A daily podcast about money, business and power.
December 20, 2024
James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon.
The Journal
James Bond This could be 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.
December 19, 2024
Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance
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.
December 18, 2024
Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.
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 ...
December 17, 2024
Why GM Is Giving Up on Cruise Robotaxis
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.
December 16, 2024
The Chip Business Is Booming. Why Isn’t Intel?
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.
December 13, 2024
The Suspected Russian Plot to Set Airplanes on Fire
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.
December 12, 2024
The Biggest Supermarket Merger That Wasn’t
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.
December 11, 2024
Bitcoin Hit $100k. What's Next?
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.
December 10, 2024
The Suspect in the UnitedHealth Killing
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.
December 9, 2024
Assad's Regime Falls. What's Next For Syria?
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.
December 6, 2024
The $6 Million Banana’s Appeal
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.
December 5, 2024
How Target Got Off Target
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.
December 4, 2024
DOGE: The Plan to Downsize the Government
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.
December 3, 2024
How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs
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.”
December 2, 2024
Your Flight Delay Is Probably New York's Fault
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.
November 28, 2024
Canned or Homemade? America’s Biggest Cranberry Company Wins Either Way
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.
November 27, 2024
What the Ceasefire in Lebanon Means for the Middle East
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.
November 26, 2024
Inside Trump's Pick for Treasury Secretary
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.
November 25, 2024
Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on ‘Wicked’
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.
November 22, 2024
Gaetz, Bondi and Trump's Department of Justice
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.
November 21, 2024
The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn't an Athlete — It Was a TV Show
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.
November 20, 2024
How Spirit Airlines Landed in Bankruptcy
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.
November 19, 2024
The Fight for 7-Eleven
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.
November 18, 2024
The Mysterious Fees Inflating Your Grocery Bill
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.
November 15, 2024
The Onion Is Buying Infowars. No Joke.
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.
November 14, 2024
How the U.S. Fell Behind China on Climate Diplomacy
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.
November 13, 2024
Does Warren Buffett Know Something We Don’t?
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.
November 12, 2024
Abortion Was A Winning Issue – Just Not for Kamala Harris
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.
November 8, 2024
The Scramble Is on to Fill Trump’s Cabinet
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.
Red, White and Who? Why Trump Won and Where Democrats Go Next
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?
November 7, 2024
What a Republican Congress Could Mean for Trump
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.
November 6, 2024
How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback
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.
Red, White and Who? It's Trump.
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.
November 5, 2024
What We're Watching for Tonight
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.
November 4, 2024
Harris, Trump and the Inflation Election
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.
November 1, 2024
Child Care Is on the Ballot in One Texas County
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.
Red, White and Who? An Electoral College Blowout?
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?
October 31, 2024
How Waymo Won Over San Francisco
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.
October 30, 2024
Why One Family Rejected Boeing's Latest Offer
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.
October 29, 2024
Former Election Security Head on America’s Biggest Threats
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.
October 28, 2024
Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vladimir Putin
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.
October 25, 2024
Hans Zimmer Isn’t Scared of AI
Hans Zimmer, Academy Award-winning composer, and Golnar Khosrowshahi, CEO of Reservoir Media, discuss AI and the music industry, why human creation is still unique and whether or not Hans approves of The Journal theme music.
Red, White and Who? The Undecided Voters Who Could Decide the Election
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?
October 24, 2024
Sex-Trafficking Charges for Former Abercrombie CEO
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.
October 23, 2024
Stop the Steal 2.0
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.
October 22, 2024
The Mysterious Drones Flying Over U.S. Military Bases
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.
October 21, 2024
Why People Are Thinking Twice About Living in Florida
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.
October 18, 2024
The Missing Minister, Episode 1: The Vanishing of Qin Gang
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.
The Missing Minister, Episode 2: The Affair
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.
The Missing Minister, Episode 3: The Downfall
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.
Red, White and Who? The Desperation Stage
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.
October 17, 2024
Lilly Ledbetter: The Woman Who Fought the Pay Gap
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.
October 16, 2024
How One Teenager Became a Legendary Hacker
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.
October 15, 2024
Listeria, Liverwurst and the Family Feud at Boar's Head
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.
October 11, 2024
The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank’s $3 Billion Fine
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.
Red, White and Who? Foreign Policy and the Rise of Donald Trump Jr.
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.
October 10, 2024
Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About the $1.8 Trillion Deficit
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.
October 9, 2024
Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations
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.
October 8, 2024
The Chinese Hackers Spying on U.S. Internet Traffic
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.
October 7, 2024
Is Asheville No Longer a ‘Climate Haven?’
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.
October 4, 2024
Why Microsoft Wants Three Mile Island's Nuclear Power
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.
Red, White and Who? Veep! Veep! All Eyes On Vance and Walz
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.
October 3, 2024
The Missteps That Led Nike Off Course
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.
October 2, 2024
The Risk of an All-Out War in the Middle East
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.
October 1, 2024
The Big Changes Tearing OpenAI Apart
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 cha...
September 30, 2024
The Justice Department Takes On Visa
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.
September 27, 2024
How Eric Adams Became New York City’s First Indicted Mayor
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.
Red, White and Who? It’s Always the Economy!
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!
September 26, 2024
China, an Alabama Business and a 20-Year Battle
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.
September 25, 2024
Inside the Trump Crypto Bromance
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.
September 24, 2024
Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback
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.
September 23, 2024
The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood
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.
September 20, 2024
The Fed Finally Cut Rates. What Does That Mean?
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.
Red, White and Who? Why Ohio Could Decide the Senate
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.
September 19, 2024
Exploding Pagers and the Risk of a Spreading War
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.
September 18, 2024
A Cocaine Kingpin and the Rise of Drug Violence in Europe
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.
September 17, 2024
Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Drama Goes to Court
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.
September 16, 2024
Why 33,000 Boeing Workers Walked Off the Job
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 commercial and military aircraft.
September 13, 2024
Fraudulent Online Returns Cost Retailers Billions
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.
Red, White and Who? A Swing-State Debate
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?
September 12, 2024
The Fight Over U.S. Steel and the Community Caught in the Middle
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.
September 11, 2024
Testosterone Clinics Sell Virility. Side Effects Sometimes Included.
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.
September 10, 2024
Your New Hire May Be a North Korean Spy
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.
September 9, 2024
How Betting on U.S. Politics Is Getting Big
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.
September 6, 2024
Hot, Dry and Booming: A Texas Climate Case Study
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.
Red, White and Who? How Abortion Plays For Trump and Harris
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?
September 5, 2024
A Fed Insider on the Looming Rate Cut
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.
September 4, 2024
The Rise of the Tween Shopper
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.
September 3, 2024
What's Behind the Arrest of the Telegram CEO?
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 ...
August 30, 2024
For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead
Kamala Harris is trying to step out of President Biden’s shadow without distancing herself from thier 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.
August 29, 2024
Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL
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.
August 28, 2024
Why China Is Risking a Trade War
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.
August 27, 2024
Lending Elon Musk Money Was A Very Bad Bet
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.
August 26, 2024
Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?
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.’
August 23, 2024
Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves) at the DNC
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.
August 22, 2024
Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads
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.
August 21, 2024
The Inside Story of Starbucks’s CEO Drama
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.
August 20, 2024
At the DNC, Democrats Are Divided Over Gaza
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.
August 19, 2024
The Economy: Trump vs. Harris
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.
August 16, 2024
Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track?
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.
August 15, 2024
She Was Google’s First Landlord. And She Changed the Internet.
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.
August 14, 2024
One Man’s Campaign Against DEI
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.
August 13, 2024
China Is Finally Doing Something About the Fentanyl Crisis
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.
August 12, 2024
Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space
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.
August 9, 2024
Will Tracking Cocoa Beans Help Save the Rainforest?
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 t...
August 8, 2024
$25 Billion to Zero: Bill Ackman’s Bungled IPO
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.
August 7, 2024
Judge Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’
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 Go...
August 6, 2024
What the Stock Market Panic Says About the Economy
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.
August 5, 2024
Who is Filing Thousands of Disability Lawsuits Against Businesses?
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.
August 2, 2024
'Phony' and 'Weird.' Trump and Harris Size Each Other Up
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.
August 1, 2024
The Historic U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap
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.
July 31, 2024
Alexa is in Millions of Homes and Amazon is Losing Billions
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.
July 30, 2024
The Paris Olympics’ $1.5 Billion Poop Problem
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.
July 29, 2024
The Slaves Sending You Scam Texts
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.
July 26, 2024
The Week That Changed the Presidential Race
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.
July 25, 2024
The Quest to Save American-Made Antibiotics
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.
July 24, 2024
Kamala Harris, In Context
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.
July 23, 2024
The Glitch That Crashed Millions of Computers
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.
July 22, 2024
Biden Taps Out. Harris Taps In.
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.
July 19, 2024
Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control
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.
July 18, 2024
Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump
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.
July 17, 2024
Russia Tries a WSJ Reporter in a Secret Court
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.
July 16, 2024
Trump Courts the Union Vote
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.
July 15, 2024
The Secret Service’s Failure to Protect Trump
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.
July 12, 2024
Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes
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.
July 11, 2024
The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch
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.
July 10, 2024
Gold Bars, Cash and a Mercedes: A U.S. Senator's Corruption Trial
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.
July 9, 2024
Boeing Agrees to Felony Plea. Now Its Future Is Up in the Air.
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.
July 8, 2024
Coinbase’s CEO on the Future of Crypto
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.
July 5, 2024
McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality And Value. Can It Do Both?
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.
July 3, 2024
Will Biden Stay in the Race?
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.
July 2, 2024
A Troubled Plan to Ship Migrants to Rwanda
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.
July 1, 2024
Trump Has Broad Immunity
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.
June 28, 2024
Farm-to-Table Pioneer on Why We Still Need Better Food
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.
June 27, 2024
All Eyes on Biden, Trump – and CNN
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.
June 26, 2024
How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea
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.
June 25, 2024
The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card
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.
June 24, 2024
Southwest Changed Flying. Can It Change Itself?
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.
June 21, 2024
Zyn pouches, ‘Zynfluencers’ and ‘the Zyndemic’
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.
June 20, 2024
Sam Altman's Opaque Investment Empire
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.
June 18, 2024
How ‘Conflict Gum’ Is Helping Fuel Sudan’s Civil War
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.
June 17, 2024
The Brutal Calculation of Hamas’s Leader
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.
June 14, 2024
Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk
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.
June 13, 2024
The Hidden Life of Google’s Secret Weapon
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.
June 12, 2024
Elon Musk’s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceX
The billionaire founder showed several female employees at SpaceX an unusual amount of attention or pursued them. WSJ's Joseph Palazzolo describes the revelations.
June 11, 2024
New York’s U-Turn on a Plan to Reduce Traffic
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.
June 10, 2024
Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO
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.
June 9, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 4: The Disruptors
The rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs could cause all kinds of ripple effects.
June 7, 2024
‘It Came out of Nowhere’: The Rise of Dr Pepper
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.
June 6, 2024
Why Biden Is Cracking Down on Asylum at the Border
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?
June 5, 2024
Behind Closed Doors, Biden’s Age is Showing
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.
June 4, 2024
A Conversation with Alphabet’s Captain of Moonshots
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.
June 3, 2024
Mexico Has a New President. Will She Be Different?
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.
June 2, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 3: Brad
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.
May 31, 2024
The Origin Story of Trump's Guilty Verdict
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.
May 30, 2024
The Big Short: China Edition
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.
May 29, 2024
The Trustbuster Taking on Ticketmaster
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.
May 28, 2024
$2.8 Billion for College Athletes and a New World for the NCAA
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.
May 26, 2024
Introducing Science Vs - Ozempic: Is It Scarier Than We Thought?
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.
May 24, 2024
The First Person to Get Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip
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.
May 23, 2024
Could Paris Hilton Create the 'Next Disney?'
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.
May 22, 2024
Years After Surfside Collapse, Florida Condos Are In Crisis
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.
May 21, 2024
Why Israel and Hamas Could Be Headed Into a Forever War
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.
May 20, 2024
Did ‘Roaring Kitty’ Just Spark a Meme Stock Sequel?
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.
May 19, 2024
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 2: Bank Breakers
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.
May 17, 2024
The Race to Save an Iconic Train From Falling Into the Ocean
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.
May 16, 2024
The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors
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.
May 15, 2024
Live from Seattle: A Weird Economy + Election = ??
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May 14, 2024
North Korea’s Propaganda Mastermind
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.
May 13, 2024
How FTX Found Billions to Repay Customers
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.
Trillion Dollar Shot, Episode 1: Birth of a Blockbuster
Before Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, there was Lotte Bjerre Knudsen.
May 10, 2024
A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.
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.
May 9, 2024
Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks?
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.
May 8, 2024
The Suitcases Full of Cash Flowing Through Airports
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.
May 7, 2024
Why Is Tesla Pulling Back on EV Charging?
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.
May 6, 2024
The 20,000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary
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.
May 3, 2024
Guns and Death Threats in Canada’s Baby-Eel Fisheries
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.
May 2, 2024
The NBA's Media Rights Are Up for Grabs. Billions Are at Stake.
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.
May 1, 2024
Mayhem at Paramount as Merger Looms
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.
April 30, 2024
Trump Allies Draft Plans to Rein in the Fed
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.
April 29, 2024
Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals
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.
April 26, 2024
JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy
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.
April 25, 2024
Pro-Palestinian Protests and Arrests at U.S. Colleges
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.
April 24, 2024
How Gambling Scandals Are Rocking Sports Leagues
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.
April 23, 2024
Inside the White House's Scramble to Avert a Bigger Middle East War
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.
April 22, 2024
Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Is Underway
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.
April 19, 2024
How Cyber Thieves Are Disrupting U.S. Goods
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.
April 18, 2024
Think It’s Expensive to Buy a Home? Try Owning One.
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.
April 17, 2024
Why the Fed Is Steering Away From Rate Cuts
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.
April 16, 2024
Many Cities Fear the ‘Doom Loop.’ St. Louis is in One.
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.
April 15, 2024
The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink
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.
April 12, 2024
Can the WNBA Cash in on the Caitlin Clark Effect?
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.
April 11, 2024
How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work
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.
April 10, 2024
What Arizona's Abortion Ban Means for the 2024 Election
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.
April 9, 2024
Biden’s New Plan to Cancel Student Debt
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.
April 8, 2024
Why No Labels’ Presidential Campaign Failed to Launch
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.
April 5, 2024
Janet Yellen Has a Warning for China
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.
April 4, 2024
The Failures Inside Boeing's 737 Factory
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.
April 3, 2024
A Deadly Strike on Aid Workers in Gaza
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.
April 2, 2024
The Battle Over Disney’s Board
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.
April 1, 2024
Ryanair: Cheap, Cramped and Making Its CEO a Fortune
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 bonu...
March 29, 2024
Six Days of Chaos at MGM’s Casinos
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.
March 28, 2024
25 Years in Prison from “The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy”
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.
Donald Trump’s Meme Stock Moment
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.
March 27, 2024
The Baltimore Bridge Catastrophe
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.
What Will Sam’s Sentence Be? from "The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy"
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?
March 26, 2024
Will Getting Rid of Bosses Fix the Workplace?
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.
Sam's Life in a Brooklyn Jail from "The Trial of Crypto's Golden Boy"
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.
March 25, 2024
Why the U.S. Government Is Suing Apple
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.
March 22, 2024
Trump Needs $450 Million He Doesn’t Have
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.
March 21, 2024
Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide.
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.
March 20, 2024
Can Reddit’s IPO Survive Its Own Users?
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.
March 19, 2024
Why Women Are Leaving Goldman Sachs
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.
March 18, 2024
How Two Binance Employees Ended Up Detained in Nigeria
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.
March 15, 2024
How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps
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 c...
March 14, 2024
The Cyberattack That’s Roiling Healthcare
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.
March 13, 2024
House Passes Bill to Ban TikTok
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.
March 12, 2024
Rail Unions Normally Hate CEOs. Now They Are Trying to Save One.
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.
March 11, 2024
Chinese-Made Cranes at U.S. Ports: A New Trojan Horse?
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.
March 8, 2024
Why an Ivy League Basketball Team Voted to Unionize
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.
March 7, 2024
How Sam Altman’s Bromance With Elon Musk Turned Toxic
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.
March 6, 2024
Biden vs. Trump: The Rematch Nobody Wants
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.
March 5, 2024
Who Wants Non-Alcoholic Beer? Everyone, Apparently.
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.
March 4, 2024
From Ukrainian Teen to Russian Propaganda Star
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.
March 1, 2024
Can Warner Bros. Uncancel J.K. Rowling?
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.
February 29, 2024
Why the FTC is Challenging a $25 Billion Supermarket Merger
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.
February 28, 2024
The Downfall of Vice
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.
February 27, 2024
Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans
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.
February 26, 2024
The Deepfake Election Has Arrived
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.
February 23, 2024
Influencer Arielle Charnas’s Fashion Fail
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.
February 22, 2024
The Deal That Could Change Credit Cards
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.
February 21, 2024
Fentanyl Is Bad. ‘Tranq’ Might Be Worse.
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.
February 20, 2024
‘It Felt Surreal’: A Cancer Diagnosis at 26
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.
February 16, 2024
Alexei Navalny, Putin’s Loudest Critic, Dies in a Russian Prison
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.
February 15, 2024
The Deal to Hide Bad Actors in the Funeral Industry
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.
February 14, 2024
Sam Altman’s $7 Trillion ‘Moonshot’
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.
February 13, 2024
The Spectacular Fall of 23andMe
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.
February 12, 2024
Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming
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.
February 9, 2024
The Epic Battle Between the 49ers and Their Home City
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.
February 8, 2024
Will the Supreme Court Kick Trump off the Ballot?
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.
February 7, 2024
The Day the Music Died on TikTok
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.
February 6, 2024
Mark Cuban on ‘Shark Tank,’ the Mavs and Elon Musk
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.
February 5, 2024
Money, Drugs, Elon Musk and Tesla's Board
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.
February 2, 2024
The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas
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, t...
February 1, 2024
Why Buying Paramount Global Won't Be Easy
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.
January 31, 2024
Ukraine's $30 Billion Problem
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.
January 30, 2024
Argentina’s New President Takes a Chainsaw to the Country’s Government
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.
January 29, 2024
A Deadly Drone Attack and Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’
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.
January 26, 2024
A Russian Billionaire, an Art Dealer and an Epic Feud
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.
January 25, 2024
How China's BYD Overtook Tesla
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.
January 24, 2024
The Company Taking on Apple’s Watch Technology
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.
January 23, 2024
The Computer Glitch That Caused Nearly 1,000 Convictions
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.
January 22, 2024
Smuggling Migrants Toward the U.S. Is a Booming Business
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.
January 19, 2024
How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet's Favorite Water Bottle
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.
January 18, 2024
What Happens to Privacy in the Age of AI?
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.
January 17, 2024
Food Fight: PepsiCo vs. Carrefour
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.
January 16, 2024
Bitcoin's Long Journey to the Stock Market
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.
January 14, 2024
Artificial: Episode 4, Behind Sam Altman’s Firing
When the OpenAI board ousted CEO Sam Altman last November, very few people knew exactly why. 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.
January 12, 2024
The 2024 College Financial Aid Mess
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.
January 11, 2024
Will Florida’s Plan to Get Cheap Drugs From Canada Work?
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.
January 10, 2024
‘We Were Attacked’: Militants Upend Global Shipping
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.
January 9, 2024
A Hole in a Plane and a Headache for Boeing
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.
January 8, 2024
A Messy Start to the 2024 Presidential Election
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.
January 7, 2024
Artificial: Episode 3, ChatGPT
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.
January 5, 2024
China Wants More Babies. Many Women Are Saying No.
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.
January 4, 2024
Behind the Campaign to Push Harvard’s President Out
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.
January 3, 2024
One Company’s Quest to Burst Apple’s Blue Bubble Texts
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.
January 2, 2024
'The Ultimate Confidence Trickster': The Double Life of a Tech Exec
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.
December 26, 2023
The Taco Tuesday Fight Is Over
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.
December 22, 2023
Mariah Carey on the Rise of Her Christmas Anthem
We are off for the holidays, but still have a great episode for this Christmas weekend.
December 21, 2023
Inside an iPhone Heist
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.
December 20, 2023
What Happened to GM’s All-Electric Bet?
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.
December 19, 2023
Why an AI Pioneer Is Worried
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.
December 18, 2023
Who's Keeping Zombie Malls Alive?
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.
December 15, 2023
The Wonderful Accident Behind a Christmas Classic
“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.
December 14, 2023
Actors Recorded Videos for ‘Vladimir.’ It Turned Into Russian Propaganda.
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.
December 13, 2023
The Mysterious CEO Leading Shein to an IPO
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.
December 12, 2023
Janet Yellen on Inflation and the U.S. Economy
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.
December 11, 2023
Big Donors Clash with Universities Over Antisemitism, Free Speech
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 universi...
December 10, 2023
Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out
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.
December 8, 2023
Does Nikki Haley Have a Chance At Beating Trump?
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.
December 7, 2023
Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram
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.
December 6, 2023
Why Goldman Sachs and Apple Weren't Happily Ever After
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.
December 5, 2023
Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue’s Settlement
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.
December 4, 2023
She Tried to Get Sober. She Got Scammed Instead.
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.
December 3, 2023
Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream
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....
December 1, 2023
Charlie Munger: Curmudgeon, Sage and Investing Legend
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.
November 30, 2023
The Oil Giant Hosting This Year’s U.N. Climate Summit
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.
November 29, 2023
Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture
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.
Introducing - Artificial: The OpenAI Story
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.
November 28, 2023
The Family Drama Inside Estée Lauder
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.
November 27, 2023
The Fall of (Another) Crypto King
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.
November 24, 2023
Pig-Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist
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.
November 22, 2023
November 21, 2023
Cheap Drones Are Transforming the Battlefield
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 Sommerville unpacks the benefits and perils of the use of off-the-shelf drones in modern warfare.
November 20, 2023
OpenAI’s Weekend of Absolute Chaos
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.
November 17, 2023
Why So Many Emergency Rooms Are Failing Kids in America
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.
November 16, 2023
Inflation Is Down. Unemployment Is Low. Is This a Soft Landing?
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.
November 15, 2023
The Actors Strike Is Over. Who Won?
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.
November 14, 2023
The Hospital at the Center of Israel’s War on Hamas
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.
November 13, 2023
China’s Plans for Its Unemployed Youth: Send Them Away
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.
November 10, 2023
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: What Happens Next?
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.
November 9, 2023
He Thought Instagram Was Safe. Then His Daughter Got an Account.
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.
November 8, 2023
Oregonians Decriminalized Hard Drugs. Now Many Regret It.
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.
November 7, 2023
WeWork: From $47 Billion Unicorn to Bankruptcy
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.
November 6, 2023
A Case of Conspiracy in Real Estate
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.
November 3, 2023
'Our Refinery Is On Fire': Two Brothers and a Deadly Explosion
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Guilty On All Counts
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.
November 2, 2023
Would You Pay to Use Instagram Without Ads?
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Closing Arguments
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.
November 1, 2023
The Two Scientists Taking Down Cold Medicines That Don't Work
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.
October 31, 2023
How an Antiques Dealer Uncovered a Massive Museum Heist
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: The Government Grills SBF
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.
October 30, 2023
Workers Win Big as UAW Strike Nears End
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.
October 28, 2023
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Things Sam Is Testifying About
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.
October 27, 2023
TikTok Wants to Be More Like Amazon. Amazon Wants to Be More Like TikTok.
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Bankman-Fried Testifies
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.
October 26, 2023
Mike Who? The New Speaker of the House
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.
October 25, 2023
Two Parents on a Crusade to Free Their Son
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.
October 24, 2023
A Tiny Crew, a Wooden Boat and a Mission to Hit Back at China
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.
October 23, 2023
Will Israel Face a Second Front?
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.
October 20, 2023
A Conversation with OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Mira Murati
Two of the creators of ChatGPT discuss job disruption, data and the ‘person-ness’ of AI chatbots with WSJ’s Joanna Stern.
October 19, 2023
What We Know About the Gaza Hospital Blast
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Where Did The Money Go?
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.
October 18, 2023
Disney Gets Into Gambling
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.
October 17, 2023
The Hostage Crisis in Gaza
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 diplomac...
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Nishad Singh Speaks Up
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.
October 16, 2023
Israel-Hamas War Tests Musk's Content Policies
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.
October 13, 2023
2023: The Year of the Strike
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Cross Examining Caroline Ellison
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.
October 12, 2023
For Palestinians Trapped in Gaza, There's No Way Out
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Caroline Ellison
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.
October 11, 2023
Why the House Still Doesn’t Have a Speaker
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Caroline Ellison Speaks
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-Fri...
October 10, 2023
The War Between Israel and Hamas
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.
October 9, 2023
Introducing: WSJ's Take On the Week
We're off today for the holiday, but we still have an episode for you!
October 7, 2023
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: The First Key Witness
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.
October 6, 2023
What Is Amazon's Secret ‘Project Nessie’?
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.
October 5, 2023
NYC’s Food Delivery Workers Fight for a Minimum Wage
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Opening Arguments
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.
October 4, 2023
Philip Morris Tried to Pivot to Pharmaceuticals. It Didn't Go Well.
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.
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy: Jury Selection
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.
October 3, 2023
Ford vs. GM: A Battle to Shape the Future of EVs in America
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.
October 2, 2023
Why Black Lung Is Rising in Coal Country
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.
October 1, 2023
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy, Episode 2: Imaginary Numbers
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.
September 29, 2023
The Twinkie: From Bankruptcy to Billions
Twinkies have been around for almost a hundred years. During the course of the cake’s history, the company that makes Twinkes 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.
September 28, 2023
The Billionaire Keeping TikTok on Your Phone
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.
September 27, 2023
JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement
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.
September 26, 2023
The Band of Debunkers Busting Bad Scientists
WSJ’s Nidhi Subbaraman on the scientists who moonlight as data detectives and whose discoveries have upended careers.
September 25, 2023
Wagner Group’s New Frontman in Africa
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.
September 24, 2023
The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy, Episode 1: The Limit Does Not Exist
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.
September 22, 2023
A Murder That Sparked a Diplomatic Crisis
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.
September 21, 2023
Media Giant Rupert Murdoch Is Stepping Down
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.
September 20, 2023
Why a Soft Landing for the Economy Could Be Hard
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.
Introducing: The Trial of Crypto’s Golden Boy
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.
September 19, 2023
Why Wells Fargo Is Still Trying to Fix Itself
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.
September 18, 2023
Inside Exxon’s Strategy to Downplay Climate Change
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.
September 15, 2023
‘We’ll Strike All Three’: The UAW’s Historic Walkout
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.
September 14, 2023
A University Spent Lavishly to Attract Students. Enrollment Fell.
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.
September 13, 2023
How Apple Lost to the EU
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.
September 12, 2023
Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode'
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.
September 11, 2023
ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star
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.
September 8, 2023
America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis
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 postp...
September 7, 2023
Spotify's $1 Billion Bet Isn't Going Well
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.
September 6, 2023
Meet the Man Who Has Detroit on Edge
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.
September 5, 2023
New York City’s 'De Facto Ban' on Airbnb
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.
September 4, 2023
One Town's Fight Against 'Forever' Chemicals
Happy Labor Day! We’re bringing you an episode that was originally published in June 2022.
September 1, 2023
What’s Going On With Mitch McConnell?
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.
August 31, 2023
The Showdown Over Medicare's Drug Prices
This week, the U.S. government named 10 drugs that will be subject to the first ever price negotiations by Medicare. WSJ’s Jared Hopkins talks about how this major change came about and pharmaceutical companies’ efforts to stop it.
August 30, 2023
China’s Property Market Crisis
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.
August 29, 2023
The Kiss Rocking Women’s Soccer
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.
August 28, 2023
The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here
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.
August 25, 2023
The New Race to the Moon
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.
August 24, 2023
The Plane Crash That Killed Yevgeny Prigozhin
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.
August 23, 2023
The Other Side of 'The Blind Side'
“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 Andr...
August 22, 2023
Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act
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.
August 21, 2023
Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the Chips Industry
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.
August 18, 2023
The Financial Legacy of the Nuclear Tests on Bikini Atoll
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.
August 17, 2023
Nike’s Sneaky Sneaker Thieves
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.
August 16, 2023
‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires
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.
August 15, 2023
The Prosecutor Bringing a Racketeering Case Against Trump
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.
August 14, 2023
Bankman-Fried Sent to Jail Before Trial
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.
August 11, 2023
Biden's New Move Against Chinese Tech
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.
August 10, 2023
Meet Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Prosecuting Trump
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.
August 9, 2023
A League of Champions Implodes
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.
August 8, 2023
Why Millions of Chinese Young People Are Unemployed
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.
August 7, 2023
Wesleyan's President on Admissions Post-Affirmative Action
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.
August 4, 2023
After 99 Years, Yellow Heads for Bankruptcy. What Went Wrong?
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.
August 3, 2023
How Allbirds Lost Its Footing
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.
August 2, 2023
What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him?
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.
August 1, 2023
Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell. So Builders Are Cashing In.
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.
July 31, 2023
How a Drug Maker Plans to Cut Off Money for Opioid Victims
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.
July 28, 2023
The Case of the Hollywood Shutdown
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.
July 27, 2023
Elon Musk Wants to Build an Everything App
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.
July 26, 2023
A Dramatic Turn in Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal
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.
July 25, 2023
Will the Fed Stop Raising Interest Rates?
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.
July 24, 2023
Texas Took On Border Security. Is It Working?
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 w...
July 21, 2023
Mattel Bets Big on Barbie
"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.
July 20, 2023
FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses
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.
July 19, 2023
The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger
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.
July 18, 2023
A Crypto Ruling Ripples Across the Industry
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.
July 17, 2023
Inside Russia’s Spy Unit Targeting Americans
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.
July 14, 2023
What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables
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.
July 13, 2023
America Is Wrapped in Toxic Lead Cables
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...
July 12, 2023
Microsoft’s Big Win Against the FTC
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.
July 11, 2023
The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT
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.
July 10, 2023
Can Threads Be the ‘Twitter Killer’?
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.
July 9, 2023
With Great Power, Part 4: Endgame
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.
July 7, 2023
With Great Power, Part 3: It’s All Connected
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”?
July 6, 2023
With Great Power, Part 2: Some Assembly Required
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.
July 5, 2023
With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story
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.
July 3, 2023
The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback
We’re off today and tomorrow, but we still have a great episode for you.
June 30, 2023
What One School District Is Doing About Rising Gun Violence
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.
June 29, 2023
The Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action
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.
June 28, 2023
Is There an Ethics Problem at the Supreme Court?
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 just...
Introducing - With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema
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.
June 27, 2023
Who Owns Taco Tuesday?
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.
June 26, 2023
The Mutiny That Shook Putin's Grip on Power
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.
June 23, 2023
The Zombie Mortgages Stalking American Homeowners
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.
June 22, 2023
How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto
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.
June 21, 2023
The War Inside Goldman Sachs
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 gi...
June 20, 2023
Insuring a Home in California Is Getting Harder
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.
June 19, 2023
The Battle over Reparations at Georgetown
We’re off today, but we still have an episode for you!
June 16, 2023
The Unlikely Successor to the George Soros Empire
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.
June 15, 2023
One Small Business Is Booming. So Why Can’t It Get a Loan?
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 Tam...
June 14, 2023
SEC Chair Gary Gensler on His Crypto Crackdown
Kate Linebaugh sat down with SEC Chair Gary Gensler to discuss why the agency is working to reign in crypto.
June 13, 2023
The Government Banker Channeling Billions Into Clean Energy
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 ...
June 12, 2023
How Americans Watch Sports Is Changing
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.
June 9, 2023
United States of America v. Donald J. Trump
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 ...
June 8, 2023
The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?
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.
June 7, 2023
The Downfall of CNN’s CEO
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.
June 6, 2023
A Crypto Exchange Crackdown
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.
June 5, 2023
Apple Bets Big on ‘Nerd Helmets’
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.
June 2, 2023
Italy Caught a Russian Fugitive. Then He Vanished.
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.
June 1, 2023
The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s
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.
May 31, 2023
The Showdown Over Hulu
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.
May 30, 2023
The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire
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...
May 29, 2023
Thousands of Government Officials Own Stocks In Companies Their Agencies Oversee
May 26, 2023
Evicted on Wood Street: California's Housing Crisis
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.
May 25, 2023
Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear?
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.
May 24, 2023
Elon Musk on 2024 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity
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.
May 23, 2023
Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem
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.
May 22, 2023
The Clock Is Ticking on the Debt Ceiling
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.
May 19, 2023
Why Some Companies Keep Getting Away With Higher Prices
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.
May 18, 2023
IRS Might Make Tax Season a Whole Lot Easier
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.
May 17, 2023
Closing the Wealth Gap With a Trust Fund for Babies
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.
May 16, 2023
The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec
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.
May 15, 2023
Twitter's New CEO: The Velvet Hammer
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.
May 12, 2023
Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows
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.
May 11, 2023
The Charges Against George Santos
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.
May 10, 2023
China’s Crackdown on Foreign Consulting Firms
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.
May 9, 2023
What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy
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...
May 8, 2023
Can Bud Light Still Be the Beer for Everyone?
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.
May 5, 2023
What’s Behind the Adderall Shortage?
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.
May 4, 2023
One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation
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...
May 3, 2023
PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda
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.
May 2, 2023
America's Biggest Bank Just Got Bigger
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.
May 1, 2023
The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit
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.
April 28, 2023
Why Disney Is Suing DeSantis
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.
April 27, 2023
Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson
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.
April 26, 2023
Banking Troubles Are Not Over
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.
April 25, 2023
The Debt Ceiling Fight Begins
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's proposal and what’s at stake for the economy.
April 24, 2023
The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession
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 ...
April 21, 2023
Nursing Shortage? There's an App for That
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.
April 20, 2023
How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist
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.
April 19, 2023
Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter’s Detention
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.
April 18, 2023
Two Executives On What It's Like to Stop a Bank Run
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 FDI tried to stabilize a banking crisis.
April 17, 2023
Dominion Voting Systems vs. Fox News
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.
April 14, 2023
The Curtain Closes on Phantom of the Opera
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.
April 13, 2023
An Arrest in the Classified Documents Leak
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.
April 12, 2023
A $175 Million 'Huge Mistake'
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.
April 11, 2023
Baby Powder, Bankruptcy and the Texas Two-Step
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.
April 10, 2023
The Abortion Pill’s Uncertain Future
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.
April 7, 2023
Google CEO Sundar Pichai on How AI Could Change Search
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.
April 6, 2023
How Indonesia Tamed Rainforest Destruction
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.
April 5, 2023
Jack Ma Returns to China and Breaks Up the Company He Built
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.
April 4, 2023
Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts
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.
April 3, 2023
A WSJ Reporter Arrested in Russia
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.
March 31, 2023
The Rise of Chinese Apps
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.
March 30, 2023
Millions of Women Left Work During the Pandemic. Where Are They Now?
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.
March 29, 2023
A Plan to Hack the Planet
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.
March 28, 2023
The Ranking Battle in Higher Ed
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.
March 27, 2023
The Arrest of a Crypto Fugitive
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.
March 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.
March 23, 2023
Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis
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.
March 22, 2023
Yachts, Custom Cars and $36,000 Mattresses: Inside an Alleged Fraud
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.
March 21, 2023
Biden's Flip on Drilling in Alaska
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.
March 20, 2023
Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S.
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.
March 17, 2023
Why Google Is Behind in the AI Race
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.
March 16, 2023
What Just Happened at Credit Suisse?
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.
March 15, 2023
Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs
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.
March 14, 2023
Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic
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.
March 13, 2023
Can the Government Contain a Banking Crisis?
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.
March 10, 2023
The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl
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.
March 9, 2023
The Economy Is Too Hot for the Fed
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.
March 8, 2023
What a New Law in Tennessee Means for Drag
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.
March 7, 2023
When AI Comes for Your Art
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.
March 6, 2023
The FTX Insiders Turning Against Sam Bankman-Fried
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.
March 3, 2023
Conservatives Come for ESG
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."
March 2, 2023
How a Year of Sanctions Is Impacting Russians
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.
March 1, 2023
Will Student Debt Get Canceled? The Supreme Court Decides.
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.
February 28, 2023
America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage
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.
February 27, 2023
What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio?
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 ...
February 24, 2023
Three Ukrainians on Enduring a Year of War
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.
February 23, 2023
The Five People Keeping Bitcoin Alive
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.
February 22, 2023
Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case
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.
February 21, 2023
Two Hotels in Turkey and a Tragic Twist of Fate
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.
February 20, 2023
How TikTok Became the World’s Favorite App
We’re off today for the holiday, but we still have an episode for you!
February 17, 2023
Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom — Which Is It?
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.
February 16, 2023
Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor
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.
February 15, 2023
How CVS Went From Drugstore to Healthcare Juggernaut
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 Matthews unpacks why the deal is happening and how it’s cementing CVS’s status as a healthcare giant.
February 14, 2023
The Price of Dating Apps
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.
February 13, 2023
How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations
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.
February 10, 2023
A Spy Turned Up Dead in Ukraine. Who Was He Working For?
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.
February 9, 2023
Is the Party Over for Best-Selling Drug Humira?
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.
February 8, 2023
Why Is the U.K.'s Free Healthcare Service Falling Apart?
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.
February 7, 2023
Consumers Are Starting to Freak Out
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.
February 6, 2023
The Short Seller Costing the Adani Group Billions
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.
February 3, 2023
China’s Accidental Dissidents
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.
February 2, 2023
'Putin's Chef' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine
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.
February 1, 2023
Hacking the Hackers
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.
January 31, 2023
Ukrainian President Zelensky's Fight Against Corruption
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.
January 30, 2023
Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread
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.
January 27, 2023
Blackouts, Corruption and a Poisoned CEO
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.
January 26, 2023
Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again
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 ...
January 25, 2023
The Unraveling of Stitch Fix
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.
January 24, 2023
Tesla’s Big Price Cut
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.
January 23, 2023
What's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents?
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.
January 20, 2023
What the End of Zero-Covid Means for China
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.
January 19, 2023
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Big Investment: Bitcoin Mining in Kazakhstan
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.
January 18, 2023
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI
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.
January 17, 2023
The Company Behind ChatGPT
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.
January 13, 2023
Could This Be the End of Noncompetes?
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.
January 12, 2023
Miss Universe Is Now Owned by a Woman. Will It Change?
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.
January 11, 2023
The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom
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.
January 10, 2023
Why Protesters Rioted in Brazil’s Capital
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.
January 9, 2023
A Small Bank Bet Big on Crypto. Can It Survive the Crash?
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.
January 6, 2023
What's Up With All the TikTok Bans?
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.
January 5, 2023
The Fight Over the Speaker of the House
For days, the House of Representatives has been at a standstill. A group of conservative lawmakers continues to block Rep. Kevin McCarthy's path to become Speaker of the House. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews explains why some Republicans opposed McCarthy, and what it could take for them to be swayed.
January 4, 2023
How Southwest Airlines Melted Down
Severe winter weather impacted a lot of airlines this holiday season. But only one canceled more than 70% of its flights: Southwest. WSJ’s Alison Sider explains how the airline found itself at the center of one of the worst travel breakdowns in years.
January 3, 2023
What Will the Economy Look Like in 2023?
Last year, inflation hit a 40-year high, dealing a big blow to many consumers. On the other hand, unemployment was low and many workers saw wage gains. WSJ reporters Gwynn Guilford and Rachel Wolfe unpack the confusing currents in the 2022 economy and what to expect this year.
December 26, 2022
See You in 2023
We’re taking a break until 2023. Ryan and Kate and the rest of the team wish you happy holidays as we bring back this Christmas classic.
December 22, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 4: The Reckoning
Two years after launching, Cerebral had become a star in the telemedicine business space. The company had attracted tens of thousands of patients and was valued at close to $5 billion. CEO Kyle Robertson had big plans for the startup, but this spring, those plans started to crumble. WSJ’s Rolfe Winker and Khadeeja Safdar started reporting on Cerebral. Their reporting would lead to federal investiga...
December 21, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 3: Anthony
Anthony Kroll was 17 years old. Too young to have been a Cerebral patient, according to company policy. Too young to get mental-health treatment without his parents’ consent in his home state of Missouri. So how did a minor end up getting a prescription for an antidepressant that required an explicit warning for young adults? What was Cerebral treating him for? And why weren’t Anthony’s parents inf...
December 20, 2022
The Highs and Lows of Diversifying the Cannabis Industry
When Illinois legalized recreational marijuana, the state wanted to create a more diverse cannabis industry. But three years on, only a handful of Black and minority entrepreneurs have been able to open businesses. WSJ reporter Vipal Monga explains why and we hear from one entrepreneur who is hoping to open his dispensary in Chicago after years of setbacks.
December 19, 2022
The Disney Boss Who Wouldn't Let It Go
When Bob Iger stepped down as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he continued to wield influence as executive chairman. His successor in the corner office, Bob Chapek, begrudged Iger’s active role. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains how tensions mounted between the two men and led to a corporate coup that shook Hollywood.
December 16, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 2: Adderall
After some early struggles, Cerebral hit on a lucrative new avenue for growth: prescribing controlled substances. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler investigates how one tightly regulated medicine – Adderall – became crucial to Cerebral’s business. Some former employees take us inside the move into controlled substances and describe feeling pressured by the company to prescribe regulated medications. Cerebral den...
December 15, 2022
What's Allowed on Elon Musk's Twitter?
Elon Musk has been changing Twitter’s rules about speech and safety since he took over the company. WSJ’s Alexa Corse explains how Twitter's content moderation has evolved since the acquisition.
December 14, 2022
Are Apple and China Breaking Up?
For more than 20 years, Apple has relied on China to produce a majority of its products, especially its iPhones. But there have also been issues. As WSJ’s Aaron Tilley reports, recent turmoil at Chinese manufacturing facilities is disrupting Apple’s business and forcing the company to look elsewhere.
December 13, 2022
The Charges Against FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried
About a month after his crypto exchange firm FTX collapsed, Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested. Federal prosecutors have charged the self-appointed crypto savior with eight counts of fraud and conspiracy, and two regulatory agencies are suing him. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich unpacks the charges.
December 12, 2022
Russia’s Campaign to Leave Ukraine in the Dark
For the last two months, Russian airstrikes on Ukraine’s power grid have caused prolonged blackouts across the country. Now, millions of people are living without reliable electricity, water and heat. WSJ’s Ian Lovett and a cafe owner in Kyiv on life without power.
December 9, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 1: Subscribe and Prescribe
Cerebral is a tech startup that set out to provide access to mental-health services and wound up under federal investigation. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler and Khadeeja Safdar take us back to the origins of the company, exploring the ideas that laid the foundation for explosive growth.
December 8, 2022
Elon Musk's Boring Company Is Ghosting Cities
Elon Musk’s Boring Company hasn’t done much to alleviate “soul-destroying traffic” despite its initial promises to several cities. We talk with WSJ’s Ted Mann about what's behind Boring's poor track record and with a transportation official in California about what Musk promised her county.
December 7, 2022
Iran’s Protests Show No Signs of Slowing Down
In September, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the morality police, who arrested her for allegedly violating Iran’s dress code. Afterwards, protests erupted across the country. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explains how the death of one woman has led to calls to overthrow the government.
December 6, 2022
‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF
Sam Bankman-Fried is the founder and ex-CEO of FTX, the crypto exchange that recently filed for bankruptcy. WSJ reporter Alexander Osipovich sat down with him to talk about what happened and how $8 billion of customer money went missing.
Introducing - Uncontrolled Substances: The Cerebral Story
Cerebral was a buzzy Silicon Valley startup that set out to transform mental-health services in the U.S. In just a couple of years, the company attracted thousands of patients, raised hundreds of millions of dollars and partnered with star Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. But some people who worked at Cerebral say that, along the way, the company's focus on growth interfered with patient care. And now...
December 5, 2022
How the White House Blocked a Rail Strike
Major freight railroads and unions have been locked in a labor dispute for years. But last Friday, President Biden signed a bill passed by Congress forcing a deal onto both parties. We talk to WSJ’s Esther Fung about why a rail strike would have been devastating, and a railroad signalman lays out what the deal means for him.
December 2, 2022
How Jiang Zemin Made China a Global Superpower
Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin died this week at 96. As WSJ’s Charles Hutzler explains, Jiang was known for policies that guided China towards a market-oriented economy, but also for being uncompromising on challenges to the Communist Party.
December 1, 2022
An Exit Interview With Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci - the U.S. Chief Medical Advisor - is retiring after more than 50 years of government service. We speak to him about the biggest challenges in his career and if he believes Covid is behind us.
November 30, 2022
Beyond Meat Loses Its Sizzle
Beyond Meat, the maker of plant-based meat alternatives, has been a darling of the food startup world. In 2019, it had one of the most successful initial public offerings by a major company in more than two decades. But now sales are down, its stock is slumping and its workforce is shrinking, WSJ's Jesse Newman unpacks Beyond's problems.
November 29, 2022
China's Biggest Protests in Decades
After years of strict Covid restrictions, people are taking to the streets in cities across China. But they’re not just protesting zero-Covid, they’re voicing displeasure with Xi Jinping himself. WSJ’s Brian Spegele gives us an inside view of the protests rocking China.
November 28, 2022
The Surprising Origins of Russia’s Drones
In recent months, Russia has ramped up its use of drones in its war on Ukraine. As Ukrainian analysts have begun dissecting some of the unmanned aircraft, they’ve uncovered a complex web of suppliers. WSJ’s Ian Talley explains.
November 23, 2022
Elon Musk's 'Extremely Hardcore' Twitter
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter four weeks ago, thousands of employees have been laid off, fired or decided to leave the company. WSJ's Alexa Corse explains what the company's leaner staff could mean for the platform.
November 22, 2022
What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer
Inflation is driving American consumers to pinch pennies, and Walmart is taking note. The retailing giant says its customers are increasingly price-conscious. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer says to keep prices low, Walmart is flexing its muscles with suppliers.
November 21, 2022
A Controversial World Cup Begins in Qatar
One of the biggest sports events of the year began yesterday in Qatar, but there have been a lot of bumps along the way. From the abuse of stadium construction workers to a ban on beer – WSJ's Joshua Robinson on the controversies surrounding Qatar’s World Cup.
November 18, 2022
The Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Debacle
Millions of Taylor Swift fans tried unsuccessfully to buy advance tickets for her Eras Tour, Swift’s first in five years. And after overwhelming demand throttled Ticketmaster’s website, a public sale of tickets has been called off. WSJ's Anne Steele explains what happened and why Ticketmaster is getting heat.
November 17, 2022
A Historically Bad Year to Retire
For decades, investing in a mix of stocks and bonds was one of the safest ways to save for retirement. But this year, that strategy has stopped working. WSJ’s Akane Otani breaks down the unique market conditions of today’s economy that are causing so much pain for retirees.
November 16, 2022
The Fall of Crypto's Golden Boy
Until last week, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was the face of crypto. Admirers saw him as an approachable, friendly billionaire eager to deploy his wealth for good. Then his crypto empire imploded, leaving hundreds of thousands of investors’ assets in doubt. WSJ’s Greg Zuckerman profiles the man behind FTX.
November 15, 2022
The Downfall of a $300 Million Sneaker King
Zadeh Kicks, founded by Michael Malekzadeh, was once the hottest sneaker reseller on the market. It offered some coveted, limited edition shoes for cheap – a dream for sneakerheads who wanted to flip them for more money. But now Zadeh Kicks has dissolved. WSJ's Inti Pacheco explains how sneaker giant Malekzadeh came undone.
November 14, 2022
RSV Is Bad. Where's the Vaccine?
Every winter, the respiratory virus RSV lands tens of thousands of babies and young children in hospitals around the country. This year, the outbreak started early. WSJ's Denise Roland explains the challenges of creating an RSV vaccine.
November 11, 2022
Introducing Bad Bets Season 2: The Unraveling of Trevor Milton
Bad Bets is WSJ’s podcast series that unravels big-business dramas that have had a big impact on our world. In season two, reporter Ben Foldy delves into the story of Nikola founder Trevor Milton, who promised a future of zero-emission trucks that could revolutionize the industry. At its peak, Nikola’s publicly traded stock was worth more than Ford Motor Co.’s—until a ragtag group of whistleblowers...
November 10, 2022
How Crypto Giant FTX Suddenly Imploded
Once a leader in the world of cryptocurrency, Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto exchange FTX is scrambling for funds. It’s now facing a shortfall of $8 billion after Binance walked away from a rescue attempt. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff on what this means for the crypto ecosystem.
November 9, 2022
Why the Red Wave Didn’t Happen
Republicans were expecting to come away with sizable wins in the midterm elections on Tuesday. But as the results come in, it's clear that those hopes have been dashed. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains where the election stands — and what it means for the GOP.
November 8, 2022
Banks’ Alliance to Fight Climate Change is on the Rocks
A year ago, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the biggest players in the financial world joined together to incorporate carbon emissions into their most fundamental decisions. As the summit reconvenes in Egypt, the group is on the rocks. WSJ’s David Benoit explains why.
November 7, 2022
Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers
Elon Musk is now in charge of Twitter, and his shake-up of the company is making advertisers nervous. All kinds of brands have started pausing their ad spending. WSJ’s Suzanne Vranica explains what Musk is doing to rein in the losses.
November 4, 2022
How TikTok Became The World’s Favorite App
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.
November 3, 2022
Show Me the Money: More Job Listings Have Salary Details
Companies trying to hire in New York City had to revamp their job postings this week. A new law requires salary ranges on all job postings, the latest in a wave around the U.S. WSJ's Chip Cutter and Ben Cohen explain how the law can affect the power dynamics between workers and employers and how companies might try to find workarounds.
November 2, 2022
Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist
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 in total. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how pig-butchering works and one victim shares how it’s impacted her.
November 1, 2022
Meta’s Metaverse Mess
About a year after Mark Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook as Meta Platforms Inc., internal documents show the company's transition to the metaverse is not going smoothly. WSJ’s Salvador Rodriguez explains how glitchy technology and declining monthly users are complicating Meta’s big metaverse push.
October 31, 2022
How High Will Interest Rates Go?
For months the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates at a fast and furious pace to combat inflation. Now some Fed officials are advocating for a slower, steadier approach. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains the debate within the Fed over just how high interest rates should go.
October 28, 2022
The Rise of the Minions
Minions, the yellow, pill-shaped sidekicks that debuted in the 2010 animated film “Despicable Me," have emerged as one of the best-known franchises in recent Hollywood history. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel explains the mix of luck and strategy that made the Minions so successful.
October 27, 2022
Disney CEO Bob Chapek on Whether the Company Is “Too Woke”
Disney CEO Bob Chapek talks with WSJ’s Editor in Chief Matt Murray about the challenges of weathering controversies and keeping his nearly 100 year-old company relevant.
October 26, 2022
The Collapsing U.S.-Saudi Relations
An unofficial oil-for-security pact between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia has survived 15 presidents and seven kings, but is now fracturing under two leaders who don’t like each other. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin explains why the U.S. and Saudi Arabia’s relationship has hit a new low.
October 25, 2022
Is Big Money Souring Pickleball?
Pickleball is a big dill. It’s also the fastest-growing sport in America. Meanwhile, superstar investors like Tom Brady and LeBron James are pouring cash into pro pickleball. WSJ’s Sara Bosworth explains the rise of the paddle sport and why investors are flocking to it.
October 24, 2022
The Rise of Botox and the Wrinkle in Its Future
No longer just for celebrities, Botox's multi-billion dollar success has helped kickstart a new industry of medical cosmetic procedures. But now, a competitor is on the horizon. WSJ's Rory Satran and Jared Hopkins on the new anti-wrinkle shot that's trying to take on Botox.
October 21, 2022
Why Florida's Coast Is Becoming the 'Preserve of the Wealthy'
Stronger hurricanes, higher insurance premiums and stricter building codes are changing who can afford life on the coast. After Hurricane Ian, WSJ's Arian Campo-Flores headed to southwestern Florida to see how the state's coastal communities are faring and transforming.
October 20, 2022
Will There Be a Recession? America's Top Bankers Weigh In
The CEOs of the nation’s largest banks, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, are sending different messages about the economy. One is more optimistic, the other more pessimistic. WSJ’s Ben Eisen explains what’s driving their differences.
October 19, 2022
How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions
Southern Florida is awash with empty luxury properties. For one Miami couple and their accomplices, that looked like prime hunting ground for nearly $10 million in mortgage fraud. Their targets? Venezuela’s sanctioned elite. As WSJ’s Konrad Putzier reports, it was fun while it lasted.
October 18, 2022
How a New 'Anti-Woke' Bank Stumbled
A new banking startup, GloriFi, was created to counter a perception among some conservatives that mainstream banks are too liberal. But despite major investment and celebrity backing, GloriFi now finds itself in disarray and on the verge of bankruptcy. WSJ’s Rachel Ensign breaks down the latest.
October 17, 2022
How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy
As China’s top leaders gather for the 20th Communist Party congress, all eyes are on China’s economy. A decade ago, President Xi Jinping set out his “China Dream" and promised it would boost the economy. But as WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains, Xi’s state-centered approach isn’t delivering on that vision.
October 14, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 4: Why Build a World?
Second Life never went mainstream. But just because the platform wasn’t for everyone doesn’t mean it wasn’t for anyone. In part 4 of our series, we talk to longtime Second Life users about the lives they’ve built in the metaverse and what virtual worlds have to offer.
October 13, 2022
Government Officials and Their Stocks
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.
October 12, 2022
Does the Future of Streaming Look More Like Cable?
In the last few years, streaming has overtaken cable as the go-to means of watching TV. But as more streaming platforms flood the market, the industry’s major players are finding it harder to grow. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel says companies are finding new solutions in the old cable bundle playbook.
October 11, 2022
Ukraine Makes a Deal with Wall Street
The war in Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on the country and rebuilding will be expensive, estimated in the tens of billions. WSJ's Matt Wirz tells the story of one Ukrainian official's unconventional plan to win over Wall Street and help keep his country afloat.
October 10, 2022
Are Rotisserie Chickens ‘Inflation-Proof’?
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.
October 7, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 3: Prime Time
By 2007, Second Life seemed on track for a commercial breakthrough. And then, an opportunity came along to get in front of a truly mainstream audience: a starring role on one of TV’s biggest shows. In part 3 of our series: Second Life’s ascension to prime time, and the hurdles that threw its success into question.
October 6, 2022
The U.K. Tried to Stimulate Growth. It Got Backlash Instead.
The U.K. government has U-turned on one part of a plan to make major tax cuts after markets reacted violently to it. WSJ's Max Colchester explains why the government's attempt to boost growth did the opposite.
October 5, 2022
Elon Musk Wants to Buy Twitter After All
Facing an impending deposition, a trial date and the potential release of more private text messages, billionaire Elon Musk said he wants to proceed with his purchase of Twitter at the original $44-billion offer. But will he be able to avert the Oct. 17th trial? WSJ’s Cara Lombardo on the topsy-turvy deal.
October 4, 2022
Losing in the War, Putin Raises the Stakes
As Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine sputters, he's escalating tensions. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains how Putin's ramping up the stakes both in the ground war in Ukraine and in his economic war with the West.
October 3, 2022
The Former MoviePass CEO on What Went Wrong
MoviePass took off like a rocket when it unveiled a $9.95 monthly service in 2017 that allowed customers to see a movie a day in theaters. But its crash was just as spectacular as its rise. Now, the service is coming back under new management. Mitch Lowe, the former CEO, talks about what went wrong.
September 30, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 2: Avatars Behaving Badly
When Second Life officially launched in 2003, it had one guiding principle for all new users: Be Nice. But those users showed up with their own ideas about how to behave in a virtual world. In Part 2 of How to Build a Metaverse, Linden Lab — the company that created Second Life — wrestles with how to govern its new world.
September 29, 2022
The Pros and Cons of a Strong U.S. Dollar
The U.S. dollar is dramatically increasing in value. WSJ’s Julia-Ambra Verlaine unpacks what this means for the U.S. and other countries.
September 28, 2022
The Four-Day School Week Is Here
To combat a teacher shortage, some school districts across the country are adopting a four-day week. WSJ’s Ben Chapman explains the pros and cons, and a superintendent in Missouri talks about how parents and teachers are reacting.
September 27, 2022
The Republican Push to Flip Latino Voters
Ahead of the midterm elections, Republicans are working to rally support among Latinos. Once a solidly Democratic bloc, Latinos are becoming a swing group, as recent contests have shown in states like Nevada. We head to East Las Vegas to speak with voters and politicos about the shifting dynamics.
September 26, 2022
The Cheating Accusation Rocking Competitive Chess
The chess world has been gripped by drama after world champion Magnus Carlsen accused newcomer Hans Moke Niemann of cheating. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton explains how the whole fiasco is threatening to taint the sanctity of the 1,500-year-old game.
September 23, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 1: Genesis
Nearly two decades before companies like Meta began pouring billions of dollars into the metaverse, a little company called Linden Lab already had one. In Part 1 of our series, we meet the programmers who built Second Life -- a 3-D virtual world where users could be and do whatever they could imagine. And we meet the intrepid users who were the pioneers of this brave new world.
September 22, 2022
People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump
Yesterday, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, three of his children and two other longtime officials at the Trump Organization. The AG’s fraud complaint seeks a list of penalties including $250 million dollars. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey discusses the lawsuit and what it means.
September 21, 2022
Puerto Rico's Long Struggle to Keep the Lights On
Hurricane Fiona battered Puerto Rico’s shores, causing an island-wide blackout over the weekend. Now, more than a million people are still waiting for the lights to turn back on. WSJ’s Andrew Scurria explains that the company brought in to fix the grid hasn’t made much progress.
September 20, 2022
The Fed's Plan to Curb Inflation
Inflation is at a decades long high and this week the Federal Reserve is expected to approve another rate increase to help curb it. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos discusses the thinking behind the strategy and some of the risks it poses.
September 19, 2022
The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe
Each time you use your credit card, businesses pay a fee. Merchants have pushed back for years, and there are now two bills in Congress aiming to limit those fees. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why companies like Visa and Mastercard set fees in the first place, and what Congress hopes to do about it.
Introducing - How to Build a Metaverse
We’re in a metaverse déjà vu moment. Companies are spending billions of dollars creating new metaverses, imagining a 3D virtual future. But there’s a metaverse that’s already been around for decades. In this world, people have started businesses, built homes and fallen in love as avatars.
September 16, 2022
Who Is Long Covid Hurting?
Stuart Smith used to enjoy driving fast cars, kayaking and flying planes. But the mysterious condition known as “long Covid” has upended his personal and professional life. We spoke with Smith, a lawyer whose career was cut short after he got sick, and WSJ’s Sumathi Reddy and Gwynn Guilford about the economic and emotional impacts of long Covid.
September 15, 2022
Ukraine Shifts the War With a Surprise Attack
In a matter of days, Ukrainian forces liberated thousands of square miles of Russian-occupied territory. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore explains why the offensive took Russia by surprise and shifted the balance of the war.
September 14, 2022
Who Should Pay for Pakistan's Historic Flood?
Over the summer, unusual monsoons in Pakistan have led to disastrous flooding. More than 30 million people are impacted, and much of the country’s agricultural sector is underwater. WSJ’s Saeed Shah explains how climate change is affecting Pakistan, and who the country's government believes should foot the bill.
September 13, 2022
Diving Deep for Battery Metals
As the world shifts toward green alternatives like electric vehicles and solar power, demand for metals needed for batteries has skyrocketed. WSJ’s Yusuf Khan explains mining companies are turning to a new source for metals like cobalt and manganese: the ocean floor.
September 12, 2022
The Media Mogul Taking an Ax to Hollywood
Is David Zaslav Hollywood’s white knight, or a Trojan horse? The new CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery is sitting atop a huge media empire. WSJ’s Joe Flint profiles Zaslav’s cost-cutting across some of the biggest properties in media, and explores what that might mean for our watchlists.
September 9, 2022
A Queen's Legacy and a King's Future
During the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth, she led the British monarchy through a period of huge change and weathered many scandals. WSJ's Max Colchester explains why her death is such a significant moment for the royals, and what it means for the future of the family business.
September 8, 2022
A Battle of Wills Over Russian Energy
Russia has shut off Nord Stream, the main pipeline exporting natural gas to Europe. The move comes as Europe faces a growing energy crisis. Meanwhile, Western countries continue to ratchet up energy sanctions against Moscow because of its war on Ukraine. WSJ’s Joe Wallace unpacks how Russia gained the advantage in the fight over energy.
September 7, 2022
Jackson Water Crisis Is Harbinger for Other Cities
Floods in Jackson, Miss. inundated the city's main water treatment plant, leaving most residents without drinking water. WSJ's Rachel Wolfe says much of the nation's water infrastructure is aging and in disrepair, and many cities could face their own impending crises.
September 6, 2022
The U.K.'s New Prime Minister Faces an Economic Crisis
The U.K.’s Conservative Party has elected a new Prime Minister - Liz Truss. She’s coming to power amidst spiraling inflation and rapidly rising energy prices. But what can she do to fix it? WSJ’s Max Colchester explains.
September 2, 2022
Lauded in the West, Shunned at Home: Gorbachev’s Divisive Legacy
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, died earlier this week at 91. His efforts to reform the Communist state and allow greater freedoms won him rockstar status in the West. But as WSJ’s Ann M. Simmons explains, Gorbachev’s legacy in Russia is much more mixed.
September 1, 2022
Are Carbon Credits Still Working?
Under renewed pressure to address carbon emissions, global companies have spent millions on carbon credits. WSJ's Shane Shifflett explains that some of these credits are not actually very effective.
August 31, 2022
The Suicide Hotline Overhaul
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been around for nearly 20 years. And over the years, an increase in the volume of calls has strained its call centers, leaving some calls unanswered. WSJ's Brianna Abbott discusses the effort to replace the Lifeline with a simpler, more responsive number: 988.
August 30, 2022
The Booming, Unregulated Marketplace for Abortion Pills
As some U.S. states tighten abortion restrictions, an anonymous online market for abortion pills is thriving. Dozens of websites offer to ship abortion drugs anywhere in the U.S. without requiring a prescription, which violates Food and Drug Administration rules. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen explores this unregulated marketplace.
August 29, 2022
Who Is the Twitter Whistleblower?
Last week, Twitter’s former head of security emerged as a whistleblower. Better known as "Mudge", Pieter Zatko started his career as a hacker. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains Twitter's alleged security issues.
August 26, 2022
CDC Director on Her Plans to Shake Up the Agency
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's director, Rochelle Walensky, is looking to reorganize the agency in the wake of what she called "some pretty dramatic, pretty public mistakes" during the pandemic. We talk to her about some of the CDC's fumbles and how she thinks the agency could do better.
August 25, 2022
Breaking Down Student Debt Relief
On Wednesday, President Biden announced the largest cancellation of student debt in U.S. history. WSJ's Gabriel T. Rubin walks us through how the plan came together and what it means for borrowers.
August 24, 2022
A LIV Executive on Upending the Business of Golf
The goal of LIV is to disrupt golf as fans know it. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, they’ve proposed new game formats and offered players hundreds of millions of dollars - leading to a major rift with the PGA Tour. We talk with LIV’s Chief Operating Officer, Atul Khosla, about the controversy that surrounds LIV and its vision for the future of golf.
August 23, 2022
The Fight Over Water in the West
The Colorado River is experiencing a massive drought. Last week, the federal government told the states that rely on the Colorado River to cut their water usage drastically. WSJ’s Jim Carlton explains the growing battle over water.
August 22, 2022
What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond?
Bed Bath & Beyond is facing big concerns about its future. A high-profile stockholder dumped his shares last week, the stock price is tanking and a big bet on private label brands isn't paying off. WSJ's Suzanne Kapner explains how the home goods retailer got itself into trouble.
August 19, 2022
Why Private Equity Is Buying Up Car Washes
Private equity firms are gobbling up car washes. WSJ's Miriam Gottfried explains how the humble car wash evolved into such a lucrative business investment.
August 18, 2022
An Energy CEO on the Winding Path to a Green Grid
This week, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, directing billions of dollars to tackle climate change. We speak to Pedro Pizarro, the CEO of Edison International, one of America’s largest utility companies, about what this bill means for the energy sector.
August 17, 2022
The Fight Over Afghanistan’s Money
Afghanistan's central bank has $7 billion frozen in the U.S. As the country faces mounting economic and humanitarian crises, WSJ’s Jessica Donati explains the complicated negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban over what to do with the money.
August 16, 2022
Electric Cars Need Lithium. Can Chile Provide It?
Lithium is a key component of batteries in electric vehicles, and a lot of it is underground in South America. WSJ’s Ryan Dube explains why it’s so complicated to get this metal out of Chile and Bolivia, and what that means for the transition to greener energy.
August 15, 2022
Why Ben & Jerry’s Is Suing its Parent Company Over Israel
Ben & Jerry's has an unusual agreement with its parent company, Unilever, which let the activist brand keep its corporate social justice mission. But now Ben & Jerry's is taking on Unilever in court to figure out just how far they are allowed to go. WSJ's Saabira Chaudhuri discusses the dispute over selling their ice cream in Israeli territories.
August 12, 2022
A Business Tries to Solve a Town’s Housing Problem
The Pella Corporation, manufacturer of windows and doors, is headquartered in a small town in Iowa. When a shortage of housing and amenities hindered its ability to hire and grow, the company decided to tackle some of these problems themselves. WSJ’s Charity Scott tells the complicated tale of a modern company town.
August 11, 2022
The Private Equity Lobby Wins Again
The private equity lobby notched another victory in their fight to pay low taxes on the fees they charge after Democrats tried – and failed – to change this in their Tax and Climate Bill. WSJ Julie Bykowicz discusses how they managed to do it.
August 10, 2022
How Teen Gamers Built a Billion Dollar Business
In 2010, a handful of teenage boys started posting gaming montages on YouTube, under the name FaZe Clan. More than a decade later, the group is a global e-sports and lifestyle brand worth more than a billion dollars on the NASDAQ. CEO Lee Trink and founding FaZe Clan member Yousef Abdelfattah — better known as FaZe Apex — explain how the company got there.
August 9, 2022
Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago
FBI agents searched former President Donald Trump's Florida home looking for classified documents. WSJ's Alex Leary discusses what we know about the investigation and some of the potential consequences of the raid.
August 8, 2022
How Much Will Alex Jones Pay for his Sandy Hook Lie?
A Texas jury ordered the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to pay nearly $50 million for lying about the Sandy Hook shooting. But after Jones’ company filed for bankruptcy, there are questions about when — and how much — he’ll actually pay. WSJ’s Rob Copeland and Jonathan Randles talk about the case and the upcoming bankruptcy battle.
August 5, 2022
Europe Is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?
Europe is stepping up its coal consumption as it tries to reduce reliance on Russian energy. WSJ’s Juan Forero and Phred Dvorak explain why Europe needs coal so badly, and what the consequences will be for the continent’s transition to cleaner energy.
August 4, 2022
The Promise and Peril of One Self Driving Truck Company
Autonomous trucking company TuSimple has an ambitious goal: eliminate humans from behind the wheel and teach big rigs to drive themselves. But recently, as WSJ's Heather Somerville reports, a traffic accident brought to light technical and safety shortcomings.
August 3, 2022
Why Everyone Is Mad at Instagram
In response to competition from TikTok, Instagram is making big changes to its app. But a lot of users are upset about it. WSJ’s Salvador Rodriguez explains how the company is responding to the backlash, and what it means for parent company Meta.
August 2, 2022
The Biotech Founder Facing Murder Charges
Enochian Biosciences co-founder Serhat Gumrukcu was working to build a name for himself in biotech. But earlier this year, he was arrested in a purported plot to kill an associate. WSJ’s Joseph Walker tells the story of Gumrukcu’s rise and what prosecutors allege happened.
August 1, 2022
Kansas’ Big Abortion Vote
On Tuesday, Kansans will vote on a constitutional amendment that could lead to abortion restrictions or an outright ban. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto explains how Kansas became the biggest abortion battleground since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
July 29, 2022
Are We in a Recession? It’s Complicated.
Yesterday, government data showed that the economy shrank for the second quarter in a row, a common definition of a recession. The WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains why that doesn't mean the U.S. is in one and looks at what needs to change before he starts using the "R" word.
July 28, 2022
Rent the Runway’s CEO on How it Survived the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Rent the Runway, a company that rents designer clothing, saw half its customers pause or cancel their monthly subscriptions. Jennifer Hyman, the CEO, talks about how she retooled the business to survive the shock, and the challenges that still remain.
July 27, 2022
The Company Behind the World's Only Monkeypox Vaccine
The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency as worldwide cases exceed 19,000. WSJ's Denise Roland tells the story of how a Danish company's rarely used smallpox vaccine became the only licensed shot against monkeypox, and how the company's scrambling to meet global demand.
July 26, 2022
How a Crypto Bank Went Bankrupt
Cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network promoted itself as better than a bank, but now it's filed for bankruptcy. WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone discusses the company’s promise, fall, and what it could mean for regulation in the cryptocurrency marketplace.
July 25, 2022
Is Healthcare Amazon's Next Big Thing?
E-commerce giant Amazon is acquiring the primary-care practice One Medical, giving it about 180 clinics across roughly two dozen U.S. markets. We talk with WSJ’s Sebastian Herrera about Amazon’s track record in health care so far and why it’s investing in the industry.
July 22, 2022
Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.
WSJ's Fashion Director Rory Satran explains how Shein, now valued at $100 billion, used social media to dominate the fast-fashion industry, and why it’s now facing intense criticism from sustainable shoppers.
July 21, 2022
A Fight in Elon Musk's Inner Circle
Most billionaires are surrounded by people who manage their money and philanthropy but Elon Musk has had just one man to do that job... until recently. WSJ’s Rob Copeland tells the story of a newcomer who disrupted Musk's inner circle.
July 20, 2022
Netflix Turns to Ads
Netflix had a second straight quarter of subscriber losses. Now the streaming giant is making big changes, including adding ads, which the company had long avoided. WSJ’s Sarah Krouse says ads will be part of the solution as the streaming platform looks to right the ship.
July 19, 2022
Why Amazon is Dialing Back Its Own Brands
Amazon tried to grow the sales of its private label brands, like AmazonBasics, by adding more products. But rather than juice sales, it’s created new headaches — especially with regulators. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli explains why Amazon is starting to scale back.
July 18, 2022
Somalia's Hunger Crisis
Droughts, the global pandemic and political instability have put many Somalis on the brink of starvation. But now, the war in Ukraine has pushed even more over the edge. The victims include children, who are most at risk of dying from hunger. Our colleague Gabriele Steinhauser visited Somalia last month to speak to the people bearing the brunt of a global food shortage.
July 15, 2022
Why The James Webb Telescope Nearly Didn't Make It
The James Webb Space Telescope was almost an epic failure. More than 20,000 scientists worked together for over 30 years, but when NASA appointed Greg Robinson to direct the project, things finally came together. We hear from Robinson and WSJ’s Ben Cohen about the engineering breakthroughs— and management finesse— that launched the world’s best telescope into space.
July 14, 2022
The Roots of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka’s escalating political and economic crises came to a head this week when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and submitted his resignation. WSJ’s Philip Wen describes the roots of the crisis -- and what pushed this highly indebted nation over the edge, into rolling blackouts and shortages of food, fuel and medicine.
July 13, 2022
Rural America Is Still Waiting for Fast Internet
For decades, the Federal Communications Commission has tried to close the digital divide between cities and rural communities. In a 2020 auction, it allocated funding to a private telecom company to expand high-speed internet coverage. WSJ’s Ryan Tracy explains why one company has struggled to deliver on its big promises.
July 12, 2022
The Battle to Get Brittney Griner Home
One of the WNBA 's biggest stars has been in Russian prison since February, when she was arrested on drug charges. While fans clamor for her release, WSJ's Louise Radnofsky explains why it's going to be a difficult task for the U.S. to get her back.
July 11, 2022
Elon Musk Doesn't Want to Buy Twitter Anymore
Elon Musk says he wants to pull out of his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. The social media company responded by saying it plans to sue. WSJ's Jason Dean discusses the latest and what might be next.
July 1, 2022
Two Friends Pulled Apart by a Changing Hong Kong
25 years ago, Britain handed Hong Kong back to China. We meet two Hong Kong artists whose friendship has survived personal, political and creative differences in a shared art studio for 13 years. Now, with China exerting more power, one of them is choosing to leave the city for good.
June 30, 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.
June 29, 2022
Is Nuclear Power Poised for a Comeback?
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.
June 28, 2022
The ‘Existential Threat’ Facing Big Tobacco
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.
June 27, 2022
Murder in the Amazon
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.
June 24, 2022
The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade
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.
June 23, 2022
June 22, 2022
The CEO Scandal at WWE
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.
June 21, 2022
'We Are Helpless': Indian Heat Wave Hurts Mango Farmers
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.
June 17, 2022
Is BTS Breaking Up?
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.
June 16, 2022
Amazon Went Big During the Pandemic. Now It’s Feeling the Hangover.
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.
June 15, 2022
Celebrities Loved Crypto and NFTs. Then the Markets Crashed.
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.
June 14, 2022
The Teen Jobs Boom
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.
June 13, 2022
The Saudi Money Splitting Golf
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.
June 10, 2022
Hack Me If You Can, Part 1: The Making of a Russian Hacker
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.
Hack Me If You Can, Part 2: Counterstrike
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.
Hack Me If You Can, Part 3: The Infiltrator
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.
June 9, 2022
The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines
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.
June 8, 2022
The Most Hated Solar Company in America
Earlier this week, President Biden announced emergency measures to get the solar power industry moving again after a major standstill that had pitted domestic manufacturers against solar panel installers. WSJ’s Phred Dvorak explains how tiny Auxin Solar became the most-hated solar company in America.
June 7, 2022
FanDuel CEO on Sports Gambling's Big Boom
More than a dozen states have legalized online sports gambling since the Supreme Court repealed a federal ban in 2018. That's opened doors for a burgeoning new industry, and companies like FanDuel are trying to capitalize. CEO Amy Howe shares her views on the industry, and she makes her case for legal sports betting.
Introducing: Hack Me If You Can
Wall Street Journal reporter Bob McMillian has spent years trying to find a Russian hacker who would tell him their story. And then, he met Dmitry Smilyanets, the man who managed one of the most notorious hacking teams to come out of Russia.
June 6, 2022
Biden’s Plan to Bring Down Inflation
Inflation is the worst it’s been in 40 years. President Joe Biden says he has a plan to bring it down. WSJ’s Amara Omeokwe talks about whether it will work.
June 3, 2022
Sheryl Sandberg's Complicated Career at Facebook
After 14 years at Facebook, COO Sheryl Sandberg announced this week that she's leaving the company. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman describes how Sandberg helped build Facebook's business and faced the fallout of recent scandals.
June 2, 2022
Why Snap's Stock Fell 43% in a Day
Things were already tough for Snap, Snapchat's parent company, thanks to big changes in the ad market. Then last week the company made a surprise announcement: It's worse than we thought. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains the reasons behind Snap’s stock tumble, and why it’s raising concerns about other tech companies too.
June 1, 2022
A Tale of Two Top Guns
This past weekend's release of Top Gun: Maverick -- the sequel to Tom Cruise’s 1986 movie -- was record-breaking at the box office. But it also exposed the increasing power that China and its vast market has in Hollywood. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how Top Gun: Maverick attracted Chinese financing -- and then lost it.
May 31, 2022
Can My Stock Portfolio Save the Planet?
What is ESG? Some proponents see it as a way for investors to grow their wealth while fighting climate change and racism. But critics, like Elon Musk, call it an “outrageous scam.” WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains how “environmental, social and governance” became three of the hottest words on Wall Street.
May 30, 2022
The Quest to Find a Lost Purple Heart
A Marine died in Fallujah at the height of the Iraq War. Years later, his family found out his Purple Heart was listed on an auction site. WSJ's Ben Kesling, who once served in the same company as the Marine, tells the story of how he helped track it down. This episode was originally published in July 2021.
May 27, 2022
Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired.
Last year, Old Navy overhauled its women’s clothes to make sizing more inclusive. But then its sales started falling. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner unpacks why the company’s plan to reach more customers didn’t work.
May 26, 2022
The Fight Over Banning the AR-15
Many of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. have involved an assault-style rifle like the AR-15. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson reports on how Washington regulations have failed to stop the gun's rise to prominence.
May 25, 2022
As the Stock Market Tumbles, so Does a YouTuber's Influence
Kevin Paffrath is a social media influencer who dishes out financial advice on multiple platforms. He cashed in on young people’s hunger for investment tips from non-traditional sources. But as WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains, Paffrath's followers became fickle when his advice turned cautious.
May 24, 2022
Beware the Big Bad Bear Market
Recent stock slides are approaching dangerous territory: a bear market. WSJ’s James Mackintosh explains why a recent dramatic plunge in stock indexes is spooking investors, what it could mean for the wider economy, and the likelihood of the markets dipping into a bear market in the coming days.
May 23, 2022
Can a Hedge Fund Win the World Series?
Billionaire hedge-fund manager Steve Cohen is trying to duplicate his financial success in his other major venture as owner of the New York Mets baseball team. And to do so, he’s calling on some of the same people. WSJ’s Juliet Chung and Jared Diamond explain why some of Cohen’s hedge-fund employees are moonlighting for his team.
May 20, 2022
How the Baby Formula Industry Broke
The U.S. is facing a massive shortage of baby formula. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explains how the roots of the crisis lie in the industry’s structure. And a mother in Kentucky describes her desperate search for formula for her son.
May 19, 2022
U.S. Soccer’s Equal Pay Deal and One Player Who Helped Negotiate It
The four-time World Cup-champion U.S. Women's National Soccer team has scored a new win: equal pay with the men's team. Collective-bargaining agreements between the women's and men's national teams and the United States Soccer Federation align the teams’ pay and create a unique mechanism to share prize money from their respective World Cup competitions. We talk to U.S. Women’s Soccer player Tierna ...
May 18, 2022
The ‘Death Spiral’ of a Stablecoin
Cryptocurrencies are volatile, but so-called stablecoins were meant to be the exception. But after one major stablecoin, TerraUSD, crashed spectacularly, it caused ripple effects in cryptoland. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains why regulators are spooked, and what this could mean for the broader economy.
May 17, 2022
How Will We Know When the Pandemic's Over?
We speak with Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control about eroding trust in public health, vaccine approvals for children under 5 and the one million Americans who have now died from COVID-19.
May 16, 2022
The Political Cost of China's Faltering Economy
China’s sputtering economy is altering the balance of power among its top leaders. For years, President Xi Jinping sidelined his second in command, Premier Li Keqiang, a proponent of economic liberalization. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains that Li is now gaining clout and pushing back on Xi's socialist policies.
May 13, 2022
Why An Online Telehealth Startup Is Limiting Adderall
The digital startup Cerebral began prescribing ADHD drugs like Adderall over the internet, after federal rules loosened. But recently, there have been concerns from inside and outside the company that Cerebral was not careful enough. Now the company has stopped prescribing Adderall to new patients. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler reports.
May 12, 2022
Fidelity’s Controversial Bet on Bitcoin
Fidelity Investments will be the first major retirement-plan provider to allow bitcoin in its 401(k) plans. WSJ's Anne Tergesen explains the move and the blowback that followed.
May 11, 2022
Can the Fed Lower Inflation Without Causing a Recession?
The Federal Reserve has never managed to significantly decrease inflation without causing job losses, but it's trying to now. Central Bank officials hope they can cool down an overheated economy by raising interest rates. But as WSJ’s Jon Hilsenrath explains, the Fed risks triggering a recession.
May 10, 2022
Are Stock-Market Games Turning Teens Into Risky Investors?
Every year, more than a million U.S. high-school students learn about investing through stock-picking games. But what do these games really teach? WSJ's Jason Zweig explains the shortfalls of traditional stock-market games, and teacher Mike Scanlan describes the different approach his school is taking.
May 9, 2022
Australia Wanted Facebook to Pay for News. Facebook Played Hardball.
Last year, Facebook blocked news pages to pre-empt Australian legislation that would force it to pay publishers for content. But it also took down the Facebook pages of non-news organizations like hospitals, emergency services and charities. Was the move inadvertent or a negotiating tactic? We talk to WSJ's Keach Hagey about what she learned.
May 6, 2022
The Battle Over Reparations at Georgetown
In 1838, the Jesuits who founded Georgetown University sold 272 enslaved people 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.
May 5, 2022
The Fight Over a Menthol Cigarette Ban
After decades of debate, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing a ban on menthol cigarettes. A researcher of the tobacco industry explains the benefits of a potential ban, and WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney explains why some want menthols to stay on the market.
May 4, 2022
Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy
The European Union announced a proposal to ban purchases of Russian oil exports, after Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, dropped its opposition. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski explains why Germany was such a holdout.
May 3, 2022
The Potential End of Roe v. Wade
A leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court indicates the court may be preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 precedent that established a constitutional right to an abortion. WSJ’s Brent Kendall explains what this could mean for women in America and why this is a significant moment in the history of the court.
May 2, 2022
How Inflation is Causing Americans to 'Unretire'
Economic data from March revealed a new trend: hundreds of thousands of Americans are "unretiring" and returning to the workforce. WSJ's Harriet Torry reports that rising inflation is making retirement unsustainable for many. We also hear from two retirees who have started looking for work.
April 29, 2022
Why Airbnb Is Letting Employees Work Anywhere
As many companies evaluate how to return to the office, Airbnb announced a new ‘work-from-anywhere’ policy that will let its employees work remotely from 170 countries. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky explains how he arrived at the idea, and how the policy could serve as a blueprint for others companies.
April 28, 2022
The Rise of the Yimbys
With rising housing prices and concerns about affordability, a new approach to solving the problem has emerged. Its answer is to build more housing of all types. Meet the Yimbys. WSJ’s Christine Mai-Duc explains the origins of the movement and how it's gaining traction around the country.
April 27, 2022
Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World
Governor Ron DeSantis revoked the theme park's self-governing privileges after Disney opposed Florida's "Don’t Say Gay" bill. WSJ's Robbie Whelan explains the fight that led to this decision and what it might mean for one of the state’s largest employers.
April 26, 2022
Afghanistan’s Desperation Economy
Afghanistan is dealing with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, which has accelerated since the Taliban took power. Jobs are scarce, the nation’s suffering a devastating drought and Afghans are going hungry. As WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains, Afghans are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to survive, such as selling kidneys.
April 25, 2022
Elon Musk is Actually Buying Twitter
Twitter announced today that it plans to sell itself to Elon Musk for $44 billion. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains the unusual nature of how the deal came together and what it could mean for Twitter.
April 22, 2022
The Quick End to CNN+
In late March, CNN launched its new streaming service, CNN+. But less than a month later, it’s shutting down. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains how this expensive project became the collateral damage of a corporate takeover.
April 21, 2022
How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt
The Biden administration announced plans this week to reduce the student loan burden for millions of people in the U.S. WSJ’s Gabriel T. Rubin explains how the plan involves retooling an existing program that has enrolled millions of people but provided few with relief.
April 20, 2022
Will France Elect a Far-Right President?
France votes for its next president on Sunday and polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen closing in on incumbent centrist, Emmanuel Macron. WSJ's Noemie Bisserbe explains why a Le Pen victory could upend French and European politics.
April 19, 2022
Starbucks CEO Faces Brewing Union Efforts
After a Starbucks store in New York state successfully unionized last year, a movement has begun at the coffee giant's stores across the country — one that CEO Howard Schultz is hoping to tamp down. WSJ’s Heather Haddon unpacks what the company is doing to fight back, and a Starbucks worker explains their interest in unionization.
April 18, 2022
Amazon Takes On SpaceX in Battle for Space Internet
Amazon's Project Kuiper is planning dozens of launches to send satellites into space in order to sell internet to consumers on Earth. But it's up against a big competitor: Elon Musk’s Starlink. WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg explains the promise of the technology and why it might be hard to succeed.
April 15, 2022
Red-Flag Laws, Their Application and One Mother’s Experience
A year ago, Brandon Hole killed eight people at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. His mother, Sheila, had tried to get law enforcement to take away his firearms. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson explains the red-flag laws that could have helped stop this mass shooting.
April 14, 2022
Elon Musk’s $43 Billion Offer to Buy Twitter
After buying a sizable amount of Twitter’s shares, Elon Musk is now gunning for the entire company. Today, he announced a bid to buy Twitter for about $43 billion. As WSJ’s Tim Higgins explains, Musk is framing the move less as an investment, and more as a fight for free speech.
April 13, 2022
Russia's Central Banker Dismantles What She Built
Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Russian Central Bank, has spent decades working to integrate Russia into the global economy. But Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the sanctions it triggered, have pushed Russia's economy into crisis. WSJ's Alexander Osipovich explains how Nabiullina's strategies to stabilize Russia's economy undermine many policies she once championed.
April 12, 2022
Why Workers Can’t Get Enough Hours, Even in a Jobs Boom
American workers quit a record 47 million jobs in 2021. Despite conventional wisdom, they’re not always leaving to pursue their dreams. Instead, many employees aren’t getting enough hours. WSJ’s Te-Ping Chen explains why.
April 11, 2022
Why So Many Russians Are Going to Turkey
Since the invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians have flown to Turkey, many arriving with cash in their suitcases. WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why Turkey — a member of NATO — has been so welcoming to Russians while the rest of Europe closes its doors.
April 8, 2022
The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands
Jean-Michel Basquiat's art has sold for over $100 million and his name and work has been licensed for all kinds of merchandise, from Gap to Coach. WSJ’s Kelly Crow talks with Basquiat's two sisters, who are now managing his estate, about how they’re running the business of Basquiat and a new show that will reveal unseen art.
April 7, 2022
One Ukrainian Factory Owner Joins the War Effort
Shamil Malachiyev helps run his family's business: one of the largest grain mills in southern Ukraine. He explains how his business has been forced to adapt to war and how he's pitching in on the fight against the Russians.
April 6, 2022
Elon Musk's Twitter Surprise
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, announced this week that he is now Twitter's largest shareholder and has a seat on the board. WSJ's Rob Copeland and Dave Michaels explain what that means for the social media platform, and what it might mean for Elon Musk.
April 5, 2022
Carl Icahn, Activist Investor, Takes on Pork
Activist investor Carl Icahn has made billions of dollars taking stakes in companies and pressuring them to make changes. Now, Icahn is doing that again, but this time it’s not about making money. It’s about the treatment of pregnant pigs in pork supply chains. WSJ’s Cara Lombardo explains why he’s doing it — and whether it’ll work.
April 4, 2022
‘We Just Took Down Amazon:’ Activist on Amazon’s First U.S. Union
On Friday, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York voted to unionize. Chris Smalls, the man who’s led the unionization effort, reflects on how the Amazon Labor Union got here, what’s next and how his grassroots efforts could serve as a blueprint for other workers.
April 1, 2022
An Undercover Operation to Reveal an Alleged Ponzi Scheme
Over the last few weeks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating an alleged Ponzi scheme that attracted hundreds of investors. The alleged fraud was uncovered by a group of whistleblowers and an undercover businessman looking for a shot at redemption. One of the whistleblowers, the undercover businessman himself and WSJ's Ben Foldy recount the events.
March 31, 2022
Bribes, Cartels, and Extradition: How a Honduran President Became a U.S. Target
Former President Juan Orlando Hernández promised to combat corruption, violence and drug cartels. But U.S. prosecutors allege he took bribes from drug cartels and "allowed brutal violence to be committed without consequence." WSJ's José de Córdoba explains why the U.S. wants to bring Hernández to trial in an American court.
March 30, 2022
The TikTok That Changed College Hoops
University of Oregon forward Sedona Prince’s viral TikTok from the 2021 NCAA women’s tournament led to a gender-equity investigation in college basketball. WSJ reporter Rachel Bachman details how it also resulted in big changes in this year's women's championships.
March 29, 2022
The Beef Between Cattle Ranchers and Meatpackers
While beef prices are up at the meat counter, cattle ranchers aren't cashing in. Some blame America’s meat-processing giants, which they say underpay for livestock. We talk to Trey Wasserburger about how he and fellow Nebraska ranchers are fighting back by building their own meat packing plant.
March 28, 2022
The Supply Chain Saga at One Port
Last year, Covid led to enormous slowdowns along the supply chain, especially at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. WSJ's Paul Berger explains how one terminal overcame its backlog, and how a union negotiation on the horizon could back everything up once again.
March 25, 2022
Why Uber Is Hailing New York City Cabs
When Uber first started over a decade ago, the company had one huge competitor: The taxi industry. But after both businesses began to stall, the two former enemies began making nice. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains what caused Uber to team up with New York City's yellow cabs, and the company's bigger taxi ambitions.
March 24, 2022
Iran’s Secret System to Avoid Sanctions
The U.S. and other Western nations have imposed harsh sanctions on Iran. But the country has built a clandestine financial system in order to endure them. WSJ’s Ian Talley explains how Iran did it, and what it means for Western influence.
March 23, 2022
War in Ukraine Hits Global Food Supplies
As Russian forces rampage through Ukraine, farmers are facing a growing list of barriers to planting and tending to their crops. That’s bad news for countries around the world that rely on Ukrainian imports. WSJ’s Alistair Macdonald explains the repercussions on global food supplies and a farmer talks about how his operations are faring during the war.
March 22, 2022
The Online Sleuths Fighting Russian Disinformation
The investigative group Bellingcat has won awards and international recognition for its work exposing misdeeds of authoritarian governments. We talk with Bellingcat’s executive director, Christo Grozev, about the group’s focus on Russian disinformation and alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
March 21, 2022
How Disney's CEO Got Caught in Florida's Fight Over Gay Rights
Since taking over Disney in early 2020, Bob Chapek has presided over a difficult period for the company. Now, a bill in Florida has become another stumbling block for the embattled CEO. WSJ's Robbie Whelan looks at Chapek's tenure — and why he was reluctant to speak out against a bill critics are calling "Don't Say Gay."
March 18, 2022
Inside Chernobyl’s Hostage Crisis
When Russia invaded Ukraine, it took control of the abandoned Chernobyl power plant, the site of worst nuclear disaster in history. Now, around 200 workers are being held hostage at the site by Russian forces. The WSJ’s Joe Parkinson breaks down the situation, and we speak with an off-duty employee of the power plant.
March 17, 2022
As Saudi Arabia Cools on the U.S., It Warms to China
President Joe Biden wants Saudi Arabia to pump more oil, to alleviate global supply concerns amid sanctions on Russia. But the U.S.-Saudi relationship has grown so strained that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is refusing to take Biden’s call. Now, the kingdom has turned its attention toward another buyer: China. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin explains why Saudi Arabia is growing cold on the U.S.
March 16, 2022
Inflation at the Only Grocer in Town
Inflation is forcing Frank Timberlake, owner of Rich Square Market in rural North Carolina, to raise prices on many of his products. The store is the only grocery around for miles, and many customers are on fixed incomes. Timberlake and WSJ's Valerie Bauerlein explain how inflation is squeezing the store's customers and the business.
March 15, 2022
Can Poland’s Economy Absorb Millions of Ukrainians?
Nearly two million Ukrainians have flooded into Poland in the last few weeks. While Polish people have welcomed the refugees with open arms, politicians are warning that the country’s systems are getting overwhelmed. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw describes the scene on the ground in Poland’s capital and the effect of this mass migration on Poland’s economy.
March 14, 2022
Oatly Pioneered Oat Milk. Now it’s Struggling to Keep Up.
With its cheeky advertising, Oatly helped invent the oat milk market. But now it’s having a hard time keeping up with all the demand it helped create. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar and Jesse Newman tell the story of the company’s rise and recent troubles.
March 11, 2022
A Russian Car Maker Falls Back Into Soviet-Era Isolation
This week, production of Lada cars, the icons of Russia’s auto industry, ground to a halt as Western sanctions cut off auto parts and supplies. WSJ's Nick Kostov tells the story of the famous car maker and explains why it offers a glimpse into the evolution of the Russian economy.
March 10, 2022
How Crypto Became Part of the War
Since the invasion, cryptocurrency use has increased in both Russia and Ukraine. Michael Chobanian, the founder of the largest crypto exchange fund in Ukraine, explains how his company is soliciting donations for the Ukrainian war effort. And WSJ's Paul Vigna reports on Russians' renewed interest in cryptocurrency as the ruble tumbles.
March 9, 2022
An Unexpected Strategy to Bring Gas Prices Down
The United States banned Russian oil yesterday, its latest retribution against the invasion of Ukraine. The move is designed to hurt Russia's Vladimir Putin but is also likely to push America's soaring gas prices even higher. Journalist Patricia Garip says the U.S. is now looking for ways to replace the Russian oil and is turning to an unlikely source: Venezuela.
March 8, 2022
Russia's Media Crackdown: 'The Future is Pretty Dark'
Russia's only independent TV news channel, TV Rain, shut down last week amid a media crackdown in the country. A new law outlaws publishing what Russian authorities consider false information about the Ukraine invasion. TV Rain's editor-in-chief, Tikhon Dzyadko, who has fled the country, talks to The Journal about independent journalism in Russia.
March 7, 2022
Facebook's $10 Billion Advertising Exodus
Last month, Facebook's parent, Meta Platforms, forecasted the company would lose $10 billion in advertising revenue this year. Small business owner Martha Krueger explains why she stopped using the platforms, and WSJ reporter Salvador Rodriguez talks about how the company plans to address the exodus.
March 4, 2022
The War in Ukraine Hits American Gas Prices
President Biden had hoped to insulate Americans from the economic fallout of sanctioning Russia, one of the world's biggest oil producers. But oil prices have jumped more than 25 percent this week alone. WSJ's Tim Puko explains why prices keep rising and what, if anything, Biden can do about it.
March 3, 2022
Yachts, Soccer and Sanctioning Russian Oligarchs
This week, governments around the world have slapped sanctions on prominent Russian billionaires in retaliation for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. WSJ's Max Colchester explains the push to scrutinize these Russia billionaires and looks at the debate around sanctioning one oligarch: Chelsea soccer team owner, Roman Abramovich.
March 2, 2022
Russians, and Putin, Face the Fallout of War
As repercussions mount for the invasion of Ukraine, ordinary Russians are starting to feel the impact. WSJ's Ann M. Simmons details what it's like on the ground in Moscow and explains whether economic sanctions are having any effect on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
March 1, 2022
A Ukrainian Tech CEO Reckons With War
Since the Russian invasion, Ukrainian tech CEO Vitaly Sedler has been organizing efforts to move employees from conflict zones to safety. His company, Intellias, is one of Ukraine's biggest tech companies and is part of a burgeoning tech sector in the country. Sedler talks to The Journal about what it's like to run a business in a country at war.
February 28, 2022
The Financial Punishment of Russia
Over the weekend, countries around the world ratcheted up their punishment of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Newly announced sanctions could severely cripple the Russian economy in what's being called the biggest economic attack in history. WSJ's Laurence Norman breaks down the new measures.
February 25, 2022
The Man Leading Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was remaining in his nation's capital, Kyiv, even as Russian troops closed in. He urged Ukrainians to fight against the invasion. WSJ's James Marson explains how the embattled Ukrainian leader, a one-time TV star, is now standing up to Russia.
February 24, 2022
As Russia Invades, Ukrainians Weigh Fight or Flight
Russia launched a full-scale invasion across Ukraine on Thursday. Now, Ukrainians are deciding between fleeing west or fighting back. We hear from one man who's leaving and one who's heading to the front lines. Plus, WSJ's Brett Forrest and James Marson detail what's happening on the ground in Ukraine and what to expect next.
February 23, 2022
How Putin Has Planned For Sanctions
Western leaders have threatened sweeping sanctions if Russia continues advancing into Ukraine. But can even the toughest sanctions avert full-scale war? WSJ's Ann M. Simmons and Georgi Kantchev describe the sanctions that could be coming and how Russia has prepared for this moment.
February 22, 2022
The Labor Dispute That Has Baseball on Hold
Spring training for the baseball season was supposed to be underway this week. Instead, players and owners are locked in a labor dispute over their contract. WSJ's Jared Diamond explains why players' demands for more pay could be costly for baseball.
February 21, 2022
How an Art World Outsider Landed a $69 Million Sale
After selling an NFT for $69 million, the digital artist known as Beeple says he's not trying to "blow up" the contemporary art world. And WSJ's Kelly Crow explains how a new technology led to a historic sale. This episode originally published in March 2021.
February 18, 2022
Why NATO Is at the Center of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Russia continues to amass troops on the Ukrainian border, threatening an invasion. One of Russia's demands is that Ukraine never join NATO, the longstanding Western alliance. WSJ's Yaroslav Trofimov explains NATO's history with Russia, and why President Vladimir Putin considers its expansion a threat.
February 17, 2022
NBC's Olympic Bet on Peacock
When NBCUniversal launched its streaming service, Peacock, in 2020, it had a rocky start. Now it's trying to regain its footing by live-streaming the Winter Olympics, along with new shows and movies. As WSJ's Lillian Rizzo explains, the stakes are high for NBC and its parent company, Comcast, to get it right.
February 16, 2022
Remington's Surprising Sandy Hook Settlement
Families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook mass shooting announced yesterday that they would receive a $73 million settlement from Remington, the parent company of the manufacturer of the gun used in the shooting. WSJ's Zusha Elinson explains the families' novel legal strategy and why it paid off.
February 15, 2022
How The Government Tied One Couple to Billions in Stolen Bitcoin
A couple was charged last week with conspiring to launder bitcoins stolen in one of the biggest hacks in crypto history. WSJ's Paul Vigna explains how the feds followed the crypto money trail to the two thirty-something New Yorkers.
February 14, 2022
Canada's Trucker Protests
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to end demonstrations against Covid-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, a day after police cleared protesters from a bridge between the U.S. and Canada. WSJ's Paul Vieira explains the roots of the trucker-led demonstrations and why they've been going on for so long.
February 11, 2022
If Russia Invades Ukraine, Can the U.S. Deliver on Sanctions?
On Friday, a top White House official warned that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time. President Biden has promised tough sanctions if Russia does invade, but Russia's economic ties with Germany could limit the bite of those measures. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski explains Germany's growing reliance on Russian gas and how it could complicate the West's response.
February 10, 2022
The Coach Accusing the NFL of Discrimination
As the Super Bowl approaches, the National Football League is tackling some big issues off the field. In a lawsuit against the league and three specific teams, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores alleges racial discrimination in hiring. As WSJ's Andrew Beaton explains, the suit highlights a diversity issue the NFL has been trying to fix for years.
February 9, 2022
Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines
This week, Frontier announced its plan to buy Spirit Airlines. If approved, the merger would create the fifth-largest commercial airline in the US. WSJ's Alison Sider looks at the story behind the deal and the man who has worked for years to make it happen.
February 8, 2022
A Fight for the Fed's Future
Lawmakers last week questioned President Biden's picks for the Federal Reserve. Biden and the Democrats say the diverse slate of nominees will bring a new perspective to the central bank, but Republicans worry some nominees will politicize the Fed. WSJ's Amara Omeokwe outlines the philosophical debate over the Fed's role in the economy.
February 7, 2022
The Business of Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is one of the biggest pop stars of the past two years. WSJ Magazine contributor Alan Light - and Dua Lipa herself - explain how a pivotal decision in 2020 helped fuel her success, and why she's decided to launch a newsletter and a podcast.
February 4, 2022
The Shock Exit of CNN's President
CNN president Jeff Zucker suddenly resigned on Wednesday after announcing he had failed to disclose his romantic relationship with another senior executive. WSJ's Ben Mullin traces Zucker's long career and impact on CNN, and explores where the network goes from here.
February 3, 2022
The Real Cost of 15 Minute Grocery Delivery
A battle among fast grocery delivery companies is raging in New York and other U.S. cities. With millions of dollars of venture capital funding, startups are flocking to get products out to customers in under 20 minutes, but at what cost? WSJ's Eliot Brown breaks down the numbers and explains why this trend could have a short shelf life.
February 2, 2022
Why U.S. Sponsors Are Keeping a Low Profile This Olympics
In the leadup to the 2018 Winter Games, U.S. Olympic sponsors unveiled high-profile ad campaigns. But this year, they're keeping mum. WSJ's Stu Woo explains how tensions between the US and China over human rights have put U.S. Olympic sponsors in a bind.
February 1, 2022
Is This the End of the SAT?
The pandemic forced many colleges to make standardized entrance exams like the SAT optional. Now, a lot of them are choosing to make the tests optional longer term. WSJ's Douglas Belkin explains the forces motivating them, and an admissions officer in South Carolina describes how the trends affect his school.
January 31, 2022
Google's Plan to Change Online Ads Isn't Going Well
Last week, Google announced it is overhauling its plans for targeted online advertising after pushback from privacy advocates. The company's new plan is called Google Topics and aims to give marketers less granular information about web users than under the tech giant's earlier proposal. WSJ's Sam Schechner talks about what the new proposal means for Google, advertisers and regulators around the wo...
January 28, 2022
Neil Young, Joe Rogan and Spotify's Balancing Act
Earlier this week, rock star Neil Young asked Spotify to remove his music from its streaming service. He said it was in protest of covid misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Spotify's most popular podcast. WSJ's Anne Steele explains how Spotify's big bet on the controversial podcaster complicates the company's plans to dominate the audio space.
January 27, 2022
Investors are Buying Up Homes. Cincinnati is Pushing Back
Since the 2008 financial crisis, institutional investors have bought up thousands of homes around the country to rent out, crimping the supply of available homes for average buyers. But a new gambit by an economic development agency in Cincinnati aims to put a dent in that dynamic. We speak to its CEO and WSJ's Konrad Putzier about the stakes.
January 26, 2022
Why Russia Fears Ukrainian National Pride
With Russian troops amassing at Ukraine's border, many Ukrainians say they're willing to take up arms against Russia. WSJ's James Marson visited Kyiv, spoke to some prominent leaders and explains how a new sense of Ukrainian identity is playing into the current tensions.
January 25, 2022
Peloton's Wild Ride
Fitness company Peloton was once a pandemic favorite with booming sales and a surging stock price. But recently, it's suffered a reversal of fortune. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman explains what happened and why she saw the fall coming.
January 24, 2022
The Fight Over the U.S. 5G Rollout
Communications giants AT&T and Verizon have been investing billions of dollars into their 5G networks. But aviation regulators have warned for several years that certain 5G signals may interfere with some equipment on aircraft. WSJ's Drew FitzGerald unpacks how the U.S. government failed to avert a pitched battle over the 5G rollout.
January 21, 2022
Is Now the Moment for the Four-Day Workweek?
Earlier this month, Bolt, a startup in Silicon Valley, announced that employees can permanently work a four-day workweek. The company's founder and CEO tells The Journal why, and WSJ's Patrick Thomas explains how the four-day workweek went from an abstract idea to something employers across the country are now offering their staff.
January 20, 2022
Grammys CEO on How He's Tackling One Challenge After Another
The Grammys has come under fire in recent years for a lack of diversity among its members and its nominees. We speak with Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. about how he's trying to rebuild trust among artists while at the same time respond to the pandemic's disruption of the awards ceremony.
January 19, 2022
Why Microsoft Is Paying $75 Billion for Activision Blizzard
On Tuesday, Microsoft announced its biggest acquisition ever: It'll buy the video gaming juggernaut Activision Blizzard for $75 billion. Microsoft's betting the deal will help it build a new way to sell games to consumers, which it calls the "Netflix of games." WSJ's Aaron Tilley explains Microsoft's strategy and the risks it contains.
January 18, 2022
Canada's Historic Settlement with Indigenous Peoples
Earlier this month, Canada reached a landmark preliminary settlement with members of its indigenous community, capping a 15-year legal battle over child welfare resources. Cindy Blackstock, an advocate who vaulted the case onto the national stage, explains what drove the initial complaint, and WSJ's Kim Mackrael unpacks the importance of the $32 billion settlement, the largest in Canada's history.
January 14, 2022
The Stock Trading Scandals at the Federal Reserve
Three top officials have recently retired early from the Federal Reserve amid controversy surrounding personal stock trading activity. WSJ's Nick Timiraos explains what's led to the worst reputational crisis at the Fed in decades.
January 13, 2022
Why This Week's Child-Tax-Credit Checks Aren't Coming
Democrats gambled that their expanded child tax credit would be so popular, Congress wouldn't let it lapse. It just lapsed. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains why the monthly checks for parents are ending, and dad Jamie Herrington discusses what it means for his family.
January 12, 2022
The Obscure Players Keeping the NBA in Business
More than half of the NBA's players have tested positive for Covid-19 this season as the highly contagious Omicron variant sweeps the country. WSJ's Ben Cohen explains how the NBA has had to tap into its developmental league to keep the games going, and what it means for the players getting their first big break.
January 11, 2022
Workers Are Burnt Out. Can Companies Fix It?
Workplace burnout is on the rise, with resignations at an all-time high. WSJ's Ray A. Smith reports that employers are scrambling to find ways to combat it. And we hear from a woman who says professional burnout sent her to the hospital. Plus, the president of Bumble, the dating app, explains why his company gave employees a week off last year.
January 10, 2022
Pfizer's CEO on Omicron, a Fourth Shot and 2022
Pfizer has sold and distributed billions of doses of its Covid-19 vaccine, generating an estimated $36 billion in sales last year. CEO Albert Bourla talks to The Journal about Omicron and how Pfizer is approaching the virus as we enter the third year of the pandemic.
January 7, 2022
What's Russia Doing in Kazakhstan?
After a steep rise in gas prices, violent protests broke out in the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. Dozens have been killed, most of the country's government has resigned and, now, Russian-led forces are entering the country to intervene. WSJ's James Marson traces the roots of these protests.
January 6, 2022
Why At-Home Covid-19 Tests Are So Hard to Find
Months after they first came on the market, at-home Covid-19 tests are still scarce in some parts of the country. But it didn't have to be this way. WSJ's Brianna Abbott unpacks the decisions and circumstances that led to the at-home testing shortage. And healthcare CEO Zachariah Reitano explains how he found tests for his customers.
January 5, 2022
How College Professors Got Caught Up in U.S.-China Tensions
The Department of Justice has charged about two dozen academic researchers in the U.S. over suspicions they may be secretly helping China. But WSJ's Aruna Viswanatha explains universities see the government's actions as intimidation and an attack on open research.
January 4, 2022
Elizabeth Holmes Found Guilty
Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes promised investors that her company could revolutionize blood tests. But after 11 wire-fraud charges and 15 weeks of a court trial, yesterday a jury found Holmes guilty on four counts. WSJ's Sara Randazzo, who has been in the courtroom, explains what this means for Holmes and why this trial was a referendum on how Silicon Valley startups raise cash.
December 24, 2021
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.
December 23, 2021
How The 'Apes' Took Over AMC
AMC, the world's largest movie-theater chain, is now over 80% owned by everyday investors. Which means CEO Adam Aron has a new boss: The 'apes.' WSJ's Alexander Gladstone and Erich Schwartzel introduce the online movement that saved AMC. And self-declared 'ape' investor David Dumas explains why he jumped in.
December 22, 2021
Purdue's $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?
Last week, a federal judge overturned a roughly $4.5 billion settlement between OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family, who own the company. WSJ's Jonathan Randles explains why the ruling was surprising and what it means for people who sued Purdue, like Ryan Hampton.
December 21, 2021
The Man in the Middle of the Fight Over Jan. 6
Lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol believe former chief of staff Mark Meadows holds critical knowledge about how the Trump administration responded that day. But Meadows, like several other former Trump allies, refuses to testify. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains why lawmakers want to talk to him.
December 20, 2021
A Toy Maker Battles the Global Supply Chain
Toymaker John Hansen III needs his products in stock by the holidays. This year, manufacturing delays, port backups, and a trucking shortage made getting goods from China to the U.S. harder than ever. Hansen describes how cascading supply-chain failures delayed an order of chess sets by a year, and explains what the backups mean for his business.
December 17, 2021
The Shadow Crisis Unfolding in One Doctor's Clinic
Dr. Christine Hancock is a primary care doctor in Washington state. Early in the pandemic, Dr. Hancock thought her patients would be hit hard by Covid-19. But she has seen a different crisis play out where isolation and health care delays have led to complications and deaths. WSJ's Anna Wilde Mathews has spoken with Dr. Hancock throughout the pandemic and reflects on the doctor's story.
December 16, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci on Omicron and the Covid-19 Stalemate
Dr. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease official, says we are at a stalemate in the war against Covid-19. New coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom just hit a record high as the Omicron variant spreads. And U.S. deaths from the virus have surpassed 800,000, even as vaccines become more widely available. We speak with Dr. Fauci about the war against coronavirus and whether we can ever ...
December 15, 2021
Can 'Immersive' Van Gogh Beat the Real Thing?
The painter Vincent Van Gogh is having a moment. Right now, multiple companies are battling to sell tickets to dozens of immersive shows of his work, which involve virtual-reality headsets and large-scale projections. WSJ's Kelly Crow tells the story behind this new way of viewing art and why it is creating a challenge for museums.
December 14, 2021
The Fed's Shifting Inflation Message
For months, the Federal Reserve has predicted that inflation was "transitory" - that it would go away on its own. But recently, Fed officials have backed away from that buzzword. WSJ's Nick Timiraos explains what that tiny word choice reveals about the Fed's changing thinking on the future of the U.S. economy.
December 13, 2021
Will Omicron Require New Covid Vaccines?
Since the identification of the Omicron variant, vaccine makers - like Pfizer and Moderna - have been racing to figure out if the existing Covid-19 vaccines are effective against it or whether they should develop new, Omicron-targeted vaccines. WSJ's Denise Roland explains what scientists have to consider.
December 10, 2021
Back Stage at a Metaverse Concert
Pop star Tai Verdes is the latest among a slew of stars performing concerts in the metaverse, a virtual world growing in popularity. Verdes and WSJ's Anne Steele explain why the music industry is diving in.
December 9, 2021
New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern on Her Change in Covid Strategy
New Zealand ended its Covid-19 elimination strategy after an outbreak triggered a months-long lockdown in the country's largest city. Now, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has put in place a phased reopening plan. We talk with Ardern about the economic cost of the country's elimination strategy and what new variants mean for its plans.
December 8, 2021
Inside the Trial of Elizabeth Holmes
Today the defense rested in the trial of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos. WSJ's Sara Randazzo takes us inside the trial, from the prosecution's arguments to the moment Holmes took the stand herself.
December 7, 2021
Elon Musk on Why He Wants More Robots and Less Government
What does the world's richest person think about the role of government and the future of robots and space travel? Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared his views in a wide-ranging interview with WSJ's Joanna Stern.
December 6, 2021
How the Pandemic Helped Fix Retail
Some in the retail industry thought the pandemic could end in-store shopping as we know it. But brick-and-mortar retailers weren't destroyed, and many managed to emerge from the pandemic stronger. WSJ's Suzanne Kapner explains why.
December 3, 2021
The Designer Who Made Streetwear Luxury
Designer Virgil Abloh became the first Black American to hold a top creative job at a major luxury label. Abloh, who was artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, was able to turn ordinary streetwear like hoodies and sneakers into high fashion, commanding big price tags and drawing celebrity customers. WSJ's Jacob Gallagher unpacks the legacy of Virgil Abloh, who died earlier this week at age...
December 2, 2021
The Fallout From Turkey's Economic Experiment
Turkish President Erdogan is pushing ahead with an unusual economic plan for his country that is based on slashing the value of the currency. As the Turkish lira has plunged, inflation has spiked and Turkish citizens have taken to the streets. WSJ's Jared Maslin reports on the situation from Istanbul.
December 1, 2021
How Gas Prices Are Weighing on Biden's Climate Agenda
Gasoline prices are on the rise. To avoid a political backlash, President Biden is pushing to increase the global oil supply in hopes that will eventually help consumers at the pump. But as WSJ's Timothy Puko explains, the move has risks, given Biden's climate agenda.
November 30, 2021
The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In
Binance, the world's biggest cryptocurrency trading platform, surged by operating from nowhere in particular - without offices, licenses, or headquarters. Now, WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explains, global regulators are taking a closer look.
November 29, 2021
Why South Africa Sounded the Alarm Over Omicron
On Friday, the World Health Organization labeled a new variant of the coronavirus, called Omicron, as a variant of concern. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how scientists in South Africa noticed it so quickly, and what's known about Omicron so far.
November 24, 2021
The Biotech Startup that Became an FBI Target
We are bringing you the complete story of uBiome. It was a biotech company with promise: charismatic leaders, an exciting product and lots of venture-capital funding. So why did the FBI end up raiding its office? And why is the government calling its leaders fugitives? WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells the story of uBiome's spectacular downfall.
November 23, 2021
A Player Goes Missing, and Women's Tennis Takes on China
A post on tennis player Peng Shuai's social-media account made a startling accusation: that a former top official of the Chinese Communist Party had sexually assaulted her. Then, she disappeared from public view for more than two weeks. WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how the head of the Women's Tennis Association is speaking out against China and putting the organization's business on the line.
November 22, 2021
Why Older Americans Are Fleeing the Workforce
Compared with pre-pandemic estimates, hundreds of thousands more Americans have retired in the last 18 months. We hear from two recent retirees, and we talk to WSJ's Amara Omeokwe about what the wave of retirement could mean for the economy.
November 19, 2021
A Videogame Giant Confronts a Culture Crisis
Activision Blizzard, one of the world's biggest videogame makers, is facing multiple investigations over sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. WSJ's Kirsten Grind looks at the CEO helming the company, Bobby Kotick, and his knowledge of the allegations.
November 18, 2021
How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for Kids
Last year, the FDA cracked down on flavored vapes in hopes of combatting a rise in teen vaping. But thanks to a loophole in the FDA's rule, sweet, fruity flavors are still around. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney details how a product called Puff Bar has become the top-selling vape among kids.
November 17, 2021
Ford and GM's Battle for the Hottest Electric Vehicle Startup
Rivian, the Amazon-backed electric vehicle company, went public earlier this month in the biggest IPO since 2014. But before that, Detroit giants General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. fought over partnering with Rivian, earning one of the legacy carmakers a multi-billion dollar payout. WSJ's Mike Colias tells the story of the high-stakes battle.
November 16, 2021
Taylor Swift's Push to Change Music Ownership
In 2019, Taylor Swift announced she would re-record her first six albums after they fell into the hands of talent agent Scooter Braun. Last week she debuted her version of her album Red. It broke streaming records. WSJ's Anne Steele says this decision is not only making Taylor money but also inspiring other artists to do the same -- and that record labels are pushing back.
November 15, 2021
The End of the GE Era
With a reputation as the company whose leaders knew how to run any kind of business, General Electric once made everything from lightbulbs to jet engines. Then, last week, the storied American company announced it was breaking up. WSJ's Thomas Gryta tells the story of how GE's management philosophy fell back down to earth.
November 12, 2021
What Went Wrong at uBiome, Part 2
uBiome raised millions of dollars in venture funding with the promise that insurance companies would pay for its customers' microbiome tests. But that pursuit ultimately led to an FBI raid and a federal indictment alleging a fraud scheme. WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells the story of uBiome's spectacular downfall. Plus, we try to track down uBiome's leaders, Jessica Richman and Zac Apte, who the gove...
November 10, 2021
The Labor Shortage That's Causing More Labor Shortages
One reason people can't go back to work is because they can't find childcare, and they can't find childcare because there's a shortage of childcare workers. WSJ's Kris Maher explains why the economics of the industry make it so difficult to raise wages, and the CEO of a childcare program in Philadelphia explains how hard she's tried to hire teachers.
November 9, 2021
How Zillow Failed at Flipping Homes
Zillow started buying and selling homes directly a few years ago, hoping to make money on each transaction. But last week, the company said it was exiting the business and laying off 25% of its staff. WSJ's Will Parker explains why the company failed at home buying, a line of business Zillow once predicted could generate $20 billion a year.
November 8, 2021
Teens Are Developing Tics. Doctors Say TikTok May Be A Factor.
Over the last year, there's been a sharp increase in teen girls seeking medical help for involuntary tics. Kayla Johnsen is one of them. She shares her story, and a neurologist explains why doctors think the social media app TikTok may be behind the medical phenomenon. Plus, WSJ's Julie Jargon traces the origin of the Tourette influencers whose videos may have sparked the surge.
November 5, 2021
What Went Wrong at uBiome, Part 1
uBiome was a biotech company with promise: charismatic leaders, an exciting product and lots of venture-capital funding. So why did the FBI end up raiding its office? And how did its leaders end up labeled as fugitives by the government? WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells us the story.
November 4, 2021
The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag
A key part of the 2015 Paris climate accord was a pledge by wealthy countries to provide $100 billion a year to help developing countries fight climate change. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains how the failure to keep that promise is challenging the COP26 climate summit this week in Glasgow.
November 3, 2021
Why the Feds Want to Stop a Major Publishing Merger
The Department of Justice yesterday sued to block Penguin Random House, the world's largest book publisher, from buying rival Simon & Schuster for more than $2 billion. WSJ's Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg explains how the industry has consolidated in recent years and why the government says it wants to block the deal for the sake of authors.
November 2, 2021
Facebook Rebrands to Meta
Facebook announced last week that it was changing its name to Meta Platforms Inc., a name inspired by a futuristic technology that doesn't fully exist yet: the metaverse. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains what the metaverse is and why Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is betting big on it.
November 1, 2021
The Covid Treatment That Comes in a Pill Bottle
Pharmaceutical giant Merck has developed a drug against Covid, the first treatment that wouldn't require hospitalization. But WSJ's Jared S. Hopkins tells us distributing it equitably around the world will be a challenge.
October 29, 2021
Formula One Gets Fuel From Netflix
After years of struggling to attract new fans, Formula One is suddenly finding tons of them. The reason? A reality TV show on Netflix, called "Drive to Survive." WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how a show he likens to "The Real Housewives of Monte Carlo" made F1 a model for modern sports marketing.
October 28, 2021
Why a Ransomware Group Is Pretending to Be a Real Company
A major hacking group has been recruiting tech talent by setting up a fake cybersecurity company, according to researchers. WSJ's Robert McMillan details how the ransomware group is recruiting workers and what it says about the state of ransomware attacks.
October 27, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 8: A New Enforcement Strategy
Facebook has professed a commitment to neutrality and upholding free speech on its platform for years. But internal documents reviewed by the Wall Street Journal show the company is increasingly targeting specific groups it deems dangerous. WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains how Facebook's actions toward the Patriot Party movement stopped it from going viral.
October 26, 2021
The Man Behind the Latest Push to Unionize Amazon
An Amazon employee group formed by warehouse workers in Staten Island filed Monday to hold a vote on unionization. We speak with Chris Smalls, the president of the group, about why he's trying to establish the first union in the U.S. for Amazon employees.
October 25, 2021
Biden's Climate Ambitions Die in the Senate
Democrats in Congress have been trying to pass a multitrillion-dollar spending bill, which includes a major piece of President Joe Biden's climate agenda. But in the face of opposition from a single senator, the climate provision is dead. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains where this leaves the U.S. in its fight against climate change.
October 22, 2021
To Solve Labor Shortage, Companies Turn to Automation
Despite wage growth, the labor force participation rate remains near its lowest level since the 1970s. In the face of this shortage, companies are turning to a possible solution: automation. We talk to the CEO of a hospital system in Nevada that is hoping new technology can help the nursing shortage, and WSJ's Josh Mitchell explains what increased investment in tech will mean for the economy and wo...
October 21, 2021
The Chappelle Controversy Tests Netflix
After Netflix released its latest Dave Chappelle special earlier this month, the company faced strong criticism from the transgender community and its own employees. WSJ's Joe Flint explains how the controversy has challenged Netflix's culture of 'radical candor' and we go on the ground at the Netflix employee walkout.
October 20, 2021
Sen. Klobuchar Says Congress Is Losing Patience With Tech Giants
After a whistleblower shared internal Facebook documents, lawmakers renewed calls to regulate social media companies. But concerns over the influence tech giants exert on society extend far beyond Facebook. We spoke with Senator Amy Klobuchar about how she hopes to rein in tech companies.
October 19, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 7: The AI Challenge
Facebook's top executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have touted the company's progress at using artificial intelligence to police harmful content on its platform. But internally, documents show there were deep concerns about what Facebook's AI could do. In the seventh episode of The Facebook Files, WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman discusses what Facebook's AI can really do and ways in which it still f...
October 18, 2021
Google's CEO on the Future of Work
As CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, Sundar Pichai is responsible for a massive, 144,000-person workforce. Right now, he's grappling with big issues, like how tech should be regulated, how to rein in cybercrime and how (or whether) workers return to the office. WSJ's Editor in Chief, Matt Murray, asks him about these issues and more.
October 15, 2021
The Vaccine That Took 40 Years to Make
The World Health Organization last week recommended the first-ever vaccine for wide use against malaria, one of the world's deadliest diseases. Paul Kofi Awuffor, a public health worker in Ghana, shares how the vaccine can change lives, and WSJ's Denise Roland explains this historic landmark in public health.
October 14, 2021
The Global Supply Chain Is Broken
Since the pandemic started last year, the disruptions to the global supply chain have only gotten worse. Delays at America's busiest commercial port, Los Angeles, are wreaking havoc on manufacturing and retail, leading the White House to get involved. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer and Costas Paris explain what the logjam means and how it can be fixed.
October 13, 2021
136 Countries Agree to a Global Minimum Tax
More than 100 countries agreed last week to a 15% global minimum corporate tax. WSJ's Richard Rubin details how the deal came together, and WSJ's Paul Hannon explains why Ireland - which has long had some of the lowest tax rates in Europe - finally got on board.
October 12, 2021
How 'Squid Game' Became a Megahit
"Squid Game" is on track to become Netflix's biggest show ever. WSJ's Timothy Martin explains the show's origins and why Netflix has invested so heavily in Korean content.
October 8, 2021
The Unraveling of the Murdaugh Dynasty
Over Labor Day weekend, an attempted murder was reported to police in Hampton County, S.C. involving the scion of a powerful local family. The victim, Alex Murdaugh, later said he attempted to stage his own murder to try to collect insurance money. WSJ's Valerie Bauerlien looks at this case and other events that threaten to undermine the Murdaugh dynasty.
October 7, 2021
The Day Facebook Logged Off
On Monday, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp went offline for billions of people around the world. To fix it, Facebook's employees had to physically drive to data centers to address the problem. WSJ's Robert McMillan explains the cascade of failures that caused it to happen.
October 6, 2021
A Huawei Exec, Two Canadians And The Deal That Got Them Home
In 2018, Canadian authorities arrested Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou on behalf of the United States. Days later, the Chinese government arrested two Canadians in retaliation. WSJ's Jacquie McNish has been covering the ordeal and the high stakes detainee exchange that took place in September.
October 5, 2021
What Secret Tapes Reveal About the College Admissions Scandal
College counselor Rick Singer pled guilty to helping wealthy parents like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman cheat their kids' way into elite colleges. In 2018, the federal government began wiretapping his cellphone. WSJ's Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz dissect the tapes.
October 3, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 6: The Whistleblower
At the heart of the Facebook Files series is a cache of internal company documents. And behind the release of those documents is a person: Frances Haugen. In Part 6, we sit down for an extended conversation with Frances. She tells us about her time at Facebook, what led her to speak out and what she hopes to achieve by disclosing internal Facebook documents.
October 1, 2021
The Federal Law That 138 Judges Have Broken
For the last year, a team at the Wall Street Journal has been investigating the financial holdings of federal judges across the country. This week, the team reported that more than 130 judges violated U.S. law by overseeing court cases that involved companies in which they or their family had a financial interest. WSJ's James Grimaldi explains the investigation and introduces us to the judge with t...
September 30, 2021
One Restaurant Owner's Answer to the Labor Shortage
The restaurant industry around the country is having a hard time finding enough workers. So, Amanda Cohen, who runs a restaurant called Dirt Candy in Manhattan, decided to dramatically overhaul her business in order to raise wages. Since then, not only has she been able to retain staff, she's also managed to increase profits.
September 29, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 5: The Push To Attract Younger Users
In the fifth part of our series looking deep inside Facebook, we examine the company's efforts to win over young children. Reporter Georgia Wells discusses what Facebook's internal documents reveal about the company's years-long efforts to study and design products for kids. And we look ahead to tomorrow's Senate hearing, where lawmakers are expected to question a Facebook executive about the compa...
September 28, 2021
China's Evergrande Crisis
Evergrande built homes for China's growing middle class for more than two decades. Now, the property developer is running out of money. WSJ's Quentin Webb explains how years of piling on debt brought Evergrande to a crisis point, and what its potential collapse could mean for China.
September 27, 2021
The Long Journey to Del Rio
Last week, roughly 16,000 migrants showed up in Del Rio, Texas. Most of them were Haitian, but they didn't come directly from Haiti. They've been on a long journey. WSJ's Alicia Caldwell and Juan Montes explain how these Haitians reached Texas and what they're encountering at the border.
September 24, 2021
Harry and Meghan, Hollywood Royalty?
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the royal family, the couple have been building a Hollywood production company and signed deals with Netflix and Spotify. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how this royal career shift has been going.
September 23, 2021
Xi Jinping Is Rewriting the Rules of China's Economy
The Chinese government is cracking down on big private corporations and reining in their power. WSJ's Lingling Wei shares her analysis which suggests this recent development is coming from China's President Xi Jinping's personal ideological shift from capitalism towards a Mao-style socialism.
September 22, 2021
The Snub That Made France Furious
Last week, the U.S. announced a new multibillion-dollar deal to supply nuclear submarines to Australia. There was just one problem: Australia had already inked a submarine deal with France. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains the sub snub and what it means for U.S.-France relations.
September 21, 2021
Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Is Popping Up Everywhere
A growing number of retailers are offering customers the ability to buy a product and pay for it later in installments. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why the approach has become so popular and whether it's likely to stick around.
September 20, 2021
The Dogfight Over Dogecoin
Dogecoin began as a joke cryptocurrency in 2013, but this year its price has soared, and now its market cap stands at about $30 billion. WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff says two competing organizations that both call themselves the Dogecoin Foundation are vying for the coin's trademark and its future. Representatives from both groups make their case about who should be dogecoin's steward going forward.
September 18, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 4: The Outrage Algorithm
In the fourth episode of our investigative series based on an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, we explore the fallout of a major algorithm change the company made in 2018. The documents outline how an emphasis on engagement incentivized the spread of divisive, sensational content and misinformation. WSJ's Keach Hagey and Jeff Horwitz explain how attempts from within the company to un...
The Facebook Files, Part 3: 'This Shouldn't Happen on Facebook'
In the third episode of our investigative series based on an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, we look at a persistent problem on the platform: human trafficking. WSJ's Justin Scheck describes documents showing that Facebook has closely studied how human traffickers use the platform to ensnare victims and advertise illegal sex services. The documents also show Facebook's response to t...
September 17, 2021
'Moneyball' Meets Firefighting
To combat increasingly extreme wildfires, firefighters are taking cues from the world of sports analytics. WSJ's Dan Frosch explains how the "Moneyball" sports data revolution is making its way into firefighting and why increasingly unpredictable fires are putting new computer models to the test.
September 16, 2021
Will the Vaccine Mandate Affect the Labor Shortage?
Jack Schron has been encouraging his employees to get vaccinated. He also worries a vaccine mandate might cause them to quit. The manufacturing company president explains what the Biden administration's vaccine mandate could mean for him, and WSJ's Eric Morath discusses its impact on the labor market.
September 15, 2021
How to Stop a $45 Billion Crime Spree
A brazen kind of shoplifting is plaguing America's retail stores, where people fill up garbage bags with items and simply walk out the door. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains how organized crime rings orchestrate the shoplifting. And Ben Dugan, the head of CVS' investigative unit, describes what he does to fight crime at his stores.
September 14, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 2: 'We Make Body Image Issues Worse'
In the second episode in our investigative series, we turn to research that Facebook has kept private: its internal studies on the effects of Instagram, one of its core products, on teen mental health. WSJ's Georgia Wells details the company's findings, which show that Instagram can be harmful for young users, particularly teen girls. Plus, Instagram head Adam Mosseri explains why he thinks there's...
September 13, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 1: The Whitelist
The Facebook Files, an investigative series from The Wall Street Journal, dives into an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, giving an unparalleled look inside the social media giant. In our first episode, WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains how high-profile users from celebrities to politicians are shielded from the site's rules and protected from enforcement measures. The company does this in ...
September 10, 2021
How the Afghan Women's Soccer Team Escaped the Taliban
As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, members of the country's women's soccer team - once symbols of a new Afghanistan - knew they needed to escape. WSJ's Drew Hinshaw tells the story of how the team's former captain, Khalida Popal, hatched a daring plan for their evacuation.
September 9, 2021
The Dashed Hopes of a Swift Economic Rebound
Economists, CEOs and many others predicted earlier this summer that the economy would recover around Labor Day. But the Delta variant has changed all of that. WSJ's Eric Morath explains how the highly contagious strain is affecting business and job growth.
September 8, 2021
The Business of Forecasting Fashion
The pandemic has disrupted a lot of things - including how people dress. We talk with WGSN fashion forecaster Francesca Muston about how the uncertain times have made predicting fashion trends more difficult and how other forces like climate change may shape fashion choices in the long term.
September 7, 2021
Scholastic's Succession Drama
Scholastic, which is famous for children's books like Harry Potter and Clifford the Big Red Dog, has been controlled by the same family for more than a century. Then, the CEO unexpectedly died in June and his will had a controversial decision on succession. WSJ's Shalini Ramachandran on the drama that unfolded.
September 3, 2021
The Man Who Chose to Get Covid
Jake Hopkins, a university student in the U.K., decided earlier this year to do something most people in the world have been trying to avoid: he volunteered to get Covid-19. Jake signed up for a human challenge trial that intentionally infects participants with the virus. He shares recordings from his experience in the controversial study, and WSJ's Jenny Strasburg explains the researchers' goals.
September 2, 2021
The First Country to Adopt Bitcoin
In June, the President of El Salvador made an announcement that shocked the nation: It would become the first country to adopt Bitcoin as a national currency. As "B-day" approaches, WSJ's Santiago Perez headed to El Salvador to hear how Salvadorans are feeling about the change.
September 1, 2021
Sexual Assault Allegations Surface at ABC News
A lawsuit filed last week alleges that a former top producer at Good Morning America, Michael Corn, assaulted at least two women at ABC News, and that the company did not take disciplinary action against him. Corn and ABC dispute the claims. WSJ's Joe Flint breaks down the allegations and explains how they come at a pivotal moment for ABC News.
August 31, 2021
Why the Biggest SPAC Ever Is Faltering
Famed activist investor Bill Ackman raised $4 billion for a blank-check company last year, enough to merge with a big, proven start-up. But he still hasn't found a company to buy, and is now suggesting he might return all of his investors' money. WSJ's Cara Lombardo tells us why Ackman is falling short.
August 30, 2021
United States v. Elizabeth Holmes
Six years ago, a WSJ investigation raised serious questions about the blood-testing startup Theranos. This week, the company's founder Elizabeth Holmes will go on trial for fraud. WSJ editor Michael Siconolfi remembers what it was like to help break the Theranos story, and legal reporter Sara Randazzo explains what to expect from the much-anticipated trial.
August 27, 2021
Taliban Takeover Throws Afghan Economy Into Chaos
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, foreign aid has stopped flowing, the business community is fleeing, and banks have limited how much money people can withdraw. WSJ's Yaroslav Trofimov explains why the Afghan economy is in turmoil and what the Taliban might do to restore it.
August 26, 2021
How Amtrak's CEO Plans to Spend $66 Billion
Congress is nearing passage of the largest investment in public transit ever. About $66 billion of that money is slated to go to Amtrak, America's passenger rail company. Amtrak's CEO sat down with Ryan to talk about where he intends to spend that money.
August 25, 2021
Afghan Women Brace for Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, many women around the country have been living in fear, despite the Taliban's assurances they'll respect women's rights. WSJ's Margherita Stancati talks about the threats women face, and Afghan photographer Fatimah Hossaini explains her decision to flee the country.
August 24, 2021
Why OnlyFans Banned Sexual Content
OnlyFans, an adult social-media platform, built a thriving business selling sexually explicit content. So why did it just ban sex? WSJ's Georgia Wells explains the financial backstory to the company's surprising move, and an OnlyFans creator weighs in on what it could mean for her.
August 23, 2021
The Growing Market of Not Cutting Down Trees
The main way to make money from trees used to be chopping them down and selling them to sawmills. But now, people are getting paid to do the opposite. WSJ's Ryan Dezember explains the economics of the carbon offset market and why it's finally taking root.
August 20, 2021
The Fight Over BuzzFeed's Move to Go Public
BuzzFeed has been trying to go public for years. When it finally struck a deal to do so earlier this year, the media company left its biggest shareholder -- NBCUniversal -- facing a huge loss. WSJ's Ben Mullin explains how changes in digital media fortunes brought BuzzFeed to this moment.
August 19, 2021
The Investigation Into Tesla's Crashes
The nation's top auto safety regulator announced this week that it was investigating Tesla's assisted driving technologies after a series of crashes. WSJ's Rebecca Elliott explains what prompted the probe of Autopilot, as it's called, and what it could mean for the auto industry.
August 18, 2021
Why a Texas School District Is Defying the Governor
Schools across the country are reopening just as the Delta variant is causing a surge of Covid-19 cases. But some states, including Texas, have blocked school districts from taking certain safety precautions. We spoke to Dallas superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa about how he's navigating Covid-19 and the politics around it.
August 17, 2021
Apple Exec Defends iPhone's Latest Update
When Apple announced new iPhone software to combat child pornography, it set off a firestorm over privacy. WSJ's Joanna Stern talked to Apple software chief Craig Federighi about why it sparked controversy and what it actually does.
August 16, 2021
Taliban Seize Power in Afghanistan
After almost 20 years of war, the U.S. withdrew its remaining troops from Afghanistan. In a matter of weeks, the Taliban have taken control of the country. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen explains how the Taliban was able to move so quickly and describes the chaos and fear gripping Afghanistan today.
August 13, 2021
What's Behind Amazon's Review Problem
On Amazon's massive online marketplace, third-party sellers live and die by customer reviews. WSJ's Nicole Nguyen explains how and why sellers risk getting kicked off Amazon to improve their reviews, and we hear from one customer who found out just how far some companies are willing to go.
August 12, 2021
CDC Director Explains the Agency's Reversal on Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has come under fire this summer for reversing its masking recommendations as the Delta variant threatens COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Now, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky speaks out in an exclusive interview with WSJ reporters Sarah Toy and Sabrina Siddiqui.
August 11, 2021
How Lebanon's Economy Imploded
In the span of a year and a half, Lebanon went from a middle-income economy to a country in financial free fall. WSJ's Nazih Osseiran explains the cycle of monetary policy, inflation, and government mismanagement that set off one of the worst economic collapses in 150 years.
August 10, 2021
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Resigns
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned today, following the release of a report that alleged he sexually harassed several women. Cuomo will depart office in 14 days and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will take his place for the remainder of his term. WSJ's James Fanelli details the allegations against Cuomo and describes the woman who will be replacing him.
August 9, 2021
The Clash Between Facebook and Independent Researchers
Last week, Facebook suspended the personal accounts of an NYU Ph.D. candidate and some members of her research team. They were studying how well the social media platform was identifying political ads. WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains what the dispute means for the broader community of outside researchers.
August 6, 2021
How Kidnapping Became Big Business in Nigeria
In 2014, the terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria. It gave rise to a viral Twitter movement #BringBackOurGirls and would eventually inspire hundreds of similar kidnappings in the years that followed. The WSJ's Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson explain how criminal groups are building a kidnapping for ransom industry in Nigeria.
August 5, 2021
Anthony Fauci: Delta Variant Has 'Exposed Our Vulnerability'
At a critical moment in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, leading White House infectious disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci sat down to talk with The Journal about the increased risks of the Delta variant, whether children should go back to school and how to bring the vaccine-hesitant on board.
August 4, 2021
Why Scarlett Johansson Is Suing Disney Over 'Black Widow'
Disney released the latest Marvel movie, "Black Widow," in theaters and on its streaming service, Disney+. The movie's star, Scarlett Johansson, sued Disney, alleging the decision cost her millions. WSJ's Joe Flint explains how the showdown could affect the industry.
August 3, 2021
The Tricky Calculus Behind Vaccine Mandates
As the Delta variant spreads, more companies are requiring their employees to get vaccinated. WSJ's Chip Cutter discusses the legal precedents behind these policies, and an HR executive explains how her company handled the issue.
August 2, 2021
Used Car Prices Are Defying Gravity
Used cars are more expensive now than they've ever been, and car dealerships are having to go to great lengths to find inventory. WSJ's Nora Naughton explains the shortages that are driving up prices and what it means for dealers and consumers.
July 30, 2021
Biden's New FTC Chair Squares Off With Big Tech
Even before her appointment, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan had made a name for herself by criticizing Amazon's market dominance. Her stance has already provoked backlash from the tech industry and congressional Republicans. WSJ's Ryan Tracy explains.
July 29, 2021
Simone Biles and the Power of Saying No
Earlier this week, star gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of two Olympic competitions after she experienced a dangerous case of the "twisties." WSJ's Louise Radnofsky explains how one of the Olympics's biggest stars is helping change attitudes towards mental health and physical safety.
July 28, 2021
Robinhood's Unconventional IPO
Robinhood built its business around the idea of making it easier than ever for everyday people to invest. Now the company's betting it can "democratize" initial public offerings, too - including its own. WSJ's Peter Rudegeair explains the thinking behind Robinhood's unconventional IPO this week.
July 27, 2021
The Fed Chair Helped Save the Economy. Will He Keep His Job?
Jerome Powell has led the U.S. economy through its pandemic-induced crash and turbulent recovery. But with his first term ending soon, WSJ's Nick Timiraos says some in Washington are questioning whether Powell should be reappointed.
July 26, 2021
Unrest, Covid and Economic Despair in South Africa
Covid has taken a toll on South Africa. Successive lockdowns have led to deep economic suffering across the country. And when political protests broke out recently, the economic hardship took a violent turn leading to riots and looting. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how South Africa could be a warning to other countries.
July 23, 2021
Simone Biles Is USA Gymnastics' Biggest Star - And Critic
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles could become the first woman since 1968 to repeat as the gold medalist in the individual all-around competition. But WSJ's Louise Radnofsky says that, for Biles, continuing to compete at the sport's highest level is also about keeping a spotlight on the crimes committed by former team doctor Larry Nassar. As the last self-identified survivor on the team, Biles is stil...
July 22, 2021
An Ad Executive's New Challenge: Selling the Vaccine
Last year, PJ Pereira got a big assignment: to help market new Covid-19 vaccines to the public. Pereira explains what he learned trying to convince vaccine-hesitant Americans to get the shot.
July 21, 2021
Wall Street CEOs Say Working From Home Isn't Working
Major banks performed well while employees worked remotely. But executives at some banks are bringing their workers back to the office full time. WSJ's David Benoit explains what it could mean for the industry and the rest of corporate America.
July 20, 2021
Who's in Charge of Fixing Miami's Aging Condos?
Many of Miami's condo buildings are vulnerable to the same kind of structural issues as Champlain Towers South, which collapsed last month. WSJ's Laura Kusisto explains why it's often untrained volunteer condo boards that are in charge of repairs.
July 19, 2021
Bezos' Blue Origin Takes Off
Blue Origin is set to launch founder Jeff Bezos into space tomorrow, about a week after Virgin Galactic sent its own founder to the stars. WSJ's Micah Maidenberg explains how Blue Origin stacks up in the commercial space race.
July 16, 2021
The Man Behind Biden's Push for More Competition
Legal scholar Tim Wu has spent years pushing for greater regulation of big American companies. To get his ideas into the mainstream, Wu has done everything from run for office to ride on a roller coaster with Stephen Colbert. WSJ's Ryan Tracy details how Wu's ideas made their way into President Biden's executive order to increase business competition.
July 15, 2021
Is Graduate School Worth the Price?
New federal data show that many graduate students don't make nearly enough money to pay back their student loans. WSJ's Melissa Korn explains why some graduates of elite schools, like Columbia University, seem to have the worst outcomes.
July 14, 2021
Cuba's Protests Have an Anthem
For the first time in 60 years, mass demonstrations are sweeping Cuba. Protesters are chanting one slogan: 'patria y vida,' or, 'homeland and life.' The phrase - a counterpoint to the revolutionary slogan 'homeland or death' - comes from a song written by Cuban dissidents. WSJ's Santiago Perez dives into the origins of the artist dissident movement and the song that defines this moment.
July 13, 2021
Didi's IPO Gets Caught In China's Tech Crackdown
After Didi launched a successful IPO in New York last month, Beijing took punitive action against the ride hailing giant. It also established new rules for Chinese companies that want to list overseas. WSJ's Patrick Barta explains what that means for future economic cooperation between the U.S. and China.
July 12, 2021
When an Online Conspiracy Theory Turns Deadly
Christopher Hallett built a business providing online legal advice in custody cases. His main offering was built on a conspiracy theory. But this conspiracy theory ended in murder. WSJ's Georgia Wells and Justin Scheck tell the tale.
July 2, 2021
A Marine died in Fallujah at the height of the Iraq War. Years later, his family found out his Purple Heart was listed on an auction site. WSJ's Ben Kesling, who once served in the same company as the Marine, tells the story of how he helped track it down.
July 1, 2021
Hollywood's Fast and Furious Reopening
F9, the latest Fast and Furious movie, is a major test of the movie industry's ability to rebound after the pandemic. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how the franchise grew so large, and why it became so important to Hollywood.
June 30, 2021
The Mixed Signals from the Collapsed Condo's Past
Last week's building collapse near Miami was an event without modern precedent. Its cause remains a mystery. But building records, eyewitness accounts, and expert assessments are offering possible clues. WSJ's Jon Kamp details the potential warning signs from the history of Champlain Towers South.
June 29, 2021
Environmental Investing Frenzy Stretches Meaning of 'Green'
Investors are pouring money into "green" companies, but what actually makes a company green? WSJ's Justin Scheck tells the story of The Metals Company, a deep sea mining startup that's set to go public at $2.9 billion.
June 28, 2021
Oath Keepers and the Business of Extremism
The Oath Keepers, a right-wing militia group, had a large presence at the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Now, a WSJ investigation has revealed the group's funding sources and financial struggles. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains.
June 25, 2021
The Company That Said: We Failed
At an antitrust trial, executives from tobacco giant Altria have been speaking in unusually frank terms about the company's closed e-cigarette business. They've testified that the company failed to innovate. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains why Altria is making this unusual defense.
June 24, 2021
Britney Spears Wants Her Life (And Money) Back
For the past 13 years, pop star Britney Spears has lived under a legal arrangement that's given her father control over her finances and her life. Yesterday, Spears spoke out publicly against the conservatorship for the first time. WSJ's Neil Shah details Spears's fight to break free.
June 23, 2021
Travel Is Back. So Why Is American Airlines Canceling Flights?
As the country resumes flying in droves, the air travel industry is struggling to keep up. American Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights in recent days due to labor shortages. WSJ's Alison Sider explains why carriers are cancelling flights and calling back retired staff.
June 22, 2021
iPhones, iPads, and iClinics? Apple's Foray Into Healthcare
Apple has been trying for years to reinvent the healthcare system. In 2016, the company started operating its own health clinics for employees as a testing ground. But, WSJ's Rolfe Winkler explains, Apple's had a hard time accomplishing its ambitions.
June 21, 2021
Why Is Everyone Quitting?
Americans are quitting their jobs at record rates. But why? WSJ's Lauren Weber dives into the reasons that Americans have decided to walk away from their careers during a pandemic and breaks down what it means for the economy. Plus, two quitters open up about their decision.
June 20, 2021
To The Moon, Part 5: The Comedown
Stocks, it turns out, don't only go up. On the final episode of To The Moon, we follow the GameStop rocket ship as it returns to Earth, and we learn how the traders who poured their money into the stock fared-and why they don't want to quit trading.
June 17, 2021
Congress's Case to Break Up Amazon
Last week, Congress introduced legislation that, if passed, could force Amazon to break up. The bills come after a 15-month investigation into whether big tech has monopoly power in the economy. WSJ's Dana Mattioli speaks to Representatives David Cicilline (D., RI) and Ken Buck (R., Col.) about the investigation and why they believe these laws should be passed.
June 16, 2021
The Firm Tanking Some of Wall Street's Hottest Stocks
Hindenburg Research is a small investment firm that is having a big impact. Its critical reports about some of the hottest startups have pushed stock prices lower, allowing the firm to profit. WSJ's Amrith Ramkumar talks about the firm, its strategy and what happened to Lordstown Motors.
June 15, 2021
The Ruthless Group Behind Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals
A Wall Street Journal investigation has found that one hacking group - called Ryuk - is behind hundreds of attacks on U.S. health care facilities. WSJ's Kevin Poulsen details the rise of Ryuk, and one hospital administrator shares what it's like to be a victim of one of their attacks.
June 14, 2021
The Fundamental Flaw (and Alleged Deception) of MoviePass
In 2019, MoviePass declared bankruptcy. The company had offered unlimited movie tickets to customers for a low monthly fee but never found a successful business model. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that MoviePass executives deceived customers to try to save the business. WSJ's Ben Fritz unspools one of the most audacious stories in Hollywood.
June 13, 2021
To The Moon, Part 4: Diamond Hands
Individual investors banded together online to send GameStop soaring in January. Many of those investors were inspired by one man, Keith Gill, aka DeepF-ingValue, aka Roaring Kitty. On episode four of To The Moon, we hear how WSJ reporter Julia Verlaine tracked down Gill, and we trace how his arguments inspired legions of GameStop investors to buy... and hold.
June 11, 2021
A New Alzheimer's Drug Brings Hope and Controversy
The FDA this week approved the first new Alzheimer's treatment in nearly 20 years. But it almost didn't make it to market. WSJ's Joseph Walker untangles the complex story behind the drug Aduhelm and why its approval is raising questions.
June 10, 2021
The New Corporate Diversity Strategy: Tie it to Executive Pay
Companies are using a new approach to push their executives to prioritize diversity: Tying it to their pay. WSJ's Emily Glazer explains how this tactic came about, and former executive Steven Davis talks about the role boards can play in improving diversity.
June 9, 2021
Can Food Delivery Make Money?
Despite a surge in business during the pandemic, food delivery companies like Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub still aren't profitable. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains how these companies are pivoting away from delivering food to make money.
June 8, 2021
Why Crypto Is Key to Stopping Ransomware
Ransomware attacks have been hitting U.S. companies hard. But yesterday, law enforcement officials made a big announcement: they recovered more than $2 million from the group behind last month's Colonial Pipeline hack. WSJ's David Uberti details how the U.S. government is fighting back against hackers and explains why going after cryptocurrency is a key part of the strategy.
June 7, 2021
The Unintended Consequences of China's One-Child Policy
In 1980, China implemented its one-child policy to curb a swiftly growing population. After raising the cap to two in 2015, last week it was increased to three. WSJ's Jonathan Cheng on the purpose of the original policy and why the government is trying to reverse it now.
June 6, 2021
To The Moon, Part 3: A People's History of Investing
Decades ago, trading was the domain of the wealthy elite, but two innovators would change that. The first made investing accessible to the masses. The second made it fun. On episode three of To The Moon, we meet the disruptors who made the markets ready for the GameStop moment.
June 4, 2021
Why Suing Amazon Just Got Easier
Companies have been including arbitration agreements in their terms of service for years, preventing customers from filing lawsuits. Recently, Amazon removed the arbitration clause from its terms of service and told customers they can sue the company instead. WSJ's Sara Randazzo explains what led the company to make the change.
June 3, 2021
Will Americans Buy an Electric Truck?
For years, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. has been Ford's F-150 pickup truck. Now, Ford's making an electric version. WSJ's Mike Colias and Dan Neil explain why Ford's making the move and why it's a big test for the future of electric vehicles.
June 2, 2021
Why a Grand Plan to Vaccinate the World Unraveled
Early last year, a few vaccine experts created a group that would help make sure all countries had access to covid vaccines. Called Covax, this initiative hit problem after problem. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how this ambitious plan came undone.
June 1, 2021
Amazon Bags the MGM Lion
Amazon announced last week it is buying the Hollywood movie studio MGM for $8.4 billion, including debt. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how Amazon hopes the studio will help it compete in the intensifying streaming wars.
May 30, 2021
To The Moon, Part 2: 'The Birth of the Yolo'
A man in a wolf mask. A wild gamble. A fortune passed on from a deceased uncle. Years before the world learned about WallStreetBets, WallStreetBets learned about the YOLO. On episode two of To The Moon, we meet the guy who started it all.
To The Moon, Part 1: 'How Much Do Islands Cost?'
When GameStop's stock surged this winter, Wall Street was shocked to learn that a bunch of amateur investors had all piled in. Who were these people and where had they come from? On episode one of To The Moon, we meet the force that shook Wall Street and hear what it's like to suddenly see $800,000 in your account.
May 28, 2021
Conspiracy Theory or Science? The Lab Leak Theory is Back
The origins of Covid-19 are still unknown, but the possibility that it could have escaped from a Chinese lab is back in the news. WSJ's Betsy McKay explains why this idea is getting renewed attention.
May 27, 2021
How Internet Buzz Drove a SPAC Even Higher
Early this year, a storm of intrigue brewed online around the electric vehicle company Lucid Motors and its potential merger with a SPAC. WSJ's Eliot Brown explains how the buzz helped drive the valuation sky high and ultimately left some investors burned.
May 26, 2021
Biden's Plan for Police Reform: The Consent Decree
A year after the murder of George Floyd, the Justice Department is stepping up its oversight of local police departments. Last month, the DOJ opened investigations into police conduct in Minneapolis and Louisville. WSJ's Sadie Gurman talks to Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta about why the federal government is doing this, and the head of Newark, N.J. police talks about what it's like when th...
May 25, 2021
An Activist Investor and the Showdown Over Exxon's Future
An activist investor is trying to take over four seats on Exxon's board of directors, arguing the company should cut its emissions by 2050. But Exxon is pushing back. WSJ's Christopher M. Matthews previews the shareholder meeting showdown, where the fight will be decided.
May 24, 2021
Inflation Is Happening. Should You Be Worried?
Inflation is the highest it's been in over a decade. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains why the Federal Reserve says everything is under control, while some other economists fret.
Introducing: To The Moon
In January, a group of Redditors started pouring their savings into the stock of GameStop, a struggling video game retailer. Overnight, everything Wall Street thought it understood about how small-time traders invest changed. While the moment may have surprised Wall Street, it was years in the making. This is a trailer for our series, To The Moon. Out May 30th.
May 21, 2021
Four Years Trapped on a Cargo Ship
Sailor Mohammad Aisha was stuck on a cargo ship near the mouth of the Suez Canal for four years - alone for much of that time. WSJ's Joe Parkinson tells the story of how this could happen and how he survived.
May 20, 2021
Hertz Rewards Its True Believers
A strange thing happened last year after the rental car company Hertz filed for bankruptcy: its stock took off. Old hands on Wall Street thought that the people buying the stock - individual investors with no ties to institutions - were making a bad bet. But now, WSJ's Alexander Gladstone says, the little guys are getting the last laugh and seeing a big windfall.
May 19, 2021
What's Wrong With the Car Market?
Car sales have been skyrocketing, but dealers have a big worry: they're running low on cars to sell. The problem isn't expected to be resolved anytime soon. WSJ's Mike Colias explains how a tiny computer chip at the end of the auto industry's long and complex supply chain is causing big problems.
May 18, 2021
AT&T Abandons Its Hollywood Dreams
When AT&T bought Time Warner and DirecTV, it set out to build a media empire that could take on companies like Netflix and Disney. But after three years and a $100 billion price tag, AT&T is giving up on that dream. WSJ's Marcelo Prince says without media assets, AT&T is back to being the utility it once was.
May 17, 2021
No Credit Score, No Problem?
Banks could begin issuing credit cards to people without credit scores thanks to an effort by a banking regulator to make lending more racially equitable. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis tells the story of how Black Lives Matter protests sparked the effort and explains how the lending would work.
May 14, 2021
Instagram for Kids Isn't Getting Many Likes
Facebook has proposed making a version of Instagram for children under 13, and the idea has prompted an outcry from lawmakers and regulators on both sides of the aisle. WSJ's Brad Reagan on Facebook's plan and New Jersey's Attorney General on why he is against it.
May 13, 2021
Ransomware, a Pipeline and a Gas Shortage
Colonial Pipeline supplies fuel to more than a dozen states. Last Friday, a ransomware attack forced its shutdown, causing a massive shortage of gasoline. WSJ's Robert McMillan says the group behind the attack, Darkside, and others like it represent a broader threat to corporate America and the country's infrastructure.
May 12, 2021
The NFT Craze Explained
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have made a multi-billion dollar market out of digital items like pixelated cats, basketball highlight videos and even tweets. WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explains the history of the technology and why NFTs could move beyond digital collectibles into the physical world.
May 11, 2021
WeWork's CEO on the Future of Work
WeWork CEO Sandeep Mathrani took charge of the office space company just as the pandemic hit. He's now on the brink of bringing WeWork public. We speak to Mathrani about his time at WeWork, his relationship with cofounder Adam Neumann, and the future of office work.
May 10, 2021
The Covid Vaccine Patent Problem
The U.S. government reversed course last week and said it would support waiving patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines, over the objections of the pharmaceutical industry. WSJ's Yuka Hayashi explains how we got to this point.
May 7, 2021
When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door
Elon Musk's SpaceX has been building out its operations in Boca Chica, Texas and pressuring residents to sell their homes. WSJ's Nancy Keates explains why some residents are pushing back, and a homeowner explains the challenges of living next to a launchpad.
May 6, 2021
Chevron and the Amazon: A 28-year Legal Battle
Oil giant Chevron has been locked in a decades-long legal battle with people living in the Ecuadorian Amazon, who claim they were harmed by oil drilling. After a $9.5 billion judgment in Ecuador in 2011, the company has fought back hard. WSJ's Sara Randazzo tells the story, and the plaintiff's lawyer, Steven Donziger, speaks about the case while under house arrest.
May 5, 2021
'It's on Fire': Why the Housing Market Is Booming
Housing prices around the country have been skyrocketing. WSJ's Nicole Friedman explains what makes the hot market so unusual. And a real estate agent and a prospective buyer from Boise, Idaho, share how the boom is changing their city.
May 4, 2021
India's Social Media Crackdown
As Covid-19 cases were spiking in India, the government said it had removed dozens of social media posts relating to the outbreak. WSJ's Newley Purnell traces the ongoing conflict between the government and global tech giants over freedom of speech in the world's largest democracy.
May 3, 2021
Three Women of Color on Their Pandemic Finances
Black and Latina women have been disproportionally affected by job losses during the pandemic. They're also one of the most financially fragile groups in this country. We talk with three women of color about what getting laid off in the pandemic has meant for them.
April 30, 2021
The 'Jeopardy!' Showrunner on the Search for a New Host
After longtime "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek died last November, the show has been running a public search for a replacement, with guest hosts like Aaron Rodgers and LeVar Burton. We talk with the show's executive producer, Mike Richards, about how the search is going.
April 29, 2021
The Strange Economics of the Lumber Market
There's a disconnect in the lumber market. The price of lumber is the highest it's ever been, but the price of the timber - the raw material - is at record lows. WSJ's Ryan Dezember on the paradox of the lumber market and tree farmer Joe Hopkins on how he's getting through this strange moment.
April 28, 2021
Inside the World's Worst Covid Outbreak Yet
WSJ's Shan Li covered the pandemic's start in Wuhan, China. Now, she is in the midst of the world's worst outbreak yet, in India. Shan told us about what it's like on the ground as numbers rise dramatically and resources are in short supply.
April 27, 2021
Energy Secretary Granholm on the Future of Oil
The Biden administration has made big promises to fight climate change. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm discusses the push for clean energy and what it means for the U.S. oil and gas industry. Plus, WSJ's Russell Gold explores what's next for oil companies.
April 26, 2021
From Political Donor to Alleged CIA Asset
Imaad Zuberi's jet-setting lifestyle afforded him high-profile connections all around the world and made him a heavyweight donor in DC. But at the same time, according to documents, Zuberi was also collecting information for the CIA. WSJ's Byron Tau tells the story of Zuberi's rise and fall.
April 23, 2021
How Soccer Fans Killed the Super League
Twelve of the biggest teams in European soccer announced Sunday they were forming a "Super League." 48 hours later, the plan was dead. WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how a backlash from fans killed an audacious plan to remake the business of soccer.
April 22, 2021
How a Cryptocurrency Company Went Mainstream
Coinbase, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, went public last week. WSJ's Paul Vigna explains how its co-founder Brian Armstrong wants to make crypto as easy as email.
April 21, 2021
The Floyd Family Reacts: 'We All Took a Breath'
A day after a jury convicted Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd, two members of the Floyd family sat down with WSJ's Erin Ailworth to share their reactions to the trial and verdict.
April 20, 2021
Rural Healthcare Is Being Squeezed. One Community Is Fighting Back.
More than 130 rural hospitals across the U.S. have closed since 2010, while even more have cut back on services. WSJ's Brian Spegele shares the story of one Wyoming community where residents are fighting a decline in services at their local hospital by doing something drastic: creating a hospital of their own.
April 19, 2021
mRNA Vaccines Are Taking On Covid. What Else Can They Do?
Dr. Özlem Türeci is the chief medical officer of BioNTech, which created the first Covid-19 vaccine to be authorized in the U.S. We speak with Dr. Türeci about the technology behind the vaccine and the promise it holds for treating other diseases.
April 16, 2021
The Legacy of Ponzi Schemer Bernie Madoff
Bernie Madoff died this week in prison while serving a 150-year sentence for masterminding one of the biggest financial frauds. We speak with one of his victims, and WSJ's Jamie Heller explains how Madoff stole millions of dollars from his clients in his notorious Ponzi scheme.
April 15, 2021
The Rise of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are homemade, untraceable guns. The Biden administration is proposing new gun control measures to regulate their sales. WSJ's Zusha Elinson explains how these guns have been on the rise and under the radar.
April 14, 2021
A Pause on the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Six cases of a rare blood clotting disorder have led U.S. health officials to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine. Though it's not known if the vaccine is behind the blood clotting, WSJ's Jonathan D. Rockoff says the pause could impact efforts to vaccinate the country.
April 13, 2021
From George Floyd to Daunte Wright, Minneapolis on the Brink
As the country watches the trial of the police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd, Minneapolis is reeling from the killing of another unarmed Black man by police in a nearby suburb. WSJ's Erin Ailworth describes the tension on the ground.
April 12, 2021
The Woman Behind The Market's Fastest Growing Fund
With the launch of her latest investment fund, Cathie Wood is betting big on outer space. But it's not the first time she's backed a nascent industry. WSJ's Michael Wursthorn says she's become a star investor by backing innovative companies, delighting investors and attracting critics along the way.
April 9, 2021
Why China Is Jumping Into Digital Currency
China has been testing a digital yuan for the past year. WSJ's James T. Areddy says digital currency is the future of money and that China's head start could threaten the U.S. dollar's dominance.
April 8, 2021
The U.S. and Iran Try for a New Nuclear Deal
President Biden made restoring the 2015 Iran nuclear deal a key piece of his foreign policy. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen reports from Vienna, where indirect talks began this week, about the tricky path to reviving the deal.
April 7, 2021
Biden Tries to Bring Back 'Big Government'
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan ushered in an era of limited government that lasted for decades. President Biden's new plans and proposals set out to change that. WSJ's Jacob M. Schlesinger traces the history of how big government became taboo in Washington and explains why Biden wants to take a new approach.
April 6, 2021
What's Driving Migrants to the Southern Border Now
The number of migrants at the southern U.S. border reached a 15-year high last month, after rising for several months, leading to a humanitarian crisis for the Biden administration. WSJ's Juan Montes spoke to migrants about why they are coming now, and Alicia Caldwell explains the Biden administration's response.
April 5, 2021
The Business Backlash to Georgia's Voting Law
After a group of Black executives condemned a new voting law in Georgia, some of the state's biggest businesses, like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, voiced their own concerns. WSJ's Cameron McWhirter walks through the controversial law that's fraying the relationship between state Republicans and the business community.
April 2, 2021
Why China's Internet Froze Out H&M
H&M faced a firestorm on Chinese social media last week and then started disappearing from map searches and e-commerce sites. WSJ's Eva Xiao explores what led to the attack on the Swedish retailer.
April 1, 2021
A Tug of War Between a Billionaire and a Hedge Fund Over Local News
Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund known for its cost-cutting approach to local newspapers, had made a bid to buy Tribune Publishing, a conglomerate of local papers including the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun. Then, a billionaire put in an offer of his own. WSJ's Lukas Alpert details the face-off between the hedge fund and the billionaire, which could forever change the newspapers caught in...
March 31, 2021
The Secret Investor Who Triggered a Massive Market Selloff
Since Bill Hwang got in trouble with regulators for insider trading about a decade ago, the Wall Street veteran has built his investments back up. And last week, he was behind a more than $30 billion selloff that hit some blue-chip companies. WSJ's Juliet Chung charts Hwang's rise and untangles how he sent stocks into a tailspin.
March 30, 2021
The Suez Canal and a Hard Year at Sea
Even before the debacle at the Suez Canal, it had been a challenging year for the shipping industry. WSJ's Costas Paris explains why the timing of this incident was especially bad for the global supply chain. And one captain talks about his trying year.
March 29, 2021
Will Amazon Unionize in Alabama?
Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Ala. are wrapping up voting today on a big decision: whether to unionize. We hear from a worker who's in favor of unionizing and one who's opposed. And, WSJ's Sebastian Herrera describes what's at stake for Amazon.
March 26, 2021
A Tipping Point for Paying College Athletes?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association faces mounting pressure to let its athletes get paid. WSJ's Rachel Bachman traces the changes in public opinion on the issue and outlines what's at stake in an upcoming Supreme Court case. Plus, a University of Iowa star Jordan Bohannon shares why he started the hashtag #notNCAAproperty ... and why his team purloined a rug.
March 25, 2021
AstraZeneca's Rocky Road to Releasing a Vaccine
Countries around the world had high hopes for AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, but it's run into problems. WSJ's Jenny Strasburg explains how manufacturing issues, a scare about side effects and questions about AstraZeneca's trial data have undermined faith in the shot.
March 24, 2021
An Asian-American Business Owner on a Challenging Year
As he prepared to reopen his chain of Chinese restaurants in New York City last year, Jason Wang worried about two different dangers facing his employees: coronavirus and racist attacks. Plus, WSJ's Akane Otani spends an evening with a volunteer safety patrol in a majority Asian-American neighborhood.
March 23, 2021
Pete Buttigieg on Getting an Infrastructure Deal
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is convinced there's bipartisan support for big infrastructure spending. But WSJ's Ted Mann explains why reaching a deal may be an uphill battle.
March 22, 2021
How China's Superstar Entrepreneur Ran Afoul of the Government
Alibaba founder Jack Ma was a rock star of China's business world. Now, he's an outcast. WSJ's Lingling Wei and Keith Zhai reveal how Ma fell out of favor with Beijing and what that means for other entrepreneurs in China.
March 19, 2021
A Surprise Turkey and 200 Lemons: Everyday Stories From the Pandemic
At the WSJ, a recurring feature known as the A-hed captures the bizarre twists and turns of everyday life. It took on a whole new meaning over the past year. Today, we share five A-hed stories - from trying to plant a garden to learning to ride a bike.
March 18, 2021
Greensill Wanted to 'Democratize Capital.' Now It's Bankrupt.
Lex Greensill went from farm boy to financier with a simple mission: to bring big bank financing to small business supply chains. But as WSJ reporter Duncan Mavin says, his ambition for growth and risky lending caused his namesake company to implode.
March 17, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci: 'The Game Is Not Over'
An interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci about how efforts to vaccinate the country are going, what it will take for work and school to return to normal and whether the pandemic is ending.
March 16, 2021
Fresh off his $69 million sale, the digital artist known as Beeple says he's not trying to "blow up" the contemporary art world. And WSJ's Kelly Crow explains how a new technology led to a historic sale.
March 15, 2021
Who is Getting Left Behind in the Vaccination Push
As Covid-19 vaccinations race along, elderly Black and Latino people are getting left behind. WSJ's Daniela Hernandez explains why. We also talk to a doctor trying to get his elderly father a vaccine and a community organizer in Miami.
March 12, 2021
One Year Later, Elmhurst Doctors Look Back
Elmhurst Hospital in Queens was at the epicenter of New York City's Covid-19 outbreak. WSJ's Katie Honan speaks to three doctors who were inside the hospital as that crisis was unfolding about what it was like and how they're coping now.
March 11, 2021
How One Company Rode the Electric Vehicle Boom to Success
In the last 10 years, China has cornered the market on a key ingredient needed for electric car batteries: lithium. Now, one company is trying to change that by mining the metal in America. WSJ's Scott Patterson tells the story of Piedmont Lithium and one of its founders, geologist Lamont Leatherman.
March 10, 2021
Why Fewer Ads Might Follow You Around the Web
Google says that by next year it will completely do away with third-party cookies, and it won't support any technology that tries to replace them. WSJ's Sam Schechner talks about what the move means for Google, and he bids goodbye to the rhino t-shirt that follows him everywhere.
March 9, 2021
One of Cuomo's Accusers in Her Own Words
Ana Liss describes what she says was inappropriate behavior from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo when she worked in his office from 2013 to 2015. WSJ's Jimmy Vielkind talks about the scandals swirling around the three-term governor that have led to calls for his resignation.
March 8, 2021
Is $1.9 Trillion Too Much?
After already spending more than $3 trillion on economic relief packages this past year, Congress is set to pass another $1.9 trillion bill. We speak with top White House economist Jared Bernstein about the benefits - and risks - of so much spending.
March 5, 2021
The New Reality for Oil in Washington
The oil industry's top lobbying group is poised to embrace a climate policy it had fought for years. WSJ's Timothy Puko explains what's behind that reversal, and what it says about the new political reality facing fossil fuels.
March 4, 2021
Where Jobs Are Booming
Even with high unemployment, certain industries are having a hard time finding enough workers. WSJ's Sarah Chaney Cambon explains why some companies are increasing wages and benefits as a result. We also talk to Aaron Jagdfeld, the CEO of a generator company, about the lengths he's taken to recruit workers.
March 3, 2021
WeWork Looks to Go Public, Again
For more than a year, WeWork has been dogged by its obligations to its co-founder Adam Neumann. WSJ's Maureen Farrell tells the story of how the company finally severed ties with Neumann and why going public may now be on the horizon.
March 2, 2021
How an Army of Retail Investors Helped Save AMC Movie Theaters
AMC, the world's largest movie theater chain, was facing possible bankruptcy after the pandemic dried up moviegoing. But early this year, retail investors rallied to #SaveAMC. WSJ's Alexander Gladstone spoke with AMC CEO Adam Aron about how he set the company up to benefit from an unexpected stroke of luck.
March 1, 2021
Novavax's Long Road to a Covid-19 Vaccine
Novavax is a vaccine company that for decades never brought a vaccine to market. Before the pandemic, they were on the verge of bankruptcy. WSJ's Gregory Zuckerman and Novavax's Dr. Gregory Glenn explain how the company's fortunes are now changing thanks to its Covid-19 vaccine, which is delivering promising results.
February 26, 2021
Hollywood Director Lee Daniels on a Changing Film Industry
Major film studios are starting to embrace a strategy never before seen in Hollywood: releasing films directly to streaming. Director Lee Daniels joins us to discuss what that change has meant for his new film, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday," and what it could mean for the future of filmmaking.
February 25, 2021
An Interview With a Member of the Facebook Oversight Board
Facebook's new oversight board is preparing to rule on whether Donald Trump should be banned from Facebook permanently. We talk with one of the board's co-chairs, former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, about how the board is weighing the decision and what it means for free speech on the platform.
February 24, 2021
Dogecoin Was a Joke. Now It's Worth $7 Billion.
Billy Markus created the cryptocurrency Dogecoin on a lark, based on a viral dog meme. Eight years later, his creation is worth billions of dollars. Markus and WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explain how crypto's jokiest coin went to the moon.
February 23, 2021
A Voting Machine Company Fights Disinformation With Lawsuits
Dominion Voting Systems, the voting-machine maker, was swept up in a storm of allegations about its role in the 2020 election. We speak with Dominion's CEO, and WSJ's Alexa Corse describes how the company is fighting back.
February 22, 2021
Why the Texas Power Grid Failed
Texas's deregulated power sector was considered a model for delivering cheap electricity, but the power outages last week revealed shortcomings. WSJ's Russell Gold unpacks what went wrong.
February 19, 2021
Ban on Foreign Workers Left Jobs Open. Americans Didn't Take Them.
Last year, President Trump banned most new visas for foreign workers, arguing unemployed Americans would take those jobs instead. But as WSJ's Alicia Caldwell told us, even with high unemployment, many of those positions were left unfilled.
February 18, 2021
Free Trading Isn't Free: How Robinhood Makes Money
Robinhood is able to offer free trading on its app thanks to a practice known as payment for order flow. WSJ's Alexander Osipovich explains how it works and why Congress has questions about it.
February 17, 2021
This Judge Put Criminals Away. Now He's Trying to Set Them Free.
Judge John Gleeson spent his career putting high-profile and dangerous criminals behind bars, but now he is on a mission to reduce sentences for some inmates convicted under mandatory minimum sentences. We talk to the WSJ's Corinne Ramey, Judge John Gleeson and one man who's been freed by the Judge's strategy.
February 16, 2021
Why Google Might Leave Australia
Australia is poised to pass a law that would compel tech companies like Google and Facebook to pay news organizations for links. In response, Google threatened to turn off search, and Facebook said it wouldn't let users share articles. WSJ's Mike Cherney explains what's at stake.
February 12, 2021
Facebook's Showdown With Apple
Apple is launching a new privacy feature that Facebook says could severely hurt its business by making it harder to target consumers with ads. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains how the dispute has been years in the making.
February 11, 2021
An Oral History of WallStreetBets
Five WallStreetBets members tell the story of how they ended up on the Reddit forum and how they felt when it upended the stock market.
February 10, 2021
The Shell Companies Taking Over Wall Street
Companies with no business plan, no profit, and no revenue are flooding Wall Street. They're called SPACs, and investors are pouring money into them. WSJ's Maureen Farrell explains the forces behind the market's SPAC boom and what it could mean for investors.
February 9, 2021
GM's All-Electric Bet
General Motors has committed to making all its vehicles electric by 2035. WSJ's Mike Colias explains GM's history making electric vehicles and why it's now going all-in.
February 8, 2021
Trump's Second Impeachment Trial Begins
Donald Trump is the first president to be impeached twice. Now, the Senate will vote on whether or not to convict him. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes outlines what's different about this impeachment and what problems it could raise on both sides of the aisle.
February 5, 2021
Why It's Hard to Buy a House in Detroit, Especially if You're Black
When Vincent Orr decided to buy a house, he didn't get a mortgage. He paid cash, and he's not alone. WSJ's Ben Eisen explains why Black Detroiters still have a tough time getting mortgages decades after racist redlining policies officially ended.
February 4, 2021
Two Power Brokers in Biden's Washington
One of President Biden's closest advisors, Steve Ricchetti, has ties to lobbying that go back decades. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz tells the story of how Steve Ricchetti and his brother Jeff climbed the ranks of lobbying and government.
February 3, 2021
Amazon After Bezos
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced yesterday that he plans to step down as CEO. WSJ's Bradley Olson explains how Bezos's relentless drive grew Amazon into a goliath and what the next CEO will mean for America's biggest online retailer.
February 2, 2021
Do Stimulus Checks Work?
Congress is debating a third round of stimulus checks to Americans. WSJ's Richard Rubin talks through the upsides and downsides to stimulus checks, why they're neither "stimulus" nor a "check," and we hear how our listeners spent their money.
February 1, 2021
Why Robinhood Put the Brakes on GameStop
In the middle of the GameStop frenzy last week, Robinhood users woke up to find they couldn't buy many of the market's hottest stocks. The app had placed unprecedented restrictions on trading. WSJ's Peter Rudegeair explains why Robinhood did it and the backlash it's facing as a result.
January 29, 2021
Companies Try to Speed Up the Vaccine Rollout
As the vaccine rollout around the country hits obstacles, corporate America says there's a better way. WSJ's Sarah Krouse explains how companies are stepping in to address distribution woes, and one CEO details his company's effort.
January 28, 2021
Why Biden Killed the Keystone XL Pipeline
President Biden revoked the permit for the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline on his first day in office. But as a candidate early in the presidential race, the pipeline wasn't a priority. WSJ's Tim Puko explains how the pipeline became a symbol and day-one agenda item for the Biden White House.
January 27, 2021
GameStop and the Rise of the Reddit Investor
A group of investors on Reddit are driving up the stock price of GameStop, going against Wall Street consensus that the video game retailer's days are numbered. WSJ's Gunjan Banerji explains how they're working together to make the stock soar - and make a lot of money for themselves in the process.
January 26, 2021
What to Expect from the Jobs Market in 2021
The U.S. job market made a remarkable comeback in 2020, after the pandemic wiped out more than 20 million jobs. But it wasn't nearly enough for a full recovery. WSJ's Eric Morath explains why many economists think that 2021 could be a record-setting year for job growth - and how that optimistic outlook could fall apart.
January 25, 2021
Two Investors, One Company and a Billion-Dollar Short
For years, two billionaire investors battled over the fate of Herbalife, a nutritional shake company. This month, we saw the final chapter of the strange saga that WSJ's David Benoit likens to "Mean Girls meets Wall Street."
January 22, 2021
What It Takes to Open a Business in a Pandemic
Reporter Peter Grant has been walking one stretch of Brooklyn since the beginning of the pandemic, talking to struggling business owners. Recently, he's found a new phenomenon: people who've decided now is the right time to open a new business.
January 21, 2021
The Risks the U.K. Strain Poses for the U.S.
A new strain of coronavirus that arose in the U.K. could become dominant in the U.S. by March. WSJ's Daniela Hernandez explains the science behind the emerging threat.
January 20, 2021
On the Ground at Biden's Inauguration
Joe Biden was sworn in today as the 46th president of the United States. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes was at the ceremony, and Ted Mann was on the streets outside.
January 19, 2021
How Trump Tied His Businesses to His Presidency
As the end of Donald Trump's presidency approached, the Trump Organization believed there was money to be made after Trump left the White House. WSJ's Brian Spegele and Rebecca Ballhaus explain how the assault on the U.S. Capitol could upend those plans.
January 15, 2021
Three Afghans Prepare for the U.S. to Leave
The U.S. military completed one of the most significant drawdowns of the Afghan war today. There are now just 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, the lowest number since 2001. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen went to Kabul to hear from Afghans what the withdrawal means for them, and their country.
January 14, 2021
Sheldon Adelson and the Rise of the Megadonor
Casino magnate and billionaire Sheldon Adelson died this week at the age of 87. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz explains the mark Adelson left on politics as a Republican megadonor.
January 13, 2021
How Big Tech Kicked Parler Offline
Google, Apple and Amazon took steps over the weekend to effectively shut down the social media site Parler, which had been used to organize the attack on the Capitol. WSJ's Keach Hagey explains why they did it and what it means for the future of speech and tech.
January 12, 2021
Why This Impeachment Could Be Different
House Democrats introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump this week, accusing him of "incitement of insurrection." WSJ's Siobhan Hughes, who covered Mr. Trump's first impeachment, explains how this impeachment could play out differently.
January 11, 2021
Why Google Workers Formed a Union
Silicon Valley has long been resistant to organized labor, but last week a group of Google employees announced the formation of a union. WSJ's Bodeya Tweh on the activism that led to this moment and union member Andrew Gainer-Dewar on why he joined.
January 8, 2021
How Wednesday's Attack Came Together: Out in the Open
In the weeks before Wednesday's attack on the U.S. Capitol, people were openly planning violence online. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman describes the patchwork of policies that have allowed extremists to organize on the internet.
January 7, 2021
How One State Got Its Vaccine Rollout Right
West Virginia has administered first doses of Covid-19 vaccines at one of the highest rates in the country. Covid Czar Dr. Clay Marsh tells us how the state did it by forgoing the federal government's plan.
January 6, 2021
Pro-Trump Mob Storms the Capitol
Mass chaos engulfed the U.S. Capitol today as a pro-Trump mob stormed the building in objection to the results of the election. WSJ's Gordon Lubold described what he saw on the ground at the Capitol.
January 5, 2021
What's Behind the Slow Vaccine Rollout
The federal government set a goal of vaccinating 20 million people by the end of 2020. But the rollout fell far short. WSJ's Jared Hopkins explains why vaccine distribution is going much more slowly than expected.
January 4, 2021
The Republican Party Civil War in Georgia
Ahead of Tuesday's high-stakes Senate runoffs in Georgia, WSJ's Cameron McWhirter talked to Republican voters to understand how Trump's barrage of attacks on their governor and secretary of state is affecting their vote and their loyalty to the party.
December 23, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci Looks Back at 2020
It's been nearly a year since the first coronavirus case was recorded in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Fauci looks back on the year we had and ahead at what's to come.
December 22, 2020
Inside the Largest Government Hack in Years
WSJ's Bob McMillan tells the story of how updates from a little-known software company, SolarWinds, allegedly let Russian hackers into U.S. government networks and explains what that means for the future of cyber espionage.
December 21, 2020
The $900 Billion Relief Package
Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a $900 billion stimulus package. We speak with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson about the package and what it could mean for states and the economy.
December 18, 2020
A Church Tries to Bridge Its Political Divides
This year, members of a small Michigan church tried to do something America has struggled to: find common ground. WSJ's Janet Adamy watched-and recorded-as the group tried to navigate its political divisions in just 11 conversations.
December 17, 2020
What Corporate America Can Learn From Coke's Reckoning With Race
Two decades ago, black employees sued Coca-Cola for racial discrimination. The company pledged to turn things around -- and it did. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney and Lauren Weber explain how Coke successfully transformed itself into a more equitable company...and how it failed to stay that way.
December 16, 2020
Chef José Andrés: How to Feed People in an Emergency
After the pandemic forced restaurants across the U.S. to close, award-winning chef José Andrés had an idea: He could mobilize those shuttered kitchens to help feed the hungry. Chef Andrés joins us to talk about an unprecedented year for his industry.
December 15, 2020
How One Hospital Is Rolling Out the Vaccine
Americans are now getting vaccinated, starting with health-care workers and people with conditions that make them vulnerable. We talk with Dr. Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital, the only public hospital in New Jersey, about how that process is playing out.
December 14, 2020
Sweden's Pandemic Experiment
Sweden attempted for months to combat Covid-19 through voluntary measures rather than lockdowns and other restrictions. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski looks at how the country fared.
December 11, 2020
Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" 26 years ago to moderate success. Today, the song is a mega-hit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out.
December 10, 2020
The Government's Case for Breaking Up Facebook
The Federal Trade Commission and 48 attorneys general sued Facebook Wednesday, accusing the company of being anticompetitive and seeking to break off Instagram and WhatsApp. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman lays out the government's case and Facebook's defense.
December 9, 2020
Airbnb's Rough Road to an IPO
Airbnb is set to go public at a valuation of more than $40 billion, just months after the pandemic threatened the company's survival. WSJ's Maureen Farrell explains how Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky brought the company back from the brink.
December 8, 2020
The Vaccine Is Coming to a CVS Near You
The U.S. is days away from approving its first Covid-19 vaccine. And the way most Americans will get a vaccine? Their pharmacy. We talk to CVS executive Chris Cox on the company's plan to immunize millions of Americans.
December 7, 2020
How Biden and McConnell Do Business
President-elect Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are leaders of opposing parties, but their similar backgrounds and political upbringings give them common ground at the negotiating table. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes tells us what their relationship means for Biden's policy agenda.
December 4, 2020
As Covid Climbs, One State Holds On for the Vaccine
An interview with Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama's top health official, about how his state is both struggling to fight the virus and preparing for a massive vaccine rollout.
December 3, 2020
The Daring Rescue Behind the Middle East Peace Talks
A peace treaty called the Abraham Accords has played a vital role in the Trump Administration's effort to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. WSJ's Dion Nissenbaum tells the story of the general who orchestrated a daring mission that helped make the historic treaty possible.
December 2, 2020
The Life of Zappos's Pioneering CEO
Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, died last week at the age of 46. WSJ's Bob Hagerty shares how Hsieh made his name as an off-the-wall tech entrepreneur who helped transform online shopping.
December 1, 2020
Why Schools Are Getting Hacked
Schools are facing a wave of increasingly aggressive ransomware attacks, with hackers seeking ransoms in the tens of thousands of dollars. WSJ's Tawnell Hobbs takes us inside the world of hackers, and we talk with a school technology director in Texas who got hacked this summer.
November 30, 2020
Janet Yellen's Biggest Challenge Yet
Janet Yellen is Joe Biden's pick for Treasury secretary. Despite having served in essentially all of the government's top economic jobs, this role may present her greatest challenge yet: partisan politics.
November 25, 2020
The Agony and Ecstasy of Tab
When Coca-Cola announced it was discontinuing Tab, its long-running diet soda brand, it left a small band of fiercely loyal soda fans in the lurch. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney talks about the rise and long decline of Tab, and Ryan goes in search of the elusive pink can.
November 24, 2020
One Nurse, Three Covid Hotspots
Trinity Goodman is a traveling crisis nurse. Since April, she has treated Covid patients in three different hotspots: New York, Texas and Indiana. She tells us about the last 8 months at the front lines of the pandemic.
November 23, 2020
Why Conservatives Are Turning to Parler
Conservatives upset by Twitter and Facebook's approach to content moderation are finding an alternative: Parler. WSJ's Keach Hagey explains why the buzzy social network's commitment to free speech is both an asset and a liability.
November 20, 2020
The Creator of the Record-Setting Covid Vaccine
Pfizer and BioNTech asked the Food and Drug Administration today to authorize their Covid-19 vaccine. We talk with the visionary scientist who developed the vaccine, Dr. Ugur Sahin, and the WSJ's Bojan Pancevski about what could be the fastest vaccine ever developed and approved.
November 19, 2020
While Airlines Shrink, Southwest Goes Big
While most airlines are parking planes and cutting costs, Southwest is starting flights to 10 new airports. WSJ's Alison Sider explains why Southwest is expanding and how the company has used this strategy before.
November 18, 2020
How Fraud and Waste Seeped Into a Covid Stimulus Program
The Paycheck Protection Program was supposed to save small businesses after Covid-19 shut down the economy. Its legacy is more complicated. WSJ's Ryan Tracy walks us through the mounting cases of PPP fraud and whether the program ultimately proved effective.
November 17, 2020
Georgia's Secretary of State Defends the Election
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is managing Georgia's hand recount. We speak with him about how it's going and how he's countering the criticism from fellow Republicans about the election he ran earlier this month.
November 16, 2020
Why the Biggest IPO Ever Blew Up
Ant Group, a giant Chinese financial technology company, was days away from a $34 billion IPO when things came to a sudden stop. WSJ's Jing Yang explains why it all unraveled.
November 13, 2020
Would a Biden Administration Push for Covid Lockdowns?
As new U.S. coronavirus cases and hospitalizations reach record highs, we talk with Dr. Celine Gounder, a member of president-elect Joe Biden's Covid-19 advisory board. She explains how a Biden administration will handle the pandemic and what Americans need to do to get the virus under control.
November 12, 2020
The Agency Holding Up Biden's Transition
President-elect Joe Biden is setting up his administration, but he's still waiting on the sign off of a federal agency to get the resources he needs. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains the role of the General Services Administration in the presidential transfer of power.
November 10, 2020
The Next Challenge for Pfizer's Covid Vaccine
Pfizer announced that its Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective in final stage trials. We talk to WSJ's Jared Hopkins about what still needs to happen before the FDA approves the vaccine and the biggest obstacles ahead for distributing a vaccine across the globe.
November 9, 2020
The Iowa Pollster Who Got It Right
Joe Biden's win was much closer than polls predicted, but not every pollster emerged from Election Day with a black eye. Iowa's Ann Selzer was right on the money. We talk to Iowa's queen of polling about how she got it right.
November 7, 2020
Joe Biden Wins the Presidency
Joe Biden has been elected the 46th president of the United States. WSJ's Sabrina Siddiqui explains how Biden built a coalition to unseat President Trump and what his history in public office tells us about how he might govern.
November 6, 2020
Inside Pennsylvania's Vote Count
As ballot counting stretched into a fourth day, WSJ's Kris Maher explains why the count is taking so long and describes his visit to a ballot counting facility in Erie, Pa. earlier this week.
November 5, 2020
Democrats Spent Big on the Senate. It Didn't Go Well.
Democrats poured record-setting sums into Senate races around the country but came up short. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains why Democrats thought they could win big and what happens with some races still uncalled.
November 4, 2020
A Close Election and the Legal Challenges Ahead
The presidential election is still too close to call in a few crucial swing states. WSJ's Michael Bender explains the state of play and Michael Amon looks ahead to possible legal challenges and recounts.
Special Election Episode: How the Night Unfolded
What happened last night? Our reporters took us on the ground with both campaigns as the results came in.
November 3, 2020
Election Day in Three Battleground States
It's Election Day, and all eyes are on the battleground states that will likely decide the next president. WSJ reporters on the ground in Texas, Georgia and Pennsylvania talk about what they're seeing and how voters are feeling.
November 2, 2020
California Votes on the Gig Economy
California is voting on how companies classify gig workers, a measure that has become the most expensive ballot proposition in the state's history. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains what's at stake for companies like Uber and Lyft and why the outcome could matter to drivers and customers everywhere.
October 30, 2020
What to Watch for on Election Day
Election Day is just days away. We talk with veteran WSJ political reporter Catherine Lucey about what to pay attention to as America goes to the polls.
October 29, 2020
Covid's Grip on a Rural Hospital
A small North Dakota hospital system that went months without a coronavirus case is now facing a serious outbreak. We speak with CEO Matt Shahan about how the virus is affecting his hospital and community.
October 28, 2020
Tech CEOs Defend Their Efforts to Police Online Content
Lawmakers questioned the CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter over how they shape discourse online. WSJ's Robert McMillan explains why a recent New York Post story about Hunter Biden put the CEOs in the hot seat.
October 27, 2020
Trump Versus Biden on the Economy
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are approaching a key issue - the economy - in different ways. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath looks at President Trump's economic record and talks us through both candidates' economic plans.
October 26, 2020
Waiting Up Late for Wisconsin
With a historic number of mail-in ballots in Wisconsin this year, it may take a while before we know who's won the state and, perhaps, the presidency itself. We talk with Wisconsin's chief elections official about how she's preparing.
October 23, 2020
Quibi's Quick Collapse
The streaming platform Quibi broke onto the scene earlier this year with tons of cash and a Hollywood visionary at the helm. Six months later, the company is shutting down. WSJ's Benjamin Mullin talks through the high hopes for Quibi and the platform's dramatic fall from grace.
October 22, 2020
A Billionaire's Plan for Mass Covid Testing
Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Graham Weston caught Covid from an asymptomatic carrier. Now, he's embarking on a mission to control the virus through cheap, widespread testing - starting off in one Texas town. WSJ's Rob Copeland explains the experiment.
October 21, 2020
Inside One NBA Team's Decision to Turn Its Arena Into a Poll Site
The Atlanta Hawks decided to turn their basketball arena into a voting site in response to the George Floyd protests. CEO Steve Koonin talks about what went into that transformation and what it means for a private company to get involved in an election.
October 20, 2020
The Government Sues Google
The Department of Justice filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search. WSJ's Brent Kendall explains what's at stake.
October 19, 2020
A String of Scandals, the Same Auditor
Several recent corporate financial scandals have had one thing in common: the main companies involved were all audited by Ernst & Young. WSJ's Ken Brown explains how problems at one of the world's largest accounting firms might signal issues for the wider world of auditing.
October 16, 2020
Melinda Gates on What Covid Has Exposed
Melinda Gates has been involved in distributing hundreds of millions of vaccine doses. Kate talks with her about how now, she's focused on the coronavirus and the inequities the virus has revealed.
October 15, 2020
Why an Atlanta Rap Mogul Is Starting a Bank
Atlanta rapper Killer Mike recently launched a digital bank to serve communities of color. He explains why he started the bank and why Black banks are so important in closing the racial wealth gap.
October 14, 2020
Why Some People Have to Repay Pandemic Aid
States rushed to distribute unemployment benefits to millions of people in the spring. In the process, thousands received more money than they should have. WSJ's Lauren Weber explains how some states overpaid pandemic assistance and why they're now asking for that money back.
October 13, 2020
The Trump Organization's Debts Are Coming Due
The Trump Organization has over $400 million worth of debt coming due over the next several years. WSJ's Brian Spegele explains the debts and the myriad challenges that will come with refinancing if President Trump wins a second term.
October 9, 2020
What Amy Coney Barrett's Confirmation Hearing Could Look Like
Next week, Judge Amy Coney Barrett will face senators during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes looks back at Barrett's previous confirmation hearing in 2017 for clues about how she might handle next week's questioning.
October 8, 2020
What's a Movie Theater Without New Movies?
Regal Cinemas is shutting down across the U.S. today for the second time in the pandemic. We speak with the head of Regal, Mooky Greidinger, about what caused him to pull the plug and what's needed to reopen the theaters.
October 7, 2020
How Russia Today Keeps Reaching U.S. Readers
Headlines from RT, a Kremlin-backed outlet, have appeared on the websites of prominent U.S. publications. WSJ's Keach Hagey explains how a news aggregator dominated by conservative media sites has helped RT reach U.S. readers.
October 6, 2020
How Trump's Illness Is Shaking Up the Campaign
President Trump's illness is pushing Vice President Mike Pence into a larger role in the campaign. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains how the president's diagnosis is changing the race and previews the vice presidential debate Wednesday.
October 5, 2020
Could Ex-Felons Sway the Election in Florida?
After Florida granted the right to vote to felons who've completed their sentence, the state legislature passed a law requiring them to pay off all fees, fines and restitution first. WSJ's Jon Kamp and Coulter Jones describe the scramble to raise money and the ramifications for the election.
October 2, 2020
The Days Before Trump's Positive Test
President Trump has tested positive for Covid-19 and is displaying mild symptoms, according to the White House. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus takes us through Trump's packed schedule over the past few days and explains what his diagnosis may mean for his campaign.
October 1, 2020
Why Are There Still So Few Black CEOs?
There only four Black CEOs in the Fortune 500. What's stopping Black professionals from getting the top jobs? Dr. Adia Wingfield explains the concrete ceiling many Black workers face and Telisa Yancy, COO at American Family Insurance, tells her story of making it to the top.
September 30, 2020
A TikTok Star Wrestles With the App's Possible Ban
Michael Le is one of TikTok's biggest stars, and he's leveraged that fame to buy a house and support his entire family. Now, President Trump's potential ban of the Chinese social media app is putting all that at risk. Le talks about his rise to fame on TikTok and what his plan B looks like.
September 29, 2020
Louisville's New Police Chief on Breonna Taylor and Reform
The police shooting of Breonna Taylor has put a spotlight on Louisville, Ky. and its police department. We speak with Yvette Gentry, the city's incoming police chief, about how she hopes to change the department.
September 28, 2020
Why a Hot Electric-Truck Startup Fell Back to Earth
The electric-truck startup Nikola promised to transform trucking with clean technology. WSJ's Christina Rogers explains why Nikola is now scrambling to address serious questions about its business.
September 25, 2020
Voices From the Pandemic, Six Months In
Back in March, The Journal began talking to people around the country about how the coronavirus was reshaping their lives. Six months into the pandemic, we call them back to ask how they're coping now.
September 24, 2020
A State Prepares for Election Day
The pandemic is forcing election officials across the U.S. to prepare for unprecedented numbers of mail-in ballots while also ensuring that in-person voting is safe. We speak with the chief elections official in North Carolina about whether the state is ready.
September 23, 2020
The Biggest IPO Boom in Years
When the stock market went plummeting in March, many companies shelved plans to go public. Just six months later, we're in the middle of a historic IPO boom. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch explains what is driving the rush to go public and some of the unique ways that people are cashing in.
September 22, 2020
Exxon's Stunning Decline
Just seven years ago, Exxon was the biggest company in the U.S. Since then, it's lost about 60% of its value. WSJ's Christopher Matthews tells the story of the oil giant's rapid fall.
September 21, 2020
The Fight Over Ginsburg's Supreme Court Seat
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death injected the prospect of a bitter nomination fight into the final weeks of the presidential campaign. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains the origins of that fight, and Viveca Novak looks at how it could affect the cases before the court this year.
September 18, 2020
Checking Out of Hotel 166
As coronavirus spread through homeless shelters this spring, many cities moved people to hotels to keep them safe. A group of doctors running one hotel in Chicago saw an opportunity: With new funding, they tried to find housing for the hotel residents in under four months. WSJ's Joe Barrett has been following their effort, and Dr. Tom Huggett talks about what it took to meet the deadline.
September 17, 2020
Fauci on the Timing and Limits of a Covid Vaccine
An interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci about when he expects a Covid-19 vaccine will be ready and what life may be like once we have it.
September 16, 2020
Will Oracle Save TikTok?
Bidders piled in to buy TikTok after the Trump administration forced a sale. But the unlikely winner of the bidding war is a database management company. WSJ's Brad Reagan unpacks why even this outcome may not be enough to save TikTok.
September 15, 2020
How a Deal to Buy Tiffany Lost Its Sparkle
The conglomerate LVMH struck the largest acquisition deal in the history of the luxury goods industry last year, agreeing to purchase Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion. Last week, LVMH announced it was backing out of the deal. WSJ's Matthew Dalton walks us through how the historic deal has gone awry.
September 14, 2020
Oregon's Historic Wildfires
Oregon's wildfires have taken at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of homes and burned more than a million acres. The state's director of Emergency Management shares how the state is responding to this fire and preparing for worse fires in the future.
September 11, 2020
The Big Bet That Fueled the Stock Market Rally
Tech stocks led the charge as the stock market climbed to record highs this year. Behind some of that rally was a single, massive trade. WSJ's Liz Hoffman reveals the trade and the unusual investor behind it.
September 10, 2020
The Uphill Battle to Bring Back Jobs
In the first months of the pandemic, 20 million jobs were lost. About half of those have come back. WSJ's Eric Morath tells us why the other half could be gone for much, much longer.
September 9, 2020
The Coronavirus Vaccine Pact
Nine drug companies issued an unusual pledge yesterday: They all agreed not to seek FDA authorization for a coronavirus vaccine until it is proven safe and effective. WSJ's Jared Hopkins explains what drove these vaccine rivals to unite behind the same message.
September 8, 2020
Does Robinhood Make It Too Easy to Trade?
The trading app Robinhood was founded with the goal of democratizing investing so that buying and selling stocks wasn't just for the wealthy. But does the app make it too easy? WSJ's Michael Wursthorn explains how the app has drawn scrutiny from financial and behavioral experts.
September 4, 2020
The Nation Grappled With George Floyd's Killing. They Lived It.
WSJ's Erin Ailworth reported from Minneapolis in the days after George Floyd was killed. Recently, she went back to talk to people who knew Floyd and whose lives were forever changed by his death. Here's what she found.
September 3, 2020
How Extremists Are Taking Advantage of the Protest Movement
Protests have taken a deadly turn in the last two weeks and authorities say extremists are responsible. WSJ's Dan Frosch outlines the recent rise of extremism in America, and explains why experts predicted that this kind of violence would happen.
September 2, 2020
Why NYC Delayed Reopening Schools
New York City had been moving ahead with plans to bring students back to the classroom next week, over the objections of teachers. But this week, things changed. WSJ's Leslie Brody explains how a clash between the mayor and the teachers union altered the city's back-to-school plans.
September 1, 2020
On a Campus With Over 1,000 Covid Cases
After months of preparation and planning, the fall college semester is here. But not all reopening plans are working. WSJ's Melissa Korn explains the disparate college plans to prevent Covid-19, and a student describes what it's like on a campus with an outbreak.
August 31, 2020
The Biggest Boycott in NBA History
In the middle of the NBA playoffs, one team staged an unprecedented boycott to protest police brutality. WSJ's Ben Cohen talks about the choice that shook not just the NBA but other sports and what it took to get the games going again.
August 28, 2020
Trump's Pitch and Two Visions for America
President Trump capped off the Republican convention with his acceptance speech last night. WSJ's Mike Bender dissects the case Republicans made for Trump's re-election and Emily Stephenson explains where the campaigns go from here.
August 27, 2020
A Vaccine Trial Recruiter Battles Mistrust
Dr. Angela Branche of the University of Rochester Medical Center is working to recruit Black participants for Covid-19 vaccine trials. She explains why the diversity of the trials may affect who trusts the vaccine once it comes out.
August 26, 2020
The Small-Business Covid Testing Problem
Many businesses are requiring employees to get tested for Covid-19 in order to return to work. We speak with one small-business owner who routinely tests her workers about whether it has helped keep employees safe and what testing expenses have meant for her bottom line.
August 25, 2020
A Police Shooting in Wisconsin Reignites Protests
Last night was the second night of fires and protests in Kenosha, Wis., following a police shooting of a Black man there. WSJ's Erin Ailworth describes what it's like on the ground and how the death of George Floyd factors into how these protests are playing out.
August 24, 2020
Netflix's $10 Million Deposit
After George Floyd was killed, corporations promised to put money toward fighting racial inequality. Netflix put $10 million into a credit union in Mississippi. We speak with Bill Bynum, HOPE Credit Union's CEO, about the why that deposit matters.
August 21, 2020
The Conventions Go Digital
The Democrats wrapped the first-ever virtual political convention this week and nominated Joe Biden for president. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz explains the main themes, and Mike Bender previews the Republicans' plans for next week.
August 20, 2020
Why Steve Bannon Got Arrested
Former Trump aide Steve Bannon was arrested and charged today in an alleged scheme to siphon money out of a nonprofit organization for personal expenses. WSJ's Ashby Jones and Elizabeth Findell explain the origins of the group and the case against Bannon.
August 19, 2020
Fortnite's Battle Royale With Big Tech
Fortnite, one the most popular video games in the world, kicked off a fight with Apple and Google over their app store fees. WSJ's Sarah Needleman explains what led the video game's maker to take on Big Tech.
August 18, 2020
When Back to Work Collides With Back to School
With many schools starting the new year virtually and some employers calling people back to the office, working parents are in a crunch. WSJ's Christina Rexrode explains how parents are scrambling to find and pay for childcare, and what it could mean for the economy.
August 17, 2020
What's Going On With the Post Office?
The United States Postal Service is facing serious budget problems. It's also at the center of a heated political fight over its readiness to handle mail-in ballots for the November election. WSJ's Natalie Andrews explains.
August 14, 2020
The Biden-Harris Ticket Takes the Stage
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have come together as the Democratic ticket and will take to the airwaves at the convention next week. WSJ's Sabrina Siddiqui explains Biden's message, how Harris fits into it and what to expect from the virtual convention.
August 13, 2020
One College Tries to Bring Everyone Back
Colleges across the country have been grappling with how - or whether - to reopen campus this year. We speak to Vassar College President Elizabeth Bradley about how she's planning on bringing all of her students back.
August 12, 2020
The Arrest of Jimmy Lai
Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was a thorn in the Chinese government's side for decades. He was arrested this week under Hong Kong's sweeping new security law. WSJ's John Lyons explains what Lai's arrest signals about Hong Kong.
August 11, 2020
In a World Without Touring, Musicians Get Creative
Touring accounted for a huge portion of the music industry's revenue -- until covid put tours on pause. Pitbull, Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys and WSJ's Anne Steele talk about how the industry is trying to cope.
August 10, 2020
A 'Powder Keg' in Beirut
A massive explosion in Beirut last week has sparked protests, prompted the resignation of the government and pushed Lebanon to the brink. WSJ's Nazih Osseiran explains the nearly seven years of neglect that led to the blast.
August 7, 2020
The Suit to Dissolve the NRA
The attorney general of New York yesterday filed a lawsuit seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association. Her case alleges that four top executives used the organization for lavish personal expenses. WSJ's Mark Maremont and Jennifer Forsyth explain.
August 6, 2020
Kodak's Big Moment Draws Scrutiny
The Trump administration announced last week that it would be giving Kodak a $765 million loan to make pharmaceutical chemicals. WSJ's Geoffrey Rogow and Theo Francis explain how the deal came about and how it has set off an SEC investigation.
August 5, 2020
How Twitter's Massive Hack Went Down
The key moment in Twitter's hack last month came down to a teenager making a phone call, prosecutors say. WSJ's Robert McMillan explains how the hacker broke into some of Twitter's biggest accounts.
August 4, 2020
Inside the Race to Save TikTok
TikTok has faced mounting pressure from the White House over security concerns, leading to secret discussions to sell the Chinese-owned app's U.S. operations to Microsoft. WSJ's Brad Reagan explains how the deal nearly imploded over the weekend.
August 3, 2020
Who's Responsible if a Worker Gets Covid-19 on the Job?
Employers are getting sued by workers who got sick - and the families of workers who died - from Covid-19 after being on the job. They say the companies failed to protect them from the virus. WSJ's Janet Adamy explains what's behind the litigation and what it means for reopening businesses.
July 31, 2020
Why Evictions Are Starting Again
When the pandemic started, federal and local lawmakers moved to protect renters from eviction. Now, many of those eviction moratoria are expiring. WSJ's Will Parker explains.
July 30, 2020
The 'Emperors of the Online Economy' Testify
The CEOs of Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon appeared before Congress to face questions about anticompetitive behavior. WSJ's Ryan Tracy breaks down lawmakers' showdown with Big Tech.
July 29, 2020
How Portland Became a National Battleground
Oregon and the Trump administration today reached a deal for federal agents to begin withdrawing from the city of Portland. WSJ's Miriam Gottfried explains the bind in which Portland's mayor has found himself and how other liberal mayors may face the same challenges.
July 28, 2020
Life-and-Death Choices in a Rural Texas County
Starr County on Texas' southern border has been overwhelmed by coronavirus cases. Dr. Jose Vasquez, the county's health official, explains how doctors and health workers have been forced to make decisions about whom to treat.
July 27, 2020
School's Coming Back. What Will It Look Like?
Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones faces a major decision: whether to open his school to in-person learning or go remote. Dr. Jones explains how he's making the calculation.
July 24, 2020
The Inside Story of Europe's Historic Bailout
The European Union passed an unprecedented relief package this week to help member countries hit hard by the coronavirus. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski takes us inside the backstory to that decision and explains what it could mean for the future of the EU.
July 23, 2020
The Coming Wave of Small-Business Layoffs
The Paycheck Protection Program helped small businesses keep paying their workers during this economic crisis. Now, many of those businesses have spent those funds but are still struggling. WSJ's Amara Omeokwe explains why that's forcing many small businesses to lay off workers.
July 22, 2020
From Boom to Bust in America's Largest Oil Field
The U.S. oil industry is going through a deep downturn, and oil towns in West Texas are feeling the pain. WSJ's Christopher M. Matthews explains what it looks like when a town goes from boom to bust in record time, and what it could mean for the rest of the economy.
July 21, 2020
The End of $600 a Week for the Unemployed?
Congress is debating whether to renew a $600 supplement to unemployment benefits. WSJ's Eric Morath explains what the money has meant for the economy and what might happen if it goes away.
July 20, 2020
Municipal Debt: How the Coronavirus Created a City Budget Crisis
The pandemic has shredded city budgets across the U.S. WSJ's Heather Gillers explains the cuts municipal governments are considering and how years of accumulating debt have put many in an even tougher spot.
July 10, 2020
Pro Sports Are Coming Back. Can They Pull It Off?
Professional basketball and baseball players return to work this month under dramatically different conditions. WSJ's Ben Cohen and Jared Diamond explain why Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association ended up with such different plans for playing in the pandemic.
July 9, 2020
The Supreme Court Decides on Trump's Financial Records
The Supreme Court handed down decisions in two highly-anticipated cases today. At stake? Who can have access to the president's financial records. Brent Kendall and Richard Rubin walk us through the court's decisions.
July 8, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci: America Faces a 'Serious Situation'
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, speaks with The Journal about the U.S.'s surge in coronavirus cases and what could be done to get the spread of the virus under control.
July 7, 2020
Hong Kong's Tech Showdown
Facebook, Google and Twitter have stopped processing government requests for user data in Hong Kong after China imposed a new national security law. WSJ's Newley Purnell explains what led to the standoff and what it could mean for other companies there.
July 6, 2020
How to Get a Break on College Tuition: Just Ask
As college tuition has climbed at triple the rate of inflation, more families are realizing they have the power to negotiate. Now, the pandemic is giving them even more of an edge. WSJ's Josh Mitchell explains.
July 2, 2020
Businesses Tell Insurance Companies: Pay Up
Millions of U.S. businesses hit by the pandemic have insurance they hope will cover their losses, sparking one of the biggest legal fights in the history of the industry. WSJ's Leslie Scism tells the story of one lawyer's fight to make the industry pay.
July 1, 2020
Why Hundreds of Brands Are Boycotting Facebook
A growing number of companies are pulling their advertising from Facebook, including Unilever, Target and Ben & Jerry's. WSJ's Suzanne Vranica explains the ad boycott and the history of tensions between the tech giant and its biggest advertisers.
June 30, 2020
The Birthrate Was Already Low. Then the Pandemic Hit.
Millennials who graduated into the last recession face lower salaries, are less likely to own their homes and tend to marry later. And now, because of the pandemic, some may decide to delay having children. Allison Pohle, a reporter for WSJ Noted, explains.
June 29, 2020
Why This Coronavirus Surge Is Different
Coronavirus cases are spiking again in the U.S. WSJ's Brianna Abbott explains the dynamics of the outbreak, and Phoenix hospital administrator Dr. Michael White talks about how his hospital is taking lessons from New York's experience with the virus.
June 26, 2020
What Trump's Immigration Restrictions Could Mean for the Economy
The Trump administration this week suspended a wide range of employment visas through the end of the year. WSJ's Michelle Hackman explains how the immigration restrictions could impact the American economy - from Silicon Valley to the Jersey Shore
June 25, 2020
Wirecard's Missing $2 Billion
Wirecard, the German payments company, was one of Europe's rare tech success stories. WSJ's Paul Davies explains how the company imploded in a matter of days after it disclosed that $2 billion had gone unaccounted for.
June 24, 2020
Adidas Reckons With Race
Employees at Adidas are criticizing the company for its lack of diversity and pushing it to confront racism. WSJ's Khadeeja Safdar explains the backlash at the company, and two employees share what led them to speak out.
June 23, 2020
How New York's Coronavirus Response Made the Pandemic Worse
As several states face new outbreaks of coronavirus, WSJ's Shalini Ramachandran looks back at what went wrong with the response in one of the virus's first epicenters - New York City.
June 22, 2020
Exclusive Audio: President Trump on Protests and the Pandemic
President Trump resumed campaigning this weekend with a rally in Tulsa. WSJ's Michael Bender interviewed the president and explains how his messaging has changed since the coronavirus locked down the economy and protests swept the country.
June 18, 2020
How Black Lives Matter Prepared for This Moment
Activists united under the banner of Black Lives Matter have pushed for reforms at the local and state level since 2013. Now, their policy priorities are finding traction. WSJ's Arian Campo-Flores recounts the efforts that led to this moment.
June 17, 2020
The Stock Market Is Wild. Investors Are Piling In.
A dramatic rise in the stock market has an odd feature: Stocks in bankrupt companies and other risky bets are also climbing. WSJ's Gregory Zuckerman explains what has individual investors, many of them new to the market, jumping in.
June 16, 2020
Two States, Two Approaches to a Resurgence of Coronavirus
Coronavirus cases are on the rise - and in some cases spiking - in many states that are reopening. We talk to two top health officials from Oregon and Alabama about the different ways their states are handling new outbreaks and whether they could reinstate shutdowns.
June 15, 2020
The Neighborhood Where Police Were Banished
Seattle's mayor instructed police to leave a section of the city after violent clashes with protestors there. The neighborhood is now transformed into an "autonomous zone." WSJ's Jim Carlton reports on what it's like inside.
June 12, 2020
Fraud Rocks China's Hottest Coffee Startup
Luckin Coffee was supposed to disrupt China's coffee market. But a Wall Street Journal investigation has found that the company used fake coffee orders, fake supply orders and even a fake employee to fabricate nearly half its sales last year. WSJ's Jing Yang explains Luckin's scheme.
June 11, 2020
Black Employment Was at a Record High. Coronavirus Undid It.
Black employment had climbed to a record level before the pandemic undid that progress in a matter of weeks. WSJ's Amara Omeokwe explains the fragility in the economic situation of black Americans and what that could mean for their recovery.
June 10, 2020
Corporate Debt: How Hertz Went Bankrupt
The coronavirus has pushed a number of companies into bankruptcy and exposed the debt many had racked up before the crisis. WSJ's Matt Wirz explains why Hertz is a prime example.
June 9, 2020
The City That Disbanded Its Police
Activists are demanding a radical reshaping of police departments across the country. Years before this movement, one city scrapped its police department and started from scratch. Camden, N.J.'s former police chief Scott Thomson explains how they rebuilt, and what happened.
June 8, 2020
The Fight Inside Facebook Over Trump's Posts
Employees at Facebook have resigned, staged a virtual walkout and publicly expressed their outrage over the company's decision to preserve a post by President Trump on the platform that some employees say was a call for violence. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains the internal dissent at the company.
June 5, 2020
What the 1960s Riots Can Tell Us About Today
The protests and unrest that have swept the country after the killing of George Floyd have recalled the riots and demonstrations of the 1960s. Historian Rick Perlstein talks about the similarities and differences between that time and now.
June 4, 2020
His Business Got Looted. He's Still Protesting.
Around the country, small businesses suffered damage from looting and unrest this past week. WSJ's Scott Calvert went to one hard-hit neighborhood in Philadelphia to talk to small business owners like Shelby Jones. Mr. Jones reflects on the damage his business suffered and why he will continue protesting.
June 3, 2020
When Police Brutality Meets Office Politics
As big corporations make public statements of outrage over the death of George Floyd, black employees are dealing with complicated workplace dynamics around race and police brutality. Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts explains her research on how workplaces should confront race, and two employees describe what it's like at their workplaces right now.
June 2, 2020
What's Behind the Biggest Wave of Protests in Decades
The protests sparked by the death of George Floyd have spread widely across the U.S. for the last week. Today, a protestor shares why he decided to demonstrate, and a professor explains the pandemic's relationship to the protests.
June 1, 2020
Why Minneapolis's Police Reforms Failed George Floyd
When Medaria Arradondo became the police chief of Minneapolis, he moved quickly to reform the force's policing tactics. WSJ's Dan Frosch explains why it's easier to change the policies of a police force than its culture.
May 29, 2020
Trump and Twitter's Showdown
For the first time, Twitter took steps to fact check and shield from view certain tweets from President Trump. In response, the President signed an executive order targeting Section 230, which protects social media companies from legal liability for content posted on their sites. Deepa Seetharaman explains what's behind the fight.
May 28, 2020
Why the U.S. and China Are Sparring Over Hong Kong
After China announced plans to impose new national security laws on Hong Kong, the U.S. declared the city was no longer autonomous. WSJ's James Areddy explains the significance of the back and forth over Hong Kong's status.
May 27, 2020
Is Banning Certain Events the Key to Reopening?
A bar in the Swiss Alps. A megachurch in South Korea. Scientists are focusing on certain superspreading events that might be responsible for an outsized portion of coronavirus cases. Bojan Pancevski explains how this understanding could be key to reopening.
May 26, 2020
Therapist Esther Perel on Work and the Pandemic
The pandemic has forced almost everyone to change the way they work. Many of those changes have been emotionally challenging. Today, a listener shares her story about how her work has been affected, and therapist Esther Perel helps make sense of it all.
May 22, 2020
Why Trump Is Taking On the World Health Organization
President Trump threatened to cut off funding for the World Health Organization this week over its response to the coronavirus. Betsy McKay and Andrew Restuccia explain how the WHO drew the ire of the president.
May 21, 2020
Is the U.S. Ready to Vote in a Pandemic?
As states consider their options for holding an election in a pandemic, a political battle is brewing over proposals to expand mail-in balloting this November. WSJ's Alexa Corse explains what it would take for states to switch to mail-in balloting and why it's such a contentious idea.
May 20, 2020
Consumer Debt: What Happens When Millions Stop Paying Their Credit Cards
Consumer debt had climbed to record levels before the pandemic. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis explains what's happening now that millions of people are unable to make payments on credit cards and auto loans.
May 19, 2020
How One Airline Sees the Future of Flying
Airlines have strained to survive after travel dried up because of the coronavirus pandemic. WSJ's Alison Sider explains how airlines are adjusting, and the CEO of Southwest Airlines paints a picture of what the future of flying might look like.
May 18, 2020
Why Uber Might Eat Grubhub
Uber and Grubhub are in talks for a takeover. WSJ's Cara Lombardo explains why it took a pandemic to shake up the crowded food delivery business, and why there may be more deals-in more industries-before the crisis is over.
May 15, 2020
The FBI's Insider-Trading Investigation on Capitol Hill
The FBI seized Sen. Richard Burr's cellphone as part of its investigation into stock trades he made before the coronavirus pandemic hit markets. WSJ's Sadie Gurman explains the investigation into Burr and other senators, and the insider-trading rules for members of Congress.
May 14, 2020
Why 'Bridgegate' Wasn't a Federal Crime
The Supreme Court put an end to the nearly seven-year drama over Bridgegate, ruling that a scheme to overwhelm a town with traffic jams wasn't federal fraud. WSJ's Ted Mann takes us through the saga and explains what the Supreme Court's ruling means for federal corruption cases.
May 13, 2020
The Chaotic Market for Coronavirus Gear
New entrants have flocked to the market of selling masks, gloves and other medical gear for front-line workers. WSJ's Brody Mullins explains how that anarchic market is working and the struggles some new brokers have had fulfilling orders.
May 12, 2020
Federal Debt: The U.S. Is Racking Up Debt. Will It Be a Problem?
The federal government is spending big to combat the economic damage of the coronavirus crisis, and federal debt has climbed to record levels. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains the debate over the impact of all that debt.
May 11, 2020
The Future of the Country's Largest Transit System
When businesses reopen, one of the biggest hurdles will be figuring out how to get millions of people to work. Without a vaccine, packed rush hours won't be safe, and so heads of transit systems, like New York's Pat Foye, are thinking about what an alternative future might look like.
May 8, 2020
Welcome Back to the Office. Your Every Move Will Be Watched.
As companies figure out how to reopen their offices while keeping workers safe, some employers are turning to invasive new surveillance measures -- at the office and in workers' personal lives. WSJ's Chip Cutter explains why heightened surveillance at work could outlast the pandemic.
May 7, 2020
Airbnb Hosts Built Mini-Empires. Now They're Crumbling.
For years, Airbnb's rental platform offered millions of people the chance to make money on their own terms. Now, with travel near a standstill, those hosts are scrambling to keep their rental properties afloat. WSJ's Tripp Mickle and Preetika Rana explain the rise and sudden collapse of hosting on Airbnb
May 6, 2020
Michigan's Governor on Protests, Lockdowns and the Economy
Michigan's stay-at-home orders are among the strictest in the country. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer talks to The Journal about avoiding a second wave of cases, the economic damage to her state and the role of the federal government.
May 5, 2020
The Movie That Might Change Hollywood Forever Is...Trolls?
A movie featuring a bunch of neon-haired singing trolls might upend the relationship between movie studios and movie theaters. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains the drama set off by Universal Pictures's digital release of "Trolls World Tour."
May 4, 2020
No Prom. No Graduation. Now, No School.
After a weeks-long attempt at remote schooling, Superintendent Curtis Jones Jr. decided to end the school year early for his district of 21,000 students. We talk to Dr. Jones about that decision and what he thinks the next school year will look like.
May 1, 2020
Baseball's Bold Comeback Strategy
As Major League Baseball looks at how it might reopen, one thing has become clear: Fans won't be attending games anytime soon. WSJ's Jared Diamond explains the league's efforts to return, and MLB announcer Joe Buck talks about passing the time with no sports.
April 30, 2020
Is Your Burger a Matter of National Security?
Outbreaks of the coronavirus have shuttered meat plants across the country. This week, President Trump issued an executive order to keep them open. WSJ's Jacob Bunge explains the threat to workers and to the meat supply.
April 29, 2020
A Manhattan Project for Covid-19
A dozen of America's top scientists are working to come up with ideas for the coronavirus pandemic. WSJ's Rob Copeland explains how they're collaborating with wealthy investors to get those ideas straight to the White House.
April 28, 2020
How Amazon Employees Used Sellers' Data Against Them
Contrary to assertions that Amazon has made to Congress, employees often consulted sales information on third-party vendors when developing private-label products. WSJ's Dana Mattioli explains.
April 27, 2020
Georgia Tries to Reopen
Georgia took one of the most aggressive steps to reopen Friday, allowing some nonessential businesses like barbershops and tattoo parlors to accept customers. WSJ's Cameron McWhirter on what the reopening looked like in Atlanta.
April 24, 2020
The Only Grocer in Town
Hundreds of people in Rich Square, N.C. are relying on Frank Timberlake's grocery store for their food during the pandemic. WSJ's Valerie Bauerlein explains how this independent grocer has confronted the coronavirus and kept his doors open.
April 23, 2020
How Big Businesses Got Small Business Relief Money
The federal government's Paycheck Protection Program offered small businesses hundreds of billions of dollars so they could keep paying employees. WSJ's Bob Davis explains how big corporations ended up getting nearly $600 million of that money.
April 22, 2020
An Interview With Vice President Mike Pence
Vice President Mike Pence leads the White House's coronavirus task force. WSJ's Jerry Seib spoke with Pence about deficits in testing, the moves by some states to reopen businesses and a potential timeline for reopening the country.
April 21, 2020
Why the U.S. Still Doesn't Have Enough Tests
To reopen the economy safely, experts estimate the U.S. will need to administer millions of tests every month. WSJ's Christopher Weaver and Rebecca Ballhaus explain why we are so far from the number of tests needed.
April 20, 2020
Why Farmers Are Breaking Eggs and Dumping Milk
The sudden change in where and how Americans buy their food has left farmers reeling. WSJ's Jesse Newman explains why farmers like Nancy Mueller are destroying their goods.
April 17, 2020
Why You Still Can't Find Toilet Paper
Shoppers around the country are still struggling to find toilet paper. WSJ's Sharon Terlep explains what's going on with the toilet paper supply chain.
April 16, 2020
How Coronavirus Could Change the Vaccine Business
Vaccine development has historically been an expensive, yearslong endeavor, and often not a great business. WSJ's Denise Roland explains how the search for a coronavirus vaccine could change the dynamics of the industry.
April 15, 2020
The Other Way Coronavirus Is Hurting Hospitals
The coronavirus isn't just hitting hospitals by flooding them with patients, it's also squeezing their finances. WSJ's Melanie Evans explains why hospitals across the country are facing financial pain.
April 14, 2020
A Governor Explains Why States Are Teaming Up
Seven northeastern governors have formed a group to coordinate when their states will reopen. We spoke with New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy about the group and leading a state during the coronavirus.
April 13, 2020
Apple and Google Want Your Phone to Track Coronavirus
Apple and Google are working together to try to turn billions of smartphones into coronavirus trackers. WSJ's Sam Schechner explains how the project will work and what it shows about the trade-offs between privacy and public health.
April 10, 2020
The World Has Too Much Oil
Demand for oil has plummeted as the coronavirus has shut down much of the world, but most producers are still pumping. WSJ's Russell Gold explains the global game of chicken inside the oil industry.
April 9, 2020
What Happens When 10% of Workers File for Unemployment
Nearly 17 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits in the last three weeks. WSJ's Eric Morath explains how the flood of applicants is overwhelming state systems and leaving many people without payments.
April 8, 2020
The Navy's Coronavirus Crisis
After the coronavirus began spreading on a U.S. aircraft carrier, the ship's commander Brett Crozier sent a memo asking for help. WSJ's Ben Kesling explains how the saga that followed led to the acting Navy Secretary's resignation.
April 7, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci on How Life Returns to Normal
An interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci about what it will take to open America back up after the coronavirus pandemic: "It isn't like a light switch, on and off."
April 6, 2020
Can Blood From Survivors Help Fight Coronavirus?
A key to fighting the coronavirus may be found in the blood of survivors. WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus explains how scientists are ramping up plasma transfusions to try to help sick patients and to protect health-care workers from falling ill.
April 3, 2020
The Silicon Valley Face Mask Disruptors
Jake Medwell and Drew Oetting, two venture capitalists and roommates in San Francisco, have become the improbable middlemen for hundreds of millions of protective supplies across four continents. WSJ's Rob Copeland explains how their operation works.
April 2, 2020
Essential Work: Inside an Amazon Warehouse During Coronavirus
While millions of Americans are under lockdown, Amazon's warehouse and delivery workers are still hard at work. But some are starting to voice concerns over working conditions. One Amazon employee shares her experience, and WSJ's Sebastian Herrera explains how the pandemic may have given workers leverage to make their voices heard.
April 1, 2020
The Next Coronavirus Financial Crisis
Companies have taken on more and more of a particular type of risky debt over the last five years, amounting to $1.2 trillion in outstanding loans. WSJ's Matt Wirz explains why that debt could make things much worse for an economy already in turmoil.
March 31, 2020
Without Ventilators, Doctors Face Hard Choices
Facing shortages of critical equipment, medical workers must make life-or-death decisions about who receives care. WSJ's Joe Palazzolo reports from an emergency room that's running short on ventilators, and Chris Weaver explains the plans hospitals are putting in place to decide who gets them. Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at NYU's School of Medicine, talks about how hospitals think about these diff...
March 30, 2020
The Debate Over the Defense Production Act
A Cold War-era law gives the president powers to mobilize private companies to help in emergencies. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia and Stephanie Armour explain why President Trump has been reluctant to put the law to use in the fight against the coronavirus.
March 27, 2020
China Is Getting Past Coronavirus. Its Economy Isn't.
After taking extreme measures to fight the coronavirus, China is beginning to open back up for business. WSJ's Lingling Wei and Patrick Barta explain why the country still faces an uphill battle to get its economy moving again.
March 26, 2020
The Economic Trade-Offs of Social Distancing
President Trump has raised the possibility of relaxing social distancing guidelines faster than public health experts advise, saying it would help the economy. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus and Jon Hilsenrath explain the ongoing debate at the White House and how economists are evaluating the costs of combating the pandemic.
March 25, 2020
The $2 Trillion Plan to Help the Economy
Congress is close to passing an unprecedented $2 trillion aid package to offset the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains where all that money is going.
March 24, 2020
Why There's No Toilet Paper: Answers to Your Coronavirus Questions
Listeners sent in their questions about the coronavirus pandemic. WSJ's Sharon Terlep and Bourree Lam, and the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Greg Poland answer them.
March 23, 2020
The Coronavirus Cash Crisis
As many businesses grind to a halt, they face the prospect of not paying their bills and their workers. The American economy is hitting a serious cash crunch. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains the problem and what the government is doing to try to fix it.
March 20, 2020
When Performers Work From Home
While the coronavirus pandemic brings much of the world to a halt, musicians, comedians and entertainers are trying to find ways to get their work out to the world. WSJ's Charles Passy talks about the effects on the industry, and performers Lenny Marcus, Jordan Klepper, Sumire Kudo and Nathan Vickery share their jokes - and their music.
March 19, 2020
The Looming Crisis for U.S. Hospitals
As coronavirus cases keep rising, U.S. hospitals are scrambling to prepare. They are trying to avoid the fate of some hospitals in Italy that have been overwhelmed. WSJ's Melanie Evans explains what American hospitals are doing to get ready, and Marcus Walker reports from the epicenter of Italy's outbreak.
March 18, 2020
Coronavirus Layoffs Have Begun
The new coronavirus crisis is leading to job cuts in the U.S. WSJ's Eric Morath explains which workers are most vulnerable and what mass layoffs would mean for the economy. We also talk with a contract worker at a convention center and a restaurant owner about how the pandemic is affecting their livelihoods.
March 17, 2020
The Economic Uncertainty of Coronavirus
The Wall Street Journal's editor in chief, Matt Murray, explains the economic risks and realities of the coronavirus pandemic.
March 16, 2020
The Race to Cure Coronavirus
Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to find drugs that can treat people infected with the coronavirus. WSJ's Joseph Walker explains which treatments are furthest along, and Dr. Andre Kalil, a researcher running one of the drug trials, talks about what's at stake.
March 13, 2020
The Oil Price War That Stoked the Market Freefall
As the coronavirus pandemic threatens the economy and sends stocks tumbling, Saudi Arabia's crown prince has added to the turmoil by launching an oil price war. WSJ's Ken Brown takes us inside that decision.
March 12, 2020
The Day Coronavirus Became a Pandemic
The World Health Organization has made it official: The new coronavirus is a global pandemic. WSJ's Brianna Abbott, Margherita Stancati, and Ben Cohen explain why the crisis is escalating and how it's rippling through the world.
March 11, 2020
Scandal Engulfs One of America's Biggest Unions
The federal government's corruption investigation into the United Auto Workers ensnared its highest-ranking union official last week: a former president. WSJ's Nora Naughton explains what this means for the labor union that represents 400,000 members.
March 10, 2020
Why the Markets Tanked on Monday
The stock market plummeted Monday, recording its biggest single-day decline since 2008. WSJ's Geoffrey Rogow on what happened, and Kate Davidson explains how the Trump administration is responding.
March 9, 2020
How the U.S. Is Trying to Contain Coronavirus
As the new coronavirus spreads throughout the United States, public health officials have only one tool at their disposal: containment. WSJ's Melanie Grayce West and Betsy McKay explain how these officials are working to keep the epidemic at bay.
March 6, 2020
Why So Few CEOs Are Women
Fewer than 6% of CEOs are women. A Wall Street Journal study offers a new explanation for why. WSJ's Vanessa Fuhrmans looks at what keeps women from the chief executive job.
March 5, 2020
Will Coronavirus Cause a Recession?
There are fears that the new coronavirus could pose a serious threat to the U.S. economy. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath looks at whether the global epidemic could cause a recession and explains the signals to pay attention to.
March 4, 2020
The Moderates' Super Tuesday Gamble
In a matter of days, the race for the Democratic nomination has narrowed to a contest between Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden. WSJ's Sabrina Siddiqui explains why the field shifted so quickly.
March 3, 2020
How Washington State's Coronavirus Outbreak Unfolded
The death toll for the new coronavirus in the U.S. rose to nine today. All of the victims are in Washington state, and the majority are linked to one nursing home. WSJ's Melanie Evans tells the story of how the outbreak unfolded there, and Tom Burton explains the government's response.
March 2, 2020
The 'Mystery Man' Tells Us How He Helped Free Rod Blagojevich
Rod Blagojevich's release from federal prison last month culminated a nearly two-year campaign to put his case on President Donald Trump's radar. WSJ's Jess Bravin explains how Mark Vargas, a Republican political consultant, pulled it off.
February 28, 2020
What Bernie Sanders's Socialism Means
Bernie Sanders calls himself a democratic socialist, the first time a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination has done so. Eliza Collins, who covers Bernie Sanders, and Jon Hilsenrath, who covers economics, explain what that means for Sanders and his rivals.
February 27, 2020
Wells Fargo and the Fake-Account Fallout
In 2016, Wells Fargo was slapped with a fine for creating fake accounts for customers. It was only the start of the bank's problems. WSJ's Rachel Louise Ensign explains what happened and what led to a $3 billion settlement last week.
February 26, 2020
America Prepares for a Pandemic
The outbreak of new coronavirus cases around the world has led U.S. health officials to warn the disease may spread in the U.S. WSJ's Brianna Abbott explains what may complicate officials' efforts to prepare.
February 25, 2020
How Big Pharma Lost Its Swagger
The drug industry has long been one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington, but in recent years it hasn't packed the punch it used to. WSJ's Brody Mullins explains why the pharmaceutical industry's influence has declined.
February 24, 2020
Baseball's Biggest Scandal in a Century
An unprecedented cheating scandal involving the Houston Astros has roiled Major League Baseball. WSJ's Jared Diamond explains how the Astros' sign-stealing scheme began and what it means for America's pastime.
February 21, 2020
Sold: Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret announced yesterday that a private equity firm was buying control of the retailer. The sale caps a long decline for the brand as well as the end of Les Wexner's 57-year run as CEO of its parent company. WSJ's Khadeeja Safdar explains.
February 20, 2020
The Boy Scouts' Survival Plan: Bankruptcy
The Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy this week. WSJ's Valerie Bauerlein and Andrew Scurria explain how the organization reached this point, after decades of declining membership and intensifying legal pressure over sex abuse allegations.
February 19, 2020
An Economic Superpower on Lockdown
The coronavirus has forced China, the world's second-biggest economy, into lockdown. WSJ's Yoko Kubota explains how that has disrupted businesses around the world, including companies like Disney and Apple.
February 18, 2020
How a Kardashian Producer Became a Saudi Deal Maker
Carla DiBello used to be a reality TV producer in Los Angeles. Now, she's riding mega-yachts and attending business meetings with the world's richest people and is a direct conduit to one of the world's most influential investors: The Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund. WSJ's Justin Scheck details her rise to prominence.
February 14, 2020
Bloomberg's Big Money Strategy
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg has hugely outspent all other Democratic presidential candidates. His campaign is focusing its resources on Super Tuesday on March 3. WSJ's Tarini Parti and Michael Howard Saul look at whether his high-spending tactics could work.
February 13, 2020
Nike's Vaporfly Is 'Magic.' But Is It Fair?
Runners wearing versions of Nike's Vaporfly shoe have smashed marathon records, leading to questions about whether the shoe offers an unfair advantage. WSJ's Rachel Bachman explains the controversy.
February 12, 2020
A Spying Scandal Takes Down a CEO
Credit Suisse's CEO Tidjane Thiam resigned last week in the fallout from revelations the bank was spying on employees. WSJ's Margot Patrick explains the story behind the scandal.
February 11, 2020
The Battle Over Your Bed
Casper was a pioneer in selling mattresses online. WSJ's Eliot Brown explains how the competition that Casper kicked off in the mattress-in-a-box space is now challenging the company.
February 10, 2020
The Mormon Church's $100 Billion Secret Fund
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has amassed one of the world's largest investment funds, but few people know it exists. WSJ's Ian Lovett on new details about the fund and the church's plans for it.
February 7, 2020
Inside China's Giant Quarantine
China has marshaled its surveillance apparatus to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. WSJ's Shan Li reports from a quarantined hotel in the province where the outbreak started, and Patrick Barta explains how the government has mobilized.
February 6, 2020
When Your American Dream Gets Too Crowded
As more and more Americans move south, Lake Wylie, a suburb of Charlotte, has tripled in size. Now, the town is saying no more. WSJ's Valerie Bauerlein explains.
February 5, 2020
A Bruising Price War. Three Rivals. One Big Investor.
Money from the same major investor, Softbank, is fueling a startup battle in Latin America between three of its own companies: Uber, Didi and Rappi. WSJ's Robbie Whelan explains.
February 4, 2020
The App That Crashed the Iowa Caucuses
The first results from the Iowa Democratic caucuses were released a day later than expected after a mobile app designed to report tallies had technical issues. WSJ's Eliza Collins and Deepa Seetharaman explain why the app was used in the first place and what went wrong.
February 3, 2020
Democrats and Facebook: It's Complicated
Democrats' relationship with Facebook is at an all-time low, just as the 2020 election kicks off in Iowa. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains Democrats' tightrope act of criticizing Facebook while also using it to reach voters.
January 31, 2020
The Long-Lost Super Bowl
There's only one tape of Super Bowl I believed to be in existence. Troy Haupt discovered it in his mother's attic. WSJ's Jared Diamond explains why virtually no one has gotten to see it.
January 30, 2020
Apple's Cost Cutter
Apple executive Tony Blevins has built a career staring down suppliers and slashing prices to the bone. WSJ's Tripp Mickle explains why, as Apple's iPhone sales slow, that's an increasingly important job.
January 29, 2020
Why Your Credit Score Could Drop
The FICO score, one of the most widely used credit scores in America, is about to go through some major revisions. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis explains what the changes are and why the current scores may be out of whack.
January 28, 2020
The Last Train Out of Wuhan
China has responded to the spread of a deadly new virus by locking down cities and quarantining tens of millions of people. WSJ's Shan Li reports from the epicenter, and science editor Stefanie Ilgenfritz analyzes China's response to the new coronavirus.
January 27, 2020
Who Hacked Jeff Bezos?
Investigators hired by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos claimed last week that his phone was hacked by Saudi Arabia. WSJ's Justin Scheck and Michael Siconolfi explain the history of leaks of Bezos's texts, and how Bezos and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became archenemies.
January 24, 2020
Vale Ignored Warnings. Then Its Dam Killed Hundreds.
270 people were killed when a dam owned by the mining giant Vale collapsed. After a year-long investigation, WSJ's Samantha Pearson and Luciana Magalhaes explain the negligence and coverup inside one of Brazil's biggest companies.
January 23, 2020
The Tug of War Over Tesla
Tesla's stock has been on a tear since late last year, and this week the company's valuation reached $100 billion. Investors who believe in the stock couldn't be happier. But others think the company is overvalued. WSJ's Gunjan Banerji explains the divide.
January 22, 2020
Wall Street's Climate Gambit
BlackRock, the biggest money manager in the world, announced that it plans to make sustainability a focus of its investment strategy. WSJ's Geoffrey Rogow explains what the change means.
January 21, 2020
The President's Defense
Opening arguments kick off this week in the Senate's impeachment trial. President Trump has assembled a legal team with a lot of star power to defend him. WSJ's Michael Bender introduces us to the team and explains their case.
January 17, 2020
How the Grounded Boeing Jet Shook the Airline Industry
The Boeing 737 MAX has been grounded for nearly a year after two deadly crashes. WSJ's Alison Sider explains how the plane's grounding has upended carriers like American Airlines and rippled through the aviation industry.
January 16, 2020
The Government's Quest to Crack Into iPhones
Attorney General William Barr criticized Apple on Monday for not helping the Department of Justice get into the iPhones of the Florida naval base shooter. WSJ's Bob McMillan explains Apple's philosophy on letting the government in.
January 15, 2020
How Airbnb Deals With Crime
After a deadly mass shooting, Airbnb faced questions about how much responsibility it has for safety at the properties listed on its site. WSJ's Kirsten Grind investigates Airbnb's efforts to fight crime on its platform.
January 14, 2020
Democrats' 2020 Fundraising Fights
The Democrats running for president this year have employed three different fundraising strategies to fuel their campaigns. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz breaks down the different tactics and explains how those strategies could shape the race.
January 13, 2020
The Broken Business of Antibiotics
The world desperately needs new antibiotics to tackle the rising threat of drug-resistant superbugs, but there is little reward for doing so. WSJ's Denise Roland explains problems facing antibiotics companies.
January 10, 2020
Why Google Is Pushing Into Health Data
Google has struck deals with health providers that give the company access to millions of personal medical records without notifying patients. WSJ's Rob Copeland explains Google's plans for the data.
January 9, 2020
After Dramatic Escape, Carlos Ghosn Makes His Case
Facing questions about his escape from Japan, former auto executive Carlos Ghosn defended himself against charges of financial crimes in a blistering and emotional press conference. WSJ's Nick Kostov explains Ghosn's defense.
January 8, 2020
The Calculus Behind Iran's Missile Strikes
Iranian missiles struck two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops last night, a response to the United States' killing of an Iranian general. WSJ's Sune Engel Rasmussen explains what went into Iran's decision.
January 7, 2020
Inside Carlos Ghosn's Escape From Japan
Carlos Ghosn went from a globe-trotting top executive to international fugitive in a year. WSJ's Nick Kostov explains what led Ghosn to flee Japan in a box made for audio gear and how he pulled off his escape.
January 6, 2020
Goldman Sachs and the 1MDB Scandal
Goldman Sachs helped Malaysia raise over $6 billion for its economic development fund, 1MDB. Prosecutors say much of the fund's money was then stolen. WSJ's Liz Hoffman explains the scandal and why the bank may soon face punishment for its alleged role.
January 3, 2020
The Killing of Iran's Most Powerful General
A U.S. strike in Baghdad killed Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani yesterday. WSJ's Michael Gordon explains Soleimani's significance, what's known about the killing and what it means for the region and the U.S.
January 2, 2020
How Google Shapes Your Search Results
Google has long held up its search results as objective and essentially autonomous, the product of computer algorithms. But WSJ's Kirsten Grind explains how Google has interfered with search more than the company has acknowledged.
December 23, 2019
WeWork: The Enablers
Adam Neumann, WeWork's former CEO, has been under intense scrutiny since the company's fall from grace. But there's also another group of people behind the dramatic unraveling: WeWork's investors. WSJ's Maureen Farrell and Eliot Brown take us into the thinking of WeWork's biggest backers.
December 20, 2019
A Year in the Middle of a Trade War
The U.S. announced a "phase one" trade deal with China last week, halting the trade war between the countries. WSJ's Jacob Schlesinger looks back on a year of escalating tariffs and explains what it was like for businesses caught in the middle.
December 19, 2019
New Gig Work Law Leaves California Scrambling
A new California law requires businesses to reclassify many workers as employees rather than independent contractors. As the deadline to implement the law nears, some companies are confused about whether they're included. Others are opting out. WSJ's Christine Mai-Duc explains.
December 18, 2019
The Senate Prepares for a Trial
The House is set to impeach President Trump. From there, the case would move to the Senate for a trial. WSJ's Lindsay Wise explains what that process looks like and the political maneuvering around it.
December 17, 2019
Disney Disturbs the Force
When Disney releases "The Rise of Skywalker" this week, the company will try to walk a fine line: Keep Star Wars superfans happy and attract new audiences to the franchise. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains Disney's balancing act.
December 16, 2019
Facebook's Latest Tangle with the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission is considering a move that could stop Facebook from further integrating with WhatsApp and Instagram. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains what the decision would mean for Facebook as it faces antitrust investigations.
December 13, 2019
The Man Who Waged War on Inflation
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker died this week at 92. Volcker steered the American economy through runaway inflation in the 1980s. WSJ's Greg Ip knew Volcker and shares the stories that shaped the man's life.
December 12, 2019
The Fight to Rewrite the World's Biggest Trade Deal
President Trump campaigned on scrapping Nafta. But getting that done wasn't so easy. Now, Congress is close to making a deal. WSJ's Josh Zumbrun explains the new trade agreement, USMCA.
December 11, 2019
The Crown Prince and the IPO
It's the biggest IPO in history. Saudi Arabia's state-backed oil company, Aramco, started trading today. WSJ's Summer Said explains why the record-setting valuation was still a letdown for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and what it means for his leadership.
December 10, 2019
India Rewrites the Rules for Big Tech
Global tech companies have been eager to access India and its hundreds of millions of internet users. WSJ's Newley Purnell explains why the country is putting up roadblocks.
December 9, 2019
The Botched Bet to Buy Monsanto
Just 10 days after he became the CEO of Bayer, Werner Baumann made the move to buy Monsanto. He was betting that the acquisition would make the company into an agricultural powerhouse. Instead, it opened Bayer up to tens of thousands of lawsuits and became one of the worst corporate deals in recent memory. WSJ's Ruth Bender explains.
December 6, 2019
Why Tech Is Making Its Own Rules for Political Ads
Political advertising is flourishing online, but federal guidelines regulating those ads are virtually absent. WSJ's Emily Glazer explains why Facebook, Twitter and Google are making their own rules.
December 5, 2019
The Central Question of Impeachment
Constitutional experts testified this week on what makes for an impeachable offense, and Democrats and Republicans argued their sides of the case in dueling reports. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains.
December 4, 2019
A $1.5 Billion Bet Against the Stock Market
The world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater, has placed a massive bet that stock markets will fall by late March 2020. WSJ's Juliet Chung explains its possible motivations.
December 3, 2019
How PetSmart Solved Its Chewy Problem
Pet-supply stores had long withstood the threat posed by online shopping. That was until Chewy came along. WSJ's Miriam Gottfried tells the story of how PetSmart responded to the new competition.
December 2, 2019
Why TikTok's Under Investigation
TikTok is the first Chinese-owned social media app to take off in the U.S. But TikTok's growth has led to scrutiny from the U.S. government. WSJ's Patrick Barta explains.
November 27, 2019
The End of the Film Industry's Paramount Decrees
The Justice Department is moving to terminate rules that have governed the film industry since the 1940s. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains why the rules were established in the first place, and a theater owner talks about what the end of the rules means for him.
November 26, 2019
Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 2
As Renaissance Technologies grew into the world's most successful hedge fund, co-CEO Robert Mercer made a fortune. Then, he started spending it. In his new book, "The Man Who Solved the Market," WSJ's Greg Zuckerman followed Mercer's foray into political spending, and the consequences for the firm that Mercer helped build. Part two of a two-part series.
November 25, 2019
Rise and Revolt at Renaissance, Part 1
In the 1970s, Jim Simons left academia to pursue a wild idea: That he could beat the market using math. It would lead him to build the most successful hedge fund of all time. WSJ's Greg Zuckerman charted the rise of Simons's firm and the turmoil that roiled it in his new book, "The Man Who Solved the Market." Part one of a two-part series.
November 22, 2019
The $340,000 Robocall Scam
It started with a phone call. In a week, a scammer would take Nina Belis's life savings. WSJ's Sarah Krouse explains why robocalls persist: Because sometimes they work.
November 21, 2019
Inside Hong Kong's Violent Protests
Protests in Hong Kong have spiraled into increasingly violent clashes with police. WSJ's John Lyons explains what's changed on the ground.
November 20, 2019
Has Fracking Fueled Its Own Undoing?
Fracking made the U.S. the top oil producer in the world. WSJ's Christopher Matthews explains what drove the fracking boom and what may cause its undoing.
November 19, 2019
Taylor Swift Versus Big Machine
Taylor Swift and her former record label, Big Machine, are in a dispute over Swift's rights to perform her old music. WSJ's Anne Steele on the implications of the fight.
November 18, 2019
The Great Beer Battle of 2019
A 2019 Super Bowl ad kicked off a showdown between the maker of Bud Light and the maker of Coors Light. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains how that standoff has led to accusations of corporate espionage, two lawsuits and questions about the future of the beer industry.
November 15, 2019
Nike and Amazon's Breakup
Nike said it would no longer sell its products on Amazon after two years on the platform. WSJ's Khadeeja Safdar explains why the two companies split.
November 14, 2019
A Controversial Fix for High Drug Prices
An obscure think tank in Boston is getting drug companies to lower their prices - using something called a QALY. WSJ's Denise Roland explains what a QALY is, and why it's controversial.
November 13, 2019
Google's Project to Collect Millions of People's Medical Records
Google is amassing detailed health information on millions of people without their knowledge. WSJ's Rob Copeland explains 'Project Nightingale' and why it sparked a federal inquiry.
November 12, 2019
What to Know About the First Public Impeachment Hearings
House Democrats this week hold the first in a series of open impeachment hearings. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains who will testify and what to expect in the questioning.
November 8, 2019
WhatsApp's Hack
WhatsApp announced in May that there had been a flaw in its app that allowed hackers in. Then, it did something pretty unusual. WSJ's Bob McMillan explains WhatsApp's new strategy to stop hacking.
November 7, 2019
For Sale: SAT-Takers' Names
The College Board, the nonprofit behind the SAT, sells students' information to colleges. WSJ's Doug Belkin explains how that data feeds the college application frenzy.
November 6, 2019
Under Armour Under Investigation
For years, Under Armour was one of the fastest growing apparel companies. But now, growth has sputtered and the company is under federal investigation. WSJ's Khadeeja Safdar explains.
November 5, 2019
Bitcoin Comes Untethered
Part of what sent Bitcoin climbing to nearly $20,000 two years ago was market manipulation by a single entity, a new study concludes. WSJ's Paul Vigna explains.
November 4, 2019
The Investor That Spent $1 Billion a Week
Cracks are showing at the most influential investment fund in the world. WSJ's Liz Hoffman explains the workings and strife inside SoftBank's Vision Fund.
November 1, 2019
When the Drug Cartel Takes Over
In the Mexican city of Culiacán, a drug cartel battled with soldiers... and won. WSJ's David Luhnow on what the fight says about the power of cartels in Mexico.
October 31, 2019
How Car Makers Got Caught Between Trump and California
The White House and California have been at odds over vehicle emissions standards. WSJ's Tim Puko explains the tug of war that's dividing auto makers.
October 30, 2019
Can Cities Fight Guns with Taxes?
In response to a recent uptick in gun violence, Tacoma, Wash., has proposed a tax on gun sales. WSJ's Zusha Elinson looks at the possible effects of the measure.
October 29, 2019
In the Dark and on Fire in California
To prevent wildfires, California's largest utility company, PG&E, is shutting off power to millions. WSJ's Ian Lovett and grocery store manager Melanie Bettenhausen share what life is like in California's blackouts.
October 28, 2019
Big Retailers Banned These Apparel Factories. Amazon Didn't.
A WSJ investigation shows that Amazon offers clothing from factories that most leading apparel companies have said are too dangerous to work with. Justin Scheck explains.
October 25, 2019
WeWork: Cashed Out
A few weeks ago, WeWork was at a low point. It had slashed its valuation, canceled its IPO and was a few weeks away from running out of money. Now, its co-founder Adam Neumann is walking away with a fortune. WSJ's Maureen Farrell talks about WeWork's rapid fall and what comes next.
October 24, 2019
States Got Hooked on Tobacco Money. Are Opioids Next?
States and municipalities around the country have been seeking compensation from companies for the opioid crisis. WSJ's Sara Randazzo and Gordon Fairclough talk about how the lessons learned from tobacco settlements 20 years ago are complicating the process.
October 23, 2019
What Taylor's Testimony Means for Impeachment
Diplomat Bill Taylor said Tuesday that President Trump made nearly $400 million in aid contingent on Ukraine investigating the president's political rivals. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains the significance of Taylor's impeachment testimony, and Siobhan Hughes talks about the reaction on Capitol Hill.
October 22, 2019
The Pressure Inside Boeing
Years before two 737 MAX planes crashed killing 346 people, employees inside Boeing expressed concerns over the automated system that regulators say is to blame. WSJ's Joanna Chung talks about new information in the probe of the 737 MAX.
October 21, 2019
Zuckerberg Goes on the Offensive
After two years of apologizing to critics, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook are changing their playbook. WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains why Facebook is tying its identity to free speech.
October 18, 2019
Rick Perry's Side of the Ukraine Story
Energy Secretary Rick Perry gave an exclusive interview to WSJ's Tim Puko about his interest in Ukraine and how it led to a call with President Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.
October 17, 2019
Ten Days That Shifted Power in Syria
President Trump's decision to withdraw about 50 troops from northeastern Syria set off a chain of events that has reshuffled power in the region. WSJ's Dion Nissenbaum explains.
October 16, 2019
How Campaigns Are Tracking Your Location
Political campaigns have long collected personal information to try to reach voters. But increasingly they're looking at a new data point: your phone's location. WSJ's Emily Glazer explains how this could affect 2020 races.
October 15, 2019
The Airline CEO Trying to Change Amtrak
Amtrak has lost money for decades. Its CEO - a man who formerly ran Delta Airlines - thinks he can change that. WSJ's Ted Mann explains the changes Richard Anderson wants to make to America's passenger rail company.
October 11, 2019
The FBI Lost Our Son
FBI agents came to the Reilly family's door twice. The first time, they enlisted Billy Reilly in helping the agency. The second time, he'd just gone missing. WSJ's Brett Forrest spent years looking for Billy.
October 10, 2019
An Investigation Into Sex Abuse and Fraud at USA Swimming
Rebecca Davis O'Brien reports on a federal investigation into allegations of sex abuse and fraud at USA Swimming. She also explains a second, broader investigation into U.S. Olympic organizations.
October 9, 2019
The First Major Impeachment Clash
The White House blocked a witness from testifying in the impeachment inquiry on Tuesday and released a letter criticizing the process. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains the latest in the investigation.
October 8, 2019
The Tweet That Rocked the NBA in China
The general manager of the Houston Rockets sent a tweet that has thrown the NBA into a crisis. WSJ's Ben Cohen explains the tweet, the backlash and the challenges western companies face doing business in China.
October 7, 2019
Will the Supreme Court Redefine 'Sex'?
The Supreme Court will take up the question Tuesday of whether employees can be fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. WSJ's Jess Bravin explains the arguments.
October 4, 2019
Facebook's New Currency Hits a Snag
PayPal said Friday it was pulling out of Facebook's new cryptocurrency project called libra. Paul Vigna explains why Facebook started the project and what has regulators concerned.
October 3, 2019
Lunch With the Two M.B.A.s Who Are Changing Sports
Jeff Luhnow of the Astros and Daryl Morey of the Rockets are two Houston-based general managers that have upended the sports world with their commitment to data. They had lunch. We recorded it.
October 2, 2019
The Bold Investor Behind WeWork and Uber
The same major investor is behind both Uber and WeWork: SoftBank's Vision Fund. Phred Dvorak talks about the rise of SoftBank's unorthodox founder, Masayoshi Son, and how his aggressive investment strategy is being put to the test.
October 1, 2019
How Doctors Uncovered the Vaping Crisis
This summer, a cluster of sick teenagers with pneumonia-like symptoms sparked a Wisconsin hospital to solve a medical mystery. Brianna Abbott explains how the doctors sounded the alarm on a public health crisis that has been linked to more than 10 deaths and 800 illnesses.
September 30, 2019
Snapchat's Secret Dossier on Facebook
For years, Snap Inc. has been documenting all the ways it believes Facebook has tried to kill it, in a secret dossier called Project Voldemort. Deepa Seetharaman explains what's in Project Voldemort, and how it might factor into U.S. antitrust investigations of Facebook.
September 27, 2019
Rudy Giuliani's Ukrainian Connections
In the whistleblower complaint alleging abuse of power by Donald Trump, one man is mentioned more than 30 times: Rudy Giuliani, the president's personal lawyer. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains how Giuliani's consulting work connects to this week's impeachment inquiry.
September 26, 2019
The Trump Whistleblower Complaint, Point by Point
A newly released whistleblower complaint sits at the center of Democrats' impeachment inquiry into President Trump. WSJ's Jerry Seib goes through the complaint's timeline.
September 25, 2019
What Changed Pelosi's Mind on Impeachment
After a nearly yearlong debate among Democrats, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an impeachment inquiry into President Trump. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains what led the speaker to change her mind.
September 24, 2019
The Strategy That Built AT&T Comes Back to Bite
AT&T grew into a conglomerate by buying media companies like DirecTV and Time Warner. Now, activist investor Elliott Management is challenging that bigger-is-better strategy. WSJ's Marcelo Prince explains what Elliott wants, and what it means for AT&T and other big companies like it.
September 23, 2019
Subprime Lending Is Back. But Is That Bad?
Banks are looking for ways to lend to riskier borrowers again. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis explains how magazine subscriptions, utility bills and where you shop are part of the new approach to lending.
September 20, 2019
WeWork: Up in Smoke
WeWork recently delayed its IPO after investors raised concerns. WSJ's Eliot Brown explains why much of the skepticism centers on the bizarre leadership of CEO Adam Neumann.
September 19, 2019
Why 46,000 Auto Workers Are on Strike
The United Auto Works walked off the job and started striking this week. It's the first UAW strike against General Motors in over a decade. WSJ's Christina Rogers explains how both sides reached this deadlock.
September 18, 2019
California Takes On the NCAA
California just passed a bill to allow college athletes to earn endorsement money, which the NCAA prohibits. WSJ's Rachel Bachman explains what the change could mean for college sports.
September 17, 2019
Bombs Shake the World's Oil Supply
Major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia were bombed over the weekend. WSJ's Rory Jones saw the aftermath of the attacks, and he explains what it means for the world's oil supply and tensions in the Middle East.
September 16, 2019
When the Power Company Can't Be Trusted
PG&E, California's biggest utility, has a long record of run-ins with regulators. WSJ's Rebecca Smith reports on over two decades of misconduct at the company.
September 13, 2019
Three Candidates, Three Ideas to Tax the Super Rich
Democrats have a new idea for how to tax the richest Americans: taxing wealth, not just income. Rich Rubin breaks down three plans, from Joe Biden, Julian Castro and Elizabeth Warren.
September 12, 2019
Google's Antitrust Problem
Attorneys general from 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico announced an antitrust investigation into Google's advertising business this week. Rob Copeland explains how Google's ad business works, how it grew so large and what has investigators concerned.
September 11, 2019
Why Trump and Bolton Split
John Bolton, President Trump's national security adviser, left the White House on Tuesday. WSJ's Michael Bender explains why Bolton and the president parted ways.
September 10, 2019
Netflix Versus the World
Netflix changed entertainment with binge watching and streaming. Now, competitors like Disney are trying to use Netflix's playbook against it.
September 9, 2019
A 2020 Test Case
Voters are heading to the polls in North Carolina on Tuesday for a closely watched special election. How certain people vote may offer clues for how next year's presidential election could go.
September 6, 2019
Money's Role in College Admissions
Emails disclosed this week at the University of Southern California show how the school weighed donations in considering whether to admit students. Plus, the story of the SAT's "adversity score."
September 5, 2019
A DNA Company Lets the FBI In
The inside story of how the founder of one of the first DNA-test companies, FamilyTreeDNA, wrestled with the choice to let the FBI use his company's database.
September 4, 2019
What WeWork's Worth
Office-space startup WeWork was last valued at $47 billion. WSJ's Eliot Brown looks at the questions around WeWork's business model and CEO as it prepares to go public.
September 3, 2019
Jim Mattis: 'Right Up Front' With President Trump
In an interview with WSJ's Gerald Seib, former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis talks about his time working for President Trump, the threats facing the U.S. around the world, and what he'd like to see more of in American politics.
August 30, 2019
Why Every Day Isn't Payday
Many people in the U.S. get paid every two weeks. The question is: Why? And does it need to be that way? Banking reporter Telis Demos looks at how the two-week pay cycle came to be and a new push to change it.
August 28, 2019
Two Days of Reckoning for Opioid Makers
On Monday, a judge ordered Johnson and Johnson to pay Oklahoma $572 million for its role in the state's opioid crisis. And Tuesday, news broke that Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, is in talks to resolve more than 2,000 opioid cases in a deal worth as much as $12 billion. WSJ's Sara Randazzo explains what the past two days mean for the fight to hold drugmakers legally accountable.
August 26, 2019
If a Recession Hits, What's the Game Plan?
This summer, more worrying signs about the health of the American economy have emerged. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains the tricky position the U.S. finds itself in if a slowdown arrives.
August 23, 2019
The Dangerous Products on Amazon
A WSJ investigation has found that thousands of items offered by third-party sellers on Amazon have been declared unsafe, are deceptively labeled, or have been banned by federal regulators. Alexandra Berzon and Justin Scheck share the findings of their reporting.
August 21, 2019
Why Faster Internet Isn't Worth It
Broadband providers have marketed faster internet speeds for years, selling consumers on the promise that faster is better. The Wall Street Journal's Shalini Ramachandran and Thomas Gryta looked into whether that's actually the case.
August 19, 2019
The City With the Highest Minimum Wage
What happened to the city that raised its minimum wage to the highest in the nation? Jim Carlton and Eric Morath look at Emeryville, California's big experiment, and what happens when the minimum wage goes north of $15.
August 16, 2019
The Roots of Hong Kong's Unrest
For ten weeks, protestors have taken to the streets of Hong Kong. Natasha Khan explains how Hong Kong's recent history plays into the tensions and what the protests mean for the future of the city.
August 14, 2019
How Huawei Employees Helped Governments Spy
A Wall Street Journal investigation shows that employees of Huawei, the Chinese telecom company, helped the governments of African nations intercept the communications of political opponents. Josh Chin tells the story of how Huawei technicians helped governments crack down.
August 12, 2019
Why FedEx Dumped Amazon
FedEx last week said it would stop shipping packages for Amazon. Paul Ziobro and Dana Mattioli talk about why FedEx essentially cut ties with a company that would seem to be its perfect customer.
August 9, 2019
What the 1980s Have Taught Trump and China About Trade
As the trade war escalated into an emerging currency fight this week, the U.S. labeled China a currency manipulator. A similar historical rivalry - between the U.S. and Japan in the 1980s - shows how currency battles can play out. Mike Bird explains.
August 7, 2019
The Juul Paradox
What's better: promoting e-cigarettes to help smokers quit, or restricting vaping so teens don't pick up a new nicotine addiction? Jennifer Maloney explains the challenges vaping company Juul poses to public health officials.
August 5, 2019
A Mass Shooting at Walmart
This weekend, two mass shootings claimed at least 31 lives. One of those shootings took place at the nation's largest private employer: Walmart. Reporters Valerie Bauerlein and Sarah Nassauer discuss the shooter's intentions and the implications for large retailers.
August 2, 2019
Inside the Capital One Hack
Capital One has prided itself on being a tech-forward bank. But earlier this year, the bank got hacked, and 106 million people had their information stolen. AnnaMaria Andriotis and Liz Hoffman talk about what happened and what it means for financial institutions.
July 31, 2019
The President, the Fed, and the Cut
The Federal Reserve cut rates today for the first time since 2008. The cut comes after a year of pressure from President Trump. Nick Timiraos looks at what factored into the central bank's decision. Plus, a word on your wallet.
July 26, 2019
How Jeffrey Epstein Made His Money
Jeffrey Epstein, the financier recently indicted on sex trafficking charges, built a fortune of more than half a billion dollars. Ken Brown explains how Epstein amassed his wealth, and Jenny Strasburg looks at Deutsche Bank's role in Epstein's recent financial dealings.
July 24, 2019
The Risks of a No-Deal Brexit
Boris Johnson is now Prime Minister of the U.K. This raises the likelihood that the country could leave the European Union without a plan in place. Jason Douglas explains the economic impacts. Plus, what the company that made whistles for the Titanic has to do with it.
July 19, 2019
Yes, Your Boss Can Spy on You
With all of the new technology that employees use at the office, companies have a lot more data on what their workers are doing. It is now cheaper and easier than ever for employers to spy on them. Sarah Krouse explains what's happening, and why there's little you can do about it.
July 17, 2019
Uber and Lyft's Zero-Sum Game
Some investors say that for Uber to truly succeed, it needs to eliminate its competition. After two disappointing listings, can Uber and Lyft co-exist? Maureen Farrell has been covering Uber and Lyft's IPOs. Plus, a boss gets a major shock when he tries to help a sick employee.
July 12, 2019
What It Takes to Be Made in America
One company set out to make a new shoe entirely in the United States and learned it is much more complex than making a grilled cheese sandwich. Ruth Simon talks about her recent trip to a boot manufacturer in Red Wing, Minnesota.
July 10, 2019
A Boom Beyond the 'Burbs
The exurbs, the regions far beyond a city center, are back. Home building and sales are rising. But the housing rebound in these areas comes as the rest of the housing market has slowed. WSJ's Laura Kusisto explains what it could mean.
July 5, 2019
The Company That Sparked a California Wildfire a Day
One company was responsible for some of the biggest wildfires that have swept through California in the past few years, killing more than 100 people. That company? PG&E Corp., California's largest electric utility. As the state enters wildfire season, WSJ U.S. Energy Editor Miguel Bustillo talks about the company and what's in store.
July 3, 2019
Google My Fake Business
Got a burst pipe or a broken down car? That plumber or mechanic you found on Google Maps might not be where they say they are. Or they might not be anywhere at all. Reporters Rob Copeland and Katie Bindley have found that hundreds of thousands of the listings on Google Maps aren't what they claim to be.
June 28, 2019
The City Where College Is Already Free
Some Democratic politicians are talking about a future where college is free. For one city, that's already the case. Education reporter Josh Mitchell went there, and on this episode he shares what he learned.
June 26, 2019
Here's What Might Cause a Recession
The U.S. just hit the 10-year mark of nonstop economic growth. In July, the economy will have grown for longer than any stretch in its history. But who or what might kill this expansion? Reporter Jon Hilsenrath explains.
June 19, 2019
Introducing The Journal
Welcome to The Journal. A show about money, business and power. Coming June 26.
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