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The most important stories about money, business and power from WSJ.
Episodes
- Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?
GameStop has made an unsolicited offer to buy eBay for about $56 billion. The proposed deal, which eBay says it is reviewing, is the brainchild of GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen. In an interview with WSJ’s Lauren Thomas , Cohen said that putting…
- A Data Center Revolt in Missouri
Around the country, there’s been a construction boom in AI data centers , but opposition is surging too. In the small town of Festus, Missouri, a $6 billion project angered residents, leading to the removal of local council members and a c…
- 'Eject! Eject! Eject!' Inside the Private Credit Panic
This episode of The Journal investigates a panic within the private credit market, highlighting the firm Blue Owl. It discusses what happens when investors simultaneously attempt to withdraw their investments and why this trend affects Ame…
- Germany’s Economy Is Spiraling. Can War Fix It?
Germany's economy is stagnant after industrial decline. The country plans to pivot from consumer goods to weapons manufacturing to stimulate growth. This episode examines how factories are adapting for defense industry supply.
- R.I.P. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations. This episode of The Journal reports on the company’s recent challenges and the implications for travelers, with Alison Sider reporting and Jessica Mendoza hosting.
- The College Student Who Defeated the World’s Biggest Cyberweapon
This episode of The Journal discusses how Benjamin Brundage, a 22-year-old college senior, helped cybersecurity experts defeat Kimwolf, a cyberweapon responsible for launching thousands of DDoS attacks. The attacks threatened millions glob…
- How IKEA Is Keeping Its Furniture Affordable
This episode of The Journal explores how IKEA is able to keep its furniture affordable despite economic challenges. Juvencio Maeztu, CEO of Ingka Group, explains the company's strategies for managing costs and maintaining accessible pricin…
- Move Over, Humans. China's Robots Are Taking Over
China is seeing a rise in humanoid robots. This is attributed to an investment boom and government subsidies for \"embodied AI.\" The episode features WSJ's Yoko Kubota explaining the phenomenon.
- Inside Meta’s Big AI Pivot
Meta is intensifying its AI transformation, incorporating AI technology into employee workflows, and creating an AI agent to assist its CEO. This episode explores the implications of Meta’s AI pivot for the AI industry and its workforce.
- Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise
This episode discusses how a global jet fuel crunch is causing air travel costs to rise. Airlines are passing these increased costs onto travelers through higher ticket prices and additional fees.
- The Crypto President: Part 2
The second part of "The Crypto President" episode by The Journal discusses an Emirati
- The Crypto President: Part 1
Donald Trump and his sons launched the crypto company World Liberty Financial. This episode investigates the company's earnings, business dealings, and how a billionaire felon supported the company.
- Tim Cook Built the Apple Empire. What's Next for His Successor?
Tim Cook is retiring as Apple CEO after 15 years, a period that saw the company's revenue quadruple and its supply chain transformed. This episode examines his legacy and the succession plan.
- How China Keeps Iran's Oil Industry Afloat
This episode of The Journal explores how Iran sells oil to China despite U.S. sanctions. It details Iran's underground network for shipping, processing, and selling oil.
- Cybersecurity Braces for AI ‘Bugmaggedon’
AI models are discovering software bugs at an unprecedented pace, leading to a cybersecurity effort to avoid "bugmageddon." The episode explores how hackers could exploit these bugs and why major corporations and the White House are workin…
- How Iran's Regime Changed...for the Worse
In this episode of The Journal, WSJ’s Margherita Stancati reports on the Iranian regime. The discussion covers how the regime, despite previous events, has become more conservative and entrenched.
- An Influencer's False Promise to Make His Followers Rich
In 2019, influencer Tai Lopez told his social media followers they could get rich by buying distressed retail brands. The SEC later accused Lopez of running a “Ponzi-like scheme” through his company, Retail Ecommerce Ventures.
- Why People Aren't Lining Up for This $120,000 Job
This episode of The Journal discusses why the automotive industry is facing a shortage of mechanics, even for jobs that can pay up to $120,000 annually. WSJ’s Christopher Otts explains the reasons behind this phenomenon.
- The Energy Shock Is Here
This episode of The Journal discusses the energy shock resulting from the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supplies, U.S. inflation, and the stock market. David Uberti explains the situation, hosted by Jessica Mendoza.
- The IRS Shrank. Will That Lead to More Tax Cheating?
Richard Rubin reports on the shrinking of the IRS during the Trump administration. The federal government has scaled back tax enforcement, leading to fewer employees to audit returns and collect unpaid tax debts. This could potentially lea…
- The Strait of Hormuz Showdown
This episode of The Journal discusses President Trump’s announcement of a U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It explores the potential global economic impact and future developments of the conflict.
- Can Burger King Regain Its Crown?
This episode of The Journal features Burger King president Tom Curtis discussing the company's recent struggles and his efforts to revitalize the fast-food chain. He also talks about rising beef prices and his role as a social media influe…
- In Iran, an Uneasy Calm Amid a Cease-Fire
This episode of The Journal discusses the current cease-fire in Iran, noting the ongoing uncertainty for residents. It also explores the challenges to achieving lasting peace in the region.
- Will the U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Hold?
This episode of The Journal discusses the two-week cease-fire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. WSJ’s Damian Paletta explains the truce, conditional on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz, and addresses remaining questions and future impl…
- More Coding, Less Slop? Why OpenAI Ditched Sora
This episode discusses why OpenAI, after initially presenting its Sora video generation model as the future of AI, abruptly shut it down. WSJ’s Berber Jin investigates the pivot and its implications for the AI industry.
- Is the High Over for Hemp Drinks?
This episode of The Journal discusses the potential federal ban on hemp-derived THC drinks. The industry, which grew significantly last year, is now engaged in a last-ditch effort to lobby Washington to prevent the ban.
- The Adult Women Caught in Epstein’s Web of Abuse
This episode of The Journal explores the story of Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who was allegedly abused by Jeffrey Epstein. It examines how Epstein ensnared victims and the aftermath of the Epstein files release.
- How Do You Refund $166 Billion?
This episode of The Journal discusses the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that found many of President Trump’s tariffs illegal. It covers the efforts of thousands of companies to secure refunds from the government and examines the obsc…
- Israel Wants "Decisive Victory" in Iran. Is It Succeeding?
This episode of The Journal discusses Israel's objectives in its conflict with Iran, including reducing missile threats and eliminating nuclear capabilities. It explores the challenges Israel faces in achieving these goals.
- Is ChatGPT Ready for Sex?
OpenAI planned an "adult mode" for ChatGPT, which raised concerns among company experts. WSJ’s Sam Schechner discusses the future of sex and artificial intelligence.
- The New Legal Strategy That Beat Social Media
This episode discusses a new legal strategy used by a 20-year-old woman to win cases against Meta and YouTube. The strategy circumvented a long-standing legal shield for social media companies, potentially impacting how Big Tech operates.
- Fertility Inc.: The Embryo Editing Dinner
This episode of The Journal explores the controversy surrounding genetically engineered babies and the companies pushing the boundaries of reproductive genetics. It is the final installment in The Journal’s investigation into the fertility…
- How Jeffrey Epstein Made Millions From His Connections
WSJ's Emily Glazer reports on how Jeffrey Epstein collected confidential information from his well-connected associates and sometimes used the tips to invest for himself, based on recently released Epstein files.
- How ICE Went From Deport… to Airport
This episode of The Journal discusses the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to airports to alleviate Transportation Security Administration bottlenecks during a government shutdown. WSJ reporter Michelle Hackman pr…
- Iran Thinks It’s Winning the War
This episode of The Journal. discusses Iran's perspective on the ongoing conflict and its strategy involving the Strait of Hormuz. Yaroslav Trofimov reports on the economic implications of Iran's control over this strategic waterway.
- Americans Are Now a Target in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
This episode of The Journal discusses a Wall Street Journal investigation revealing that American citizens are being targeted in the government's immigration enforcement operations. The investigation reviewed thousands of videos, social me…
- Fertility Inc.: One Dad, One Hundred Babies
This episode of The Journal explores the phenomenon of "surrogacy superusers" in the U.S. due to a lack of regulation. It features the case of Xu Bo, a Chinese tech entrepreneur wanting a large family.
- Is Cuba on the Brink of Collapse?
This episode of The Journal discusses the economic situation in Cuba. It covers the impact of a U.S. oil blockade, which has led to economic standstill and infrastructure challenges, including widespread blackouts.
- How Gamblers Are Rigging College Basketball
This episode discusses how gamblers are rigging college basketball. It covers the unfolding scandal, the role of endorsement deals, and the potential impact on the March Madness tournament.
- Big Banks vs. Big Crypto
This episode of The Journal discusses the CLARITY Act, proposed legislation to regulate the crypto industry. It covers the resulting conflict between crypto companies and traditional banks concerning interest-like rewards, and the potentia…
- The Ticketmaster Breakup Trial Just Got Messier
This episode of The Journal discusses the antitrust trial concerning Live Nation and Ticketmaster, including a deal that allows Live Nation to retain ownership of Ticketmaster. It features an interview with North Carolina Attorney General…
- Fertility Inc.: ‘Our Money Was Gone’
This episode of The Journal continues an investigation into the fertility industry, focusing on a couple who lost money due to fraud during their surrogacy process. It explores the legal battle and lack of industry oversight.
- The Escalating Crisis at the Strait of Hormuz
The episode discusses the escalating crisis at the Strait of Hormuz, its global economic impact, and the challenges it poses for the Trump Administration. Jared Malsin explores the militarization of the strait, potential reopening strategi…
- The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles
This episode of The Journal discusses how the global scramble for Patriot missiles is impacting U.S. defenses and creating a crisis for Ukraine, as production shortfalls are draining reserves. The U.S. and allies rely on these systems to c…
- The Battle Over AI in Warfare
This episode of The Journal discusses the legal battle between Anthropic and the Trump administration regarding AI in warfare. It covers Anthropic’s security designation, OpenAI’s involvement with the Pentagon, and potential implications f…
- Kristi Noem’s $200 Million Mistake
This episode of The Journal discusses Kristi Noem’s turbulent year leading the Department of Homeland Security. It covers her leadership style and her controversial tenure, which ultimately led to her being fired by Trump.
- Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill
This episode explores the unregulated fertility industry. It features the story of Nia Trent-Wilson, a surrogate who faced significant medical debt after a family did not pay after delivery. Katherine Long reports on the power imbalance wi…
- Inside the Nasty Fight to Take Over Hollywood
This episode discusses Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for $81 billion. WSJ’s Joe Flint analyzes the deal, including how Paramount CEO David Ellison orchestrated it and its implications for the future of entertai…
- Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War?
This episode of The Journal discusses how the conflict with Iran has impacted energy prices and global markets. It explores the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its potential effects on U.S. consumers and inflation.
- Trump’s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran
This episode of The Journal examines the Trump administration's evolving justifications for military engagement with Iran. It discusses the intelligence President Trump is using and explores the challenges that lie ahead.