The Journal. - The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

Latest Episodes:

The Computer Glitch That Caused Nearly 1,000 Convictions Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.