, but WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson also report that U.S. citizens are moving away in numbers not previously seen. The high costs of healthcare and housing, coupled with the ability to work remotely, are contributing to an exodus of young families and middle-class workers. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Americans Are Now a Target in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

A $100,000 Work Visa Could Rock the Tech Industry

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Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts Jun 01, 2026

How to get discovered in Hollywood has been a decades-old struggle. For screenwriters, that game started to change when Franklin Leonard launched the Black List, an annual ranking of the “most liked” but not-yet-produced screenplays. Since 2005, more than 500 of those scripts have become feature films, including several Best Picture Oscar-winners. Ryan Knutson interviewed Leonard about how to fix some of Hollywood’s other challenges at our live show in Los Angeles.

Further Listening:

- Inside the Nasty Fight to Take Over Hollywood - The Journal.

- For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller

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The ‘Class of AI’ Enters the Workforce May 29, 2026

The class of 2026 is the most AI-native group of graduates to come out of college, with ChatGPT debuting their freshman year. WSJ’s Allison Pohle reports on how this cohort used AI in school and what future employers expect from them. And we hear from various college students and recent graduates about their hopes and fears when it comes to AI and their careers. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

- The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever

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The Shake-Up Coming for Car Dealerships May 28, 2026

There’s finally another way to buy a new car, as companies like Carvana and Volkswagen’s new brand Scout are challenging the traditional dealership model. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains how a decades-old system is starting to show some wear. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job

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Is Florida Just for Rich People Now? May 27, 2026

Florida, once an affordable haven, is rapidly transforming into a state for the wealthy. As a result, living costs are rising and population growth is slowing overall. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores reports on the affordability crisis and speaks with Republican Senator Rick Scott about what the state can do to create better-paying jobs and housing. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:

- The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents

- California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax Proposal
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Novo Nordisk's CEO Has a Comeback Plan May 26, 2026

When Maziar Mike Doustdar took over as CEO of Novo Nordisk last year, the company had lost ground in the anti-obesity drug market. Doustdar spoke with Jessica Mendoza about his plans to turn the company around, the recent success of their Wegovy pill and what keeps him up at night.

Further Listening:
- Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out?

- The New Legal Strategy That Beat Social Media

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How YouTube Took Over the American Classroom May 22, 2026

American classrooms are awash with YouTube. One survey showed that 94% of teachers have used YouTube in their roles. A WSJ investigation reveals the business strategy behind Google’s push to bring the technology to schools and looks at how YouTube is affecting children. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran lays out her reporting, and Jessica Mendoza talks with a math teacher who has been wrestling with YouTube in his classroom.

Further Listening:

- Judge Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’

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Barney Frank’s Legacy of Financial Reform May 21, 2026

Barney Frank, the former Democratic congressman, died this week at the age of 86. Frank was best known as the architect of the Dodd-Frank law that reshaped the U.S. financial system in the wake of the 2008 crisis. WSJ’s Damian Paletta talks about Frank’s legacy. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Man Who Waged War on Inflation

- Two Executives on What It's Like to Stop a Bank Run
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Why Chinese Customers Are Running From Nike May 20, 2026

Nike co-founder Phil Knight visited China nearly 50 years ago and dreamed of selling sneakers. He laid out an ambitious vision—“One billion people, two billion feet”— it was an ambitious strategy. By 2010, China was among Nike’s most lucrative markets, offering a blueprint for U.S. companies seeking to cash in on China’s rise. Today, Nike’s China business is bleeding. WSJ’s Jon Emont explores the cautionary tale of Nike’s rise and fall in China. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Can Nike Make Its Shoes Cool Again?.

- The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course

- The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks

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Trapped in the Strait of Hormuz May 19, 2026

Approximately 20,000 seafarers have been stranded, many since late February, because they can’t get through the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw spoke with sailors trapped in the strait and reports on their worsening conditions. And WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why it is so hard to get the cargo ships moving again. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Iran's Regime Changed...for the Worse

- The Energy Shock Is Here

- How China Keeps Iran’s Oil Industry Afloat

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For Riz Ahmed, Life is a Spy Thriller May 18, 2026

Sometimes, actor Riz Ahmed says, his life feels like a spy thriller. He made his new show, “Bait,” about that feeling, and sat down with Jessica Mendoza at our Journal Live show in Los Angeles to talk about it. The actor, known for blockbusters like “Star Wars: Rogue One” and his Oscar-nominated performance in “Sound of Metal,” also spoke about his career, what it takes to succeed in Hollywood and getting the rights to a famous spy for his show.

Further Listening:

- Financial Influencers on Wealth and Work

- Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong

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Musk vs. Altman May 15, 2026

The blockbuster lawsuit between OpenAI co-founders Elon Musk and Sam Altman has wrapped up. The three-week trial has exposed some of the inner workings and personal feuds behind Silicon Valley’s artificial intelligence boom. WSJ’s Angel Au-Yeung explains what happened during the trial and what the verdict could mean for the future of AI. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.

Further Listening:

- The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft’s Bromance

- A Data Center Revolt in Missouri
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Jerome Powell’s Last Stand at the Fed May 14, 2026

A new chairman is taking over from Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve. But Powell isn't leaving. He plans to stay on as a voting member on the Fed’s board of governors. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos reflects on Powell’s tenure and unpacks his controversial decision to remain at the central bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Is the New Fed Chair?

- Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation?

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Trump and Xi to Meet at High-Stakes Summit May 13, 2026

President Trump has arrived in Beijing for a two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. WSJ's Annie Linskey and Lingling Wei lay out what each side is hoping to get out of the talks, which will range from trade to Taiwan to the war in Iran. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now

- Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over

- The Missing Minister

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The Vape Cloud Hanging Over the FDA May 12, 2026

Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Makary faced criticism over the FDA’s rejections of rare-disease drugs, the agency’s handling of abortion pills and high-profile departures of key FDA staff. But WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte reports that it was a battle over flavored vapes that sealed Makary’s fate. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Flu Shot Drama at the FDA

- The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover

- How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for Kids
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She Let AI Take Over Her Life For a Year May 11, 2026

Personal tech journalist Joanna Stern let AI be her doctor, driver, colleague, housekeeper, therapist and lover as research for her new book "I Am Not a Robot." In this live taping of The Journal, Stern discusses how artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how we think and work. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

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Can GameStop Really Buy eBay? May 08, 2026

GameStop has made an unsolicited offer to buy eBay for about $56 billion. The proposed deal, which eBay says it is reviewing, is the brainchild of GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen. In an interview with WSJ’s Lauren Thomas, Cohen said that putting his videogame retailer and eBay under one roof could create opportunities to cut costs and improve earnings. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- To the Moon: How did a bunch of amateurs take Wall Street by surprise?

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A Data Center Revolt in Missouri May 07, 2026

Around the country, there’s been a construction boom in AI data centers, but opposition is surging too. In the small town of Festus, Missouri, a $6 billion project angered residents, leading to the removal of local council members and a campaign to recall the mayor. WSJ's Will Parker explains how intense local pushback is changing where data centers are built. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- More Coding, Less Slop? Why OpenAI Ditched Sora

- The AI Economic Doomsday Report That Shook Wall Street
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'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic May 06, 2026

Private credit was the hottest craze on Wall Street. Throughout the boom, one firm became its poster child, Blue Owl. But a recent panic posed a troubling question. What happens if investors suddenly want out at the same time? WSJ's Matt Wirz reports on the turmoil and explains why private credit is something American workers need to pay attention to. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Wall Street Craze Jamie Dimon Can’t Resist. Even If It Blows Up.

- Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401K

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Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It? May 05, 2026

After years of industrial decline, the Germany economy is stagnant. Government officials now hope an audacious plan, to pivot from consumer goods to weapons, will kickstart growth again. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski explains how the same factories built to make German car parts are now gearing up to supply the defense industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles

- Germany’s Economy Is Broken. There’s No Plan B.

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R.I.P. Spirit Airlines May 04, 2026

Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday after a possible government bailout plan fell apart. WSJ’s Alison Sider reports on the company’s challenging last few years and what the end of Spirit means for travelers. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise

- How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy

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The College Student Who Defeated the World’s Biggest Cyberweapon May 01, 2026

Last year, a massive cyberweapon terrorized the internet. It launched thousands of DDoS attacks, threatening tens of millions of people around the world. The weapon came to be known as Kimwolf. WSJ’s Robert McMillan reports that cybersecurity experts were stumped. Kimwolf’s attacks seemed to be launched from millions of internet-connected devices like TV boxes, cameras and picture frames. Eventually, the experts got help from an unlikely ally: a 22-year-old college senior named Benjamin Brundage. Jessica Mendoza talks to Ben about how he might have saved the internet.

To check if your network is secretly connected to a residential proxy network, here are a few tips.

Further Listening:

- Cybersecurity Braces for AI ‘Bugmaggedon’

- ‘Hack Me If You Can’ from The Journal

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How IKEA Is Keeping Its Furniture Affordable Apr 30, 2026

Tariffs, inflation and an energy crisis have driven up the cost of nearly every consumer good. Despite those economic headwinds, IKEA has tried to keep its furniture affordable. Juvencio Maeztu is the CEO of the Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchise, and he explains how the company is making the numbers work. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

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Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over Apr 29, 2026

In China, humanoid robots are on the rise. Robots with heads and torsos have been spotted staffing the front desk at hotels, working factory floors, and serving lattes. It's all thanks to an investment boom and subsidies from the Chinese government, which is betting on "embodied AI" as the next frontier in a global arms race. WSJ's Yoko Kubota explains how China's robots got so good, and what the US is doing to catch up. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

- The Man Leading Trump’s AI Charge Against China

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Inside Meta’s Big AI Pivot Apr 28, 2026

Meta is kicking its AI transformation into high gear. The Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram parent is getting aggressive about AI talent, integrating AI technology into employees’ workflows and even developing an AI agent to help its CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Last week, the company announced a 10% cut in its global workforce. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky unpacks what the pivot means for the AI race and the company’s employees. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

Why Meta Is Offering $100 Million for AI Geniuses

The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

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Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise Apr 27, 2026

The war in Iran has sparked a global jet fuel crunch, sending prices soaring. Now, airlines are passing costs onto travelers, with higher ticket prices and additional fees. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton and Alison Sider explain how jet fuel has been caught up in the crisis and why airlines aren't planning to lower prices anytime soon. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How China Keeps Iran's Oil Industry Afloat

- The Airline Industry Has a Toxic Fume Problem

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The Crypto President: Part 2 Apr 25, 2026

Four days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an Emirati royal known as the “spy sheikh” secretly purchased a stake in Trump's cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial for half a billion dollars.

In the second of two episodes about World Liberty Financial, WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus details what the Sheikh received from the Trump Administration following his deal with the Trump family’s crypto company. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.

Further Listening:

- The Crypto President: Part 1

- Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401k

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The Crypto President: Part 1 Apr 24, 2026

At the height of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for re-election in 2024, Trump gathered with his sons and longtime friend Steve Witkoff to launch a new money machine: a crypto company called World Liberty Financial. Since its launch less than two years ago, the company has earned the Trump family at least $1.2 billion dollars. It turns out much of that has come from secret business dealings with foreign-owned companies.

In the first of two episodes diving into World Liberty Financial, WSJ’s Angus Berwick explains how a billionaire felon boosted Trump’s crypto company en route to a presidential pardon. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.

Further Listening:

- Big Banks vs. Big Crypto

- Severed Fingers and Wrench Attacks: A New Era in Crypto Crime

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Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor? Apr 23, 2026

After 15 years as the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook announced this week that he will be stepping down. During his tenure, Cook quadrupled Apple’s revenue and transformed the company’s supply chain, building a complex global network that churns out hundreds of millions of devices each year. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler reports on Cook’s legacy, and the new guy that’s set to replace him. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

- The Company Taking on Apple’s Watch Technology

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How China Keeps Iran's Oil Industry Afloat Apr 22, 2026

Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!
In the first Trump administration, the U.S. launched a “maximum pressure” campaign to cut Iranian oil from the global market and eliminate Tehran’s biggest source of revenue. Today, Iran sells billions of dollars’ worth of oil every month via a shadow fleet of ships that have been passing through the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Rory Jones takes us inside Iran’s underground network for shipping, processing and selling oil in China. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Iran's Regime Changed... for the Worse

- The Strait of Hormuz Showdown

- In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire

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Cybersecurity Braces for AI ‘Bugmaggedon’ Apr 21, 2026

AI models like Anthropic's Mythos are finding software bugs at an unprecedented rate, kicking off a cybersecurity scramble to prevent what experts are calling “bugmageddon.” Thanks to these new models, hackers will be able to exploit those bugs more quickly than ever before. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains why major corporations and the White House are scrambling to patch their systems. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Battle Over AI in Warfare - AI Is Coming for Entry-Level JobsSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

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How Iran's Regime Changed...for the Worse Apr 20, 2026

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At the outset of the U.S.-Iran War, the U.S. and Israel assassinated key figures in the Iranian regime, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But the killings of high-ranking officials have failed to spark the popular uprising President Trump initially called for. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati explores the current regime and reports that Iran’s theocratic dictatorship not only remains in control, but is more conservative, more radical, and more entrenched than ever before. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Strait of Hormuz Showdown

- The Energy Shock Is Here

- In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire

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An Influencer's False Promise to Make His Followers Rich Apr 17, 2026

- Influencer Arielle Charnas’s Fashion Fail

In 2019, influencer Tai Lopez made a pitch to his social media followers: by buying up distressed retail brands like Radio Shack and Pier 1 out of bankruptcy, they could all get rich. But as WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission accused Lopez of running a “Ponzi-like scheme” through his company, Retail Ecommerce Ventures. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening/Viewing:

- How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions

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Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job Apr 16, 2026

The automotive industry is facing a shortage of mechanics. Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley has said his company’s dealerships have 5,000 open jobs – positions he says can pay up to $120,000 a year. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains why more people aren’t taking him up on it. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager’s Six-Figure Salary

- The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever

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The Energy Shock Is Here Apr 15, 2026

- The Strait of Hormuz Showdown

The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz means millions of barrels of oil are still trapped in the Persian Gulf. As countries around the world begin to feel the impact of that energy shock, new inflation numbers are signalling that the U.S. economy is being impacted too. WSJ’s David Uberti explains how the stock market and consumers are processing what could be the worst oil crisis ever. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire

- Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold?

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The IRS Shrank. Will That Lead to More Tax Cheating? Apr 14, 2026

Get your tickets to our L.A. live show here!
The Trump administration has shrunk the IRS. WSJ’s Richard Rubin reports on how the federal government has scaled back tax enforcement, leaving fewer federal employees to audit returns and collect unpaid tax debts. The cutbacks could lead to more Americans skirting the tax law. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Do You Refund $166 Billion?

- DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the GovernmentSign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.
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The Strait of Hormuz Showdown Apr 13, 2026

President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. military would blockade the Strait of Hormuz sets up a risky showdown to control the strategic chokepoint. WSJ’s Vera Bergengruen explains what the blockade could look like, explores the global economic damage caused by the conflict and discusses what could come next in the war. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire

- Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold?

- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?

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Can Burger King Regain Its Crown? Apr 10, 2026

When Tom Curtis took over as president of Burger King in 2021, the company was struggling. After joining, Curtis worked to update restaurants and streamline the menu. Jessica Mendoza talks with Curtis about the fast food chain’s recent struggles, the rising price of beef and his turn as a social media influencer.

Further Listening:

- KFC Got Fried in the Chicken Wars. Can It Come Back?

- The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays

- Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback

- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?

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In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire Apr 09, 2026

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After nearly six weeks of war in Iran, a fragile cease-fire is holding for now. But for people on the ground, the uncertainty is far from over. Jessica Mendoza speaks with a Tehran resident living through the strangeness of war and WSJ’s Jared Malsin unpacks the sticking points for achieving long-term peace.

Further Listening:

- Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold?

- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?

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Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold? Apr 08, 2026

The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week cease-fire. President Trump said the truce was conditional on Iran opening up the Strait of Hormuz. WSJ’s Damian Paletta explains how the fragile cease-fire came together, why there are still many unanswered questions and what comes next. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?

- Iran Thinks It’s Winning the War

- The Escalating Crisis at the Strait of Hormuz

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More Coding, Less Slop? Why OpenAI Ditched Sora Apr 07, 2026

- OpenAI's 'Code Red' Problem

After the smash success of ChatGPT, OpenAI positioned its video generation model Sora as AI’s next consumer-friendly frontier. Disney signed on to the vision, promising a huge investment and allowing the studio’s characters to appear in Sora videos. Then OpenAI abruptly shut Sora down. WSJ’s Berber Jin takes us inside the pivot and explores what it means for the AI industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Scotts Miracle-Gro's Weed Business Went Up in Smoke

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Is the High Over for Hemp Drinks? Apr 06, 2026

A new billion-dollar industry of hemp-derived THC drinks exploded onto the market last year by exploiting an apparent legal loophole. Now, a federal ban is set to wipe the popular alcohol alternatives off shelves by November. WSJ's Laura Cooper and Cann CEO Jake Bullock detail the last-ditch effort to lobby Washington. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- California's Wine Industry Is in Crisis

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The Adult Women Caught in Epstein’s Web of Abuse Apr 03, 2026

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After Jeffrey Epstein’s death, Svetlana Pozhidaeva said she finally felt free. The former Russian model, who became one of Epstein’s “assistants” and a victim of his abuse, changed her name and moved to another city. Then the Epstein files dropped. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar unspools Pozhidaeva’s story and what it reveals about who Epstein allegedly ensared and how he did it. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Jeffrey Epstein Made Millions From His Connections

- The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files

- Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein

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How Do You Refund $166 Billion? Apr 02, 2026

After the Supreme Court ruled that many of President Trump’s tariffs were illegal, thousands of companies have sued the government in the hopes of getting their money back. WSJ’s Lydia Wheeler reports on the obscure court at the center of the refund battle and explains why the process will be slow and messy. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How One Company Is Navigating a New Era of Tariff Uncertainty

- Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B.

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Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding? Apr 01, 2026

When the war with Iran started, Israel had three goals: reduce the threat from Iranian missiles, eliminate its nuclear capabilities and, most importantly, create the conditions for regime change. WSJ’s Dov Lieber reports that about four weeks in, achieving those goals against Israel’s biggest enemy is proving elusive. With President Trump stating that he wants the war to end within weeks, Israel is now racing to cripple Iranian industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Iran Thinks It’s Winning the War

- The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles
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Is ChatGPT Ready for Sex? Mar 31, 2026

- Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame.

OpenAI planned to launch an “adult mode” for ChatGPT, opening the door to AI-generated, sexually explicit conversations. The decision created an internal uproar as some company experts warned of potential risks to minors and unhealthy emotional attachments. WSJ’s Sam Schechner discusses the complicated future of sex and artificial intelligence. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue

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The New Legal Strategy That Beat Social Media Mar 30, 2026

- In a Landmark Trial, Zuckerberg Takes the Stand

In a landmark case, a 20-year-old woman just beat Meta and YouTube in court. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney explains how a new legal strategy got around a decades-old legal shield for social media companies, and how Big Tech could end up like Big Tobacco. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

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Fertility Inc.: The Embryo Editing Dinner Mar 27, 2026

Genetically engineered babies are banned in the U.S. But that isn’t stopping Silicon Valley tech titans from trying to make one. In this final installment from The Journal’s investigation into the fringes of the fertility industry, WSJ’s Emily Glazer reports on the controversial new companies pushing the boundaries of reproductive genetics. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Fertility Inc.: One Dad, One Hundred Babies

- Fertility Inc.: ‘Our Money Was Gone’

- Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill

- Fertility Inc. from The Journal

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How Jeffrey Epstein Made Millions From His Connections Mar 26, 2026

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The most recent batch of the Epstein files show how easily Jeffrey Epstein collected confidential information from his well-connected associates. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reports on how Epstein sometimes used the tips to invest for himself. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files

- Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein
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How ICE Went From Deport… to Airport Mar 25, 2026

Learn more about our L.A. live show here!

If you’ve taken a flight lately, you might have noticed hourslong lines to get through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at airports like New York, Atlanta and Houston. This week, President Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to airports to try to ease bottlenecks as Congress works to try to make a deal to end the partial government shutdown. WSJ's Michelle Hackman dives into the situation at airports and what’s being done in Washington to get lines moving again. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Americans Are Now a Target in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
- The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents
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Iran Thinks It’s Winning the War Mar 24, 2026

Just weeks after the war started, Iran believes it is winning, but not because it has more firepower than the US and Israel. The regime wants its control over the Strait of Hormuz to become a permanent economic weapon. WSJ's Chief Foreign-Affairs Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov reports on the steep price Iran wants to end the war. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Escalating Crisis at the Strait of Hormuz

- Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War?
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Americans Are Now a Target in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Mar 23, 2026

Learn more about our L.A. live show here!

Click here to see the Wall Street Journal’s full visual investigation.

American citizens are being targeted in the government's immigration enforcement operations. That's according to a Wall Street Journal visual investigation that reviewed thousands of videos, social media posts, and court documents. WSJ's Hannah Critchfield breaks down the Journal's findings, and explains how the government's actions are impacting free speech in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Kristi Noem’s $200 Million Mistake

- The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents
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Fertility Inc.: One Dad, One Hundred Babies Mar 20, 2026

In the third episode from the fringes of the fertility industry, The Journal examines the rise of the surrogacy superuser. In the absence of meaningful regulation, the industry has enabled a new phenomenon of wealthy foreign men having dozens of children via surrogacy in the U.S. Ryan Knutson speaks with WSJ’s Katherine Long, who reports on the strange case of Xu Bo, a Chinese tech entrepreneur on a mission to have a mega-family.

Further Listening:

- Fertility Inc.: ‘Our Money Was Gone’

- Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill

- Listen to all the Fertility Inc. episodes

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Is Cuba on the Brink of Collapse? Mar 19, 2026

President Trump’s oil blockade is grinding Cuba’s economy to a standstill, spreading unrest and intensifying pressure on the Communist regime. On Monday, the island nation’s obsolete power grid collapsed, causing blackouts across the country and exposing the magnitude of its economic implosion. WSJ’s Vera Bergengruen explains the U.S. pressure campaign and its impact. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues

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How Gamblers Are Rigging College Basketball Mar 18, 2026

Earlier this year, federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment alleging a widespread cheating scandal in D1 college basketball. WSJ's Jared Diamond reports on how this scandal unfolded, where endorsement deals come in, and how it might affect this year's March Madness tournament. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps
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Big Banks vs. Big Crypto Mar 17, 2026

Congress is moving to increase regulation over the crypto industry with the CLARITY Act. But the potential legislation has provoked a big clash between crypto companies like Coinbase and traditional banks over rewards that function a lot like interest. WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explores the tension and the impact the new bill could have on both industries. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto

- Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance

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The Ticketmaster Breakup Trial Just Got Messier Mar 16, 2026

Just one week into the blockbuster antitrust trial between the Justice Department and Live Nation, the two parties reached a tentative agreement. WSJ’s Dave Michaels explores a deal that would allow the dominant concert promoter to keep ownership of Ticketmaster, a potential monopoly the DOJ had been concerned about for years. But for a coalition of state attorneys general who were also part of the original lawsuit, the deal wasn't good enough. Jessica Mendoza speaks to North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson about why he didn’t sign onto the agreement and what he’s looking for as the case continues.

Further Listening:

- The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster

- Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill

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Fertility Inc.: ‘Our Money Was Gone’ Mar 13, 2026

The Journal’s investigation into the wild west of the fertility industry continues, this time from an intended parent’s perspective. Ryan Knutson speaks with AnnaMaria Gallozzi, who wanted to have a child through surrogacy after a cancer diagnosis. Gallozzi and her husband set aside a large sum of money, but they lost it all when the escrow company entrusted with that cash defrauded them. WSJ’s Ben Foldy walks us through the complicated legal battle, and reveals how a lack of oversight has exposed hopeful parents to fraud.

Further Listening:

- The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children

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The Escalating Crisis at the Strait of Hormuz Mar 12, 2026

The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global economic disruption and created a major military and political challenge for the Trump Administration. WSJ's Jared Malsin explores the militarization of the strait, the options for its reopening and the risks of a prolonged closure of the world’s most important energy-transport route. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War?

- The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles

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The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles Mar 11, 2026

Since the start of the war in Iran, the U.S. and regional allies have relied on American-made Patriot missile systems to counteract Iran’s airstrikes. But WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski reports that production shortfalls are draining reserves. This urgent math problem is not only straining U.S defenses around the world, it’s also creating an existential crisis for another country seeking to defend itself: Ukraine. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War?

- Trump’s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran

- What’s Next for Iran?

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The Battle Over AI in Warfare Mar 10, 2026

Anthropic is taking the Trump administration to court, after the Trump administration designated the AI company a security threat and tried to cancel its federal contracts. The move brings the ongoing battle between the two sides to new heights. WSJ’s Keach Hagey explains Anthropic’s ‘red lines’ at the heart of the saga, how rival OpenAI stepped in to make its own deal with the Pentagon, and what all of this could mean for the future of Anthropic’s business. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Anthropic’s Pentagon Problems

- The AI Economic Doomsday Report That Shook Wall Street

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Kristi Noem’s $200 Million Mistake Mar 09, 2026

Kristi Noem brought a camera-ready leadership style to the Department of Homeland Security. Now, after a turbulent year leading the agency, Trump has fired her. WSJ's Michelle Hackman takes us behind the scenes of her controversial tenure and what led to her downfall. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz

- Inside ICE's Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants

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Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill Mar 06, 2026

Reproductive technology is a modern miracle. It's made it possible for millions of people to become parents who might otherwise not have been able to. But growing demand has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry that’s largely unregulated in the U.S.

In our first episode looking at the wild west of the fertility industry, Ryan Knutson speaks with a three-time surrogate who ended up in a big legal battle. Nia Trent-Wilson was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt after a family didn’t pay up after delivery. WSJ’s Katherine Long reports on how the industry fosters a dramatic power imbalance between surrogates and intended parents.

Further Listening:

- The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children

- America’s Maternal Health Crisis

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Inside the Nasty Fight to Take Over Hollywood Mar 05, 2026

After a months-long bidding war, Paramount Skydance has secured a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, snatching the media giant away from Netflix. WSJ’s Joe Flint breaks down how Paramount CEO David Ellison pulled off the $81 billion takeover and what this debt-heavy merger means for the future of entertainment and news. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Man Who Wants Netflix to Save Hollywood

- She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News.

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Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War? Mar 04, 2026

The conflict with Iran has raised energy prices and sent shock waves through markets. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng explains what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, an Iran-controlled waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil supply typically travels. And WSJ’s Harriet Torry breaks down what this could mean for consumers and inflation in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump’s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran

- U.S. and Israel Attack Iran

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Trump’s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran Mar 03, 2026

The U.S.’s war with Iran has entered its fourth day. The Trump administration has given several reasons for initiating attacks on Iran. All of them are coming under scrutiny. WSJ's Alex Ward discusses the intelligence President Trump is using for his case for war and explores the challenges ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- What’s Next for Iran?

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What’s Next for Iran? Mar 02, 2026

After a joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has launched its own strikes in return. Now, the Middle East is on a path to a broader regional war. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains the Iranian regime's existential fight and how its retaliation is drawing in countries around the region. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Bank Collapse Behind Iran's Protests

- What Happened on Camp Swamp Road?

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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 6: Your Side, Their Side and the Truth Mar 01, 2026

If you want to start on episode one, or hear the full series up to this point, click on this playlist.

Jennifer Spivey Foley has her day in court. After a long hearing with new evidence, a judge decides whether Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams should have immunity under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law for the killing of her brother Scott. WSJ’s Valerie Bauerlein reports from the courtroom.

Read the Reporting:

Follow the Story:

- Camp Swamp Road Playlist

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U.S. and Israel Attack Iran Feb 28, 2026

A special episode from our sister podcast, What’s News.

The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership and military assets in an attack that risked sparking a wider conflict in one of the most economically sensitive regions in the world.

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The AI Economic Doomsday Report That Shook Wall Street Feb 27, 2026

A viral blog post by a relatively unknown research firm sent the stock market on a wild ride this week. The post by Citrini Research tapped into a new strain of fears about artificial intelligence, painting a dark portrait of a future in which technological change leads to mass white collar unemployment. WSJ’s David Uberti explains why Wall Street is jumpy about the prospects for AI. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun
- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

And listen to Camp Swamp Road, full playlist here.
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How One Company Is Navigating a New Era of Tariff Uncertainty Feb 26, 2026

Newell Brands, the Atlanta-based maker of dozens of household brands including Rubbermaid, Coleman and Yankee Candle, paid more than $170 million in tariffs last year. Newell’s CEO Chris Peterson tells Jessica Mendoza that those tariffs hurt business and the company is considering requesting a refund. He also talks about plans to bring more manufacturing to America. One of its brands, Sharpie, is now almost completely made in the United States. But making that happen wasn’t easy.

Further Listening:

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Inside Mexico's Decision to Take Down a Drug Lord Feb 25, 2026

After Mexican authorities killed El Mencho, the country’s most powerful drug lord, his cartel responded with violence across the country. The operation came amid pressure from the U.S. government on Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum. WSJ’s José De Córdoba explains the power struggle that will ensue among the cartels and what it means for the global drug trade. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In
- Drug Cartels' New Weapon: Chinese Money Launderers

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A Chinese Manufacturer Came to Ohio. Its Rivals Are Struggling to Compete. Feb 24, 2026

President Trump has spent much of the past year trying to pump up international investment in U.S. factories. He's promised to bring back jobs that have moved overseas. WSJ’s Gavin Bade investigates a Chinese automotive glass plant in the Ohio heartland and explores the risks when America’s biggest rival sets up shop. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B.

- How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

- The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

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Anthropic’s Pentagon Problems Feb 23, 2026

Anthropic is feuding with the U.S. military, despite their massive $200 million contract. The company says that its AI model, Claude, cannot be used for weapons development or surveillance. The Pentagon is pushing back against those limitations. WSJ's Amrith Ramkumar joins Jessica Mendoza to explain why the Department of Defense is now threatening to label Anthropic a supply chain risk.

Further Listening:

- AI Bots Have Social Media Now. It Got Weird Fast.

- Vibe Coding Could Change Everything

- Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame.

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Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B. Feb 20, 2026

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump’s global tariffs are illegal. It is the first time the Supreme Court has definitively struck down one of Trump’s second-term policies, saying the president went too far in enacting his most sweeping tariffs without clear authorization from Congress. WSJ’s Gavin Bade unpacks the ruling and discusses Trump’s next steps. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump's Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade

- How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

- The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

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In a Landmark Trial, Zuckerberg Takes the Stand Feb 19, 2026

Yesterday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a first-of-its-kind trial with one central question: Are social media platforms causing mental health disorders among young people? The plaintiff argues that platforms like Instagram are designed to keep children addicted, potentially bypassing long-standing legal shields that have protected tech companies in the past. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky takes us inside the courtroom for Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony and explains why this trial could impact thousands of other cases. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

- “The Facebook Files’ from The Journal.

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The Flu Shot Drama at the FDA Feb 18, 2026

The Food and Drug Administration agreed to begin a review of biotech company Moderna’s application to make a new seasonal flu shot available. The decision comes after the FDA initially refused to review the company's application. It's a back and forth that reveals increased turmoil within the agency. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte takes us inside the FDA’s unexpected reversals and explores what’s next for the mRNA flu vaccine. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust

- Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA

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Insiders Are Cashing In on Prediction Markets Feb 17, 2026

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are booming, but they’re facing questions about users betting on information that is not publicly available, from Super Bowl performances to geopolitical crises. Advocates for the platforms say they are "truth machines" but critics say they’re a new vehicle for insider trading. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains how users are making fortunes, and why regulators are starting to take notice. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- How ‘The Joker’ Rigged the Texas Lottery

- How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports
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The Viral Band Trying to Sing Its Way to a U.S. Visa Feb 16, 2026

Boy Throb is a new boy band going viral on social media, but member Darshan Magdum is stuck in India. To get him to the U.S., the band needs to convince the United States government that Darshan qualifies for an "extraordinary ability" visa, the type of thing that’s often reserved for Olympians and scientists. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains the visa process and Boy Throb tells Jessica Mendoza about their unconventional quest to get their fourth member stateside.

Further Listening:

- Are Waymos Driving More Like Humans?

- Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession

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The Growing Fallout From the Epstein Files Feb 13, 2026

The Justice Department recently released millions of additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. These files detailed Epstein’s expansive social and business network and reveal how the disgraced financier maintained ties with the global elite. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar discusses the new revelations, the fallout for those named in the documents, and the impact of unredacted victim information. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein
- How Jeffrey Epstein Made His Money
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California Billionaires Are Freaking Out Over a New Tax Proposal Feb 12, 2026

An influential California labor union is gathering signatures for a proposed asset tax on billionaires. But some of California’s ultra-wealthy are threatening to pack their bags — leaving the state’s tax revenue in the balance. WSJ’s Laura J. Nelson explains what’s potentially at stake and why a billionaire exodus is harder than simply renting a truck. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

- Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong

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China's Disappearing Generals Feb 11, 2026

President Xi Jinping has solidified control over China's military after firing his top general Zhang Youxia in an unprecedented military purge that has sent shockwaves through the country. The allegations against Zhang include corruption and a nuclear secrets leak. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains how this move potentially gives Xi more room to pursue his long-standing goal of reunifying with Taiwan. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

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Walmart’s Former CEO on the Company’s Turnaround Feb 10, 2026

Doug McMillon was Walmart's CEO for more than ten years, overseeing the company's return to retail success. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer sat down with him to talk about Walmart's turnaround, its future and a CEO's role in politics. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon

- The 20000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary

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AI Bots Have Social Media Now. It Got Weird Fast. Feb 09, 2026

There’s a new social media platform for AI agents, but things are getting weird. It’s called Moltbook, and agents use it to apparently talk about things like coding and dating profiles, but also about overthrowing their human overlords and forming their own lobster religion. Initially, Moltbook shocked even some of the most experienced AI researchers, but how much of that is just humans messing around? WSJ’s Angel Au Yeung explains what’s actually happening on the site and how it came to be. Ryan Knuston hosts.

Further Listening:

Vibe Coding Could Change Everything

AI Has Come for Advertising

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Elon Musk’s $1.25 Trillion Megamerger Feb 06, 2026

This week, SpaceX and xAI, two companies controlled by Elon Musk, merged into a $1.25 trillion company. The deal combines a successful rocket and satellite business with an AI startup. Musk says the goal is to put AI data centers in earth’s orbit. WSJ’s Berber Jin reports on the deal. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

The Woman Behind SpaceX

Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame.

Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue

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Republican Megadonor Ken Griffin on Trump's Economy Feb 05, 2026

Billionaire investor and CEO Ken Griffin runs one of the world’s most successful hedge funds, Citadel. He’s also a Republican who has been outspokenly critical of some of President Trump’s policies. Griffin sat down with WSJ Editor in Chief Emma Tucker at WSJ Invest Live to discuss his concerns about political uncertainty, the dangers of crony capitalism and the erosion of ethics in public service.

Further Listening:

- JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy

- It’s Almost 2026. How’s the Economy

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Vibe Coding Could Change Everything Feb 04, 2026

Vibe coding, the process of turning a text prompt into actual software, has taken the AI world by storm. And it has investors in everything from software to legal services nervous. WSJ’s Joanna Stern and Ben Cohen tell us about their experience using Claude Code to develop an article. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun

Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame.

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The Dollar Is Weaker. Is That a Good Thing? Feb 03, 2026

Over the last year, the dollar has been declining in value. And last week, President Donald Trump said he wasn’t concerned about the recent slide. WSJ’s Greg Ip explains how a weaker dollar fits into Trump’s broader economic strategy to boost U.S. growth. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Is the New Fed Chair?

- It's Almost 2026. How’s the Economy?

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How Kraft Lost Its Mac and Cheese Crown Feb 02, 2026

Kraft macaroni and cheese has been a household staple for decades. But owing to shifting consumer tastes towards healthier options and a tumultuous corporate shakeup, Kraft’s status as the big cheese is slipping. WSJ’s Jesse Newman reports on how Kraft lost its dominance in the mac and cheese aisle, and what the company plans on doing about it. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Kraft Heinz’s Big Breakup
- ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper
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Who Is the New Fed Chair? Jan 30, 2026

President Trump will be nominating former Fed official Kevin Warsh to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos profiles the pick, explores the lingering issues Trump has with the current Fed chair and details the implications for the U.S. economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin

- Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation?

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A Wall Street Legend and His Penthouse Sex Dungeon Jan 29, 2026

Howard Rubin is a Wall Street legend, famous in the 1980s and ‘90s for being a risk-loving star trader. He also allegedly was involved in secret sex trafficking for years, hidden in a midtown penthouse. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel traces the saga and explains the allegations of abuse that ultimately led to Rubin’s arrest. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients

- Behind the Scenes at Davos, Claims of a Toxic Boss

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Can $60 Billion Boost Disney's Theme Park Magic? Jan 28, 2026

Disney’s largest source of revenue is its theme parks and cruises. The people responsible for designing those attractions are the secretive Imagineers. WSJ’s Ben Fritz reports that the company is spending $60 billion to create more Disney magic and it's up to the Imagineers to make it work. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Disney’s Big AI Dilemma
- Disney Gets Into Gambling

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Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Jan 27, 2026

Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer who had a child with Elon Musk, sued Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, alleging that its chatbot Grok generated and shared nonconsensual, sexually explicit images of her. St. Clair’s lawsuit is emblematic of the thorny legal issues that surround new AI tools and deepfakes. It also confronts the question: Who is responsible for the content that users prompt chatbots to create? Jessica Mendoza spoke with St. Clair’s lawyer, Carrie Goldberg, about the lawsuit.

Further Listening:

- Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue

- How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink

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Are We at a Turning Point in Minneapolis? Jan 26, 2026

Over the weekend, a federal officer shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis. WSJ’s Joe Barrett describes how events unfolded in the wake of Pretti’s killing, and WSJ’s Michelle Hackman breaks down how ICE tactics have led to clashes with local residents. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents

The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities

Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz

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For Many Kids on ADHD Pills, It’s the Start of a Drug Cascade Jan 23, 2026

Danielle Gansky was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at age 7. Soon, she was prescribed a daily cocktail of powerful psychiatric drugs that she would be on for years. A new Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that children who start on ADHD medication at a young age are more than five times as likely to be prescribed additional psychiatric drugs. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran breaks down that investigation. WSJ’s Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is America on Too Many Psychiatric Drugs?

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The Woman Behind SpaceX Jan 22, 2026

Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, has overseen the rise of the rocket and satellite company. She’s also maintained a long relationship with the company’s CEO Elon Musk. Now, with a potential IPO looming, WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg reports on how expansive Shotwell’s role is, and explains the big year ahead. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door
- Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX
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The Power Grid's AI Problem Jan 21, 2026

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is straining the U.S. power grid and driving up electricity prices. Tech giants and politicians are scrambling to determine who will pay for the massive infrastructure needed to keep the lights on. WSJ's Jennifer Hiller explains what this energy crisis means for the future of the power industry. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Has Come for Advertising

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How Far Will Trump Go to Get Greenland? Jan 20, 2026

Over the weekend, President Trump intensified calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a territory controlled by Denmark. WSJ’s Max Colchester explains how European leaders are reacting to Trump’s push for the arctic island, and what might happen next. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?

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Are Waymos Driving More Like Humans? Jan 19, 2026

In this mini-episode of The Journal, WSJ's Katherine Bindley investigates a recent change in behavior among San Francisco’s ubiquitous Waymos, the self-driving robotaxis. Suddenly, the cars are behaving less like deferential drivers and more like New York cabbies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Waymo Won Over San Francisco

- The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here

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Inside the Black Market for High School Football Players Jan 16, 2026

From a young age, it was clear that Phillip Bell was a football phenom. He got his first college scholarship offer in middle school. But that talent drew Bell into Southern California’s unruly youth football black market. In that system, high schoolers and their families are paid millions to play football. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on a system that ultimately tore Phillip Bell's family apart. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports

- Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL

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The Bank Collapse Behind Iran's Protests Jan 15, 2026

For the past two weeks, Iran has been consumed by protests that have resulted in a heavy government crackdown with deaths estimated in the thousands. But the prelude to the unrest wasn’t just political. It stemmed from a deep financial crisis, and specifically, as WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains, the collapse of an obscure and indebted bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Iran Retaliates After U.S. Strike. How Could This End?

- Iran May Be Running Out of Options

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Oil Companies Aren't Sold on Venezuela Jan 14, 2026

President Donald Trump's sweeping plan for Venezuelan oil is coming into focus. It includes cutting off illicit oil exports, gaining more control over Venezuela's state-run oil company and rebuilding infrastructure. Some of these goals require the participation of U.S. oil companies, but those companies are reluctant to invest in the still-unstable country. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains Trump's gambit to bring down oil prices and reshape the global oil market. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Was Maduro's Capture About Oil?

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Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation? Jan 13, 2026

After receiving grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department last week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the investigation was part of a pressure campaign to get the Fed to lower interest rates. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains how the investigation could change who controls monetary policy in the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It’s Hard to Tell

- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin

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How to Be an Intelligent Investor in 2026 Jan 12, 2026

An AI bubble. Geopolitical turmoil. Inflation and interest rates. These things and more could rock the stock market in 2026, and investors have to be prepared. WSJ’s Jason Zweig, writer of The Intelligent Investor column and newsletter, discusse s how investors can best set up their portfolios for the new year and breaks down his outlook for the year ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- It's Almost 2026. How’s the Economy?

- Investment Accounts for Babies Are Coming. Wall Street Can’t Wait.

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A Son Blames ChatGPT for His Father's Murder-Suicide Jan 09, 2026

In August, a troubled man named Stein-Erik Soelberg killed his mother and took his own life. In the months leading up to the tragedy, Soelberg had been engaging in delusion-filled conversations with ChatGPT. Now, his mother’s estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, and Soelberg’s son Erik wants the tech giant to take responsibility for a product that he believes deepened his father’s decline. WSJ’s Julie Jargon tells Ryan Knutson about the challenges facing OpenAI when it comes to mental health.

Further Listening:

- A Troubled Man and His Chatbot

- OpenAI’s ‘Code Red’ Problem

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The Man Who Wants Netflix to Save Hollywood Jan 08, 2026

Netflix is in a high-stakes fight to buy storied movie studio Warner Bros. The company has a $72 billion deal in hand, but rival Paramount isn't going down without a fight. At the helm of the streaming giant is co-CEO Ted Sarandos, whose strategies have helped transform the entertainment industry. WSJ’s Joe Flint says that Hollywood’s creatives were once enamored with Netflix’s approaches but have grown more wary of what new changes could come with consolidation. WSJ’s Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Netflix’s Fight for Warner Just Got Harder

- China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy

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China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now Jan 07, 2026

Amid an intense trade dispute with the US, China has started looking to other markets to sell its low value items. In recent months, Chinese e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu have started homing in on Europe. But the pivot has been met with resistance by many in Europe. WSJ's Chelsey Dulaney reports on the evolving China-Europe trade dynamic. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is Trump Winning His Trade War?

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Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy Jan 06, 2026

Since World War II, U.S. geopolitical strategy prioritized global trade and building alliances, especially with democracies. Now, after his action in Venezuela, President Trump is ushering in a new era of American foreign policy that is focused primarily on territory and resources. WSJ’s chief economics commentator Greg Ip breaks down the moment, its historical context, and what’s next. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Was Maduro's Capture About Oil?

- Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?

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Was Maduro's Capture About Oil? Jan 05, 2026

For months, the U.S. sold its pressure campaign against Venezuela as a way to curtail drug trafficking. Now, after a surprise military operation on Saturday that led to the capture of President Nicolàs Maduro, U.S. oil companies have a path to regaining access to one of the world’s largest oil reserves. But WSJ’s Collin Eaton explains why getting companies to flock back to Venezuela will be a massive challenge. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Make Money Not War: Trump’s Plan for Peace in Ukraine

- Why Is the U.S. Giving Billions to Argentina?

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Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026! Dec 29, 2025

The stories that defined 2025, the themes to watch in 2026. Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza hear from top editors across the paper. Plus, Ryan's bold proposal to switch Christmas and Valentine's Day.
Thanks for listening to the show in 2025. We’ll see you in 2026!

Listen to Ryan and Jess’s playlist of their Greatest Hits of 2025.

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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 5: Jacksonville Dec 23, 2025

According to a WSJ analysis, the epicenter for Stand Your Ground killings is in the state where the laws were first enacted: Florida. From 2021 through 2024, the Jacksonville area had a larger share of its homicides classified as justifiable killings by civilians than any U.S. city or county with a population greater than 500,000. WSJ’s Hannah Critchfield reports on the law’s unintended consequences and one case labelled as a self-defense killing, where no killer came forward at all. Valerie Bauerlein hosts and reveals a major update on the Scott Spivey case.

Read the Reporting:

- The Self-Defense Cases That Made Jacksonville No. 1 in Legal Homicides

- 29 Shots in 24 Seconds: How a Killing Was Cast as Self-Defense

Follow the Story:

- Camp Swamp Road Playlist

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Drug Cartels' New Weapon: Chinese Money Launderers Dec 22, 2025

Federal officials say Chinese money launderers moved more than $300 billion in illicit transactions through U.S. banks and other financial institutions in recent years. WSJ’s Dylan Tokar explores the rise of these highly lucrative schemes and former federal prosecutor Julie Shemitz takes us inside the federal investigation to bring them down. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank's $3 Billion Fine

- Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In

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It's Almost 2026. How’s the Economy? Dec 19, 2025

How did the U.S. economy do in 2025? With unemployment ticking up, tariffs shaking up global trade and the stock market booming, it has been hard to make sense of it all. Ryan Knutson talks with three WSJ economics reporters–Justin Lahart, Rachel Wolfe and Jeanne Whalen– about the state of the economy as we wrap up the year, and about what to expect in 2026.

Further Listening:

- Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It's Hard to Tell

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The Battle Over a Church Worth Millions Dec 18, 2025

After a historic church in the heart of Nashville was taken over by a businessman, the family of the church’s original founder, including Christian pop star Amy Grant, says the building was “steeple-jacked.” The businessman leading the church denies the allegations. WSJ’s Cameron McWhirter explains to Ryan Knutson why many American churches are vulnerable to a hostile takeover.

Further Listening:

- ‘Exmo’ Influencers Are Taking On Mormonism

- The Financial Mess Facing the Vatican

- Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI

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How the ‘Chemtrails’ Conspiracy Theory Is Sabotaging One Company Dec 17, 2025

Cloud seeding is a decades-old rain-making technology, and it’s making a comeback in drought-stricken western states. Utah is partnering with a startup called Rainmaker as they try to stabilize the Great Salt Lake, assisted by drones and AI. But those efforts are colliding with weather conspiracy theories that have only gotten more persistent after some blamed Rainmaker for deadly floods in Texas last year. Jessica Mendoza spoke to the company’s CEO Agustus Doricko about their projects, and WSJ’s Kris Maher explains the growing movement for states to ban weather modification despite scientific consensus.

Further Listening:

- Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study

- Is Asheville No Longer a 'Climate Haven?'

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How Robinhood’s CEO Became a Cult Hero Dec 16, 2025

Risky investing strategies are on the rise, and Robinhood’s CEO Vlad Tenev is leading the charge. He’s built the company’s trading app not just to buy and sell ordinary stocks, but to make it easier to invest in more exotic financial products. WSJ’s Hannah Erin Lang profiles Tenev and explores the extraordinary success his company has had over the past year. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Free Trading Isn't Free: How Robinhood Makes Money

- ‘To The Moon’ From the Journal

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Compass vs. Zillow: The Real Estate Wars Dec 15, 2025

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin wants to change the way Americans buy and sell homes by encouraging sellers to list their homes privately when they first hit the market. That strategy is challenging companies like Zillow, which have made information about home listings accessible to buyers. WSJ’s Nicole Friedman explains why Compass wants to overhaul the real estate market, and why Zillow is putting up a fight. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- A Case of Conspiracy in Real Estate

- Think It's Expensive to Buy a Home? Try Owning One.

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AI Has Come for Advertising Dec 12, 2025

While some viewers complain that AI-generated ads look uncanny, brands like Coca-Cola are making them anyway. WSJ’s Katie Deighton explains how Coke remade their iconic “Holidays Are Coming” ad with artificial intelligence, and what that signals for the ad industry’s future. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How a $1.5 Billion Settlement Could Alter the Course of AI
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OpenAI's 'Code Red' Problem Dec 11, 2025

OpenAI kickstarted the AI race, but is it now at risk of falling behind Google? As the company behind ChatGPT releases its latest update to fend off Google's Gemini, WSJ’S Berber Jin explains OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's urgent "code red" memo to all employees and why the strategy will come at a cost. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs - The Journal.

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Investment Accounts for Babies Are Coming. Wall Street Can’t Wait. Dec 10, 2025

Starting next year, babies born from 2025 to 2028 can receive $1,000 to start investment accounts. The initiative has gotten corporate America excited, with financial institutions vying for a role in the program, and philanthropists like Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell pledging billions of dollars in donations. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy unpacks how the accounts work and why Wall Street is buzzing about them. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Closing the Wealth Gap With a Trust Fund for Babies

- The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips in China

- Inside Intel's Deal With the U.S. Government

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The Tech CEO Leading Nvidia's Main Rival Dec 09, 2025

Earlier this year, OpenAI and chip-designer Advanced Micro Devices, or AMD, announced a multibillion-dollar partnership to collaborate on AI data centers that will run on AMD processors, one of the most direct challenges yet to industry leader Nvidia. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan spoke to the CEO of AMD Lisa Su about the deal, her company and the prospect of an AI bubble. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- CoreWeave, the Company Riding the AI Boom

- The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft's Bromance

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Netflix’s Fight for Warner Just Got Harder Dec 08, 2025

This morning, Paramount Skydance launched a $77.9 billion hostile takeover offer for Warner Bros. Discovery. It occurred just days after Warner had agreed to a $72 billion deal with Netflix. WSJ’s Joe Flint reports on the twists and turns of the battle to control Warner and, if Netflix succeeds, how it would change Hollywood. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

- She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News.

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Make Money Not War: Trump’s Plan for Peace in Ukraine Dec 05, 2025

The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace in Ukraine through business deals. To Europe’s dismay, President Trump and his envoy are on board. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson take us inside the Trump administration's new approach to diplomacy with Russia and how it could shake up the U.S.'s longstanding alliances. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Is Ready to Send Missiles to Ukraine

- Inside the Hunt for Putin's Sleeper Agents

- The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire

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California's Wine Industry Is in Crisis Dec 04, 2025

The U.S. wine industry hasn’t had it this bad since Prohibition. WSJ’s Laura Cooper reports from Sonoma County, California, a major region for American wine production, on why growers are drowning in unsold grapes, shrinking demand and trade-war fallout. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Wants Non-Alcoholic Beer? Everyone, Apparently.

- Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

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Is America on Too Many Psychiatric Drugs? Dec 03, 2025

As part of a year-long investigation, WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran and Betsy McKay have been reporting on two of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in America: benzodiazepines and antidepressants. These drugs weren’t intended for long-term use, but some Americans end up on them for years. Betsy and Shalini spoke to many patients who experienced the downsides. So a basic question popped up: Is America overmedicated?

Further Listening:

- A Quick Fix for Hair Loss Is Making Some Men Sick

- Uncontrolled Substances, Part 1: Subscribe and Prescribe

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China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy Dec 02, 2025

An escalating artificial intelligence race between China and the U.S. is drawing comparisons to the Cold War, and is likely to be just as consequential. As the technology barrels ahead from ChatGPT to DeepSeek and beyond, the competition is now primarily focused on advanced computer chips, but some worry that the race to innovate will lead to loosening safety regulations. WSJ’s Josh Chin explains China’s strategy to Ryan Knutson.

Further Listening:

- CoreWeave, the Company Riding the AI Boom

- What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.

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Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less Dec 01, 2025

Quince is seemingly everywhere. Since launching in 2018, the brand has built an e-commerce empire that brings in $1.1 billion annually, and has catapulted to the top of the "dupe" economy. But the company’s strategy of making its own versions of best-selling products has run into some pushback from competitors. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber takes us inside Quince’s strategy and ensuing legal battles. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Smucker, Trader Joe's and a Battle Over PB&Js

- Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus?

- How Target Got Off Target

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The Case of the Missing $15 Billion Fortune: Part 2 Nov 26, 2025

After Hermès heir Nicolas Puech announced his $15 billion fortune was missing, accusations started flying. Who had taken the money? Was it his handyman? His financial advisor? Puech himself? In this second episode, WSJ’s Nick Kostov reveals the answer in what could be the fraud of the century. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

The Case of the Missing $15 Billion Fortune: Part 1

The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession

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The Case of the Missing $15 Billion Fortune: Part 1 Nov 25, 2025

Hermès is one of Europe’s most storied luxury brands, known for its Birkin bags and expensive silk scarves. One of the company’s biggest shareholders had been fifth-generation Hermès heir Nicolas Puech. But a few years ago, Puech made a shocking admission: he was out of money. And Puech’s Hermès shares, worth some $15 billion, were missing. In this first episode, WSJ’s Nick Kostov digs into one of the most baffling and epic financial sagas of this century. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession

Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore?

How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions

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Is the Hottest Investment Pokémon Cards? Nov 24, 2025

Pokémon cards are beating the benchmark S&P 500 and tech stocks like Meta. WSJ’s Krystal Hur has been talking with a few collectors that have hit it big thanks to some prized sparkly cardboard from their childhoods. But are there signs of a bubble and that we’re reaching peak Pikachu? Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The $55 Billion Deal to Take EA Private

- GameStop and the Rise of the Reddit Investor

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KFC Got Fried in the Chicken Wars. Can It Come Back? Nov 21, 2025

Kentucky Fried Chicken was once one of the biggest fast-food chain in America. Now, it’s battling declining U.S. sales as rivals attract customers with chicken sandwiches and tenders over KFC’s classic bucket of bone-in chicken. WSJ’s Heather Haddon reports on how the iconic chain is trying to turn things around. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?

- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?

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The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun Nov 20, 2025

Corporate layoffs have been rolling across American companies: Amazon, General Motors, Verizon, Target and Microsoft have all cut jobs. WSJ’s Chip Cutter takes us inside his conversations with CEOs about how hiring is changing, and what the AI era means for jobs. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The fed Says it’s Hard to Tell

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Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Epstein Files and a MAGA Feud Nov 19, 2025

Once one of President Trump’s most strident allies, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is now arguing the president is out of touch with his political base. Trump, in turn, has called her a “traitor” and unendorsed her. As WSJ’s Olivia Beavers reports, Greene was one of a few Republicans who broke with Trump this year over the release of the Justice Department’s Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Now, with those files set to be released, Greene is redefining her political identity. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein

- The Healthcare Fight at the Heart of the Longest Ever Shutdown

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Can Nike Make Its Shoes Cool Again? Nov 18, 2025

After five quarters of lagging sales and a sluggish stock price, Nike CEO Elliott Hill is trying to turn things around. WSJ’s Inti Pacheco spoke with Hill to discuss Nike's return to its roots and plans for future innovation. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course

- Made in America? Shoe Companies Already Tried That.

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Why French Museums Keep Getting Robbed Nov 17, 2025

The daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in October, during which thieves made off with more than $100 million in crown jewels, captured the world's attention. But the theft was just one in a series that have taken place at museums all across France this year. WSJ’s Noemie Bisserbe explains how the wave of heists reveals deep-rooted security vulnerabilities in the country’s hundreds of museums— and raises questions about what it takes to protect national treasures. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a Massive Museum Heist

- Six Days of Chaos at MGM's Casinos

- How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist

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The Repo Man Is Busier Than Ever Nov 14, 2025

The repossession business is booming. More Americans are falling behind on their car payments, a sign that lower-income consumers are struggling. WSJ’s Scott Calvert recently joined a night shift with two repo men and learned that despite a record number of cars now marked for repossession, finding them is easier said than done. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- For Millions of Student-Loan Borrowers It’s Time to Pay

- The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager’s Six-Figure Salary

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How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S. Nov 13, 2025

Americans could soon lose access to Italian-made pasta due to a 107% tariff plan on pasta imports. WSJ's Margherita Stancati unravels how a fight over paperwork spiraled into a full-blown pasta war. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs

- The Bean at the Center of the Trade War

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CoreWeave, the Company Riding the AI Boom Nov 12, 2025

WSJ’s Dan Gallagher takes us inside the little-known company playing a pivotal role in the AI spending boom. And Jessica Mendoza speaks to CoreWeave CEO Mike Intrator at WSJ Tech Live conference about whether the boom could be a bubble.

Further Listening:

- The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft's Bromance

- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood

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Hollywood Jobs Are Disappearing Nov 10, 2025

Work in Los Angeles’s entertainment industry is evaporating. A desire to cut production costs, changing viewer habits, and competition from other filming locations are all contributing to a dramatic reduction in Hollywood jobs. WSJ’s Ben Fritz explains how the city’s creative middle class is bearing the burden. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Case of the Hollywood Shutdown

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Tesla Gives Elon Musk a $1 Trillion Pay Package Nov 07, 2025

Shareholders at Tesla approved the most valuable pay package ever for Elon Musk in an effort to bring his attention back to the company. The CEO will have to hit a number of milestones to get the full value of the package, including shifting Tesla’s focus to developing robotaxis and humanoid robots. WSJ’s Becky Peterson breaks down the complicated plan with Jessica Mendoza.

Further Listening:

Why GM Is Slamming the Brakes on EV Ambitions

Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue

Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

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Will Trump’s Tariffs Survive the Supreme Court? Nov 06, 2025

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could reverse President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, and potentially upend the central piece of his economic policy. WSJ’s James Romoser breaks down the case on both sides and explains why some conservative justices are skeptical of Trump administration’s argument for the tariffs. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

The Supreme Court’s Season Finale, Explained

Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary

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The Man Leading Trump’s AI Charge Against China Nov 05, 2025

At WSJ’s Tech Live, Jessica Mendoza sits down with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to discuss the pivotal moment in the U.S.-China AI race, how he thinks AI should be regulated, and whether or not the AI boom might be a bubble.

Further Listening:

- How a $1.5 Billion Settlement Could Alter the Course of AI

- The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips in China

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The Healthcare Fight at the Heart of the Longest Ever Shutdown Nov 04, 2025

The debate over healthcare subsidies has shut down the federal government for a historic length of time. With open enrollment underway, many Americans who pay for plans under the Affordable Care Act are experiencing sticker shock. Some costs have doubled, tripled, or even quintupled. WSJ’s Anna Wilde Matthews takes us inside the hefty premium hikes and explains why the high price tag could have an impact on the system as a whole. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Healthcare Costs of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill

-Medicare, Inc. Part 1: How Insurers Make Billions From Medicare

-Medicare Inc. Part 2: Taxpayers Paid for care Denied by Insurers

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The Waldorf Renovation: Over Budget, Past Deadlines, a Man Imprisoned Nov 03, 2025

The historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel has reopened after an eight year saga that went $1 billion over budget. WSJ’s Craig Karmin takes us inside the deal to buy the hotel, the arrest of its new owner and the Chinese government’s takeover. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Six Days of Chaos at MGM’s Casinos
- The Missing Minister

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The Witch Economy Is Booming Oct 31, 2025

The Etsy witch trend has taken witchcraft into the mainstream. These online witches are making their magical services available to anyone willing to pay for them. Want a job? Or a boyfriend? There’s a spell for that. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber explains why it pays to be a witch. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?

-Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession

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Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It's Hard to Tell Oct 30, 2025

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced a highly anticipated quarter-point cut to interest rates. But the road to future rate cuts is pretty murky. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains how missing government data is obscuring the Fed’s view of the economy, and why Fed Chair Jerome Powell says a December rate cut is “not a foregone conclusion.” Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Government Shutdown: Who Will Blink First?

- The Drama at the Fed as It Debates Cutting Rates

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Why GM Is Slamming the Brakes on EV Ambitions Oct 29, 2025

In 2021, GM and its CEO Mary Barra announced a bold plan to go all electric by 2035. But falling consumer demand and shriveling government support has undermined GM’s electric plans. Now, as Sharon Terlep reports, GM has gone from one of the industry’s loudest EV champions to a leading opponent of government emissions rules and fuel-economy standards. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

-What Happened to GM’s All-Electric Bet?

-Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk
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Smucker, Trader Joe's and a Battle Over PB&Js Oct 28, 2025

J.M. Smucker is suing Trader Joe's over trademark infringement, accusing the company of copying its pre-made Uncrustables peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explores the battle over PB&Js is part of a broader anxiety for Big Food over the rise of private-label products. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour
- Kraft Heinz’s Big Breakup
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Missing Billions and a Secretive CEO: The First Brands Bankruptcy Oct 27, 2025

Auto-parts maker First Brands Group, the company behind products like Autolite spark plugs and Fram oil filters, declared bankruptcy last month. Court filings have revealed a trove of irregularities and a $2 billion dollar hole. WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone says the bankruptcy is having an impact on the company’s lenders and on Wall Street. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump’s Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry

- How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy

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Why Is the U.S. Giving Billions to Argentina? Oct 24, 2025

Argentinians go to the polls this Sunday in the first major test of their leader, Javier Milei. Voters appear to be losing faith in his bold economic vision to resuscitate the country’s ailing economy. But Milei has a secret weapon: a close relationship with President Trump. WSJ’s Ryan Dubé explains why the U.S. government is bailing out Argentina. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Argentina’s New President Takes A Chainsaw to the Country’s Government

-The Bean at the Center of the Trade War

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Financial Influencers on Wealth and Work Oct 23, 2025

In a conversation taped at The Journal live event, entrepreneurs and influencers Vivian Tu, Haley Sacks, and Brian Kelly sat down with Jessica Mendoza to explore personal finance in the social media era; exploring everything from generational wealth to how much crypto people should have in their portfolios.

Further Listening:

Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong

We had so much fun in NYC, keep an eye out for more live events across the U.S. soon!

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No, Your Toll Payment Is Not Overdue Oct 22, 2025

Chinese criminals have made more than $1 billion from scam text messages sent out across the U.S. and the world. The texts warn of unpaid fines and lure unsuspecting victims to fork over their credit-card details. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how the scheme works and why it’s been so hard to stop. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Pig-Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist

The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts

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‘Exmo’ Influencers Are Taking On Mormonism Oct 21, 2025

Once among the world's fastest-growing religions, Mormonism is facing a 21st-century reckoning, driven by social media. Across Tiktok and Instagram an army of #exmo creators take on controversial aspects of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ history. WSJ’s Georgia Wells reports on the growing online #exmo community and how the church is pushing back. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Utah Is Regulating Mom Influencers

- The Mormon Church's $100 Billion Secret Fund

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Are Conservatives Being 'Debanked'? Oct 20, 2025

Steve Happ was packing to leave Tennessee for an evangelical mission to Uganda in 2023 when Bank of America told him it was canceling his church’s bank account and his credit cards. Happ soon became the symbol of a conservative complaint: Financial institutions are allegedly ’debanking’ people because of their religious or political views. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy on President Trump’s fight with the banks over debanking. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

-How a New 'Anti-Woke' Bank Stumbled

-Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads

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The Pentagon's UFO Coverup Oct 17, 2025

For decades, one of the biggest questions fueling conspiracy theories has been: is the U.S. government hiding secret knowledge of extraterrestrial life? But when the Pentagon started investigating, it uncovered a different kind of coverup. WSJ's Joel Schectman reports on what's in that investigation, and what the government ultimately decided to leave out of it. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations
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The Government Shutdown: Who Will Blink First? Oct 16, 2025

16 days into the government shutdown, services are unavailable and federal workers are facing instability. Both sides have dug in, with Democrats and Republicans pointing fingers at each other. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes explains what it would take to end the shutdown. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

-Why This Government Shutdown Is Different

-Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong

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Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In Oct 15, 2025

Deep in a heavily guarded mountain hideout in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains, a new drug king is reigning. He is 59-year-old Nemesio “Mencho” Oseguera and his cartel has achieved dominance capitalizing on America’s resurgent love of cocaine and the Trump administration’s escalating war on fentanyl. WSJ’s José de Córdoba recounts the rise. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- The Drug You’ve Never Heard of Wreaking Havoc Across Europe
- A Cocaine Kingpin and the Rise of Drug Violence in Europe

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Is the AI Boom… a Bubble? Oct 14, 2025

Tech giants are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on an AI building boom, constructing massive data centers like a sprawling new complex in Texas. Is this a necessary investment for the future, or are we witnessing the next tech bubble? WSJ’s Berber Jin and Eliot Brown follow the money and consider whether or not it adds up. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Artificial: The OpenAI Story

-The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

-The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft's Bromance

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The Botched Software Update That Cost $600 Million Oct 13, 2025

We’re off today for the holiday, but wanted to share this episode.

Sonos, the high-end speaker company, is still reeling from its disastrous app update over a year ago. WSJ’s Ben Cohen explains how the company lost revenue and approximately $600 million in market capitalization. Then came the layoffs and a CEO exit. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

This episode was first published in March 2025.

Further Listening:

The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers

The Snowballing Problems at Vail Resorts

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Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong Oct 10, 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has a lot to juggle, from a federal government shutdown to immigration enforcement to the state’s affordability crisis. In a conversation taped at The Journal live event, Hochul joins host Ryan Knutson to talk about how she’s managing those challenges, what her private conversations are like with President Donald Trump, and her take on New York City’s next potential mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

Further Listening:

- Why This Government Shutdown Is Different

- Is NYC’s Mayoral Race All About Rent?

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Israel and Hamas Take a Big Step Towards Peace Oct 09, 2025

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to end the war in Gaza. The deal would free the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The Trump administration hopes it is the first step towards a longer term peace. WSJ’s Shayndi Raice explains how all the parties got to the table and what big hurdles remain. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Struggle to Get Aid Into Gaza

-A Fragile Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza

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She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News. Oct 08, 2025

Paramount has acquired news and opinion website the Free Press for $150 million. The company's co-founder, Bari Weiss, has a new job as editor in chief of CBS News. She's a polarizing figure, known for her outspoken support of Israel and strong views on topics like gun rights and DEI. WSJ’s Joe Flint on why Paramount thinks CBS News needs a shakeup. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Trump’s FCC

-What Killed 'The Late Show'?

-Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

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They Won Millions for Life. Until They Didn't. Oct 07, 2025

In 2021, Tamar Veatch won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes competition run by Publishers Clearing House, the company best known for delivering oversized checks to winners. But then last April, Publishers Clearing House went bankrupt. WSJ’s Akiko Matsuda explains why the company went under, and what it means for winners like Tamar. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- How ‘The Joker’ Rigged the Texas Lottery
- How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports

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Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Wants to Be Set Free Oct 06, 2025

Last month, Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield quit the brand after 47 years, accusing parent company Unilever of not allowing the company to speak out on social issues. Host Jessica Mendoza talks to Ben Cohen, the co-founder who stayed, about why he’s not leaving, what he wants next for the company, and why political messaging is important for his ice cream brand.

Further Listening:

- Why Ben & Jerry’s Is Suing its Parent Company Over Israel

- Kraft Heinz’s Big Breakup

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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 4: That’s What Heaven Is For Oct 05, 2025

For more than two years, Jennifer Foley has been an advocate for her brother Scott Spivey. But to get the criminal investigation into his death reopened, Jennifer has to convince some of the most powerful leaders in South Carolina that this was not a Stand Your Ground case. WSJ’s Valerie Bauerlein reports.

Read the Reporting:

Police Say He Killed in Self-Defense. His Phone Tells Another Story.

‘You’re Taken Care of’: Did Police Promise to Shield a Killer?

Nobody Suspected Police Shielded a Killer Until the Dead Man’s Sister Dug In

Follow the Story:

Camp Swamp Road Playlist

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The $55 Billion Deal to Take EA Private Oct 03, 2025

A group of investors including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner’s investment firm are acquiring videogame maker Electronic Arts. The $55 billion deal is the largest leveraged buyout of all time. WSJ’s Lauren Thomas takes us inside the historic buyout, exploring the company's fandom and legacy. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

Camp Swamp Road Series

Why Microsoft Is Paying $75 Billion for Activision Blizzard

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Student-Loan Debt Is Strangling Gen X Oct 02, 2025

Gen X is barreling toward retirement with an excruciating student-loan burden. The generation that came of age in the ’80s and ’90s is now also the generation with the most student debt per borrower. WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin explains how federal policies around student debt left Gen X with such a big burden. And one Gen Xer talks about the impact student debt has had on his life. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- For Millions of Student-Loan Borrowers It's Time to Pay

- Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt

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Why This Government Shutdown Is Different Oct 01, 2025

Government funding lapsed early Wednesday morning after the White House and lawmakers failed to reach a spending deal, triggering a shutdown that is expected to halt some federal services and put hundreds of thousands of federal workers on furlough. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews takes us inside the contentious dispute and explains why the gulf between Democrats and Republicans is wider than ever. Ryan Knutson hosts.
Further Listening:
- Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy
- DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government
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Inside the Crisis at Tylenol Sep 30, 2025

Last week, President Donald Trump warned that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is a potential cause of autism. Many medical professionals say the relationship between acetaminophen and autism is inconclusive, and Trump's comments went beyond what his own administration officials recommend. Still, the press conference caused a crisis at the company that makes Tylenol, Kenvue. WSJ’s Peter Loftus on Kenvue CEO Kirk Perry’s attempts to manage the Trump Administration and the new corporate crisis. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust

- Why Coke Isn’t Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

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Trump's Case Against James Comey Sep 29, 2025

After former FBI director James Comey was indicted last week, Trump said that there may be more indictments coming. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman takes us inside the President’s push to prosecute the people he views as enemies and what this may mean for the future of the Justice Department. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Federal Reserve Under Siege

- Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein

- Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term

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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 3: A Friend in the Shadows Sep 28, 2025

On Super Bowl Sunday, Jennifer Foley opened a police file and discovered 90 recorded phone calls from her brother’s killer. To Jennifer, what she heard completely undermined Weldon Boyd’s self-defense claims. But the calls also revealed that Boyd had a powerful friend. WSJ’s Valerie Bauerlein reports.

Read the Reporting:

Nobody Suspected Police Shielded a Killer Until the Dead Man’s Sister Dug In

Follow the Story:

Camp Swamp Road Playlist

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Is Jane Goodall Fighting a Losing Battle? Sep 26, 2025

From the forests of Tanzania to the halls of power, Jane Goodall has spent her life fighting to protect wildlife. But as the planet warms and some governments retreat from environmentalism, is her mission slipping out of reach? Ryan Knutson interviews the renowned conservationist.

Further Listening

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The Bean at the Center of the Trade War Sep 25, 2025

It's officially harvest season in the American heartland. But sixth-generation Iowa farmer Scott Dierickx says he won’t be making a profit on soybeans this year. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas explains how China is using soybeans as a weapon in the trade war with the United States. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

Can a Farming Community Resist a Development Boom?

Why Farmers Are Breaking Eggs and Dumping Milk

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A $100,000 Work Visa Could Rock the Tech Industry Sep 24, 2025

The Trump Administration recently announced a new $100,000 annual fee for the coveted H-1B visa. Then the White House walked that back, saying that the charge would only apply to new visa applicants, one-time only. WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar reports on how the changes set off a wave of anxiety and confusion, especially in Silicon Valley where many H-1B visa holders work. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities
- Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz

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The Airline Industry Has a Toxic Fume Problem Sep 23, 2025

The fumes are often described as smelling like “dirty socks ” – and they’re seeping into airplane air, sickening some passengers and crew. So-called “fume events” have been a known problem in the airline industry for decades. But a new WSJ analysis shows they’re becoming more common, and their health effects can be severe. WSJ’s Benjamin Katz details his team’s investigation into fume events, which have led to emergency landings and affected pilots’ vision midflight. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Southwest Changed Flying. Can It Change Itself?

- The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines

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The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents Sep 22, 2025

The Florida Highway Patrol has taken up the Trump administration’s call for state and local law enforcement to play a bigger role in its immigration crackdown. Virtually all its officers have been trained to participate in a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement program that deputizes police to perform some of the duties of federal immigration officers. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores takes us along for a ride with some officers in the program. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz
- The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities
- "I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company.
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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 2: A Game of Telephone Sep 21, 2025

After Scott Spivey was killed in a shootout on Camp Swamp Road, his sister Jennifer Foley wanted to know what happened. But the police didn’t provide the family with answers. So, Jennifer began her own investigation. WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein goes to South Carolina to see what Jennifer uncovered.

Read the Reporting:

‘You’re Taken Care of’: Did Police Promise to Shield a Killer?

Further Listening:

Camp Swamp Road Ep. 1: Mess Around, Find Out

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Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Trump’s FCC Sep 19, 2025

Earlier this week, ABC’s late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended indefinitely by parent company Disney after Kimmel made remarks about Charlie Kirk's death. The announcement came after the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, suggested the FCC could pull the broadcast licenses of ABC-owned stations, and the owners of some of these stations said they were dropping Kimmel's show. President Donald Trump has said that broadcast networks that are “against” him might have their licenses taken away. WSJ's Maggie Severns reports on Carr's approach to the FCC and how it has led to Kimmel's suspension. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- What Killed 'The Late Show'?

- Will Paramount Settle With Trump?
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How Larry Ellison (Briefly) Became the World's Richest Person Sep 18, 2025

The Oracle co-founder is almost as wealthy as Elon Musk, and he’s in the middle of the AI revolution, the future of entertainment, and maybe even a deal for TikTok. WSJ’s Sebastian Herrera explains why, at 81 years old, Larry Ellison is more powerful than ever. Ryan Knuston hosts.

Further Listening:

Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

Is the TikTok Saga Finally Over?

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Is the TikTok Saga Finally Over? Sep 17, 2025

After a series of extended deadlines, the U.S. and China say they have a framework for a deal for the future of TikTok. Alex Leary discusses who comes out ahead.

Further Listening:

- Wait… Was That the TikTok Ban?

- The Day the Music Died on TikTok

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The Drama at the Fed as It Debates Cutting Rates Sep 16, 2025

The Federal Reserve faces a pivotal choice this week: cut interest rates to boost a cooling labor market, or hold firm to keep inflation in check. WSJ's Nick Timiraos breaks down the Fed's debate and high-stakes maneuvering as President Trump pushes to expand his influence over the central bank. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- The Federal Reserve Under Siege
- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin
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Camp Swamp Road Ep. 1: Mess Around, Find Out Sep 15, 2025

A man in rural South Carolina calls 911 about a reckless driver. A reckless driver with a gun. Minutes later, a man is killed on Camp Swamp Road. Police say this was a clear-cut case of self defense. WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein reconstructs that night using 911 calls, police dash-camera and body-camera recordings.

Read the Reporting:

Police Say He Killed in Self-Defense. His Phone Tells Another Story.

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The Bad Bunny Economy in Puerto Rico Sep 12, 2025

The musician Bad Bunny opted to hold 30 concerts in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico instead of touring the mainland United States. WSJ’s Elias Leight explains how the move has given a nearly $200 million boost to the island’s economy during a slow season for tourism. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Puerto Rico's Long Struggle to Keep the Lights On

Why Elon Musk's AI Chatbot Went Rogue

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The Killing of Charlie Kirk and the Rise of Political Violence Sep 11, 2025

Charlie Kirk, the provocative conservative influencer and confidant of President Trump, was shot and killed yesterday. He was 31. WSJ’s Aaron Zitner reports on how Kirk quickly rose to become a prominent figure in conservative politics and where things stand with the investigation into his death. He also discusses the alarming recent rise of political violence in American life. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
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How a $1.5 Billion Settlement Could Alter the Course of AI Sep 10, 2025

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Artificial intelligence company Anthropic agreed to pay at least $1.5 billion to settle a copyright infringement lawsuit over the company's use of pirated books to train large-language models. WSJ’s Melissa Korn unpacks the proposed settlement and explores what the precedent could mean for the AI industry. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

The Company Behind ChatGPT

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Introducing: Camp Swamp Road Sep 10, 2025

On September 9, 2023, in rural South Carolina, a man was killed in a shootout on Camp Swamp Road. Police said that it was a clear case of self defense, but secret recordings tell a different story. In a new true crime podcast series from The Journal, WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein unspools a shooting that might have gone unnoticed, if not for a grieving sister’s quest to find the truth.

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The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust Sep 09, 2025

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the recent decision to approve updated Covid-19 vaccines for a smaller population. In an interview with host Ryan Knutson, Makary also discusses his thoughts on restoring confidence in public health policy and explains the agency's new crackdown on pharmaceutical ads and an upcoming report that says that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could be linked to autism, among others.

Further Listening:

- The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover

- Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA

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The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities Sep 08, 2025

At a Hyundai electric vehicle factory complex in Georgia, agents from the Department of Homeland Security detained about 475 people, including hundreds of South Korean nationals. It was the biggest single site raid in the history of the department. WSJ’s Sharon Terlep went to the factory complex and explains how two of Trump’s key policies—cracking down on illegal immigration and rebuilding U.S. manufacturing—have unexpectedly collided. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz

- "I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company.

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A Troubled Man and His Chatbot Sep 05, 2025

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets are on sale now.! Tickets are on sale now.

Stein-Erik Soelberg became increasingly paranoid this spring and he shared suspicions with ChatGPT about a surveillance campaign being carried out against him. At almost every turn, his chatbot agreed with him. WSJ’s Julie Jargon details how ChatGPT fueled a troubled man’s paranoia and why AI can be dangerous for people experiencing mental health crises. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- What’s the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.
- A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.
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Private Equity Took Over a Hospital. Then It Shuttered. Sep 04, 2025

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets go on sale Friday, September 5 at 10am ET.

A hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania was acquired by a private equity firm that leveraged it to make shareholders millions. Now the facility has had to close its doors, leaving the community reeling. WSJ's Soma Biswas takes us inside the hospital’s bankruptcy and Jessica Mendoza speaks to a local emergency services executive about the impact on the local community in Chester.

Further Listening:

- Why Private Equity Is Buying Up Car Washes

- The Private Equity Lobby Wins Again

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Kraft Heinz's Big Breakup Sep 03, 2025

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets go on sale Friday, September 5, 10am ET!

Kraft Heinz, the huge company behind Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Heinz Ketchup and Kraft Mac and Cheese, is splitting in two. Behind this split is a private equity company, the MAHA movement, and the "historically bad deal” that merged Kraft and Heinz in the first place. WSJ's Jesse Newman tells Jessica Mendoza about what’s changing in America’s pantry.

Further Listening:

Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA

The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps

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Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz Sep 02, 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is trying to triple its ranks of deportation officers. Flush with cash from President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” the agency is attempting to recruit and train an additional 10,000 officers. The push comes as the White House has set a goal of a million deportations by the end of Trump’s first year in office. It’s a pace that is roughly double what ICE is currently on track to achieve. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman tells Jessica Mendoza about her visit to an ICE training center in Georgia.
Further Listening:
- "I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company.
- Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory
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The Corporate Grudge Fueling Cracker Barrel's Logo Fiasco Aug 29, 2025

Just a week after it unveiled a streamlined new design, Cracker Barrel has reversed its controversial decision to change its logo. WSJ's Heather Haddon unveils a behind the scenes corporate grudge from an activist investor who fueled the outrage.

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Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA Aug 28, 2025

The Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda has shaken big food companies already reeling from shifting consumer preferences. Cereal giant WK Kellogg, already struggling as Americans move away from cereal, is at the center of many MAHA attacks. WSJ’s Jesse Newman reports on Kellogg's journey from American icon to MAHA target. Allison Pohle hosts.

Further Listening:

The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover

Why Coke Isn’t Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

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Inside Intel's Deal With the U.S. Government Aug 27, 2025

The U.S. government is taking a 10% stake in Intel, a deal that caps a two-week frenzy for the troubled chip maker and marks the latest in a series of extraordinary private-sector interventions by President Trump. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan peels back the curtain on the unprecedented deal and shares details from the Oval Office meeting between Intel and the Trump administration. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- How Intel’s CEO Became a Political Liability
- Is American Capitalism in Retreat?
- The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips to China
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The Federal Reserve Under Siege Aug 26, 2025

After months of demands for lower interest rates, President Donald Trump is attempting to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in the most dramatic step yet in his efforts to take control of the independent central bank. As WSJ’s Matt Grossman explains, the move could allow Trump to alter the makeup of the board enough to potentially outvote Fed Chair Jerome Powell and recast the Fed in his image. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline
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How Scotts Miracle-Gro's Weed Business Went Up in Smoke Aug 25, 2025

Over a decade ago, home gardening giant Scotts Miracle-Gro made a bold push for growth in a nascent and controversial industry: cannabis. What was once the company’s lucrative bet is now a struggling business. WSJ’s Dean Seal explains how Scotts Miracle-Gro ventured into marijuana and why their early bet has shriveled up. Oyin Adedoyin hosts.

Further Listening:

How the 'Napa Valley of Cannabis' Dried Up

The Highs and Lows of Diversifying the Cannabis Industry

The Drug You’ve Never Heard of Wreaking Havoc Across Europe

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Can a Farming Community Resist a Development Boom? Aug 22, 2025

When a pro-growth mayor in rural Tennessee dies unexpectedly, his vision for development is suddenly challenged. What began as a land dispute quickly escalates into a clash of values, dividing the deep-red county over the very definition of 'conservative.' WSJ's Cameron McWhirter reports on a fight between tradition and transformation, featuring two farmers on opposing sides. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- A Fight over Buc-ee’s and the Soul of the American West
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Private Equity and Crypto Could Be Coming for Your 401k Aug 21, 2025

President Trump recently signed an executive order that could make it easier for everyday Americans to invest their retirement savings in assets that lie outside public markets, such as private equity, cryptocurrency and private real estate. WSJ’s Anne Targesen explains how 401ks have evolved, and the risks and rewards of adding these alternative assets to people’s retirement accounts. Oyin Adedoyin hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Wall Street Craze Jamie Dimon Can’t Resist. Even If It Blows Up.
- Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL
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How an NYC Suburb Is Keeping Rents Down Aug 20, 2025

When New Rochelle, NY was faced with a declining population and economy, it set out on a building spree. A decade into the effort, the city – which sits just north of New York City – actually managed to keep rents down, bucking a nationwide trend. WSJ’s Rebecca Picciotto shares how New Rochelle navigated red tape and some community opposition to build thousands of new housing units. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Is NYC’s Mayoral Race All About Rent?
- The Rise of the Yimbys
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Is American Capitalism in Retreat? Aug 19, 2025

The Trump administration has made big moves to intervene in critical industries – from computer chips to rare earth minerals to steel. WSJ’s chief economics commentator, Grep Ip, says that these efforts could suggest the U.S. might be moving away from free market capitalism and towards what he calls state capitalism, American-style. Now, Greg is wondering if the U.S. economic system is starting to look more like China’s, and if President Trump is imitating the Chinese Communist Party by extending political control ever deeper into the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips in China
- How Intel’s CEO Became a Political Liability
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The Nvidia CEO’s Quest to Sell Chips in China Aug 18, 2025

After months of quiet behind the scenes’ lobbying in both Washington and Beijing, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has secured a deal to protect tens of billions of dollars in future sales from the heated U.S.-China trade rivalry. WSJ’s Lingling Wei profiles the CEO’s transformation from co-founder to corporate lobbyist. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
Further Listening:
- How Intel’s CEO Became a Political Liability
- The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?

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The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children Aug 15, 2025

A couple in Los Angeles say they wanted a big family. Surrogates who carried their children say they were deceived. WSJ’s Katherine Long explains why an investigation into a family who say they have 22 children is raising alarm among the commercial surrogacy industry, a fast-growing and multibillion-dollar market. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis

- How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work

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Is an Algorithm Blocking Your Job Search? One Man Is Trying to Find Out. Aug 14, 2025

Derek Mobley spent years applying for jobs online after he got laid off. After more than 100 rejections, he started to wonder whether Workday – the popular online recruiting platform – was to blame. Now, Mobley is suing Workday, alleging that the company’s hiring algorithm discriminated against him. Derek shares his experience, and WSJ’s Lauren Weber explains how his lawsuit got this far. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs

What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.

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How Intel’s CEO Became a Political Liability Aug 13, 2025

President Trump has called for the resignation of Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. Tan played a key role in building up China’s chip industry, earning him the nickname “Mr. Chip.” Now his ties to China have opened him up to criticism, just as he’s struggling to turn Intel’s business around. WSJ’s Stu Woo explains how Tan attracted the President’s attention, and what it says about the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry. Annie Minoff hosts.
Further Listening:
- The Chip Business Is Booming. Why Isn't Intel?
- Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the Chips Industry
- The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?
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The Drug You’ve Never Heard of Wreaking Havoc Across Europe Aug 12, 2025

Europe has mostly been spared from the synthetic opioid crisis that has ravaged the U.S. over the past two decades. But now, a deadly new drug could be changing that: nitazenes. Up to 15 times stronger than fentanyl, nitazenes have been behind hundreds of overdose deaths in European countries over the past few years. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen on where the drug comes from and why it's doing so much damage. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Fentanyl Is Bad. ‘Tranq’ Might Be Worse.

The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl

Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue’s Settlement

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Palantir: Pariah to Power Player Aug 11, 2025

The Silicon Valley company Palantir spent years treading water as a tech outsider in the S&P 500. The company's recent success, as WSJ’s Heather Somerville reports, is due in large part to CEO Alex Karp’s ability to find opportunities in crises, as well as to the Trump administration. Michelle Hackman hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside ICE’s Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants
- Why Trump Is Ready to Send Missiles to Ukraine

- Iran May Be Running Out of Options

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The Game Making Baseball Fans Go Bananas Aug 08, 2025

There’s a new game selling out stadiums around the country: banana ball. The game’s founder, Jesse Cole, describes how he got started. And WSJ’s Jason Gay watched a game to see what Major League Baseball – and other pro sports – can learn from banana ball’s fan-first approach. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further listening:

- NCAA President on New Era for College Sports

- How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports

- The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn’t an Athlete –– It Was a TV Show

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Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus? Aug 07, 2025

An ugly-cute monster has become a global sensation. PopMart, the company behind Labubus, has leveraged blind-box packaging, scarcity and artist collaborations to turn these collectible plushies into a booming business. WSJ's Kaitlyn Wang explains the rise of the Labubu and a "Labubu influencer" describes the appeal. Michelle Hackman hosts.

Further Listening:

- How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet’s Favorite Water Bottle

- Mattel Bets Big on Barbie

- Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear?

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Disney’s Big AI Dilemma Aug 06, 2025

Disney is grappling with how to push forward into a new AI era without losing control of its valuable intellectual property. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel takes us inside the company's complicated relationship with AI and its race to figure out how to leverage the new technology for maximum gain – without putting too much at risk. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney

- Disney Gets Into Gambling

- Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World

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The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover Aug 05, 2025

Dr. Marty Makary has criticized the Food and Drug Administration for being "captured" by Big Food and Big Pharma. Now, the surgeon and former professor is in charge. In an interview with host Jessica Mendoza, the new FDA head talks about food dyes, AI, vaccines and the big changes he has in store for an agency that regulates one-fifth of consumer spending.

Further Listening:

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Trump vs. the Bureau of Labor Statistics Aug 04, 2025

On Friday, President Trump fired the top Bureau of Labor Statistics official after the government published new data showing that U.S. hiring slowed sharply this summer. The jobs report was the weakest in President Trump’s second term. WSJ’s Matt Grossman reports on the economist at the heart of the controversy, Erika McEntarfer, and on bigger concerns around data from the bureau. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin

- Is Trump Winning His Trade War?

- Is the Economy… OK?

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Is Trump Winning His Trade War? Aug 01, 2025

Over the last few months, President Donald Trump has struck numerous trade deals with countries and continues to negotiate with others. The European Union, Japan and South Korea all agreed to a tariff rate of 15%. WSJ’s Greg Ip says Trump has succeeded on his own terms and created a new trade world order, albeit a fragile one. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump’s Tariff Strategy
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline
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Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Jul 31, 2025

When President Donald Trump posted that he'd been in talks with Coca-Cola, and that the sodamaker would soon be making Coke with cane sugar, it sent the soda world into a fizz. WSJ's Laura Cooper explains why Coca-Cola and other sodamakers originally made the switch from sugar to high-fructose corn syrup and why it would be hard to go back. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:
- ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper
- Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?
- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps
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The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks Jul 30, 2025

A delicious corporate rivalry is brewing! After an accounting fraud scandal nearly derailed its rise, Luckin Coffee has become the top-selling coffee chain in China. Now it’s expanding stateside, with two new locations in New York City. WSJ’s Hannah Miao explains why Luckin’s tech-forward business model made it a winner in China, and whether Starbucks can fend off the competition by returning to its coffee house roots. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

Fraud Rocks China's Hottest Coffee Startup

The Inside Story of Starbucks's CEO Drama

The Underdog Coffee Bean That's Making a Comeback

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How Volkswagen's Electric Bus Lost Its Charge Jul 29, 2025

After decades, Volkswagen brought its iconic VW bus back to the U.S., this time as a fully electric vehicle. But after years of buzz, the new model is falling flat. WSJ’s Sean McLain explores the hype around the ID.Buzz and why it struggled to capture American hearts and dollars. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem

-Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die?

-Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

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A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump’s Tariff Strategy Jul 28, 2025

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would impose up to a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, though he would give them up to a year and a half before fully implementing the tariffs. Trump’s goal is to bring more manufacturing to the United States, but one pharmaceutical CEO, Richard Saynor of Sandoz, says there is little incentive to build in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline

- Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal

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What Killed 'The Late Show'? Jul 25, 2025

Last week, CBS cancelled “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The network said that ending the show was “purely a financial decision.” Over the years, late-night audiences and profits have dwindled. But some fans have suggested the move was partly political: CBS pulled the plug just days after Colbert criticized Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for agreeing to settle a lawsuit with President Trump for $16 million. WSJ’s Joe Flint delves into the controversy and the economics of late-night TV. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Will Paramount Settle With Trump?

-Why Buying Paramount Global Won't Be Easy

-’Love Is Blind' Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen.

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Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore? Jul 24, 2025

Global diamond company De Beers spent decades convincing couples that true love required a diamond. But now, lab-grown diamonds that are identical to naturally-mined ones are flooding the market with cheaper options and reshaping the diamond business completely. WSJ’s Jenny Strasburg takes us inside the showdown in the diamond market, and we speak to a ring shopper weighing her options. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:
-One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance
-Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?
-How Target Got Off Target
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The Wall Street Craze Jamie Dimon Can’t Resist. Even If It Blows Up. Jul 23, 2025

Jamie Dimon, the cautious head of JPMorgan Chase, has consistently warned that private credit, the hottest trend on Wall Street, could trigger a financial blowup. So why is America’s biggest bank pouring money into it? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy explains JPMorgan’s strategy and why you should care. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What’s Next for the Economy

- Is the Economy… OK?

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A Fight Over Buc-ee’s and for the Soul of the American West Jul 22, 2025

Buc-ee's — the chain of road stops with a beaver mascot and a die-hard fanbase — is looking to expand westward. Its next stop is Palmer Lake, Colorado: a small, rural town known for its lush greenery and outdoor recreation. But some local residents are looking to “heave the beave.” And they have a powerful billionaire backing them: ‘cable cowboy' John Malone. WSJ’s Jim Carlton reports on this standoff over development and the future of the American West. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Water in the West

- The Rise of the Yimbys

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One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance Jul 21, 2025

Tiny rare-earth magnets are used for building phones, electric cars, and submarines, but nearly all of them are mined and made in China. One U.S. company is trying to change that. WSJ’s Jon Emont spoke with MP Materials’ CEO about his goals for the mine, which has now made deals with the Pentagon, General Motors, and Apple. Can this industry come back the U.S.? Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals

-Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?

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Trump’s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein Jul 18, 2025

In 2003, Jeffrey Epstein got a gift for his 50th birthday, a leather-bound album containing letters, poems, photos and greetings from friends. One of the letters was from Donald Trump. The president says the letter "is a fake thing." WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar reveals what’s in the letter and Sadie Gurman explores what it means for Trump and the Department of Justice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement

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How 1 Million Robots Are Taking Over Amazon Warehouses Jul 17, 2025

Amazon warehouses are more automated than ever. The company, a key bellwether for the U.S. labor market, now has over a million robots packing and shipping goods in its fulfillment centers. While some employees are finding ways to transition into higher-paying technical roles that manage the robots, the company’s CEO Andy Jassy has said it plans to cut the size of its overall workforce. Sebastian Herrera explains Amazon’s vision for the warehouse of the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs.

- The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon

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Why Trump Is Ready to Send Missiles to Ukraine Jul 16, 2025

After talks with NATO allies, President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to broker peace with Ukraine. If they can’t make it happen, he says he’ll impose tariffs on Russian goods to ratchet up economic pressure. The move underscores Trump’s growing anger with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ’s Lara Seligman unpacks the latest and explores the evolving relationship between Trump and Putin. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Inside the Hunt for Putin’s Sleeper Agents

-How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea

-Ukraine Makes a Deal With Wall Street

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The Uncertain Future of Renewable Energy Jul 15, 2025

After the passage of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” renewable energy companies are bracing for more challenging times. The law is set to end Biden-era subsidies for clean energy, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that the industry could lose half a trillion dollars in tax incentives over the next decade. WSJ’s David Uberti reports on the renewable energy pullback. And Annie Minofftalks to a co-owner of a North Carolina-based solar-panel-installation company about what the winding down of subsidies means for his business.

Further Listening:

- The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

- How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate

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Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went Rogue Jul 14, 2025

Last week, Grok went rogue. The AI chatbot – which users can interact with on X – posted antisemitic comments and graphic descriptions of violence before being deactivated, leaving users with a question: Where were Grok’s guardrails? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy breaks down what happened and what it means for Musk’s company’s plans for an AI future. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink

- The Musk-Twitter Saga

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Can Superman Save Warner? Jul 11, 2025

The man of steel is back in a new $225 million reboot. Riding on this weekend’s release is the hope that DC Studios will finally begin to match the past successes of its archrival Marvel. Its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery views DC Studios as critical to its success or failure. WSJ’s Ben Fritz talks to Jessica Mendoza about whether or not Superman can be the savior that DC and Warner are hoping for.

Further Listening:

- With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema

- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood

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Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin Jul 10, 2025

For years, President Trump has feuded with the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates. And now, two Republicans named Kevin (Kevin Hassett, one of Trump’s closest economic advisers and Kevin Warsh—a former Fed governor) are vying to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos takes us inside the contest for the next Fed Chair and what the President might be looking for with his choice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline

- Is the Economy…OK?

- Trump 2.0: Where Is the Economy Headed?

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The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Jul 09, 2025

President Trump’s megabill cuts over $1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next decade, mainly from Medicaid. Experts project nearly 8.7 million fewer people covered by Medicaid, and hospitals face reduced payments and higher costs. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen reports on the bill’s historic cuts. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline Jul 08, 2025

When President Trump paused most of his “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days last spring, the administration had hoped to cut dozens of trade deals. As trade advisor Peter Navarro put it, there could be "90 deals in 90 days." But as Trump’s deal deadline approached, it became clear that the administration’s deal-making push has hit some snags, resulting in only a handful of agreements with the UK, China, and Vietnam. This week, Trump extended his deadline to August 1st and sent public letters to many U.S. trading partners. WSJ’s Gavin Bade explains the sticking points that have gotten in the way of “90 deals in 90 days.” Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump's Plan B After Trade Court Setback

- Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal

- Taking Stock of the 'Sell America' Trade

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AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs Jul 07, 2025

Artificial intelligence is shaking up business in a big way, and recent college graduates are feeling the pinch. WSJ’s Chip Cutter explores the new corporate philosophy emerging around hiring and explains how the promise of artificial intelligence is putting entry-level jobs on the chopping block and less experienced applicants may be forced to pivot. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

-The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety

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Why Meta Is Offering $100 Million for AI Geniuses Jul 03, 2025

In the battle for AI supremacy, Meta’s models have lagged. Now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is racing to hire new AI talent to close the gap with rivals. He’s dangling huge pay packages to lure experts away from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains how Meta’s AI efforts fell short, and who will be joining the company’s new “Superintelligence Labs” to turn things around. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI

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How Trump's Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate Jul 02, 2025

After a marathon 27-hour session, Senate Republicans passed their version of President Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” Getting enough senators on board meant last-minute wrangling over key issues, including Medicaid, clean energy and the deficit. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains how Senate Republicans got to a “yes” vote, and what needs to happen before Trump can sign the bill into law. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Arms Race in Your Wallet Jul 01, 2025

JPMorgan Chase recently announced that it was raising the annual fee on its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card by 45%. The company believes enough customers will stick around because of the status and exclusivity the card conveys. WSJ’s Imani Moise reports on how credit card companies have increasingly attracted customers by offering perks. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card

- The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe

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The Supreme Court’s Season Finale, Explained Jun 30, 2025

SCOTUS wrapped up a busy session, giving states room to restrict transgender medical care for minors, allowing the federal government to strip legal status for Venezuelan migrants and, in one of its final acts on Friday, clipping the power of federal judges to block President Trump’s policies nationwide. Jessica Mendoza speaks to WSJ’s Jess Bravin about the emergency cases filling the Supreme Court schedule and what that signals for the future.

Further Listening:

-Is There an Ethics Problem at the Supreme Court?

-Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary

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Rick Steves Is Tired of Hearing 'Have a Safe Trip' Jun 29, 2025

To renowned travel guru ⁠Rick Steves⁠, “fear is for people who don’t get out very much.” The travel mogul has built an empire on a philosophy of travel that builds bridges. Recently, he sat down with ⁠Ryan Knutson⁠ at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival in Seattle for a conversation about his business, his politics and how the two intersect.

Further Listening:

- ⁠The Love Triangle Over Spirit⁠

⁠- An Air Traffic Controller Speaks Out About Newark Airport⁠

Photo: Uncredited

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Is NYC’s Mayoral Race All About Rent? Jun 27, 2025

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has won over legions of rent-strapped young voters with a platform focused on making housing more affordable — including by freezing rents. This week he cleared an important hurdle, winning the Democratic primary in an upset of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. But his success has panicked the New York real estate industry, which is now in a mad scramble to assess its options. WSJ’s Rebecca Picciotto explains how the city’s housing crisis is driving the election. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-How Eric Adams Became New York City’s First Indicted Mayor

-The Rise of the Yimbys

-The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire

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"I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company. Jun 26, 2025

Gary Rohwer owns Glenn Valley Foods and lends his name to the company’s signature product: Gary’s QuickSteaks. He says he built his business with the help of mostly immigrant workers, whose legal status he says his company vetted using the government’s E-Verify System. This month, his plant was raided by ICE. He speaks with Annie Minoff about what happened, his industry and what’s next for his company.

Further Listening:

- Why Latino Consumers Are Spending Less

- Inside ICE’s Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants

- Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory

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Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI Jun 25, 2025

The new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, is making artificial intelligence a signature issue. Last week, the Vatican hosted tech leaders at a two-day international AI conference in Rome. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati reports on why Silicon Valley is watching to see if Leo will use the Church’s moral authority to push for stronger AI rules. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Financial Mess Facing the Vatican

- Pope Francis Has Died. What’s Next for the Catholic Church?

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NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports Jun 24, 2025

Jessica Mendoza speaks to NCAA president Charlie Baker about the landmark settlement that is ushering in a new professional era for college sports. The deal will create a new system for college athletes to get paid directly by schools. They discuss how payments will be regulated, what impact Title IX could have and how the deal could change college sports.

Further Listening:

- The TikTok That Changed College Hoops

- California Takes On the NCAA

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Iran Retaliates After U.S. Strike. How Could This End? Jun 23, 2025

Today, Iran fired missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar. Officials said Iran also fired on Iraq. The attacks were in retaliation for a strike over the weekend that hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, authorized by President Trump. WSJ’s Shayndi Raice reports on how Iran got backed into a corner and has been forced to decide whether or not to escalate into a broader war. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Iran May Be Running Out of Options

-Iran and the U.S. Were Set to Negotiate. Then Israel Attacked

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Severed Fingers and Wrench Attacks: A New Era in Crypto Crime Jun 20, 2025

The most well-known cryptocurrency thefts involve online hacks or phishing attempts via text messages. But WSJ's Sam Schechner has been reporting on a new wave of violent crypto thefts: wrench attacks. Brutal physical attacks against the crypto elite are on the rise. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Pig-Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist

-How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto

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Why Latino Consumers Are Spending Less Jun 18, 2025

Deportation fears and economic uncertainty is driving changes in shopping behavior in Latino communities. Job losses in industries like construction have also left Hispanics with less money to spend. WSJ’s Laura Cooper travels to Texas and reports that some Hispanic shoppers are forgoing their regular shopping trips and restaurant meals. Companies are now saying they’re seeing the pullback in their sales. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside ICE’s Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants

- Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory

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Iran May Be Running Out of Options Jun 17, 2025

After five days of escalating conflict with Israel, Iran’s government may be running out of moves. Today, President Trump called on Iran to surrender without conditions. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explores how Iran built itself into a regional power and why its government now finds itself imperiled. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Iran and the U.S. Were Set to Negotiate. Then Israel Attacked

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D.C. Mayor Talks DOGE, Trump and Budget Jun 16, 2025

This year, Washington D.C. has faced ⁠thousands of federal jobs cuts⁠ due to President Trump’s DOGE work. Also, the city has a ⁠$1 billion budget shortfall⁠ after Congress passed a funding bill forcing the District to revert to its 2024 budget. ⁠Jessica Mendoza⁠ sat down with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to discuss the city’s challenges, the weekend’s military parade, and ⁠her relationship with Trump⁠.

Further Listening:

- ⁠Inside DOGE’s Campaign of Secrecy ⁠

- ⁠Can the GOP Unite Around Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’?⁠

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Photo: Uncredited

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Iran and the U.S. Were Set To Negotiate. Then Israel Attacked. Jun 13, 2025

U.S. officials planned to meet with an Iranian delegation this weekend to discuss curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. In a twist, those talks ended up as cover for a surprise Israeli attack that killed top Iranian officials and struck key nuclear sites. Now, Iran is retaliating. WSJ’s Michael R. Gordon lays out the U.S.’s diplomacy efforts in the Middle East and explains what to expect next. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War

- A Deadly Drone Attack and Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’

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The Conservative Trying to Shift America Rightward... One Movie at a Time Jun 12, 2025

Leonard Leo is a conservative lawyer and co-chairman of the Federalist Society who played a significant role in shifting the U.S. Supreme Court rightward. Now he is focusing his efforts on reshaping American culture through entertainment. He’s channeling funds towards high production value Christian and conservative television shows and films, including Amazon Prime’s hit "House of David.” WSJ’s Maggie Severns reports on how Leo is using a fund of more than $1 billion to back Hollywood blockbusters that push a more right-wing agenda. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood

-Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood

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Inside UnitedHealth’s Dramatic Faltering Jun 11, 2025

UnitedHealth is the largest healthcare company in the U.S. But over the last 18 months, a string of challenges, including several Justice Department probes, have tested the company. WSJ’s Anna Wilde Mathews and Christopher Weaver report on how the company rose to prominence, why its CEO is out, and how it has weathered the setbacks. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Medicare, Inc. Part 1: How Insurers Make Billions From Medicare

-Medicare, Inc. Part 2: Taxpayers Paid for Care Denied by Insurers

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Inside ICE’s Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants Jun 10, 2025

To fulfill a key campaign promise, the Trump administration has been pushing ICE to arrest more migrants. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains how that’s led to more aggressive tactics and raids like the ones that unfolded in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking major protests. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory

- How Frog Embryos Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention

- A New Phase in Trump’s Immigration Fight

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Are Trump and Musk Done for Good? Jun 09, 2025

The storybook bromance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to have come to an end. WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus unpacks what happened and what the stakes are for the two powerful men. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

- Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin

- Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped it Apart

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Medicare, Inc. Part 2: Taxpayers Paid for Care Denied by Insurers Jun 07, 2025

Some of the sickest Medicare Advantage patients ran into problems getting end-of-life care. Ultimately many patients switched to traditional Medicare, costing taxpayers billions, according to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal. This is one of many Medicare Advantage practices that is now under government scrutiny. Both Congress and Medicare agency head Dr. Mehmet Oz are pushing for reforms to curb tactics that can boost federal payments to private insurers. The Department of Justice is also investigating major private insurance companies UnitedHealth, Aetna, Elevance Health and Humana. Jessica Mendoza discusses the investigations with WSJ’s Anna Wilde Mathews.

Further Listening:

-Medicare, Inc. Part 1: How Insurers Make Billions From Medicare

-A Life-or-Death Insurance Denial

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Medicare, Inc. Part 1: How Insurers Make Billions From Medicare Jun 06, 2025

Medicare Advantage was designed to save the government money. But a Wall Street Journal investigation found that private insurers used the program to generate extra payments through questionable diagnoses. The investigation uncovered instances of potentially deadly illnesses like AIDS, where patients received no follow-up care, as well as diagnoses that were medically impossible. This happened in part when insurers sent nurse practitioners into Medicare Advantage recipients’ homes. Jessica Mendoza discusses the investigation with WSJ’s Christopher Weaver as well as a nurse who participated in the program.

Further Listening:

-A Life-or-Death Insurance Denial

-Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance

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Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory Jun 05, 2025

A special immigration status helped Mills Manufacturing, which makes parachutes for the U.S. military, keep its workforce fully staffed. But last week, an order from the Supreme Court allowed the Trump Administration to revoke temporary protections for about 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua. WSJ’s Ruth Simon explains why companies like Mills are scrambling. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- A New Phase in Trump’s Immigration Fight

- How Frog Embryos Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention

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The Struggle to Get Aid Into Gaza Jun 04, 2025

An Israeli-backed system meant to deliver aid and food into Gaza launched last week to scenes of chaos and violence. WSJ's Anat Peled breaks down the new system, and explains why getting aid to the region is difficult and dangerous. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- A Fragile Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza

- The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas

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The Everyday American Who Hustled for North Korea Jun 03, 2025

Christina Chapman presented herself as just another influencer on TikTok. In reality, she operated a “laptop farm” that allowed North Koreans to take jobs as U.S. tech workers and scam more than 300 U.S. companies out of millions of dollars. WSJ’s Robert McMillan breaks down the scam and Chapman’s crucial role in it. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- North Korea's Propaganda Mastermind

- Your New Hire May Be a North Korean Spy

- Hack Me If You Can

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Stop Making Cents: The End of the Penny Jun 02, 2025

Minting one penny costs the United States nearly four cents. After 233 years, the Treasury Department has decided to phase out the coin. This will mean that businesses will have to round cash transactions up or down, and some fear it could lead to inflation. We reminisce about the cultural significance of the one-cent coin with WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin and discuss the pro-penny stance with an advocate. WSJ’s Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe

- The Coronavirus Cash Crisis

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Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood Jun 01, 2025

Ron Howard and ⁠Brian Grazer⁠ are the Oscar winning director and producer behind some of Hollywood's most memorable movies like A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code. The duo, who co-founded Imagine Entertainment in 1985, sat down with WSJ's ⁠Ben Fritz⁠ at the⁠ Future of Everything⁠ Festival to talk about ⁠longevity in Hollywood⁠, AI in movie production and the future of movies.

Further Listening:

- ⁠Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on ‘Wicked’⁠

- ⁠With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story⁠

Sign up for WSJ’s free ⁠What’s News newsletter⁠.

Photo: Uncredited

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Trump's Plan B After Trade Court Setback May 30, 2025

This week, an obscure trade court dropped a bombshell ruling: President Trump did not have the authority to issue sweeping tariffs under a 1977 law. The government has appealed the court’s decision. WSJ’s James Fanelli and Gavin Bade dig into the ruling and what it could mean for the future of Trump’s trade agenda. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping

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NPR’s CEO on the Fight Over Public Media May 29, 2025

In May, President Trump signed an executive order cutting off federal funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS. In his order, Trump said “neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.” WSJ’s Joe Flint breaks down the decades-long fight over public media, and NPR’s CEO Katherine Maher explains why her network is challenging the Trump administration in court. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-For Millions of Student-Loan Borrowers, It's Time to Pay

-Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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For Millions of Student-Loan Borrowers It's Time to Pay May 28, 2025

The Trump administration is starting to put millions of defaulted student-loan borrowers into collections and threatening to confiscate their wages, tax refunds and federal benefits.

WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin digs into what the restart could mean for borrowers and the economy. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt

-Breaking Down Student Debt Relief

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The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety May 27, 2025

Meta has gone all in on chatbots. The bots are capable of giving advice, answering questions and playing games with users. Some feature the licensed voices of some celebrities. But after months of testing, the Wall Street Journal found Meta's chatbots were also capable of engaging in graphic romantic roleplay, even with young users. Some people inside the company are concerned. Jeff Horwitz reports and Kate Linebaugh hosts for the last time.

Further Listening:

- Does Meta Have a Social Media Monopoly?

- The Facebook Files

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Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In. May 26, 2025

We're off for Memorial Day but with summer reading season just beginning, we wanted to share this episode.
BookTok, the corner of TikTok that’s all about books, has shaken up the publishing world. Over the last few years, the platform has pulled in new readers, especially in the romance and fantasy genres. And now some of the largest publishers in the U.S. are finding new talent and rethinking their strategies because of TikTok. We hear from an author, a bookstore owner and a publisher about how TikTok has transformed the book industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.
This episode was first published in December 2024.

Further Listening:

-The Rise of the Tween Shopper

-Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

-Scholastic's Succession Drama

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Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession May 23, 2025

Economists have long analyzed data to predict the next recession. They’ve also turned to more offbeat economic gauges like underwear sales and skirt lengths. But now, the TikTok generation is seeing recession indicators everywhere. WSJ’s Hannah Erin Lang explains what Gen Z’s fascination with harbingers of economic doom might actually mean for the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is the Economy… OK?

- Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed?

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Eggs Are Still Expensive. Is This Company to Blame? May 22, 2025

Some consumers and lawmakers upset over high egg prices believe they’ve found a villain: Cal-Maine. The little-known company produces one out of every five eggs sold in the U.S. And in the midst of a national egg shortage and a bird flu epidemic, Cal-Maine has been raking in the profits. But are the accusations against Cal-Maine fair? WSJ’s Patrick Thomas investigates. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-An Eggspensive Dilemma

-Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs
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Ozempic Is a Hit. So Why Is the Drugmaker’s CEO Out? May 21, 2025

Blockbuster drugs. Rising profits. Strong sales. And yet, Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind the GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, made a surprising move last week: It pushed out its CEO. WSJ's Peter Loftus charts the rise of Ozempic and the fall of CEO Lars Jorgensen. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

Trillion Dollar Shot

Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic

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Can the GOP Unite Around Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’? May 20, 2025

President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill today to urge passage of his multitrillion dollar tax and spending agenda. The bill is a complex piece of legislation that includes tax cuts, spending increases, spending reductions and some tax hikes. In total, it would increase budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over a decade. WSJ’s Richard Rubin reports on the testy debate inside the GOP over the bill. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days

- The $6 Million Banana's Appeal

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The Giant Bust Rocking the Art Market May 19, 2025

It was supposed to be the highlight of New York’s spring auction week: Sculptor Alberto Giacometti’s masterpiece “Large Thin Head” was this year’s most hotly anticipated piece up for sale. But when the bidding opened, collectors went silent. WSJ’s Kelly Crow explains what this unexpected auction week bust reveals about today’s art market. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case

- The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands

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How ‘The Joker’ Rigged the Texas Lottery May 16, 2025

A global team of betting whizzes hatched a scheme to take down the Texas Lottery. The plan was led by a London banker-turned-bookmaker and a mysterious professional gambler nicknamed ‘The Joker.’ The duo partnered with a Texas company and local retailers to print more than 99% of all the lottery tickets sold. And the jackpot was worth almost $100 million. The WSJ’s Brad Reagan explains how they pulled off the heist. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a Massive Museum Heist

- Inside an iPhone Heist

- How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist

- Six Days of Chaos at MGM’s Casinos

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An Air Traffic Controller Speaks Out About Newark Airport May 15, 2025

Air traffic controllers for Newark Liberty International Airport have recently experienced several frightening incidents. Their radars and radios have gone dark, potentially risking the lives of hundreds of passengers. The resulting chaos and delays are forcing government officials to address staffing shortages and outdated tech at the Newark facility, and nationwide. WSJ’s aviation reporter Andrew Tangel talks with one air traffic controller about the difficulties of the job. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York’s Fault

-The Life and Death of a Boeing Whistleblower

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A Life-or-Death Insurance Denial May 14, 2025

Billions of health insurance claims are processed every year, and around 19% of them are denied. Very few people appeal, but those that do have a chance at a different outcome. Jessica Mendoza speaks to one family about the insurance denial that threw them into a life-or-death crisis, and WSJ’s Julie Wernau on the system they navigated.

Further Listening:

- Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance

- The Cyberattack That's Roiling Healthcare

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Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal May 13, 2025

On Monday, to the surprise of global investors, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day trade deal. The deal slashed tariffs between the two countries and sent stocks surging.

Leading the negotiations on the U.S. side was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. WSJ’s Brian Schwartz, who covered the talks in Geneva, explains how Bessent became President Trump’s man on trade policy and got China to ‘yes’ on a temporary truce. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Made In America? Shoe Companies Already Tried That.

-Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade

-China Unleashes A Trade War Arsenal

-Tariff Trade-Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

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MAHA Influencers Go to Washington May 12, 2025

Last week, President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means to be surgeon general. Means is a wellness influencer and, along with her brother, a prominent advocate for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. WSJ’s Kristina Peterson reports on how Means’s nomination makes her the latest figure from the lightly regulated wellness industry who has been elevated by Kennedy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps

- The Fight Over Fluoride

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Why Sam Altman Wants to Scan Your Eyeball May 09, 2025

AI innovator and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sees a big problem on the horizon: As AI becomes more and more intelligent, how can anyone tell the humans from the bots? Altman’s World project thinks it has a solution. WSJ’s Angus Berwick unpacks the plan and explores some of the problems that have cropped up during the rollout. Annie Minoff hosts.

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Made in America? Shoe Companies Already Tried That. May 08, 2025

President Donald Trump sees tariffs as a way to bring more manufacturing to the United States. But Nike and other sneaker companies have tried to move production out of Asia before. WSJ’s Jon Emont describes the cautionary tale of Nike’s attempt to make tens of millions of sneakers using high-tech manufacturing in Guadalajara, Mexico. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping.

-China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal

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The Financial Mess Facing the Vatican May 07, 2025

Just days before his death, Pope Francis wrestled with an enormous problem: the Vatican’s dire finances. The world’s smallest country is now facing a budget deficit of millions, and a looming crisis in its pension fund. As the Papal conclave meets this week to vote for a new leader, WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw pieces through how centuries of financial mismanagement have culminated into a mess that the next pope will inherit. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Pope Francis Has Died. What’s Next for the Catholic Church?

- The Mormon Church’s $100 Billion Secret Fund

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Is the Economy… OK? May 06, 2025

For months, questions have been swirling about the economy. And last week, we finally got some answers when all kinds of economic data was released. Some of those numbers seemed to say that the economy is headed toward a downward slump, but WSJ’s Jeanne Whalen explains that the picture may not be as dark as it seems at first glance. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed?

-A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping

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There Will Never Be Another Warren Buffett May 05, 2025

After 60 years in charge, Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway later this year. Jessica Mendoza talks to WSJ’s Jason Zweig and Karen Langley about Buffet’s prolific career and Greg Abel, the man he chose to succeed him as CEO.

Further Listening:

- Does Warren Buffett Know Something We Don't?

- The Life of One of Wall Street's Greatest Investors

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A Tariff Loophole Just Closed. What That Means for Online Shopping. May 02, 2025

A little-known trade provision is ending, and it will likely upend business for e-commerce companies and raise prices for consumers. De minimis has allowed companies to avoid duties on shipments to the U.S. that are worth $800 or less. It’s a program that many companies, especially e-commerce giants, Shein and Temu, have taken advantage of to keep prices low. WSJ’s Shen Lu explains how President Donald Trump has now ended that program for products from China and Hong Kong. We also speak with the CFO of shoe company Kuru about how the new rules could change their business. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO

-The Billionaire Caught Between Trump and China

-China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal

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Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days May 02, 2025

In our capstone episode, Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball break down Trump's first 100 days in office with WSJ’s Aaron Zitner, digging into the highs and lows, where things stand with voters and what’s next for the administration and the country.

Further Listening:

-Canada’s New Leader Is Ready to Take On Trump

-Trump 2.0: Where is the Economy Headed

-Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade

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In Crypto’s Darkest Corner, A Suicide Became a Meme Coin May 01, 2025

Before committing suicide live on X, Arnold Haro had a request: "If I die, I hope you guys turn this into a meme coin." His dying wish came true. Haro’s followers created a meme coin that skyrocketed in value to $2 million. WSJ's Kevin Dugan digs into a seedy online world where anything can be turned into crypto. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance

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Behind the Scenes at Davos, Claims of a Toxic Boss Apr 30, 2025

The Davos conference brings together the world’s elites to try to make the world a better place. But according to some current and former employees, the leader of the organizing body behind Davos fosters a toxic workplace. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran discusses her investigation into the World Economic Forum and the impact of a recent anonymous whistleblower letter. Annie Minoff hosts.

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Canada’s New Leader Is Ready To Take on Trump Apr 29, 2025

Mark Carney, a former banker, won Canada’s national election on Monday. Carney ran on an anti-Trump platform, and he's promised to try to decouple his country’s economy from its biggest trading partner and, lately, its biggest threat. WSJ’s Vipal Monga explains how Trump’s trade war and threats to annex Canada have upended the election. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Why Justin Trudeau Stepped Down

- Guns and Death Threats in Canada's Baby-Eel Fisheries

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A Syrian Father’s Journey to Find His Son Apr 28, 2025

Suleiman al-Youssef’s son, Shadi, has been missing since the beginning of the Syrian civil war. After the Assad regime was overthrown, Suleiman found new hope when he discovered a video of a man who looked like his son outside the country’s most notorious prison. WSJ’s Ben C. Solomon on Suleiman’s search for his son and Syria’s thousands of other missing loved ones like him. Kate Linebaugh hosts.

Further Listening:

- Assad’s Regime Falls. What’s Next For Syria?

- Ten Days That Shifted Power in Syria

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Neom, Pt 2: The Emperor’s New Clothes Apr 26, 2025

Andy Wirth and Tony Harris moved halfway across the world to help build Neom: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s futuristic new city in the Saudi desert. But what they found wasn’t the desert utopia of Neom’s marketing. Instead, they found a project bleeding cash, led by a screaming CEO, where very little was actually being built.

WSJ’s Rory Jones and Eliot Brown explain how Neom fell years behind schedule – and went billions of dollars over-budget – thanks to a culture of runaway spending and never telling the boss “no.” Hosted by Ryan Knutson.

Further Listening:

- Neom, Pt 1: Skiing in the Desert

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Neom, Pt 1: Skiing in the Desert Apr 25, 2025

In 2017, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious, young leader, Mohammed bin Salman, unveiled Neom: a futuristic new city Saudi Arabia would build in the desert. Neom would be a hotspot for tourism like the French Riviera, a center of innovation like Silicon Valley, and a global melting pot like Dubai. It would help transform the Saudi economy. But over the years, that already bold plan grew even more ambitious.

In the first of two episodes about Neom, WSJ’s Rory Jones and Eliot Brown explain how an effort to pivot the Saudi economy away from oil grew to encompass plans for a desert ski resort and skyscrapers the length of Connecticut. Plus we hear from two people who uprooted their lives and moved to Neom to help make MBS’s dream a reality. Hosted by Ryan Knutson.

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Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed? Apr 25, 2025

President Trump’s deportations, tariffs, federal layoffs and funding suspensions have generated nonstop headlines and frayed confidence, yet left surprisingly little trace on the economy. Hiring, spending and inflation look a lot like they did under Joe Biden. As Trump’s first 100 days draw to a close, Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball explore the state of the U.S. economy with Chief Economics Commentator Greg Ip and try to understand what might be coming next.

Further Listening:

- Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade

- Inside the Harvard vs. Trump Battle

- How Frog Embyros Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention

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Taking Stock of the ‘Sell America’ Trade Apr 24, 2025

Something strange happened in the US financial system earlier this week: the stock market, the bond market, and the value of the dollar all slumped. This volatility andrecent threats to fire Fed chief Jerome Powell are unnerving foreign investors, who are flocking to a new phenomenon called the Sell America trade. WSJ’s Chelsey Dulaney explains what Sell America means for decades of American finance primacy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed

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Inside the Harvard vs. Trump Battle Apr 23, 2025

President Donald Trump has been on an escalating campaign to reorder elite higher education. The administration’s Anti-Semitism Task Force has frozen billions of dollars in federal funding after Harvard refused to comply with their demands. WSJ’s Douglas Belkin on the showdown between America’s most prominent university and the U.S. president. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump's College Crackdown

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How Frog Embryos Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention Apr 22, 2025

Earlier this year, Harvard scientist Kseniia Petrova landed at Boston Logan Airport with samples of frog embryos in her luggage. Those samples cost Petrova her visa and kickstarted an asylum claim that landed her in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains that Petrova’s case represents an aggressive shift in the Trump administration’s stance towards immigrants with visas. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles

-A New Phase in Trump’s Immigration Fight

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Pope Francis Has Died. What’s Next for the Catholic Church? Apr 21, 2025

On Monday morning, Pope Francis died at 88. The first South American to hold the office, he was known for his commitment to social and economic justice. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati discusses Francis’ legacy and explains what happens next for the Catholic Church. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood

- The Mormon Church's $100 Billion Secret Fund

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How the 'Napa Valley of Cannabis' Dried Up Apr 18, 2025

When Colorado became one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, a community called Pueblo stepped forward hoping to become the 'Napa Valley of Cannabis'. WSJ’s Julie Wernau visited the town to explore the cannabis boom that promised new jobs and tax revenue, and found an industry that had gone bust, with local residents struggling to find a way forward. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Highs and Lows of Diversifying the Cannabis Industry

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Does Meta Have a Social Media Monopoly? Apr 17, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg is in court defending Meta against a Federal Trade Commission case that alleges the company wields an illegal monopoly in social media. It's a trial that could force the tech giant to potentially break itself up by selling Instagram and WhatsApp. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli explains how Zuckerberg’s efforts to get close to President Donald Trump hasn’t kept the company safe, while Jan Wolfe is in D.C. court watching the play-by-play. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses

- 'The Facebook Files' from The Journal.

- Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger

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How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink Apr 16, 2025

After years of trying to revive his flailing social media company, Elon Musk has pulled off a turnaround at X. It comes after Musk decided to merge X with his artificial intelligence company xAI. The deal values the combined business at over $100 billion. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy explains how Musk has pulled the app formerly known as Twitter back from the brink of bankruptcy, thanks in part to his proximity to President Donald Trump. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

Further Listening:

- The Musk-Twitter Saga -- from The Journal.

- Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance

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The Billionaire Caught Between Trump and China Apr 15, 2025

The Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchinson, led by billionaire Li Ka-shing, recently announced a deal to sell majority stakes in two ports on the Panama Canal. The deal with a consortium of investors led by BlackRock pleased President Donald Trump, after he had expressed interest in regaining control over the canal. But, as WSJ’s Rebecca Feng reports, the $22.8 billion deal also angered Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who saw the ports as a bargaining chip with the United States. Allison Pohle hosts.

Further Listening:

- China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal

- The Trade War With China Is On

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A Quick Fix for Hair Loss Is Making Some Men Sick Apr 14, 2025

Telehealth companies make hair loss drugs easy to get. They also don’t have to disclose side effects in ads. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler reports that some young men say they are suffering serious health consequences, and that they didn’t understand the risks. Kate Linebaugh hosts.

Further Listening:

- Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Side Effects Sometimes Included.

- ‘Uncontrolled Substances’ from The Journal.

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Can Pepsi Make a Comeback? Apr 11, 2025

After decades of fighting Coca-Cola to be the nation’s favorite soda, Pepsi dropped to third place, after Dr Pepper. Now PepsiCo needs to win back soda drinkers . WSJ’s Laura Cooper reports that after years of focusing on potato chips and energy drinks, the company’s new beverage head Ram Krishnan is trying to refocus PepsiCo on drinks, in part with an agreement to purchase prebiotic soda brand Poppi. Allison Pohle hosts.

Further Listening:

- ‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper

- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps

- PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda

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Trump 2.0: Tariff Turnaround Apr 11, 2025

Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball go behind the scenes of the administration’s tariff pause. We dive deep with WSJ’s Josh Dawsey, exploring the tension in the days after the announcement and what really changed the president’s mind. Plus, your questions!

Further Listening:

- China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal

- The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices

- Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs

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China Unleashes a Trade War Arsenal Apr 10, 2025

In the early days of President Trump’s second term, China was ready to negotiate on trade. Then came Liberation Day. Now China is ready with a trade war arsenal taking aim at U.S. companies. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains how China is gearing up for an extraordinary conflict with no immediate exits. Kate Linebaugh hosts.

Further Listening:

- Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade

- The Trade War With China Is On

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The Head of the EPA on the Future of the Agency Apr 09, 2025

President Trump has a new vision for the Environmental Protection Agency that significantly rolls back environmental regulations. Kate Linebaugh speaks to the man overseeing that vision— Administrator Lee Zeldin, about his plans and new approach to environmental governance.

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Fluoride

- Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study

- Why Microsoft Wants Three Mile Island's Nuclear Power

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The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices Apr 08, 2025

President Trump is ramping up his long-planned tariff war, promising to restore “Boomtown USA.” Before the start of the president’s first term, one small town made a bid to revive its manufacturing glory days. After a foreign company came to town, it made some headway. WSJ’s Chao Deng explores the story of Newberry, South Carolina.

Further Listening:

- Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs

- Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles

- Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade

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Wall Street Speaks Out Against Tariffs Apr 07, 2025

Last week, U.S. stocks lost $6.6 trillion in value during a two-day washout after President Trump announced large tariffs on countries around the world. As markets continue to swing, Wall Street leaders are speaking out, including billionaire investor Bill Ackman and JPMorgan Chase executive Jamie Dimon. Host Kate Linebaugh talks with Gregory Zuckerman about the market chaos and how investors are responding.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles

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The Fight Over Fluoride Apr 04, 2025

For decades, the majority of Americans have been drinking tap water with added fluoride to improve oral health. But WSJ’s Kris Maher says that backlash to fluoride is spreading. Nearly 20 communities have halted the practice since October and Utah has now banned adding fluoride to water across the state. This comes after a landmark ruling by a federal judge that the mineral poses an “unreasonable” risk, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken out against it. Ryan Knutson hosts.

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Further Listening:

-The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps

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Trump 2.0: Trade Wars and Deportation Battles Apr 04, 2025

Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack the administration’s onslaught of new tariffs and break down what election results in Florida and Wisconsin mean for each party. Plus, they speak with WSJ’s Michelle Hackman about Trump’s aggressive immigration efforts including student deportations.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: Group Chat Fallout

-Three Federal Workers Hit by DOGE

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Trump’s Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade Apr 03, 2025

Yesterday, in the Rose Garden, President Trump sent out a clear message: the era of globalization is over. Trump announced sweeping tariffs on trillions of dollars of imports. The new duties immediately shook Wall Street and sent stocks plummeting. WSJ’s White House economic policy reporter Brian Schwartz explains how President Trump has wanted this day to happen for decades. And we talk to an American business owner who is deeply worried about what these tariffs mean for his company’s survival. Kate Linebaugh hosts.

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Further Listening:

- The Trade War With China Is On

- Trump’s Tariff Whiplash

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The Fraud Trial That Became JPMorgan's Headache Apr 02, 2025

Charlie Javice sold her financial aid startup Frank to JPMorgan Chase for $175 million. But soon after the ink on the deal was dry, the bank discovered that their new acquisition was not at all what it seemed. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy explains how a trial about fraud committed against JPMorgan resulted in the bank feeling the heat. Kate Linebaugh hosts.

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Further Listening:

- A $175 Million ‘Huge Mistake’

- JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What’s Next for the Economy

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He Revived Barbie. Now He’s Turning Around Gap Apr 01, 2025

Gap Inc. was once the king of mall-brand fashion. ⁠In recent years though⁠, its Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta chains have been outmaneuvered by discount stores like Target and fast-fashion brands like Zara and ⁠Shein⁠. ⁠Ryan Knutson⁠ speaks with ⁠the new CEO⁠ Richard Dickson who is translating his previous experience resurrecting the Barbie brand into a new era for the iconic clothing seller.

Further Listening:

- ⁠Rent the Runway’s CEO on How it Survived the Pandemic⁠

- ⁠Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO⁠

- ⁠How Target Got Off Target

Photo: Uncredited

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Why Utah Is Regulating Mom Influencers Mar 31, 2025

Last year, a popular Utah influencer with six children went to prison for child abuse. Now the state has put a new law into place to protect the children in these videos. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson on the Ruby Franke scandal and her daughter’s efforts to keep it from happening again.

Further Reading:

- A Former Child Star Is Taking On the Dark Side of Utah’s Mommy Bloggers

Further Listening:

- The Rise of the Tween Shopper

- Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.

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Inside the Hunt for Putin’s Sleeper Agents Mar 28, 2025

A family of deep-cover Russian spies hiding in the heart of Europe. A Slovenian spycatcher with a daunting mission. After months of reporting, WSJ's Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson unspool the story of the global hunt for Vladimir Putin's sleeper agents, and how it culminated in the biggest game of hostage diplomacy since the Cold War.

Further Reading:

-The Global Hunt for Putin’s ‘Sleeper Agents’

-Inside the Secret Negotiations to Free Evan Gershkovich

Further Listening:

-The Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

-Inside Russia’s Spy Unit Targeting Americans

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Trump 2.0: Group Chat Fallout Mar 28, 2025

A journalist was added to a text thread with high-level Trump administration officials revealing plans for the timing and weapons to be used in a military strike against Houthi militants. Administration officials disputed that any classified information about the military operation had been shared. WSJ’s Nancy Youssef joins the chat with Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss the fallout of the group chat pinged ‘round the world.

Further Reading:

-An Annotated Analysis of Signal Group Chat With Top Trump Officials

-Hegseth Comes Under Scrutiny for Texting Strike Details as Fallout Grows

-Democrats Are Taking Their Anger Out on Chuck Schumer

Further Listening:

-Trump’s Attack on Big Law

-Trump’s College Crackdown

-Trump 2.0: A Showdown with the Judiciary

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Three Federal Workers Hit by DOGE Mar 27, 2025

President Trump’s unprecedented effort to shrink the federal labor force is impeding work at government sites across the country. Three laid-off federal employees tell their story and WSJ’s Lindsay Ellis reports on the wider impact of the layoffs.

Further Listening:

- Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy

- Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

Further Reading:

- The Collateral Damage of Trump’s Firing Spree

- The Federal Workers Who Are Not Quite Fired, Not Quite Working

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Trump's Attack on Big Law Mar 26, 2025

The White House is waging a pressure campaign against some of the country’s most prominent law firms. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney on how the firm Paul, Weiss came to the decision to make a deal with President Trump.

Further Reading:

-Trump Signs Order Targeting Law Firm Jenner & Block

-Law Firms Scramble to Avoid Being Trump’s Next Target

-Why Law Firm Paul Weiss Pleaded Its Case With Trump, and Not With a Court

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary

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Arrivederci, Donatella Versace Mar 25, 2025

After nearly three decades as creative director, Donatella Versace is stepping down from her role at her family’s fashion house. The announcement comes after years of clashes between the designer and the American businessman who acquired her family’s brand. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner unpacks the drama and discusses what it means for the fashion house.

Further Reading:

-Inside the Versace Clash Between Donatella and the ‘American Cowboy’ CEO

-Donatella Versace to Step Down as Chief Creative Officer of Versace

-The Plan to Revive Michael Kors and Versace Tanked Their Sales Instead

Further Listening:

-The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch

-Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired.

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Trump's College Crackdown Mar 24, 2025

Columbia University gave in to President Trump’s demands after he revoked roughly $400 million in federal funding. WSJ’s Douglas Belkin explains how the university made its decision, and the impact that may have on campuses across the country.

Further Reading:

- Universities Sprint from ‘We Will Not Cower’ to Appeasing Trump

- Columbia Yields to Trump in Battle Over Federal Funding

Further Listening:

- Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges

- The 2024 College Financial Aid Mess

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The New Hit Depression Treatment? A Ketamine-Derived Nasal Spray Mar 21, 2025

After it was approved in 2019, Spravato, a depression treatment derived from the club drug ketamine, was looking like a dud. But recently it has taken off, and it surpassed $1 billion in annual sales last year for its maker, Johnson and Johnson.

Further Listening:

-A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.

-America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis

Further Reading:

-J&J’s Ketamine-Derived Drug Is Taking Off

-Big Pharma Walked Away From Mental Health. Why Some Are Coming Back.

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Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary Mar 21, 2025

A battle has been brewing between President Trump and the judicial system as courts delay some of the administration's rapid fire executive orders. WSJ’s Jess Bravin joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss the recent clashes between Trump and the courts.

Further Reading:

- Chief Justice Roberts Criticizes Trump’s Call to Impeach Judges

- Trump Escalates Push Against Legal Norms

- A Presidency of Upheaval Emboldens Trump

Further Listening:

- A New Phase in Trump’s Immigration Fight

- Trump 2.0: The Uncertainty Economy

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Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners? Mar 20, 2025

Greenland could satisfy the world’s hunger for minerals, if miners could just start digging. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explains why Greenland’s minerals remain mostly untapped, and what bringing these rare earths to the surface could mean to the global supply chain.

Further Reading:

- Greenland Has the Makings of a Mining Boom. So Where Is Everyone?

- Greenlanders Reject Trump’s Overtures at the Ballot Box

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals

- Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread

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A New Phase in Trump's Immigration Fight Mar 19, 2025

Immigrants who took advantage of a Biden-era program to enter the U.S. are now being targeted by the Trump administration, including people who fled the Russia-Ukraine war. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains how the program came to be and how Trump cancelled it.

Further Reading:

- They Thought They Came to the U.S. Legally. Now They’re at Risk for Deportation.

- What Green Card and Visa Holders Need to Know About Recent Deportations

Further Listening:

- Trump's Immigration Overhaul

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The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon Mar 18, 2025

Walmart has been America’s largest retailer by revenue for over three decades. But that title might change hands this year, with Amazon hot on the supercenter’s heels. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explains how Walmart has fought hard to keep its crown.

Further Reading:

-How Walmart Built the Biggest Threat Amazon Has Faced

-Walmart’s Reign as America’s Biggest Retailer Is Under Threat

Further Listening:

-The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager’s Six-Figure Salary

-What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer

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The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney Mar 17, 2025

Matthew Van Andel’s ordinary life unraveled when he accidentally downloaded a trojan horse that gave a hacker access to his entire computer. But the hacker didn’t just get Van Andel’s information. It also got his employer: Disney.

Further Reading:

-A Disney Worker Downloaded an AI Tool. It Led to a Hack That Ruined His Life.

-How to Keep Hackers From Destroying Your Digital Life

Further Listening:

-Six Days of Chaos at MGM's Casinos

-Hack Me If You Can

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The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients Mar 14, 2025

Gloria Allred’s lifelong crusade against men accused of sexual misconduct has made her a high profile feminist lawyer. But little is known about what happens between Allred and her clients, mostly women, behind the scenes. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar reports.

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Further Reading:

-The High-Pressure Tactics Attorney Gloria Allred Uses—On Her Own Clients

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Trump 2.0: The Uncertainty Economy Mar 14, 2025

The Federal Reserve has been focused on cooling inflation and achieving a so-called soft landing. President Trump’s trade policies have sent markets reeling and fears of a recession are on the rise. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss Trump’s economic vision. Plus, the Trump administration is moving to deport a permanent legal resident of the United States and the possibility of a government shutdown has Democrats in a pickle.

Further Listening:

- What’s Going On With the Economy

- Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk

- The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps

Further Reading:

- How Trump 2.0 Is Shifting Its Tone on Markets

- A Presidency of Upheaval Emboldens Trump

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Trump Family Has Explored Deal with Binance Mar 13, 2025

In 2023, crypto exchange Binance and its CEO and founder, Changpeng Zhao, pleaded guilty to violating U.S. money laundering laws. Now, an investigation finds that representatives of President Trump’s family have been in talks to take a financial stake in the U.S. arm of Binance. At the same time, Zhao has pushed the Trump administration to grant him a pardon. WSJ’S Rebecca Ballhaus brings exclusive reporting.

Further Reading:

- Trump Family Has Held Deal Talks With Binance Following Crypto Exchange’s Guilty Plea

- How the Trumps Turned an Election Victory Into a Cash Bonanza

Further Listening:

- Love Trump? Now You Can Buy His Meme Coin

- Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance

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What's Going On With the Economy? Mar 12, 2025

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump said he wasn’t going to rule out a recession in the U.S.'s future. WSJ's Ashby Jones explains the cracks starting to appear in the economy and Brian Schwartz reports on how the White House is managing those cracks.

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Further Reading:

-Trump’s Economic Messaging Is Spooking Some of His Own Advisers

-Inflation Cooled to 2.8% in February, Lower Than Expected

-CEOs Don’t Plan to Openly Question Trump. Ask Again If the Market Crashes 20%.

Further Listening:

-The Trade War With China Is On

-Trump’s Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry

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Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk Mar 11, 2025

Elon Musk’s politics have eroded Tesla’s appeal among some core buyers of electric vehicles. Some customers have started getting rid of their Teslas, and the company’s sales are down worldwide. Meanwhile, Musk is looking at new ways to expand Tesla’s business. WSJ’s Becky Peterson explains how Tesla’s fortunes are falling as Musk rises in Trump world.

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Further Reading:

-Tesla’s Fortunes Fall as Musk Rises in Trump World

-Tesla Caps Roller-Coaster Year With Mixed Fourth-Quarter Earnings

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance

-Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

-Tesla's Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk

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The Collapse of Walgreens Mar 10, 2025

Not much has gone right for Walgreens. Facing tough headwinds, the brand has been playing catch up to other U.S. pharmacy retailers for years. WSJ’s Joseph Walker on what went wrong for Walgreens and the private equity deal that could sell the company for parts.
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Further Reading:

- Walgreens Goes From $100 Billion Health Giant to Private-Equity Salvage Project

- The Walgreens Billionaire Watching His Empire Come Apart

Further Listening:

- How Target Got Off Target

- What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond?

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The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps Mar 07, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Make America Healthy Again movement is leading an effort to stop people from spending food stamps on soda. WSJ’s Laura Cooper explains how one state is leading the charge and how beverage companies are pushing back.

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Further Reading:

-RFK Jr. And His Allies Target Trump’s Beloved Soda

Further Listening:

-PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda
-Who Wants Non-Alcoholic Beer? Everyone, Apparently.

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Trump 2.0: ‘Just Getting Started’ Mar 07, 2025

President Trump delivered a celebratory speech to Congress, declaring that he had swiftly notched several wins for the American people. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia joins Kate Linebaugh and Molly Ball to discuss the roadmap Trump laid out and what it means for the next few years.

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Further Listening:

-The Trade War With China Is On

-Trump's Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry

-Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy

Further Reading:

-An Annotated Fact-Check and Analysis of Trump’s Speech to Congress

-How Trump’s Polite Meeting With Zelensky Descended Into Acrimony

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The Botched Software Update That Cost $600 Million Mar 06, 2025

Sonos, the high-end speaker company, continues to reel from its disastrous app update last May. The company lost revenue and approximately $600 million in market capitalization. Then came the layoffs and a CEO exit. WSJ’s Ben Cohen explains.

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Further Listening:

- The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers

- The Snowballing Problems at Vail Resorts

Further Reading:

- The $500 Million Debacle at Sonos That Just Won’t End

- Sonos Finally Hits the Hard Reset Button

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The Trade War With China Is On Mar 05, 2025

In the last month, the Trump Administration has levied 20% tariffs on imports from China. We speak to the CEO of an American home goods company about the impact of the trade war. WSJ’s Hannah Miao explains how it’s already affecting manufacturers and the economy in China.

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Further Reading:

- The Tariff Pain Is Getting Real for Chinese Companies

- Chinese Manufacturers Speed Up Efforts to Dodge Trump Tariffs

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals

-How One Business Is Getting Ahead of Trump’s Tariffs

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Trump's Tariffs Cause Chaos in Auto Industry Mar 04, 2025

President Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada took effect first thing Tuesday. The American auto industry will be hit hard by these tariffs since many parts and materials come from Mexico and Canada. WSJ’s Mike Colias and a U.S. a uto parts supplier talk about the impact of the tariffs.

Further Listening:

-Trump’s Tariff Whiplash

Further Reading:

-Auto Executives Try to Sway Trump on Tariffs, EV Subsidies

-Tariff Threat Prompts Automakers to Find New Suppliers, Consider Higher Prices

-Canada and Mexico Gambled on a Free Trade Future. The Bet Is Turning Sour.

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The Killing Spree Tied to a Silicon Valley Intellectual Movement Mar 03, 2025

The Zizians, a cult-like group of militant vegans, has been connected to six killings across the country. The violence has sent shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson explains how the Zizians splintered from a Bay Area intellectual movement concerned with AI safety.

Further Reading:

-A Silicon Valley Intellectual Society Kicked Them Out. Now They’re Tied to a Killing Spree.

-How a Fervent Belief Split Silicon Valley—and Fueled the Blowup at OpenAI

Further Listening:

-The Fall of Crypto’s Golden Boy

-The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec

-The Biotech Founder Facing Murder Charges

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Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy Feb 28, 2025

In the first few minutes of the Trump presidency, Elon Musk’s programmers made a surprise incursion into a key personnel agency. Since then, DOGE programmers operating in the shadows have burrowed into systems across the government, resulting in thousands of layoffs. WSJ’s Scott Patterson explains how DOGE has entered vast parts of the federal bureaucracy.

Further Reading:

-Inside DOGE’s Clash With the Federal Workforce

-DOGE Claims It Has Saved Billions. See Where.

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance

-Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

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Trump 2.0: A Big, Beautiful Bill Feb 28, 2025

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution this week that serves as a first draft of the “big, beautiful bill” President Trump has been seeking. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss how Congress is working with Trump. Plus, we take a look at what impact recent rulings from the judicial branch might mean for Trump's agenda.

Further Reading:

- The Weight of Trump’s Agenda Sits on Mike Johnson’s Shoulders

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals

-CBS Owner Discusses Settling Trump Suit, With Merger Review on Tap

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Will Paramount Settle With Trump? Feb 27, 2025

Paramount Global is wrestling with whether to settle President Trump’s lawsuit against its CBS unit. At the same time, the company is waiting for regulatory approval from the Trump administration for its merger with Skydance Media. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel explains.

Further Reading:

-FCC Requests ‘60 Minutes’ Harris Interview Material as It Reviews Paramount-Skydance Merger

-Paramount Executives Ask: Could They Be Sued for Settling Trump’s $20 Billion CBS Lawsuit?

Further Listening:

-Mayhem at Paramount as Merger Looms

-Why Buying Paramount Global Won’t Be Easy

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Why Gold Bars Are Flying Over the Atlantic Feb 26, 2025

If you landed on a flight from Europe to New York recently, you might have been an unwitting participant in a high-stakes, high-altitude gold trade. WSJ’s Joe Wallace explains what's going on with the gold market, and why gold bars have been flying commercial.

Further Reading:

-Why Dealers Are Flying Gold Bars by Plane From London to New York

Further Listening:

-Trump's Tariff Whiplash

-The Underground Battle for Colombia's Richest Gold Mine

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An Eggspensive Dilemma Feb 25, 2025

As the U.S. fights a persistent bird flu outbreak, the cost of eggs has skyrocketed. The owner of a brunch cafe tells us about the impact of high-priced eggs on his business and WSJ’s Patrick Thomas unpacks one possible fix that the egg industry wouldn't consider – until now.

Further Reading:

- Soaring Egg Prices Reignite Debate Over Bird Flu Vaccinations

- At the ‘Wall Street of Eggs,’ Demand Is Surging

- First Cows, Now Cats. Is Bird Flu Coming for Humans Next?

Further Listening:

- Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs

- Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food

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Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals Feb 24, 2025

The Trump administration is pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over mineral rights worth hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. Zelensky said a deal is possible but he wants better terms. WSJ's James Marson explains why these minerals are so valuable and what this potential deal could mean for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Further Listening:

- Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem

Further Reading:

- A Guide to U.S.-Russia Talks on Ending the War in Ukraine

- Ukraine’s Zelensky Wants Better Terms on Minerals Deal Demanded by Trump

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Germany's Economy Is Broken. There's No Plan B. Feb 21, 2025

For decades, Germany has relied on manufacturing and exports – a model that made it the world’s third largest economy. But that model is breaking down, and the country’s leaders are offering few alternatives in the upcoming election. WSJ’s Tom Fairless and Bertrand Benoit discuss Germany’s downturn and what can be done about it.

Further Reading:

- Germany’s Economic Model Is Broken, and No One Has a Plan B

- Why Germany’s Confidence Is Shattered and Its Economy Is Kaput

Further Listening:

- Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy

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Trump 2.0: Shaking Up Europe Feb 21, 2025

The Trump Administration turns its focus to Europe as President Trump signals a willingness to cooperate with Russia. WSJ’s Alex Ward joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss what that means for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Further Reading:

-Trump’s Turn to Russia Spooks U.S. Allies Who Fear a Weakened NATO

-Trump’s Attack on Zelensky Signals New World Order Taking Shape

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance

-R.I.P. CFPB?

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Why Influencers Say Honey Is Stealing Their Money Feb 20, 2025

A controversy among YouTube influencers has led to a series of lawsuits accusing browser extensions like PayPal Honey of swiping their commissions. PayPal said it disagrees with the claims in these lawsuits and look forward to defending itself. The litigation shines a light on the sometimes murky world of affiliate marketing, a $12 billion business.

Further Reading:

-Creators Insist Coupon Browser Extensions Are Stealing Their Money. Will the Courts Agree?

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State Farm Cut Policies. Then the Fires Hit. Feb 19, 2025

In recent years, most home insurers were fleeing areas of California with high risk for wildfires. But State Farm was there, dominating the market. Then, just months before the devastating L.A. fires, the company dropped 30,000 homeowners from their books. WSJ’s Jean Eaglesham explains how the risk that State Farm unloaded is now a problem for the rest of California.

Further Reading:

-State Farm Was All In on California – Until it Pulled the Plug Before the Fires

-Insurers’ Rule Change Puts California Homeowners on the Hook for L.A. Fire

Further Listening:

-Their L.A. Neighborhood Burned. Two Residents Find What’s Left.

-Insuring a Home in California Is Getting Harder

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The Life and Death of a Boeing Whistleblower Feb 18, 2025

John Barnett worked at Boeing for nearly 30 years. Before he left the company, he filed a whistleblower complaint, alleging he was retaliated against for raising safety concerns. Last March, after two days of testimony, he was found dead in his truck. Police ruled his death a suicide. We tell the story of Barnett’s life, and death, as a Boeing whistleblower.

Further Reading:

- Boeing CEO Apologizes to MAX Crash Families, Calls Culture ‘Far From Perfect’

- The Disarray Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory Before the Door Plug Blowout

- Can Boeing Be Fixed? Aerospace Leaders Offer a Repair Manual

Further Listening:

- The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory

- A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing

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The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary Feb 17, 2025

We’re off for Presidents Day, but we wanted to reshare this episode.
Walmart is offering higher pay, bonuses and more stock options this year to retain and attract managers. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer spent a day with one manager, Nichole Hart, to understand why the job is commanding such a high salary these days, and why Hart logs about 20,000 steps a day.
This episode was originally published in May 2024.

Further Reading:

-A Day in the Life of a Walmart Manager Who Makes $240,000 a Year

-Walmart Takes On Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods With New Premium Brand

Further Listening:

-What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer

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The U.S. Spent Billions Fighting AIDS. What Now? Feb 14, 2025

At the beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump suspended most U.S. foreign aid, causing vast confusion and concern around the world. One affected program was PEPFAR, the bipartisan initiative that works to fight HIV/AIDS globally. WSJ’s Nicholas Bariyo from Uganda and Michael M. Phillips from Kenya report. And we hear from Karl Hoffman, the CEO of the public health organization HealthX Partners.

Further Listening:

-Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

Further Reading:

-Trump Aid Whiplash Hits Refugees, AIDS Patients Worldwide

-Trump Order Freezing Foreign Aid Halts Programs Worldwide, Prompts Confusion and Rush for Waivers

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Trump 2.0: The Musk-Trump Bromance Feb 14, 2025

It’s been a busy month in D.C. for Elon Musk. WSJ’s Tim Higgins joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to discuss what Musk’s strategies as a CEO can tell us about his plans for DOGE and the federal government. Plus, we get into Trump’s relationship with the judiciary and take a question from a listener about American expansionism.

Further Reading:

-Musk Brings His Business Playbook to Washington: Move Fast and Claim Victory

-DOGE, Musk and Trump—Our Reporters Answered Your Questions

Further Listening:

-R.I.P. CFPB?

-Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs

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Grindr Makes a Date With AI Feb 13, 2025

Dating app companies are seeing a decline in demand, so they’re looking to recruit a new matchmaker: AI. WSJ’s Belle Lin reports on Grindr’s big bet that its new AI “wingman” will help its users find love. And we talk to someone who tried it.

Further Reading:

- Grindr Aims to Build the Dating World’s First AI ‘Wingman’

Further Listening:

- The Price of Dating Apps

- ‘Love Is Blind’ Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen

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‘Love Is Blind’ Is Back. Not All the Drama Is On-Screen. Feb 12, 2025

Netflix’s hit reality show “Love is Blind” returns this Friday with its eighth season. But behind the scenes, there is a legal battle brewing over the treatment of cast members looking for love. We spoke to a former participant and others in the industry about how this could change reality TV.

Further Reading:

-How ‘Love Is Blind’ Helped Netflix Crack the Reality-TV Code

Further Listening:

-James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon.

-Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows

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R.I.P. CFPB? Feb 11, 2025

The Trump administration's newly installed acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau chief Russell Vought is closing the agency and has ordered staff to halt all work. WSJ’s Brian Schwartz explores what the agency does and why it’s become the next target for Trump allies like Vought and Elon Musk.

Further Listening:

- Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs

- Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

- Trump’s Tariff Whiplash

Further Reading:

- CFPB to Close Office After Vought Tells Staff to Halt All Supervision

- Russell Vought Taking Over as New Acting Head of CFPB

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Women's Soccer Is Getting a Big Upgrade Feb 10, 2025

Denver was named the winner of a new women’s pro soccer franchise last month, in part because it plans to build one of the first stadiums exclusively for the league. WSJ’s Rachel Bachman explains the seismic shift in women’s sports - and the big money that is coming with it.

Further Reading:

-The Force in Women’s Sports That’s Even More Powerful Than Caitlin Clark

-No One Wanted to Finance Their Stadium. Now Every Game Is a Sellout.

Further Listening:

-Can the WNBA Cash in on the Caitlin Clark Effect?

-The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer

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How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports Feb 07, 2025

If you’ve watched any professional sports this year, chances are you’ve seen ad after ad pushing parlay bets. WSJ’s Katherine Sayre explains how parlays became big business for sports betting companies.

Further Listening:

- How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

- Disney Gets Into Gambling

Further Reading:

- America Has Fallen in Love With Long-Shot Sports Bets

- This Year’s Big NFL Winners: Fans, Not Sportsbooks

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Trump 2.0: Less Foreign Aid, More Tariffs Feb 07, 2025

WSJ’s Joel Schectman joins Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball to explore the dismantling of USAID and what it means for America’s future as a global leader. Plus, Trump's tariffs, a Gaza proposal and remaking the CIA.

Further Listening:

- Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart

- Trump’s Tariff Whiplash

Further Reading:

- How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks

- CIA Offers Buyout to Entire Workforce as Part of Trump Makeover

- Democrats Have a New Leader but Haven’t Come to Grips With Failure

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Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped It Apart Feb 06, 2025

President Donald Trump wants the world's richest man, Elon Musk, to shrink the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency. And one of DOGE's first targets? USAID, the agency that focuses on foreign assistance. We talk to a USAID worker who is out of work this week and to WSJ’s Brian Schwartz about how powerful Musk and DOGE have become.

Further Reading:

-How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks

-Trump Hints at Curbs on Musk’s Powers After Billionaire Shakes Up Washington

Further Listening:

-DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government

-Is DEI Done?

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The Snowballing Problems at Vail Resorts Feb 05, 2025

Vail Resorts is the king of the mountain. But recently, the ski company has been facing issues with overcrowding and labor disputes. WSJ travel reporter Allison Pohle on how Vail Resorts might be a victim of its own success.

Further Reading:

- Vail Resorts Has an Epic Problem

- Vail Resorts Shareholder Calls for Overhaul, Ouster of Executives Including CEO

Further Listening:

- How Target Got Off Target

- A Surprise Turkey and 200 Lemons: Everyday Stories From the Pandemic

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RFK Jr.'s Nomination Just Got a Shot in the Arm Feb 04, 2025

Today, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cleared a major hurdle to becoming the nation's chief health officer. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte on Kennedy’s history and the heated lead-up to a full Senate vote.

Further Reading:

-RFK Jr. Clears Committee Vote, Putting Him on Track to Become Health Secretary

-RFK Jr. Backs Vaccines and Trump’s Agenda in Senate Testimony

-How RFK Jr. Transformed From Green Hero to Vaccine Skeptic

Further Listening:

-Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance

-PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda

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Trump’s Tariff Whiplash Feb 03, 2025

The White House announced wide-ranging tariffs against the U.S.'s biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. At the last minute, both Canada and Mexico negotiated a pause. WSJ’s Gavin Bade unpacks the significance of the tariffs and the latest updates.

Further Reading:

-Trump Slaps Tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China in Opening Salvo of Trade War

-Trump Aides Hunt for 11th-Hour Deal to Dial Back Canada-Mexico Tariffs

Further Listening:

-Trump 2.0 A Whiplash on Federal Spending

-Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term

-How One Business Is Getting Ahead of Trump’s Tariffs

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A Plane Crash, Warning Signs and an Investigation Jan 31, 2025

The collision of American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army helicopter is the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in 23 years. But there were warning signs. WSJ's Benjamin Katz reports on recent safety concerns about D.C.'s increasingly busy airspace and explains where the investigation goes next.

Further Listening:

-Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York's Fault

Further Reading:

-How a Plane and a Helicopter Collided in a Crowded Airspace Around Reagan Airport

-Washington’s Jam-Packed Airspace Has Prompted Warnings for Years

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Trump 2.0: A Whiplash on Federal Spending Jan 31, 2025

Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball round up the week’s news including nomination hearings, inspectors general firings and the airplane crash in D.C. Plus, they speak to WSJ’s Washington coverage chief Damian Paletta about the administration's freeze on potentially trillions of dollars in government financial assistance.

Further Listening:

- Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term

- Trump’s Immigration Overhaul

Further Reading:

- White House Budget Freeze Tried to Flip Script on Busted Budget Process

- Trump Blames DEI, Democrats for Deadly Plane Crash

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Meta Settles With Trump for $25 Million Jan 30, 2025

In 2021, President Donald Trump sued Meta after his accounts were suspended in the wake of the January 6 riot. WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus explains why Mark Zuckerberg agreed to settle for $25 million yesterday.

Further Reading:

- Meta to Pay $25 Million to Settle 2021 Trump Lawsuit

- Meta Ends Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram in Free-Speech Pitch

- ABC News to Pay $15 Million to Settle Donald Trump Defamation Lawsuit

Further Listening:

- Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0

- The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era

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How DeepSeek Sank The Stock Market Jan 29, 2025

Last week, the Chinese company DeepSeek debuted a new AI model -- and overturned years of conventional wisdom about what it takes to build great AI. The shock unleashed a $1 trillion bloodbath on Wall Street. WSJ’s Stu Woo and WSJ’s Gunjan Banerji unpack DeepSeek's achievement and the market chaos it unleashed.

Further Reading:

-How China’s DeepSeek Outsmarted America

-The Day DeepSeek Turned Tech and Wall Street Upside Down

Further Listening:

-The Company Behind Chat GPT

-The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

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The Unraveling of OpenAI and Microsoft's Bromance Jan 28, 2025

Some of the world’s most prominent names in technology are pledging billions to build artificial-intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. in a joint venture called Stargate. Notably missing? Microsoft. WSJ’s Tom Dotan explains how the partnership that launched the AI boom has deteriorated.

Further Reading:

- Tech Leaders Pledge up to $500 Billion in AI Investment in U.S.

- OpenAI’s Stargate Deal Heralds Shift Away From Microsoft

- Musk Pours Cold Water on Trump-Backed Stargate AI Project

Further Listening:

- What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out.

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Is DEI Done? Jan 27, 2025

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in dismantling DEI programs in the federal government and pressuring private companies to do the same. As WSJ's Chip Cutter reports, Trump’s actions could reshape corporate America.

Further Listening:

- Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0

- One Man’s Campaign Against DEI

Further Reading:

- How Trump’s Assault on DEI Will Ripple Across Corporate America

- Why Costco Isn’t Joining the Backlash Against DEI

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The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays Jan 24, 2025

An iconic chain that became known for its fun cocktails and family dining, TGI Fridays has seen a sharp decline in recent years, leading to a bankruptcy filing in November. WSJ’s Heather Haddon explains the company’s unraveling and a former CEO talks about his plans to keep the chain alive.

Further Listening:

- Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback

- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?

Further Reading:

- The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays

- TGI Fridays Ex-CEO Blanchette to Take Over Chain’s Management

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Trump 2.0: A Fast Start to a Second Term Jan 24, 2025

Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball are back! This time to unpack the new administration's first 100 days. Today, we discuss President Trump’s slew of executive orders and what they tell us about the next four years. Plus, they speak to WSJ’s Sadie Gurman about changes taking shape at the Justice department.

Further Listening:

- Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America

- Trump’s Immigration Overhaul

Further Reading:

- Trump’s Immigration Playbook: Breaking Down His Moves This Week

- Trump Takes Office Determined to Bend Government to His Singular Will

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Love Trump? Now You Can Buy His Meme Coin. Jan 23, 2025

The crypto industry has hailed President Trump as a savior. But shortly before his inauguration, Trump made a surprise move that shook the crypto world. WSJ’s Vicky Ge Huang explains the president’s new cryptocurrency and why it has ruffled feathers.

Further Reading:

-$TRUMP Is Already Worth Billions. What to Know About the Meme Coin.

-Crypto Thought Trump Would Bring It Legitimacy. Then He Launched a Meme Coin.

Further Listening:

-Bitcoin Hit $100k. What's Next?

-Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance

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Trump's Immigration Overhaul Jan 22, 2025

Shortly after taking office on Monday, President Trump signed several immigration executive orders. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman reports on the new administration’s plans to curtail legal and illegal immigration and on the new border czar who’s leading the efforts.

Further Listening:

- Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America

- Why Biden Is Cracking Down on Asylum at the Border

Further Reading and Watching:

- Why Trump’s Immigration Plans Will Upend U.S. Agriculture

- The Trump Border Czar Who Wants to Combine MAGA With Realism

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Wait… Was That the TikTok Ban? Jan 21, 2025

President Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term, but now he’s being hailed as the app’s savior. WSJ’s Georgia Wells explains the saga to make a deal with the Chinese-owned social media app.

Further Reading:

-TikTok Restoring Service for U.S. Users, After Trump Signals He Will Save It

-What Happens Now That TikTok’s Gone Dark?

Further Listening:

-The TikTok Ban Goes to the Supreme Court

-Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.

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Trump Declares a ‘Golden Age’ for America Jan 20, 2025

Today, Donald Trump was sworn in as president for a second time. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews discusses Trump’s inaugural address. And we hear from Trump supporters who gathered in Washington D.C. to celebrate.

Further Listening:

-The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet

-What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump

Further Reading:

-President Declares New 'Golden Age' for the U.S.

-Trump Trashed Washington for Years. Now He’s Vowing to Make Over the City.

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Ben Shapiro and Preet Bharara on the ‘Podcast Election’ Jan 20, 2025

In a special video edition of The Journal, WSJ's ⁠Ryan Knutson⁠ sits down with Ben Shapiro of ⁠The Ben Shapiro Show⁠ and Preet Bharara of ⁠Stay Tuned with Preet⁠ in the Spotify mobile studio in Washington DC. We discuss how new media has shaped politics and how politics has shaped a new era of media.

Further Listening:

- ⁠Corporate America’s Embrace of Trump 2.0⁠

- ⁠The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era

Photo: Uncredited

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Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0 Jan 17, 2025

CEOs of major companies are preparing for a second Trump administration, taking trips to Mar-a-Lago and contributing millions to his inauguration fund. WSJ's Chip Cutter explains corporate America's new strategy for engaging with the incoming U.S. president.

Further Reading:

-The CEOs Who Are Tearing Up the Policies Trump Hates

-Corporate America Drew Back From DEI. The Upheaval Isn’t Over.

Further Listening:

-DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government

-How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs

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A Fragile Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza Jan 16, 2025

On Wednesday, mediators announced a deal between Israel and Hamas to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip, opening up a pathway to end the 15-month war. But Israel has yet to finalize the deal. WSJ’s Anat Peled unpacks what we know about the deal and the sticking points to getting it done.

Further Listening:

-The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East

-What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East

-The Brutal Calculation of Hamas's Leader

Further Reading:

-Israel, Hamas Agree to Deal to Pause Fighting in Gaza

-Netanyahu Strikes Cautious Tone on Gaza Cease-Fire as He Tries to Hold Government Together
-Israel Delays Cabinet Vote on Cease-Fire Deal, Blames Hamas for Reneging

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The Nazi Ties to Credit Suisse Jan 15, 2025

After harrowing probes in the 1990s, Swiss banks thought they’d come to terms with their WWII-era ties to Nazis. But WSJ’s Margot Patrick explains how documents newly unearthed from bank archives include shocking revelations.

Further Reading:

-Nazi Ties to Credit Suisse Ran Deeper Than Was Known, Hidden Files Reveal

Further Listening:

-What Just Happened at Credit Suisse?

-The Financial Legacy of the Nuclear Tests on Bikini Atoll

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What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out. Jan 14, 2025

How close is artificial intelligence to building a catastrophic bioweapon or causing other superhuman damage? WSJ's Sam Schechner reports on the team at Anthropic testing for AI dangers. And the team leader, Logan Graham, explains how the tests work.

Further Listening:

-Artificial: The OpenAI Story

-The Big Changes Tearing OpenAI Apart

Further Reading:

-Their Job Is to Push Computers Toward AI Doom

-AI Startup Anthropic Raising Funds Valuing It at $60 Billion

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Their L.A. Neighborhood Burned. Two Residents Find What’s Left. Jan 13, 2025

The Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles has been decimated by some of the worst fires in U.S. history. On Friday, WSJ’s Katherine Sayre accompanied two residents who went back to see what is left of their homes.

Further Reading:

-The Palisades Residents Who Took Long Journeys to See What’s Left of Their Lives

-Their Wealth Is in Their Homes. Their Homes Are Now Ash.

Further Listening:

-The Race to Save an Iconic Train From Falling Into the Ocean

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The TikTok Ban Goes to the Supreme Court Jan 10, 2025

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the federal law that requires TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to either shut down or find a new owner. WSJ’s Jess Bravin breaks down the arguments from each side.

Further Listening:

-How TikTok Became The World’s Favorite App

-A TikTok Star Wrestles With the App's Possible Ban

-What's Up With All the TikTok Bans?

-House Passes Bill to Ban TikTok

Further Reading:

-Supreme Court Questions TikTok’s Arguments Against Ban

-How TikTok Was Blindsided by U.S. Bill That Could Ban It

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The End of Facebook’s Content Moderation Era Jan 09, 2025

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this week that Facebook, Instagram and Threads would dramatically dial back content moderation and end fact checking. WSJ’s Jeff Horwitz explains what that means for the social media giant.

Further Reading:

-Social-Media Companies Decide Content Moderation Is Trending Down

-Meta Ends Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram in Free-Speech Pitch

Further listening:

-Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram

-Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide.

-The Facebook Files

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Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die? Jan 08, 2025

Once fierce rivals, Japanese car giants Honda and Nissan recently announced their plans to merge in 2026. The deal would create the world’s 3rd largest automaker. WSJ’s Sean McLain reports on why Nissan struggled in recent years and the challenges the merged company would face.

Further Listening:

-Inside Carlos Ghosn's Escape From Japan

-The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here

Further Reading:

-Nissan Needs a Honda Rescue. What Went So Wrong?

-Honda, Nissan Plan to Create World’s No. 3 Automaker in 2026 Merger

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Why Justin Trudeau Stepped Down Jan 07, 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would resign. He is the latest global progressive leader to fall from power. WSJ’s Vipal Monga reports on Trudeau’s legacy and downfall.

Further Listening:

-A Murder That Sparked a Diplomatic Crisis

-Canada’s Trucker Protests

Further Reading:

-Trudeau to Resign as Voters Sour on His Vision for Canada

-The Populist Vying to Lead Canada and End a Decade of Liberalism

-The Progressive Moment in Global Politics Is Over

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Netflix’s Culture Led to Extraordinary Parental Leave. That’s Over. Jan 06, 2025

Netflix was known for its “no rules” culture that executives say attracted the best talent. But as it’s grown, the company has pulled back on some of that freedom, including its generous parental leave. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel explains why Netflix is changing the culture that fueled its success, and what it means for employees.

Further Reading:

-Netflix’s Extraordinary Parental Leave Was Part of Its Culture. That’s Over.

-Netflix Is Rethinking Employee Freedom, a Core Tenet of Its Vaunted Culture

Further Listening:

-Netflix Turns to Ads

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How to Make a $12.98 T-Shirt... in the U.S. Jan 03, 2025

After decades of manufacturing in the United States moving overseas, there are calls to bring it back. But doing that is not straightforward. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner and the founder of American Giant explain how that company produced inexpensive T-shirts in the U.S.

Further Reading:

-How a $12.98 T-Shirt Is Made in America—at a Profit

Further Listening:

-How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs

-China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle

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The Underground Battle for Colombia's Richest Gold Mine Jan 02, 2025

Gunmen of the Gulf Clan, a drug-trafficking militia in Colombia, are seizing tunnels inside one of the largest gold motherlodes in Latin America. The mine belongs to Zijin Mining Group, a Chinese company, which says it has surrendered nearly two-thirds of its tunnels and lost an estimated $200 million worth of gold in 2023. WSJ's Juan Forero reports.

This episode has been updated to include comment from the Gulf Clan.

Further Reading:

-A Drug Gang Stole 3 Tons of Gold in a Scam So Perfect It’s Still Going

Further Listening:

-Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business

-Why Black Lung Is Rising in Coal Country

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The Missing Minister: The Vanishing of Qin Gang Dec 30, 2024

Last year, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, suddenly disappeared. Qin was a rising star in Chinese politics and a protegé of China’s strongman leader, Xi Jinping. In the first episode of our three-part investigation, we chart Qin’s rise and begin to untangle the mystery of his disappearance. This series was originally published in October.

Further Listening:
- Episode 2: The Affair - Apple | Spotify
- Episode 3: The Downfall - Apple | Spotify
We'll be back with something new on January 2.

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Happy Holidays! An Interview with the Christmas Queen Dec 24, 2024

Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1994 to moderate success. Today, the song is a megahit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out. This episode was originally published on December 11, 2020.
We'll return with something new on January 2.

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James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon. Dec 20, 2024

James Bond is one of Hollywood's most famous characters. So when Amazon bought the rights to distribute Bond, executives had big plans for the brand’s intellectual property. But so far, Amazon hasn't made a single Bond movie. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel takes us inside the feud that’s tying up the franchise.

Further Reading:

-Where Is James Bond? Trapped in an Ugly Stalemate With Amazon

Further Listening:

-Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on 'Wicked'

-Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows

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Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance Dec 19, 2024

The killing of a top health insurance executive outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel this month triggered an outpouring of public anger at private health insurance companies. WSJ’s Julie Wernau reports that many doctors are among the aggrieved. And two doctors explain how dealing with health insurers is getting worse.

Further Listening:

- The Suspect in the UnitedHealth Killing

Further Reading:

- Doctors Say Dealing With Health Insurers Is Only Getting Worse

- Clues Left by a Killer Echo Widespread Anger at Health Insurers

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Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In. Dec 18, 2024

BookTok, the corner of TikTok that’s all about books, has shaken up the publishing world. Over the last few years, the platform has pulled in new readers, especially in the romance and fantasy genres. And now some of the largest publishers in the U.S. are finding new talent and rethinking their strategies because of TikTok. We hear from an author, a bookstore owner and a publisher about how TikTok has transformed the book industry.

Further Listening:

-The Rise of the Tween Shopper

-Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

-Scholastic's Succession Drama

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Why GM Is Giving Up on Cruise Robotaxis Dec 17, 2024

After nearly a decade and $10 billion in development, General Motors is ending its robotaxi program. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains why Cruise wasn’t working for the legacy car company.

Further Reading:

-General Motors Scraps Cruise Robotaxi Program

-GM’s Self-Driving Car Unit Skids Off Course

Further Listening:

-How Waymo Won Over San Francisco

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The Chip Business Is Booming. Why Isn’t Intel? Dec 16, 2024

Intel—the company whose chips were “inside” your ‘90s desktops—has fallen behind in recent years. Now, the CEO hired to turn things around is suddenly out. WSJ’s Asa Fitch explains how the once-dominant chip brand lost its edge.

Further Reading:

- He Was Going to Save Intel. He Destroyed $150 Billion of Value Instead.

- Intel Co-CEOs Outline Strategy Following Pat Gelsinger’s Ouster

Further Listening:

- America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage

- Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the Chips Industry

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The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire Dec 13, 2024

Since the war in Ukraine began, strange attacks have been happening across Europe, including a plot to set DHL packages on fire. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski on Russia’s escalating shadow war in Europe.

Further Reading:

-Chinese Ship’s Crew Suspected of Deliberately Dragging Anchor for 100 Miles to Cut Baltic Cables

-Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S.-Bound Planes

-The Misfits Russia Is Recruiting to Spy on the West

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin

-How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea

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The Biggest Supermarket Merger That Wasn’t Dec 12, 2024

This week, a federal judge blocked a proposed $20-billion merger between the U.S.’s two largest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas reports on what happened in the trial, why the two chains turned on one another and what’s next for the grocery business.

Further Listening:

- The Fight for 7-Eleven

- Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger

Further Reading:

- Albertsons Sues Kroger, Terminates Merger After Judge Blocks Supermarket Megadeal

- Kroger-Albertsons Merger Blocked by Court, Handing Victory to Biden Antitrust Enforcers

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Bitcoin Hit $100k. What's Next? Dec 11, 2024

Last week, the price of Bitcoin reached $100,000 per coin, an all-time-high as President-elect Donald Trump promises his administration will be crypto-friendly. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich breaks down the outlook for cryptocurrency.

Further Reading:

-Bitcoin Hits $100,000, Lifted by Hopes of a Crypto-Friendly Washington

-Crypto Players Celebrate SEC Pick, Bitcoin Touches $100,000

Further Listening:

-Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance

-Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto

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The Suspect in the UnitedHealth Killing Dec 10, 2024

After a manhunt lasting nearly a week, authorities have arrested and charged a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson. WSJ’s Joshua Chaffin unpacks what we know about the alleged killer, his possible motivations, and the public rage that has bubbled up as the search continued.

Further Reading:

- Suspect in UnitedHealth Killing Was Ivy Leaguer With Anticapitalist Leanings

- Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Meets Unexpected Obstacle: Sympathy for the Gunman

- Murder at Dawn: A Top Executive’s Final Moments in Manhattan

Further Listening:

- The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec

- Why So Many Emergency Rooms Are Failing Kids in America

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Assad's Regime Falls. What's Next For Syria? Dec 09, 2024

After decades of brutal dictatorship in Syria, the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell in a matter of days. WSJ’s Yaroslav Trofimov reports on the rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani and how regional players are responding to political change in Syria.

Further Listening:

- What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East

- Ten Days That Shifted Power in Syria

Further Reading:

- The 11-Day Blitz by Syrian Rebels That Ended 50 Years of Assad Rule

- Assad’s Downfall Marks a New Realignment in the Middle East

- How a Syrian Rebel Went From an American Jail to Seizing Aleppo

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The $6 Million Banana’s Appeal Dec 06, 2024

Last month, Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian,” a piece of conceptual art that consists of a banana duct taped to a wall, sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $6.2 million. WSJ’s Kelly Crow traces the banana’s origins from Art Basel Miami in 2019 to the top of the art market this year.

Further Listening:

- A Russian Billionaire, an Art Dealer and an Epic Feud

- The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands

Further Reading:

- A $6.2 Million Banana and the Unexpected Return of the Art Market

- Someone Just Paid $6.2 Million for a Banana Duct-Taped to a Wall

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How Target Got Off Target Dec 05, 2024

Target used to be a cheap and chic place to shop, but now the retailer is in a sales funk, losing market share to competitors like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer explores what happened to the beloved box store’s numbers and the strategies executives may be discussing to get back on target.

Further Reading:

-Target’s Slide From Cheap Chic to Dull Chore

Further Listening:

-What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond?

-Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired.

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DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government Dec 04, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has proposed radically downsizing the federal government, and two of his allies are going to be in charge: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. WSJ’s John McCormick walks us through the plans for DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency.

Further Reading:

- Musk, Ramaswamy Want Federal Workers in the Office Full Time. There’s a Hitch.

- Vivek Ramaswamy’s Marching Orders: Cut Trillions for Trump

Further Listening:

- Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations

- The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet

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How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs Dec 03, 2024

As President-elect Donald Trump lays out his plan for increasing tariffs on goods made in China and Mexico, some U.S. businesses are stockpiling. Small business owner Jason Junod explains what he thinks the impacts of the proposed tariffs will be, and why he hasn’t been able to go fully “Made in America.”

Further Reading:

-American Companies Are Stocking Up to Get Ahead of Trump’s China Tariffs

-Trump Fires Salvo on North American Trade Pact

Further Listening:

-China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle

-Why China Is Risking a Trade War

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Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York's Fault Dec 02, 2024

To ease flight delays and staffing shortages in the New York City area, the FAA shifted oversight of Newark Airport’s airspace to Philadelphia earlier this year. But WSJ’s Andrew Tangel reports that problems remain and new risks have surfaced.

Further Listening:

-How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy

-How Southwest Airlines Melted Down

Further Reading:

-Why Fixing New York Air Traffic Has Been a Bumpy Ride

-To Ease Newark Flight Delays, the FAA Turned to Philly. Here’s Why.

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Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way Nov 28, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving! This episode was originally published in November 2023. Ocean Spray’s farmers are responsible for 65% of the world’s cranberries. It’s not a publicly traded company. It’s not a traditional private company, either. It’s a cooperative founded nearly a century ago and owned by roughly 700 families. WSJ’s Ben Cohen tells the story of how the cranberry got into the can and how the company is planning for a future beyond your Thanksgiving table.

Further Reading:

-These People Are Responsible for the Cranberry Sauce You Love to Hate

Further Listening:

-Are Rotisserie Chickens 'Inflation-Proof'?

-The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions

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What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East Nov 27, 2024

Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire agreement that ends more than a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah. WSJ’s Jared Malsin takes us inside the deal and explores what it could mean for the region.

Further Reading:

-Israel Says Cease-Fire Takes Effect in Lebanon

-Israel Approves Cease-Fire With Lebanon Aimed at Ending Hezbollah Conflict

Further Listening:

-The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East

-Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War

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Inside Trump's Pick for Treasury Secretary Nov 26, 2024

After two weeks of uncertainty, Donald Trump nominated Scott Bessent, a longtime Wall Street investor, as his next Treasury secretary. The pick capped a behind-the-scenes battle one advisor called a “knife fight.” WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia takes us inside the decision, explores why Bessent triumphed and unpacks what his tenure could mean for the U.S. economy.

Further Reading:

-How Scott Bessent Won the ‘Knife Fight’ to Be Trump’s Treasury Secretary

-Scott Bessent Sees a Coming ‘Global Economic Reordering.’ He Wants to Be Part of It.

Further Listening:

-Gaetz, Bondi and Trump's Department of Justice

-The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump's Cabinet

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Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on ‘Wicked’ Nov 25, 2024

The movie musical “Wicked” collected a blockbuster $114 million in its opening weekend. Over the past year, Universal and its parent company Comcast have launched an all-out marketing blitz to blanket the world in “Wicked.” WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel reports on how it is the new Hollywood playbook.

Further Listening:
- The Curtain Closes on Phantom of the Opera

- The Rise of the Minions

- Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows

Further Reading:

- Inside Hollywood’s Big ‘Wicked’ Gamble

- ‘Wicked’ Flies High on Big Screen, With $114 Million Opening Weekend

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Gaetz, Bondi and Trump's Department of Justice Nov 22, 2024

After recognizing his nomination was facing an uphill battle, former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for U.S. Attorney General. WSJ's Sadie Gurman describes how president-elect Donald Trump's first pick unraveled and why he chose former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the role instead.

Further Reading:

-Trump Picks Pam Bondi for Attorney General After Gaetz Withdraws

-Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration as Trump's Attorney General

-Matt Gaetz Had Sex With 17-Year-Old, Witness Told House Ethics Committee

Further Listening:

-The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet

-What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump

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The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn't an Athlete — It Was a TV Show Nov 21, 2024

When TNT lost the rights to broadcast NBA games this year, fans worried that the network’s long-running popular show “Inside the NBA” would also end. But, as WSJ’s Joe Flint explains, a complicated trade has allowed the show to live on.

Further Listening:

- The NBA’s Media Rights Are Up For Grabs. Billions Are At Stake.

- The Media Mogul Taking an Ax To Hollywood

Further Reading:

- Warner Bros. Discovery, NBA Settle Legal Battle Over TV Rights

- Warner’s TNT Sues NBA, Alleging Breach of Media-Rights Contract

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How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy Nov 20, 2024

For years, Spirit Airlines soared with a low-cost, no-frills business model. This week, it came in for a bumpy landing. WSJ's Alison Sider explains how the big airlines learned to compete with Spirit––and helped put the carrier in bankruptcy.

Further Listening:

-The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines

-Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines

Further Reading:

-How Spirit Airlines Went From Industry Maverick to Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

-Discount Airline Spirit Files for Bankruptcy

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The Fight for 7-Eleven Nov 19, 2024

Earlier this year, Canadian convenience store company Alimentation Couche-Tard put in a bid to acquire 7-Eleven. Then, management from inside 7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & i, proposed a record-breaking buyout to counter. WSJ’s Jinjoo Lee on the drama around who will own the world’s largest convenience store chain.

Further Listening:

-The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle

-Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger

Further Reading:

-The Fight for 7-Eleven Isn’t Just About Money

-Talk of a 7-Eleven Takeover Has Japan Worried About the Rice Balls

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The Mysterious Fees Inflating Your Grocery Bill Nov 18, 2024

Grocery bills are going up for a lot of reasons. One has to do with how food gets on grocery store shelves. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explains a hidden layer of fees that are getting passed down to the consumer.

Further Reading:

- The Mysterious Fees Inflating Your Grocery Bill

- After Years of Raising Prices, Food Companies Hit Consumers’ Limits

Further Listening:

- The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions

- Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour

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The Onion Is Buying Infowars. No Joke. Nov 15, 2024

The Onion, the satirical news outlet, wants to buy Infowars, the platform conspiracy theorist Alex Jones used to defame families of the Sandy Hook massacre. Onion CEO Ben Collins shares why and John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, explains what it means to Sandy Hook families and the fight against disinformation.

Further Reading:

-The Onion Is Buying Alex Jones’s Infowars Site

-Alex Jones Files for Bankruptcy Following Sandy Hook Trial Losses

Further Listening:

-How Much Will Alex Jones Pay for his Sandy Hook Lie?

-What One School District Is Doing About Rising Gun Violence

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How the U.S. Fell Behind China on Climate Diplomacy Nov 14, 2024

Leaders from around the world are meeting in Azerbaijan for the U.N.’s COP29 climate conference. With Donald Trump’s recent election victory looming over the event, the U.S.’s role will be diminished. WSJ’s Matthew Dalton explains why this moment might be China’s chance to shine.

Further Listening:

-The Oil Giant Hosting This Year’s U.N. Climate Summit

-The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag

Further Reading:

-Trump Victory Leaves China Calling the Shots at COP29 Climate Negotiations

-Welcome to Baku, a City Built on Oil Hosting the World’s Climate Conference

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Does Warren Buffett Know Something We Don’t? Nov 13, 2024

The famous investor and muti-billionaire CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is doing something unusual: selling stocks and hoarding cash. WSJ’s Spencer Jakab breaks down possible reasons why and what everyday investors can learn from his choices.

Further Reading:

- Does Warren Buffett Know Something That We Don’t?

- A $150 Billion Question: What Will Warren Buffett Do With All That Cash?

Further Listening:

- Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend

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Abortion Was A Winning Issue – Just Not for Kamala Harris Nov 12, 2024

After abortion access wins in 2022, Democrats made a bet that voters backing abortion on states’ ballot measures would also back Democratic candidates. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto explains why that bet turned out to be wrong.

Further Listening:

The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet

What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump

Further Reading:

Voters Continued to Back Abortion Rights. It Didn’t Help Democrats.

A State-by-State Guide to Abortion Access in the U.S.

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The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet Nov 08, 2024

The incoming Trump administration has just named its White House chief of staff and more appointments will be coming soon. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia on who is in the running and how this transition could be different from 2016.

Further Reading:

-The Scramble Is On to Fill Out Trump’s Cabinet

-Lutnick Consults With Musk, Kushner, Wall Street in Rush to Staff Trump White House

-Meet the Wall Street Bigwig Who Has Become Trump’s Headhunter in Chief

Further Listening:

-Red, White and Who? Why Trump Won and Where Democrats Go Next

-What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump

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Red, White and Who? Why Trump Won and Where Democrats Go Next Nov 08, 2024

The race is over! Molly Ball and Ryan Knutson dive into the election results to understand what the electorate is feeling. Plus, where did it all go wrong for Democrats and what will day one of a Trump presidency look like?

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? It’s Trump.

- Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout?

Further Reading:

- How Trump Won the Economy-Is-Everything Election

- Trump Win Marks a Blow to Biden’s Legacy

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What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump Nov 07, 2024

Former president Donald Trump is now president-elect. But that wasn’t the only win this week for the GOP. Republicans have also secured a majority in the Senate, and they’re poised to win the House of Representatives. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes breaks down what this Republican trifecta could look like.

Further Reading:

-Republicans Poised to Keep Control of House After Winning Senate

-How Republicans Regained Control of the Senate

Further Listening:

-Red, White and Who? It's Trump.

-How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback

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How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback Nov 06, 2024

Republican former president Donald Trump defeats Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, reclaiming the White House. WSJ’s Alex Leary reports on Trump’s winning strategy and the campaign that fueled it.

Further Listening:

-Red, White and Who? Playlist

Further Reading:

-Trump Defeats Harris, Marking Historic Comeback

-How Donald Trump Won—by Being Donald Trump

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Red, White and Who? It's Trump. Nov 06, 2024

After flipping Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Donald Trump will become the 47th President of the United States. In the early hours of the morning, Molly Ball and Ryan Knutson discuss election night and Trump's victory.

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout?

- Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide The Election

Further Reading:

- Live Coverage from WSJ

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What We're Watching for Tonight Nov 05, 2024

Election night is here, and the U.S.–and the world–is watching as the votes come in. WSJ's Politics Editor Ben Pershing walks us through what he's keeping a close eye on, and how long it might take before a winner is called.

Further Reading:

-Election Day 2024 Live: It's Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump as America Votes

-A (Don’t Hold Us to It) Hour-by-Hour Guide to Election Night

Further Listening:

-Harris, Trump and the Inflation Election

-Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout?

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Harris, Trump and the Inflation Election Nov 04, 2024

Tomorrow is Election Day, and both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have campaigned on bringing down inflation. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos breaks down how both candidates’ plans will impact everyday costs.

Further Listening:

-Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About the $1.8 Trillion Deficit

-Red, White and Who? Playlist

Further Reading:

-Economists Warn of New Inflation Hazards After Election

-Inflation Continues Its Bumpy Decline With Mixed September Reading

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Child Care Is on the Ballot in One Texas County Nov 01, 2024

For decades, activists and lawmakers have tried to change the way child care works in the U.S. But they haven’t had much success. More recently, a fight has been brewing at the local level. This Tuesday, several places around the country will vote on whether to subsidize childcare. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explains what that could mean for one county in Texas.

Further Reading:

-Are American Taxpayers Ready to Foot the Bill for Child Care?

-Child Care, Rent, Insurance: Where Inflation Hits Hardest Now

Further Listening:

-How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work

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Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout? Nov 01, 2024

Rachel Humphreys and Molly Ball share dispatches from two major campaign events with Ryan Knutson. Molly analyzes the closing arguments and outlines what to expect on election day. Plus, we finally answer listeners’ most asked question: What’s up with the electoral college?

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide The Election

- Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage

Further Reading:

- America Is Having a Panic Attack Over the Election

- Pennsylvania Has Already Become Ground Zero for Election-Fraud Claims

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How Waymo Won Over San Francisco Oct 31, 2024

After a rocky start, self-driving car company Waymo seems to have won over riders in San Francisco. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky talks about the company’s push to convince the public its robotaxis are safe and the challenges of replicating that progress elsewhere.

Further Reading:

-How San Francisco Learned to Love Self-Driving Cars

-America’s Most Tech-Forward City Has Doubts About Self-Driving Cars

Further Listening:

-The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here

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Why One Family Rejected Boeing's Latest Offer Oct 30, 2024

For four generations, the Merwin family has worked in Boeing’s factories in Washington state. But for the last six weeks, Tony Merwin and his son Patrick have been on strike, along with 33,000 machinists. They explain why they’re demanding higher wages and pension benefits.

Further Reading:

-For This Boeing Family, the Job Is the Same. The Payoff Isn’t

-Boeing Strike Extended After Union Machinists Reject Contract

-Boeing’s CEO Is Shrinking the Jet Maker to Stop Its Crisis From Spiraling

Further Listening:

-Why 33,000 Boeing Workers Walked Off the Job

-Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space

-Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air.

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Former Election Security Head on America’s Biggest Threats Oct 29, 2024

During the Trump administration, Chris Krebs was the top cybersecurity official at the Department of Homeland Security. He spoke with WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler at WSJ Tech Live about the upcoming U.S. election and growing cyber threats from foreign governments.

Further Listening:

-The Chinese Hackers Spying on U.S. Internet Traffic

-Red, White and Who? Playlist

Further Reading:

-China-Linked Hackers Breach U.S. Internet Providers in New ‘Salt Typhoon’ Cyberattack

-U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack

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Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin Oct 28, 2024

For the past two years, tech billionaire Elon Musk has been having regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ’s Thomas Grove reports on what we know about the nature of their conversations and why that contact raises potential national security concerns for some in the current administration.

Further Reading:

- Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin

- Musk Says He Thwarted Attack on Russian Fleet in Ukraine’s Crimea

Further Listening:

- Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations

- The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink

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Hans Zimmer Isn’t Scared of AI Oct 25, 2024

Hans Zimmer, Academy Award-winning composer, and Golnar Khosrowshahi, CEO of Reservoir Media, discuss AI in the music industry, why human creation is still unique and whether or not Zimmer approves of “The Journal” theme music.

Further Listening:

-Artificial: The OpenAI Story

-When AI Comes for Your Art

Further Reading:

-Hans Zimmer, Movie Maestro

-Music Labels Take On AI Startups With New Lawsuits

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Hans Zimmer Isn’t Scared of AI Oct 25, 2024

Hans Zimmer, Academy Award-winning composer, and Golnar Khosrowshahi, CEO of Reservoir Media, discuss AI in the music industry, why human creation is still unique and whether or not Zimmer approves of “The Journal” theme music.

Further Listening:

-⁠Artificial: The OpenAI Story⁠

-⁠When AI Comes for Your Art⁠

Further Reading:

-⁠Hans Zimmer, Movie Maestro⁠

-⁠Music Labels Take On AI Startups With New Lawsuits

Photo: Uncredited

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Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide the Election Oct 25, 2024

Five undecided voters in swing states speak to Rachel Humphreys about how they're feeling as election day looms. Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack the stakes. Plus, will betting markets predict the winner?

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage

- How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big

Further Reading:

- Trump Takes Narrow Lead Over Harris in Closing Weeks of Race

- Meet the Traders Making Money Off the Trump Shooting and Biden’s Stumbles

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Sex-Trafficking Charges for Former Abercrombie CEO Oct 24, 2024

Mike Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, was arrested and charged with running an international sex-trafficking ring. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar describes the alleged crimes and the potential fallout for the company.

Further Reading:

-Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Is Arrested, Charged in Sex-Trafficking Case

Further Listening:

-The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch

-JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement

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Stop the Steal 2.0 Oct 23, 2024

Across the country, elections officials are bracing for a potentially contentious election day. At the same time, a network of conservative election integrity groups are preparing to challenge the result. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus reports on the billionaire-funded effort to contest the election, and WSJ's Jim Carlton reports how Maricopa County, Arizona is preparing for the worst.

Further Reading:

-The Secretive Billionaire Network Funding ‘Stop the Steal’ 2.0

-‘It Feels Very Dystopian.’ Republican County Officials Brace for Election Deniers—Again

Further Listening:

-Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage

-Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations

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The Mysterious Drones Flying Over U.S. Military Bases Oct 22, 2024

For 17 days last year, unidentified drones swarmed an area in Virginia that is home to a military base and other sensitive intelligence sites. WSJ’s Gordon Lubold looked into why it was so difficult for U.S. officials to stop them.

Further Reading:

-Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped.

Further Listening:

-How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea

-Cheap Drones Are Transforming the Battlefield

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Why People Are Thinking Twice About Living in Florida Oct 21, 2024

Clouds are gathering over the Sunshine State’s housing market. Especially along the state’s Gulf Coast, housing inventory is up and buyer interest is slowing. WSJ’s Deborah Acosta talks through the cooling-off of one of America’s biggest housing booms and what it says about what it means to live in Florida now.

Further Listening:

- Is Asheville No Longer a 'Climate Haven?

- Years After Surfside Collapse, Florida Condos Are In Crisis

Further Reading:

- The Great Florida Migration Is Coming Undone

- Why the Tampa Area Is So Vulnerable to a Hurricane

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The Missing Minister, Episode 1: The Vanishing of Qin Gang Oct 18, 2024

Last year, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, suddenly disappeared. Qin was a rising star in Chinese politics and a protegé of China’s strongman leader, Xi Jinping. In the first episode of our three-part investigation, we chart Qin’s rise and begin to untangle the mystery of his disappearance.

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The Missing Minister, Episode 2: The Affair Oct 18, 2024

In the second episode of our investigation, we examine the life and career of Fu Xiaotian: the prominent Chinese TV host who had an affair with Qin Gang. Like Qin, Fu was sharp and ambitious, but her high-flying career would come to an abrupt halt. And like Qin, she would also mysteriously disappear.

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The Missing Minister, Episode 3: The Downfall Oct 18, 2024

In our final episode, we get a break in the case of the missing minister: According to our sources, Chinese officials were told that Qin disappeared due to an explosive allegation. We dig into that story and its consequences for Fu and for Qin – Xi Jinping’s trusted aide.

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Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage Oct 18, 2024

With millions of votes already cast, the race is on for each campaign to get their supporters to the polls. Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball about the different strategies Trump and Harris are taking, and why election denial is such a big issue in Arizona. Plus, Rachel Humphreys speaks to a Gen Z Voter.

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? Foreign Policy and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr.

- Red, White and Who? Veep Veep! All Eyes on Vance and Walz

Further Reading:

- Republicans Rush to Bolster Trump’s Ground Game

- Kari Lake’s 2022 Fraud Claims Are Costing Her in 2024

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Lilly Ledbetter: The Woman Who Fought the Pay Gap Oct 17, 2024

Lilly Ledbetter, equal pay trailblazer, died on Saturday. WSJ’s Joseph De Avila reports on how Ledbetter faced pay discrimination at her job and sued her employer, taking her case all the way to the Supreme Court. And WSJ’s Lauren Weber discusses the persistence of the gender pay gap.

Further Reading:

-Fair-Wage Advocate Lilly Ledbetter Dies at 86

-Data Show Gender Pay Gap Opens Early

Further Listening:

-The TikTok That Changed College Hoops

-What Corporate America Can Learn From Coke’s Reckoning With Race

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How One Teenager Became a Legendary Hacker Oct 16, 2024

Investigators say that Arion Kurtaj’s life in cybercrime began at age 11, and ultimately led to his participation in the hacks of major companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how Kurtaj’s case has brought worries about a new breed of fearless young hackers.

Further Reading:

-This Teenage Hacker Became a Legend Attacking Companies. Then His Rivals Attacked Him.

-Hackers Leaked ‘Grand Theft Auto’ Footage, Rockstar Games Says

Further Listening:

-Hack Me If You Can, Part 1: The Making of a Russian Hacker

-How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto

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Listeria, Liverwurst and the Family Feud at Boar's Head Oct 15, 2024

Over the summer, an outbreak of listeria in Boar’s Head products killed 10 people and sickened dozens more. In the months after the crisis, the family that runs the company has said little. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer dug through court documents to piece together a decades-long story of a family fighting over ownership of a deli meat empire.

Further Reading:

- Inside the Half-Century Feud Dividing the Boar’s Head Family

- Boar’s Head Closing Virginia Factory Tied to Deadly Listeria Outbreak

Further Listening:

- Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food

- Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour

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The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank’s $3 Billion Fine Oct 11, 2024

TD Bank’s U.S. entity pleaded guilty and agreed to pay more than $3 billion in penalties, acknowledging it failed to properly monitor money laundering by drug cartels and other criminal groups. WSJ’s Dylan Tokar unpacks the investigation that led to such a historic deal.

Further Listening:

-The Suitcases Full of Cash Flowing Through Airports

Further Reading:

-TD Bank Agrees to $3 Billion in Penalties and Growth Restrictions in U.S. Settlement

-TD Pays Hefty Penalties as Prosecutors Detail Nearly a Decade of Lax Controls

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Red, White and Who? Foreign Policy and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr. Oct 11, 2024

Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball explore what we know about both candidates’ approach to foreign policy. Plus, Molly shares what she learned about the future of MAGA from an interview with Donald Trump Jr. and JD Vance.

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? Veep Veep! All Eyes on Vance and Walz

- Red, White and Who? It's Always the Economy!

Further Reading:

- How Donald Trump Jr. Became the Crown Prince of MAGA World

- JD Vance’s Version of Trump Is Better Than the Real Thing

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Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About the $1.8 Trillion Deficit Oct 10, 2024

The U.S. budget deficit topped $1.8 trillion in the last fiscal year. Meanwhile, both candidates for president are proposing plans that would increase the deficit for years to come. WSJ’s Richard Rubin explains how the deficit got so large and why the candidates don’t talk about it.

Further Listening:

-The Economy: Trump vs. Harris

-The Clock Is Ticking on the Debt Ceiling

Further Reading:

-Federal Deficit Hit $1.8 Trillion for 2024, CBO Says

-Federal Debt Is Soaring. Here’s Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About It.

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Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations Oct 09, 2024

Elon Musk's financial support for Republican causes has been much more extensive and started earlier than previously known. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli reports on Musk’s rightward political shift and explains how he hid his donations.

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump

Further Reading:

- Elon Musk Gave Tens of Millions to Republican Causes Far Earlier Than Previously Known

- Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump

- How Elon Musk Broke With Biden and the Democrats

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The Chinese Hackers Spying on U.S. Internet Traffic Oct 08, 2024

WSJ reporting has revealed a major cyberattack from a group tied to the Chinese government. Hackers penetrated the networks of several broadband providers and gained access to the U.S. domestic wiretapping system. Dustin Volz unpacks what the attack could mean for national security.

Further Listening:

- ‘Hack Me If You Can’

- Hacking the Hackers

Further Reading:

- U.S. Wiretap Systems Targeted in China-Linked Hack

- Chinese-Linked Hackers Breach U.S. Internet Providers in New ‘Salt Typhoon’ Cyberattack

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Is Asheville No Longer a ‘Climate Haven?’ Oct 07, 2024

Asheville, North Carolina, was thriving until floodwaters and heavy wind from Hurricane Helene ripped through the region and destroyed large parts of the city's commercial districts. We talk to two business owners who are trying to figure out what comes next.

Further Reading:

-The Hurricane That Threatens to Sink Asheville’s Feel-Good Success

-North Carolina in Crisis Mode as Helene Rescues Continue

Further Listening:

-Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study

-‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires

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Why Microsoft Wants Three Mile Island's Nuclear Power Oct 04, 2024

Last month, Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced a deal to restart Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, the site of the country’s worst nuclear power accident. WSJ’s Jennifer Hiller reports that the goal is to power the tech giant’s growing artificial intelligence ambitions.

Further Listening:

- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI

Further Reading:

- Three Mile Island’s Nuclear Plant to Reopen, Help Power Microsoft’s AI Centers

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Red, White and Who? Veep! Veep! All Eyes On Vance and Walz Oct 04, 2024

The vice-presidential candidates took center stage at a debate this week. Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball about the important takeaways, and Rachel Humphreys speaks to a listener about why she’s thinking about climate change this election.

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? It's Always the Economy!

- Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate

Further Reading:

- JD Vance’s Version of Trump Is Better Than the Real Thing

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The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course Oct 03, 2024

Under CEO John Donahoe, Nike pulled away from retailers and ramped up production of its classic sneaker lines. Now sales have plummeted, the company has lost market share to competitors and Donahoe is stepping down. WSJ's Inti Pacheco discusses what went wrong.

Further Reading:

-Nike CEO John Donahoe Stepping Down After Rocky Tenure

-How Nike Missed the Boom in Running Culture

-Nike Reverses Course as Innovation Stalls and Rivals Gain Ground

Further Listening:

-Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves

-How Allbirds Lost Its Footing

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The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East Oct 02, 2024

Israel is now fighting on multiple fronts, after clashing with Hezbollah in Lebanon and sustaining Iranian strikes yesterday. WSJ’s Michael Amon explains the growing risk of an all-out regional war.

Further Reading:

- Israel Clashes With Hezbollah in Lebanon

- Israeli Response to Iran’s Attack to Set Course of Widening War

- Israeli Review Shows Minor Damage From Iran’s Missile Barrage

Further Listening:

- Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War

- The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader

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The Big Changes Tearing OpenAI Apart Oct 01, 2024

In less than two years, OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT—has gone from a little-known nonprofit lab to a world-famous organization at the forefront of an artificial intelligence revolution. But the company has faced a series of challenges, culminating last week in another high-profile departure and the decision to become a for-profit corporation. WSJ’s Deepa Seetharaman discusses the permanent change to OpenAI's ethos and what it could mean for the AI industry.

Further Listening:

- Turning OpenAI Into a Real Business Is Tearing It Apart

Further Reading:

- OpenAI’s Complex Path to Becoming a For-Profit Company

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The Justice Department Takes On Visa Sep 30, 2024

The Department of Justice is taking Visa, the largest card network in the U.S., to court, accusing the company of illegally monopolizing the debit card market. WSJ's Angel Au-Yeung breaks down the Justice Department's allegations.

Further Listening:

- The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card

- The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards

- The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster

Further Reading:

- Justice Department Sues Visa, Alleges Illegal Monopoly in Debit-Card Payments

- Google Faces Blockbuster Antitrust Case—Again

- Getting Oasis Tickets Was a Nightmare. Ticketmaster Is Again Being Asked for Answers.

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How Eric Adams Became New York City’s First Indicted Mayor Sep 27, 2024

The mayor of America’s largest city likes to say he’s been “rejected, arrested and then elected.” Now, he’s been indicted. WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind unpacks the unprecedented federal foreign bribery case against Eric Adams.

Further Listening:

-Gold Bars, Cash and a Mercedes: A U.S. Senator's Corruption Trial

Further Reading:

-Inside the Eric Adams Indictment

-After the Eric Adams Indictment, What’s Next?

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Red, White and Who? It’s Always the Economy! Sep 27, 2024

After two big economic speeches this week, Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball discuss the candidates’ different economic strategies. Plus, voting has begun! We explore mail in voting and its impact on this election!

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate

- Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate

Further Reading:

- Harris Puts Government Intervention at Heart of Economic Policy

- Trump Says Plan Will Convince Foreign Companies to Shift Jobs to U.S.

- Voters Love the Policies That Economists Love to Hate

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China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle Sep 26, 2024

Milton Magnus, an Alabama businessman who runs one of the last makers of wire hangers in the U.S., has waged a decades-long tariff battle against Chinese manufacturers to try to stay afloat. We hear from Magnus and we talk to Chao Deng about th e effectiveness of tariffs as the trade tool becomes more popular with politicians.

Further Listening:

-Why China Is Risking a Trade War

-The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle

Further Reading:

-The Family Business in Alabama That Fights China for Survival

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Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance Sep 25, 2024

Former president Donald Trump wants to be the crypto president. With stops at a bitcoin conference and a bitcoin-themed bar, Trump is tapping into an industry that’s eager to support a crypto-friendly candidate. WSJ’s Vicky Huang explains how Trump and the crypto industry have cozied up ahead of the 2024 election.

Further Reading:

- Trump Hitches His Campaign to the Crypto Crowd

- That Time Donald Trump Walked Into a Bar and Bought a Round Using Bitcoin

- The Crypto Industry Is Trying to Elect Political Allies. The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher.

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump

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Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback Sep 24, 2024

This month, Red Lobster emerged from bankruptcy. At the helm of the restaurant chain is its new CEO, 35-year-old Damola Adamolekun. Ryan Knutson talks to Adamolekun about what brought about Red Lobster’s decline and his plan to revitalize the company.

Further Listening:

- McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?

Further Reading:

- The 35-Year-Old CEO Plotting Red Lobster’s Comeback

- Red Lobster Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy With New Owners, CEO

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The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood Sep 23, 2024

Christian filmmakers have surprised Hollywood with a series of box office hits and now investors are pouring in millions. WSJ’s John Jurgensen explains how their successes could change the entertainment industry.

Further Reading:

- Religious Movies Are Sweeping Hollywood. Rich Investors Are Pouring In Millions.

- Fans Pour Funding - and Faith - Into a Hit Drama About Jesus

- A Child-Trafficking Thriller Is Taking on Hollywood. Who’s behind it?

Further Listening:

- With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story

- Mattel Bets Big on Barbie

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The Fed Finally Cut Rates. What Does That Mean? Sep 20, 2024

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates this week, after a two year battle with inflation. David Uberti explains how that will impact the economy and we hear from two couples about what they hope this means for their finances.

Further Listening:

- A Fed Insider on the Looming Rate Cut

- What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy

- Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed

Further Reading:

- Americans Are Desperate for Relief. The Rate Cut Is a Glimmer of Hope.

- The Fed Aims to Repeat Greenspan’s 1990s Masterpiece

- Fed Cuts Rates by Half Percentage Point

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Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate Sep 20, 2024

Ryan Knutson talks with Molly Ball and Rachel Humphreys about their recent trip to Ohio, where they talked to voters about a tight Senate race and why it might matter so much for both parties. Plus, look at another important Senate race in Montana.

Further Listening:

- Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate

- Red, White, and Who? How Abortion Plays for Trump and Harris

Further Reading:

- A Populist Democrat Fights to Survive the Trump-Fueled Populist Wave

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Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War Sep 19, 2024

On Tuesday afternoon, thousands of pagers issued to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon exploded at the same time, killing 12 people and injuring more than 2,800. The next day, walkie-talkies detonated in a similar way. Michael Amon reports on one of Israel’s most ambitious covert operations and what the attacks could mean for a broader war.

Further Listening:

-The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader

-Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War

Further Reading:

-How a Covert Attack Against Hezbollah Unfolded Across Lebanon’s Streets and Malls

-Israel Scored a Stunning Blow Against Hezbollah. Its Path to Victory Is Less Clear.

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A Cocaine Kingpin and the Rise of Drug Violence in Europe Sep 18, 2024

Organized crime used to be considered a remote threat in much of Western Europe, but ruthless violence by criminal gangs is now rattling the peace in some of the world’s safest societies. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explores the rise of one drug kingpin and how his brutal tactics have spread around the continent.

Further Reading:

- Violent Drug Gangs Bring Mayhem to Western Europe

Further Listening:

- The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl

- Afghanistan's Desperation Economy

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Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Drama Goes to Court Sep 17, 2024

This week, a trial got under way to determine whether Rupert Murdoch can change a trust holding the family’s assets for his children. Murdoch wants to ensure that when he dies control of the trust passes to his oldest son, Lachlan. Three of his other children, James, Elisabeth and Prudence, oppose the change because they would stand to lose voting power. Amol Sharma reports.

Further Listening:

- Media Giant Rupert Murdoch Is Stepping Down

- Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson

Further Reading:

- The Family Rift Driving Rupert Murdoch to Redo His ‘Irrevocable’ Trust

- Murdochs Face Off in a Reno Courthouse Over Family Trust

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Why 33,000 Boeing Workers Walked Off the Job Sep 16, 2024

Tens of thousands of Boeing’s unionized workers are on strike after they rejected a new contract last week. WSJ’s Sharon Terlep reports on the rising tensions that have led to this breaking point and what it could mean for the only American manufacturer of both commercial and military aircraft.

Further Reading:

- Boeing Freezes Hiring, Delays Pay Raises as Strike Worsens Finances

- Boeing Union Goes on Strike, Halting 737 Production

Further Listening:

- Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space

- Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air.

- The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory

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Fraudulent Online Returns Cost Retailers Billions Sep 13, 2024

Scammers are exploiting retailers’ online return programs like never before, fueled by websites and messaging apps. WSJ’s Liz Young reports on the bind retailers now find themselves in, stuck between helping their customers and stopping the fraud.

Further Reading:

- Online Returns Fraud Finds a Home on Telegram, Costing Retailers Billions

- Brick-Filled Boxes. Bogus Receipts. Retailers Battle Fraudulent Returns.

Further Listening:

- How Cyber Thieves Are Disrupting U.S. Goods

- The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts

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Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate Sep 13, 2024

After a tense debate, Ryan Knutson and Molly Ball unpack a busy election week and examine what’s next for both campaigns in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania. Plus, could a state like Nebraska decide the election?

Further Listening:

- Red, White, and Who? How Abortion Plays for Trump and Harris

- For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead

- We Asked Undecided Voters Who Won the Trump-Harris Debate

Further Reading:

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The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle Sep 12, 2024

President Biden, Vice President Harris and former President Trump have all signaled their opposition to the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel. But, as Kris Maher reports, views on the deal are more complex in the place it could matter most: Pittsburgh.

Further Listening:

-Why China Is Risking a Trade War

Further Reading:

-Biden Prepares to Block $14 Billion Steel Deal

-Japan Bid for U.S. Steel Runs Up Against U.S. Politics

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Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Side Effects Sometimes Included. Sep 11, 2024

Testosterone therapy is booming, touting a boost at the gym and in the bedroom, but the potential side effects (like infertility) are less well known. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler on the clinics making millions on this growing industry.

Further Reading:

- Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Some Men End Up With Infertility.

Further Listening:

- Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster

- The Rise of Botox and the Wrinkle in Its Future

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Your New Hire May Be a North Korean Spy Sep 10, 2024

North Korean cybercriminals have developed a new way to access networks in corporate America: getting IT jobs. According to U.S. officials, hundreds of U.S. companies have unknowingly hired North Korean operatives in information-technology roles. Dustin Volz explores how these spies get hired, and one CEO describes how his company fell for the scheme.

Further Listening:

- How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto

- North Korea’s Propaganda Mastermind

- The Cyberattack That’s Roiling Healthcare

Further Reading:

- North Korean Spies Are Infiltrating U.S. Companies Through IT Jobs

- Kim Jong Un Wants to Block All North Koreans From Escaping. It Isn’t Working.

- A North Korean Diplomat Managed a Rare Defection: A Flight Out of Cuba

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How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big Sep 09, 2024

WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich explores the world of political betting. We meet a trader making big money making predictions on the upcoming U.S. elections over a platform called Polymarket and examine the fight that is brewing with regulators over the practice.

Further Reading:

- Meet the Traders Making Money Off the Trump Shooting and Biden’s Stumbles

- Judge Holds Off on Allowing Election Bets–For Now

- The Hot New Trade That Everyone Is Watching: Will Biden Drop Out?

Further Listening:

- How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues

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Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study Sep 06, 2024

Kyle, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It is also facing heat and drought that has been exacerbated by climate change and is expected to get worse. Matt Wirz reports on the tensions in Kyle as the city continues to build, even as it runs low on water.

Further Listening:

- A Plan to Hack the Planet

Further Reading:

- This Texas City Is Too Hot, Short on Water—and Booming

- Welcome to Y’all Street, Texas’ Burgeoning Financial Hub

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Red, White and Who? How Abortion Plays For Trump and Harris Sep 06, 2024

Who will win the race to the White House? A new series from The Journal podcast explores the issues that are shaping this election. This week, Ryan Knutson and WSJ’s Molly Ball delve into reproductive rights, examining how the issue is playing out for both Democrats and Republicans. Plus..what makes a state a swing state?

Further Listening:

- For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead

- Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves at the DNC)

- What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy

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A Fed Insider on the Looming Rate Cut Sep 05, 2024

This month, for the first time in over two years, the U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates. Mary Daly, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, is one of 12 people who will decide how aggressive that cut should be. She talks to Kate about inflation, unemployment, the economy and Taylor Swift.

Further Listening:

- Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts

Further Reading:

- The Make-or-Break Moment That Will Determine the Economy’s Fate

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The Rise of the Tween Shopper Sep 04, 2024

Tweens, or kids aged 8 to 12, have learned to shop online. Brands are taking note. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber spoke to TikTok-er Demetra Dias and explains the impact of influencers like her on young shoppers and the brands that court them.

Further Reading:

- Teen Girls Are Spending Big. She Tells Them What to Buy.

- Why Tweens Are Obsessed With This $110 Sweatsuit

Further Listening:

- How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet's Favorite Water Bottle

- Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes

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What's Behind the Arrest of the Telegram CEO? Sep 03, 2024

Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France last month. He was charged with a host of crimes, including complicity in distributing child pornography, illegal drugs and hacking software on the app. Matthew Dalton reports on how the charges represent a major escalation by the French government in holding tech executives accountable for the content that appears on their platforms.

Further Reading:

- Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Charged by French Authorities

- Exclusive | Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Was Wooed and Targeted by Governments

Further Listening:

- Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide.

- What Happens to Privacy in the Age of AI?

- Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram

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For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead Aug 30, 2024

Kamala Harris is trying to step out of President Biden’s shadow without distancing herself from their administration’s policies. Molly Ball breaks down a new WSJ poll that shows Harris has a narrow lead in the presidential election and unpacks the VP’s first big interview. She also takes your questions.

Further Reading:

- Harris Has Taken Narrow Lead Over Trump, WSJ Poll Finds

- Race Is On To Reach the Rapidly Shrinking Pool of Undecided Voters

Further Listening:

- Kamala Harris, In Context

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Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL Aug 29, 2024

The world’s most lucrative sports league is allowing private equity to buy into teams. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton and Miriam Gottfried unpack why the NFL is opening up, and what it could mean for owners and fans.

Further Reading:

-Private Equity Ownership Is Coming to the NFL

-College Sports Is About to Turn Pro. Private Equity Wants In.

Further Listening:

-Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming

-ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star

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Why China Is Risking a Trade War Aug 28, 2024

Faced with stagnating economic growth, Chinese leader Xi Jinping decided to go all in on manufacturing and exporting. But, as Lingling Wei reports, the increase in low-cost Chinese goods is squeezing businesses around the world and raising the specter of a new trade war.

Further Listening:

- How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy

- The Political Cost of China's Faltering Economy

Further Reading:

- Why China Is Starting a New Trade War

- China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis

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Lending Elon Musk Money Was A Very Bad Bet Aug 27, 2024

When Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022, he borrowed $13 billion dollars from several banks to complete the deal. Now, it looks like the banks may not get all their money back. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy on what the banks didn’t take into account when they made those loans.

Further Reading:

-Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Is Now the Worst Buyout for Banks Since the Financial Crisis

-Elon Musk’s Hard Turn to Politics, in 300,000 of His Own Words

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump
-Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk
-Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers

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Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community? Aug 26, 2024

For almost 20 years, Etsy has been a popular website for handmade and specialized goods on the internet. But as the company grew, many current and former sellers say the platform has changed and is now full of mass-produced goods. They’ve also complained about increased seller fees. The CEO, Josh Silverman, responds, saying Etsy is still true to its original mission to keep commerce ‘human.’

Further Listening:

- What’s Behind Amazon’s Review Problem

- The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch

Further Reading:

- Temu’s U.S. Entry Is an Orange Flag for Etsy

- Etsy to Cut 11% of Marketplace Workforce in Restructuring

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Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves) at the DNC Aug 23, 2024

Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. It capped off a boisterous, speaker-packed week in Chicago as the Harris campaign tries to reach a broad swath of American voters. Molly Ball reports from Chicago.

Further Listening:

- Kamala Harris Defines the Democrats’ New Normal

Further Reading:

- Democrats’ Upbeat Convention Has Nancy Pelosi to Thank

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Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads Aug 22, 2024

In May, an associate at Bank of America died unexpectedly after working long hours on a big acquisition. The death sparked an outcry about the all-nighters and 100-hour weeks that grind down young investment bankers. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy spoke to over three dozen current and former employees about a pervasive culture of overwork at the bank.

Further Reading:

-How Bank of America Ignores Its Own Rules Meant to Prevent Dangerous Workloads

-Bank of America Urges Bankers to Sound Alarm on Overwork After WSJ Investigation

Further Listening:

-Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture

-JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement

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The Inside Story of Starbucks’s CEO Drama Aug 21, 2024

Last week, Starbucks ousted its CEO Laxman Narasimhan and replaced him with Brian Niccol, the current leader of Chipotle. Lauren Thomas reports on the dramatic leadership change, as Starbucks struggles to turn around its business and contend with activist investors.

Further Listening:

- Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks?

- The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback

Further Reading:

- Inside Starbucks’s Surprising CEO Firing and Hiring

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At the DNC, Democrats Are Divided Over Gaza Aug 20, 2024

The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago, where the party aims to unite behind its new nominee for president, Kamala Harris. But the war in Gaza, and American military aid for Israel, is dividing the party. WSJ’s Sabrina Siddiqui explains why that fracture could impact the Harris campaign.

Further Reading:

-DNC 2024 Live Updates

-DNC Protesters Have a Message for Kamala Harris: ‘Talk Is Cheap’

-Pro-Gaza Activists Size Up Kamala Harris

Further Listening:

-The Economy: Trump vs. Harris

-Trump Courts the Union Vote

-Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges

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The Economy: Trump vs. Harris Aug 19, 2024

Last week, the two presidential candidates put forward some specific policy proposals about the economy. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia breaks down what each candidate is proposing.

Further Reading:

- Harris Calls for Expanded Child Tax Credit, 3 Million New Housing Units

- Harris, Trump Propose Divergent, Costly Solutions for Inflation

Further Listening:

- 'Phony' and 'Weird.' Trump and Harris Size Each Other Up

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Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track? Aug 16, 2024

WSJ’s Molly Ball breaks down the past week for the Trump campaign as the former president continues to try and counter a surge of support for Harris. Plus, do undecided voters truly exist? Molly answers your questions.

Further Reading:

- Race Is On To Reach the Rapidly Shrinking Pool of Undecided Voters

- Inside Elon Musk’s Hands-On Push to Win 800,000 Voters for Trump

Further Listening:

- The Week that Changed the Presidential Race

- Kamala Harris, In Context

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She Was Google’s First Landlord. And She Changed the Internet. Aug 15, 2024

Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki died last week at the age of 56. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa shares how Wojcicki developed a reputation as perhaps the most important Google employee that few people have heard of outside of the company’s walls.

Further Reading:

-Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Dies at Age 56

-YouTube’s Susan Wojcicki on Transforming the Video Service

Further Listening:

-Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again

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One Man’s Campaign Against DEI Aug 14, 2024

In the past three months, Robby Starbuck has fueled social-media attacks that have led to two companies rolling back their diversity initiatives. He is part of a larger movement that is pushing back against diversity, equity and inclusion policies at companies. WSJ’s Chip Cutter reports.

Further Listening:

-Conservatives Come for ESG

Further Reading:

-The Activist Pushing Companies to Ditch Their Diversity Policies

-Diversity Goals Are Disappearing From Companies’ Annual Reports

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China Is Finally Doing Something About the Fentanyl Crisis Aug 13, 2024

After years of pressure from the U.S., China is imposing new restrictions on chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. WSJ’s Brian Spegele says the move marks a small step forward after nearly a decade of sometimes-tense negotiations.

Further Reading:

-China Restricts Fentanyl Chemicals After Years of U.S. Pressure

Further Listening:

-The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl

-How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations

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Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space Aug 12, 2024

In June, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station. But issues with its propulsion system have called into question its safety. Now, NASA is weighing alternatives to bring the astronauts home. WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg shares how the Starliner program has faced a bevy of problems and what it means for Boeing.

Further Reading:

- Boeing Sent Two Astronauts Into Space. Now It Needs to Get Them Home.

- NASA Says Starliner Astronauts Could Return With SpaceX—Next Year

- Two Astronauts Are Stuck in Space. Here’s How They’re Passing the Time.

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX

- The New Race to the Moon

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Will Tracking Cocoa Beans Help Save the Rainforest? Aug 09, 2024

The world’s rainforests have shrunk dramatically in recent decades due to the expansion of land for growing cash crops, like cocoa. The European Union is trying to limit destruction with a new law which aims to track where cocoa is grown. Farmers who want to sell to Europe— the world’s largest cocoa market— are racing to meet the law's requirements, or lose out. WSJ’s Alexandra Wexler details how the law will impact millions of cocoa farmers in West Africa.

Further Reading:

- Chocolate Prices Have Soared. A New Law Threatens to Keep Them High.

- Your Sweet Tooth Is Getting Expensive

Further Listening:

- How Indonesia Tamed Rainforest Destruction

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$25 Billion to Zero: Bill Ackman’s Bungled IPO Aug 08, 2024

Bill Ackman has pressed pause on the initial public offering of a new fund aimed at everyday investors after a lack of demand. Ackman originally aimed to raise around $25 billion in the offering, hoping to capitalize on his social-media celebrity but his fund goals shrunk dramatically. WSJ’s Peter Rudegeair unpacks what happened.

Further Reading:

-Can Bill Ackman Turn Social-Media Stardom Into a Blockbuster IPO?

-What Bill Ackman Got Wrong With His Bungled IPO

Further Listening:

-The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors

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Judge Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’ Aug 07, 2024

In a historic decision this week, a federal judge ruled that Google acted to illegally maintain a monopoly in online search. The case was the first of several antitrust lawsuits the U.S. government has brought against some of the nation’s leading tech companies, and the ruling marks a major victory for its efforts to reign in big tech. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa explains how this decision could shake up Google’s business and potentially change how we search the internet.

Further Reading:

-Google’s Antitrust Loss Set to Reshape Search and Mobile Industries

-Google Loses Antitrust Case Over Search-Engine Dominance

Further Listening:

-Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again

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What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy Aug 06, 2024

Slow job growth in the U.S. and interest rate cuts in Japan triggered a global stock market sell off on Monday. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos breaks down how it happened, what it says about the economy, and what it means for the Federal Reserve’s long-term goal of a soft landing.

Further Listening:

-Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election = ??

-Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts

Further Reading:

-Market Selloff Upends Fed Rate-Cut Calculus

-Lousy Jobs Report Forces Fed to Reckon With Hard Landing

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Who is Filing Thousands of Disability Lawsuits Against Businesses? Aug 05, 2024

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, businesses are supposed to make their websites accessible to the visually impaired. WSJ's Ruth Simon found that this requirement has led to an explosion of lawsuits, many of which are against small businesses.

Further Reading:

- The Law Firm Hitting Businesses With Thousands of Disability Suits

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'Phony' and 'Weird.' Trump and Harris Size Each Other Up Aug 02, 2024

As Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign gets underway, Democrats and Republicans are rushing to define her. And Democrats are shifting the way they talk about the GOP. WSJ’s Molly Ball explores the strategies behind how both sides are framing each other.

Further Listening:

- The Week That Changed the Presidential Race

-Russia Tries a WSJ Reporter in a Secret Court

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The Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap Aug 01, 2024

Russia freed wrongfully convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and more than a dozen others on Thursday as part of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw report on the effort to bring Gershkovich home.

Further Listening:

-Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son

Further Reading:

-Inside the Secret Negotiations to Free Evan Gershkovich

-WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich Is Free

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Alexa is in Millions of Homes and Amazon is Losing Billions Jul 31, 2024

After ten years of sales, 500 million Amazon smart devices have found their way into homes around the world. But the company is losing billions of dollars on the devices. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli discovered an accounting tool that’s kept the huge losses under wraps.

Further Reading:

-Alexa Is in Millions of Households—and Amazon Is Losing Billions

Further Listening:

-Amazon's Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals

-What Is Amazon's Secret 'Project Nessie'?

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The Paris Olympics’ $1.5 Billion Poop Problem Jul 30, 2024

Today, Olympics officials in Paris postponed the men’s triathlon because of elevated E. coli levels in the River Seine, where the event was set to take place. WSJ’s Joshua Robinson reports on how decades of trying to clean up the river may not have been successful.

Further Reading:

- Paris Olympics Postpones Triathlon Because of Pollution in River Seine

- Yes, They’re Actually Doing Olympic Swimming in the River Seine. Gulp.

- Herculean Feat in Paris Olympics: Make the Seine Safe to Swim

Further Listening:

- Simone Biles and the Power of Saying No

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The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts Jul 29, 2024

Have you ever thought about who is behind your scam texts? WSJ reporter Feliz Solomon spent months investigating and discovered that many of these texts are coming from slaves trapped in scam dens in Southeast Asia. She talked to one person who had been imprisoned there and learned how he became ensnared in a growing criminal empire.

Further Listening:

- Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With A Crypto Twist

Further Reading:

- Posing As ‘Alicia,’ This Man Scammed Hundreds Online. He Was Also A Victim.

- ‘She Hooked Me’: How An Online Scam Cost A Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings

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The Week That Changed the Presidential Race Jul 26, 2024

The 2024 presidential election has taken a major turn after Biden dropped out of the race. WSJ’s Molly Ball charts how the 2024 political election has hit a reset and what Harris’s candidacy could mean for her party and the country.

Further Listening:

- Biden Withdrawal Caps Weeks of Epic Political Turbulence

Further Reading:

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The Quest to Save American-Made Antibiotics Jul 25, 2024

USAntibiotics's plant in Tennessee is one of the last plants in the United States that makes amoxicillin, the crucial antibiotic that has been in shortage in some forms since 2022. But the plant isn’t breaking even, financially. WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte reports on why it is so hard for American-made generic drugs manufacturers to survive.

Further Listening:

- Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work?

- Drug Shortages in America Reach a Record High

Further Reading:

- Drug Shortages Trigger FTC Probe

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Kamala Harris, In Context Jul 24, 2024

Democrats are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris as she takes over President Biden’s campaign. WSJ’s Tarini Parti discusses some key moments in her political career and explores what they reveal about her as a candidate.

Further Listening:

- Biden Taps Out. Harris Taps In.

- Inside the Slow-Building Biden-Harris Relationship

Further Reading:

- How Kamala Harris Views Policy

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The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers Jul 23, 2024

Last Friday, 8.5 million computers around the world stopped working. All kinds of businesses were impacted, from airlines to banks to hospitals. The cause was a routine update sent out by a software company called CrowdStrike. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how the meltdown happened and why Microsoft’s software was especially vulnerable.

Further Reading:

- Blue Screens Everywhere Are Latest Tech Woe for Microsoft

- CrowdStrike Made Its Name Fighting Technology Problems. Now It Has Caused One.

Further Listening:

- The Computer Glitch That Caused Nearly 1,000 Convictions

- Hacking the Hackers

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Biden Taps Out. Harris Taps In. Jul 22, 2024

On Sunday, President Joe Biden ended his bid for re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Annie Linskey reports on Biden’s big decision and what lies ahead for Harris and the Democratic Party.

Further Listening:

- Will Biden Stay in the Race?

Further Reading:

- How the Bet on an 81-Year-Old Joe Biden Turned Into an Epic Miscalculation

- Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Endorses Harris

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Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control Jul 19, 2024

The Republican National Convention came to a close Thursday night with a speech by presidential nominee Donald Trump that called for unity while also returning to familiar rhetoric. WSJ’s Molly Ball says it’s a remarkable turnaround for a candidate who was once an outsider, and has now remade the party in his image. Plus, Jessica Mendoza and Jacob Gallagher give the convention a fit check.

Further Reading:

- Trump Hasn’t Changed, but the GOP Has

- Crypto Dads, Trump Suits and Four-Letter Words: Scenes from the Cultural Frenzy at the RNC

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump

- Trump Courts the Union Vote

- The Secret Service’s Failure to Protect Trump

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Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump Jul 18, 2024

Elon Musk has said he is committing around $45 million a month to a pro-Trump super PAC, according to people familiar with the matter. He is the biggest name in tech now turning Donald Trump’s way. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reports on how Musk and others in Silicon Valley are throwing their support and money behind Trump’s campaign for president.

Further Listening:

- Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk

- Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board

- Trump Courts the Union Vote

Further Reading:

- Musk Turbocharges Silicon Valley Support for Trump

- Elon Musk Has Said He Is Committing Around $45 Million a Month to a New - Pro-Trump Super PAC

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Russia Tries a WSJ Reporter in a Secret Court Jul 17, 2024

WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich has been held in Russia for more than a year on an espionage accusation that he, the U.S. government and The Wall Street Journal vehemently deny. Gershkovich will appear in court Thursday for another hearing. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore explores what we know about the secret trial and why even the Gershkovich’s defense lawyers are restricted from publicly discussing it.

Further Reading:

- The Shadowy Judicial System That Controls the Fate of WSJ’s Evan Gershkovich

Further Listening:

- Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son

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Trump Courts the Union Vote Jul 16, 2024

Last night at the Republican National Convention, Sean O’Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, spoke. O’Brien was the first Teamsters president to ever speak at an RNC and his presence represents a shift in union voters away from the Democratic Party. WSJ’s Paul Kiernan reports on why some union voters are interested in voting for former President Trump this election.

Further Listening:

-‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout

Further Reading:

-For Embattled Biden, Union Members Aren’t the Reliable Support They Used to Be

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The Secret Service’s Failure to Protect Trump Jul 15, 2024

On Saturday, a shooter attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Now, the Secret Service is coming under scrutiny for failing to prevent it. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman and Ryan Barber on what we know about the shooter, and about what went wrong for the Secret Service.

Further Reading:

- Trump Rally Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks Said to Have Been Loner Who Rarely Voiced Politics

- Trump Shooting Is Secret Service’s Most Stunning Failure in Decades

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Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes Jul 12, 2024

Last fall, nude photos of a 14-year-old student started spreading around her high school. But they weren't real… they’d been created with AI. WSJ’s Julie Jargon breaks down how fake photos like these are a growing trend among teens and why it’s difficult to deal with.

Further Reading:

- ‘I Felt Shameful and Fearful’: Teen Who Saw AI Fake Nudes of Herself Speaks Out

- AI Fake Nudes Are Now a Frightening Reality for Teens

Further Listening:

- He Thought Instagram Was Safe. Then His Daughter Got an Account.

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The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch Jul 11, 2024

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Abercrombie & Fitch was the hottest teen clothing brand. Kids would flock to their local mall to get the expensive, moose-emblazoned apparel. But then, after a series of controversies and a change in fashion, the brand seemingly lost its edge. WSJ’s Katie Deighton reports on how Abercrombie & Fitch revived itself and embraced millennial women.

Further Listening:

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.

- The Unraveling of Stitch Fix

- Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired.

Further Reading and Watching:

- How Jeans for Millennials Helped Revive Abercrombie & Fitch Stock

- Abercrombie & Fitch Is Reaping the Rewards of Taking Adult Women Seriously

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Gold Bars, Cash and a Mercedes: A U.S. Senator's Corruption Trial Jul 10, 2024

After his first corruption case ended in a mistrial in 2017, Sen. Bob Menendez had a message for his supporters: “Today is resurrection day.” Now, Menendez is back in a courthouse facing new corruption charges. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey unpacks the case.

Further Reading:

- Menendez Declared His ‘Resurrection.’ Then He Fell in Love.

Further Listening:

- The 'Mystery Man' Tells Us How He Helped Free Rod Blagojevich

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Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air. Jul 09, 2024

In a stunning concession, Boeing agreed Sunday to plead guilty to misleading air-safety regulators ahead of two deadly 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. WSJ’s Andrew Tangel reports on Boeing’s long and complicated journey to the plea deal and what a felony record would mean for the company.

Further Listening:

-The Failures Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory

-A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing

Further Reading:

-Boeing Agrees to Plead Guilty in 737 MAX Criminal Case

-Inside DOJ’s Wrenching Decision on Whether to Prosecute Boeing

-Boeing Violated Criminal Settlement After 737 MAX Crashes, Justice Department Says

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Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto Jul 08, 2024

After high-profile collapses and government crackdowns, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is one of the last big digital-asset founders standing. He speaks with Ryan Knutson about taking up the mantle, clashes with the SEC and the future of crypto.

Further Listening:

- The Fall of (Another) Crypto King

Further Reading and Watching:

- Who Is Brian Armstrong? Coinbase CEO Is Taking On the SEC

- Coinbase CEO Says He’ll Challenge the SEC for ‘Clarity’ on Crypto

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McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both? Jul 05, 2024

Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald’s USA, sits down with Kate Linebaugh to talk about how the company is trying to keep customers happy despite rising prices and a shift towards healthier eating.

Further Reading:

- The Fast-Food Fight Over the $5 Meal Deal

- A Day in the Life of a California Fast-Food Manager Who Makes Up to $174,000

Further Listening:

- Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food

- Beyond Meat Loses Its Sizzle

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Will Biden Stay in the Race? Jul 03, 2024

Pressure is mounting on President Joe Biden to step back as candidate for president. A new WSJ poll shows Biden has fallen six points behind Donald Trump and that 80% of respondents said they worry about Biden’s age. WSJ's Annie Linskey explores the rising panic inside the party, and how Biden’s tight inner circle is urging him to stay the course.

Further Listening:

- Behind Closed Doors, Biden's Age is Showing

Further Reading:

- Tight Inner Circle Urges Biden to Press On

- Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping

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A Troubled Plan to Ship Migrants to Rwanda Jul 02, 2024

After a steep increase in migration, the United Kingdom turned to a controversial plan: sending migrants to Rwanda. But the plan has faced years of delays and legal challenges. Max Colchester explains why the U.K. pushed ahead, and what Rwanda stands to gain.

Further Reading:

- Britain’s Radical Plan to Tackle the Migrant Crisis Turns Into a Cautionary Tale

Further Listening:

- Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business

- Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working?

- What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy

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Trump Has Broad Immunity Jul 01, 2024

The Supreme Court dealt a major blow to prosecutors hoping to convict Donald Trump on charges he sought to subvert the 2020 election. The court ruled 6-3 that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity for their acts while in office. WSJ's Jess Bravin discusses what this ruling could mean for the future of American democracy.

Further Reading:

-Supreme Court Deals Blow to Trump’s Prosecution, Ruling He Has Broad Immunity

Further Listening:

-Will the Supreme Court Kick Trump off the Ballot?

-The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict

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Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food Jun 28, 2024

Alice Waters helped the farm-to-table movement go mainstream in the U.S. through her restaurant Chez Panisse. In the decades since she has kept advocating for locally grown, organic food over the fast food Americans regularly consume. Kate Linebaugh sat down with Waters at The Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum. To watch a video of the conversation, check out the episode on Spotify.

Further Listening:

– ⁠Could Paris Hilton Create the 'Next Disney?'⁠

– ⁠Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election

Photo: Uncredited

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All Eyes on Biden, Trump – and CNN Jun 27, 2024

Tonight, two presidents, one current and one former, are set to debate live on CNN. The stakes are high for the candidates and for the network that’s been struggling to win viewers. WSJ’s Isabella Simonetti reports on how CNN is remaking the debate, and Annie Linskey analyzes what the format change could mean for the candidates.

Further Reading:

- Presidential Debate Carries Great Opportunity—and Risk—for CNN

- Biden-Trump Debate Takes Shape

- We Rewatched the 2020 Trump-Biden Debates. Here’s What We Learned.

Further Listening:

- The Downfall of CNN’s CEO

- Behind Closed Doors, Biden’s Age is Showing

- The Origin Story of Trump’s Guilty Verdict

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How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea Jun 26, 2024

Ukraine has sunk or damaged about two dozen Russian ships using a technical innovation: naval drones. WSJ’s James Marson unspools the story of the drones’ development and explores how they’re turning the tide in a key area of the war.

Further Reading:

- How Ukraine’s Naval Drones Turned the Tide in the Battle of the Black Sea

Further Listening:

- Ukraine Makes a Deal with Wall Street

- Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem

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The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card Jun 25, 2024

Rent has long been an expense people wanted to pay on credit cards. In 2022, Wells Fargo launched a credit card with Bilt Technologies that allowed users to pay for rent, avoid processing fees and earn points. But the partnership is costing Wells Fargo millions. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis reports.

Further Listening:

-The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe

-The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards

Further Reading:

-Wells Fargo Bet on a Flashy Rent Credit Card. It Is Costing the Bank Dearly.

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Southwest Changed Flying. Can It Change Itself? Jun 24, 2024

An activist investor says Southwest Airlines is stuck in the past. Elliott Investment Management says it has amassed a $1.9 billion stake, making it one of Southwest’s biggest shareholders and one of its most vocal critics. WSJ’s Alison Sider explains what Elliott wants, and why critics say some of the things that made Southwest great are now holding it back.

Further Reading:

- Southwest Changed Flying. Now It Can’t Change Fast Enough

- Meet the Southwest Superfans Who Don’t Want the Airline to Change

Further Listening:

- Ryanair: Cheap, Cramped and Making Its CEO a Fortune

- The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines

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Zyn pouches, ‘Zynfluencers’ and ‘the Zyndemic’ Jun 21, 2024

For about a decade, Zyn, a brand of nicotine pouch, was a niche product used by former smokers. But now it’s exploded in popularity and is hard to find on store shelves. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney explains how Zyn achieved social media virality and has found itself in the middle of a culture war.

Further Reading:

- Zyn Nicotine Pouches Take Off—and Land in the Culture Wars

- Why America Is Running Low on Zyn Nicotine Pouches

Further Listening:

- The Juul Paradox

- The ‘Existential Threat’ Facing Big Tobacco

- How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for Kids

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Sam Altman's Opaque Investment Empire Jun 20, 2024

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has a day job and a side gig. Only one of them makes him rich. WSJ's Berber Jin explains how Altman makes most of his wealth through investing in tech startups and how some of those startups' business relationships with OpenAI raise questions about conflicts of interest.

Further Reading:

- The Opaque Investment Empire Making OpenAI’s Sam Altman Rich

Further Listening:

- Tesla's Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk

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How ‘Conflict Gum’ Is Helping Fuel Sudan’s Civil War Jun 18, 2024

Gum arabic is a widely used but little-known ingredient found in products like soda, gum, makeup and beer. But as WSJ’s Nicholas Bariyo and Alexandra Wexler report, the product has been used for a darker purpose: helping to fund the civil war in Sudan.
Further Reading:

-How Soda, Chocolate and Chewing Gum Are Funding War in Sudan

-What Is Happening in Sudan? The Fighting Explained

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The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader Jun 17, 2024

Yahya Sinwar is the Hamas leader inside Gaza who allegedly plotted the October 7th attacks. According to private messages reviewed by the WSJ, Sinwar believes that a rising Palestinian death toll—and the international condemnation it brings—is in the best interest of his cause. WSJ’s Rory Jones walks us through Sinwar’s strategy.

Further Reading:

- Gaza Chief’s Brutal Calculation: Civilian Bloodshed Will Help Hamas

- The Hamas Leader Who Studied Israel’s Psyche—and Is Betting His Life on What He Learned

Further Listening:

- Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War

- Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War

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Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk Jun 14, 2024

Tesla shareholders voted to reapprove Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package, signaling support for the EV maker’s CEO and giving the board ammunition in its fight to preserve the court-rejected compensation plan. WSJ’s David Benoit explores the fight to get Musk billions and why the Tesla board is so invested in making the huge pay package happen.

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX

- Why is Tesla Pulling Back on EV Charging?

- Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board

Further Reading:

- Tesla Shareholders Vote to Uphold Elon Musk’s $48 Billion Pay Package

- Elon Musk’s $55.8 Billion Tesla Pay Package Struck Down by Judge

- Tesla Hits the Road to Persuade Shareholders to Pay Elon Musk $46 Billion

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The Hidden Life of Google’s Secret Weapon Jun 13, 2024

Joshua Wright was a star in the world of antitrust, from his time at the Federal Trade Commission to his work with some of the biggest tech companies. He was well respected and powerful until accusations of sexual misconduct came to light. WSJ’s Brody Mullins talks us through his reporting on Wright’s downfall.

Further Reading:

- The Hidden Life of Google’s Secret Weapon

- For Years, an Esteemed Law Professor Seduced Students. Was He Too Important to Fire?

- Hubris, Revenge and a Breakup Brought Down Big Tech’s Proudest Ally

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX

- Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture

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Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX Jun 12, 2024

The billionaire founder showed several female employees at SpaceX an unusual amount of attention or pursued them. WSJ's Joseph Palazzolo describes the revelations.

Further Reading:

-Elon Musk’s Boundary-Blurring Relationships With Women at SpaceX

Further Listening:

-Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla's Board

-Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode'

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New York’s U-Turn on a Plan to Reduce Traffic Jun 11, 2024

The nation’s first congestion-pricing plan was set to take effect at the end of June. But last week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called to indefinitely delay the program. WSJ's Jimmy Vielkind unpacks the surprising move and explores why Hochul made the 11th hour change.

Further Reading:

-New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Abruptly Halts Manhattan Congestion Pricing

Further Listening:

-NYC’s Food Delivery Workers Fight for a Minimum Wage

-New York City's 'De Facto Ban' on Airbnb

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Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO Jun 10, 2024

The fast-fashion giant hoped to have a splashy U.S. public offering this year. WSJ's Shen Lu explains how the divide between Beijing and Washington got in the way.

Further Reading:

- Shein Promised to Have a Big U.S. IPO. Its China Roots Got in the Way.

- Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Files to Go Public

Further Listening:

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.

- The Mysterious CEO Leading Shein to an IPO

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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 4: The Disruptors Jun 09, 2024

The rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs could cause all kinds of ripple effects.

According to one estimate, 9% of the U.S. population could be on Ozempic or similar medications by 2030. Meanwhile, drugmakers are already developing the next generation of weight-loss drugs and researchers are studying the possible health benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes, including addiction.

In the final episode of our series we ask: What could all this development mean for businesses, from the food sector to airlines? And who wins and who loses in the post-Ozempic economy?

Guests include: David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly; and Mehdi Farokhnia, an addiction researcher at the National Institutes of Health.

Listen to Episodes 1, 2 and 3 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” here.

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‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper Jun 07, 2024

There is a new contender in the cola wars, and it isn’t a cola. It’s Dr Pepper. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks how after decades as a distant competitor, Dr Pepper has climbed the soda ranks with help from hefty marketing, novel flavors and TikTok videos.

Further Reading:

- Dr Pepper Ties Pepsi as America’s No. 2 Soda

Further Listening:

- The Agony and Ecstasy of Tab

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Why Biden Is Cracking Down on Asylum at the Border Jun 06, 2024

President Biden unveiled a last-ditch effort to lower illegal crossings at the southern border this week. The move focuses on asylum seekers, and the policy is similar to one that former President Trump tried in 2018. WSJ’s Michelle Hackman describes the policy and tries to answer the question: why now?

Further Reading:

-Biden Issues Executive Actions on Immigration: What to Know

Further Listening:

-What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy

-What Trump's Immigration Restrictions Could Mean for the Economy

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Behind Closed Doors, Biden’s Age is Showing Jun 05, 2024

For much of his career, Biden built a reputation as a master negotiator. He’s known for his detailed knowledge of issues—and for hitting his stride when the pressure was on. Now, 81-year-old Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency. WSJ's Annie Linskey and Siobhan Hughes go behind closed doors where some who have worked with him describe a president who appears slower.

Further Reading:

- Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping

Further Listening:

- Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War

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A Conversation with Alphabet’s Captain of Moonshots Jun 04, 2024

Astro Teller, the CEO of Aphabet’s X, runs a lab dedicated to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems while also coming up with viable businesses. After he spoke at the WSJ’s Future of Everything festival, we sat down with him to talk about A.I., self-driving cars, and the changing economy of tech.

Further Watching:

-Astro Teller’s Meaning of Life

Further Listening:

-Google CEO Sundar Pichai on How AI Could Change Search

-The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here

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Mexico Has a New President. Will She Be Different? Jun 03, 2024

Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, will become Mexico’s first female president. Sheinbaum has pledged to be a continuation of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. WSJ’s José de Córdoba explains the two politicians’ close ties, and what her administration could mean for Mexico-U.S. relations.

Further Reading:

- Claudia Sheinbaum Elected as Mexico’s First Female President

- The Most Dangerous Job in Mexican Politics: Running for Mayor

Further Listening:

- Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working?

- When the Drug Cartel Takes Over

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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 3: Brad Jun 02, 2024

Bradley Olson has tried a lot of different diets over his 20-year weight-loss journey, including popular programs like WeightWatchers. But nothing was as successful for him as Mounjaro, one in a new class of drugs that people are taking for weight loss.

In this episode, Brad talks about his experience on the medicine and grapples with everything the drug couldn’t fix, from his self image to our food system. He confronts the ghosts of diets past and wades into the larger cultural conversation around weight loss. Guests include: Gary Foster from WeightWatchers; Virgie Tovar, a body positivity advocate; Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist.

Listen to Episodes 1 and 2 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” now.

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The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict May 31, 2024

A New York jury has found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 charges. WSJ reporter Joe Palazzolo recalls the original investigation that eventually led to Thursday's conviction, and legal reporter Corinne Ramey describes the scene as the verdict came down.

Further Reading:

- Nine Memorable Moments From Donald Trump’s Hush-Money Trial

- A History of WSJ’s Hush-Money Investigation

Further Listening:

- Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway

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The Big Short: China Edition May 30, 2024

For years, China’s real estate market was booming. Developers, home buyers and Western banks rushed to invest. But the boom turned into a bubble, which eventually burst. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng reports on the warning signs that were ignored and we speak to two people who saw the collapse coming.

Further Reading:

-The Folly of China’s Real-Estate Boom Was Easy to See, but No One Wanted to Stop It
-Evergrande Was Once China’s Biggest Property Developer. Now, It Has Been Ordered to Liquidate.

Further Listening:

-China’s Property Market Crisis

-China’s Evergrande Crisis

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The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster May 29, 2024

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter heads the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. He speaks with Ryan Knutson about the DOJ’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and why the government says the business is an illegal monopoly which the company denies.

Further Reading:

- Justice Department to Sue Live Nation, Seek Breakup of Concert and Ticketing Giant

- Justice Department Sues to Break Up Live Nation-Ticketmaster

Further Listening:

-NCAA Agrees to Share Revenue With Athletes in Landmark $2.8 Billion Settlement

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$2.8 Billion for College Athletes and a New World for the NCAA May 28, 2024

For over a century, the NCAA has refused to pay athletes. After a recent settlement, that’s going to change. The organization has agreed to set aside $2.8 billion in back payments for some student athletes and moving forward, allow players to get a cut of television revenue. WSJ’s Jared Diamond explains what it might mean for the future of college athletics.

Further Reading:

-He Was the $13 Million QB Recruit. Now He’s Suing the Boosters Who Never Paid Up.

Further Listening:

-Why an Ivy League Basketball Team Voted to Unionize

-The TikTok That Changed College Hoops

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Introducing Science Vs - Ozempic: Is It Scarier Than We Thought? May 26, 2024

Trillion Dollar Shot, our new series about drugs like Ozempic, will be back next week. Until then, we think you’d enjoy a show from our friends over at Science Vs, a podcast that takes on fads, trends and the opinionated mob to find out what’s fact, what’s not and what’s somewhere in between. This episode examines the fears around the new class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs.

This episode does deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. If you are in the U.S. and need help, dial 988.

Full list of international hotlines here.

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The First Person to Get Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip May 24, 2024

Elon Musk’s Neuralink is on a mission to enable humans to communicate with computers using their thoughts. Now they have successfully implanted their device in a human.. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler explores the new technology and speaks to Noland Arbaugh, Neuralink's first participant.

Further Reading:

- Elon Musk’s Neuralink Shows First Patient Using Its Brain Implant

- Elon Musk’s Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode'

- Elon Musk on 2024 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity

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Could Paris Hilton Create the 'Next Disney?' May 23, 2024

Paris Hilton and her husband, VC investor Carter Reum, talk about "strict" parenting, the importance of A.I. and the huge economic value of her spoiled airhead persona. ⁠Ryan Knutson⁠ sat down with the couple at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. To watch the video, check out the episode on Spotify.

Further Reading:

-⁠Paris Hilton’s Business Empire Is Getting a Makeover⁠

Further Listening:

-⁠The Business of Dua Lipa

Photo: Uncredited

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Years After Surfside Collapse, Florida Condos Are In Crisis May 22, 2024

Florida condominium buildings are undergoing inspections after the state set new requirements for how often the structures are put to the test. WSJ's Deborah Acosta explores how costs in one building have climbed to over $134,000.

Further Reading:

- New Florida Law Roils Its Condo Market Three Years After Surfside Collapse

- Florida Condo Owners Brace for New Inspection, Reserve Requirements

Further Listening:

- Who's in Charge of Fixing Miami's Aging Condos?

- The Mixed Signals from the Collapsed Condo's Past

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Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War May 21, 2024

Seven months into the war, Hamas is far from defeated. The Islamist militant group is using guerrilla tactics and a vast underground tunnel network to evade Israeli forces. WSJ’s Jared Malsin reports on how the group’s resilience is stoking fears in Israel that it is walking into a forever war.

Further Reading:

-Hamas Shift to Guerrilla Tactics Raises Specter of Forever War for Israel

-ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Hamas Leader Sinwar

-Israel War Cabinet Member Sets Ultimatum and Threatens to Quit Government

Further Listening:

-A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza

-The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas

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Did ‘Roaring Kitty’ Just Spark a Meme Stock Sequel? May 20, 2024

Meme stocks took off last week after an unexpected tweet appeared from “Roaring Kitty,” a social media account associated with former financial consultant Keith Gill. He's credited with igniting the meme stock movement in 2021. WSJ’s Jon Sindreu explains the re-emergence of Roaring Kitty and what it means for the meme stock movement.

Further Reading:

- ‘Roaring Kitty’ Came Out of Hibernation. Is the Meme Stock Craze Bac k?

- Is Roaring Kitty the Internet’s Warren Buffett?

Further Listening:

- To the Moon

- Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment

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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 2: Bank Breakers May 19, 2024

As demand for the new class of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs skyrockets, one thing has stood in the way of many people trying to access them: cost. With a price tag around $1,000 a month for U.S. patients and many insurance companies refusing to cover these drugs for weight loss, patients are often turning to alternatives.

In episode two of “Trillion Dollar Shot,” we look at the roadblocks to making these drugs more affordable, concerns that their high cost will negatively impact U.S. insurance systems, and the sometimes risk-laden options people are turning to in desperation.

Listen: Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster

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The Race to Save an Iconic Train From Falling Into the Ocean May 17, 2024

The Pacific Surfliner train in Southern California runs along some of the most beautiful coastlines in America. But some fear it might soon fall into the ocean. WSJ’s Jim Carlton reports on how coastal erosion is impacting an iconic train route and the controversial plans to move parts of the line inland.

Further Reading:

- The Race to Keep an Amtrak Train From Falling Into the Pacific

Further Listening:

- What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio?

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The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors May 16, 2024

Jim Simons pioneered a revolution in financial trading, embracing a computer-oriented, quantitative style in the 1980s well ahead of Wall Street. Following Simons’ recent death, WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman unpacks his legacy from financial algorithms to philanthropy.

Further Reading:

-How Did Jim Simons’s Firm Make $100 Billion? He Told His Secrets to Our Reporter

-Jim Simons, a Pioneer of Quantitative Trading, Dies at 86

-The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution

Further Listening:

-Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend

-Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 1

-Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 2

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Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election = ?? May 15, 2024

If the upcoming presidential election could be summed up by a song, what would it be? And will voters cast their ballots based on a bright future or a gloomy one? In a live-taping before an audience at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival, ⁠Kate Linebaugh⁠ and ⁠Ryan Knutson⁠ sat down with WSJ political reporter ⁠Molly Ball⁠ to discuss these topics and more. To watch the video, check out the episode on Spotify.

Further Reading:

-⁠Biden and Trump, In Two Speeches, Speak to Two Visions of America ⁠

-⁠Arizona is Booming, But Restless Voters Feel Downbeat About Economy⁠

Further Listening:

-⁠Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed⁠

-⁠Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts

Photo: Uncredited

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North Korea’s Propaganda Mastermind May 14, 2024

For six decades, one man has been largely responsible for creating North Korea’s propaganda machine: Kim Ki Nam. He served all three North Korean dictators and is the architect of many of the myths that have helped to keep the Kim family in power. Last week, Kim Ki Nam died at the age of 94. WSJ’s Timothy Martin reports on his controversial legacy.

Further Reading:

-The Original Mastermind Behind North Korea’s Cult-of-Personality Propaganda Dies

-Kim Jong Un’s New Look Is More Man Than Superhuman

Further Listening:

-How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto

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How FTX Found Billions to Repay Customers May 13, 2024

When FTX collapsed into bankruptcy in 2022, many customers never thought they'd see their money again. But FTX's assets have rebounded. WSJ’s Andrew Scurria unpacks why FTX will have more than enough money to fully repay customers and many creditors.

Further Reading:

- Crypto Exchange FTX Is the Rare Financial Blowup That Will Repay Victims in Full

Further Listening:

- A Lawyer Abandoned Family and Career to Follow the Voices in His Head

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Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster May 13, 2024

Before Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, there was Lotte Bjerre Knudsen.

In the 1990s, the young scientist at the Danish drug company Novo Nordisk was trying to unlock the key to a new technology for treating Type 2 diabetes. To her bosses, Lotte’s project, which focused on a hormone called GLP-1, looked like a distraction.

But as Lotte fought to save her diabetes project from the chopping block, she couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact her breakthrough would have. Her work would pave the way for a hit drug called Ozempic. And it would unleash a new class of blockbuster drugs, pitting two companies in a race to become the world’s first trillion-dollar pharmaceutical company by market cap.

Listen to Part 1 of “Trillion Dollar Shot” now.

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A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees. May 10, 2024

WSJ’s Julie Wernau wanted to test a hypothesis: are there more mentally ill homeless people now, compared to before the pandemic? That question led her to Rob Dart. Once a successful lawyer, in 2022 he went into a downward spiral, which his family has not been able to stop despite their best efforts.

Further Reading:

- A Lawyer’s Slide Into Psychosis Was Captured in a WSJ Profile. He Tells Us His Story.

Further Listening:

- America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis

- Evicted on Wood Street: California's Housing Crisis

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Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks? May 09, 2024

Starbucks has a problem: Sales at U.S. stores have fallen sharply and now the company is looking to China, its second biggest market, to boost its revenue. But as WSJ’s Spencer Jakab explains, increased competition there is making that a tall order.

Further Reading:

-Starbucks Is Running Out of Americans to Drink Its Expensive Coffee

-The Furious Race for the Future of Coffee

Further Listening:

-The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback

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The Suitcases Full of Cash Flowing Through Airports May 08, 2024

London and Dubai's international airports have become conduits for billions of dollars of illicit funds, potentially linked to corruption, drug trafficking and other crimes. WSJ's Margot Patrick explains how couriers in one money-laundering operation transported millions in dirty money on flights.

Further Reading:

- Billions in Dirty Money Flies Under the Radar at World’s Busiest Airports

Further Listening:

- How The Government Tied One Couple to Billions in Stolen Bitcoin

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Why Is Tesla Pulling Back on EV Charging? May 07, 2024

Tesla announced last week that it’s laying off the team responsible for the biggest electric-vehicle charging network in the U.S. The move comes as consumer demand for EVs is dwindling. WSJ’s Jennifer Hiller reports on how the layoffs shocked the industry and how the change will impact efforts to build out a national EV charging network.

Further Reading:

-Tesla Is Pulling Back From EV Charging, and People Are Freaking Out

-As Electric-Vehicle Shoppers Hesitate, Hybrid Sales Surge

Further Listening:

-Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board

-How China’s BYD Overtook Tesla

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The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary May 06, 2024

Walmart is offering higher pay, bonuses and more stock options this year to retain and attract managers. WSJ’s Sarah Nassauer spent a day with one manager, Nichole Hart, to understand why the job is commanding such a high salary these days, and why Hart logs about 20,000 steps a day.

Further Reading:

- A Day in the Life of a Walmart Manager Who Makes $240,000 a Year

- Walmart Takes On Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods With New Premium Brand

Further Listening:

- What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer

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Guns and Death Threats in Canada’s Baby-Eel Fisheries May 03, 2024

The high price of baby eels has triggered an upsurge in illegal fishing and criminal activity in Canada. Earlier this year, the country announced a ban on baby-eel fishing in an attempt to contain the violence and to protect dwindling fish stocks. We speak to WSJ’s Paul Vieira and to a baby-eel fisherman about how a tiny fish has created a turf war in a remote Canadian community.

Further Reading:

-Guns and Death Threats Spur Canada to Reel in Baby-Eel Fishing

Further Listening:

-Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work?

-Canada’s Historic Settlement with Indigenous People

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The NBA's Media Rights Are Up for Grabs. Billions Are at Stake. May 02, 2024

The National Basketball Association is in advanced stages of a new round of media-rights deals. WSJ’s Amol Sharma unpacks why several major media players are jostling for the lucrative rights.

Further Reading:

-NBC Prepares $2.5-Billion-a-Year Bid to Pluck NBA Rights From TNT

-Amazon, YouTube Vie for NBA Streaming Rights as League’s Media Talks Heat Up

Further Listening:

-Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming

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Mayhem at Paramount as Merger Looms May 01, 2024

On Monday, Bob Bakish stepped down as CEO of Paramount, one of America’s most iconic media companies. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel reports on how Bakish’s relationship with Shari Redstone, chair of Paramount, has deteriorated amidst one of the messiest merger dramas in recent history.

Further Reading:

- A Media Heiress’s Bid to Sell Sets Off Mayhem Inside Paramount

- How Bob Bakish, the Anti-Mogul CEO, Struggled to Rescue Paramount

- Shari Redstone’s Path to Power

Further Listening:

- Why Buying Paramount Global Won’t Be Easy

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Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed Apr 30, 2024

Donald Trump's allies have drafted plans to curb the Federal Reserve’s independence, should Trump win a second term. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia unpacks the proposals, which include giving the president a say in interest-rate decisions.

Further Reading:

-Trump Allies Draw Up Plans to Blunt Fed’s Independence

-Why Inflation Is Biden’s Most Stubborn Political Problem

-Even If the Fed Cuts, the Days of Ultralow Rates Are Over

Further Listening:

-Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts

-The Man Who Waged War on Inflation

-The President, the Fed, and the Cut

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Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals Apr 29, 2024

For almost a decade, Amazon staff went undercover on Walmart, eBay and other marketplaces selling products under the guise of a company called ‘Big River.’ WSJ’s Dana Mattioli reports on the secret arm of Amazon that surreptitiously gathers intelligence on its competitors.

Further Reading:

-Inside Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals

-Inside Amazon’s Push to Crack Trader Joe’s—and Dominate Everything

Further Listening:

-TikTok Wants to Be More Like Amazon. Amazon Wants to Be More Like TikTok.

-What Is Amazon’s Secret ‘Project Nessie’?

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JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy Apr 26, 2024

Jamie Dimon discusses his concerns about the future of the economy, the effect of overseas wars and the importance of U.S. leadership in a wide-ranging interview with WSJ’s Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker.

Further Watching:

-Jamie Dimon on the Economy, Geopolitical Risks and AI: Full Interview

Further Listening:

-Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts

-Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy

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Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges Apr 25, 2024

With a fresh round of pro-Palestinian protests sweeping campuses nationwide, university administrators are cracking down. WSJ’s Melissa Korn explains what students are demanding and what it could mean for campus life going forward.

Further Reading:

-At Columbia, Discontent Grows Over Shafik’s Handling of Crisis

-Pro-Palestinian Protests Force Colleges to Rethink Graduation Plans

Further Listening:

-Big Donors Clash with Universities Over Antisemitism, Free Speech

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How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues Apr 24, 2024

Less than six years after a Supreme Court ruling paved the way for legal sports gambling, U.S. sports leagues are facing an onslaught of betting scandals. The latest example is Jontay Porter, a little-known NBA player, who has been given a lifetime ban for betting on games. WSJ’s Jared Diamond unpacks how major leagues are confronting the darker sides of sports betting with alarming frequency.

Further Reading:

-NBA Player Banned for Life for Betting on Games

-America Made a Huge Bet on Sports Gambling. The Backlash Is Here.

Further Listening:

-How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

-Disney Gets Into Gambling

-FanDuel CEO on Sports Gambling's Big Boom

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Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War Apr 23, 2024

Over the course of 19 days, U.S. officials raced to contain escalating tensions between Israel and Iran amid a series of attacks. WSJ’s Michael R. Gordon on what was going on behind the scenes as the White House worked to prevent a bigger conflict.

Further Reading:

-Inside the White House’s Frenetic Scramble to Avert a Full-Blown Middle East War

-How the U.S. Forged a Fragile Middle Eastern Alliance to Repel Iran’s Israel Attack

Further Listening:

-A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza

-A Deadly Drone Attack and Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance'

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Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway Apr 22, 2024

Former President Donald Trump is expected to spend the next six weeks in a Manhattan courtroom, defending himself against accusations he covered up a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey was in the courtroom for opening statements and WSJ’s Molly Ball unpacks what this trial could mean for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Further Reading:

-Trump’s Hush-Money Trial: What to Know as the Case Begins

-Donald Trump Played Central Role in Hush Payoffs to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal

Further Listening:

-Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts

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How Cyber Thieves Are Disrupting U.S. Goods Apr 19, 2024

Reports of freight fraud are on the rise, vexing trucking companies and regulators. And victims say that they aren’t getting any real help from law enforcement. WSJ’s Inti Pacheco unpacks one form of this fraud, called double brokering, and a trucking executive explains his personal efforts to stop the scammers.

Further Reading:

- A Brazen Yogurt Heist Shows How Cyber Gangs Are Hijacking U.S. Goods

- Growing Freight Fraud is Peeling Millions From the U.S. Shipping Market

Further Listening:

- Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves

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Think It’s Expensive to Buy a Home? Try Owning One. Apr 18, 2024

It’s not just the cost of buying a home that’s going up. It’s also the hidden costs — like taxes, maintenance and insurance — that are going through the roof. WSJ’s Nicole Friedman explains why these prices are rising so fast, and what it means for the housing market.

Further Listening:

-'It's on Fire': Why the Housing Market Is Booming

Further Reading:

-The Hidden Costs of Homeownership Are Skyrocketing

-Home Buyers Are Ready to Buy. But Sellers Aren’t Selling.

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Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts Apr 17, 2024

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell called into question whether the Fed will be able to lower interest rates this year as hoped. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos on how the Fed’s outlook on the economy has changed.

Further Reading:

- Powell Dials Back Expectations on Rate Cuts

- Fed Rate Cuts Are Now a Matter of If, Not Just When

Further Listening:

- Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy

- Inflation Is Down. Unemployment Is Low. Is This a Soft Landing?

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Many Cities Fear the ‘Doom Loop.’ St. Louis is in One. Apr 16, 2024

Cities such as San Francisco and Chicago are trying to save their downtown office districts from spiraling into a doom loop. St. Louis is already trapped in one, with abandoned buildings, vacant offices and shuttered shops and restaurants. WSJ’s Konrad Putzier unpacks the lessons from downtown St. Louis’s doom loop.

Further Reading:

-The Real Estate Nightmare Unfolding in Downtown St. Louis

-Commercial Real-Estate Woes Run Deeper Than in Past Downturns

-Can San Francisco Save Itself From the Doom Loop?

Further Listening:

-The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire

-What’s Keeping Zombie Malls Alive?

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The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink Apr 15, 2024

SpaceX’s satellite-internet devices are ending up in the hands of American adversaries and accused war criminals. WSJ’s Thomas Grove and Micah Maidenberg explain how the technology is being used illegally in multiple conflicts around the world.

Further Listening:

- Amazon Takes On SpaceX in Battle for Space Internet

- When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door

Further Reading:

- The Black Market That Delivers Elon Musk’s Starlink to U.S. Foes

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Can the WNBA Cash in on the Caitlin Clark Effect? Apr 12, 2024

Caitlin Clark has lifted women’s college basketball to new heights, setting records on and off the court. Now the Iowa superstar is going pro and joining the WNBA. WSJ’s Rachel Bachman on what Caitlin Clark’s huge popularity might mean for the sometimes-struggling women’s league.

Further Reading:

- Caitlin Clark Drew 18.7 Million Viewers to Women’s Basketball. Will It Last?

- Before Caitlin Clark Dominated Women’s Basketball, She Dominated These Boys

Further Listening:

- The TikTok That Changed College Hoops

- The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer

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How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work Apr 11, 2024

Providing child care for employees may not seem like a savvy business choice, but some companies swear by it. WSJ’s Harriet Torry explores the different approaches – and the benefits – at businesses both large and small.

Further Listening:

- The Labor Shortage That's Causing More Labor Shortages

Further Reading:

- What One Employer Found When It Started Providing Child Care

- More Companies Start to Offer Daycare at Work

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What Arizona's Abortion Ban Means for the 2024 Election Apr 10, 2024

This week, the Arizona Supreme Court revived an abortion ban enacted in 1864, decades before the state's formation. WSJ's Laura Kusisto explains how the 160-year-old law could impact the 2024 election.

Further Listening:

-The Abortion Pill’s Uncertain Future

-Kansas’ Big Abortion Vote

-The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade

Further Reading:

-Arizona Supreme Court Bans Nearly All Abortions, Reviving 160-Year-Old Law

-Why Arizona Will Be Ground Zero for the 2024 Abortion Fight

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Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt Apr 09, 2024

The Biden administration is proposing a sweeping initiative to slash student debt for nearly 30 million borrowers. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia unpacks the proposal and explains why it marks a major new White House effort to try to appeal to progressives and young voters seven months before the November election.

Further Listening:

- Breaking Down Student Debt Relief

- How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt

Further Reading:

- Biden’s Student-Loan Plan Seeks to Slash Debt for 30 Million Americans

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Why No Labels’ Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch Apr 08, 2024

No Labels, the centrist group which was trying to field a third-party presidential candidate, is abandoning its efforts to find someone to lead its “unity ticket.” WSJ’s Ken Thomas explains how the group spent millions of dollars and months of work but ultimately came up short.

Further Reading:

- How the No Labels 2024 Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch

Further Listening:

- Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment

- Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants

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Janet Yellen Has a Warning for China Apr 05, 2024

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in China trying to discourage government officials and business leaders from flooding the world with cheap goods. WSJ’s Andrew Duehren is traveling with Yellen, and explores how her thinking on China has changed with shifting global market forces.

Further Listening:

- Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy

- How China's BYD Overtook Tesla

Further Reading:

- Janet Yellen Missed the First ‘China Shock.’ Can She Stop the Second?

- China Shock 2.0 Sparks Global Backlash Against Flood of Cheap Goods

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The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory Apr 04, 2024

In January, a door panel blew off a Boeing 737 MAX plane during an Alaska Airlines flight. Informal communication logs between workers at the Boeing plant where the plane was assembled reveal disarray, repeated production delays and crews who apparently didn’t follow procedures. WSJ's Sharon Terlep reviewed the logs and explains what they reveal.

Further Reading:

- The Disarray Inside Boeing’s 737 Factory Before the Door Plug Blowout

- Boeing’s Next CEO Will Have ‘Massive Job’ at Company in Crisis

- Justice Department Opens Probe, Interviews Crew in Alaska Airlines Blowout

Further Listening:

- A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing

- The Pressure Inside Boeing

- How the Grounded Boeing Jet Shook the Airline Industry

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A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza Apr 03, 2024

Amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli airstrike. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin takes listeners inside the increasingly challenging process to get aid to civilians in Gaza.

Further Listening:

- Chef José Andrés: How to Feed People in an Emergency

- The Hospital at the Center of Israel’s War on Hamas

- For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There's No Way Out

Further Reading:

- Israel Confronts Fallout After Strike That Killed Seven Gaza Aid Workers

- Celebrity Chef José Andrés Says Aid Workers Killed in Gaza

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The Battle Over Disney’s Board Apr 02, 2024

Disney's business has been struggling in recent years, and there's a fight over how to fix it. On one side is Nelson Peltz, an activist investor, who is campaigning for a seat on Disney's board of directors. On the other side is CEO Bob Iger, who doesn't want Peltz anywhere near his company. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains who might win and what it could mean for the iconic brand.

Further Reading:

-Disney Winning Proxy Fight Against Trian With More Than Half of Votes Cast

-Nelson Peltz Wins Key Endorsement in Disney Battle

-Nelson Peltz Fights Disney—and Turmoil at His Own Fund

Further Listening:

-The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger

-Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor

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Ryanair: Cheap, Cramped and Making Its CEO a Fortune Apr 01, 2024

Michael O’Leary has been running Ryanair for the past 30 years — the longest tenure of any major airline boss. During that time he has turned a paltry operation that flew 200,000 customers a year into a low-cost behemoth, with passenger numbers set to reach close to 200 million this year. WSJ’s Benjamin Katz profiles the colorful CEO, who is now on the verge of earning a more than $100 million bonus.

Further Reading:

- The F-Bomb-Dropping Airline CEO About to Earn a $100 Million-Plus Bonus

Further Listening:

- How Southwest Airlines Melted Down

- A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing

- The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines

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Six Days of Chaos at MGM’s Casinos Mar 29, 2024

A gang of young criminals. A more than $30 million ransom. Casinos in disarray. WSJ’s Robert McMillan brings us inside a cyberattack that brought mayhem to the Las Vegas Strip.

Further Reading:

- The Audacious MGM Hack That Brought Chaos to Las Vegas

Further Listening:

- How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto

- Hacking the Hackers

- Hack Me If You Can

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25 Years in Prison from “The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy” Mar 29, 2024

Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys attend Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing and parse through the reasoning behind Judge Lewis Kaplan’s ruling and what a 25 year sentence could mean for the former CEO of FTX.

Further Listening:

- The Trail of Crypto’s Golden Boy

Further Reading:

- Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Lengthy Sentence-And Long Odds On Appeal

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Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment Mar 28, 2024

Not long ago, Donald Trump’s social-media company, Truth Social, seemed like it was on life support. But when the company went public this week, its stock soared. WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains how Truth Social’s valuation shot up despite its weak revenue and user numbers, and what it could mean for Trump’s financial and political future.

Further Reading:

- Truth Social Stock Price Surges on First Day of Trading, Increasing Trump’s Fortune

- Trump Can Post Smaller $175 Million Bond in Civil Fraud Case

- Dear Donald Trump, Here’s How to Manage Your Stock-Market Fortune

Further Listening:

- Trump Needs $450 Million He Doesn’t Have

- Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants

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The Baltimore Bridge Catastrophe Mar 27, 2024

Early Tuesday morning, a 1,000-foot container ship lost power and plowed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge leaving six people still unaccounted for. The bridge collapsed, cutting off the port and a major traffic artery for Baltimore. WSJ’s Cameron McWhirter discusses the potential impact of the collapse on the local community and the wider region.

Further Reading:

-Baltimore Bridge Crash Investigators to Examine Whether Dirty Fuel Played Role in Accident

-Bridge Collapse Resets U.S. Supply Chains

-How a Night Shift on Baltimore Bridge Turned Deadly

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What Will Sam’s Sentence Be? from "The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy" Mar 27, 2024

Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys dive into a mountain of court filings to understand the arguments that will be made at Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing hearing. His defense team is arguing for a 6-year sentence, but the government thinks Bankman-Fried should serve 40 to 50 years. Which side will win out?

Further Listening:

- The Trail of Crypto’s Golden Boy

Further Reading:

- Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Lengthy Sentence-And Long Odds On Appeal

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Will Getting Rid of Bosses Fix the Workplace? Mar 26, 2024

Bayer is throwing out the corporate playbook to try a radical experiment: getting rid of a huge swath of its bosses. After years of tumbling stock prices, the company has decided to give workers more decision-making power. WSJ's Chip Cutter talks about how this boss-less plan is being implemented among Bayer's 100,000 employees.

Further Reading:

-One CEO’s Radical Fix for Corporate Troubles: Purge the Bosses

-The Boss Wants to Make You More Efficient

Further Listening:

-The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom

-The End of the GE Era

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Sam's Life in a Brooklyn Jail from "The Trial of Crypto's Golden Boy" Mar 26, 2024

We’re back for Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing. After the crypto golden boy was found guilty on all counts in November, this week he’ll find out how long he will serve in federal prison. Caitlin Ostroff and Rachel Humphreys get an insight into Bankman-Fried’s life for the past few months, from unappetizing prison food to tutoring inmates.

Further Listening:

- Sam Bankman-Fried’s Life Behind Bars: Crypto Tips and Paying With Fish

Further Reading:

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Why the U.S. Government Is Suing Apple Mar 25, 2024

The Department of Justice announced a landmark lawsuit against Apple, alleging that it has built a monopoly in smartphones by thwarting innovative apps and accessories that would make users less dependent on Apple’s technology. WSJ’s Tim Higgins breaks down the lawsuit and what it could mean for the company and its CEO Tim Cook.

Further Reading:

- Ghost of Microsoft Stalks Apple as DOJ Takes Its Shot

- Monopoly Case Pits Justice Department Against Apple’s Antitrust Winning Streak

Further Listening:

- One Company’s Quest to Burst Apple’s Blue Bubble Texts

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Trump Needs $450 Million He Doesn’t Have Mar 22, 2024

Donald Trump’s finances are under stress. He faces a $454 million judgment against him in a civil-fraud case. Meanwhile, his campaign fundraising is trailing President Biden’s. WSJ’s Peter Grant unpacks the developments and a potential windfall for Trump.

Further Reading:

-Trump Is in a Race Against Time to Protect His Fortune

-Trump Makes a New Fortune With Truth Social Listing

Further Listening:

-Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants

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Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide. Mar 21, 2024

This week, the Supreme Court is considering whether the Biden administration unlawfully pressured tech companies to suppress social media posts opposed to Covid vaccines. We talk to WSJ’s Jess Bravin about the latest in a series of cases that could set important ground rules for free speech and online content moderation.

Further Reading:

- Covid-Era Case on Free Speech to Test Supreme Court

- Supreme Court Voices Skepticism Over Social-Media Censorship Claims Against Government

Further Listening:

- Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

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Can Reddit’s IPO Survive Its Own Users? Mar 20, 2024

The social-media platform Reddit is making its stock-market debut Thursday and is offering a chunk of shares in its initial public offering to users, who are the lifeblood of its operations. But those same passionate users could cause trouble for the company. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch explains, and a moderator for the popular Reddit forum WallStreetBets weighs in.

Further Reading:

- Reddit Fueled Meme-Stock Mania. Now Its CEO Is Overseeing His Own Company’s IPO.

- They’re Reddit Die-Hards. Do They Want to Be Shareholders, Too?

- Reddit Eyes Valuation of Up to $6.5 Billion in IPO

Further Listening:

- ‘To the Moon’

- An Oral History of WallStreetBets

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Why Women Are Leaving Goldman Sachs Mar 19, 2024

When David Solomon became CEO of Goldman Sachs just over five years ago, he made promoting women to senior levels of the firm a priority. But female executives are heading for the door—among them, Stephanie Cohen, one of the most senior executives at the company, who announced her departure Monday. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis unpacks what’s happening at the Wall Street giant.

Further Reading:

-Women Aren’t Getting the Big Jobs at Goldman Sachs, and They’re Heading for the Exits

-Stephanie Cohen Is Latest Senior Goldman Executive to Depart

-Goldman Sachs to Pay $215 Million to Settle Female Employees’ Discrimination Case

Further Listening:

-The War Inside Goldman Sachs

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How Two Binance Employees Ended Up Detained in Nigeria Mar 18, 2024

Two Binance employees, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, are being held by Nigerian authorities in a guarded house. According to their families, they haven’t been charged with any crimes. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains how the two men ended up there and why crypto is being blamed for a country’s currency collapse.

Further Listening:

- The Fall of (Another) Crypto King

- A Crypto Exchange Crackdown

- The Rise of Binance – And the Effort to Reel It In

Further Reading:

- Crypto Gets Blamed for a Real-Life Currency Crisis

- Binance Employees to Remain in Custody in Nigeria

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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps Mar 15, 2024

In November 2022, Kavita Fischer downloaded a casino app from DraftKings, one of the top online betting companies in the U.S. Kavita was looking for relief from the stress of a recent divorce and the isolation of working from home during the pandemic. In less than a year, Kavita gambled away hundreds of thousands of dollars. We speak to Kavita and to WSJ’s Katherine Sayre about how online betting companies keep customers coming back by giving them bonus credits and VIP treatment.

Further Reading:

- A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked.

Further Listening:

- Disney Gets Into Gambling

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The Cyberattack That’s Roiling Healthcare Mar 14, 2024

Hospitals, pharmacies and medical groups have been reeling in the wake of last month’s ransomware attack on a company widely used for insurance billing and payments. WSJ's James Rundle unpacks how the cyberattack on Change Healthcare has left thousands of providers scrambling to pay their bills and some wondering if they can keep their doors open.

Further Reading:

- Change Healthcare Rival Onboards Hundreds of Thousands of Customers During Hack Crisis

- U.S. Health Department Intervenes in Change Healthcare Hack Crisis

- UnitedHealth Aims to Restore Change Healthcare Systems Within Two Weeks

Further Listening:

- The Ruthless Group Behind Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals

- Ransomware, a Pipeline and a Gas Shortage

- Why Crypto is Key to Stopping Ransomware

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House Passes Bill to Ban TikTok Mar 13, 2024

Today the House voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill that would ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. or force a sale. For years politicians have threatened a ban, but this latest attempt finally gained traction. WSJ's Georgia Wells on the long push to ban the Chinese-controlled platform and how the company is fighting back.

Further Listening:

-The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone

-Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S.

-What's Up With All the TikTok Bans?

Further Reading:

-How TikTok Was Blindsided by U.S. Bill That Could Ban It

-TikTok Crackdown Shifts Into Overdrive, With Sale or Shutdown on Table

-The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Phones in the U.S.

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Rail Unions Normally Hate CEOs. Now They Are Trying to Save One. Mar 12, 2024

About a year after a major train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, an activist investor is trying to oust Norfolk Southern’s CEO, Alan Shaw. But as WSJ’s Esther Fung explains, the CEO has some unlikely allies in his corner.

Further Reading:

-Railroad Workers Were Ready to Strike. Now They’re Fighting to Save Their CEO.

Further Listening:

-What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio?

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Chinese-Made Cranes at U.S. Ports: A New Trojan Horse? Mar 11, 2024

Nearly 80% of ship-to-shore cranes at U.S. ports are made by ZPMC, a Chinese state-owned company. In recent years, U.S. officials have grown concerned that these giant cranes could be used for spying on the U.S. China says these concerns are “paranoia-driven.” WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha reports on why cranes have become the latest point of contention in U.S.-China relations.

Further Reading:

- Pentagon Sees Giant Cargo Cranes as Possible Chinese Spying Tools

- Espionage Probe Finds Communications Device on Chinese Cranes at U.S. Ports

Further Listening:

- The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone

- How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations

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Why an Ivy League Basketball Team Voted to Unionize Mar 08, 2024

This week the Dartmouth men’s basketball team voted to unionize, setting up a fight with the school over whether its athletes are students or employees. WSJ’s Laine Higgins talks about how this move upends decades of NCAA precedent and could change college sports forever.

Further Listening:

- A League of Champions Implodes

- A Tipping Point for Paying College Athletes?

Further Reading:

- Dartmouth Basketball Players Vote to Unionize in New Challenge to NCAA’s Amateurism Model

- Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Team Makes Latest Bid for Unionization by College Athletes

- College Sports Powers Stall Bid to Share Revenue With Athletes in California

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How Sam Altman’s Bromance With Elon Musk Turned Toxic Mar 07, 2024

Sam Altman once called Elon Musk, one of his OpenAI co-founders, his hero. Now Musk is suing Altman, accusing him of abandoning OpenAI’s founding mission in pursuit of profit, which OpenAI denies. WSJ’s Berber Jin reports on the highs and lows of a Silicon Valley’s bromance.

Further Reading:

- How the Bromance Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman Turned Toxic

- Elon Musk Sues OpenAI, Sam Altman, Saying They Abandoned Founding Mission

Further Listening:

- Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla’s Board

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Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants Mar 06, 2024

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley suspended her bid for the Republican presidential nomination.That sets the stage for another matchup between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in November. WSJ’s Eliza Collins looks at the new shape of this old rivalry.

Further Reading:

- Biden vs. Trump: A Familiar Matchup in an Unprecedented Election

- Nikki Haley Exits Republican Presidential Race

Further Listening:

- Does Nikki Haley Have a Chance At Beating Trump?

- A Messy Start to the 2024 Presidential Election

- The Deepfake Election Has Arrived

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Who Wants Non-Alcoholic Beer? Everyone, Apparently. Mar 05, 2024

In 2017 Bill Shufelt was desperate. He’d quit his job at a hedge fund to start a business that sounded absolutely nuts: a non-alcoholic beer that people would actually want to drink. WSJ’s Ben Cohen uncovers how Shufelt’s idea has led to one of the fastest-growing movements in the beer industry.

Further Listening:

-Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way

Further Reading:

-The Hottest Beer in America Doesn’t Have Alcohol

-Bud Light Missed Out on the Super Bowl Party

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From Ukrainian Teen to Russian Propaganda Star Mar 04, 2024

When Russian troops invaded his hometown in 2022, Ukrainian teenager Denys Kostev filmed TikTok videos cursing Vladimir Putin and praising Ukrainian courage. But a few months later, Kostev suddenly began appearing in Russian propaganda videos. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore spoke to the Ukrainian teenager about how he became part of the Kremlin's propaganda machine.

Further Reading:

-A Ukrainian Teen’s Dark Transformation Into Russian Propaganda Star

Further Listening:

-The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit

-Actors Recorded Videos for ‘Vladimir.’ It Turned Into Russian Propaganda.

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Can Warner Bros. Uncancel J.K. Rowling? Mar 01, 2024

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has come under fire in recent years for comments she’s made about gender and sex that some say are transphobic. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel reports on how Warner Brothers Discovery, the company that owns the rights to Harry Potter, is calling upon the controversial author to make more magic.

Further Listening:

– The Media Mogul Taking an Ax to Hollywood

Further Reading:

– Can Warner Bros. Uncancel J.K. Rowling?

– How the Minions Became Hollywood’s Mightiest Franchise

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Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger Feb 29, 2024

The Federal Trade Commission is suing to block a $25 billion merger between two supermarket giants: Albertsons and Kroger.WSJ’s Patrick Thomas unpacks the deal and what it would mean for the companies, workers and shoppers.

Further Reading:

-FTC Sues to Block $25 Billion Kroger-Albertsons Merger

-It’s Been 30 Years Since Food Ate Up This Much of Your Income

Further Listening:

-Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour

-Are Rotisserie Chickens ‘Inflation-Proof’?

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The Downfall of Vice Feb 28, 2024

Vice Media was a digital-media pioneer, built on provocative journalism and the promise of reaching younger audiences, a boon for advertisers. In its heyday, the company was valued at $5.7 billion. But last week, Vice Media said it would stop publishing content on its website and plans to cut hundreds of jobs. WSJ’s Keach Hagey and Alexandra Bruell on the rise and fall of Vice.

Further Reading:

- Vice Media to Stop Publishing on Vice.com, Plans to Cut Hundreds of Jobs

- Vice Media to Be Acquired Out of Bankruptcy by Fortress, Soros Fund

- Essence in Talks to Buy Refinery29 From Embattled Publisher Vice Media

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Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans Feb 27, 2024

School districts and state legislatures have been ramping up efforts to ban certain books from school libraries and curricula. Last year, Penguin Random House decided to do something to stop them. We speak to WSJ’s Jeffrey Trachtenberg and to the man leading Penguin Random House's efforts, Skip Dye.

Further Reading:

- A Publishing Giant’s Risky Fight Against Book Bans

- Penguin Random House, Authors Sue Iowa Officials Over Book Ban

- Scholastic Planned to Segregate Diverse Titles at School Book Fairs. Then Came the Backlash.

Further Listening:

- Scholastic’s Succession Drama

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The Deepfake Election Has Arrived Feb 26, 2024

Days before the presidential primary in New Hampshire, thousands of people received a call from someone who sounded like President Joe Biden, telling them not to vote. The call was a deepfake, and as WSJ's Bob McMillian reports, the rapid advancement of AI technology will likely have profound implications for elections around the world.

Further Reading:

- New Era of AI Deepfakes Complicates 2024 Elections

Further Listening:

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

- Investors Poured Millions Into Her Fashion Brand. Then It All Fell Apart.

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Influencer Arielle Charnas’s Fashion Fail Feb 23, 2024

Arielle Charnas is a fashion blogger turned influencer with over 1 million Instagram followers. In 2020, she launched her clothing brand Something Navy with about $10 million from investors. She hoped to turn it into a $100 million venture. That’s not what happened. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber and Sara O’Brien report on a cautionary tale for influencer brands.

Further Reading:

- Her Brand Had $100 Million Ambitions. Now It’s Being Sold in a Fire Sale.

Further Listening:

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.

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The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards Feb 22, 2024

Capital One announced plans to buy Discover Financial Services in a $35 billion deal that marries two of the largest credit-card companies in the U.S. and has the potential to shake up the credit card industry in a major way. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis explores what makes this deal such a game changer.

Further Reading:

- Capital One Is Buying Discover Financial for $35 Billion

Further Listening:

- Inside the Capital One Hack

- The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe

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Fentanyl Is Bad. ‘Tranq’ Might Be Worse. Feb 21, 2024

The animal tranquilizer xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is finding its way into opioid supplies and wreaking havoc all over the country. It’s rotting people’s flesh, leading to amputations and complicating drug treatment. WSJ’s Julie Wernau takes us to Robeson County, N.C., the new “ground zero” for xylazine addiction.

Further Reading:

- Flesh-Rotting ‘Tranq’ Undermines Fight Against Fentanyl

- Recovering From Drug Addiction Was Hard. Tranq Made It Worse.

- Nurses Make House Calls to Treat ‘Tranq’ Wounds for Users at Society’s Edge

Further Listening:

- Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue’s Settlement

- How a Drug Maker Plans to Cut Off Money for Opioid Victims

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‘It Felt Surreal’: A Cancer Diagnosis at 26 Feb 20, 2024

Meilin Keen was diagnosed with stomach cancer at 26. She’s part of a growing demographic of people who are getting cancer diagnoses before the age of 50. And doctors don’t know why. WSJ’s Brianna Abbott explains what we know so far.

Further Reading:

-Cancer Is Striking More Young People, and Doctors Are Alarmed and Baffled.

-Many Cancers Are on the Rise in the U.S., Even as Overall Deaths Fall.

-Uterine Cancer Was Easy to Treat. Now It’s Killing More Women Than Ever.

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Alexei Navalny, Putin’s Loudest Critic, Dies in a Russian Prison Feb 16, 2024

For years, anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny has been an outspoken critic and political foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Today, Russian prison authorities reported Navalny died at the age of 47. WSJ’s Ann Simmons delves into Navalny’s life, death and what this moment means for Russia.

Further Reading:

- Alexei Navalny Spent His Final Years Hounded—but Undeterred—by the Kremlin

- Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin’s Most Ardent Critic, Dies in Prison

Further Listening:

- Russia's Media Crackdown: 'The Future is Pretty Dark'

- The Plane Crash That Killed Yevgeny Prigozhin

- Inside Russia’s Spy Unit Targeting Americans

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The Deal to Hide Bad Actors in the Funeral Industry Feb 15, 2024

Unethical funeral homes have exploited grieving customers for decades. What consumers may not know is that many of the industry’s bad actors have been hidden from the public thanks to a sweetheart deal struck between the Federal Trade Commission and the funeral industry more than 25 years ago. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen unpacks her multi-year investigation.

Further Reading:

- How the Funeral Industry Got the FTC to Hide Bad Actors

Further Listening:

- FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses

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Sam Altman’s $7 Trillion ‘Moonshot’ Feb 14, 2024

OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman kicked off an AI revolution with the viral ChatGPT. Now, Altman has set his sights on another ambitious goal: Raise up to $7 trillion to overhaul the world’s semiconductor chip industry. WSJ’s Keach Hagey explains what the plan entails, and why skeptics think it will be an uphill battle.

Further Listening:

- Sam Altman Seeks Trillions of Dollars to Reshape Business of Chips and AI

Further Reading:

- Raising Trillions of Dollars Might Be the Easy Part of Altman’s Chip Plan

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The Spectacular Fall of 23andMe Feb 13, 2024

Five years ago, 23andMe was one of the buzziest startups in the world. Now, 23andMe’s stock is worth less than $1. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler unpacks the startup’s meteoric rise and fall.

Further Reading and Watching:

- 23andMe’s Fall From $6 Billion to Nearly $0

- How 23AndMe Went From a $6 Billion Valuation to a Penny Stock

- 23andMe Mulls Possible Split, Shares Fall After Disappointing Results

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Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming Feb 12, 2024

While the National Football League was getting ready for yesterday’s Super Bowl, major news was announced that caught high-level NFL executives off guard: Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery said they are teaming up to create a new sports streaming service. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains what we know about the new venture and how it could change sports broadcasting.

Further Reading:

-ESPN, Fox and Warner Team Up to Create Sports Streaming Platform

-Why Three Media Giants Made a Hail Mary Bet on Sports Streaming

Further Listening:

-ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star

-How Americans Watch Sports is Changing

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The Epic Battle Between the 49ers and Their Home City Feb 09, 2024

As the 49ers contend for Super Bowl rings this Sunday, the team has another battle to fight. The 49ers are in a decadelong war with their home city of Santa Clara over whether the team's $1 billion stadium is providing the economic boost promised. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson unpacks the conflict, which has involved lawsuits and heated local elections.

Further Reading:

- Why the 49ers and Their Home City Are in a Decadelong Fight

Further Listening:

- The Long-Last Super Bowl

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Will the Supreme Court Kick Trump off the Ballot? Feb 08, 2024

In December, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump couldn’t appear on the presidential ballot because his actions on January 6 disqualified him. The case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. WSJ’s Jan Wolfe listened to today’s arguments, and explains why it appears the decision will likely be overturned.

Further Listening:

- The Prosecutor Bringing a Racketeering Case Against Trump

- Meet Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Prosecuting Trump

- Pro-Trump Mob Storms the Capitol

Further Reading and Watching:

- Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Challenge to Donald Trump’s Ballot Eligibility

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The Day the Music Died on TikTok Feb 07, 2024

Music from major artists like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd has been muted on TikTok after a licensing deal fell apart. WSJ’s Anne Steele breaks down what happened to billions of videos and why the two companies are at loggerheads over the terms of a new deal.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Bad Blood: Why TikTok Videos With Taylor Swift and Other Universal Artists Are Now Silent

- Universal Music Group Poised to Stop Licensing Music to TikTok

Further Listening:

- How TikTok Became the World's Favorite App

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Mark Cuban on ‘Shark Tank,’ the Mavs and Elon Musk Feb 06, 2024

Mark Cuban is best known as a panelist on the reality TV show “Shark Tank” and for his ownership of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Now, the billionaire investor is switching gears. This will be his last season on “Shark Tank,'' and he recently sold a majority stake in the Mavericks. Instead, he’s focusing more on an industry he wants to disrupt: healthcare.

Further Reading:

-Mark Cuban Enters Elon Musk’s Echoverse of Madness

-Mark Cuban Is Set to Sell Majority Stake in Dallas Mavericks to Adelson Family

-Mark Cuban Has a New Job: Working at an Online Discount Pharmacy

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Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla's Board Feb 05, 2024

Elon Musk and some members of Tesla's board of directors have deep personal and financial ties. The connections are an extreme blurring of friendship and fortune and raise questions among some shareholders about the independence of the board members charged with overseeing Musk. WSJ's Rebecca Elliott reports.

Further Reading:

- The Money and Drugs That Tie Elon Musk to Some Tesla Directors

- Elon Musk’s $55.8 Billion Tesla Pay Package Struck Down by Judge

- Elon Musk Has Used Illegal Drugs, Worrying Leaders at Tesla and SpaceX

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode'

- Elon Musk on Why He Wants More Robots and Less Government

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The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas Feb 02, 2024

Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, no aid group has the reach of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the organization that for decades has provided schooling, healthcare and other assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza. But an Israeli intelligence report alleges that 12 UNRWA staff members were directly linked to the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. As WSJ’s David Luhnow explains, the fallout could put millions of lives on the line in Gaza.

Further Listening:

The Hospital at the Center of Israel’s War on Hamas

For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There’s No Way Out

Further Reading

A U.N. Agency Is Accused of Links to Hamas. The Clues Were There All Along.

Intelligence Reveals Details of U.N. Agency Staff’s Links to Oct. 7 Attack

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Why Buying Paramount Global Won't Be Easy Feb 01, 2024

Paramount Global is a media titan and lately potential buyers have been circling, hoping to get some of its parts. But as WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel explains, there’s a problem. The company’s owner is only interested in selling the whole thing.

Further Reading:

-Allen Media Group Makes $14.3 Billion Offer for Paramount Global

-Skydance Backers Explore All-Cash Deal To Gain Control of Paramount

-Warner and Paramount CEOs Discussed Possible Merger of Companies

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Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem Jan 31, 2024

The U.S. and the European Union have promised Ukraine billions of dollars in new financial aid to keep the country running as the war with Russia drags on. But both pledges have been delayed by political infighting in Washington and Brussels. WSJ’s Chelsey Dulaney reports that without this foreign money, the Ukrainian government could be forced to take painful economic measures to stay afloat.

Further Reading:

- Ukraine’s $30 Billion Problem: How to Keep Fighting Without Foreign Aid

Further Listening:

- Ukraine Makes a Deal With Wall Street

- Three Ukrainians on Enduring a Year of War

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Argentina’s New President Takes a Chainsaw to the Country’s Government Jan 30, 2024

Argentine President Javier Milei took office in December promising a free-market revolution to fix the country’s ailing economy. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Milei explained his agenda, which includes privatizing state companies and slashing government spending. WSJ’s Ryan Dubé unpacks Milei's goals and the challenges he faces.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Argentina’s President Promised a Free-Market Revolution, and Says He’s Delivering

- Argentina’s Libertarian President Urges Global Leaders in Davos to Embrace Free Market

- Argentina’s Inflation Surges After New President Cuts Subsidies

Further Listening:

- Why Protesters Rioted in Brazil’s Capital

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A Deadly Drone Attack and Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Jan 29, 2024

Three U.S. service members were killed and at least 34 injured in a drone strike in Jordan on Sunday. It’s the latest in a series of attacks in the Middle East by armed militia groups linked to Iran. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains how Iran uses these groups to fight proxy wars and to extend its influence in the region.

Further Reading:

- Three U.S. Troops Killed in Drone Attack in Jordan

- U.S. Failed to Stop Attack in Jordan After Mixup Over Drone Identity

Further Listening:

- ‘We Were Attacked’: Militants Upend Global Shipping

- Will Israel Face a Second Front?

- Cheap Drones Are Transforming the Battlefield

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A Russian Billionaire, an Art Dealer and an Epic Feud Jan 26, 2024

Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev owned art by da Vinci, Picasso and Magritte. But over more than a decade, he says his trusted art dealer defrauded him by as much as $1 billion. WSJ’s Kelly Crow tells us about the case that Rybolovlev alleges is the biggest art fraud in history.

Further Listening:

- The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands

- How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a Massive Museum Heist

Further Reading:

- Fraud, or Just a Bad Deal? Oligarch and Sotheby’s to Battle in Court Over Rarefied Art Trade

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How China's BYD Overtook Tesla Jan 25, 2024

A few years ago, the founder of Chinese automaker BYD was worried the company might not survive. But last year, BYD surpassed Tesla to become the world’s top seller of electric vehicles. WSJ’s Selina Cheng chronicles BYD’s ascent, as well as the challenges it faces holding onto the top spot.

Further Reading:

- How China’s BYD Became Tesla’s Biggest Threat

- Surpassing Tesla, China’s BYD Will Take On the World in 2024

- A Lamborghini-Style EV: BYD Goes Upmarket to Outmaneuver Tesla

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk’s ‘Demon Mode’

- Tesla’s Big Price Cut

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The Company Taking on Apple’s Watch Technology Jan 24, 2024

If you own an Apple Watch, you may have noticed the device’s pulse oximeter feature. Masimo, a medical technology company, claims that the oximeter technology is theirs and it is suing Apple. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani and WSJ’s Aaron Tilley on the story of how Masimo decided to take on a tech giant.

Further Listening:

-One Company’s Quest to Burst Apple’s Blue Bubble Texts

Further Reading:

-The Entrepreneur Who Bet His Company on a Fight With Apple

-Apple to Remove Blood-Oxygen Sensor From Watch to Avoid U.S. Ban

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The Computer Glitch That Caused Nearly 1,000 Convictions Jan 23, 2024

Between 1999 and 2015, some 983 people were convicted for stealing from post offices in the U.K. Some people ended up in jail. At least four died by suicide. Turns out, it was a computer glitch. WSJ’s Max Colchester explains how one TV series helped bring their stories to light— and to justice.

Further Reading:

- Nearly a Thousand People Were Convicted of Stealing Over Decades. It Was a Computer Glitch.

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Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business Jan 22, 2024

Hundreds of thousands of migrants try to get from South America to the United States each year. But first, they have to get past the treacherous Darien Gap, a 70-mile stretch of dense jungle. WSJ’s Juan Forero explains the booming business that has cropped up to help smuggle migrants through — or around — it.

Further Reading:

- Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business

- To Avoid the Jungles of Central America, Migrants Are Taking a Treacherous Sea Route

- Masses of Migrants Overwhelm Panama’s Darién Gap

Further Listening:

- Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working?

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How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet's Favorite Water Bottle Jan 19, 2024

The Stanley Quencher, an insulated water bottle, is everywhere these days. And the popularity has been good for the company. Stanley generated $750 million in revenue last year. WSJ's Callum Borchers explains how a brand traditionally loved by outdoorsmen has become the new favorite of moms and teen girls.

Further Reading:

The New Office Status Symbol Holds a Lot of Water—and Has a Wait List

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What Happens to Privacy in the Age of AI? Jan 18, 2024

The AI industry is controlled by only a few powerful companies. Is that concentration of power dangerous? WSJ's Sam Schechner interviews Meredith Whittaker, president of encrypted messaging app Signal, at a live event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Further Reading and Watching:

-The Importance of Privacy in the Age of AI

-Altman and Nadella Talk AI at Davos

Further Listening:

-Artificial: The Open AI Story

-Why an AI Pioneer Is Worried

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Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour Jan 17, 2024

Carrefour, one of the world’s biggest grocery chains, said it’s dropping PepsiCo products from roughly 10,000 stores across five European countries. Carrefour says it’s taking a stand against high prices. But as WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney explains, PepsiCo has a different take on the story.

Further Reading:

- Supermarket Giant Drops Pepsi and Lay’s Over Price Increases

- PepsiCo, Grocery Giant Bicker Over Who Dumped Whom

Further Listening:

- Are Rotisserie Chickens ‘Inflation-Proof’?

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Bitcoin's Long Journey to the Stock Market Jan 16, 2024

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the creation of Bitcoin ETFs, exchange-traded funds that buy the cryptocurrency, allowing retail investors to buy and sell Bitcoin as easily as stocks. WSJ’s Vicky Ge Huang breaks down the 10-year battle to bring Bitcoin to Wall Street investors.

Further Reading:

-SEC Approves Bitcoin ETFs for Everyday Investors

Further Listening:

-The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy

-Fidelity's Controversial Bet on Bitcoin

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Artificial: Episode 4, Behind Sam Altman’s Firing Jan 14, 2024

When the OpenAI board ousted CEO Sam Altman last November, very few people knew exactly what was behind it. In the final episode of our series, we reveal what led to Altman’s firing and explain why he was able to get his job back just days later. Plus, an exclusive interview with one of the people who fired him.

Further Reading:

- Sam Altman’s Knack for Dodging Bullets—With a Little Help From Bigshot Friends

- Behind the Scenes of Sam Altman’s Showdown at OpenAI

Further Listening:

- Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out

- Artificial: Episode 3, Chat GPT

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The 2024 College Financial Aid Mess Jan 12, 2024

A student's financial aid package is one of the most important factors in students’ college decisions. WSJ’s Oyin Adedoyin tells us that this year, the revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or Fafsa, is causing grief for some families.

Further Reading:

-A Financial-Aid Form Is Upending College Decisions

-Families May Have to Make College Decisions Before Knowing Full Cost

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Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work? Jan 11, 2024

Florida recently became the first state to win approval from the Food and Drug Administration to import prescription drugs from Canada. As WSJ’s Liz Essley Whyte explains, i t's a milestone in efforts to reduce the cost of medications, but the plan faces opposition from pharmaceutical groups and Canadian officials.

Further Reading:

-Florida Is First State Allowed to Import Drugs From Canada in Bid to Reduce Costs

-Expensive Drugs Targeted for First U.S. Price Negotiations

Further Listening:

-Philip Morris Tried to Pivot to Pharmaceuticals. It Didn’t Go Well.

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‘We Were Attacked’: Militants Upend Global Shipping Jan 10, 2024

Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for months. Now the U.S. and its allies have given the Yemeni militant group a final warning to stop the attacks. WSJ's Nancy A. Youssef explains what's motivating the Houthis and what the attacks mean for a region already on edge.

Further Reading:

-U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea

-Importers Face Surging Shipping Costs, Delays as Red Sea Diversions Pile Up

-U.S., Allies Give Houthis Ultimatum: Stop Ship Attacks or Face Consequences

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A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing Jan 09, 2024

The last thing Boeing needed was more trouble with its 737 MAX jet. That is exactly what it got at the start of the new year. The company had just started to regain its footing after years of tumult around the popular but troubled line of narrow-body jets when a Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines had a structural failure Friday night. WSJ’s Alison Sider unpacks what happened.

Further Reading:

-Alaska Airlines Boeing Probe: What We Know

-Boeing Is Back in the Spotlight—This Time Over a MAX 9

-United, Alaska Find Loose Parts on Some Boeing 737 MAX 9 Jets

Further Listening:

-The Pressure Inside Boeing

-How the Grounded Boeing Jet Shook the Airline Industry

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A Messy Start to the 2024 Presidential Election Jan 08, 2024

Primaries that don’t count. An incumbent President’s write-in campaign. The 2024 election is off to a weird start. WSJ’s Eliza Collins explains why.

Further Reading:

-The Way Nevada Will Pick the GOP Presidential Nominee Is a Mess

-These Voters Will Decide the 2024 Election. They Don’t Like What They See.

Further Listening:

-Does Nikki Haley Have a Chance at Beating Trump?

-The Prosecutor Bringing a Racketeering Case Against Trump

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Artificial: Episode 3, ChatGPT Jan 07, 2024

OpenAI launched ChatGPT with low expectations and little fanfare. But the chatbot was an instant hit and went on to become one of the fastest growing consumer apps in tech history. ChatGPT’s surprise success gave OpenAI its first shot to make big money, and the company moved quickly to cash in — even as critics called out some very real problems with the company’s hit product.

Further Reading:

Outcry Against AI Companies Grows Over Who Controls Internet’s Content

The Awkward Partnership Leading the AI Boom

Further Listening:

Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream

Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out

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China Wants More Babies. Many Women Are Saying No. Jan 05, 2024

The Chinese government is concerned about the country's birth rate. The population in China is now approximately 1.4 billion and could drop to roughly half a billion by 2100. Beijing is demanding that women have more children, but many Chinese women are saying no. WSJ's Liyan Qi reports.

Further Reading:

- China Is Pressing Women to Have More Babies. Many Are Saying No.

- China’s Economic Slump Bodes Ill for Birth Numbers

Further Listening:

- The Unintended Consequences of China’s One-Child Policy

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Behind the Campaign to Push Harvard’s President Out Jan 04, 2024

Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned Tuesday, after being dogged for weeks by allegations of plagiarism and accusations that she didn't respond with enough urgency to concerns about antisemitism on campus. WSJ's Melissa Korn unpacks Gay's brief, tumultuous tenure.

Further Reading:

- Behind the Campaign to Take Down Harvard’s Claudine Gay

- Claudine Gay Is Out as President. Where Does Harvard Go From Here?

- Harvard President Resigns After Plagiarism Allegations, Campus Antisemitism Backlash

Further Listening:

- The Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action

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One Company’s Quest to Burst Apple’s Blue Bubble Texts Jan 03, 2024

If you text on a smartphone, chances are you’ve seen the problem: blue text bubbles versus green texts. It's a visual symbol of the problems that Android and iPhone users have when trying to text each other. WSJ’s Nicole Nguyen on the blue-green texting divide and one company’s fight to pop Apple’s iMessage exclusivity.

Further Reading:

- The Fight Over Apple’s iMessage and Those Green Bubbles

- Why Apple’s iMessage Is Winning: Teens Dread the Green Text Bubble

Further Listening:

- How Apple Lost to the EU

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'The Ultimate Confidence Trickster': The Double Life of a Tech Exec Jan 02, 2024

For more than three years, Jan Marsalek has been on the run. He was the jet-setting COO of Wirecard, the German company that imploded after a financial fraud scandal. But now, Western intelligence and security officials are saying Marsalek had likely been a Russian spy for nearly a decade. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski tells the tale of the investigations into Marsalek's covert operations.

Further Listening:

- Wirecard's Missing $2 Billion

Further Reading:

- He’s Wanted for Wirecard’s Missing $2 Billion. He’s Now Suspected of Being a Russian Spy.

- U.K. Says Wirecard’s Marsalek Worked With Five Suspected Russian Spies

- How Wirecard Went From Tech Star to Bankrupt

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The Taco Tuesday Fight Is Over Dec 26, 2023

Earlier this year, we brought you the story of a New Jersey restaurant owner named Gregory Gregory, who took on Taco Bell over the trademark for "Taco Tuesday.” After months of negotiations, their fight is now over. Producer Rachel Humphreys spoke to Gregory Gregory to find out why.

Further Listening:

- Who Owns Taco Tuesday?

Further Reading:

- The Long Fight Over ‘Taco Tuesday’

- The Battle for Taco Tuesday Gets Heated

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Mariah Carey on the Rise of Her Christmas Anthem Dec 22, 2023

We are off for the holidays, but still have a great episode for this Christmas weekend.
Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1994 to moderate success. Today, the song is a megahit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out. This episode was originally published on December 11, 2020.

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Inside an iPhone Heist Dec 21, 2023

Thieves across the U.S. are stealing people’s iPhones, using them to loot victims’ bank accounts and personal information. After investigating for over a year, WSJ’s Joanna Stern unpacks how the crime works and how Apple is trying to prevent it.

Further Reading and Watching:

- The Hidden iPhone Setting Thieves Use to Lock People Out of Apple Accounts

- An iPhone Thief Explains How He Steals Your Passcode and Bank Account

- Apple Makes Security Changes to Protect Users From iPhone Thefts

Further Listening:

- How Apple Lost to the EU

- Apple Bets Big on ‘Nerd Helmets’

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What Happened to GM’s All-Electric Bet? Dec 20, 2023

General Motors CEO Mary Barra is 10 years into her tenure and deep into her quest to turn GM into an electric-car powerhouse. WSJ’s Mike Colias profiles the CEO and discusses the challenges she’s faced in getting her big vision for GM’s future on track.

Further Listening:

- GM's All-Electric Bet

- The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here

Further Reading:

- Mary Barra Spent a Decade Transforming GM. It Hasn’t Been Enough.

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Why an AI Pioneer Is Worried Dec 19, 2023

Yoshua Bengio, known as a godfather of AI, is one of hundreds of researchers and tech leaders calling for a pause in the breakneck development of powerful new AI tools. We talk to the AI pioneer about how the tools evolved and why he's worried about their potential.

Further Listening:

- Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out

- How Worried Should We Be About AI’s Threat to Humanity? Even Tech Leaders Can’t Agree

Further Reading:

- ‘Take Science Fiction Seriously’: World Leaders Sound Alarm on AI

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Who's Keeping Zombie Malls Alive? Dec 18, 2023

There are hundreds of zombie malls throughout the U.S. WSJ's Kate King investigates why some of America's empty and dilapidated malls stick around for so long even as local communities want them to be repurposed.

Further Reading:

- Owners Keep Zombie Malls Alive Even When Towns Want to Pull the Plug

- Local Malls, Stuck in ‘Death Spiral,’ Plunge in Value

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The Wonderful Accident Behind a Christmas Classic Dec 15, 2023

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of the most iconic Christmas movies. But when it first came out in 1946, it was considered a flop. WSJ’s Ben Cohen explains how the movie went from nearly forgotten to a Christmas favorite.

Further Reading:

-The Christmas Movie That Became a Classic Because of a Mistake

Further Listening:

-Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way

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Actors Recorded Videos for ‘Vladimir.’ It Turned Into Russian Propaganda. Dec 14, 2023

Russia-aligned propagandists tricked celebrities like Elijah Wood, Pricilla Presley and Ice T into recording videos that would later be used to attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. WSJ’s Robert McMillan and the CEO of the app Cameo unpack the scheme.

Further Reading:

- Actors Recorded Videos for ‘Vladimir.’ It Turned Into Russian Propaganda.

- U.S. and U.K. Accuse Russia of Global Hacking Spree Targeting British Elections

Further Listening:

- The Online Sleuths Fighting Russian Disinformation

- A Voting Machine Company Fights Disinformation With Lawsuits

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The Mysterious CEO Leading Shein to an IPO Dec 13, 2023

In the decade since he co-founded Shein and turned it into one of the world's most popular fast-fashion brands, CEO Sky Xu has remained a mystery – even to his employees. Now, Shein is preparing for an initial public offering in the U.S. which will put Xu on the global stage. WSJ’s Shen Lu profiles the elusive CEO and describes some of the problems the company is facing as it tries to go public.

Further Reading:

- The World’s Most Anonymous CEO Is About to Take Center Stage

- Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Files to Go Public

- America’s Top Fast-Fashion Retailer Tries to Shed Its Chinese Image

Further Listening:

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came The Backlash.

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Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy Dec 12, 2023

Today, WSJ’s Chief Economics Correspondent Nick Timiraos sat down with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who said inflation is “meaningfully coming down” and the U.S. is on path to achieving a so-called soft landing.

Further Reading:

- Inflation Edges Lower, But Still Too High for the Fed

- How Inflation Can Keep Falling

Further Listening:

- Inflation Is Down. Unemployment Is Low. Is This a Soft Landing?

- Why a Soft Landing for the Economy Could Be Hard

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Big Donors Clash with Universities Over Antisemitism, Free Speech Dec 11, 2023

The president of the University of Pennsylvania, Liz Magill, resigned on Saturday, capping a tumultuous week at the Ivy League school. After statements Magill made about antisemitism at a congressional hearing, influential donors threatened to pull millions in gifts if she didn't leave her post. WSJ's Melissa Korn talks about antisemitism, free speech, and the rising tensions between elite universities and big donors.

Further Reading:

-Penn President, Board Chair Resign After Furor Over Comments on Campus Antisemitism

-Wharton Board Calls for Leadership Change at Penn Amid Furor Over Campus Antisemitism

-Penn Donor Threatens to Rescind $100 Million Gift Unless President Is Ousted

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Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out Dec 10, 2023

OpenAI’s breakout product, ChatGPT, had humble origins. What started as a small research project ballooned into something much bigger: a groundbreaking large language model. But developing that technology was expensive, and to fund it, OpenAI would make a big compromise.

Further Reading:

- Elon Musk Tries to Direct AI—Again

- The Contradictions of Sam Altman, AI Crusader

Further Listening:

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

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Does Nikki Haley Have a Chance At Beating Trump? Dec 08, 2023

Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador and governor of South Carolina, has been gaining traction in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. But can she catch up to the front-runner, former President Donald Trump? WSJ’s Molly Ball breaks down Haley’s growing momentum.

Further Reading:

-Debate Performances Fuel Haley’s Rise in GOP Nomination Race

-Nikki Haley’s Challenge: Keep Anti-Trump GOP Vote, Add Some Trump Backers

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Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram Dec 07, 2023

Meta has spent months trying to fix child-safety problems on Instagram and Facebook. But as WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains, the social media giant is still struggling to prevent its own systems from enabling and promoting a vast network of pedophile accounts.

Further Reading:

- Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram

- Instagram’s Algorithm Delivers Toxic Video Mix to Adults Who Follow Children

- Instagram Connects Vast Pedophile Network

Further Listening:

- He Thought Instagram Was Safe. Then His Daughter Got an Account.

- The Facebook Files, Part 1: The Whitelist

- The Facebook Files, Part 2: 'We Make Body Image Issues Worse'

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Why Goldman Sachs and Apple Weren't Happily Ever After Dec 06, 2023

Apple has filed for divorce from its partnership with Goldman Sachs.. It also marks a swift about-face for a partnership that, just last year, was extended through 2029. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis discusses the messy details she’s learned about the breakup.

Further Reading and Watching:

- A Divorce With Apple, Internal Strife: How Goldman’s Main Street Bet Failed

- Apple Pulls Plug on Goldman Credit-Card Partnership

- How Goldman Sachs Fumbled Its Consumer Business

Further Listening:

-The War Inside Goldman Sachs

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Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue’s Settlement Dec 05, 2023

The Supreme Court is weighing an $8-billion settlement between opioid victims, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. Two claimants explain their views on the deal and WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone reports.

Further Reading:

-The Opioid Victims Who Won’t Sign Off on Purdue’s $6 Billion Settlement

-Supreme Court Weighs Purdue Pharma’s $6 Billion Opioid Settlement

Further Listening:

-How a Drug Maker Plans to Cut Off Money for Opioid Victims

-Purdue’s $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?

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She Tried to Get Sober. She Got Scammed Instead. Dec 04, 2023

For months, state and federal law-enforcement officials have been investigating a Medicaid scam in which hundreds of fraudulent sober-living homes in the Phoenix area have recruited Native Americans from across the West. Raquel Moody shares her experience in what she believes were fraudulent sober homes, and WSJ's Dan Frosch unpacks how the scam worked.

Further Reading:

- Fraudulent Sober Homes Exploited Native Americans, Say Authorities

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Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream Dec 03, 2023

In 2015, a group of Silicon Valley heavy-hitters met for a dinner that would change tech history. They believed that the time had come to build a super-intelligent AI, and they founded a non-profit lab to try to do it. In part 1 of our series, Artificial: The OpenAI Story, we explore the company’s idealistic origins and speak with early employees about the struggle to make their AI dream a reality.

Further Reading:

- Elon Musk Tries to Direct AI—Again

- The Contradictions of Sam Altman, AI Crusader

Further Listening:

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

- Charlie Munger’s Life Was About Way More Than Money

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Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend Dec 01, 2023

Billionaire investor Charlie Munger died Tuesday, just weeks short of his 100th birthday. Munger was vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, and he was best known for his close partnership with CEO Warren Buffett. As WSJ’s Jason Zweig explains, Munger often played Buffett’s sidekick, but his investing expertise made him a celebrity in his own right.

Further Reading:

- The Secrets to Charlie Munger’s Success

- Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s Partner and ‘Abominable No-Man,’ Dies at 99

Journal Swag:

- ‘The Journal’ Merch shop

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The Oil Giant Hosting This Year’s U.N. Climate Summit Nov 30, 2023

Dubai, a city known for private jets, giant yachts and other symbols of carbon-heavy living, is an awkward location for a conference on climate change. The man organizing the COP28 summit also runs the country’s national oil company. WSJ’s Ed Ballard digs into the contradictions at the heart of this month’s climate summit and why they may not be that unusual.

Further Reading:

- Welcome to COP28, the U.N. Climate Conference Hosted by an Oil Giant

- What’s at Stake at COP28 in Dubai

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag

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Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture Nov 29, 2023

A Journal investigation reveals a years-long culture of sexual harassment and intimidation at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a government agency that regulates banks. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus on the allegations and how some of the problems went all the way to the top.

Further Reading:

- Strip Clubs, Lewd Photos and a Boozy Hotel: The Toxic Atmosphere at Bank Regulator FDIC

- FDIC Chair, Known for Temper, Ignored Bad Behavior in Workplace

Further Listening:

- The World’s Richest Person Is Planning for Succession

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Introducing - Artificial: The OpenAI Story Nov 29, 2023

OpenAI was founded in 2015 as an idealistic nonprofit. Its goal was to build artificial general intelligence or AGI — an AI that could do most jobs better than a human could.

In the years that followed, OpenAI’s pursuit of AGI led them to develop the viral chatbot ChatGPT. The company became one of the top AI labs in the world.

But to get there, OpenAI’s leaders would compromise nearly every one of their founding ideals. Over four episodes, we explore how a little-known startup built one of the world’s most viral tech products … and nearly tore itself apart in the process.

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The Family Drama Inside Estée Lauder Nov 28, 2023

Shares of Estée Lauder, the beauty giant, have plunged about 50% this year. And the members of the Lauder family are at odds about what to do. WSJ's Emily Glazer reports on the company's business mistakes and its rumblings of succession.

Further Listening:

Further Reading:

- The Estée Lauder Family Built a Beauty Empire. A Succession Rift Threatens It

- Estée Lauder Stock Plunges After Another Profit Warning

- Estée Lauder’s Big Bet on China Is Looking Not So Pretty

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The Fall of (Another) Crypto King Nov 27, 2023

Changpeng Zhao built Binance into the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and became one of the faces of crypto in the process. Last week, he appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money-laundering laws and agreed to step down as CEO. WSJ’s Patricia Kowsmann explains what the deal means for Zhao, Binance, and the future of crypto itself.

Further Listening:

- A Crypto Exchange Crackdown

- The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In

Further Reading:

- Inside Binance’s Guilty Plea and the Biggest Fine in Crypto History

- The World’s Biggest Crypto Firm Is Melting Down

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Pig-Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist Nov 24, 2023

We’re off today, but we still have a great episode for you. A texting scam that originated in China is on the rise in the United States. It’s more sophisticated than scams of the past, and it has already cost American victims more than $400 million. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how pig-butchering works, and one victim shares how it’s impacted her.

This episode originally published in November 2022.

Further Reading:

-A Text Scam Called ‘Pig Butchering’ Cost Her More Than $1.6 Million

-Online Scams Cost Americans Billions. Here’s How to Avoid the Worst of Them.

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Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way Nov 22, 2023

Ocean Spray’s farmers are responsible for 65% of the world’s cranberries. It’s not a publicly traded company. It’s not a traditional private company, either. It’s a cooperative founded nearly a century ago and owned by roughly 700 families. WSJ’s Ben Cohen tells the story of how the cranberry got into the can, and how the company is planning for a future beyond your Thanksgiving table.

Further Reading:

- These People Are Responsible for the Cranberry Sauce You Love to Hate

Further Listening:

- Are Rotisserie Chickens 'Inflation-Proof'?

- The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions

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Cheap Drones Are Transforming the Battlefield Nov 21, 2023

Cheap drones, once the domain of hobbyists, are now in high demand on battlefields. Following Hamas's attack on October 7, Israel has been flooding suppliers with requests for drones: it wants as many as possible, as soon as possible. WSJ’s Heather Somerville unpacks the benefits and perils of the use of off-the-shelf drones in modern warfare.

Further Reading:

-Israel Wants Inexpensive Drones. Chinese, American—It Doesn’t Matter.

-How the Technological Revolution in Ukraine Is Reshaping Modern Warfare

-U.S. Drone Startups See an Opening in Ukraine

Further Listening:

-The Surprising Origins of Russia’s Drones

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OpenAI’s Weekend of Absolute Chaos Nov 20, 2023

OpenAI unexpectedly fired its CEO and co-founder Sam Altman on Friday. The move kicked off a series of twists and turns that left the company and its staff in upheaval. WSJ’s Deepa Seetharaman wades through the chaos and explains what might be next for the company.

Further Listening:

- A Conversation with OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Mira Murati

- OpenAI Employees Threaten to Quit Unless Board Resigns

Further Reading:

- Sam Altman Is Out at OpenAI After Board Skirmish

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Why So Many Emergency Rooms Are Failing Kids in America Nov 17, 2023

A Wall Street Journal investigation found that only 14% of emergency departments nationwide have been certified to treat kids. WSJ’s Melanie Evans explains why this is a problem across the country, and one family recounts their son’s experience in an ER.

Further Reading:

-Find Hospitals Deemed Ready to Treat Children in Your Area

-Children Are Dying in Ill-Prepared Emergency Rooms Across America

-Emergency Rooms Are Failing Kids. This Hospital Stepped Up.

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Inflation Is Down. Unemployment Is Low. Is This a Soft Landing? Nov 16, 2023

Inflation has been a big problem in the U.S. economy over the past couple of years. The Federal Reserve has been trying to tamp it down without crashing the economy. WSJ’s Amara Omeokwe explains why a so-called soft landing is coming into view.

Further Reading:

- Cooling Inflation Likely Ends Fed Rate Hikes

- The Elusive Soft Landing Is Coming Into View

- The Global Fight Against Inflation Has Turned a Corner

Further Listening:

- Why a Soft Landing for the Economy Could Be Hard

- Will the Fed Stop Raising Interest Rates?

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The Actors Strike Is Over. Who Won? Nov 15, 2023

The longest actors strike in Hollywood history finally came to an end last week. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains why it took so long, and how the industry might change as a result.

Further Listening:

-The Case of the Hollywood Shutdown

-2023: The Year of the Strike

-One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation

Further Reading:

-The Actors Strike Is Over. Now Comes the Wait for New Films and Shows.

-The Sticking Point That’s Keeping Actors on Strike

-Hollywood Actors Reach Agreement With Studios, Streamers to End Strike

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The Hospital at the Center of Israel’s War on Hamas Nov 14, 2023

On Monday, Israeli troops reached Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa where Israel says Hamas conceals a major command center. WSJ’s Chao Deng and Margherita Stancati discuss what's happening at the hospital, where thousands of people, including patients and doctors, are trapped because of the fighting.

Further Listening:

- For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There’s No Way Out

- The War Between Israel and Hamas

Further Reading:

- Israeli Forces Reach Gate of Gaza’s Largest Hospital

- Israel Pushing for Hamas to Surrender Stricken Al-Shifa Hospital

- Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital Goes Dark at Center of Israel-Hamas Battle Zone

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China’s Plans for Its Unemployed Youth: Send Them Away Nov 13, 2023

An economic downturn in China has resulted in historically high youth unemployment. At the same time, China’s leader Xi Jinping thinks the countryside is in need of rejuvenation. WSJ’s Brian Spegele explains how the Chinese leader is trying to tackle both issues in one fell swoop.

Further Reading:

-China Has an Idea for Its Legions of Unemployed Youth: Send Them Away

-How Bad is China’s Economy? Millions of Young People Are Unemployed and Disillusioned

Further Listening:

-Why Millions of Chinese Young People Are Unemployed

-China’s Property Market Crisis

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: What Happens Next? Nov 10, 2023

The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried is over. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff reflect on their month at court and answer outstanding questions about what happened at FTX, the trial and what comes next. Plus they reveal the final court cafeteria coffee tally.

Further Reading:

- Smoked Fish, Shaggy Hair and Tears: 8 Unforgettable Moments From Sam Bankman-Fried’s Trial

Further Listening:

-His Job Was to Make Instagram Safe for Teens. His 14-Year-Old Showed Him What the App Was Really Like.

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He Thought Instagram Was Safe. Then His Daughter Got an Account. Nov 09, 2023

Former Meta engineer Arturo Bejar thought he could help make Instagram safer after his daughter experienced harassment on the platform. But Bejar said that his concerns were not sufficiently addressed by senior leadership at the company and that teens are still at risk for harassment and bullying on Meta's platforms.

Further Listening:

-The Facebook Files

Further Reading:

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Oregonians Decriminalized Hard Drugs. Now Many Regret It. Nov 08, 2023

Oregon became the first state to decriminalize all drugs in 2020. The goal was to steer people to treatment who otherwise might have faced jail time. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson explains why many in Oregon have since turned against the decriminalization initiative.

Further Reading:

- Oregon Votes to Decriminalize All Drugs, Allow Psilocybin for Mental-Health Treatment

Further Listening:

- The Highs and Lows of Diversifying the Cannabis Industry

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WeWork: From $47 Billion Unicorn to Bankruptcy Nov 07, 2023

WeWork, the office space coworking company, filed for bankruptcy yesterday. The company’s decision comes after it struggled with debt and a slump in the commercial real estate market. WSJ’s Eliot Brown recounts how the embattled startup ended up in bankruptcy.

Further Listening:

-WeWork’s CEO on the Future of Work

-WeWork: The Enablers

Further Reading:

-Adam Neumann Wounded WeWork. An Office Market Bust Finished It Off.

-WeWork, Once Valued at $47 Billion, Files for Bankruptcy

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A Case of Conspiracy in Real Estate Nov 06, 2023

Home buyers and sellers face the prospect of major changes to the ways they pay their real-estate agents, following a historic verdict against the National Association of Realtors and large residential brokerages. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto explains the stakes.

Further Reading:

-The Way You Pay to Buy or Sell a Home Is About to Change

-Jury Finds Realtors Conspired to Keep Commissions High

-Real-Estate Commissions Could Be the Next Fee on the Chopping Block

Further Listening:

-Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell. So Builders Are Cashing In.

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'Our Refinery Is On Fire': Two Brothers and a Deadly Explosion Nov 03, 2023

Brothers Ben and Max Morrissey were killed over a year ago by an explosion at their workplace, an oil refinery co-owned and operated by the oil giant BP in Ohio. WSJ's Jenny Strasburg talks to family members the brothers left behind and investigates what went wrong at the refinery.

Further Reading:

-He Feared His Refinery Job. His Brother Stayed to Help. The Explosion Hit at 6:46 P.M.

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Guilty On All Counts Nov 03, 2023

A jury convicted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried of stealing billions of dollars from customers and lenders, in what prosecutors called one of the biggest financial frauds in U.S. history. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff were inside the courtroom for the verdict.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- Meta Pauses Ads for Users Under 18 in Europe as It Rolls Out Subscriptions

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Would You Pay to Use Instagram Without Ads? Nov 02, 2023

Meta, the parent of Facebook and Instagram, will soon find out how much users in Europe are willing to pay to access its social media platforms without ads. Meta’s subscription plan is the company’s latest move to address data privacy concerns from European Union regulators. WSJ’s Sam Schechner explains.

Further Reading:

- Meta Plans to Charge $14 a Month for Ad-Free Instagram

Further Listening:

- How Apple Lost to the EU

- Meta’s Metaverse Mess

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Closing Arguments Nov 02, 2023

Both the prosecution and the defense make their final pitches to the jury as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial comes to a close. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff unpack closing arguments and look ahead to the trial’s conclusion.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- If Some Cold Medicines Don’t Work, What Should You Take for a Stuffy Nose?

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The Two Scientists Taking Down Cold Medicines That Don't Work Nov 01, 2023

Randy Hatton and Leslie Hendeles spent nearly two decades trying to convince the Food and Drug Administration that phenylephrine, a drug commonly used in cold medicines, was ineffective. In September, an advisory panel finally agreed. Now, some of the medicines are being pulled from store shelves.
Further Reading:

- CVS Pulls Certain Cold Medicines From Shelves and Will Stop Selling Them

- These Are the Two Scientists Taking Down Cold Medicines That Don’t Work

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How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a Massive Museum Heist Oct 31, 2023

A Danish antiques dealer named Ittai Gradel noticed a particular seller repeatedly listing valuable items for sale online at rock-bottom prices. WSJ's Max Colchester recounts how Gradel's sleuthing would eventually reveal a major antiques heist involving stolen British Museum antiquities.

Further Listening:

-How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist

-Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case

Further Reading:

-How an Academic Uncovered One of the Biggest Museum Heists of All Time

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: The Government Grills SBF Oct 31, 2023

Prosecutors have started to cross examine Sam Bankman-Fried on the witness stand. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff explore the competing narratives being painted by the government and the defense.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- Detroit Is Paying Up to End the UAW Strike. Now Carmakers Will Live With the Costs.

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Workers Win Big as UAW Strike Nears End Oct 30, 2023

Today, General Motors became the last of the Detroit automakers to reach a tentative deal with the United Auto Workers union. It follows tentative agreements struck last week with Ford and Stellantis and is expected to end a strike that has spanned more than six weeks. We speak to WSJ’s Nora Eckert about the agreements reached and what it means for the U.S. auto industry and labor movement.

Further Reading:

Further Listening:

- 2023: The Year of the Strike

- ‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout

- Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Things Sam Is Testifying About Oct 28, 2023

With the jury in attendance, Sam Bankman-Fried took the stand to testify in his defense. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff break down where his story of the FTX collapse has differed from the testimony of his former colleagues Caroline Ellison and Nishad Singh.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

-How TikTok Became the World’s Favorite App

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TikTok Wants to Be More Like Amazon. Amazon Wants to Be More Like TikTok. Oct 27, 2023

TikTok is launching its Shop feature in the U.S. after mixed success in other countries. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Inspire feature brings short-form video to its shopping app. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky on why the two companies are taking pages from each other’s playbooks.

Further Listening:

-The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone

Further Reading:

-Amazon Confronts a New Rival: TikTok

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Bankman-Fried Testifies Oct 27, 2023

After a short break, court is back in session as Sam Bankman-Fried takes the stand to testify in his defense. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff were inside the courtroom to hear some of Bankman-Fried’s side of the story and how the prosecution worked to pick it apart.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

-Mike Johnson Elected House Speaker, Ending Three Weeks of GOP Feuding

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Mike Who? The New Speaker of the House Oct 26, 2023

Just a few days ago, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana was so unknown that fellow Republicans had to google his name. Now he’s Speaker of the House. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes explains his meteoric rise.

Further Reading:

-New Speaker Mike Johnson Made His Name as Cultural Conservative

Further Listening:

-Why the House Still Doesn’t Have a Speaker

-The Fight Over Speaker of the House

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Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son Oct 25, 2023

WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia in March while on a reporting trip. He is being held in a Moscow prison awaiting trial. We speak to his parents Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich on the eve of Evan's 32nd birthday about their efforts to free their son.

Further Reading:

- Evan Gershkovich: The Latest Updates on the WSJ Reporter Detained in Russia

Further Listening:

-China Coast Guard Ship Collides With Philippine Boat in South China Sea

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A Tiny Crew, a Wooden Boat and a Mission to Hit Back at China Oct 24, 2023

The Philippines and China are in an ongoing dispute over competing territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea. A recent incident at Scarborough Shoal has added to tensions. WSJ’s Niharika Mandhana explains.

Further Reading and Watching:

-How a Tiny Crew Struck a Blow Against China With a Wooden Boat and a Knife

-Philippines Removes Chinese Floating Barrier in South China Sea

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Will Israel Face a Second Front? Oct 23, 2023

As Israel’s war with Hamas enters its third week, increased violence in the West Bank and on the border with Lebanon is fueling concerns of a larger regional war. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen reports on Iran’s support of three militant groups: Hamas, Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Further Listening:

- What We Know About the Gaza Hospital Blast

- The Hostage Crisis in Gaza

Further Reading:

- Northern Israel Prepares for Possible War With Hezbollah

- Violence Surges in the West Bank Following Hamas Attack on Israelis

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A Conversation with OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Mira Murati Oct 20, 2023

Two of the creators of ChatGPT discuss job disruption, data and the ‘person-ness’ of AI chatbots with WSJ’s Joanna Stern.

Further Listening:

-The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT

-The Company Behind ChatGPT

Further Reading:

-3 Things I Learned About What’s Next in AI

-You Can Now Talk With ChatGPT and It Sounds Like a Human (Pretty Much)

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What We Know About the Gaza Hospital Blast Oct 19, 2023

On Tuesday evening, an explosion rocked a hospital in northern Gaza where hundreds were sheltering from Israeli airstrikes. The Gaza Ministry of Health blamed Israel for the blast but Israel, the U.S. government and independent security experts said preliminary evidence pointed to a local militant group. WSJ’s Yaroslav Trofimov explains what we know so far about the blast.

Further Reading:

- U.S., Experts Say Evidence Suggests Palestinian Militants’ Rocket Hit Gaza Hospital

- Live Coverage: Israel-Hamas War

Further Listening:

- For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There’s No Way Out

- The War Between Israel and Hamas

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Where Did The Money Go? Oct 19, 2023

Over the course of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial, the jury has seen evidence and heard testimony about the money circulating through FTX and Alameda. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff break down the prosecution’s case, and trace where the government says the money was coming from and where it went.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

-The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger

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Disney Gets Into Gambling Oct 18, 2023

After years of internal debate, Disney did a deal with a gambling company and will launch a betting app next month through its sports channel ESPN. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains how the family-friendly entertainment giant got to this point.

Further Listening:

-The Showdown Over Hulu

-The Disney Boss Who Wouldn’t Let It Go

Further Reading:

-Disney Goes All In on Sports Betting

-ESPN Explores Sports-Betting Deal Worth at Least $3 Billion

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The Hostage Crisis in Gaza Oct 17, 2023

More than a week after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel, the fate of around 200 hostages held captive in Gaza is unclear. Direct lines of communication with Hamas are difficult, but two countries in the region have positioned themselves as key intermediaries: Qatar and Turkey. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson on what we know about who was taken and how the backchannel diplomacy is working.

Further Listening:

- For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There’s No Way Out

- The War Between Israel and Hamas

Further Reading:

- Dozens of Countries Scramble to Identify More Than 150 Citizens Held Hostage in Gaza

- ‘I’m Not a Diplomat…I’m a Mom.’ The American Parents Thrust Into the Israeli Hostage Crisis.

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Nishad Singh Speaks Up Oct 17, 2023

Nishad Singh— another critical member of Sam Bankman-Fried’s inner circle— testified Monday saying FTX customer money was used to fund political donations and that he pushed back on Bankman-Fried’s spending on celebrities. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff unpack his testimony and discuss a medical issue Bankman-Fried raised to the judge.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino Point X in Different Directions Amid Israel-Hamas War

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Israel-Hamas War Tests Musk's Content Policies Oct 16, 2023

The war between Israel and Hamas is one of the biggest tests of social-media’s content policing in years. Platforms have been dealing with a range of challenges, such as misidentified video footage, fabricated information and violent content. As WSJ's Tim Higgins explains, Elon Musk’s Twitter-turned-X has had major stumbles and is drawing European regulators' scrutiny.

Further Reading:

-X Fumbles First Big Musk-Era Test of Content Policies After Israel Attack

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk’s ‘Demon Mode’

-Elon Musk Wants to Build an Everything App

-Elon Musk on 2022 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity

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2023: The Year of the Strike Oct 13, 2023

Americans are walking off the job at a rate not seen in years. The U.S. has lost seven million workdays to walkouts so far this year. WSJ’s David Harrison on the factors that are making this year one of the best in recent memory to strike.

Further Listening:

-‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout

-Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge

-The Case of the Hollywood Shutdown

Further Reading:

-UAW Joins Wave of Union Strikes Looking for Big Wins

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Cross Examining Caroline Ellison Oct 13, 2023

Caroline Ellison took the stand for a third day as attorneys for Sam Bankman-Fried questioned her about her role in the collapse of FTX and Alameda Research. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff caught up with WSJ’s James Fanelli after court to unpack the defense’s strategy.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- The War Between Israel and Hamas
- An Interview with National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby

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For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There's No Way Out Oct 12, 2023

As Israel retaliates against Hamas for its deadly attack Saturday, it has launched unrelenting air strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza. Neighborhoods, hospitals and schools now lie in ruins. More than a quarter-million people have fled their homes. And water, food and fuel are scarce. We talk to the WSJ’s Jared Malsin and a doctor on the ground in Gaza about the mounting crisis there.

Further Listening:

Further Reading:

- As Israel Bombards Gaza, Fears of Humanitarian Disaster Mount

- Israel Aims to Dismantle Hamas as Blinken Tries to Prevent Wider War

- Israel Sought to Contain Hamas for Years. Now It Faces a Potentially Costly Fight to Eliminate It.

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Caroline Ellison Oct 12, 2023

Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda, took the stand for a second day Wednesday. Producer Rachel Humphreys and WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff discuss Ellison’s testimony and what it revealed about alleged bribes to Chinese officials, misleading statements to investors, and the final days of FTX.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

-Republicans Nominate Steve Scalise for House Speaker Over Jim Jordan

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Why the House Still Doesn’t Have a Speaker Oct 11, 2023

The U.S. House of Representatives has been without a Speaker for more than a week. Now, Republicans say that they have a nominee for the position. WSJ’s Katy Stech Ferek describes the recent chaos, why Republicans appear to have rallied around Steve Scalise and what happens next.

Further Reading:

-Could Steve Scalise Quell the House GOP Revolt to Become Speaker?

Further Listening:

-The Fight Over the Speaker of the House

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Caroline Ellison Speaks Oct 11, 2023

Caroline Ellison met Sam Bankman-Fried trading at Jane Street. The two would go on to have a close professional and personal relationship as his crypto empire grew and then eventually imploded. Now, she has pleaded guilty and is testifying against him. Producer Rachel Humphreys and WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff discuss her testimony and how the government is using it to build their case against Bankman-Fried.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks

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The War Between Israel and Hamas Oct 10, 2023

Early Saturday, Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel as its fighters poured across the border from Gaza, killing hundreds and taking others hostage. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and began retaliatory strikes on Gaza, also killing hundreds. WSJ’S Dov Lieber on a “game-changing” moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations and what comes next.

Further Reading:

- Israel Readies for Ground War in Gaza

- What is Hamas? What to Know About the Militant Group Fighting Israel

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Introducing: WSJ's Take On the Week Oct 09, 2023

We're off today for the holiday, but we still have an episode for you!
WSJ's Take On the Week is a new WSJ show that breaks down the most important things to watch in business and financial news to help you make smarter investment decisions. This week, host Dion Rabouin looks at big banks, a big yield and a big release for Taylor Swift.
If you like the show, follow it for more.

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: The First Key Witness Oct 07, 2023

Gary Wang, FTX’s former chief technology officer, took the stand in the government’s case against Sam Bankman-Fried. Producer Rachel Humphreys and WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff discuss what Wang says he knows about the secret code that allowed Alameda Research to borrow billions of dollars of customer money from FTX.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- Amazon Used Secret ‘Project Nessie’ Algorithm to Raise Prices

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What Is Amazon's Secret ‘Project Nessie’? Oct 06, 2023

When the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Amazon last week, there was a big redacted section. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli on what she discovered underneath the redactions.

Further Reading:

- FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging Illegal Online-Marketplace Monopoly

Further Listening:

- Congress’s Case to Break Up Amazon

- Biden’s New FTC CHair Squares Off With Big Tech

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NYC’s Food Delivery Workers Fight for a Minimum Wage Oct 05, 2023

A legal battle is unfolding in New York City over a law that sets a roughly $18 minimum wage for food delivery workers. Four major app-based delivery companies — DoorDash, Grubhub, Relay and Uber Eats — have sued to block the law. WSJ’s Erin Ailworth unpacks the legal arguments, and a food delivery worker explains what’s at stake for him.

Further Reading:

-Judge Allows App-Based Delivery Workers in NYC to Make $18 an Hour

-DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub Sue New York City Over Minimum-Wage Law

Further Listening:

-The Real Cost of 15 Minute Grocery Delivery

-Can Food Delivery Make Money?

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Opening Arguments Oct 05, 2023

With a jury selected, lawyers from the prosecution and defense make their opening statements. Rachel Humphreys and WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff get their first clues into some of the strategies that will unfold throughout the trial.

Further Reading:

- What’s Happening Today at the Sam Bankman-Fried Trial

Further Listening:

- The ‘Existential Threat’ Facing Big Tobacco

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Philip Morris Tried to Pivot to Pharmaceuticals. It Didn't Go Well. Oct 04, 2023

In 2021, Philip Morris International acquired three pharmaceutical companies for more than $2 billion as part of a plan to pivot away from cigarette sales. The deals inserted the Marlboro maker into the market for inhalers and other treatments for respiratory diseases that are linked to cigarette smoking. We talked with WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney about how the company’s plan hasn’t gone so smoothly.

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over a Menthol Cigarette Ban

Further Reading:

- Marlboro Maker Hits Reset on $2 Billion Bet on Medicine

- Philip Morris Raises Offer for Swedish Match and Buys U.S. Rights for IQOS

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Jury Selection Oct 04, 2023

On the first day of trial, Sam Bankman-Fried debuts a new haircut and the judge begins the process of selecting a jury. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff delves into the judge who will preside over this historic trial, and the jury who will determine Bankman Fried’s fate.

Further Reading:

- Sam Bankman-Fried’s Courtroom Look Spells a Personal Vibe Shift

- Crypto Could Be a Mystery to Jurors in Bankman-Fried Case

Further Listening:

-This Ford vs. GM Feud Could Shape the Future of EVs in America

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Ford vs. GM: A Battle to Shape the Future of EVs in America Oct 03, 2023

Long-time rivals Ford and General Motors are battling over how a $7,500 tax credit for electric cars should be interpreted. WSJ’s Andrew Duehren explains how this bleeds into the Biden administration’s conflicting priorities of reducing American reliance on Chinese batteries while also achieving clean energy goals.

Further Reading:

Further Listening:

-‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout

-Biden’s New Move Against Chinese Tech

-Ford and GM's Battle for the Hottest Electric Vehicle Startup

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Why Black Lung Is Rising in Coal Country Oct 02, 2023

Black lung, a devastating illness caused by prolonged exposure to dust, has made a comeback in the past two decades after hitting a low in the 1990s. One in five coal miners in Central Appalachia now have the disease. WSJ’s Kris Maher and former miner James Howerton on how black lung is gripping coal country and upending miners’ lives.

Further Reading:

- Black Lung Resurgence Prompts New Mining Rules

Further Listening:

- Europe is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy, Episode 2: Imaginary Numbers Oct 01, 2023

In 2022, crypto markets were in turmoil, but Sam Bankman-Fried's empire seemed to weather it all. That is until one week in November, when he went from crypto's savior to its biggest villain. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff tracks the unprecedented collapse of Bankman Fried’s empire, and the big secret that would prove to be its downfall.

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The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions Sep 29, 2023

Twinkies have been around for almost a hundred years. During the course of the cake’s history, the company that makes Twinkies went into bankruptcy twice. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explains the strategic changes and snacking trends that led J.M. Smucker to announce it is buying Hostess for $4.6 billion.

Further Listening:

-The Agony and the Ecstasy of Tab

-Oatly Pioneered Oat Milk. Now it’s Struggling to Keep Up.

-PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda

Further Reading:

-Why the Twinkie Is Now Worth Billions

-Smucker Sets Sights on Snacks With $4.6 Billion Twinkies Deal

-America Is Binging on Snacks, and Food Companies Are Eating It Up

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The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone Sep 28, 2023

TikTok had hardly any friends in the U.S. government when, earlier this year, the Biden administration and Congress threatened to ban the Chinese-owned video giant. WSJ’s Stu Woo profiles financier Jeff Yass, who made a big bet on the app and is a top donor to lawmakers opposing a ban.

Further Listening:

- What’s Up With All the TikTok Bans?

- Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S.

- The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone

Further Reading:

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JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement Sep 27, 2023

JPMorgan is paying $75 Million to settle a lawsuit accusing the bank of aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking. WSJ’s Dave Benoit delves into the twists and turns revealed during the legal proceedings and discusses what the settlement means for the bank’s reputation.

Further Reading:

- JPMorgan Paying $75 Million to Settle Suit Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties

- Jamie Dimon Says He Never Discussed Jeffrey Epstein’s Accounts at JPMorgan; Jes Staley Says Dimon Did

- JPMorgan’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein Were Deeper Than the Bank Has Acknowledged

Further Listening:

- A $175 Million ‘Huge Mistake’

- How Jeffrey Epstein Made His Money

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The Band of Debunkers Busting Bad Scientists Sep 26, 2023

WSJ’s Nidhi Subbaraman on the scientists who moonlight as data detectives and whose discoveries have upended careers.

Further Reading:

-The Band of Debunkers Busting Bad Scientists

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Wagner Group’s New Frontman in Africa Sep 25, 2023

After Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month, he left behind a vast network of political connections, companies and mines throughout Africa. WSJ’s Benoit Faucon chronicles the rise of Wagner’s Dmitry Sytii, the current frontman of Wagner’s African operations.

Further Reading:

- The Elusive Figure Running Wagner’s Embattled Empire of Gold and Diamonds

Further Listening:

- The Plane Crash That Killed Yevgeny Prigozhin

- The Mutiny That Shook Putin's Grip on Power

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The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy, Episode 1: The Limit Does Not Exist Sep 24, 2023

Before his downfall, Sam Bankman-Fried drew comparisons to Warren Buffett, J.P. Morgan and other titans of finance. As his trial approaches, WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff charts the meteoric rise of crypto’s golden boy, exploring how he sold customers and powerful people on his ideas, while hiding secrets under the hood of his flashy crypto empire.

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A Murder That Sparked a Diplomatic Crisis Sep 22, 2023

Ties between Canada and India have sunk to a low. This week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India was potentially involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist in a suburb of Vancouver, a charge India denies. WSJ’s Tripti Lahiri explains why the crisis is now ensnaring other big democracies.

Further Reading:

- India Suspends Visas for Canadians as Rift Over Killing Deepens

- India Blasts Canada Over Trudeau’s Allegation That It Played Role in Killing

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Media Giant Rupert Murdoch Is Stepping Down Sep 21, 2023

Rupert Murdoch, 92, announced he's stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp, the two companies that have made him a force in global media. WSJ's Amol Sharma discusses how Murdoch became a media tycoon and what comes next for his empire.

Further Reading:

-Rupert Murdoch to Step Down as Chair of Fox and News Corp After Seven-Decade Career

Further Listening:

-Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson

-Dominion Voting Systems vs. Fox News

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Why a Soft Landing for the Economy Could Be Hard Sep 20, 2023

Federal Reserve officials voted to hold interest rates steady at a 22-year high but signaled they were prepared to raise rates once more this year to combat inflation. WSJ's Nick Timiraos explains the Fed’s “soft landing” goal of lowering inflation without crashing the economy.

Further Reading:

- Fed Holds Rates Steady but Pencils in One More Hike This Year

- Why a Soft Landing Could Prove Elusive

Further Listening:

- Will the Fed Stop Raising Interest Rates

- Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell. So Builders Are Cashing In.

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Introducing: The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy Sep 20, 2023

Sam Bankman-Fried built a crypto empire. Then the exchange he founded collapsed, revealing that billions of dollars of customer money was missing. Bankman-Fried was charged with fraud, and his trial begins Oct. 3. In a new series from The Journal, WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explores Bankman-Fried meteoric rise, devastating fall and the trail that will determine his future.

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Why Wells Fargo Is Still Trying to Fix Itself Sep 19, 2023

A former Wells Fargo executive was recently sentenced for her role in the bank's 2016 fake account scandal. WSJ's Ben Eisen explains why that sentencing isn't the end of this story for Wells Fargo as the bank has struggled to overhaul the way it manages risks, even seven years later.

Further Reading:

-Former Wells Fargo Executive Avoids Prison Time in Fake-Accounts Scandal

-Wells Fargo Is Still in Fix-It Mode

Further Listening:

-Wells Fargo and the Fake-Account Fallout

-The War Inside Goldman Sachs

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Inside Exxon’s Strategy to Downplay Climate Change Sep 18, 2023

In 2006, after years of denial, ExxonMobil publicly acknowledged climate change for the first time. But internal documents show that behind the scenes, Exxon officials pushed to diminish concerns about climate change. WSJ’s Christopher M. Matthews breaks down the new findings.

Further Reading:

- Inside Exxon’s Strategy to Downplay Climate Change

- Exxon Predicts World Will Miss Climate-Change Targets

Further Listening:

- An Activist Investor and the Showdown Over Exxon’s Future

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‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout Sep 15, 2023

For the first time, the United Auto Workers is striking all three Detroit car companies at once, targeting factories in Michigan, Ohio and Missouri. WSJ’s Nora Eckert explains the union’s unprecedented strategy and how much bigger the walkout could get.

Further Reading:

- UAW Goes on Strike Against GM, Ford and Stellantis

- UAW’s Strike Strategy: Start Small and Keep ’Em Guessing

Further Listening:

- Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge

- Scandal Engulfs One of America’s Biggest Unions

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A University Spent Lavishly to Attract Students. Enrollment Fell. Sep 14, 2023

For years, West Virginia University, a state flagship, poured money into gleaming new research facilities and dormitories to attract new students. It had to borrow money to do so. The university now faces a huge deficit and major cuts. It's a problem facing many major public universities, as WSJ’s Melissa Korn explains.

Further Reading:

-West Virginia University Banked on Growth. It Backfired.

-Colleges Urged to Produce Better Information on How They Spend Money

-Colleges Spend Like There’s No Tomorrow. ‘These Places Are Just Devouring Money.’

Further Listening:

-Wesleyan’s President on Admissions Post-Affirmative Action

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How Apple Lost to the EU Sep 13, 2023

Yesterday, Apple announced a new iPhone 15 with a USB-C charger, the same cable its competitors use. As WSJ’s Kim Mackrael and Sam Schechner explain, at least some credit for the change can go to the European Union bureaucrats who have been increasingly battling Big Tech.

Further Reading:

- America’s Tech Giants Rush to Comply With New Curbs in Europe

- He Took On the World’s Most Valuable Company—and Won

Further Listening:

- FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses

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Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode' Sep 12, 2023

Elon Musk’s wild mood swings are legendary. His “demon mode" gets a lot of attention from biographer Walter Isaacson in a new book about Musk. WSJ’s Tim Higgins talks with Isaacson about what fuels Musk’s "demon mode" and how it plays out in his business ventures.

Further Reading and Watching:

-Elon Musk’s Lessons From Hell: Five Commandments for Business

-Elon Musk Is Running Twitter on His Impulses

-The Real Story of Musk’s Twitter Takeover

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk Wants to Build an Everything App

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ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star Sep 11, 2023

As ESPN tries to transition to streaming and attract younger viewers, the sports-media giant is venturing outside its comfort zone with its newest star: Pat McAfee. WSJ's Isabella Simonetti explains why the F-bomb-throwing former NFL punter is a big bet for the network.

Further Reading:

- ESPN Bets Big on Pat McAfee, an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star

Further Listening:

- How Americans Watch Sports Is Changing

- The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger

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America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis Sep 08, 2023

In the U.S., one in five mothers suffers from mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or after birth. But many of them struggle to find help. Last year, the CDC reported that the leading cause of maternal deaths in the country are suicide or drug overdose. We spoke with two mothers about their experience postpartum and to reporter Anna Mutoh about the FDA’s approval of a new drug to fight postpartum depression.

Further Reading:

- The Tragedy of Being a New Mom in America

- First Pill for Postpartum Depression Is Approved by FDA

- U.S. Maternal Mortality Hits Highest Level Since 1965

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Spotify's $1 Billion Bet Isn't Going Well Sep 07, 2023

Spotify spent more than $1 billion to build up its podcasting empire. After years of costly acquisitions and celebrity partnerships, most of its shows are still not profitable. WSJ’s Anne Steele unpacks why Spotify’s big bet hasn’t paid off yet.

Further Reading:

- Spotify’s $1 Billion Podcast Bet Turns Into a Serial Drama

- Harry and Meghan Produce a Hollywood Flop: Themselves

Further Listening:

- Neil Young, Joe Rogan and Spotify’s Balancing Act

- Harry and Meghan, Hollywood Royalty?

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Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge Sep 06, 2023

United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain is throwing out the traditional union playbook for contract negotiations. WSJ’s Nora Eckert reports that Fain is preparing for a strike, possibly against three automakers at once.

Further Listening:

-Why 46,000 Auto Workers Are on Strike

Further Reading:

-Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge

-UAW Accuses GM, Stellantis of Unfair Labor Practices

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New York City’s 'De Facto Ban' on Airbnb Sep 05, 2023

Airbnb listings in New York City are disappearing as the city cracks down on short-term rentals as a way to address its housing shortage. As of today, it will now enforce some of the toughest laws in the nation around short-term rentals. WSJ's Allison Pohle unpacks what's happening and why other big cities are taking note.

Further Reading:

-Airbnb Hosts and Guests Scramble as New York Begins Crackdown

-Airbnb Fights New NYC Short-Term Rental Requirements

Further Listening:

-Why Airbnb is Letting Employees Work Anywhere

-How Airbnb Deals With Crime

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One Town's Fight Against 'Forever' Chemicals Sep 04, 2023

Happy Labor Day! We’re bringing you an episode that was originally published in June 2022.

Peshtigo, Wisconsin, is grappling with a crisis: Chemicals known as PFAS have leached from a nearby industrial site into the town's groundwater. WSJ's Kris Maher traveled to the town to report on what the community is doing and how the contamination has affected people's health and lives.

Further Reading:

- A Wisconsin Town With Contaminated Drinking Water Must Decide Its Future

- Startups Race to Kill ‘Forever Chemicals’

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What’s Going On With Mitch McConnell? Sep 01, 2023

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s health is raising concerns. On Wednesday, McConnell froze and fell silent during a press conference. He had a similar incident earlier this summer. WSJ’s Siobhan Hughes reports on the veteran Republican’s health scare and the speculation about who might succeed him.

Further Reading:

- Mitch McConnell Freezes a Second Time During Kentucky Press Conference

- Mitch McConnell’s Health Scares Shine Spotlight on Senate’s ‘Three Johns’

Further Listening:

- How Biden and McConnell Do Business

- The Fight Over the Speaker of the House

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The Showdown Over Medicare's Drug Prices Aug 31, 2023

This week, the U.S. government named 10 drugs that will be subject to the first ever price negotiations by Medicare. WSJ’s Jared S. Hopkins talks about how this major change came about and pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to stop it.

Further Listening:

-How Big Pharma Lost Its Swagger

Further Reading:

-Expensive Drugs From Pfizer, Other Companies Targeted for First U.S. Price Negotiations

-U.S. Chamber of Commerce Challenges Federal Government’s New Drug-Price Powers

-Merck Challenges U.S. Government’s New Powers to Negotiate Drug Prices

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China’s Property Market Crisis Aug 30, 2023

Another Chinese real estate developer could be on the brink of collapse. Country Garden, the nation’s largest property developer, announced it lost $6.7 billion in the first six months of the year. WSJ’s Rebecca Feng explains how China’s real estate market — a key part of the country’s economy — ended up on such shaky ground.

Further Reading:

-Country Garden, China’s Largest Surviving Developer, Sinks Into Debt Crisis

-China’s Deepening Housing Problems Spook Investors

Further Listening:

-China's Evergrande Crisis

-Why Millions of Chinese Young People Are Unemployed

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The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer Aug 29, 2023

Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup this month was quickly overshadowed when Luis Rubiales, a top Spanish soccer official, abruptly kissed a player on the lips while on stage. As WSJ’s Rachel Bachman explains, the incident has been met with condemnation and calls for bigger changes in the sport.

Further Listening:

-U.S. Soccer’s Equal Pay Deal and One Player Who Helped Negotiate It

-How Soccer Fans Killed the Super League

Further Reading:

-Spain Soccer in Turmoil as Federation Chief Refuses to Quit Over World Cup Kiss

-A Year After a Players’ Mutiny Against the Coach, Spain Is in the Women’s World Cup Final

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The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Aug 28, 2023

San Francisco has been the testing ground for self-driving car companies Cruise and Waymo. Now the companies want to expand statewide and to other cities across the U.S. But as WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky reports, the companies have faced opposition from some residents in their bid to compete with Lyft and Uber.

Further Reading:

- America’s Most Tech-Forward City Has Doubts About Self-Driving Cars

- Cruise, Waymo Get Approval to Expand Driverless Vehicles in San Francisco

Further Listening:

- The Promise and Peril of One Self-Driving Truck Company

- Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem

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The New Race to the Moon Aug 25, 2023

Two countries— Russia and India— raced to the moon this week. But only one landed there successfully. WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg lays out the latest in the global space race, and explains the significance of this week’s moon landing.

Further Reading and Watching:

-The New Race to Reach the Moon—and Find Water

-‘India Is on the Moon’: Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Lunar South Pole

-Watch: India Becomes First Country to Land on Moon’s South Pole

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The Plane Crash That Killed Yevgeny Prigozhin Aug 24, 2023

Two months after leading a failed uprising in Russia, Wagner paramilitary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead. A plane that Prigozhin was traveling in crashed outside Moscow on Wednesday. The cause of the crash is still unknown. WSJ’s Yaroslav Trofimov reports on the demise of the mercenary boss who challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Further Reading:

- Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, Who Clashed With Russian Military, Dies

- The Last Days of Wagner’s Prigozhin

Further Listening:

- The Mutiny That Shook Putin’s Grip on Power

- ‘Putin’s Chef’ New Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine

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The Other Side of 'The Blind Side' Aug 23, 2023

“The Blind Side” is an Oscar-winning movie about a wealthy family that adopts an underprivileged kid and helps him achieve his dreams. But now that narrative is being questioned. Michael Oher, the retired NFL player whose life the movie is based on, has filed a petition with a Tennessee court that alleges he was never adopted by the Tuohy family and that they made millions off his story. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton on the two sides of ‘The Blind Side’.

Further Reading:

-‘Blind Side’ Subject Says Family Lied About His Adoption and Made Millions Off Him

-‘Blind Side’ Family Calls Former NFL Player’s Claims a ‘Shakedown’

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Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act Aug 22, 2023

In 2019, Hawaiian Electric concluded that it needed to do more to prevent equipment failures that could spark wildfires. In the wake of the Maui fires, the deadliest in the United States in more than a century, WSJ’s Katherine Blunt reports on why the company completed little such work.

Further Listening:

- ‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires

Further Reading:

- Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act

- Hawaii Officials Were Warned Years Ago That Maui’s Lahaina Faced High Wildfire Risk

- Officials Search for Remains of Maui Victims—and Answers for How the Wildfire Turned So Deadly

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Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the Chips Industry Aug 21, 2023

Since the Chips Act passed last summer, the Commerce Department has been building a small team of elite Wall Street financiers to help allocate $39 billion in taxpayer-funded subsidies to hundreds of companies. We speak to WSJ’S Yuka Hayashi about the Chips Program Office team and to Todd Fisher, the man who leads it.

Further Listening:

- The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?

- The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s

Further Reading:

- Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the U.S. Chips Industry

- Chips Are the New Oil and America Is Spending Billions to Safeguard Its Supply

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The Financial Legacy of the Nuclear Tests on Bikini Atoll Aug 18, 2023

As part of the U.S. nuclear tests after World War II, a total of 23 nuclear weapons were detonated on and around Bikini Atoll. Eventually, the U.S. set aside funding to help the people of Bikini and their descendants. But, as WSJ’s Dan Frosch reports, those compensation funds have been drained.

Further Reading:

-Nuclear Tests Ravaged Their Home. Their Leaders Drained a Compensation Fund Dry.

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Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves Aug 17, 2023

Nike’s supply chain is under attack. WSJ’s Inti Pacheco explains how crime rings are swiping valuable, limited-edition sneakers as the shoes make their way from factories to store shelves, often staying steps ahead of police.

Further Reading:

- How Nike Sneakers Get Stolen at Every Turn

Further Listening:

- The Downfall of a $300 Million Sneaker King

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‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires Aug 16, 2023

The wildfires that swept through Maui are America's deadliest in over a century, with at least 106 people killed. We speak to Javier Barberi, a local businessman who lost a house, restaurant and shaved ice shop in the fires.

Further Reading:

- Maui Wildfire Death Toll Climbs to 99 as Lahaina Residents Brace for More Victims

- Why Are the Maui Wildfires So Devastating?

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The Prosecutor Bringing a Racketeering Case Against Trump Aug 15, 2023

Yesterday, former President Donald Trump was indicted for the fourth time. This case, in Georgia, is the most ambitious and sweeping one against him yet. WSJ’s Cameron McWhirter reports on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the prosecutor leading the case.

Further Listening:

-Meet Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Prosecuting Trump

-What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him?

-United States of America v. Donald J. Trump

Further Reading:

-Donald Trump Indicted in Georgia Over Effort to Overturn Election Results

-Fani Willis: The No-Nonsense Georgia Prosecutor on a Collision Course With Donald Trump

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Bankman-Fried Sent to Jail Before Trial Aug 14, 2023

On Friday, a federal judge revoked FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s bail. The judge said SBF had pushed the limits of his bail conditions repeatedly and will await his expected October trial in jail. WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff reports on what she witnessed in the courthouse.

Further Reading:

- Judge Sends FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried to Jail Ahead of Fraud Trial

- At FTX, Multimillion-Dollar Expenses Were Approved by Emoji

Further Listening:

- The FTX Insiders Turning Against Sam Bankman-Fried

- ‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF

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Biden's New Move Against Chinese Tech Aug 11, 2023

Earlier this week, President Biden issued an executive order banning American firms from investing in some Chinese technology companies, citing national security concerns. WSJ's Andrew Duehren explains how the move fits into the complicated relationship between the two countries.

Further Reading:

- Biden Restricts U.S. Investment in China

- Sequoia Made a Fortune Investing in the U.S. and China. Then It Had to Pick One.

Further Listening:

- The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?

- China’s Crackdown on Foreign Consulting Firms

- Are Apple and China Breaking Up?

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Meet Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Prosecuting Trump Aug 10, 2023

Jack Smith, the special counsel who brought two indictments against former President Donald Trump, has developed a reputation as an aggressive prosecutor known for trying high-stakes, politically explosive cases. But WSJ's Sadie Gurman says Smith has a mixed record on convictions.

Further Reading:

- Jack Smith Is Known to Take On Tough Cases. But He Doesn’t Always Win

- Trump’s Lawyers Argue Protective Order Would Violate His Free-Speech Rights

- New Definition of ‘Fraud’ Wipes Out High-Profile Prosecutions

Further Listening:

- What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him?

- Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts

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A League of Champions Implodes Aug 09, 2023

The Pac-12, the so-called “Conference of Champions,” is melting down. Its revenue had been lagging behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences, which now dominate college sports. But just as the Pac-12 was trying to revive itself and its revenue prospects, a rapid series of defections by member schools have left it hobbled. WSJ’s Laine Higgins unpacks what happened.

Further Reading:

- The Pac-12 Melts Down, as Five More Schools Depart for Other Conferences

- He Inherited ‘Multiple Dumpster Fires’ at the Pac-12. Then It Went Up in Smoke.

Further Listening:

- A Tipping Point for Paying College Athletes?

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Why Millions of Chinese Young People Are Unemployed Aug 08, 2023

More than one in five young people in China are jobless. The government blames college graduates, insisting that their expectations have gotten too high. WSJ’s Brian Spegele unpacks why new grads are holding out and what it could mean for China’s economy.

Further Reading:

-How Bad Is China’s Economy? Millions of Young People Are Unemployed and Disillusioned

-China’s Economic Recovery Weakens

Further Listening

-Xi Jinping Is Rewriting the Rules of China's Economy

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Wesleyan's President on Admissions Post-Affirmative Action Aug 07, 2023

After the Supreme Court struck down race-based affirmative action earlier this summer, Wesleyan University dropped its admissions preference for children of alumni. But it will still consider whether applicants can afford tuition as part of the admissions process. Wesleyan President Michael Roth on why the elite institution is making those decisions.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Wesleyan University Ends Legacy Preferences in Admissions

- How Colleges Plan to Factor In Race Without Asking About Race

Further Listening:

- The Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action

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After 99 Years, Yellow Heads for Bankruptcy. What Went Wrong? Aug 04, 2023

Yellow, a nearly century-old trucking company and a major player in the American logistics industry, hit the brakes on operations and told its workers it plans to file for bankruptcy. WSJ’s Paul Page says Yellow’s financial woes have been decades in the making.

FURTHER READING:

- Trucking Giant Yellow Shuts Down Operations

- Why Trucking Giant Yellow’s Shutdown Could Cost Taxpayers Money

FURTHER LISTENING:

- How the White House Blocked a Rail Strike

- The Supply Chain Saga at One Port

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How Allbirds Lost Its Footing Aug 03, 2023

Allbirds shot to fame with eco-friendly wool sneakers, leaning on its popularity to pursue a hyperfast growth model. But after a series of missteps, the startup that was once a cultural symbol of cool is now a standout example of a hot company that lost its way. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner documents the rise and fall of the brand.

Further Reading:

- How Allbirds Lost its Way

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What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him? Aug 02, 2023

Former President Donald Trump will appear in court tomorrow on charges related to his efforts to reverse his 2020 election defeat, which prompted his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman discusses the indictment and WSJ’s Alex Leary explains what Trump's legal challenges could mean for his campaign war chest and his presidential campaign.
Further Reading:

-Trump Is Indicted in Federal Probe of His Efforts to Reverse 2020 Election

-Indict, Rally, Repeat: Reactions to Latest Trump Charges Follow Familiar Script

-As Trump Crowds Out GOP Rivals, Legal Bills Threaten His Campaign Coffers

Further Listening:

-United States of America v. Donald J. Trump

-Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts

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Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell. So Builders Are Cashing In. Aug 01, 2023

It’s tough to find existing homes for sale these days. High mortgage rates are dissuading potential sellers. WSJ’s Nicole Friedman on a rare bright spot for house hunters: brand-new construction.

Further Reading:

-Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell, So the Market for Brand-New Homes Is Booming

-The Home Buyer’s Quandary: Nobody’s Selling

Further Listening:

-The Zombie Mortgages Stalking American Homeowners

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How a Drug Maker Plans to Cut Off Money for Opioid Victims Jul 31, 2023

Mallinckrodt, one of the country's largest opioid makers, is considering a plan to get out of paying more than $1 billion in settlement money to opioid victims. WSJ's Alexander Saeedy explains.

Further Reading:

- Hedge Funds Seek to Cut Off $1 Billion Meant for Opioid Victims

Further Listening:

- Purdue’s $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?

- Two Days of Reckoning For Opioid Makers

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The Case of the Hollywood Shutdown Jul 28, 2023

Amid Hollywood’s biggest strike in 60 years, WSJ’s Amol Sharma dons his investigator’s hat to find out who’s to blame for the standstill.

Further Reading:

- Streaming Brought Hollywood to a Standstill. Now Comes the Pain.

- TV’s Golden Era Proved Costly to Streamers

Further Listening:

- One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation

- Why ‘Yellowstone’ Is One of TV’s Most Expensive Shows

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Elon Musk Wants to Build an Everything App Jul 27, 2023

Elon Musk says he’s turning X, the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter, into an “everything app,” an all in one place for messaging, entertainment and banking. WSJ’s Tim Higgins unpacks the vision and the hurdles ahead for Musk and his company.

Further Reading:

- Why Elon Musk’s Plan for a Super App Won’t Be Easy in America

- Elon Musk’s X Rebrand Cues Complications—and Porn Jokes

Further Listening:

- Elon Musk is Actually Buying Twitter

- Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers

- Twitter’s New CEO: The Velvet Hammer

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A Dramatic Turn in Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal Jul 26, 2023

The Justice Department announced a plea deal with Hunter Biden over two tax charges last month. But a hearing today didn't go as expected. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman on the latest twist in the legal case and what it means for President Biden ahead of next year's election.

Further Reading:

- Hunter Biden Pleads Not Guilty to Tax Charges

- Where Are Republicans’ Biden Probes Headed, and Is Impeachment Possible?

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Will the Fed Stop Raising Interest Rates? Jul 25, 2023

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again on Wednesday. The question is: Will this be enough to finally tame inflation? WSJ’s Nick Timiraos tells us about the fight between two camps of economists who are at odds about what will help – or hurt – the economy.

Further Reading:

-Why the Fed Isn’t Ready to Declare Victory on Inflation

-The Real Fed Debate This Month: What Would Prompt a Rate Hike This Fall

-Last Mile of the Inflation Fight Will Be the Hardest

Further listening:

-Why Some Companies Keep Getting Away With Higher Prices

-Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis

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Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working? Jul 24, 2023

For two years, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has inundated the U.S.-Mexico border with thousands of state troopers and National Guardsmen and started work on a state-controlled border wall. He also built a new skeleton justice system with its own courts, judges and jails to lodge misdemeanor state trespassing charges against migrants. WSJ’s Elizabeth Findell discusses Operatio n Lone Star and whether or not it’s been successful.

Further Reading:

- Texas Spent Billions on Border Security. It’s Not Working.

- Texas Trooper’s Email Describes Migrant Injuries at Southern Border

Further Listening:

- What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy

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Mattel Bets Big on Barbie Jul 21, 2023

"Barbie," the highly anticipated movie based on the iconic doll, hits theaters this weekend. But making the movie didn't come without challenges. We spoke with the head of Mattel Films, Robbie Brenner, about the creative push and pull to make the movie, whether it can be called a "feminist film," and Mattel's plans to open up its toy chest for more movies.

Further Reading:

- ‘Barbie’ Review: Beyond Her Ken

- World’s Strangest Double Feature: ‘Barbie,’ Then ‘Oppenheimer’

Further Listening:

- With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story

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FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses Jul 20, 2023

When Lina Khan took over as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, she vowed to stiffen antitrust enforcement. Two years in, her attempts to rein in big mergers through the court system have been mostly unsuccessful. We speak to Khan about her big tech losses and why the FTC is concerned about ChatGPT.

Further Reading:

- ChatGPT Comes Under Investigation by Federal Trade Commission

- Lina Khan Is Taking on the World’s Biggest Tech Companies—and Losing

Further Listening:

- Microsoft’s Big Win Against the FTC

- Biden’s New FTC Chair Squares Off With Big Tech

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The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger Jul 19, 2023

Eight months after returning as Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger is straining to put out fire after fire, including streaming losses, an activist investor and TV woes. WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains why Disney’s troubles run deeper than Iger had expected.

Further Reading:

- Bob Iger Isn’t Having Much Fun

- Disney’s Iger Hints at Strategic Partner for ESPN

- Disney Extends CEO Robert Iger’s Contract Through 2026

Further Listening:

- Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor

- The Disney Boss Who Wouldn't Let It Go

- The Showdown Over Hulu

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A Crypto Ruling Ripples Across the Industry Jul 18, 2023

Last week, a federal judge ruled that crypto company Ripple Labs did not violate securities laws by selling its token to retail investors. The ruling is seen as a setback for the Securities and Exchange Commission's strategy to regulate cryptocurrencies and as a victory for the crypto community as a whole. WSJ’s Vicky Huang explains.

Further Listening:

-SEC Chair Gary Gensler On His Crypto Crackdown

-A Crypto Exchange Crackdown

Further Reading:

-Ripple Ruling Deals a Blow to SEC’s Effort to Regulate Crypto

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Inside Russia’s Spy Unit Targeting Americans Jul 17, 2023

Slashed tires, moved bookcases, a dead dog. For years, U.S. diplomats posted to Russia have experienced some strange things. WSJ’s Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw report on the little-known spy unit, which U.S. officials believe is responsible for the surveillance and harassment of Americans in Russia, including WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Further Reading:

- Inside the Secretive Russian Security Force That Targets Americans

- Putin, Isolated and Distrustful, Leans on Handful of Hard-Line Advisers

Further Listening:

- America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables

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What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables Jul 14, 2023

For decades, telecom companies have known that lead in their networks posed risks to workers, and did little about it. Lead can cause a variety of ailments in adults, affecting the kidney, heart and reproductive systems, and it is classified as a probable human carcinogen. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran explains the danger of lead cables -- and what telephone companies knew.

Further Reading:

- What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables

- Workers Exposed to Toxic Lead Cables Wrestle With the Aftermath

- How the Journal Investigated Hidden Lead Cables Circling the U.S.

Further Listening:

- Part 1: America Is Wrapped in Toxic Lead Cables

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America Is Wrapped in Toxic Lead Cables Jul 13, 2023

In an 18-month investigation, The Wall Street Journal found thousands of lead covered cables across America, some leaching the toxic metal into places where people live, work and play. We travel with the team across the country to test the soil and water around these cables and speak to families living near them. WSJ’s Susan Pulliam and Shalini Ramachandran explain what these high levels of lead in The Journal's sampling could mean for people across the country.

Further Reading:

- America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables

- How the Journal Investigated Hidden Lead Cables Circling the U.S.

- Bayou Teche Is an Epicenter of America’s Lead Cable Problem

Further Listening:

- Part 2: What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables

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Microsoft’s Big Win Against the FTC Jul 12, 2023

Microsoft has cleared a big hurdle to purchase Activision Blizzard, the publisher of popular videogame franchises like “Call of Duty, “World of Warcraft” and “Candy Crush.” The Federal Trade Commission had tried to block the roughly $75 billion acquisition, but a federal judge has allowed the deal to move forward. WSJ’s Jan Wolfe explains what the ruling means for Microsoft and for the FTC.

Further Reading:

-Microsoft Can Close Its $75 Billion Buy of Activision Blizzard, Judge Rules

-Lina Khan Is Taking on the World’s Biggest Tech Companies—and Losing

Further Listening:

-Why Microsoft is Paying $75 Billion for Activision Blizzard

-Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s Big Bet on AI

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The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT Jul 11, 2023

ChatGPT is one of the most successful tech products ever launched. And crucial to that success is a group of largely unknown data workers in Kenya. By reviewing disturbing, grotesque content, often for wages of just two to three dollars an hour, they helped make the viral chatbot safe. WSJ’s Karen Hao traveled to Kenya to meet those workers and hear about what the job cost them.

Further Reading:

- What Is ChatGPT? What to Know About the AI Chatbot

- The Contradictions of Sam Altman, AI Crusader

Further Listening:

- Day After Threads Launches, Twitter Accuses Meta of Using Its Trade Secrets

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Can Threads Be the ‘Twitter Killer’? Jul 10, 2023

Meta recently launched a new app that's a direct competitor to Twitter. It's called Threads, and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg said it has garnered 50 million sign-ups in its first five days. WSJ's Salvador Rodriguez says the new app poses the biggest threat to Twitter, fanning the flames of a long rivalry between Twitter’s Elon Musk and Meta’s Zuckerberg.

Further Reading:

Further Listening:

- Twitter’s New CEO: The Velvet Hammer

- What’s allowed on Elon Musk’s Twitter?

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With Great Power, Part 4: Endgame Jul 09, 2023

Behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most successful studio, Marvel’s Ike Perlmutter and Kevin Feige clash over budgets and creative control. Marvel lawyer John Turitzin and screenwriter Stephen McFeely share new details of a corporate civil war.

Plus, a look at the future of superhero cinema, featuring interviews with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” actor Chukwudi Iwuji and with Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson from The Ringer.

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With Great Power, Part 3: It’s All Connected Jul 07, 2023

Meet Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios and the man who weaves all its films into one cinematic universe. The idea proves so popular that Feige becomes the most successful producer in modern Hollywood history. Meanwhile, rival DC Comics launches its own cinematic universe, led by director Zack Snyder. But can DC’s “Justice League” match Marvel’s “The Avengers”?

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With Great Power, Part 2: Some Assembly Required Jul 06, 2023

In a meeting at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, Marvel’s Ike Perlmutter is pitched an unusual idea: That a small comic book publisher should make its own movies.

A ragtag crew working above a car dealership borrows $525 million, hires Jon Favreau and Robert Downey, Jr., and makes “Iron Man.” After its surprise success, Disney buys Marvel.

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With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story Jul 05, 2023

Marvel Studios is the most dominant film studio on the planet today. But 25 years ago, it was bankrupt and selling furniture for cash. Its astonishing revival begins with two men: Ike Perlmutter and Avi Arad.

Industry insiders like comics writer Brian Michael Bendis and film producer Amy Pascal recount how Marvel went from its lowest point to its first big-screen blockbuster, Sony’s “Spider-Man” in 2002.

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The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback Jul 03, 2023

We’re off today and tomorrow, but we still have a great episode for you.

For decades, the Robusta coffee bean has been the ugly duckling of the coffee world. Now, a new generation of coffee geeks think the time could be ripe for a Robusta revolution. WSJ’s Jon Emont explains why the humble bean is gaining momentum in the coffee industry.

This episode originally published in March 2023.

Further Reading:

-The Underdog Coffee Bean That Java Snobs Hate Is Finally Getting Some Respect

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What One School District Is Doing About Rising Gun Violence Jun 30, 2023

Gun violence among young people is on the rise. In Denver, Colorado, one high school in particular has experienced a number of violent incidents in the past year, including two shootings in which two students died. We visited East High School to meet students, teachers and the superintendent who decided to bring armed police back to schools.

Further Reading:

-‘My Kid Can’t Sleep’: Gun Violence Drives Denver to Return Armed Police to Schools

- Juvenile Crime Surges, Reversing Long Decline. ‘It’s Just Kids Killing Kids.’

Further Listening:

- The Fight Over Banning the AR-15

- Remington's Surprising Sandy Hook Settlement

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The Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action Jun 29, 2023

The Supreme Court has ruled that affirmative action is unconstitutional in college admissions. We talk with WSJ's Douglas Belkin about how the decision upends decades of admissions policies at the nation's most selective schools. And WSJ's Lauren Weber describes how this ruling could impact corporate America.

Further Reading:

- Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action

- The Man Behind the Case Seeking to End Affirmative Action

- Companies Brace for Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action

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Is There an Ethics Problem at the Supreme Court? Jun 28, 2023

The Supreme Court is heading into the final stretch of its current session and there are a number of cases with major social implications yet to be decided. But as we wait for decisions on student loan forgiveness and affirmative action, another major issue is hanging over the court. WSJ’s Jess Bravin discusses ProPublica’s recent investigations into alleged ethical misconduct of Supreme Court justices and what they could mean for the institution.

Further Reading:

- OPINION: Justice Samuel Alito: ProPublica Misleads Its Readers

- Harlan Crow’s Gifts, Financial Ties With Justice Thomas Under Fresh Scrutiny by Democrats

- Chief Justice John Roberts Asked to Address ‘Ethical Standards’ at Supreme Court

Further Listening:

- Will Student Debt Get Canceled? The Supreme Court Decides.

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Introducing - With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema Jun 28, 2023

Superheroes have conquered Hollywood. They generate billions of dollars at the box office and have pushed other movies to the margins. That revolution has been led by Marvel Studios.

In a new four-part series, WSJ’s Ben Fritz goes behind the scenes and reports on how Marvel, a once-troubled comics publisher, soared to the top of the movie business. It’s a tale of rivalries, spite, little-known deals and incredible luck.

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Who Owns Taco Tuesday? Jun 27, 2023

In May, Taco Bell filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming that ‘Taco Tuesday’ is a common phrase and that any restaurant should be able to use it. The trademark owners—Taco John’s and Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar— have both moved to fight back in court to protect their exclusive rights. WSJ’s Joseph De Avila breaks down the clash of the taco titans.

Further Reading:

- The Battle for Taco Tuesday Gets Heated

- The Long Fight Over ‘Taco Tuesday’

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The Mutiny That Shook Putin's Grip on Power Jun 26, 2023

It was a weekend of chaos in Russia, as forces of the paramilitary Wagner Group marched towards Moscow in a short-lived revolt. WSJ's Yaroslav Trofimov describes what happened and explains why this is the biggest threat to President Vladimir Putin in his more than two decades in power.

Further Reading:

- After Weekend of Chaos in Russia, Questions Remain Over Fate of Wagner

- Why Wagner Chief Prigozhin Turned Against Putin

Further Listening:

- The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit

- ‘Putin’s Chef’ Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine

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The Zombie Mortgages Stalking American Homeowners Jun 23, 2023

Long-dormant mortgages are coming back to bite. Homeowners around the country are facing large bills and even foreclosure threats from investors who own their second mortgages, often made more than a decade ago. We talk to WSJ’s Ben Eisen and a homeowner about why these seemingly dead mortgages are now coming back to life.

Further Reading:

- Zombie Mortgages Could Force Some Homeowners Into Foreclosure

Further Listening:

- Investors are Buying Up Homes. Cincinnati is Pushing Back

- The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire

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How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto Jun 22, 2023

North Korean hackers have stolen more than $3 billion over the past 5 years. The U.S. government says a big share of that is being funneled into the country’s nuclear missile program. WSJ’s Robert McMillan discusses how these hackers have reached the top of the crypto hacking game.

Further Reading:

- How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto, Funding Nuclear Program

Further Listening:

- How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist

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The War Inside Goldman Sachs Jun 21, 2023

Cracks are forming in a prestigious Wall Street institution: Goldman Sachs. Most bank CEOs make big decisions with a cadre of executives. But Goldman maintains a partnership with about 420 members, many of whom like to have a say in how the firm is run. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why CEO David Solomon has come under fire from partners who complain about bonuses, strategy and that DJ side gig.

Further Reading:

- Goldman Sachs Is at War With Itself

- Goldman Sachs’s 80 New Partners Are the Happiest People on Wall Street Today

- Goldman Sachs Doesn’t Want to Be Everyone’s Bank, but It Has to Be Someone’s

Further Listening:

- Goldman Sachs and the 1MDB Scandal

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Insuring a Home in California Is Getting Harder Jun 20, 2023

As wildfires increase in severity and frequency, thousands of homes in California have been destroyed and insurance companies' earnings have taken a hit. Now, two companies, State Farm and Allstate, have announced they will no longer offer new home insurance policies in the state. We speak to one homeowner and WSJ’s Jean Eaglesham about why the situation has escalated.

Further Reading:

- Home Insurers Curb New Policies in Risky Areas Nationally

- Allstate Stops Selling New Home-Insurance Policies in California, Citing Wildfire Risks

- State Farm Halts Home-Insurance Sales in California

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The Battle over Reparations at Georgetown Jun 19, 2023

We’re off today, but we still have an episode for you!

In 1838, the Jesuits who founded Georgetown University sold 272 slaves to pay off the school's debts and keep the college afloat. Nearly 200 years later, the Jesuits want to make amends. But as Lee Hawkins explains, the path to racial healing can be a messy one. This episode originally published in May 2022.

Further Reading:

- For Georgetown, Jesuits and Slavery Descendants, Bid for Racial Healing Sours Over Reparations

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The Unlikely Successor to the George Soros Empire Jun 16, 2023

George Soros, the legendary investor, philanthropist and right-wing target, is handing control of his $25 billion empire to his fourth child—Alexander Soros, a former party boy and self-described center-left thinker. WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman on how Alex Soros plans to deploy his family’s vast fortune.

Further Reading:

- George Soros Hands Control to His 37-Year-Old Son

- The Soros Era Is Over on Wall Street

Interested in other succession stories? Listen to:

- The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession

- Scholastic's Succession Drama

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One Small Business Is Booming. So Why Can’t It Get a Loan? Jun 15, 2023

Tamara Keefe, owner of Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery in St. Louis, says she moved forward with plans to open two new ice cream shops based on her bank’s assurances it would provide loans. But she says the bank moved slowly, and now she’s running out of cash. WSJ’s Ruth Simon discusses why many local banks are tightening lending standards and what that could mean for small businesses like Tamara’s.

Further Reading:

- Banks Raise Roadblocks to Small-Business Loans

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SEC Chair Gary Gensler on His Crypto Crackdown Jun 14, 2023

Kate Linebaugh sat down with SEC Chair Gary Gensler to discuss why the agency is working to rein in crypto.

Further Listening:

- A Crypto Exchange Crackdown

- The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In

- Green Investments Stuck Between Rising Risk and Government Backing

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The Government Banker Channeling Billions Into Clean Energy Jun 13, 2023

Jigar Shah wants to change the nation’s energy future. He runs a crucial but little-noticed piece of the Biden administration’s strategy to address climate change, the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office. And Shah presides over its giant pot of money to lend to companies. We speak with Shah about where he thinks the private sector is falling short in funding green energy and why he thinks the government has a role to play.

Further Reading:

- Energy Department Commits $3 Billion to Expand Rooftop Solar Access

- Climate Funding Gets Squeezed by Volatile Markets

Further Listening:

- An Energy CEO on the Winding Path to a Green Grid

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How Americans Watch Sports Is Changing Jun 12, 2023

For decades, the only way to watch all of your local baseball team’s games was on cable television. But as millions of Americans switch to streaming services, the economics of broadcasting baseball is changing. WSJ’s Amol Sharma explains baseball’s local broadcast deals and how one company’s bankruptcy is disrupting the model.

Further Reading:

- The Padres Spent Big on Players—Then Lost the TV Deal That Helps Pay for Them

- Broadcaster Diamond Sports Files for Bankruptcy With $8 Billion in Debt

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United States of America v. Donald J. Trump Jun 09, 2023

Federal prosecutors are accusing Donald Trump of holding on to sensitive military secrets he knew he shouldn’t have retained access to, sharing them, and directing his staff to help him evade authorities’ efforts to get them back. According to the indictment which was unsealed today, the classified documents in Trump’s possession included information about defense and weapons capabilities, nuclear programs, and plans for a possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha discusses the 37-count indictment and what it means for Trump’s presidential run.

Further Reading:

-Trump Charged Over Willful Retention of Classified Information, Obstruction

-Trump Indicted in Classified Documents Case

Further Listening:

-Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago

-What's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents?

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The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver? Jun 08, 2023

Once a titan in the tech industry, Intel is now trying to climb out of what its CEO describes as a “mud hole.” Rivals from Taiwan and South Korea have overtaken the semiconductor company in advanced chip making, and would-be Intel customers have backed away from projects. WSJ’s Asa Fitch unpacks the stakes of Intel’s comeback plan.

Further Reading:

- Once Mighty Intel Struggles to Escape ‘Mud Hole’

Further Listening:

- The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s

- America’s Answer to the Chips Shortage

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The Downfall of CNN’s CEO Jun 07, 2023

Chris Licht has stepped down as CEO of CNN, ending a short tenure that was marked by a series of missteps. WSJ’s Amol Sharma on what led to Licht’s departure and what is next for the network.

Further Reading:

- CNN CEO Chris Licht Is Out After Chaotic Year Atop News Network

- Top CNN Anchors Criticize CEO Chris Licht’s Leadership

Further Listening:

- The Quick End to CNN+

- The Shock Exit of CNN’s President

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A Crypto Exchange Crackdown Jun 06, 2023

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase— two of the biggest crypto exchanges. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff discusses the allegations and the potential impact on the global crypto ecosystem.

Further Reading:

- SEC Says Binance Misused Customer Funds, Ran Illegal Crypto Exchange in U.S.

- SEC Sues Coinbase, Alleges It Is Unregistered Broker

Further Listening:

- The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In

-Apple Releases Vision Pro Headset, First Major New Product in a Decade

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Apple Bets Big on ‘Nerd Helmets’ Jun 05, 2023

Today, Apple released its Vision Pro headset, the company’s first major new product launch in a decade. WSJ’s Joanna Stern on whether the augmented-reality headset has the potential to take a niche device for nerds into the mainstream.

Suggested Reading:

-Apple Is Breaking Its Own Rules With a New Headset

Suggested Watching:

-Will the Apple Headset Blow Up?

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Italy Caught a Russian Fugitive. Then He Vanished. Jun 02, 2023

Artem Uss is a Kremlin-linked businessman accused of illegally exporting American military technology to Russia. Last October he was arrested in Italy at the U.S.’s request. Then he vanished. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati explains how he escaped.

Further Reading:

- How a High-Value Russian Wanted by the U.S. Escaped From Italy

Further Listening:

- The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s

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The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s Jun 01, 2023

Only seven American companies have ever been worth a trillion dollars. Some came from garages. Others were started in college dorm rooms. Nvidia was born in a Denny's. WSJ's Asa Fitch on how the explosion of AI helped the chip maker become one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Further Reading:

- The AI Boom Runs on Chips, but It Can’t Get Enough

- How AI Is Catapulting Nvidia Toward the $1 Trillion Club

Further Listening:

- America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage

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The Showdown Over Hulu May 31, 2023

For years, Disney and Comcast have been locked in a battle over Hulu. Now, the streamer’s co-owners are trying to bring an end to their uneasy marriage. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel unpacks the years of wrangling and the looming deal that could leave Disney with full ownership of Hulu.

Further Reading:

- Inside Disney and Comcast’s Fight Over the Future of Hulu

Further Listening:

- Does the Future of Streaming Look More Like Cable?

- The Disney Boss Who Wouldn’t Let It Go

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The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire May 30, 2023

Over the past four years, Jay Gajavelli built a real-estate empire using funds from small investors who wanted to make passive income. Last year, Gajavelli’s company owned more than 7,000 apartments in the Houston area. Now he’s at the center of one of the biggest commercial real-estate blowups in years. WSJ’s Will Parker details what happened and what it says about the housing market going forward.

Further Reading:

- A Housing Bust Comes for Thousands of Small-Time Investors

Further Listening:

- How High Will Interest Rates Go?

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Thousands of Government Officials Own Stocks In Companies Their Agencies Oversee May 29, 2023

We’re off today, but we still have an episode for you!

Hidden records show that thousands of senior executive branch employees owned stocks in companies whose fates were affected by their employers’ actions. WSJ’s Brody Mullins and Rebecca Ballhaus take us inside the nearly year-long Wall Street Journal investigation. This episode originally aired in October 2022.

Further Reading:

-Government Officials Invest in Companies Their Agencies Oversee

-131 Federal Judges Broke the Law by Hearing Cases Where They Had a Financial Interest

-Congressional Staffers Gain From Trading in Stocks

Further Listening:

-The Federal Law that 138 Judges have broken

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Evicted on Wood Street: California's Housing Crisis May 26, 2023

When Kellie Castillo needed a place to live, she ended up at Wood Street, one of the largest homeless encampments in California. State authorities have spent the past several months shutting Wood Street down, leaving people like Kellie to figure out what’s next. WSJ’s Christine Mai-Duc describes what’s behind the state’s decision and what it means for the unhoused in California.

Further Reading:

- California Gov. Newsom Updates Plan to Fight State’s Homelessness Problem

- California’s Homelessness Problem Pits Gov. Gavin Newsom Against Mayors

Further Listening:

- Checking Out of Hotel 166

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Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear? May 25, 2023

Supreme is known for buzzy items, long lines and frenzied sell-outs. But lately, Supreme’s products are still available days after release. WSJ’s Jacob Gallagher discusses the brand’s rise and what’s changed.

Further Reading:

- Is Supreme Still Cool?

Further Listening:

- The Designer Who Made Streetwear Luxury

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Elon Musk on 2024 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity May 24, 2023

In an interview at WSJ's CEO Council Summit with editor Thorold Barker, Elon Musk talked about whether he regrets buying Twitter, who might eventually take the helm of the three companies he runs and how AI will change our future.

Further Reading:

- Ron DeSantis to Launch 2024 Presidential Run in Twitter Talk With Elon Musk

- Elon Musk Wants to Challenge Google and Microsoft in AI

- The Elon Musk Doctrine: How the Billionaire Navigates the World Stage

Further Listening:

- Twitter’s New CEO: The Velvet Hammer

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Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem May 23, 2023

After car theft videos went viral on social media, Hyundai and Kia have been reckoning with a surge in stolen vehicles. WSJ’s Sean McLain unpacks how the thefts started and how the companies are trying to address them.

Further Reading:

- Kia, Hyundai Thefts Continue Three Months After Carmakers Deployed Fix
- Cities Sue Hyundai, Kia After Wave of Car Thefts

- States Urge Recall of Millions of Kia, Hyundai Cars After Sharp Rise in Thefts

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The Clock Is Ticking on the Debt Ceiling May 22, 2023

The federal government uses debt to pay about a quarter of its bills and the federal borrowing limit is maxed out. WSJ’s Andrew Duehren explains the June 1st X-date (when the U.S. runs out of funds) and some catastrophic potential outcomes if Congress doesn’t raise or suspend the federal borrowing limit.

Further Reading:

- When Is the Debt Ceiling Deadline and What Happens if the Limit Isn’t Raised?

- Yellen Says Treasury Still Expects U.S. Could Default as Soon as June 1

- World Leaders Warily Watch U.S. Debt-Limit Standoff

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Why Some Companies Keep Getting Away With Higher Prices May 19, 2023

Companies continue to raise prices on everything from streaming services to handbags, sometimes at a rate that exceeds the pace of inflation. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner and Greg Ip unpack why this is happening.

Further Reading:

- Pricing Power: This Is Kate Spade’s Hottest Bag…and It Costs $500

- We May Be Getting Used to High Inflation, and That’s Bad News

Further Listening:

- Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis

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IRS Might Make Tax Season a Whole Lot Easier May 18, 2023

The IRS will begin a pilot program next year to help some taxpayers fill out and file their income tax returns for free online. WSJ’s Richard Rubin on the government’s first steps towards building a competitor to TurboTax and H&R Block.

Further Reading:

- IRS Will Offer Free Online Tax Prep for Some Taxpayers in 2024

- TurboTax Settlement: How to Know If You Qualify for Part of the $141 Million Payout

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Closing the Wealth Gap With a Trust Fund for Babies May 17, 2023

Starting in July, Connecticut will put $3200 into a trust account for each baby born to parents below a designated income level. As adults, the beneficiaries can use the money—plus investment returns—to help pay for education or a home. WSJ’s Brenda León discusses Baby Bonds and why they are gaining traction in other states too.

Further Reading:

- Could $3,200 ‘Baby Bonds’ Help End Poverty in America?

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The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec May 16, 2023

After Cash App founder Bob Lee died in a stabbing, some were quick to blame San Francisco’s rising crime rates. But prosecutors say Lee knew his alleged killer. WSJ’s Kirsten Grind reports on an underground world of sex and drugs that was the backdrop to the killing that shocked the tech community.

Further Reading:

- Before His Killing, Tech Executive Bob Lee Led an Underground Life of Sex and Drugs

- Cash App Founder Bob Lee Fatally Stabbed in San Francisco

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Twitter's New CEO: The Velvet Hammer May 15, 2023

Linda Yaccarino established herself as an advertising sales machine at NBCUniversal. On Friday, Elon Musk announced she’d be Twitter’s new CEO. WSJ’s Amol Sharma discusses some of the challenges Yaccarino will face at the revenue- starved social media platform.

Further Reading:

- Meet Linda Yaccarino, Elon Musk’s New Twitter CEO and the Ad World’s ‘Velvet Hammer’

Further Listening:

- Why Elon Musk's Twitter Is Losing Advertisers

- Elon Musk's 'Extremely Hardcore' Twitter

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Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows May 12, 2023

The blockbuster Western drama about a ranching dynasty in Montana is one of the most popular shows on TV. But it’s also one of the most expensive. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel explains how the man behind it — Taylor Sheridan — became one of the priciest bets in Hollywood.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Paramount Can’t Say No to the Man Behind ‘Yellowstone’: $50,000 a Week for His Ranch, $25 Per Cow

- Paramount Shares Drop 28% as Streaming Costs Mount

- The Race to Build the ‘Yellowstone’ Universe

Further Listening:

- Netflix Turns to Ads

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The Charges Against George Santos May 11, 2023

Rep. George Santos has been accused of fabricating much of his life’s story to secure public office. On Wednesday he was indicted on 13 federal charges including fraud and money laundering. The New York Republican denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind explains what the charges will mean for him.

Further Reading:

-George Santos Faces 13 Felony Charges, Including Fraud and Money Laundering

-George Santos Follows Others in Congress Who Have Confronted Legal Troubles

Further Listening:

-Why the Red Wave Didn’t Happen

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China’s Crackdown on Foreign Consulting Firms May 10, 2023

With tensions between the U.S. and China on the rise, the Chinese government has been investigating several consulting firms that help foreign companies do business in China. WSJ’s Dan Strumpf discusses the impact on the consulting sector and the foreign businesses that depend on it.

Further Reading:

- U.S. Companies in China Worry Due Diligence Will End in Spy Dramas

- China Spy Law Adds to Chilling Effect of Detentions

Further Listening:

- Are Apple and China Breaking Up?

- How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations

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What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy May 09, 2023

On Thursday, the pandemic-era border policy known as Title 42 is expected to end. First put in place by the Trump administration, Title 42 allows migrants to be quickly deported at the southern border without a chance to ask for asylum. Now, President Biden is planning to roll out a new immigration policy to take its place. But as WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains, this new policy is not so different from the one it is replacing.

Further Reading:

- Biden’s New Immigration Policy Cements End of Liberal Asylum Rules

- What Is Title 42? What It Means for Immigration and U.S.-Mexico Border

Further Listening:

- What’s Driving Migrants to the Southern Border Now

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Can Bud Light Still Be the Beer for Everyone? May 08, 2023

Last month, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, posted on social media about a personalized can of Bud Light the brewer sent her as a gift. A boycott ensued. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks what the maker of Bud Light is doing to stem a sharp drop in sales and to support front-line teams bearing the brunt of the backlash.

Further Reading:

-Bud Light Maker Compensates Workers Targeted in Dylan Mulvaney Backlash

-Bud Light Maker Offers Distributors Free Beer, More Ad Spending After Dylan Mulvaney Backlash

-How Bud Light Handled an Uproar Over a Promotion With Transgender Advocate

Further Listening:

-The Great Beer Battle of 2019

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What’s Behind the Adderall Shortage? May 05, 2023

For months, people with ADHD have been struggling to fill their prescriptions. Federal regulators say the shortage is fueled in part by increasing demand driven by telehealth startups and their aggressive marketing. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler, who has been investigating two of those companies, explains what an impending rule change could mean for the shortage.

Further Reading:

- Adderall, OxyContin Prescriptions to Require In-Person Doctor Visit Under Biden Plan

- Startups Make It Easier to Get ADHD Drugs. That Made Some Workers Anxious.

Further Listening:

- Uncontrolled Substances

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One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation May 04, 2023

Thousands of Hollywood writers went on strike this week after failing to reach a new contract with studios. The dispute was caused, in part, by the industry’s shift to streaming, which writers say has left them shortchanged. Michael Schur is co-creator of “Parks and Recreation” and was a writer for “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live.” He tells us what’s behind the first writers strike in over 15 years.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Hollywood Writers Strike Might Give Studios Chance to Slash Costs

- Late-Night Shows Go Dark Amid Writers Strike

Further Listening:

- Does the Future of Streaming Look More Like Cable?

- Netflix Turns to Ads

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PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda May 03, 2023

For years, big food and beverage companies like PepsiCo leaned hard into launching new, healthy food products. But recently, PepsiCo has decided to double down on its flagship chips and soda and is looking to make those products healthier. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains what it means for both the company and public health.

Further Reading:

- Pepsi’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda

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America's Biggest Bank Just Got Bigger May 02, 2023

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stepped in on Monday to acquire the failing First Republic Bank after it was seized by government regulators. While the deal will put an end to the recent series of bank failures, it also makes the banking industry's leader even more powerful. WSJ's Charles Forelle explains how Dimon's bid came together.

Further Reading:

-Why First Republic Bank Collapsed

-Jamie Dimon Wins Again in First Republic Bank Deal

Further Listening:

-Banking Troubles Are Not Over

-Two Executives On What It's Like to Stop a Bank Run

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The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit May 01, 2023

Yevgeny Nuzhin was serving time for murder in a high-security Russian prison when the Wagner Group— a paramilitary organization employed by Russia to wage war on Ukraine— offered him freedom in exchange for six months of paid military service fighting for Russia in Ukraine. WSJ’s James Marson details how Nuzhin’s bid for freedom went gruesomely wrong.

Further Reading:

- The Grim Life and Brutal Death of a Wagner Recruit

Further Listening:

- ‘Putin's Chef’' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine

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Why Disney Is Suing DeSantis Apr 28, 2023

This week, Disney sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accusing him of retaliating against the company, in part for speaking out against the state’s so-called “don’t say gay” law. It’s the latest twist in the fight between the two. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores explains what it means for both sides.

Further Reading:

- DeSantis’s Miscalculation: ‘Disney Is Playing the Long Game’

- Disney Sues Ron DeSantis After Oversight Board Voids Theme-Park Agreements

Further Listening:

- How Disney’s CEO Got Caught in Florida’s Fight Over Gay Rights

- Why Florida Is Fighting With Walt Disney World

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Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson Apr 27, 2023

On Monday, Fox News ousted its top host, Tucker Carlson, less than a week after it settled a defamation lawsuit, which brought reams of internal communications to light. WSJ's Keach Hagey has exclusive reporting about the major factors that contributed to the network making that decision.

Further Reading:

- Fox News Ousts Tucker Carlson

- What Tucker Carlson’s Ouster Means for Him and Fox News

- Tucker Carlson’s Vulgar, Offensive Messages About Colleagues Helped Seal His Fate at Fox News

Further Listening:

- Dominion Voting Systems vs. Fox News

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Banking Troubles Are Not Over Apr 26, 2023

Once the envy of the banking world, First Republic grew rapidly by catering to wealthy clients who wanted a high-touch service. But the bank’s highflying business came back to earth after the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates last year and customers started moving their money. WSJ’s Rachel Louise Ensign on why First Republic is now teetering on the brink.

Further Reading:

- First Republic Lost $100 Billion in Deposits in Banking Panic

Further Listening:

- Two Executives On What It’s Like to Stop a Bank Run

-Kevin McCarthy, House GOP Debt-Limit Plan Face Crucial Test This Week

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The Debt Ceiling Fight Begins Apr 25, 2023

The U.S. only has a few months until it can no longer pay its bills. Republicans say they’ll only raise the debt ceiling if Democrats agree to aggressive spending cuts. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews explains the Republican proposal and what’s at stake for the economy.

Further Reading:

-Kevin McCarthy Says House GOP Plans to Vote on Debt Limit, Spending Cuts

-U.S. Nears Debt Ceiling, Begins Extraordinary Measures to Avoid Default

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The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession Apr 24, 2023

Bernard Arnault is the richest person in the world and he has spent decades preparing his five children to run his luxury-brand empire, LVMH. WSJ’s Nick Kostov learned Arnault drilled his kids in mathematics, brought them along on business trips, inside negotiations and has elevated them into senior roles. But the question remains: who will succeed Arnault at the helm of the world’s biggest luxury conglomerate?

Further Reading:

- The World’s Richest Person Auditions His Five Children to Run LVMH, the Luxury Empire

Further Listening:

- How a Deal to Buy Tiffany Lost Its Sparkle

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Nursing Shortage? There's an App for That Apr 21, 2023

To address a nursing shortage, some of the nation’s largest hospital systems have started to use apps similar to those used for ride-hailing. WSJ’s Melanie Evans explains the pros and cons of the gig work model for nurses and hospitals.

Further Reading:

- Nurse Shortage Pushes Hospitals Into the Gig Economy

Further Listening:

- Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom – Which Is It?

- One Nurse, Three Covid Hotspots

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How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist Apr 20, 2023

Jimmy Zhong appeared to have pulled off the perfect crime. In December 2012, he stumbled upon a software bug that allowed him to steal 50,000 bitcoins from a site on the dark web called the Silk Road. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how Zhong’s stolen crypto stayed hidden until investigators developed better ways to track down crypto criminals.

Further Reading:

- The U.S. Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist — and Bitcoin’s Anonymity

Further Listening:

- How The Government Tied One Couple to Billions in Stolen Bitcoin

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Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter’s Detention Apr 19, 2023

It has been three weeks since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia on an allegation of espionage that the Journal and the U.S. government vehemently deny. Yesterday, Evan appeared at a pretrial hearing in Moscow. WSJ's Ann M. Simmons explains what happened at court and what comes next.

Further Reading:

- Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Detention

- A Tense Wait for an Imprisoned Son

- Jailed WSJ Reporter in Letter Home Says He Is ‘Not Losing Hope’

Further Listening:

-Collapse of SVB, Signature Bank Tests the FDIC’s Executive Reserve Corps

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Two Executives On What It's Like to Stop a Bank Run Apr 18, 2023

In 2017 the FDIC created a pool of banking veterans who would step up to help in the event of another financial crisis. For years, no one needed them. That changed last month when Tim Mayopoulos and Greg Carmichael were called in to run Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank while the FDIC tried to stabilize a banking crisis.

Further Reading:

-Help Wanted: Regulators Seek Executives to Staff Failed Banks

-Signature Bank Is Shut by Regulators After SVB Collapse

-Silicon Valley Bank Closed by Regulators, FDIC Takes Control

Further Listening:

-Can the Government Contain a Banking Crisis

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Dominion Voting Systems vs. Fox News Apr 17, 2023

Dominion Voting Systems, which makes ballot machines, sued Fox News for $1.6 billion, claiming the cable network aired defamatory claims about its role in the 2020 election. Fox News denies wrongdoing. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney explains what’s at stake as the highly anticipated trial is set to begin this week.

Further Reading:

- Fox News, Dominion Each Face Risks If Defamation Case Goes to Trial

- Documents From Fox Defamation Suit Spotlight Tension Between Prime-Time Hosts and News Personnel

- In Deposition, Rupert Murdoch Says Fox News Hosts Endorsed False 2020 Election Claims

Further Listening:

- A Voting Machine Company Fights Disinformation With Lawsuits

- Georgia's Secretary of State Defends the Election

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The Curtain Closes on Phantom of the Opera Apr 14, 2023

After 35 years, Broadway's longest-running show is taking a bow. The Phantom of the Opera has sold more than 20 million tickets and grossed around $1.3 billion. MarketWatch’s Charles Passy explains what made it one of Broadway’s biggest hits.

Further Reading:

-He’s Seen ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ 13,000 Times

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An Arrest in the Classified Documents Leak Apr 13, 2023

Federal investigators have arrested a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman in connection with the alleged leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman discusses what we know about the documents, the arrest, and what could be next.

Further Reading:

-Air Guardsman Arrested in Connection With Leaked Documents

-U.S. Investigation Into Leak of Classified Pentagon Documents Focuses on Insiders

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A $175 Million 'Huge Mistake' Apr 12, 2023

When JPMorgan Chase paid $175 million to acquire Frank— a college financial planning startup— it touted big plans to connect with the company’s millions of users. Then it all went wrong. WSJ’s Melissa Korn recounts the story of what went wrong.

Further Reading:

- Frank Founder Faces Criminal Fraud Charges Over JPMorgan Deal

- Frank Founder Says JPMorgan Knew How Many Users Firm Had in $175 Million Deal

- JPMorgan Bought College Financial-Aid Platform for $175 Million—and Now Says Most of Its Users Were Fake

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Baby Powder, Bankruptcy and the Texas Two-Step Apr 11, 2023

For decades, Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of lawsuits from customers who claim the company's baby powder gave them cancer. The company denies responsibility. WSJ's Andrew Scurria explains how Johnson & Johnson is resorting to a controversial legal maneuver to try to settle the lawsuits.

Further Reading:

-Johnson & Johnson Seeks $9 Billion Settlement of Talc Lawsuits

-J&J Sharpens the Texas Two-Step

Further listening:

-Two Days of Reckoning for Opioid Makers

-A Pause on the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

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The Abortion Pill’s Uncertain Future Apr 10, 2023

Rulings from two federal judges, one in Texas and one in Washington, paint a murky picture of the future of the abortion pill mifepristone. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto unpacks the legal battles with the Food and Drug Administration over the medication.

Further Reading:

- Texas Abortion-Pill Ruling Ignites New National Battle

Further Listening:

- The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade

- The Booming, Unregulated Marketplace for Abortion Pills

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai on How AI Could Change Search Apr 07, 2023

Google has been developing large language models like chatbots for years, but it hasn’t used the technology to influence the way people use their all search function. That’s something that could be changing. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa sat down for an interview with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to talk about the way new AI could have a big impact of Google’s business.

Further Reading:

- Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says Search to Include Chat AI

- How Google Became Cautious of AI and Gave Microsoft an Opening

Further Listening:

- Why Google Is Behind in the AI Race

- Indonesia Shows It’s Possible to Tame Rainforest Destruction

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How Indonesia Tamed Rainforest Destruction Apr 06, 2023

Deforestation for palm oil production has shrunk Indonesia's rainforest, the third largest in the world and one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet. But recently, the country has found a way to tame deforestation. WSJ's Jon Emont explains how government orders, consumer boycotts and environmental activism have helped slow the destruction of Indonesia's rainforest.

Further reading:

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Jack Ma Returns to China and Breaks Up the Company He Built Apr 05, 2023

Jack Ma, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, all but disappeared from the public eye following a brush with Chinese regulators in 2020. But last week, Ma returned to China just as Alibaba announced plans to split into six independently run companies. WSJ’s Jing Yang explains what it all means.

Further Reading:

- Jack Ma Engineered Alibaba’s Breakup From Overse as

- Jack Ma’s Life After Alibaba Takes Him to a Fish Farm, Fiji and Beyond

- Alibaba Co-Founder Jack Ma Returns to China After a Year Away

Further Listening:

- Why the Biggest IPO Ever Blew Up

- Didi's IPO Gets Caught In China's Tech Crackdown

- Xi Jinping Is Rewriting the Rules of China's Economy

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Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts Apr 04, 2023

Former President Donald Trump has become the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges alleging he concealed hush-money payments in the weeks before the 2016 election. WSJ's Joe Palazzolo— one of the reporters who first broke the story about the payments— unpacks the indictment and discusses what could come next in the case.

Further Reading:

-A History of the Trump Hush-Money Saga

-A Guide to Trump’s Legal Perils

Further Listening:

-People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump

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A WSJ Reporter Arrested in Russia Apr 03, 2023

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia last week and charged with espionage. The WSJ and U.S. officials deny the accusations. We spoke to our colleagues Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw about working with Gershkovich, his reporting on Russia, and what's next.

Further Reading:

- On the Ground in Putin's Russia: Evan Gershkovich's Coverage of a Country at War

- Evan Gershkovich’s Arrest Marks a New Era of Hostage Diplomacy

- Evan Gershkovich Loved Russia, the Country That Turned on Him

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The Rise of Chinese Apps Mar 31, 2023

While TikTok is getting a lot of scrutiny in Washington, other Chinese apps are on the rise. Four of the five hottest apps in the U.S. in March are tied to Chinese companies. But as WSJ’s Shen Lu explains, some apps are now trying to distance themselves from their Chinese origins.

Further Reading:

- Why Chinese Apps Are the Favorites of Young Americans

- American Bargain Hunters Flock to a New Online Platform Forged in China

- Chinese Startups Try to Make It Big in the U.S.—but Without the Backlash

Further Listening:

- Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S.

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.

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Millions of Women Left Work During the Pandemic. Where Are They Now? Mar 30, 2023

Nearly 12 million women left their jobs due to pandemic disruptions. Many are finally coming back, three years on. WSJ's Lauren Weber explains how the pandemic has transformed what work looks like for many women, especially for mothers.

Further Reading:

- Women’s Return to the Workforce Piles Momentum on a Hot Economy

- Coronavirus Employment Shock Hits Women Harder Than Men

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A Plan to Hack the Planet Mar 29, 2023

Tech CEO Luke Iseman has an idea he wants to sell the world: A business plan to cool the Earth by dimming the amount of sunlight that hits the planet. As WSJ’s Eric Niiler explains, the principle behind the idea, geoengineering, is getting big investment but is also sparking serious scientific debate.

Further Reading:

- Mexico Bans Climate Startup’s Experiment to Cool the Earth

Further Listening:

- Banks’ Alliance to Fight Climate Change is on the Rocks

- Why an Arctic Treasure is Spurring Hope and Dread

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The Ranking Battle in Higher Ed Mar 28, 2023

In November, Yale Law School pulled out of the U.S. News & World Report law-school rankings, saying the system was flawed. A wave of law, medical and undergraduate schools quickly followed. WSJ’s Melissa Korn reports on how the revolt was decades in the making.

Further Reading:

-The Unraveling of the U.S. News College Rankings

-Yale and Harvard Law Schools Abandon U.S. News Rankings

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The Arrest of a Crypto Fugitive Mar 27, 2023

After his TerraUSD cryptocurrency imploded, Do Kwon became one of the most wanted men in crypto. Last week, after a global manhunt, he was arrested at an airport in Montenegro. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich tells the story of how Kwon went from being a major crypto player to facing fraud charges in several countries.

Further Reading:

- Do Kwon Arrested in Montenegro as U.S. Charges Crypto Fugitive With Fraud

- Cutting-Edge Crypto Coins Tout Stability. Critics Call Them Dangerous.

- Do Kwon’s Crypto Empire Fell in a $40 Billion Crash. He’s Got a New Coin For You.

Further Listening:

- The ‘Death Spiral’ of a Stablecoin

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The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback Mar 24, 2023

For decades, the Robusta coffee bean has been the ugly duckling of the coffee world. Now, a new generation of coffee geeks think the time could be ripe for a Robusta revolution. WSJ’s Jon Emont explains why the humble bean is gaining momentum in the coffee industry.

Further Reading:

- The Underdog Coffee Bean That Java Snobs Hate Is Finally Getting Some Respect

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Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis Mar 23, 2023

Over the past year the Federal Reserve has been steadily raising interest rates to try to bring down inflation. But the recent banking crisis has thrown a wrench into its plans. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains how the Fed is now trying to fight two problems at once.

Further Reading:

- Fed Raises Rates but Nods to Greater Uncertainty After Banking Stress

Further Listening:

- What Just Happened at Credit Suisse?

- The Economy Is Too Hot for the Fed

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Yachts, Custom Cars and $36,000 Mattresses: Inside an Alleged Fraud Mar 22, 2023

Former Chinese real-estate developer and outspoken China critic Guo Wengui was arrested by the FBI last week and accused of orchestrating a $1 billion fraud. WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha unpacks Guo’s trek from Beijing gadfly to Steve Bannon confidant to fraud suspect.

Further Reading:

- A Chinese Businessman’s Trek From Beijing Gadfly to Steve Bannon Confidant to Fraud Suspect

- China’s Pursuit of Fugitive Businessman Guo Wengui Kicks Off Manhattan Caper Worthy of Spy Thriller

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Biden's Flip on Drilling in Alaska Mar 21, 2023

While campaigning for president, Joe Biden said there would be no new oil drilling on federal land. But last week he approved the Willow project, one of the largest domestic oil projects in years. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia explains why Biden made the shift.

Further Reading:

-Biden Administration Approves Willow Oil-Drilling Project in Alaskan Arctic

Further Listening:

-Why Biden Killed The Keystone XL Pipeline

-The War in Ukraine Hits American Gas Prices

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Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S. Mar 20, 2023

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is due to testify before Congress this week, as the Biden administration demands that TikTok’s Chinese owners sell their stakes in the company or face a possible U.S. ban of the app. In this exclusive interview with WSJ’s Stu Woo, the TikTok CEO said a sale won’t solve Washington’s security concerns.

Further Reading:

- TikTok CEO’s Message to Washington: A Sale Won’t Solve Security Concerns

Further Listening:

- What’s Up With All the TikTok Bans?

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Why Google Is Behind in the AI Race Mar 17, 2023

Google has been a pioneer in the modern era of artificial intelligence, but lately, it’s fallen behind. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa explains why the tech giant took a more cautious approach to chatbots and what’s at stake now that Microsoft has beaten them to market.

Further Reading:

-How Google Became Cautious of AI and Gave Microsoft an Opening

Further Listening:

-The Company Behind Chat GPT

-When AI Comes for Your Art

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What Just Happened at Credit Suisse? Mar 16, 2023

As fears about the health of global banks spread from the U.S. to Europe, the bank Credit Suisse said it would tap a more than $50 billion loan from the Swiss National Bank. WSJ’s Margot Patrick explains how Credit Suisse became a cause for concern.

Further Reading:

- Credit Suisse Stock Price Jumps as Bank Secures $50 Billion Lifeline

- Credit Suisse Promises Overhaul in Wake of Rout as Regulators Offer Lifeline

- Janet Yellen Says Banking System Is Healthy After SVB Collapse

Further Listening:

- The Economy Is Too Hot for the Fed

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Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs Mar 15, 2023

Since February of last year, the avian flu has led to the deaths of tens of millions of farm-raised birds in the U.S., the deadliest outbreak on record. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas on how the egg industry is getting slammed and what companies are doing to try to save their flocks.

Further Reading:

- America Is Losing the ‘Epic Battle’ Against Bird Flu

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Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic Mar 14, 2023

WeightWatchers is buying digital health company Sequence to capitalize on the hot market for diabetes and weight loss drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy. WSJ's Andrea Petersen explains what this could mean for the wellness industry.

Further Reading:

-WeightWatchers Moves Into the Ozempic Market With Telehealth Deal

-How a Diabetes Drug Became the Talk of Hollywood, Tech and the Hamptons

-Health Startups Offer Diabetes Drugs Like Ozempic for Weight Loss With Little Oversight

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Can the Government Contain a Banking Crisis? Mar 13, 2023

When Silicon Valley Bank imploded last week, it was the second biggest bank failure in U.S. history. Then, over the weekend, another bank, Signature Bank, was also taken over by the government. WSJ financial editor Charles Forelle explains what kicked off this banking crisis and how the government is scrambling to contain it.

Further Reading:

- How Silicon Valley Turned on Silicon Valley Bank

- Silicon Valley Bank Closed by Regulators, FDIC Takes Control

- Were SVB and Signature Bank Just Bailed Out by the U.S. Government?

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The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl Mar 10, 2023

For years, fentanyl has flooded into the American drug market, driving a surge in overdose deaths across the country. Other drugs, like cocaine, are increasingly tainted with the synthetic opioid. We spoke to advocates Theo Krzywicki and Kalie Shorr who say a tiny test strip can help people avoid fentanyl, and WSJ's Julie Wernau explains why fentanyl is showing up everywhere.

Further Reading:

- Fentanyl Test Strips on the Dance Floor? Partygoers Face New Reality

- Three New Yorkers Ordered Cocaine From the Same Delivery Service. All Died From Fentanyl.

- The Fentanyl Crisis

Further Listening:

- Purdue's $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?

- States Got Hooked on Tobacco Money. Are Opioids Next?

- Two Days of Reckoning for Opioid Makers

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The Economy Is Too Hot for the Fed Mar 09, 2023

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told Congress this week that interest rates could go up faster and higher than previously planned. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains what’s behind the Fed’s change of strategy, and why it’s struggling to tame inflation.

Further Reading:

- Powell Says Data Will Determine Size of Next Rate Increase

- Powell Says Fed Is Prepared to Speed Up Interest-Rate Rises

- Why the Recession Is Always Six Months Away

Further Listening:

- Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom — Which Is It?

- Consumers Are Starting to Freak Out

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What a New Law in Tennessee Means for Drag Mar 08, 2023

A new law in Tennessee makes staging adult cabaret anywhere a minor could see it a criminal offense. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto and Steve Raimo, who performs as drag queen Veronika Electronika, on what it could mean for the drag industry.

Further Reading:

-Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Restricting Transgender Healthcare for Minors

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When AI Comes for Your Art Mar 07, 2023

AI-art generators let users create fantastical images with just a few text prompts. But some artists see a problem: They say AI is ripping them off. Artist Greg Rutkowski and WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims explain what's at stake for the art world.

Further Reading:

- AI Tech Enables Industrial-Scale Intellectual-Property Theft, Say Critics

- Ask an AI Art Generator for Any Image. The Results Are Amazing—and Terrifying.

Further Listening:

- Close Ally of FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Pleads Guilty to Fraud

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The FTX Insiders Turning Against Sam Bankman-Fried Mar 06, 2023

Three executives who formed Sam Bankman-Fried’s inner circle have now pleaded guilty to fraud charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich on what their plea deals could spell for the FTX founder.

Further Reading:

- How FTX’s Nishad Singh Turned to Crypto Crime

Further Listening:

- The Charges Against FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried

- ‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF

- The Fall of Crypto's Golden Boy

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Conservatives Come for ESG Mar 03, 2023

Companies like BlackRock have promoted ESG investing in recent years. But WSJ’s Julie Bykowicz says a new conservative nonprofit is pushing lawmakers to ban ESG, equating it with "woke capitalism."

Further Reading:

- Conservatives Have a New Rallying Cry: Down With ESG

- New Conservative Group Gets $1.6 Billion Donation From Chicago Businessman

Further Listening:

- Can My Stock Portfolio Save the Planet?

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How a Year of Sanctions Is Impacting Russians Mar 02, 2023

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Western nations hit Russia with massive sanctions. We talk to a resident in Moscow about how his life has changed and WSJ’s Georgi Kantchev on how Russia has responded to the sanctions.

Further Reading:

- Russian Deficit Soars to $25 Billion on War Spending, Oil Embargo

- Russia Boosts China Trade to Counter Western Sanctions

Further Listening:

- Three Ukrainians on Enduring a Year of War

- The Financial Punishment of Russia

- How Putin Has Planned For Sanctions

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Will Student Debt Get Canceled? The Supreme Court Decides. Mar 01, 2023

President Biden’s plans to cancel $400 million in student loans are on hold. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the administration had the legal authority to cancel the debt. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia discusses the arguments for and against the program, and he explains what the decision could mean for borrowers.

Further Reading:

- Student-Loan Borrowers Likely Won’t Know for Months if Debt Will Be Forgiven

- Supreme Court’s Student-Loan Case Will Test Limits of Presidential Power

Further Listening:

- Breaking Down Student Debt Relief

- How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt

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America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage Feb 28, 2023

The Commerce Department is spelling out its plans to subsidize domestic chip production in order to secure the supply of advanced chips needed for America's modern weapons systems. WSJ’s Yuka Hayashi explains the national security interests in play.

Further Reading:

-Chips Act Is Bounty for Semiconductor Companies—With Many Strings Attached

-Pentagon to Reap Rewards From $53 Billion Chips Act

-Chips Act Will Test Whether U.S. Can Reverse Semiconductor Exodus

Further Listening:

-What's Wrong With the Car Market?

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What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio? Feb 27, 2023

Earlier this month, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Ohio. Concerned about an explosion, authorities evacuated residents and carried out a controlled burn of toxic fumes. Now a report has found the cause of the derailment, but residents say they still have unanswered questions about the environmental impacts. WSJ's Kris Maher reports from East Palestine and Esther Fung discusses what this might mean for the rail industry.

Further Reading:

- What Happened in the Ohio Train Derailment?

- Ohio Train Derailment: Toxic Chemicals and Distrust Remain in East Palestine

- Train-Car Wheel Bearing Overheated Before Ohio Train Derailment, NTSB Finds

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Three Ukrainians on Enduring a Year of War Feb 24, 2023

Russia’s war in Ukraine has upended the lives of millions of people. One year into the conflict, we check in with some of the people we have spoken with over the last twelve months to see how their lives have changed.

Further Listening:

- Russia’s Campaign to Leave Ukraine in the Dark

- One Ukrainian Factory Owner Joins the War Effort

- As Russia Invades, Ukrainians Weigh Fight or Flight

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The Five People Keeping Bitcoin Alive Feb 23, 2023

Bitcoin, the nearly $500 billion cryptocurrency, isn't controlled by any one person or company. But there are five mysterious coders that keep it all running. WSJ's Paul Kiernan reports on the "maintainers" behind bitcoin.

Further Reading:

- Bitcoin’s Future Depends on a Handful of Mysterious Coders

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Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case Feb 22, 2023

Almost 30 years ago, Anthony Ayers spotted a dusty, wood-panel painting tucked behind an armoire in an antique shop. Over the decades, he and the group of people that helped him buy it have been on a quest to prove it was painted by Renaissance artist Raphael. WSJ’s Kelly Crow reports on a possible break in the case and the technology that brought it about.

Further Reading:

- Is This Painting a Raphael or Not? A Fortune Rides on the Answer

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Two Hotels in Turkey and a Tragic Twist of Fate Feb 21, 2023

After new deadly earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria this week, the death toll this month has surpassed 45,000. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen tells the story of a youth volleyball team that traveled to Turkey earlier this month and how the country’s spotty building codes may have played a role in their tragic fate.

Further Reading:

- A Cypriot High School Volleyball Team Lost 25 Children in the Turkey Quakes

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How TikTok Became the World’s Favorite App Feb 20, 2023

We’re off today for the holiday, but we still have an episode for you!

In only five years, TikTok has gained millions of fans around the world and become a source of geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. We spoke to people who witnessed the app’s meteoric rise firsthand: influencers, former workers, and a government official who is concerned about TikTok’s data practices. This episode originally aired in November 2022.

Further Reading:

-TikTok’s Stratospheric Rise: An Oral History

Further Listening:

-Why TikTok’s Under Investigation

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Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom — Which Is It? Feb 17, 2023

Major layoffs keep making headlines, yet the U.S. is still seeing record low unemployment. WSJ’s Ray A. Smith dives into the mystery in the job market.

Further Reading:

- Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom? What’s Actually Happening in the Jobs Market

Further Listening:

- The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom

- What Will the Economy Look Like in 2023?

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Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor Feb 16, 2023

What happens when an activist investor sets his sights on one of the biggest media companies in the world? WSJ’s Robbie Whelan on the proxy battle that rattled Disney.

Further Reading:

- How Nelson Peltz and Disney’s Marvel Chief Teamed Up in Proxy Fight

Further Listening:

- The Disney Boss Who Wouldn’t Let It Go

- Why Florida Is Fighting With Walt Disney World

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How CVS Went From Drugstore to Healthcare Juggernaut Feb 15, 2023

CVS’s plan to buy Oak Street Health, a network of senior-focused clinics, is the latest sign of the growing tie-ups between health insurers and primary-care doctors. WSJ’s Anna Wilde Mathews unpacks why the deal is happening and how it’s cementing CVS’s status as a healthcare giant.

Further Reading:

- CVS Reaches $10.6 Billion Deal to Buy Clinic Owner Oak Street Health

- CVS Looks to Add Doctors to Its Payroll

- CVS Completes $70 Billion Acquisition of Aetna

Further Listening:

- Is Healthcare Amazon's Next Big Thing?

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The Price of Dating Apps Feb 14, 2023

How much are you willing to pay for love? Dating apps are asking users to pay more for features and access to matches as a way to counter slowing growth. WSJ's Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman talks about the pressure on Match Group, the company behind some of the most popular dating apps.

Further Reading and Watching:

- The Price Is Wrong In Online Dating

- Why Our Love Affair With Tinder Might Never Quite End

- Online Dating Is Great—for Investors. For Customers, It’s Complicated.

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How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations Feb 13, 2023

In just over a week, the U.S. has shot down four flying objects — one from China and three others of unknown origins. WSJ’s James T. Areddy on balloons, unidentified flying objects and the deterioration of relations between the two countries.

Further Reading:

-China’s Balloon Program Grew From a Humble Start

-How a Balloon Opened a New Flashpoint in U.S.-China Ties

-China Says U.S. Flew Balloons Through Its Airspace More Than 10 Times

Further Listening:

-China’s Accidental Dissidents

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A Spy Turned Up Dead in Ukraine. Who Was He Working For? Feb 10, 2023

Days after Russia invaded Ukraine, a corpse turned up on a sidewalk in the center of Kyiv. The dead man, a 45-year-old banker named Denys Kiryeyev, was accused of being a traitor and a Russian spy. But as WSJ’s Brett Forrest reports, his work and allegiances were more complicated than they seemed.

Further Reading:

- Russian Spy or Ukrainian Hero? The Strange Death of Denys Kiryeyev

Further Listening:

- Ukrainian President Zelensky's Fight Against Corruption

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Is the Party Over for Best-Selling Drug Humira? Feb 09, 2023

After decades of patent protection, the wildly successful arthritis and autoimmune drug Humira is finally facing competition. WSJ’s Jared Hopkins on what that could mean for patients and the drug industry.

Further Reading:

- Blockbuster Arthritis Drug Humira Faces Competition From First Lower-Price Copycat in U.S.

- AbbVie Aims for New Drugs to Boost Sales as Competitors Target Humira

Further Listening:

- How Big Pharma Lost Its Swagger

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Why Is the U.K.'s Free Healthcare Service Falling Apart? Feb 08, 2023

For more than a decade, the British government has run its National Health Service, the world’s largest government-run healthcare system, on a tight budget. Now, hospitals are so full they are turning patients away, and thousands of paramedics and nurses have walked out over pay. WSJ’s Max Colchester explains how budget cuts, Covid delays and an aging population are stressing the system.

Further Reading:

-The U.K.’s Government-Run Healthcare Service Is in Crisis

-U.K. Nurses Stage Biggest Ever Strike as Health System Strains

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Consumers Are Starting to Freak Out Feb 07, 2023

Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of the economy. So when it slows, the U.S. economy risks a recession. Right now, U.S. consumers are spending less on groceries, travel and dining, breaking into their savings accounts, and putting more on their credit cards. To understand why consumers are pulling back, we sat down with one.

Further Reading:

- The U.S. Consumer Is Starting to Freak Out

- Households Burn Through What’s Left of Their Pandemic Savings

Further Listening:

- What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer

- The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom

- What Will the Economy Look Like in 2023?

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The Short Seller Costing the Adani Group Billions Feb 06, 2023

Gautam Adani is ubiquitous in India. His energy and infrastructure conglomerate, the Adani Group, touches the lives of millions of Indians on a daily basis. But last month, Hindenburg Research, a U.S. short seller, alleged that the company was engaged in wide-ranging fraud. WSJ’s Shan Li explains a fallout that has cost Adani billions.

Further Reading:

- How Gautam Adani Made (and Could Lose) a $147 Billion Fortune

- Adani Plans $1.1 Billion Loan Repayment After Share Collateral Plummets

Further Listening:

- The Firm Tanking Some of Wall Street's Hottest Stocks

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China’s Accidental Dissidents Feb 03, 2023

Cao Zhixin and her friends went to a rally to honor people who died in a fire. Several weeks later, they were detained by Chinese authorities and now face years in prison. WSJ's Shen Lu explains why Beijing is cracking down on a new kind of protester.

Further Reading:

- In China, Young Women Become Accidental Symbols of Defiance

- Under Xi Jinping, Women in China Have Given Up Gains

- The Exposure of China’s ‘Bought Wives’

Further Listening:

- China’s Biggest Protests in Decades

- What the End of Zero-Covid Means for China

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'Putin's Chef' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine Feb 02, 2023

Russia’s invasion forces have tightened the noose around Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine with help from a paramilitary outfit called the Wagner Group. Heading the group is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close confidants -- Yevgeny Prigozhin. WSJ’s Benoit Faucon explains why the Wagner Group has been drawing condemnation for its deployments in several global hotspots.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Wagner: How Russian Mercenaries Help Putin in Ukraine

- Russia Tightens Grip Around Bakhmut as Ukraine Awaits Western Tanks

- As Russian Army Falters in Ukraine, Paramilitary Leader Close to Putin Flexes Power

- Russia Leans on Mercenary Forces to Regain Global Clout

Further Listening:

- Russia’s Campaign to Leave Ukraine in the Dark

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Hacking the Hackers Feb 01, 2023

For years, the U.S. government went after hackers by trying to arrest them. Now, they’re trying a new approach. WSJ’s Robert McMillan tells the story of how one of the world’s most infamous hacking groups, called Hive, got busted.

Further Reading:

- FBI Disrupts ‘Hive’ Ransomware Group

Further Listening:

- Hack Me if You Can

- Why a Ransomware Group Is Pretending to Be a Real Company

- Ransomware, a Pipeline and a Gas Shortage

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Ukrainian President Zelensky's Fight Against Corruption Jan 31, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was originally elected on an anti-corruption platform. Over the last two weeks, he has removed nearly a dozen top officials. WSJ’s James Marson explains why Zelensky is trying to shore up Western confidence in his administration at a crucial moment in the war.

Further Reading:

-Ukraine’s Zelensky Removes Top Officials in Bid to Contain Corruption Scandals

-Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges Faster Weapons Deliveries Amid Russian Push

Further Listening:

-The Man Leading Ukraine

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Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread Jan 30, 2023

North of the Arctic Circle, a Swedish mining company says it has located a coveted resource: Europe’s biggest cache of rare-earth minerals, elements used for making electronics and green technology. The deposit could be a blessing for the West, but WSJ’s Kim Mackrael explains that for Sweden’s indigenous Sami people, it also puts hundreds of years of tradition in peril.

Further Reading:

- Rare-Earth Find in Sweden Lifts Hope for Shift Toward Clean Energy

Further Listening:

- Diving Deep for Battery Metals

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Blackouts, Corruption and a Poisoned CEO Jan 27, 2023

South Africa’s state-owned power company, Eskom, is struggling to keep the lights on in the country and is now looking for a new leader after its current CEO was poisoned. WSJ’s Alexandra Wexler on the difficult job of running Eskom.

Further Reading:

- South Africa Seeks State Power Chief After CEO Says He Was Poisoned

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Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again Jan 26, 2023

The Department of Justice is seeking to break up part of Google’s digital advertising business. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the government says the tech giant has taken actions that ‘severely weaken, if not destroy competition in the ad tech industry.’ Google says the lawsuit is an attempt to pick winners and losers. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa discusses the DOJ’s case and the moves Google made to become a giant in the online advertising space.

Further Reading:

- DOJ Sues Google, Seeking to Break Up Online Advertising Business

- Google Prepares for Second Antitrust Battle as DOJ Targets Its Ads Business

Further Listening:

- Google's Antitrust Problem

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The Unraveling of Stitch Fix Jan 25, 2023

Over the last year, fashion company Stitch Fix has lost 95% of its value as the company's attempts to expand beyond subscriptions floundered. WSJ columnist Laura Forman says the decline of Stitch Fix holds broader lessons for tech companies.

Further Reading:

- Stitch Fix’s Unraveling Should Sow Broader Tech Doubts

Further Listening:

- Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.

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Tesla’s Big Price Cut Jan 24, 2023

Tesla cut prices for some of its vehicles sold in the U.S. by nearly 20% earlier this month. WSJ’s Nora Eckert on what’s behind the price drop and what it means for the EV market.

Further Reading:

-Tesla’s Price Cuts Are Roiling the Car Market

-What if Tesla Is…Just a Car Company?

Further Listening:

-GM’s All-Electric Bet

-Will Americans Buy an Electric Truck?

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What's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents? Jan 23, 2023

On Friday, FBI investigators found more classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home. This is the latest in a series of searches that turned up classified material at a number of Biden's offices and homes. WSJ’s Annie Linskey discusses the search, and what it could mean for Biden’s presidency.

Further Reading:

- String of Classified Document Discoveries Seen Tarnishing White House

- More Classified Documents Found at President Biden’s Delaware Home

Further Listening:

- Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago

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What the End of Zero-Covid Means for China Jan 20, 2023

A month after China scrapped most of its zero-Covid restrictions, Omicron has spread rapidly. WSJ’s Brian Spegele explains that while some people are able to resume life as normal, infections have skyrocketed and medical facilities are stretched to their limits.

Further Reading:

- China’s Precarious Moment: Covid Everywhere and Few Restrictions

- China Confronts First Lunar New Year Since Covid Lockdowns Ended

- China’s Young Protesters Wrestle With How Far to Push: ‘We Don’t Want Covid Tests, We Want Freedom’

Further Listening:

- China's Biggest Protests in Decades

- How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy

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Sam Bankman-Fried’s Big Investment: Bitcoin Mining in Kazakhstan Jan 19, 2023

After the collapse of FTX, WSJ Reporter Eliot Brown wanted to find out where all the money went. He was surprised to discover that the biggest investment had been in a bitcoin mining company based in Kazakhstan.

Further Reading:

- Sam Bankman-Fried’s Supersized Bet: $1 Billion For A Bitcoin Miner On The Kazakh Steppe

- FTX Says It Has Located More Than $5 Billion in Cash, Liquid Assets

Further Listening:

- ‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF

- What’s Russia Doing in Kazakhstan?

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI Jan 18, 2023

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks with WSJ Editor in Chief Matt Murray at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, about the company’s artificial-intelligence ambitions and how tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT could revolutionize the way we work.

Further Reading and Watching:

- Microsoft CEO Talks AI Integration and Leadership at Davos

- Microsoft to Lay Off 10,000 Workers as Slowdown Hits Software Business

Further Listening:

-The Backstory of ChatGPT Creator OpenAI

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The Company Behind ChatGPT Jan 17, 2023

ChatGPT was released only a few months ago but the artificial intelligence chatbot has already taken the internet by storm. WSJ’s Berber Jin tells the story of the company behind ChatGPT and how the world is responding to this technology.

Further Reading:

-ChatGPT Creator Is Talking to Investors About Selling Shares at $29 Billion Valuation

-Microsoft Plans to Build OpenAI, ChatGPT Features Into All Products

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Could This Be the End of Noncompetes? Jan 13, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission wants to ban noncompete clauses in employment contracts. WSJ's Lauren Weber explains what these clauses are, the surprising number of workers they might affect, and how businesses are reacting.

Further Reading:

- Noncompete Clauses: What They Are and What to Know Before Signing Your Contract

- FTC Proposes Banning Noncompete Clauses for Workers

- The Noncompete Clause Gets a Closer Look

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Miss Universe Is Now Owned by a Woman. Will It Change? Jan 12, 2023

When a new Miss Universe is crowned this Saturday, she will be the first winner under new pageant owner Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman and transgender advocate. We talk to Jakrajutatip about her views on beauty and how she wants to transform the pageant.

Further Reading:

- Miss Universe Bought by Thai Businesswoman for $20 Million

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The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom Jan 11, 2023

Wednesday or Friday? In-person or via Zoom? As dozens of companies undergo layoffs, human resource executives are grappling with a lot of questions about how to let employees go and avoid public blowback. WSJ’s Chip Cutter walks us through the do’s and don’ts of layoffs.

Further Reading:

- The Debate Swirling Inside HR Departments: How to Lay Off Workers

Further Listening:

- What Will the Economy Look Like in 2023?

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Why Protesters Rioted in Brazil’s Capital Jan 10, 2023

Brazil is reeling after supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro forced their way into several government buildings on Sunday. Many protesters called for military intervention to oust the newly-inaugurated leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. WSJ’s Luciana Magalhaes explains how the protests could undermine da Silva’s agenda.

Further Reading:

-Brazil Riots: The Aftermath of Pro-Bolsonaro Protests

-Brazilian Investigators Home In on Suspects in Riot Financing

-Brazilian Authorities Detain 1,500 Protesters Involved in Riot

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A Small Bank Bet Big on Crypto. Can It Survive the Crash? Jan 09, 2023

Silvergate went from a small real-estate bank to the bank of choice for the crypto world’s big players. Then it experienced a historic bank run. WSJ’s David Benoit explains why customers pulled their money from crypto’s top bank.

Further Reading:

- Silvergate Raced to Cover $8.1 Billion in Withdrawals During Crypto Meltdown

Further Listening:

- ‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF

- How Crypto Giant FTX Suddenly Imploded

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What's Up With All the TikTok Bans? Jan 06, 2023

Recently, a slew of states and even the federal government have banned the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from government-issued devices, citing national security concerns. WSJ's Stu Woo explains what's going on.

Further Reading:

- TikTok Wins a Vote in South Dakota

- TikTok Ban Debate Moves From Washington to Main Street

- TikTok Security Dilemma Revives Push for U.S. Control

Further Listening: