The Journal.: Recent Episodes

The Wall Street Journal & Gimlet

The most important stories, explained through the lens of business. A podcast about money, business and power. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson. The Journal is a co-production from Gimlet Media and The Wall Street Journal.

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.

Further Reading:

America’s Tech Giants Rush to Comply With New Curbs in Europe
He Took On the World’s Most Valuable Company—and Won

Further Listening:

FTC Chair Lina Khan on Microsoft Merger, ChatGPT and Her Court Losses

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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.

Further Reading and Watching:

-Elon Musk’s Lessons From Hell: Five Commandments for Business

-Elon Musk Is Running Twitter on His Impulses

-The Real Story of Musk’s Twitter Takeover

Further Listening:

-Elon Musk Wants to Build an Everything App

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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.

Further Reading:

ESPN Bets Big on Pat McAfee, an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star

Further Listening:

How Americans Watch Sports Is Changing
The Troubled Second Act of Disney CEO Bob Iger

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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.

Further Reading:

-Country Garden, China’s Largest Surviving Developer, Sinks Into Debt Crisis

-China’s Deepening Housing Problems Spook Investors

Further Listening:

-China's Evergrande Crisis

-Why Millions of Chinese Young People Are Unemployed

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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.

Further Listening:

-U.S. Soccer’s Equal Pay Deal and One Player Who Helped Negotiate It

-How Soccer Fans Killed the Super League

Further Reading:

-Spain Soccer in Turmoil as Federation Chief Refuses to Quit Over World Cup Kiss

-A Year After a Players’ Mutiny Against the Coach, Spain Is in the Women’s World Cup Final

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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.

Further Reading:

America’s Most Tech-Forward City Has Doubts About Self-Driving Cars
Cruise, Waymo Get Approval to Expand Driverless Vehicles in San Francisco

Further Listening:

The Promise and Peril of One Self-Driving Truck Company
Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem

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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.

Further Reading and Watching:

-The New Race to Reach the Moon—and Find Water

-‘India Is on the Moon’: Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Lunar South Pole

-Watch: India Becomes First Country to Land on Moon’s South Pole

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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.

Further Reading:

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, Who Clashed With Russian Military, Dies
The Last Days of Wagner’s Prigozhin

Further Listening:

The Mutiny That Shook Putin’s Grip on Power
‘Putin’s Chef’ New Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine

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“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 Andrew Beaton on the two sides of ‘The Blind Side’.

Further Reading:

-‘Blind Side’ Subject Says Family Lied About His Adoption and Made Millions Off Him

-‘Blind Side’ Family Calls Former NFL Player’s Claims a ‘Shakedown’

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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.

Further Listening:

‘Everything Is Gone’ — One Resident on the Maui Wildfires

Further Reading:

Hawaiian Electric Knew of Wildfire Threat, but Waited Years to Act
Hawaii Officials Were Warned Years Ago That Maui’s Lahaina Faced High Wildfire Risk
Officials Search for Remains of Maui Victims—and Answers for How the Wildfire Turned So Deadly

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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.

Further Listening:

The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?
The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s

Further Reading:

Why Washington Went to Wall Street to Revive the U.S. Chips Industry
Chips Are the New Oil and America Is Spending Billions to Safeguard Its Supply

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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.

Further Reading:

-Nuclear Tests Ravaged Their Home. Their Leaders Drained a Compensation Fund Dry.

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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.

Further Reading:

How Nike Sneakers Get Stolen at Every Turn

Further Listening:

The Downfall of a $300 Million Sneaker King

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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.

Further Reading:

Maui Wildfire Death Toll Climbs to 99 as Lahaina Residents Brace for More Victims
Why Are the Maui Wildfires So Devastating?

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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.

Further Listening:

-Meet Jack Smith, the Special Counsel Prosecuting Trump

-What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him?

-United States of America v. Donald J. Trump

Further Reading:

-Donald Trump Indicted in Georgia Over Effort to Overturn Election Results

-Fani Willis: The No-Nonsense Georgia Prosecutor on a Collision Course With Donald Trump

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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.

Further Reading:

Judge Sends FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried to Jail Ahead of Fraud Trial
At FTX, Multimillion-Dollar Expenses Were Approved by Emoji

Further Listening:

The FTX Insiders Turning Against Sam Bankman-Fried
‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF

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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.

Further Reading:

Biden Restricts U.S. Investment in China
Sequoia Made a Fortune Investing in the U.S. and China. Then It Had to Pick One.

Further Listening:

The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver?
China’s Crackdown on Foreign Consulting Firms
Are Apple and China Breaking Up?

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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.

Further Reading:

Jack Smith Is Known to Take On Tough Cases. But He Doesn’t Always Win
Trump’s Lawyers Argue Protective Order Would Violate His Free-Speech Rights
New Definition of ‘Fraud’ Wipes Out High-Profile Prosecutions

Further Listening:

What Will Trump's Third Indictment Cost Him?
Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts

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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.

Further Reading:

The Pac-12 Melts Down, as Five More Schools Depart for Other Conferences
He Inherited ‘Multiple Dumpster Fires’ at the Pac-12. Then It Went Up in Smoke.

Further Listening:

A Tipping Point for Paying College Athletes?

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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.

Further Reading:

-How Bad Is China’s Economy? Millions of Young People Are Unemployed and Disillusioned

-China’s Economic Recovery Weakens

Further Listening

-Xi Jinping Is Rewriting the Rules of China's Economy

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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.

Further Reading and Watching:

Wesleyan University Ends Legacy Preferences in Admissions
How Colleges Plan to Factor In Race Without Asking About Race

Further Listening:

The Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action

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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.

FURTHER READING:

Trucking Giant Yellow Shuts Down Operations
Why Trucking Giant Yellow’s Shutdown Could Cost Taxpayers Money

FURTHER LISTENING:

How the White House Blocked a Rail Strike
The Supply Chain Saga at One Port

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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.

Further Reading:

How Allbirds Lost its Way

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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.Further Reading:

-Trump Is Indicted in Federal Probe of His Efforts to Reverse 2020 Election

-Indict, Rally, Repeat: Reactions to Latest Trump Charges Follow Familiar Script

-As Trump Crowds Out GOP Rivals, Legal Bills Threaten His Campaign Coffers

Further Listening:

-United States of America v. Donald J. Trump

-Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts

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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.

Further Reading:

-Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell, So the Market for Brand-New Homes Is Booming

-The Home Buyer’s Quandary: Nobody’s Selling

Further Listening:

-The Zombie Mortgages Stalking American Homeowners

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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.

Further Reading:

Hedge Funds Seek to Cut Off $1 Billion Meant for Opioid Victims

Further Listening:

Purdue’s $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?
Two Days of Reckoning For Opioid Makers

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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.

Further Reading:

Streaming Brought Hollywood to a Standstill. Now Comes the Pain.
TV’s Golden Era Proved Costly to Streamers

Further Listening:

One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation
Why ‘Yellowstone’ Is One of TV’s Most Expensive Shows

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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.

Further Reading:

Why Elon Musk’s Plan for a Super App Won’t Be Easy in America
Elon Musk’s X Rebrand Cues Complications—and Porn Jokes

Further Listening:

Elon Musk is Actually Buying Twitter
Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers
Twitter’s New CEO: The Velvet Hammer

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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.

Further Reading:

Hunter Biden Pleads Not Guilty to Tax Charges
Where Are Republicans’ Biden Probes Headed, and Is Impeachment Possible?

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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.

Further Reading:

-Why the Fed Isn’t Ready to Declare Victory on Inflation

-The Real Fed Debate This Month: What Would Prompt a Rate Hike This Fall

-Last Mile of the Inflation Fight Will Be the Hardest

Further listening:

-Why Some Companies Keep Getting Away With Higher Prices

-Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis

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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 whether or not it’s been successful.

Further Reading:

Texas Spent Billions on Border Security. It’s Not Working.
Texas Trooper’s Email Describes Migrant Injuries at Southern Border

Further Listening:

What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy

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"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.

Further Reading:

‘Barbie’ Review: Beyond Her Ken
World’s Strangest Double Feature: ‘Barbie,’ Then ‘Oppenheimer’

Further Listening:

With Great Power, Part 1: Origin Story

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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.

Further Reading:

ChatGPT Comes Under Investigation by Federal Trade Commission
Lina Khan Is Taking on the World’s Biggest Tech Companies—and Losing

Further Listening:

Microsoft’s Big Win Against the FTC
Biden’s New FTC Chair Squares Off With Big Tech

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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.

Further Reading:

Bob Iger Isn’t Having Much Fun
Disney’s Iger Hints at Strategic Partner for ESPN
Disney Extends CEO Robert Iger’s Contract Through 2026

Further Listening:

Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor
The Disney Boss Who Wouldn't Let It Go
The Showdown Over Hulu

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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.

Further Listening:

-SEC Chair Gary Gensler On His Crypto Crackdown

-A Crypto Exchange Crackdown

Further Reading:

-Ripple Ruling Deals a Blow to SEC’s Effort to Regulate Crypto

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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.

Further Reading:

Inside the Secretive Russian Security Force That Targets Americans
Putin, Isolated and Distrustful, Leans on Handful of Hard-Line Advisers

Further Listening:

A WSJ Reporter Arrested in Russia
Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter’s Detention

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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.

Further Reading:

America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables
What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables

- Workers Exposed to Toxic Lead Cables Wrestle With the Aftermath

How the Journal Investigated Hidden Lead Cables Circling the U.S.

Further Listening:

Part 1: America Is Wrapped in Toxic Lead Cables

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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 The Journal's sampling could mean for people across the country.

Further Reading:

America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables
How the Journal Investigated Hidden Lead Cables Circling the U.S.
Bayou Teche Is an Epicenter of America’s Lead Cable Problem

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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.

Further Reading:

-Microsoft Can Close Its $75 Billion Buy of Activision Blizzard, Judge Rules

-Lina Khan Is Taking on the World’s Biggest Tech Companies—and Losing

Further Listening:

-Why Microsoft is Paying $75 Billion for Activision Blizzard

-Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s Big Bet on AI

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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.

Further Reading:

What Is ChatGPT? What to Know About the AI Chatbot
The Contradictions of Sam Altman, AI Crusader

Further Listening:

The Company Behind ChatGPT

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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.

Further Reading:

Day After Threads Launches, Twitter Accuses Meta of Using Its Trade Secrets

Further Listening:

Twitter’s New CEO: The Velvet Hammer
What’s allowed on Elon Musk’s Twitter?

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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.

Plus, a look at the future of superhero cinema, featuring interviews with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” actor Chukwudi Iwuji and with Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson from The Ringer.

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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”?

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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.

A ragtag crew working above a car dealership borrows $525 million, hires Jon Favreau and Robert Downey, Jr., and makes “Iron Man.” After its surprise success, Disney buys Marvel.

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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.

Industry insiders like comics writer Brian Michael Bendis and film producer Amy Pascal recount how Marvel went from its lowest point to its first big-screen blockbuster, Sony’s “Spider-Man” in 2002. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re off today and tomorrow, but we still have a great episode for you.

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.

This episode originally published in March 2023.

Further Reading:

-The Underdog Coffee Bean That Java Snobs Hate Is Finally Getting Some Respect

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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.

Further Reading:

-‘My Kid Can’t Sleep’: Gun Violence Drives Denver to Return Armed Police to Schools

Juvenile Crime Surges, Reversing Long Decline. ‘It’s Just Kids Killing Kids.’

Further Listening:

The Fight Over Banning the AR-15
Remington's Surprising Sandy Hook Settlement

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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.

Further Reading:

Supreme Court Rules Against Affirmative Action
The Man Behind the Case Seeking to End Affirmative Action
Companies Brace for Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action

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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 justices and what they could mean for the institution.

Further Reading:

OPINION: Justice Samuel Alito: ProPublica Misleads Its Readers
Harlan Crow’s Gifts, Financial Ties With Justice Thomas Under Fresh Scrutiny by Democrats
Chief Justice John Roberts Asked to Address ‘Ethical Standards’ at Supreme Court

Further Listening:

Will Student Debt Get Canceled? The Supreme Court Decides.

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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.

In a new four-part series, WSJ’s Ben Fritz goes behind the scenes and reports on how Marvel, a once-troubled comics publisher, soared to the top of the movie business. It’s a tale of rivalries, spite, little-known deals and incredible luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

The Battle for Taco Tuesday Gets Heated
The Long Fight Over ‘Taco Tuesday’

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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.

Further Reading:

After Weekend of Chaos in Russia, Questions Remain Over Fate of Wagner
Why Wagner Chief Prigozhin Turned Against Putin

Further Listening:

The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit
‘Putin’s Chef’ Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine

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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.

Further Reading:

Zombie Mortgages Could Force Some Homeowners Into Foreclosure

Further Listening:

Investors are Buying Up Homes. Cincinnati is Pushing Back
The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire

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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.

Further Reading:

How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto, Funding Nuclear Program

Further Listening:

How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist

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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 gig.

Further Reading:

Goldman Sachs Is at War With Itself
Goldman Sachs’s 80 New Partners Are the Happiest People on Wall Street Today
Goldman Sachs Doesn’t Want to Be Everyone’s Bank, but It Has to Be Someone’s

Further Listening:

Goldman Sachs and the 1MDB Scandal

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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.

Further Reading:

Home Insurers Curb New Policies in Risky Areas Nationally
Allstate Stops Selling New Home-Insurance Policies in California, Citing Wildfire Risks
State Farm Halts Home-Insurance Sales in California

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We’re off today, but we still have an episode for you!

In 1838, the Jesuits who founded Georgetown University sold 272 slaves 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. This episode originally published in May 2022.

Further Reading:

For Georgetown, Jesuits and Slavery Descendants, Bid for Racial Healing Sours Over Reparations

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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.

Further Reading:

George Soros Hands Control to His 37-Year-Old Son
The Soros Era Is Over on Wall Street

Interested in other succession stories? Listen to:

The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession
Scholastic's Succession Drama

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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 Tamara’s.

Further Reading:

Banks Raise Roadblocks to Small-Business Loans

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Kate Linebaugh sat down with SEC Chair Gary Gensler to discuss why the agency is working to reign in crypto.

Further Listening:

A Crypto Exchange Crackdown
The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In
The Charges Against FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried

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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 government has a role to play.

Further Reading:

Green Investments Stuck Between Rising Risk and Government Backing
Energy Department Commits $3 Billion to Expand Rooftop Solar Access
Climate Funding Gets Squeezed by Volatile Markets

Further Listening:

An Energy CEO on the Winding Path to a Green Grid

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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.

Further Reading:

The Padres Spent Big on Players—Then Lost the TV Deal That Helps Pay for Them
Broadcaster Diamond Sports Files for Bankruptcy With $8 Billion in Debt

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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 programs, and plans for a possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack. WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha discusses the 37-count indictment and what it means for Trump’s presidential run.

Further Reading:

-Trump Charged Over Willful Retention of Classified Information, Obstruction

-Trump Indicted in Classified Documents Case

Further Listening:

-Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago

-What's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents?

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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.

Further Reading:

Once Mighty Intel Struggles to Escape ‘Mud Hole’

Further Listening:

The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s
America’s Answer to the Chips Shortage

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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.

Further Reading:

CNN CEO Chris Licht Is Out After Chaotic Year Atop News Network
Top CNN Anchors Criticize CEO Chris Licht’s Leadership

Further Listening:

The Quick End to CNN+
The Shock Exit of CNN’s President

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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.

Further Reading:

SEC Says Binance Misused Customer Funds, Ran Illegal Crypto Exchange in U.S.
SEC Sues Coinbase, Alleges It Is Unregistered Broker

Further Listening:

The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In
The Charges Against FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried

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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.Further Reading:-Jiang Zemin, Who Steered China Into New Era, Dies at 96 Further Listening:-China’s Biggest Protests in Decades -How Xi Jinping’s Dream Slowed China’s Economy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading

-Anthony Fauci to Step Down After More Than 50 Years of Government Service

Further Listening

-Dr. Anthony Fauci on Omicron and the Covid-19 Stalemate

-Anthony Fauci: Delta Variant Has 'Exposed Our Vulnerability'

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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.

Further Reading:

-Beyond Meat’s Very Real Problems: Slumping Sausages, Mounting Losses

-Beyond Meat Reports Weak Sales and Mounting Losses

Further Listening:

-Oatly Pioneered Oat Milk. Now It’s Struggling to Keep Up.

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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.

Further Reading:

-China’s Surveillance State Pushes Deeper Into Citizens’ Lives

-Much of China Locks Down With No End to Zero Covid in Sight

-Chinese Protests Spread Over Government’s Covid Restrictions

Further Listening:

-How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy

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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.

Further Reading:

-Ukrainian Analysis Identifies Western Supply Chain Behind Iran’s Drones

-Iran Acknowledges Supplying Drones to Russia

Further Listening:

-Iran’s Secret System to Avoid Sanctions

-Ukraine Makes a Deal with Wall Street

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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.

Further Reading:

-Elon Musk Tells Twitter Staff to Work ‘Long Hours at High Intensity’ or Leave

-Twitter’s Mass Resignations Test Elon Musk’s Management Playbook

-Twitter Lays Off Some Sales Employees After They Committed to Twitter 2.0

Further Listening:

-Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers

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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.

Further Reading:

-Walmart Sales Rise as Retail Giant Gains Shoppers

-Walmart Is Flexing Its Muscle Again

-Holiday Sales Growth Expected to Slow This Year

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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.

Further Reading:

-World Cup Brings Two Million Visitors and an Epic Culture Clash to Qatar

-Qatar Wanted to Host the World Cup. First It Needed a Soccer Team.

Further Listening:

-We Came To Win: The Escape

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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.

Further Reading:

-Taylor Swift Says It Was ‘Excruciating’ to Watch Ticketmaster Debacle

-Taylor Swift Cancels Ticket Sale After Earlier Glitches

-Taylor Swift’s Concert Ticket Sales Plagued by Ticketmaster Delays

Further Listening:

-Taylor Swift’s Push to Change Music Ownership

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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.

Further Reading:

-The Classic 60-40 Investment Strategy Falls Apart. ‘There’s No Place to Hide.’

Further Listening:

-How High Will Interest Rates Go?

-Will There Be a Recession? America’s Top Bankers Weigh In

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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.

Further Reading:

-How FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried Went From Crypto Golden Boy to Villain

-FTX Tapped Into Customer Accounts to Fund Risky Bets, Setting Up Its Downfall

-Alameda, FTX Executives Are Said to Have Known FTX Was Using Customer Funds

-FTX’s Collapse Leaves Employees Sick With Anger

Further Listening:

-How Crypto Giant FTX Suddenly Imploded

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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.

Further Reading: -The $300 Million Sneaker King Comes Undone

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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.

Further Reading:

-GSK Poised for Pfizer Battle in RSV Vaccine Market-RSV Hospitalizations Surge, Babies Hit Hardest

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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 and short sellers revealed that Nikola and its truck weren’t all that they seemed.

Find the entire series here: https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/bad-bets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

-Tensions Between Crypto Giants FTX, Binance Spill Into Public View

-Binance’s Deal for Rival FTX Marks Power Shift Amid Crypto Turmoil

-The 30-Year-Old Spending $1 Billion to Save Crypto

Further Listening:

-The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel it In

-The ‘Death Spiral’ of a Stablecoin

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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.

Further Reading:

-Control of Congress Remains at Stake as Democrats Fend Off an Anticipated ‘Red Wave’

Further Listening:

-The Republican Push to Flip Latino Voters

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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.

Further Reading:

-Financial System Makes Big Promises on Climate Change at COP26 Summit

-Big Banks and U.N. Green Finance Group Clash in Alliance

-Mark Carney, Ex-Banker, Wants Banks to Pay for Climate ChangeFurther Listening:-The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag

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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.

Further Reading:

-General Mills, Audi and Pfizer Join Growing List of Companies Pausing Twitter Ads

-First Week of Elon Musk’s Twitter Was Chaos and Confusion for Employees

Further Listening:

-The Musk-Twitter Saga – From The Journal.

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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.

Further Listening

-Why TikTok’s Under Investigation

-Why Everyone is Mad At Instagram

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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.

Further Reading:

-Is Your Colleague Earning More Than $200,000 a Year? Now You Can Find Out

-JPMorgan, Macy’s and Other Companies Reveal What They Pay Workers

-California Employers May Soon Need to Disclose Pay on Job Listings

-Success at Work Is Warped by Your Co-Workers’ Salaries

Further Listening:

-U.S. Soccer’s Equal Pay Deal and One Player Who Helped Negotiate It

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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.

Further Reading:

-A Text Scam Called ‘Pig Butchering’ Cost Her More Than $1.6 Million

-Online Scams Cost Americans Billions. Here’s How to Avoid the Worst of Them.

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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.

Further Reading:

-Company Documents Show Meta’s Flagship Metaverse Falling Short

-Facebook Parent Meta’s Earnings Fall Short as Revenue Decline Accelerates Further Listening:-How to Build a Metaverse

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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.

Further Reading:

-Two Fed Officials Make Case for Caution With Future Interest Rate Raises

-Fed Set to Raise Rates by 0.75 Point and Debate Size of Future Hikes

Further Listening:

-The Fed’s Plan to Curb Inflation

-Can the Fed Lower Inflation Without Causing a Recession?

-The Fed’s Shifting Inflation Message

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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.

Further Reading:

-How the Minions Became Hollywood’s Mightiest Franchise

Further Listening:

-A Tale of Two Top Guns

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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.

Further Reading and Watching:

-News from WSJ Tech Live 2022

-Video Highlights from WSJ Tech Live 2022

Further Listening:

-How Disney’s CEO Got Caught in Florida’s Fight Over Gay Rights

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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.Further Reading:

U.S.-Saudi Relations Buckle, Driven by Animosity Between Biden and Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Conference Draws Wall Street Executives Amid Strained Ties With U.S.

Further Listening:

As Saudi Arabia Cools on the U.S., It Warms to China

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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.

Further Reading:

-Since When Do Millennials Love Pickleball?

-LeBron James Is Buying a Professional Pickleball Team

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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.

Further Reading:

FDA Approves New Botox Rival
Getting Botox Used to Be a Secret. Now It’s Not.

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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.

Further Reading:

Florida Coastal Living Reshaped by Hurricane Housing Codes
Hurricane Ian Is Latest Blow to Florida’s Struggling Home Insurers
Home Buyers Flock to Florida Cities Devastated by Hurricane Ian
Flattened by Hurricane Michael, Florida Town Tries to Stave Off Big Development

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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.

Further Reading:

Bank of America CEO’s Optimism Defies Economic Gloom
Jamie Dimon Says U.S. Consumers Still Have Six to Nine Months of Spending Power
JP Morgan Chase Earnings Show Economy is Resilient, but Jamie Dimon’s “Hurricane” Looms

Further Listening:

The Fed’s Plan to Curb Inflation

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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.

Further Reading:

Florida Couple Turned the Empty Miami Mansions of Venezuela’s Elite Into Personal Piggy Banks

Further Listening:

An Undercover Operation to Reveal an Alleged Ponzi Scheme

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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.

Further Reading:

How a New Anti-Woke Bank Stumbled
CEO of Anti-Woke Bank Startup GloriFi Resigns

Further Listening:

Can My Stock Portfolio Save The Planet?

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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.

Further Reading:

China’s Xi Jinping Stakes Out Ambitions, With Himself at the Center
China Abruptly Delays GDP Release During Communist Party Conference
Xi Jinping’s Ideological Ambition Darkens China’s Economic Prospects

Further Listening:

The Political Cost of China’s Faltering Economy

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

Government Officials Invest in Companies Their Agencies Oversee
131 Federal Judges Broke the Law by Hearing Cases Where They Had a Financial Interest
Congressional Staffers Gain From Trading in Stocks

Further Listening:

The Federal Law that 138 Judges have broken

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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.

Further Reading:

You Hated Your Cable Package. Your Streaming Services Are Bringing It Back.
Paramount Explores Merging Showtime Streaming Service Into Paramount+
Disney Explores Membership Program Like Amazon Prime
Walmart Reaches Video-Streaming Deal to Offer Paramount+ to Members

Further Listening:

Netflix Turns to Ads
NBC's Olympic Bet on Peacock

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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.

Further Reading:

Ukraine Takes Unorthodox Pitch to Wall Street to Raise Billions in Debt

Further Listening:

Losing in the War, Putin Raises the Stakes

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We're off for the holiday today, but we still have an episode for you! 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.

Further Listening:

Inflation Is Happening. Should You Be Worried?

Further Reading:

Rotisserie Chickens: The ’90s Gift to Supermarkets That Keeps on Giving

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

U.K. Markets Turmoil Puts Spotlight on New Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng
U.K.’s Central Banker Struggles With Inflation, a Financial Crisis and His Own Government

Further Listening:

The U.K.'s New Prime Minister Faces an Economic Crisis
The Pros and Cons of a Strong U.S. Dollar

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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.

Further Reading:

Elon Musk Proposes Closing Twitter Deal on Original Terms
Elon Musk’s Twitter Reversal Renews Takeover Bid for a Now-Weaker Firm

Further Listening:

The Musk-Twitter Saga - from The Journal.

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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.

Further Reading:

NATO Formally Blames Sabotage for Nord Stream Pipeline Damage
Russia’s Lower House Approves Absorbing Ukrainian Territories
Putin Raises Ukraine Ante as His War Fortunes Sink

Further Listening:

Ukraine Shifts the War With a Surprise Attack
Europe is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?

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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.

Further Reading:

It’s a Wrap: MoviePass Ends Theater Subscription Service
MoviePass Is Making a Comeback With Plans From $10 to $30 a Month

Further Listening:

The Fundamental Flaw (and Alleged Deception) of MoviePass

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

A Strong Dollar Is Front and Center for Wall Street
Dollar Strength Lifts Americans’ Relative Spending Power
Strong U.S. Dollar Extends Pain in Emerging-Markets Currencies

Further Listening:

The Roots of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis

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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.

Further Reading:

School Districts Facing Shortages Lure Teachers With Four-Day Weeks
Teacher, Staff Shortages Reported by About Half of Schools, Survey Finds

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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.

Further Reading:

Latino Voters Split Along Economic Lines
Latina Candidates Test GOP Policies in South Texas House Races

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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.

Further Reading:

Chess Is in Chaos Over Suspicion That a Player Cheated Against Magnus Carlsen
The Question Behind the Magnus Carlsen-Hans Niemann Drama: How to Cheat at Chess?

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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.

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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.

Further Reading:

Donald Trump, His Company Sued by New York Attorney General on Fraud Allegations

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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.

Further Reading:

Hurricane Fiona Intensifies to Category 4 Storm and Is Blamed for Four Deaths
Puerto Rico Re-Examines Plan to Fix Power Grid as Fiona Cuts Electricity

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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.

Further Reading:

Jerome Powell’s Inflation Whisperer: Paul Volcker
Powell Says Fed Must Show Resolve in Fighting Inflation

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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.

Further Reading:

Walmart, Target Urge Lawmakers to Pass Bill Taking Aim at Visa, Mastercard Fees

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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.

In a new four-part series from The Journal, producer Annie Minoff heads back into that largely forgotten metaverse – Second Life – to tell the story of the metaverse we already have and what it can reveal about the one that’s coming.

Start listening to How to Build a Metaverse on Friday, September 23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

Covid-19 Illnesses Are Keeping at Least 500,000 Workers Out of U.S. Labor Force, Study Says
A Key to Long Covid Is Virus Lingering in the Body, Scientists Say

Further Listening:

How Will We Know When the Pandemic's Over?
The Labor Shortage That's Causing More Labor Shortages

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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.

Further Reading:

Russia Strikes Zelensky’s Hometown as President Visits Recaptured City
Russia Withdraws More Forces From Northeast Ukraine

Further Listening:

A Battle of Wills Over Russian Energy

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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.

Further Reading:

In Southern Pakistan, a Sea Made of Monsoon Waters Swallows Villages
Pakistan Floods Affect Millions, Leave over 1,000 Dead

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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.

Further Reading:

Deep-Sea Mining Is Close to Reality Despite Environmental Concerns
TMC Gets Approval for Pilot Deep-Sea Mining Project
Environmental Investing Frenzy Stretches Meaning of ‘Green’

Further Listening:

Environmental Investing Frenzy Stretches Meaning of 'Green'
Electric Cars Need Lithium. Can Chile Provide It?
How One Company Rode the Electric Vehicle Boom to Success

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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.

Further Listening:

The Quick End to CNN+

Further Reading:

There’s a New Media Mogul Tearing Up Hollywood: ‘Zas Is Not Particularly Patient’

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During the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, 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.Further Reading:

-Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96 After 70 Years on the Throne

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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.

Further Reading:

Nord Stream Pipeline Closure Lands Blow Against Europe
Russia Confounds the West by Recapturing Its Oil Riches
Putin Threatens to Abandon Grain Deal, Further Squeeze Energy Supplies

Further Listening:

Europe is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?
Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy

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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.

Further Reading:

-Jackson Water Crisis Forces Cities to Confront Their Own Aging Infrastructure

-Jackson Water Crisis Has No Clear End Date, Mississippi Officials Say

Further Listening:

-The Fight Over Water in the West

-One Town's Fight Against 'Forever' Chemicals

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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.

Further Reading:

Liz Truss Is Appointed U.K. Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth

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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.

Further Reading:

Mikhail Gorbachev, Reformer of Soviet Union and Its Last Leader, Dies at 91
In Putin’s Russia, Last Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Leaves Behind a Divisive Legacy

Further Listening:

Russians, and Putin, Face the Fallout of War

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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.

Further Reading:

Booming Carbon-Credits Market Took Hit as Stocks Sold Off

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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.

Further reading:

-One in Six Calls to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline End Without Reaching a Counselor

-What Is 988? Behind the New Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Number

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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.

Further Reading:

Websites Selling Unapproved Abortion Pills Are Booming

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Last week, Twitter’s former head of security emerged as a whistleblower. Better known as "Mudge", Peiter Zatko started his career as a hacker. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains Twitter's alleged security issues.

Further Reading:

-Twitter Whistleblower Peiter Zatko Has Warned of Cyber Disaster for Decades

-Twitter’s Ex-Security Head Files Whistleblower Complaint on Spam, Privacy Issues

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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.Further Reading:

-CDC Director Outlines Restructuring Plans

-CDC Director Aims to Improve Covid-19 Messaging, Data Collection

Further Listening:

-How Will We Know When the Pandemic's Over?

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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.Further reading:

-Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan to Cancel Up to $20,000 in Debt for Millions

-Student-Loan Forgiveness: Who Qualifies for Biden’s Plan, and What It Means for Borrowers

Further listening:

-How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt

-Is Graduate School Worth the Price?

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The goal of LIV is to disrupt golf as fans know it. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, LIV has 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 it and its vision for the future of golf.

Further Reading:

-Threatened by LIV Golf, the PGA Tour Launches Major Overhauls

Further Listening:-The Saudi Money Splitting Golf

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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.

Further Reading:- U.S. Orders Historic Colorado River Cuts to Drought-Stricken Southwest States

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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.Further Reading:

-Bed Bath & Beyond’s Sudden Stock Plunge Narrows Options for Cash Infusion

-Bed Bath & Beyond’s Problems Escalated by Ryan Cohen’s Sale

-Bed Bath & Beyond Followed a Winning Playbook—and Lost

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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.

Further reading:

-How the Private-Equity Lobby Won—Again

Further listening:

-The Private Equity Lobby Wins Again

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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.Further Reading:-Biden Signs Bill Aimed at Lowering Drug Costs, Boosting Renewable Energy

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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.

Further Reading:

-U.S. Rules Out Releasing Billions in Afghan Funds After Strike

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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.

Further Reading:

The Place With the Most Lithium Is Blowing the Electric-Car Revolution
Lithium Prices Soar, Turbocharged By Electric-Vehicle Demand and Scant Supply

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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.

Further Reading:

Ben and Jerry’s Tells Court That Unilever Could Undermine Its Social Mission
Unilever Sells Ben and Jerry’s Ice-Cream Business in Israel

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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.

Further Reading:

Facing Labor Shortages, Pella Reinvents the Company Town in Rural Iowa

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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.

Further reading:

-How the Private-Equity Lobby Won—Again

-Senate Passes Democrats’ Climate, Healthcare and Tax Bill

Further listening:

-Three Candidates, Three Ideas to Tax the Super Rich

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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.

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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 search.

Further Reading:

FBI Searches Trump’s Florida Home Mar-a-Lago in Document Investigation
Search of Trump’s Home Roils 2022 Midterms, 2024 Presidential Race

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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.

Further Reading:

Alex Jones Ordered to Pay $45.2 Million in Punitive Damages to Sandy Hook Parents
Alex Jones Ordered to Pay $4.1 Million to Parents of Sandy Hook Victim

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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.

Further Reading:

Europe’s Coal-Buying Frenzy Means Windfall for Producers
Europe’s Energy Crisis Threatens to Slow Green Transition

Further Listening:

Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy
If Russia Invades Ukraine, Can the U.S. Deliver on Sanctions?

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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.

Further Reading:

-Self-Driving Truck Accident Draws Attention to Safety at TuSimple

-For Robot Trucks, Navigating Highways Is Just One Bump in the Road

Further Listening:

-To Solve Labor Shortage, Companies Turn to Automation

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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.

Further reading:

-'Make Instagram Instagram Again': The App’s Evolution is causing Users to Question its Future

-Mark Zuckerberg’s Bid to Reinvent Facebook Parent Meta Hits Early Snags

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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.Further Reading:

-Biotech Wizard Left a Trail of Fraud – Prosecutors Allege it Ended in Murder

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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.

Further reading:

-Kansas Abortion Amendment Is Closely Watched Ahead of Other State Referendums

Further listening:

-The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade

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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.

Further reading:

Inventory Swing Is a Key Culprit Behind U.S. Recession Talk
People Have Money but Feel Glum-What Does that Mean for the Economy?

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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.

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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.Further reading:-FDA Clears Danish Monkeypox Vaccine Plant, Paving Way for Use of Doses in U.S.

-What to Know About the Monkeypox Outbreak in the U.S.

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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.

Further Reading:

Celsius Customers Are Losing Hope for Their Locked-Up Crypto
Behind the Celsius Sales Pitch Was a Crypto Firm Built on Risk

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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.

Further reading:

Amazon Faces Fierce Competition in Health Ambitions After One Medical Deal
Amazon to Buy One Medical Network of Health Clinics in Healthcare Expansion
Amazon Gives Healthcare Ambitions a Booster Shot

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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.

Further reading:

Shein’s Rise Was Nearly Overnight. The Backlash Came Just as Fast
China’s Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Faces Dozens of Lawsuits Alleging Design Theft
How Shein Became the Chinese Apparel Maker American Teens Love

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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.

Further reading:

Elon Musk’s Inner Circle Rocked by Fight Over His $230 Billion Fortune

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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.Further Reading:- Netflix Loses Nearly 1 Million Viewers, Vows Rebound

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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.

Further Reading:

Amazon Scooped Up Data From Its Own Sellers to Launch Competing Products
Amazon Has Been Slashing Private-Label Selection Amid Weak Sales

Further Listening:

How Amazon Employees Used Sellers' Data Against Them

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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.

Warning: This episode contains depictions of starving children. Please listen with care.

Further reading:

The Ukraine War Pushes Millions of the World’s Poorest Toward Starvation
Russia Says It Is Open to Talks With Ukraine, Turkey on Grain Exports
How Food Became Putin’s New Strategic Weapon

Further listening:

War in Ukraine Hits Global Food Supplies
War in Ukraine Pushes Millions Into Food Insecurity

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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.

Further Reading:

The NASA Engineer Who Made the James Webb Space Telescope Work

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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.Further reading:

-Sri Lanka’s Debt Crisis Tests China’s Role as Financier to Poor Countries

-Sri Lanka’s President Resigns Over Email After Fleeing Country

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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.

Further Reading:

-Vegas Company Promised Fast Internet. Rural America Waits…and Waits.

-Why Rural Americans Keep Waiting for Fast Internet, Despite Billions Spent

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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.

Further Reading:

Brittney Griner’s Case Faces Tensions Back Home

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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.

Further Reading:

Twitter Didn’t Seek a Sale. Now Elon Musk Doesn’t Want to Buy. Cue Strange Legal Drama.
Elon Musk’s Twitter Deal Collided With Market and Economic Tumult

Further Listening:

Elon Musk's Twitter Surprise
Elon Musk’s $43 Billion Offer to Buy Twitter
Elon Musk is Actually Buying Twitter

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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.

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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.Further reading: -A Wisconsin Town With Contaminated Drinking Water Must Decide Its Future

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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.Further reading

-Nuclear Power Is Poised for a Comeback. The Problem Is Building the Reactors

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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.

Further Reading:

Biden Administration to Pursue Rule Requiring Lower Nicotine Levels in US Cigarettes
FDA to Order JUUL Cigarettes off US Market

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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.

Further Reading:

Brazilian Police Probe Illegal Fishermen Over Amazon Double Homicide
Fisherman Confessed to Killing Dom Phillips, Brazilian Police Say
Brazilian Military Scours Amazon for Missing Journalist
Brazilian Navy Searches for Missing British Journalist in Amazon

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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.

Further Reading:

-Supreme Court’s Abortion Decision Sparks Immediate Action From States

-Fall of Roe v. Wade Upends Abortion Landscape for American Women

Further Listening:

The Potential End of Roe v. Wade

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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.Further Listening:-Inflation Is Happening. Should You Be Worried?

Further Reading:-Rotisserie Chickens: The ’90s Gift to Supermarkets That Keeps on Giving

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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.

Further Reading:

-WWE Board Probes Secret $3 Million Hush Pact by CEO Vince McMahon, Sources Say

-WWE’s Vince McMahon Steps Back From CEO Role Amid Misconduct Probe

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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.Further reading:

-Heat Wave Devastates India’s Mango Harvest

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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.

Further Reading:

K-Pop Band BTS to Focus on Solo Projects

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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.

Further Reading:

Andy Jassy’s First Year at Amazon: Undoing Bezos-Led Overexpansion

Further Listening:

Amazon After Bezos

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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.Further Reading:

-Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow Push for Crypto Sisterhood

-NFT Sales Are Flatlining

Further Listening:

-How An Art World Outsider Landed a $69 Million Sale

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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.

Further Reading:

Teens Take Up More Jobs, and More Pay, in Tight Labor Market
Teen Babysitters Are Charging $30 an Hour Now, Because They Can

Further Listening:

Why Workers Can’t Get Enough Hours, Even in a Jobs Boom
Why Is Everyone Quitting?

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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.

Further Reading:

- The Good. The Bad, The Weird At The First Saudi-Funded Liv Golf Event.

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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.

Dmitry grew up during the fall of the Soviet Union, a computer-loving kid with big dreams. He became part of a generation of Russian hackers who cut their teeth in the early days of the internet and went from stealing passwords to hacking some of America’s biggest companies. This is the story of how Dmitry became one of the best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. But the hack put a target on Dmitry’s back. A U.S. prosecutor, Erez Liebermann, was tasked with bringing Dmitry to justice. In this episode, Erez follows Dmitry’s every move — chasing him around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Dmitry takes the deal and starts working with the U.S. government while he serves his time. And in the years since, Dmitry has had a new vantage point to watch the evolving threat hackers pose. Increasingly, hackers are targeting public institutions and infrastructure, putting many Americans at risk. It’s now Dmitry’s job to help stop them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

JetBlue Boosts Breakup Fee, Pledges Dividend in Bid to Woo Spirit Holders
Spirit Airlines Delays Shareholder Vote as It Considers Frontier, JetBlue Offers

Further Listening:

Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines

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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.

Further Reading:

The Most-Hated Solar Company in America
Biden Invokes Emergency Power in Bid to Resolve Solar Import Dispute

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Wall Street Journal reporter Bob McMillan 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.

Dmitry’s story is the story of how a generation of hackers grew up in Russia. It follows the dramatic game of cat and mouse that America plays trying to catch cyber criminals like Dmitry. And in Dmitry’s case, it ends with him facing a choice: go to prison for decades, or help the U.S. government stop hackers like himself.

This is a new series from the Journal - Hack Me If You Can – the story of a Russian cyber criminal who went to the other side. All episodes out June 10th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Further Reading:

FanDuel CEO Amy Howe Says Black Market Gambling Poses Threat to Online Sports Betting
DraftKings, FanDuel Battle Tribes for Control of California Sports Betting

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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.

Further Reading:

Joe Biden: My Plan for Fighting Inflation

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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.

Further Reading:

Why Sheryl Sandberg Quit Facebook’s Meta

Further Listening:

'The Facebook Files' from The Journal.

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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.

Further Reading:

Tech Stocks Continue to Fall After Snap’s Profit Warning
Snap Plunges, And There Goes Social Media’s Online Ad Biz

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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.

Further Reading:

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Loses Chinese Investor Due to Pro-U.S. Messaging

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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.

Further Reading:

Elon Musk Calls ESG ‘An Outrageous Scam’ After Tesla Was Removed From Index
SEC Fines BNY Mellon Over ESG Claims
SEC Proposes More Disclosure Requirements for ESG Funds

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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.

Further Reading:

I Thought I Was Done With Iraq. Then a Fellow Marine’s Purple Heart Turned Up at Auction.

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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.

Further Reading:

Old Navy Made Clothing Sizes for Everyone. It Backfired.
Old Navy to Scale Back Its Inclusive Sizing Strategy

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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.

Further Reading: America’s Failed Attempt to Ban Assault Weapons

Further Listening: Red-Flag Laws, Their Application and One Mother’s Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.Further Reading:

-The Social-Media Stars Who Move Markets

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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.

Further Reading:

-Conditions Are Ripe for a Deep Bear Market

Further Listening:

-Can the Fed Lower Inflation Without Causing a Recession?

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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.

Further Reading:

Steve Cohen’s Secret Weapon for the Mets: His Hedge Fund

Further Listening:

The Labor Dispute That Has Baseball on Hold

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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.

Further Reading:

Why the Baby-Formula Market Is a Mess: Low Competition, High Regulation

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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 Davidson about the landmark agreement and her role negotiating it.

Further Reading:

U.S. Women’s and Men’s Soccer Teams Will Receive Equal Pay Under New Labor Deals

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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.

Further Reading:

Crash of TerraUSD Shakes Crypto. ‘There Was a Run on the Bank.

Cryptocurrency TerraUSD Falls to 11 Cents, Creator Announces Rescue Plan

Further Listening:

Bitcoin Comes Untethered

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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.Further Listening:The Future of Everything Festival

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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.

Further Reading:

China’s Economic Distress Deepens as Lockdowns Drag On
China’s Forgotten Premier Steps Out of Xi’s Shadow as Economic Fixer

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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.

Further Reading:

-Startups Make It Easier to Get ADHD Drugs. That Made Some Workers Anxious.

-Cerebral Receives Subpoena From Federal Prosecutors

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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.

Further Reading:

-Fidelity to Allow Retirement Savers to Put Bitcoin in 401(k) Accounts

-Labor Department Criticizes Fidelity’s Plan to Put Bitcoin on 401(k) Menu

Further Listening:

-How Inflation is Causing Americans to 'Unretire'

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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.

Further Reading:

-Hot Economy, Rising Inflation: The Fed Has Never Successfully Fixed a Problem Like This

Further Listening:

-The Fed’s Shifting Inflation Message

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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.

Further Reading:

-What Teenagers Really Learn From Stock-Market Games

-Current Baker Scholar and Alumnus Partner to Improve High School Investors Club

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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.

Further Reading:

Facebook Deliberately Caused Havoc in Australia to Influence New Law, Whistleblowers Say

Further Listening:

The Facebook Files, a Podcast Series

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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.

Further Reading:

For Georgetown, Jesuits and Slavery Descendants, Bid for Racial Healing Sours Over Reparations

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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.

Further Reading:

FDA Advances Ban on Menthol Cigarettes
Why Does the U.S. Want to Ban Menthol Cigarettes?

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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.

Further Reading:

-EU Proposes Ban on Russian Oil Imports, Sending Prices Higher

-Germany Drops Opposition to Embargo on Russian Oil

Further Listening:-If Russia Invades Ukraine, Can the U.S. Deliver on Sanctions?

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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.

Further Reading:

Supreme Court Is Investigating Leak of Draft Opinion Overruling Roe v. Wade

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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.

Further Reading:

-Everything Costs More, and That's Disrupting Retirement for Many

Further Listening:

-Why Older Americans Are Fleeing the Workforce

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Russian billionaires and looks at the debate around sanctioning one oligarch: Chelsea soccer team owner, Roman Abramovich.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Spotify owns Gimlet, which coproduces this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 win it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 41. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Malsin reports on the situation from Istanbul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 government says are fugitives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Sen. Amy Klobuchar about how she hopes to rein in tech companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 falls short. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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"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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Bauerlein looks at this case and other events that threaten to undermine the Murdaugh dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College counselor Rick Singer pleaded guilty to helping wealthy parents like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman cheat the college admissions system. In 2018, the federal government began wiretapping his cellphone. WSJ's Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz dissect the tapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the most conflicts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 company's research into the effects of its products on teen mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 undo some of the damage were often thwarted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 these findings, which is often inadequate or nothing at all. We also hear from Patricia Wanja Kimani, a Kenyan woman who was trafficked to Saudi Arabia after responding to a job post on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 no "silver bullet" for this problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 secret, even as CEO Mark Zuckerberg says publicly that all users are treated equally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Famed activist investor William 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 were able to move so quickly and describes the chaos and fear gripping Afghanistan today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 still pushing for more answers from USA Gymnastics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. You can find episodes 1 and 2 of this series in The Journal feed, published last Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the federal government steps in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 billions of dollars from his clients in his notorious Ponzi scheme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the middle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lex Greensill went from farm boy to financier with a simple mission: to bring big bank financing to small business supply chains. But WSJ's Duncan Mavin explains how his ambition for growth and risky lending caused his namesake company to implode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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WeWork's biggest shareholder, Softbank, has been dogged by its obligations to the coworking company's co-founder, Adam Neumann. WSJ's Maureen Farrell tells the story of how, after a year, the company severed ties with Neumann and why going public may now be on the horizon.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 explains, even with high unemployment, many of those positions were left unfilled.

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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.

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As a federal judge, John Gleeson would have to impose decadeslong sentences for certain crimes. Now, he's on a mission to undo some of those same sentences. We talk to the WSJ's Corinne Ramey, Gleeson and one man who's been freed by Gleeson's strategy.

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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.

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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 why the dispute has been years in the making.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Two billionaire investors battled for years over the fate of Herbalife, a nutritional shake company. This month saw the final chapter of the strange saga that WSJ's David Benoit likens to "Mean Girls meets Wall Street."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Bowdeya Tweh on the activism that led to this moment and union member Andrew Gainer-Dewar on why he joined.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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WSJ's Robert 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" 26 years ago 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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