WSJ What’s News

Recent episodes

1. The Growing Number of Patients Without Health Insurance Is Costing Hospitals from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 4, 202610 min

   P.M. Edition for Aug. 4. Millions of Americans are going without health insurance after the end of federal subsidies that kept their Affordable Care Act premiums down. WSJ reporter Anna Wilde Mathews discusses how that’s weighing on hospital profits. Plus, strong earnings and hopes for an Iran deal send markets soaring. McDonald’s aims to shake up its U.S. operations with a new boss after the U.S. division fell short in its most recent quarter. And SpaceX’s revenue rose 92% in the first quarter since its IPO, while it reported a net loss of $541 million. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2. How ICE Is Tracking Down its Online Critics from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 4, 202612 min

   A.M. Edition for Aug 4. A Journal investigation finds the government has paid millions to private contractors to track down critics of ICE. WSJ’s Hannah Critchfield says agents have confronted Americans at home and work, asking them to sign letters agreeing their posts “may” be a crime. Plus, SpaceX is set to release its first earnings report, with the rocket company needing strong Starlink growth to fund its ambitions. And ahead of primaries in a handful of states, including a bitter Senate battle in Michigan , WSJ’s Terell Wright explains why some Democratic voters are embracing insurgent progressive and socialist candidates . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3. Why Ford Ditched Its Boring Cars from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 3, 20269 min

   P.M. Edition for Aug. 3. Ford spent decades producing ho-hum workhorse cars–the Taurus, the Focus. WSJ autos reporter Ryan Felton explains why the company is hitting reverse . Plus, Michigan public health officials say two people have died in connection with the cyclosporiasis outbreak. And WSJ business reporter Natasha Khan discusses why Kimberly-Clark i s embarking on a moonshot effort to make paper towels and toilet paper out of a spiny desert plant called hesperaloe. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4. Trump Pivots Back to Iran Diplomacy from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 3, 202613 min

   A.M. Edition for Aug 3. President Trump’s latest walkback came just hours after saying he was prepared to launch the biggest attack since World War II, and as Gulf countries grow frustrated over a lack of a clear U.S. strategy to end the war. Plus, the Japanese Yen rises after Washington and Tokyo launch their first joint intervention in a generation after the currency fell to a 40-year low against the dollar. WSJ Tokyo bureau chief Jason Douglas breaks down the worries that drove Washington to get involved. And California ’s Democratic Party endorses the state’s proposed billionaire tax . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5. The Buried $150 Billion Bet Inside the Top 20 U.S. Stocks from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 2, 202633 min

   This week, we’re bringing you an episode of WSJ’s Take On the Week . Host Telis Demos and guest host Spencer Jakab, investing columnist and writer of the Markets A.M. newsletter , are joined by Kaitlin Hendrix, asset allocation research director at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to decode investors’ surging interest in private markets. They break down how investors may already have exposure in their investment portfolios to private companies like Anthropic, Stripe and Flipkart, through holdings in companies like Alphabet's Google, Amazon and Nvidia. Hendrix explains why your public index fund might already provide the diversification you’re looking for, without the high fees. Plus, Jakab explains the way that big tech’s private company investments are boosting earnings to near-unprecedented levels. To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Further Reading: Earnings Forecasts Are on Steroids For more coverage of the markets and your investments, head to WSJ.com , WSJ’s Heard on The Street Column , and WSJ’s Live Markets blog . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6. What’s News in Markets: Tech Winners and Losers, Fed Fallout, Taco Bell Rebound from WSJ What’s News

   Aug 1, 20265 min

   Between Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Amazon, who emerged from a big week for tech earnings unscathed? And how did Jersey Mike’s stock trade post-IPO? Plus, why did Universal Music Group lose a quarter of its value? Host Shradha Dinesh discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7. Chaos in Energy Markets Boosts Big Oil Earnings from WSJ What’s News

   Jul 31, 202611 min

   P.M. Edition for July 31. ExxonMobil and Chevron had a blockbuster quarter after the Iran war disrupted energy markets. Journal reporter Collin Eaton discusses the historic refining margins they’re enjoying. Plus, America’s lettuce growers are facing a steep decline in sales because of the cyclospora outbreak. As WSJ’s Amira McKee explains, that’s forcing some to make some tough choices about what to do with their current crops. And Apple saw a record decline in market cap after the iPhone maker’s disappointing outlook . Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

8. What’s News in Earnings: Can AI Investments Help Private Credit’s Recovery? from WSJ What’s News

   Jul 31, 20266 min

   Bonus Episode for July 31. Investment firms like Blackstone, KKR and Blue Owl have been battered over the past year by a client exodus from private-credit funds . WSJ lead financial reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis discusses the state of the industry’s recovery from a surge in redemption requests from rattled investors and whether these firms’ investments in AI can help them recover from blows to the software sector. WSJ reporter Matt Wirz , who covers credit, hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

9. Token Costs Have Execs Rethinking AI Rollouts from WSJ What’s News

   Jul 31, 202613 min

   A.M. Edition for July 31. Earnings from AI hyperscalers this week showed rising demand for their cloud services, with Amazon’s CEO forecasting corporate AI use was still in its ‘early stages.’ But as EY’s Dan Diasio tells us, rising token costs are leading many businesses to question their broader AI approach. Plus, the U.S. says Hamas has agreed to a broad plan to disarm in exchange for an eventual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. And WSJ reporter Margherita Stancati describes how the arrival of thousands of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from neighboring Morocco is piling political pressure on the center-left government in Madrid. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10. Why the U.S. Economy Slowed in the Second Quarter from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 30, 202612 min

    P.M. Edition for July 30. The U.S. economy grew just 1.5% last quarter, lower than the previous quarter and falling short of economists’ expectations. WSJ economics reporter Harriet Torry explains why the details in the report, particularly around consumer spending, suggest things aren’t as bad as the headline number makes it seem. Plus, the buzzy AI-focused hedge fund Situational Awareness, founded by AI whiz kid Leopold Aschenbrenner, sold most of its stock portfolio to investment firm Citadel. We hear from WSJ special writer Greg Zuckerman about why this happened and where the company goes from here. And a big rally in tech companies sent U.S. stocks soaring today . Alex Ossola hosts. See the new fronts in the Iran war. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

11. Meta Slips and Microsoft Soars on AI Earnings from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 30, 202613 min

    A.M. Edition for July 30. Meta shares fall and Microsoft rallies after the hyperscalers sent very different signals on how they’re monetizing their massive AI outlays . Plus, as some people are allowed to return to their homes in southwestern France, WSJ’s Ed Ballard says a debate over aging water bombers and the country’s readiness ahead of a summer of wildfires is picking up. And DoorDash secures a key certification from the FAA to use drones for deliveries . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12. Markets Dive After the Fed Holds Steady from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 29, 202611 min

    P.M. Edition for July 29. Fed officials voted to keep current interest rates in place . WSJ economics reporter Matt Grossman joins to discuss the internal pressure that’s building at the central bank to curb inflation. Plus, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a contentious Senate committee hearing about his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. And WSJ’s Benjamin Katz explains how a potential Boeing rival could be taking flight with a plane that looks radically different from the passenger jets we’re used to. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

13. Meta Faces a Mountain of Lawsuits Amid a Costly AI Pivot from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 29, 202612 min

    A.M. Edition for July 29. Oil prices rise after Iran launches a surprise missile attack on U.S. forces. Plus, Europe’s luxury brands try to move past years of sluggish demand. And as Meta spends big on its AI transformation—technology CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the U.S. should help to accelerate —Journal reporter Meghan Bobrowsky says a host of lawsuits could cost it billions . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14. Lindsey Graham Remembered as ‘American Original’ from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 28, 202612 min

    P.M. Edition for July 28. The Washington, D.C. funeral for Lindsey Graham, who died earlier this month, drew current and formal officials and foreign leaders. President Trump gave a eulogy for the late senator, his one-time rival turned friend and adviser. Plus, the Trump administration is ending a subsidy program that helped hold down premiums for Medicare drug plans—a move that could make health care more expensive for some seniors. And the Fed’s July meeting kicks off today, with a decision expected tomorrow. WSJ chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos explains why this is one of the most unpredictable meetings in years. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

15. Wall Street’s Chip Selloff Goes Global from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 28, 202612 min

    A.M. Edition for July 28. Monday’s slump in chip stocks spreads to Asian markets. Finance editor Alex Frangos says new concerns that China is catching up in the technological arms race come just as investors brace for updates on how much hyperscalers are spending on the AI buildout. Plus, as Volodymyr Zelensky returns to the White House, WSJ’s Marcus Walker says the Ukrainian president is hoping to turn President Trump’s fresh optimism about the war against Russia into a promise of more support. And Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker to warn of headwinds in China, as the country’s appetite for foreign cars continues to decline. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

16. Why Are Waymo Robotaxis Getting So Many Parking Tickets? from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 27, 202612 min

    P.M. Edition for July 27. In the two years since Waymo introduced its robotaxis to Austin, Texas, its cars have gotten thousands of dollars in parking fines . WSJ’s Ellie Davis explains why. Plus, Cracker Barrel’s CEO is stepping down after a turbulent three years. And WSJ advertising reporter Katie Deighton digs into why Target and other companies are partnering with “nanoinfluencers” with followers in the low thousands or even just hundreds to advertise their products on social media. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17. What’s News in Earnings: Soaring Backlogs for Defense Companies from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 27, 20265 min

    Bonus Episode for July 27. Defense companies Lockheed Martin and RTX report surging backlogs as war increases demand for weapons. Wall Street Journal aerospace and defense reporter Drew FitzGerald discusses how the defense sector is responding to demands from Washington and what to look for as Boeing, General Dynamics and L3Harris report this week. WSJ national security reporter Marcus Weisgerber hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18. Trump Hits Pause on Iran Escalation from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 27, 202614 min

    A.M. Edition for July 27. President Trump calls off a major escalation of strikes against Iran, amid efforts to revive diplomacy with Tehran and a debate over America’s declining munitions stockpiles. Plus, Nvidia is in talks to provide a roughly $250 billion financial backstop for OpenAI to lease a massive data center project in Ohio . And WSJ tech reporter Amrith Ramkumar explains how dual lobbying efforts from Apple and Micron are putting the Trump administration in the center of a fight over access to Chinese memory chips. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19. Flying Into the Future: How Will AI Reshape the Aviation Industry? from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 26, 202616 min

    The aviation industry is grappling with an array of challenges, from a backlog of planes, to safety concerns, and widespread labor shortages. WSJ aviation reporter Ben Katz joins host Luke Vargas to discuss how the sector is thinking about AI, plus the latest technology on display at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. Further Reading Aerospace Startup JetZero to Start Building Futuristic Planes in North Carolina Airbus Comes for Boeing in Battle Over World’s Biggest Jets Boeing Chooses Palantir to Boost AI Adoption in Defense, Space Unit Honeywell Aerospace CEO Says AI Works for Blueprints but Isn’t Ready for the Cockpit Sixteen Airbus A380s to Undergo Inspection After Cracks Found on Airplane Wings Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20. What’s News in Markets: AI’s Price Tag, Elon Musk’s Reality Check, a Fast Track to Trump Posts from WSJ What’s News

    Jul 25, 20265 min

    How much AI spending is too much? And why are some Tesla and SpaceX investors losing patience with Elon Musk? Plus, why are Wall Street firms paying up to $100,000 for a fast track to Trump posts? Host Imani Moise discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.