Latest Episodes

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And in their opinion, we found a lot of scientific-sounding statements. So we’ve updated this episode on abortion to find out whether these statements are true. We’ll tell you what actually happens in an abortion, whether a fetus can feel pain, and what the risks are for a pregnant person. We visit an abortion clinic in Texas and talk to Dr....

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.

For more from the Story Pirates, visit storypirates.com/news

As concerns grow over climate change and high oil prices, the U.S. and Europe are starting to build new nuclear power plants, after decades of favoring other energy sources. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains why those nations have lost some of their expertise in building nuclear plants, causing significant delays.

Recent moves by the Biden Administration to rein in the vaping market and nicotine levels in cigarettes could hit the tobacco company Altria Group hard, as it has major investments in both markets. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks how the latest moves fit within decades of public health efforts.

Earlier this month, an indigenous expert and a British journalist went missing in an area of dense Amazon rainforest. The disappearance of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips sparked an international outcry. WSJ’s Luciana Magalhaes and Samantha Pearson explain what the two men’s disappearance and eventual fate reveal about the state of the Amazon.

Today, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to an abortion. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto breaks down the decision and explains how state governments are responding. Plus, a woman who runs clinics that provided abortions in Oklahoma and Texas shares how restrictions have affected her patients.

Inflation is the worst it’s been in more than 40 years. But one bright spot for consumers might be found at the grocery store: rotisserie chickens. WSJ’s Annie Gasparro chronicles the history of America’s love for the quick and versatile meal, and what a "rotisserie chicken economic index" might say about this inflationary moment.

Meghan discovers crystals. Featuring two new stories: “All Because I Bit My Knee,” a story about a minor trampoline accident that spirals into disaster, written by Tobias, a 10 year old from Oregon, and “Cat That Can Spell,” the story of a uniquely talented feline who learns to appreciate what makes them special, written by an 11 year old from Pennsylvania named Natasha. For more from the Story Pir...

One last thing before we go.

Vince McMahon, the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, stepped aside as CEO and chairman of the company last week after allegations surfaced that he had an affair with a former employee and agreed to pay $3 million to keep it secret. WSJ’s Ted Mann explains what’s at stake for the company.

Record-breaking high temperatures in India have wreaked havoc on crops like mangoes, which are known there as the "king of fruits." As WSJ's Shan Li explains, the devastation is threatening the livelihoods of farmers and raising food prices for the country’s nearly 1.4 billion people.

The biggest pop band in the world right now is the seven member K-Pop sensation, BTS. This week, the band released a video signaling that they’re tired and want a break. WSJ’s Neil Shah explains why the group has had breakout success and may need to take a hiatus.

To keep up with increased demand during the pandemic, Amazon hired hundreds of thousands of people and massively expanded its logistics network. Now, demand is falling, creating a problem for the company’s new CEO, Andy Jassy. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli explains how Jassy is trying to scale back.

Smitty becomes an official member of the Story Pirates, but is surprised to see what exactly that entails. Featuring two new stories: “The Secret Theme Park,” a song about a girl (Krysta Rodriguez) who discovers the coolest place ever at her mom’s work friend’s house, written by Simone, a 10 year old in New Jersey, and “Ryan in Rhinebeck Grows Rhubarb,” a cautionary tale about always reading the in...

Earlier this year, it seemed like celebrities everywhere were promoting cryptocurrency and NFTs. But then, in early May, the markets crashed. WSJ’s Ellen Gamerman explains how celebrities got hooked on crypto in the first place, and how they’re responding now that the value of these assets is plummeting.

It’s a teenage dream. Unemployment among teens is near its lowest level in decades as business owners look to solve a hiring crunch. We talk to WSJ’s Kathryn Dill about the bargaining power teens have in today’s job market.

Last week, the first LIV Golf event, a Saudi Arabian-funded golf tournament, officially launched. The new tour is offering professional golfers a lot of money to participate. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton explains why the rival PGA Tour is punishing players who try to participate in both.

In more than 20 years of reporting on cybercrime, Wall Street Journal reporter Robert McMillan has never come face-to-face with a criminal hacker. Until he met Dmitry Smilyanets. 

In 2008, Dmitry Smilyanets and his crew of hackers pulled off one of the biggest hacks in history. It made Dmitry millions of dollars, some of which he used to build an esports empire.

After his arrest in Amsterdam, the threat of a decades-long prison sentence loomed over Dmitry. If he cooperated with American prosecutors, he could lower his sentence. But he’d have to betray his hacking collaborator and best friend, Vladimir Drinkman.

Today, we’re sharing a collection of spooky science stories. You’ll hear about a nightmare in the ocean, a nightmare on land, and even a nightmare … IN YOUR MIND. We talk to scientists including Dr. Olga Shpak and malacologist Jaynee Kim.

In February, Frontier Airlines announced its plan to purchase fellow budget airliner, Spirit. But JetBlue’s surprise competing bid for Spirit sent the three airlines into a messy, public love triangle. WSJ’s Alison Sider reports on how the possible mergers will shake up flying in the U.S.

For more from the Story Pirates, visit storypirates.com/news