A daily podcast about money, business and power.
June 7, 2023
The Downfall of CNN’s CEO
The Journal
Chris Licht has stepped down as CEO of CNN, ending a short tenure that was marked by a series of missteps. WSJ’s Amol Sharma on what led to Licht’s departure and what is next for the network.
June 6, 2023
A Crypto Exchange Crackdown
The Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase— two of the biggest crypto exchanges. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff discusses the allegations and the potential impact on the global crypto ecosystem.
June 5, 2023
Apple Bets Big on ‘Nerd Helmets’
Today, Apple released its Vision Pro headset, the company’s first major new product launch in a decade. WSJ’s Joanna Stern on whether the augmented-reality headset has the potential to take a niche device for nerds into the mainstream.
June 2, 2023
Italy Caught a Russian Fugitive. Then He Vanished.
Artem Uss is a Kremlin-linked businessman accused of illegally exporting American military technology to Russia. Last October he was arrested in Italy at the U.S.’s request. Then he vanished. WSJ’s Margherita Stancati explains how he escaped.
June 1, 2023
The $1 Trillion Company That Started at Denny’s
Only seven American companies have ever been worth a trillion dollars. Some came from garages. Others were started in college dorm rooms. Nvidia was born in a Denny's. WSJ's Asa Fitch on how the explosion of AI helped the chip maker become one of the most valuable companies in the world.
May 31, 2023
The Showdown Over Hulu
For years, Disney and Comcast have been locked in a battle over Hulu. Now, the streamer’s co-owners are trying to bring an end to their uneasy marriage. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel unpacks the years of wrangling and the looming deal that could leave Disney with full ownership of Hulu.
May 30, 2023
The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire
Over the past four years, Jay Gajavelli built a real-estate empire using funds from small investors who wanted to make passive income. Last year, Gajavelli’s company owned more than 7,000 apartments in the Houston area. Now he’s at the center of one of the biggest commercial real-estate blowups in years. WSJ’s Will Parker details what happened and what it says about the housing market going forward...
May 29, 2023
Thousands of Government Officials Own Stocks In Companies Their Agencies Oversee
We’re off today, but we still have an episode for you!
May 26, 2023
Evicted on Wood Street: California's Housing Crisis
When Kellie Castillo needed a place to live, she ended up at Wood Street, one of the largest homeless encampments in California. State authorities have spent the past several months shutting Wood Street down, leaving people like Kellie to figure out what’s next. WSJ’s Christine Mai-Duc describes what’s behind the state’s decision and what it means for the unhoused in California.
May 25, 2023
Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear?
Supreme is known for buzzy items, long lines and frenzied sell-outs. But lately, Supreme’s products are still available days after release. WSJ’s Jacob Gallagher discusses the brand’s rise and what’s changed.
May 24, 2023
Elon Musk on 2024 Politics, Succession Plans and Whether AI Will Annihilate Humanity
In an interview at WSJ's CEO Council Summit with editor Thorold Barker, Elon Musk talked about whether he regrets buying Twitter, who might eventually take the helm of the three companies he runs and how AI will change our future.
May 23, 2023
Kia and Hyundai’s ‘Kia Boyz’ Problem
After car theft videos went viral on social media, Hyundai and Kia have been reckoning with a surge in stolen vehicles. WSJ’s Sean McLain unpacks how the thefts started and how the companies are trying to address them.
May 22, 2023
The Clock Is Ticking on the Debt Ceiling
The federal government uses debt to pay about a quarter of its bills and the federal borrowing limit is maxed out. WSJ’s Andrew Duehren explains the June 1st X-date (when the U.S. runs out of funds) and some catastrophic potential outcomes if Congress doesn’t raise or suspend the federal borrowing limit.
May 19, 2023
Why Some Companies Keep Getting Away With Higher Prices
Companies continue to raise prices on everything from streaming services to handbags, sometimes at a rate that exceeds the pace of inflation. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner and Greg Ip unpack why this is happening.
May 18, 2023
IRS Might Make Tax Season a Whole Lot Easier
The IRS will begin a pilot program next year to help some taxpayers fill out and file their income tax returns for free online. WSJ’s Richard Rubin on the government’s first steps towards building a competitor to TurboTax and H&R Block.
May 17, 2023
Closing the Wealth Gap With a Trust Fund for Babies
Starting in July, Connecticut will put $3200 into a trust account for each baby born to parents below a designated income level. As adults, the beneficiaries can use the money—plus investment returns—to help pay for education or a home. WSJ’s Brenda León discusses Baby Bonds and why they are gaining traction in other states too.
May 16, 2023
The Story Behind the Stabbing of a San Francisco Tech Exec
After Cash App founder Bob Lee died in a stabbing, some were quick to blame San Francisco’s rising crime rates. But prosecutors say Lee knew his alleged killer. WSJ’s Kirsten Grind reports on an underground world of sex and drugs that was the backdrop to the killing that shocked the tech community.
May 15, 2023
Twitter's New CEO: The Velvet Hammer
Linda Yaccarino established herself as an advertising sales machine at NBCUniversal. On Friday, Elon Musk announced she’d be Twitter’s new CEO. WSJ’s Amol Sharma discusses some of the challenges Yaccarino will face at the revenue- starved social media platform.
May 12, 2023
Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows
The blockbuster Western drama about a ranching dynasty in Montana is one of the most popular shows on TV. But it’s also one of the most expensive. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel explains how the man behind it — Taylor Sheridan — became one of the priciest bets in Hollywood.
May 11, 2023
The Charges Against George Santos
Rep. George Santos has been accused of fabricating much of his life’s story to secure public office. On Wednesday he was indicted on 13 federal charges including fraud and money laundering. The New York Republican denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind explains what the charges will mean for him.
May 10, 2023
China’s Crackdown on Foreign Consulting Firms
With tensions between the U.S. and China on the rise, the Chinese government has been investigating several consulting firms that help foreign companies do business in China. WSJ’s Dan Strumpf discusses the impact on the consulting sector and the foreign businesses that depend on it.
May 9, 2023
What the End of Title 42 Means for U.S. Immigration Policy
On Thursday, the pandemic-era border policy known as Title 42 is expected to end. First put in place by the Trump administration, Title 42 allows migrants to be quickly deported at the southern border without a chance to ask for asylum. Now, President Biden is planning to roll out a new immigration policy to take its place. But as WSJ’s Michelle Hackman explains, this new policy is not so different...
May 8, 2023
Can Bud Light Still Be the Beer for Everyone?
Last month, Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, posted on social media about a personalized can of Bud Light the brewer sent her as a gift. A boycott ensued. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks what the maker of Bud Light is doing to stem a sharp drop in sales and to support front-line teams bearing the brunt of the backlash.
May 5, 2023
What’s Behind the Adderall Shortage?
For months, people with ADHD have been struggling to fill their prescriptions. Federal regulators say the shortage is fueled in part by increasing demand driven by telehealth startups and their aggressive marketing. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler, who has been investigating two of those companies, explains what an impending rule change could mean for the shortage.
May 4, 2023
One Hollywood Writer on the Industry’s ‘Dire’ Situation
Thousands of Hollywood writers went on strike this week after failing to reach a new contract with studios. The dispute was caused, in part, by the industry’s shift to streaming, which writers say has left them shortchanged. Michael Schur is co-creator of “Parks and Recreation” and was a writer for “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live.” He tells us what’s behind the first writers strike in over 15...
May 3, 2023
PepsiCo’s New Healthy Diet: More Potato Chips and Soda
For years, big food and beverage companies like PepsiCo leaned hard into launching new, healthy food products. But recently, PepsiCo has decided to double down on its flagship chips and soda and is looking to make those products healthier. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains what it means for both the company and public health.
May 2, 2023
America's Biggest Bank Just Got Bigger
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stepped in on Monday to acquire the failing First Republic Bank after it was seized by government regulators. While the deal will put an end to the recent series of bank failures, it also makes the banking industry's leader even more powerful. WSJ's Charles Forelle explains how Dimon's bid came together.
May 1, 2023
The Grim Story of a Russian Prisoner Turned Recruit
Yevgeny Nuzhin was serving time for murder in a high-security Russian prison when the Wagner Group— a paramilitary organization employed by Russia to wage war on Ukraine— offered him freedom in exchange for six months of paid military service fighting for Russia in Ukraine. WSJ’s James Marson details how Nuzhin’s bid for freedom went gruesomely wrong.
April 28, 2023
Why Disney Is Suing DeSantis
This week, Disney sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accusing him of retaliating against the company, in part for speaking out against the state’s so-called “don’t say gay” law. It’s the latest twist in the fight between the two. WSJ’s Arian Campo-Flores explains what it means for both sides.
April 27, 2023
Behind the Breakup of Fox and Tucker Carlson
On Monday, Fox News ousted its top host, Tucker Carlson, less than a week after it settled a defamation lawsuit, which brought reams of internal communications to light. WSJ's Keach Hagey has exclusive reporting about the major factors that contributed to the network making that decision.
April 26, 2023
Banking Troubles Are Not Over
Once the envy of the banking world, First Republic grew rapidly by catering to wealthy clients who wanted a high-touch service. But the bank’s highflying business came back to earth after the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates last year and customers started moving their money. WSJ’s Rachel Louise Ensign on why First Republic is now teetering on the brink.
April 25, 2023
The Debt Ceiling Fight Begins
The U.S. only has a few months until it can no longer pay its bills. Republicans say they’ll only raise the debt ceiling if Democrats agree to aggressive spending cuts. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews explains the Republican's proposal and what’s at stake for the economy.
April 24, 2023
The World's Richest Person Is Planning for Succession
Bernard Arnault is the richest person in the world and he has spent decades preparing his five children to run his luxury-brand empire, LVMH. WSJ’s Nick Kostov learned Arnault drilled his kids in mathematics, brought them along on business trips, inside negotiations and has elevated them into senior roles. But the question remains: who will succeed Arnault at the helm of the world’s biggest luxury ...
April 21, 2023
Nursing Shortage? There's an App for That
To address a nursing shortage, some of the nation’s largest hospital systems have started to use apps similar to those used for ride-hailing. WSJ’s Melanie Evans explains the pros and cons of the gig work model for nurses and hospitals.
April 20, 2023
How Investigators Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist
Jimmy Zhong appeared to have pulled off the perfect crime. In December 2012, he stumbled upon a software bug that allowed him to steal 50,000 bitcoins from a site on the dark web called the Silk Road. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how Zhong’s stolen crypto stayed hidden until investigators developed better ways to track down crypto criminals.
April 19, 2023
Russian Court Upholds WSJ Reporter’s Detention
It has been three weeks since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia on an allegation of espionage that the Journal and the U.S. government vehemently deny. Yesterday, Evan appeared at a pretrial hearing in Moscow. WSJ's Ann M. Simmons explains what happened at court and what comes next.
April 18, 2023
Two Executives On What It's Like to Stop a Bank Run
In 2017 the FDIC created a pool of banking veterans who would step up to help in the event of another financial crisis. For years, no one needed them. That changed last month when Tim Mayopoulos and Greg Carmichael were called in to run Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank while the FDI tried to stabilize a banking crisis.
April 17, 2023
Dominion Voting Systems vs. Fox News
Dominion Voting Systems, which makes ballot machines, sued Fox News for $1.6 billion, claiming the cable network aired defamatory claims about its role in the 2020 election. Fox News denies wrongdoing. WSJ’s Erin Mulvaney explains what’s at stake as the highly anticipated trial is set to begin this week.
April 14, 2023
The Curtain Closes on Phantom of the Opera
After 35 years, Broadway's longest-running show is taking a bow. The Phantom of the Opera has sold more than 20 million tickets and grossed around $1.3 billion. MarketWatch’s Charles Passy explains what made it one of Broadway’s biggest hits.
April 13, 2023
An Arrest in the Classified Documents Leak
Federal investigators have arrested a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman in connection with the alleged leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents. WSJ’s Sadie Gurman discusses what we know about the documents, the arrest, and what could be next.
April 12, 2023
A $175 Million 'Huge Mistake'
When JPMorgan Chase paid $175 million to acquire Frank— a college financial planning startup— it touted big plans to connect with the company’s millions of users. Then it all went wrong. WSJ’s Melissa Korn recounts the story of what went wrong.
April 11, 2023
Baby Powder, Bankruptcy and the Texas Two-Step
For decades, Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of lawsuits from customers who claim the company's baby powder gave them cancer. The company denies responsibility. WSJ's Andrew Scurria explains how Johnson & Johnson is resorting to a controversial legal maneuver to try to settle the lawsuits.
April 10, 2023
The Abortion Pill’s Uncertain Future
Rulings from two federal judges, one in Texas and one in Washington, paint a murky picture of the future of the abortion pill mifepristone. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto unpacks the legal battles with the Food and Drug Administration over the medication.
April 7, 2023
Google CEO Sundar Pichai on How AI Could Change Search
Google has been developing large language models like chatbots for years, but it hasn’t used the technology to influence the way people use their all search function. That’s something that could be changing. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa sat down for an interview with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to talk about the way new AI could have a big impact of Google’s business.
April 6, 2023
How Indonesia Tamed Rainforest Destruction
Deforestation for palm oil production has shrunk Indonesia's rainforest, the third largest in the world and one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet. But recently, the country has found a way to tame deforestation. WSJ's Jon Emont explains how government orders, consumer boycotts and environmental activism have helped slow the destruction of Indonesia's rainforest.
April 5, 2023
Jack Ma Returns to China and Breaks Up the Company He Built
Jack Ma, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, all but disappeared from the public eye following a brush with Chinese regulators in 2020. But last week, Ma returned to China just as Alibaba announced plans to split into six independently run companies. WSJ’s Jing Yang explains what it all means.
April 4, 2023
Donald Trump Is Charged on 34 Felony Counts
Former President Donald Trump has become the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges alleging he concealed hush-money payments in the weeks before the 2016 election. WSJ's Joe Palazzolo— one of the reporters who first broke the story about the payments— unpacks the indictment and discusses what could come next in the case.
April 3, 2023
A WSJ Reporter Arrested in Russia
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia last week and charged with espionage. The WSJ and U.S. officials deny the accusations. We spoke to our colleagues Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw about working with Gershkovich, his reporting on Russia, and what's next.
March 31, 2023
The Rise of Chinese Apps
While TikTok is getting a lot of scrutiny in Washington, other Chinese apps are on the rise. Four of the five hottest apps in the U.S. in March are tied to Chinese companies. But as WSJ’s Shen Lu explains, some apps are now trying to distance themselves from their Chinese origins.
March 30, 2023
Millions of Women Left Work During the Pandemic. Where Are They Now?
Nearly 12 million women left their jobs due to pandemic disruptions. Many are finally coming back, three years on. WSJ's Lauren Weber explains how the pandemic has transformed what work looks like for many women, especially for mothers.
March 29, 2023
A Plan to Hack the Planet
Tech CEO Luke Iseman has an idea he wants to sell the world: A business plan to cool the Earth by dimming the amount of sunlight that hits the planet. As WSJ’s Eric Niiler explains, the principle behind the idea, geoengineering, is getting big investment but is also sparking serious scientific debate.
March 28, 2023
The Ranking Battle in Higher Ed
In November, Yale Law School pulled out of the U.S. News & World Report law-school rankings, saying the system was flawed. A wave of law, medical and undergraduate schools quickly followed. WSJ’s Melissa Korn reports on how the revolt was decades in the making.
March 27, 2023
The Arrest of a Crypto Fugitive
After his TerraUSD cryptocurrency imploded, Do Kwon became one of the most wanted men in crypto. Last week, after a global manhunt, he was arrested at an airport in Montenegro. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich tells the story of how Kwon went from being a major crypto player to facing fraud charges in several countries.
March 24, 2023
The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback
For decades, the Robusta coffee bean has been the ugly duckling of the coffee world. Now, a new generation of coffee geeks think the time could be ripe for a Robusta revolution. WSJ’s Jon Emont explains why the humble bean is gaining momentum in the coffee industry.
March 23, 2023
Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates Amidst a Banking Crisis
Over the past year the Federal Reserve has been steadily raising interest rates to try to bring down inflation. But the recent banking crisis has thrown a wrench into its plans. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains how the Fed is now trying to fight two problems at once.
March 22, 2023
Yachts, Custom Cars and $36,000 Mattresses: Inside an Alleged Fraud
Former Chinese real-estate developer and outspoken China critic Guo Wengui was arrested by the FBI last week and accused of orchestrating a $1 billion fraud. WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha unpacks Guo’s trek from Beijing gadfly to Steve Bannon confidant to fraud suspect.
March 21, 2023
Biden's Flip on Drilling in Alaska
While campaigning for president, Joe Biden said there would be no new oil drilling on federal land. But last week he approved the Willow project, one of the largest domestic oil projects in years. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia explains why Biden made the shift.
March 20, 2023
Exclusive: TikTok’s CEO on the App’s Future in the U.S.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is due to testify before Congress this week, as the Biden administration demands that TikTok’s Chinese owners sell their stakes in the company or face a possible U.S. ban of the app. In this exclusive interview with WSJ’s Stu Woo, the TikTok CEO said a sale won’t solve Washington’s security concerns.
March 17, 2023
Why Google Is Behind in the AI Race
Google has been a pioneer in the modern era of artificial intelligence, but lately, it’s fallen behind. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa explains why the tech giant took a more cautious approach to chatbots and what’s at stake now that Microsoft has beaten them to market.
March 16, 2023
What Just Happened at Credit Suisse?
As fears about the health of global banks spread from the U.S. to Europe, the bank Credit Suisse said it would tap a more than $50 billion loan from the Swiss National Bank. WSJ’s Margot Patrick explains how Credit Suisse became a cause for concern.
March 15, 2023
Bird Flu and the High Price of Eggs
Since February of last year, the avian flu has led to the deaths of tens of millions of farm-raised birds in the U.S., the deadliest outbreak on record. WSJ’s Patrick Thomas on how the egg industry is getting slammed and what companies are doing to try to save their flocks.
March 14, 2023
Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic
WeightWatchers is buying digital health company Sequence to capitalize on the hot market for diabetes and weight loss drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy. WSJ's Andrea Petersen explains what this could mean for the wellness industry.
March 13, 2023
Can the Government Contain a Banking Crisis?
When Silicon Valley Bank imploded last week, it was the second biggest bank failure in U.S. history. Then, over the weekend, another bank, Signature Bank, was also taken over by the government. WSJ financial editor Charles Forelle explains what kicked off this banking crisis and how the government is scrambling to contain it.
March 10, 2023
The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl
For years, fentanyl has flooded into the American drug market, driving a surge in overdose deaths across the country. Other drugs, like cocaine, are increasingly tainted with the synthetic opioid. We spoke to advocates Theo Krzywicki and Kalie Shorr who say a tiny test strip can help people avoid fentanyl, and WSJ's Julie Wernau explains why fentanyl is showing up everywhere.
March 9, 2023
The Economy Is Too Hot for the Fed
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told Congress this week that interest rates could go up faster and higher than previously planned. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains what’s behind the Fed’s change of strategy, and why it’s struggling to tame inflation.
March 8, 2023
What a New Law in Tennessee Means for Drag
A new law in Tennessee makes staging adult cabaret anywhere a minor could see it a criminal offense. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto and Steve Raimo, who performs as drag queen Veronika Electronika, on what it could mean for the drag industry.
March 7, 2023
When AI Comes for Your Art
AI-art generators let users create fantastical images with just a few text prompts. But some artists see a problem: They say AI is ripping them off. Artist Greg Rutkowski and WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims explain what's at stake for the art world.
March 6, 2023
The FTX Insiders Turning Against Sam Bankman-Fried
Three executives who formed Sam Bankman-Fried’s inner circle have now pleaded guilty to fraud charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich on what their plea deals could spell for the FTX founder.
March 3, 2023
Conservatives Come for ESG
Companies like BlackRock have promoted ESG investing in recent years. But WSJ’s Julie Bykowicz says a new conservative nonprofit is pushing lawmakers to ban ESG, equating it with "woke capitalism."
March 2, 2023
How a Year of Sanctions Is Impacting Russians
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Western nations hit Russia with massive sanctions. We talk to a resident in Moscow about how his life has changed and WSJ’s Georgi Kantchev on how Russia has responded to the sanctions.
March 1, 2023
Will Student Debt Get Canceled? The Supreme Court Decides.
President Biden’s plans to cancel $400 million in student loans are on hold. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether the administration had the legal authority to cancel the debt. WSJ’s Andrew Restuccia discusses the arguments for and against the program, and he explains what the decision could mean for borrowers.
February 28, 2023
America’s Answer to the Chip Shortage
The Commerce Department is spelling out its plans to subsidize domestic chip production in order to secure the supply of advanced chips needed for America's modern weapons systems. WSJ’s Yuka Hayashi explains the national security interests in play.
February 27, 2023
What Caused a Train to Derail in East Palestine, Ohio?
Earlier this month, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Ohio. Concerned about an explosion, authorities evacuated residents and carried out a controlled burn of toxic fumes. Now a report has found the cause of the derailment, but residents say they still have unanswered questions about the environmental impacts. WSJ's Kris Maher reports from East Palestine and Esther Fung ...
February 24, 2023
Three Ukrainians on Enduring a Year of War
Russia’s war in Ukraine has upended the lives of millions of people. One year into the conflict, we check in with some of the people we have spoken with over the last twelve months to see how their lives have changed.
February 23, 2023
The Five People Keeping Bitcoin Alive
Bitcoin, the nearly $500 billion cryptocurrency, isn't controlled by any one person or company. But there are five mysterious coders that keep it all running. WSJ's Paul Kiernan reports on the "maintainers" behind bitcoin.
February 22, 2023
Is This Painting a Masterpiece? AI Is On the Case
Almost 30 years ago, Anthony Ayers spotted a dusty, wood-panel painting tucked behind an armoire in an antique shop. Over the decades, he and the group of people that helped him buy it have been on a quest to prove it was painted by Renaissance artist Raphael. WSJ’s Kelly Crow reports on a possible break in the case and the technology that brought it about.
February 21, 2023
Two Hotels in Turkey and a Tragic Twist of Fate
After new deadly earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria this week, the death toll this month has surpassed 45,000. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen tells the story of a youth volleyball team that traveled to Turkey earlier this month and how the country’s spotty building codes may have played a role in their tragic fate.
February 20, 2023
How TikTok Became the World’s Favorite App
We’re off today for the holiday, but we still have an episode for you!
February 17, 2023
Mass Layoffs or Hiring Boom — Which Is It?
Major layoffs keep making headlines, yet the U.S. is still seeing record low unemployment. WSJ’s Ray A. Smith dives into the mystery in the job market.
February 16, 2023
Disney Wars: Attack of the Activist Investor
What happens when an activist investor sets his sights on one of the biggest media companies in the world? WSJ’s Robbie Whelan on the proxy battle that rattled Disney.
February 15, 2023
How CVS Went From Drugstore to Healthcare Juggernaut
CVS’s plan to buy Oak Street Health, a network of senior-focused clinics, is the latest sign of the growing tie-ups between health insurers and primary-care doctors. WSJ’s Anna Wilde Matthews unpacks why the deal is happening and how it’s cementing CVS’s status as a healthcare giant.
February 14, 2023
The Price of Dating Apps
How much are you willing to pay for love? Dating apps are asking users to pay more for features and access to matches as a way to counter slowing growth. WSJ's Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman talks about the pressure on Match Group, the company behind some of the most popular dating apps.
February 13, 2023
How a Balloon Burst U.S.-China Relations
In just over a week, the U.S. has shot down four flying objects — one from China and three others of unknown origins. WSJ’s James T. Areddy on balloons, unidentified flying objects and the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
February 10, 2023
A Spy Turned Up Dead in Ukraine. Who Was He Working For?
Days after Russia invaded Ukraine, a corpse turned up on a sidewalk in the center of Kyiv. The dead man, a 45-year-old banker named Denys Kiryeyev, was accused of being a traitor and a Russian spy. But as WSJ’s Brett Forrest reports, his work and allegiances were more complicated than they seemed.
February 9, 2023
Is the Party Over for Best-Selling Drug Humira?
After decades of patent protection, the wildly successful arthritis and autoimmune drug Humira is finally facing competition. WSJ’s Jared Hopkins on what that could mean for patients and the drug industry.
February 8, 2023
Why Is the U.K.'s Free Healthcare Service Falling Apart?
For more than a decade, the British government has run its National Health Service, the world’s largest government-run healthcare system, on a tight budget. Now, hospitals are so full they are turning patients away, and thousands of paramedics and nurses have walked out over pay. WSJ’s Max Colchester explains how budget cuts, Covid delays and an aging population are stressing the system.
February 7, 2023
Consumers Are Starting to Freak Out
Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of the economy. So when it slows, the U.S. economy risks a recession. Right now, U.S. consumers are spending less on groceries, travel and dining, breaking into their savings accounts, and putting more on their credit cards. To understand why consumers are pulling back, we sat down with one.
February 6, 2023
The Short Seller Costing the Adani Group Billions
Gautam Adani is ubiquitous in India. His energy and infrastructure conglomerate, the Adani Group, touches the lives of millions of Indians on a daily basis. But last month, Hindenburg Research, a U.S. short seller, alleged that the company was engaged in wide-ranging fraud. WSJ’s Shan Li explains a fallout that has cost Adani billions.
February 3, 2023
China’s Accidental Dissidents
Cao Zhixin and her friends went to a rally to honor people who died in a fire. Several weeks later, they were detained by Chinese authorities and now face years in prison. WSJ's Shen Lu explains why Beijing is cracking down on a new kind of protester.
February 2, 2023
'Putin's Chef' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion forces have tightened the noose around Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine with help from a paramilitary outfit called the Wagner Group. Heading the group is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close confidants -- Yevgeny Prigozhin. WSJ’s Benoit Faucon explains why the Wagner Group has been drawing condemnation for its deployments in several global hotspots.
February 1, 2023
Hacking the Hackers
For years, the U.S. government went after hackers by trying to arrest them. Now, they’re trying a new approach. WSJ’s Robert McMillan tells the story of how one of the world’s most infamous hacking groups, called Hive, got busted.
January 31, 2023
Ukrainian President Zelensky's Fight Against Corruption
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was originally elected on an anti-corruption platform. Over the last two weeks, he has removed nearly a dozen top officials. WSJ’s James Marson explains why Zelensky is trying to shore up Western confidence in his administration at a crucial moment in the war.
January 30, 2023
Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread
North of the Arctic Circle, a Swedish mining company says it has located a coveted resource: Europe’s biggest cache of rare-earth minerals, elements used for making electronics and green technology. The deposit could be a blessing for the West, but WSJ’s Kim Mackrael explains that for Sweden’s indigenous Sami people, it also puts hundreds of years of tradition in peril.
January 27, 2023
Blackouts, Corruption and a Poisoned CEO
South Africa’s state-owned power company, Eskom, is struggling to keep the lights on in the country and is now looking for a new leader after its current CEO was poisoned. WSJ’s Alexandra Wexler on the difficult job of running Eskom.
January 26, 2023
Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again
The Department of Justice is seeking to break up part of Google’s digital advertising business. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the government says the tech giant has taken actions that ‘severely weaken, if not destroy competition in the ad tech industry.’ Google says the lawsuit is an attempt to pick winners and losers. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa discusses the DOJ’s case and the moves Google made to become a ...
January 25, 2023
The Unraveling of Stitch Fix
Over the last year, fashion company Stitch Fix has lost 95% of its value as the company's attempts to expand beyond subscriptions floundered. WSJ columnist Laura Forman says the decline of Stitch Fix holds broader lessons for tech companies.
January 24, 2023
Tesla’s Big Price Cut
Tesla cut prices for some of its vehicles sold in the U.S. by nearly 20% earlier this month. WSJ’s Nora Eckert on what’s behind the price drop and what it means for the EV market.
January 23, 2023
What's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents?
On Friday, FBI investigators found more classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home. This is the latest in a series of searches that turned up classified material at a number of Biden's offices and homes. WSJ’s Annie Linskey discusses the search, and what it could mean for Biden’s presidency.
January 20, 2023
What the End of Zero-Covid Means for China
A month after China scrapped most of its zero-Covid restrictions, Omicron has spread rapidly. WSJ’s Brian Spegele explains that while some people are able to resume life as normal, infections have skyrocketed and medical facilities are stretched to their limits.
January 19, 2023
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Big Investment: Bitcoin Mining in Kazakhstan
After the collapse of FTX, WSJ Reporter Eliot Brown wanted to find out where all the money went. He was surprised to discover that the biggest investment had been in a bitcoin mining company based in Kazakhstan.
January 18, 2023
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks with WSJ Editor in Chief Matt Murray at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, about the company’s artificial-intelligence ambitions and how tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT could revolutionize the way we work.
January 17, 2023
The Company Behind ChatGPT
ChatGPT was released only a few months ago but the artificial intelligence chatbot has already taken the internet by storm. WSJ’s Berber Jin tells the story of the company behind ChatGPT and how the world is responding to this technology.
January 13, 2023
Could This Be the End of Noncompetes?
The Federal Trade Commission wants to ban noncompete clauses in employment contracts. WSJ's Lauren Weber explains what these clauses are, the surprising number of workers they might affect, and how businesses are reacting.
January 12, 2023
Miss Universe Is Now Owned by a Woman. Will It Change?
When a new Miss Universe is crowned this Saturday, she will be the first winner under new pageant owner Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman and transgender advocate. We talk to Jakrajutatip about her views on beauty and how she wants to transform the pageant.
January 11, 2023
The New Layoff: On a Wednesday On Zoom
Wednesday or Friday? In-person or via Zoom? As dozens of companies undergo layoffs, human resource executives are grappling with a lot of questions about how to let employees go and avoid public blowback. WSJ’s Chip Cutter walks us through the do’s and don’ts of layoffs.
January 10, 2023
Why Protesters Rioted in Brazil’s Capital
Brazil is reeling after supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro forced their way into several government buildings on Sunday. Many protesters called for military intervention to oust the newly-inaugurated leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. WSJ’s Luciana Magalhaes explains how the protests could undermine da Silva’s agenda.
January 9, 2023
A Small Bank Bet Big on Crypto. Can It Survive the Crash?
Silvergate went from a small real-estate bank to the bank of choice for the crypto world’s big players. Then it experienced a historic bank run. WSJ’s David Benoit explains why customers pulled their money from crypto’s top bank.
January 6, 2023
What's Up With All the TikTok Bans?
Recently, a slew of states and even the federal government have banned the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from government-issued devices, citing national security concerns. WSJ's Stu Woo explains what's going on.
January 5, 2023
The Fight Over the Speaker of the House
For days, the House of Representatives has been at a standstill. A group of conservative lawmakers continues to block Rep. Kevin McCarthy's path to become Speaker of the House. WSJ’s Natalie Andrews explains why some Republicans opposed McCarthy, and what it could take for them to be swayed.
January 4, 2023
How Southwest Airlines Melted Down
Severe winter weather impacted a lot of airlines this holiday season. But only one canceled more than 70% of its flights: Southwest. WSJ’s Alison Sider explains how the airline found itself at the center of one of the worst travel breakdowns in years.
January 3, 2023
What Will the Economy Look Like in 2023?
Last year, inflation hit a 40-year high, dealing a big blow to many consumers. On the other hand, unemployment was low and many workers saw wage gains. WSJ reporters Gwynn Guilford and Rachel Wolfe unpack the confusing currents in the 2022 economy and what to expect this year.
December 26, 2022
See You in 2023
We’re taking a break until 2023. Ryan and Kate and the rest of the team wish you happy holidays as we bring back this Christmas classic.
December 22, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 4: The Reckoning
Two years after launching, Cerebral had become a star in the telemedicine business space. The company had attracted tens of thousands of patients and was valued at close to $5 billion. CEO Kyle Robertson had big plans for the startup, but this spring, those plans started to crumble. WSJ’s Rolfe Winker and Khadeeja Safdar started reporting on Cerebral. Their reporting would lead to federal investiga...
December 21, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 3: Anthony
Anthony Kroll was 17 years old. Too young to have been a Cerebral patient, according to company policy. Too young to get mental-health treatment without his parents’ consent in his home state of Missouri. So how did a minor end up getting a prescription for an antidepressant that required an explicit warning for young adults? What was Cerebral treating him for? And why weren’t Anthony’s parents inf...
December 20, 2022
The Highs and Lows of Diversifying the Cannabis Industry
When Illinois legalized recreational marijuana, the state wanted to create a more diverse cannabis industry. But three years on, only a handful of Black and minority entrepreneurs have been able to open businesses. WSJ reporter Vipal Monga explains why and we hear from one entrepreneur who is hoping to open his dispensary in Chicago after years of setbacks.
December 19, 2022
The Disney Boss Who Wouldn't Let It Go
When Bob Iger stepped down as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he continued to wield influence as executive chairman. His successor in the corner office, Bob Chapek, begrudged Iger’s active role. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains how tensions mounted between the two men and led to a corporate coup that shook Hollywood.
December 16, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 2: Adderall
After some early struggles, Cerebral hit on a lucrative new avenue for growth: prescribing controlled substances. WSJ’s Rolfe Winkler investigates how one tightly regulated medicine – Adderall – became crucial to Cerebral’s business. Some former employees take us inside the move into controlled substances and describe feeling pressured by the company to prescribe regulated medications. Cerebral den...
December 15, 2022
What's Allowed on Elon Musk's Twitter?
Elon Musk has been changing Twitter’s rules about speech and safety since he took over the company. WSJ’s Alexa Corse explains how Twitter's content moderation has evolved since the acquisition.
December 14, 2022
Are Apple and China Breaking Up?
For more than 20 years, Apple has relied on China to produce a majority of its products, especially its iPhones. But there have also been issues. As WSJ’s Aaron Tilley reports, recent turmoil at Chinese manufacturing facilities is disrupting Apple’s business and forcing the company to look elsewhere.
December 13, 2022
The Charges Against FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried
About a month after his crypto exchange firm FTX collapsed, Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested. Federal prosecutors have charged the self-appointed crypto savior with eight counts of fraud and conspiracy, and two regulatory agencies are suing him. WSJ’s Alexander Osipovich unpacks the charges.
December 12, 2022
Russia’s Campaign to Leave Ukraine in the Dark
For the last two months, Russian airstrikes on Ukraine’s power grid have caused prolonged blackouts across the country. Now, millions of people are living without reliable electricity, water and heat. WSJ’s Ian Lovett and a cafe owner in Kyiv on life without power.
December 9, 2022
Uncontrolled Substances, Part 1: Subscribe and Prescribe
Cerebral is a tech startup that set out to provide access to mental-health services and wound up under federal investigation. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler and Khadeeja Safdar take us back to the origins of the company, exploring the ideas that laid the foundation for explosive growth.
December 8, 2022
Elon Musk's Boring Company Is Ghosting Cities
Elon Musk’s Boring Company hasn’t done much to alleviate “soul-destroying traffic” despite its initial promises to several cities. We talk with WSJ’s Ted Mann about what's behind Boring's poor track record and with a transportation official in California about what Musk promised her county.
December 7, 2022
Iran’s Protests Show No Signs of Slowing Down
In September, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the morality police, who arrested her for allegedly violating Iran’s dress code. Afterwards, protests erupted across the country. WSJ’s Sune Rasmussen explains how the death of one woman has led to calls to overthrow the government.
December 6, 2022
‘Do You Expect to Go to Prison?’: An Interview With SBF
Sam Bankman-Fried is the founder and ex-CEO of FTX, the crypto exchange that recently filed for bankruptcy. WSJ reporter Alexander Osipovich sat down with him to talk about what happened and how $8 billion of customer money went missing.
Introducing - Uncontrolled Substances: The Cerebral Story
Cerebral was a buzzy Silicon Valley startup that set out to transform mental-health services in the U.S. In just a couple of years, the company attracted thousands of patients, raised hundreds of millions of dollars and partnered with star Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. But some people who worked at Cerebral say that, along the way, the company's focus on growth interfered with patient care. And now...
December 5, 2022
How the White House Blocked a Rail Strike
Major freight railroads and unions have been locked in a labor dispute for years. But last Friday, President Biden signed a bill passed by Congress forcing a deal onto both parties. We talk to WSJ’s Esther Fung about why a rail strike would have been devastating, and a railroad signalman lays out what the deal means for him.
December 2, 2022
How Jiang Zemin Made China a Global Superpower
Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin died this week at 96. As WSJ’s Charles Hutzler explains, Jiang was known for policies that guided China towards a market-oriented economy, but also for being uncompromising on challenges to the Communist Party.
December 1, 2022
An Exit Interview With Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci - the U.S. Chief Medical Advisor - is retiring after more than 50 years of government service. We speak to him about the biggest challenges in his career and if he believes Covid is behind us.
November 30, 2022
Beyond Meat Loses Its Sizzle
Beyond Meat, the maker of plant-based meat alternatives, has been a darling of the food startup world. In 2019, it had one of the most successful initial public offerings by a major company in more than two decades. But now sales are down, its stock is slumping and its workforce is shrinking, WSJ's Jesse Newman unpacks Beyond's problems.
November 29, 2022
China's Biggest Protests in Decades
After years of strict Covid restrictions, people are taking to the streets in cities across China. But they’re not just protesting zero-Covid, they’re voicing displeasure with Xi Jinping himself. WSJ’s Brian Spegele gives us an inside view of the protests rocking China.
November 28, 2022
The Surprising Origins of Russia’s Drones
In recent months, Russia has ramped up its use of drones in its war on Ukraine. As Ukrainian analysts have begun dissecting some of the unmanned aircraft, they’ve uncovered a complex web of suppliers. WSJ’s Ian Talley explains.
November 23, 2022
Elon Musk's 'Extremely Hardcore' Twitter
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter four weeks ago, thousands of employees have been laid off, fired or decided to leave the company. WSJ's Alexa Corse explains what the company's leaner staff could mean for the platform.
November 22, 2022
What Walmart’s Aisles Say About the American Consumer
Inflation is driving American consumers to pinch pennies, and Walmart is taking note. The retailing giant says its customers are increasingly price-conscious. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer says to keep prices low, Walmart is flexing its muscles with suppliers.
November 21, 2022
A Controversial World Cup Begins in Qatar
One of the biggest sports events of the year began yesterday in Qatar, but there have been a lot of bumps along the way. From the abuse of stadium construction workers to a ban on beer – WSJ's Joshua Robinson on the controversies surrounding Qatar’s World Cup.
November 18, 2022
The Taylor Swift Ticketmaster Debacle
Millions of Taylor Swift fans tried unsuccessfully to buy advance tickets for her Eras Tour, Swift’s first in five years. And after overwhelming demand throttled Ticketmaster’s website, a public sale of tickets has been called off. WSJ's Anne Steele explains what happened and why Ticketmaster is getting heat.
November 17, 2022
A Historically Bad Year to Retire
For decades, investing in a mix of stocks and bonds was one of the safest ways to save for retirement. But this year, that strategy has stopped working. WSJ’s Akane Otani breaks down the unique market conditions of today’s economy that are causing so much pain for retirees.
November 16, 2022
The Fall of Crypto's Golden Boy
Until last week, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was the face of crypto. Admirers saw him as an approachable, friendly billionaire eager to deploy his wealth for good. Then his crypto empire imploded, leaving hundreds of thousands of investors’ assets in doubt. WSJ’s Greg Zuckerman profiles the man behind FTX.
November 15, 2022
The Downfall of a $300 Million Sneaker King
Zadeh Kicks, founded by Michael Malekzadeh, was once the hottest sneaker reseller on the market. It offered some coveted, limited edition shoes for cheap – a dream for sneakerheads who wanted to flip them for more money. But now Zadeh Kicks has dissolved. WSJ's Inti Pacheco explains how sneaker giant Malekzadeh came undone.
November 14, 2022
RSV Is Bad. Where's the Vaccine?
Every winter, the respiratory virus RSV lands tens of thousands of babies and young children in hospitals around the country. This year, the outbreak started early. WSJ's Denise Roland explains the challenges of creating an RSV vaccine.
November 11, 2022
Introducing Bad Bets Season 2: The Unraveling of Trevor Milton
Bad Bets is WSJ’s podcast series that unravels big-business dramas that have had a big impact on our world. In season two, reporter Ben Foldy delves into the story of Nikola founder Trevor Milton, who promised a future of zero-emission trucks that could revolutionize the industry. At its peak, Nikola’s publicly traded stock was worth more than Ford Motor Co.’s—until a ragtag group of whistleblowers...
November 10, 2022
How Crypto Giant FTX Suddenly Imploded
Once a leader in the world of cryptocurrency, Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto exchange FTX is scrambling for funds. It’s now facing a shortfall of $8 billion after Binance walked away from a rescue attempt. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff on what this means for the crypto ecosystem.
November 9, 2022
Why the Red Wave Didn’t Happen
Republicans were expecting to come away with sizable wins in the midterm elections on Tuesday. But as the results come in, it's clear that those hopes have been dashed. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains where the election stands — and what it means for the GOP.
November 8, 2022
Banks’ Alliance to Fight Climate Change is on the Rocks
A year ago, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the biggest players in the financial world joined together to incorporate carbon emissions into their most fundamental decisions. As the summit reconvenes in Egypt, the group is on the rocks. WSJ’s David Benoit explains why.
November 7, 2022
Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers
Elon Musk is now in charge of Twitter, and his shake-up of the company is making advertisers nervous. All kinds of brands have started pausing their ad spending. WSJ’s Suzanne Vranica explains what Musk is doing to rein in the losses.
November 4, 2022
How TikTok Became The World’s Favorite App
In only five years, TikTok has gained millions of fans around the world and become a source of geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. We spoke to people who witnessed the app’s meteoric rise firsthand: influencers, former workers, and a government official who is concerned about TikTok’s data practices.
November 3, 2022
Show Me the Money: More Job Listings Have Salary Details
Companies trying to hire in New York City had to revamp their job postings this week. A new law requires salary ranges on all job postings, the latest in a wave around the U.S. WSJ's Chip Cutter and Ben Cohen explain how the law can affect the power dynamics between workers and employers and how companies might try to find workarounds.
November 2, 2022
Pig Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist
A texting scam that originated in China is on the rise in the United States. It’s more sophisticated than scams of the past and it has already cost American victims more than $400 million in total. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains how pig-butchering works and one victim shares how it’s impacted her.
November 1, 2022
Meta’s Metaverse Mess
About a year after Mark Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook as Meta Platforms Inc., internal documents show the company's transition to the metaverse is not going smoothly. WSJ’s Salvador Rodriguez explains how glitchy technology and declining monthly users are complicating Meta’s big metaverse push.
October 31, 2022
How High Will Interest Rates Go?
For months the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates at a fast and furious pace to combat inflation. Now some Fed officials are advocating for a slower, steadier approach. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains the debate within the Fed over just how high interest rates should go.
October 28, 2022
The Rise of the Minions
Minions, the yellow, pill-shaped sidekicks that debuted in the 2010 animated film “Despicable Me," have emerged as one of the best-known franchises in recent Hollywood history. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel explains the mix of luck and strategy that made the Minions so successful.
October 27, 2022
Disney CEO Bob Chapek on Whether the Company Is “Too Woke”
Disney CEO Bob Chapek talks with WSJ’s Editor in Chief Matt Murray about the challenges of weathering controversies and keeping his nearly 100 year-old company relevant.
October 26, 2022
The Collapsing U.S.-Saudi Relations
An unofficial oil-for-security pact between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia has survived 15 presidents and seven kings, but is now fracturing under two leaders who don’t like each other. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin explains why the U.S. and Saudi Arabia’s relationship has hit a new low.
October 25, 2022
Is Big Money Souring Pickleball?
Pickleball is a big dill. It’s also the fastest-growing sport in America. Meanwhile, superstar investors like Tom Brady and LeBron James are pouring cash into pro pickleball. WSJ’s Sara Bosworth explains the rise of the paddle sport and why investors are flocking to it.
October 24, 2022
The Rise of Botox and the Wrinkle in Its Future
No longer just for celebrities, Botox's multi-billion dollar success has helped kickstart a new industry of medical cosmetic procedures. But now, a competitor is on the horizon. WSJ's Rory Satran and Jared Hopkins on the new anti-wrinkle shot that's trying to take on Botox.
October 21, 2022
Why Florida's Coast Is Becoming the 'Preserve of the Wealthy'
Stronger hurricanes, higher insurance premiums and stricter building codes are changing who can afford life on the coast. After Hurricane Ian, WSJ's Arian Campo-Flores headed to southwestern Florida to see how the state's coastal communities are faring and transforming.
October 20, 2022
Will There Be a Recession? America's Top Bankers Weigh In
The CEOs of the nation’s largest banks, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, are sending different messages about the economy. One is more optimistic, the other more pessimistic. WSJ’s Ben Eisen explains what’s driving their differences.
October 19, 2022
How a Miami Couple Used Empty Mansions to Pocket Millions
Southern Florida is awash with empty luxury properties. For one Miami couple and their accomplices, that looked like prime hunting ground for nearly $10 million in mortgage fraud. Their targets? Venezuela’s sanctioned elite. As WSJ’s Konrad Putzier reports, it was fun while it lasted.
October 18, 2022
How a New 'Anti-Woke' Bank Stumbled
A new banking startup, GloriFi, was created to counter a perception among some conservatives that mainstream banks are too liberal. But despite major investment and celebrity backing, GloriFi now finds itself in disarray and on the verge of bankruptcy. WSJ’s Rachel Ensign breaks down the latest.
October 17, 2022
How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy
As China’s top leaders gather for the 20th Communist Party congress, all eyes are on China’s economy. A decade ago, President Xi Jinping set out his “China Dream" and promised it would boost the economy. But as WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains, Xi’s state-centered approach isn’t delivering on that vision.
October 14, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 4: Why Build a World?
Second Life never went mainstream. But just because the platform wasn’t for everyone doesn’t mean it wasn’t for anyone. In part 4 of our series, we talk to longtime Second Life users about the lives they’ve built in the metaverse and what virtual worlds have to offer.
October 13, 2022
Government Officials and Their Stocks
Hidden records show that thousands of senior executive branch employees owned stocks in companies whose fates were affected by their employers’ actions. WSJ’s Brody Mullins and Rebecca Ballhaus take us inside the nearly year-long Wall Street Journal investigation.
October 12, 2022
Does the Future of Streaming Look More Like Cable?
In the last few years, streaming has overtaken cable as the go-to means of watching TV. But as more streaming platforms flood the market, the industry’s major players are finding it harder to grow. WSJ’s Jessica Toonkel says companies are finding new solutions in the old cable bundle playbook.
October 11, 2022
Ukraine Makes a Deal with Wall Street
The war in Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on the country and rebuilding will be expensive, estimated in the tens of billions. WSJ's Matt Wirz tells the story of one Ukrainian official's unconventional plan to win over Wall Street and help keep his country afloat.
October 10, 2022
Are Rotisserie Chickens ‘Inflation-Proof’?
Inflation is the worst it’s been in more than 40 years. But one bright spot for consumers might be found at the grocery store: rotisserie chickens. WSJ’s Annie Gasparro chronicles the history of America’s love for the quick and versatile meal, and what a "rotisserie chicken economic index" might say about this inflationary moment.
October 7, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 3: Prime Time
By 2007, Second Life seemed on track for a commercial breakthrough. And then, an opportunity came along to get in front of a truly mainstream audience: a starring role on one of TV’s biggest shows. In part 3 of our series: Second Life’s ascension to prime time, and the hurdles that threw its success into question.
October 6, 2022
The U.K. Tried to Stimulate Growth. It Got Backlash Instead.
The U.K. government has U-turned on one part of a plan to make major tax cuts after markets reacted violently to it. WSJ's Max Colchester explains why the government's attempt to boost growth did the opposite.
October 5, 2022
Elon Musk Wants to Buy Twitter After All
Facing an impending deposition, a trial date and the potential release of more private text messages, billionaire Elon Musk said he wants to proceed with his purchase of Twitter at the original $44-billion offer. But will he be able to avert the Oct. 17th trial? WSJ’s Cara Lombardo on the topsy-turvy deal.
October 4, 2022
Losing in the War, Putin Raises the Stakes
As Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine sputters, he's escalating tensions. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains how Putin's ramping up the stakes both in the ground war in Ukraine and in his economic war with the West.
October 3, 2022
The Former MoviePass CEO on What Went Wrong
MoviePass took off like a rocket when it unveiled a $9.95 monthly service in 2017 that allowed customers to see a movie a day in theaters. But its crash was just as spectacular as its rise. Now, the service is coming back under new management. Mitch Lowe, the former CEO, talks about what went wrong.
September 30, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 2: Avatars Behaving Badly
When Second Life officially launched in 2003, it had one guiding principle for all new users: Be Nice. But those users showed up with their own ideas about how to behave in a virtual world. In Part 2 of How to Build a Metaverse, Linden Lab — the company that created Second Life — wrestles with how to govern its new world.
September 29, 2022
The Pros and Cons of a Strong U.S. Dollar
The U.S. dollar is dramatically increasing in value. WSJ’s Julia-Ambra Verlaine unpacks what this means for the U.S. and other countries.
September 28, 2022
The Four-Day School Week Is Here
To combat a teacher shortage, some school districts across the country are adopting a four-day week. WSJ’s Ben Chapman explains the pros and cons, and a superintendent in Missouri talks about how parents and teachers are reacting.
September 27, 2022
The Republican Push to Flip Latino Voters
Ahead of the midterm elections, Republicans are working to rally support among Latinos. Once a solidly Democratic bloc, Latinos are becoming a swing group, as recent contests have shown in states like Nevada. We head to East Las Vegas to speak with voters and politicos about the shifting dynamics.
September 26, 2022
The Cheating Accusation Rocking Competitive Chess
The chess world has been gripped by drama after world champion Magnus Carlsen accused newcomer Hans Moke Niemann of cheating. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton explains how the whole fiasco is threatening to taint the sanctity of the 1,500-year-old game.
September 23, 2022
How to Build a Metaverse, Part 1: Genesis
Nearly two decades before companies like Meta began pouring billions of dollars into the metaverse, a little company called Linden Lab already had one. In Part 1 of our series, we meet the programmers who built Second Life -- a 3-D virtual world where users could be and do whatever they could imagine. And we meet the intrepid users who were the pioneers of this brave new world.
September 22, 2022
People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump
Yesterday, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, three of his children and two other longtime officials at the Trump Organization. The AG’s fraud complaint seeks a list of penalties including $250 million dollars. WSJ’s Corinne Ramey discusses the lawsuit and what it means.
September 21, 2022
Puerto Rico's Long Struggle to Keep the Lights On
Hurricane Fiona battered Puerto Rico’s shores, causing an island-wide blackout over the weekend. Now, more than a million people are still waiting for the lights to turn back on. WSJ’s Andrew Scurria explains that the company brought in to fix the grid hasn’t made much progress.
September 20, 2022
The Fed's Plan to Curb Inflation
Inflation is at a decades long high and this week the Federal Reserve is expected to approve another rate increase to help curb it. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos discusses the thinking behind the strategy and some of the risks it poses.
September 19, 2022
The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe
Each time you use your credit card, businesses pay a fee. Merchants have pushed back for years, and there are now two bills in Congress aiming to limit those fees. WSJ’s AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why companies like Visa and Mastercard set fees in the first place, and what Congress hopes to do about it.
Introducing - How to Build a Metaverse
We’re in a metaverse déjà vu moment. Companies are spending billions of dollars creating new metaverses, imagining a 3D virtual future. But there’s a metaverse that’s already been around for decades. In this world, people have started businesses, built homes and fallen in love as avatars.
September 16, 2022
Who Is Long Covid Hurting?
Stuart Smith used to enjoy driving fast cars, kayaking and flying planes. But the mysterious condition known as “long Covid” has upended his personal and professional life. We spoke with Smith, a lawyer whose career was cut short after he got sick, and WSJ’s Sumathi Reddy and Gwynn Guilford about the economic and emotional impacts of long Covid.
September 15, 2022
Ukraine Shifts the War With a Surprise Attack
In a matter of days, Ukrainian forces liberated thousands of square miles of Russian-occupied territory. WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore explains why the offensive took Russia by surprise and shifted the balance of the war.
September 14, 2022
Who Should Pay for Pakistan's Historic Flood?
Over the summer, unusual monsoons in Pakistan have led to disastrous flooding. More than 30 million people are impacted, and much of the country’s agricultural sector is underwater. WSJ’s Saeed Shah explains how climate change is affecting Pakistan, and who the country's government believes should foot the bill.
September 13, 2022
Diving Deep for Battery Metals
As the world shifts toward green alternatives like electric vehicles and solar power, demand for metals needed for batteries has skyrocketed. WSJ’s Yusuf Khan explains mining companies are turning to a new source for metals like cobalt and manganese: the ocean floor.
September 12, 2022
The Media Mogul Taking an Ax to Hollywood
Is David Zaslav Hollywood’s white knight, or a Trojan horse? The new CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery is sitting atop a huge media empire. WSJ’s Joe Flint profiles Zaslav’s cost-cutting across some of the biggest properties in media, and explores what that might mean for our watchlists.
September 9, 2022
A Queen's Legacy and a King's Future
During the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth, she led the British monarchy through a period of huge change and weathered many scandals. WSJ's Max Colchester explains why her death is such a significant moment for the royals, and what it means for the future of the family business.
September 8, 2022
A Battle of Wills Over Russian Energy
Russia has shut off Nord Stream, the main pipeline exporting natural gas to Europe. The move comes as Europe faces a growing energy crisis. Meanwhile, Western countries continue to ratchet up energy sanctions against Moscow because of its war on Ukraine. WSJ’s Joe Wallace unpacks how Russia gained the advantage in the fight over energy.
September 7, 2022
Jackson Water Crisis Is Harbinger for Other Cities
Floods in Jackson, Miss. inundated the city's main water treatment plant, leaving most residents without drinking water. WSJ's Rachel Wolfe says much of the nation's water infrastructure is aging and in disrepair, and many cities could face their own impending crises.
September 6, 2022
The U.K.'s New Prime Minister Faces an Economic Crisis
The U.K.’s Conservative Party has elected a new Prime Minister - Liz Truss. She’s coming to power amidst spiraling inflation and rapidly rising energy prices. But what can she do to fix it? WSJ’s Max Colchester explains.
September 2, 2022
Lauded in the West, Shunned at Home: Gorbachev’s Divisive Legacy
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, died earlier this week at 91. His efforts to reform the Communist state and allow greater freedoms won him rockstar status in the West. But as WSJ’s Ann M. Simmons explains, Gorbachev’s legacy in Russia is much more mixed.
September 1, 2022
Are Carbon Credits Still Working?
Under renewed pressure to address carbon emissions, global companies have spent millions on carbon credits. WSJ's Shane Shifflett explains that some of these credits are not actually very effective.
August 31, 2022
The Suicide Hotline Overhaul
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been around for nearly 20 years. And over the years, an increase in the volume of calls has strained its call centers, leaving some calls unanswered. WSJ's Brianna Abbott discusses the effort to replace the Lifeline with a simpler, more responsive number: 988.
August 30, 2022
The Booming, Unregulated Marketplace for Abortion Pills
As some U.S. states tighten abortion restrictions, an anonymous online market for abortion pills is thriving. Dozens of websites offer to ship abortion drugs anywhere in the U.S. without requiring a prescription, which violates Food and Drug Administration rules. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen explores this unregulated marketplace.
August 29, 2022
Who Is the Twitter Whistleblower?
Last week, Twitter’s former head of security emerged as a whistleblower. Better known as "Mudge", Pieter Zatko started his career as a hacker. WSJ’s Robert McMillan explains Twitter's alleged security issues.
August 26, 2022
CDC Director on Her Plans to Shake Up the Agency
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's director, Rochelle Walensky, is looking to reorganize the agency in the wake of what she called "some pretty dramatic, pretty public mistakes" during the pandemic. We talk to her about some of the CDC's fumbles and how she thinks the agency could do better.
August 25, 2022
Breaking Down Student Debt Relief
On Wednesday, President Biden announced the largest cancellation of student debt in U.S. history. WSJ's Gabriel T. Rubin walks us through how the plan came together and what it means for borrowers.
August 24, 2022
A LIV Executive on Upending the Business of Golf
The goal of LIV is to disrupt golf as fans know it. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, they’ve proposed new game formats and offered players hundreds of millions of dollars - leading to a major rift with the PGA Tour. We talk with LIV’s Chief Operating Officer, Atul Khosla, about the controversy that surrounds LIV and its vision for the future of golf.
August 23, 2022
The Fight Over Water in the West
The Colorado River is experiencing a massive drought. Last week, the federal government told the states that rely on the Colorado River to cut their water usage drastically. WSJ’s Jim Carlton explains the growing battle over water.
August 22, 2022
What Went Wrong at Bed Bath & Beyond?
Bed Bath & Beyond is facing big concerns about its future. A high-profile stockholder dumped his shares last week, the stock price is tanking and a big bet on private label brands isn't paying off. WSJ's Suzanne Kapner explains how the home goods retailer got itself into trouble.
August 19, 2022
Why Private Equity Is Buying Up Car Washes
Private equity firms are gobbling up car washes. WSJ's Miriam Gottfried explains how the humble car wash evolved into such a lucrative business investment.
August 18, 2022
An Energy CEO on the Winding Path to a Green Grid
This week, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, directing billions of dollars to tackle climate change. We speak to Pedro Pizarro, the CEO of Edison International, one of America’s largest utility companies, about what this bill means for the energy sector.
August 17, 2022
The Fight Over Afghanistan’s Money
Afghanistan's central bank has $7 billion frozen in the U.S. As the country faces mounting economic and humanitarian crises, WSJ’s Jessica Donati explains the complicated negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban over what to do with the money.
August 16, 2022
Electric Cars Need Lithium. Can Chile Provide It?
Lithium is a key component of batteries in electric vehicles, and a lot of it is underground in South America. WSJ’s Ryan Dube explains why it’s so complicated to get this metal out of Chile and Bolivia, and what that means for the transition to greener energy.
August 15, 2022
Why Ben & Jerry’s Is Suing its Parent Company Over Israel
Ben & Jerry's has an unusual agreement with its parent company, Unilever, which let the activist brand keep its corporate social justice mission. But now Ben & Jerry's is taking on Unilever in court to figure out just how far they are allowed to go. WSJ's Saabira Chaudhuri discusses the dispute over selling their ice cream in Israeli territories.
August 12, 2022
A Business Tries to Solve a Town’s Housing Problem
The Pella Corporation, manufacturer of windows and doors, is headquartered in a small town in Iowa. When a shortage of housing and amenities hindered its ability to hire and grow, the company decided to tackle some of these problems themselves. WSJ’s Charity Scott tells the complicated tale of a modern company town.
August 11, 2022
The Private Equity Lobby Wins Again
The private equity lobby notched another victory in their fight to pay low taxes on the fees they charge after Democrats tried – and failed – to change this in their Tax and Climate Bill. WSJ Julie Bykowicz discusses how they managed to do it.
August 10, 2022
How Teen Gamers Built a Billion Dollar Business
In 2010, a handful of teenage boys started posting gaming montages on YouTube, under the name FaZe Clan. More than a decade later, the group is a global e-sports and lifestyle brand worth more than a billion dollars on the NASDAQ. CEO Lee Trink and founding FaZe Clan member Yousef Abdelfattah — better known as FaZe Apex — explain how the company got there.
August 9, 2022
Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago
FBI agents searched former President Donald Trump's Florida home looking for classified documents. WSJ's Alex Leary discusses what we know about the investigation and some of the potential consequences of the raid.
August 8, 2022
How Much Will Alex Jones Pay for his Sandy Hook Lie?
A Texas jury ordered the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to pay nearly $50 million for lying about the Sandy Hook shooting. But after Jones’ company filed for bankruptcy, there are questions about when — and how much — he’ll actually pay. WSJ’s Rob Copeland and Jonathan Randles talk about the case and the upcoming bankruptcy battle.
August 5, 2022
Europe Is Turning to Coal. What Does That Mean for Climate Change?
Europe is stepping up its coal consumption as it tries to reduce reliance on Russian energy. WSJ’s Juan Forero and Phred Dvorak explain why Europe needs coal so badly, and what the consequences will be for the continent’s transition to cleaner energy.
August 4, 2022
The Promise and Peril of One Self Driving Truck Company
Autonomous trucking company TuSimple has an ambitious goal: eliminate humans from behind the wheel and teach big rigs to drive themselves. But recently, as WSJ's Heather Somerville reports, a traffic accident brought to light technical and safety shortcomings.
August 3, 2022
Why Everyone Is Mad at Instagram
In response to competition from TikTok, Instagram is making big changes to its app. But a lot of users are upset about it. WSJ’s Salvador Rodriguez explains how the company is responding to the backlash, and what it means for parent company Meta.
August 2, 2022
The Biotech Founder Facing Murder Charges
Enochian Biosciences co-founder Serhat Gumrukcu was working to build a name for himself in biotech. But earlier this year, he was arrested in a purported plot to kill an associate. WSJ’s Joseph Walker tells the story of Gumrukcu’s rise and what prosecutors allege happened.
August 1, 2022
Kansas’ Big Abortion Vote
On Tuesday, Kansans will vote on a constitutional amendment that could lead to abortion restrictions or an outright ban. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto explains how Kansas became the biggest abortion battleground since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
July 29, 2022
Are We in a Recession? It’s Complicated.
Yesterday, government data showed that the economy shrank for the second quarter in a row, a common definition of a recession. The WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains why that doesn't mean the U.S. is in one and looks at what needs to change before he starts using the "R" word.
July 28, 2022
Rent the Runway’s CEO on How it Survived the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Rent the Runway, a company that rents designer clothing, saw half its customers pause or cancel their monthly subscriptions. Jennifer Hyman, the CEO, talks about how she retooled the business to survive the shock, and the challenges that still remain.
July 27, 2022
The Company Behind the World's Only Monkeypox Vaccine
The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a public health emergency as worldwide cases exceed 19,000. WSJ's Denise Roland tells the story of how a Danish company's rarely used smallpox vaccine became the only licensed shot against monkeypox, and how the company's scrambling to meet global demand.
July 26, 2022
How a Crypto Bank Went Bankrupt
Cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network promoted itself as better than a bank, but now it's filed for bankruptcy. WSJ’s Alexander Gladstone discusses the company’s promise, fall, and what it could mean for regulation in the cryptocurrency marketplace.
July 25, 2022
Is Healthcare Amazon's Next Big Thing?
E-commerce giant Amazon is acquiring the primary-care practice One Medical, giving it about 180 clinics across roughly two dozen U.S. markets. We talk with WSJ’s Sebastian Herrera about Amazon’s track record in health care so far and why it’s investing in the industry.
July 22, 2022
Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash.
WSJ's Fashion Director Rory Satran explains how Shein, now valued at $100 billion, used social media to dominate the fast-fashion industry, and why it’s now facing intense criticism from sustainable shoppers.
July 21, 2022
A Fight in Elon Musk's Inner Circle
Most billionaires are surrounded by people who manage their money and philanthropy but Elon Musk has had just one man to do that job... until recently. WSJ’s Rob Copeland tells the story of a newcomer who disrupted Musk's inner circle.
July 20, 2022
Netflix Turns to Ads
Netflix had a second straight quarter of subscriber losses. Now the streaming giant is making big changes, including adding ads, which the company had long avoided. WSJ’s Sarah Krouse says ads will be part of the solution as the streaming platform looks to right the ship.
July 19, 2022
Why Amazon is Dialing Back Its Own Brands
Amazon tried to grow the sales of its private label brands, like AmazonBasics, by adding more products. But rather than juice sales, it’s created new headaches — especially with regulators. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli explains why Amazon is starting to scale back.
July 18, 2022
Somalia's Hunger Crisis
Droughts, the global pandemic and political instability have put many Somalis on the brink of starvation. But now, the war in Ukraine has pushed even more over the edge. The victims include children, who are most at risk of dying from hunger. Our colleague Gabriele Steinhauser visited Somalia last month to speak to the people bearing the brunt of a global food shortage.
July 15, 2022
Why The James Webb Telescope Nearly Didn't Make It
The James Webb Space Telescope was almost an epic failure. More than 20,000 scientists worked together for over 30 years, but when NASA appointed Greg Robinson to direct the project, things finally came together. We hear from Robinson and WSJ’s Ben Cohen about the engineering breakthroughs— and management finesse— that launched the world’s best telescope into space.
July 14, 2022
The Roots of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka’s escalating political and economic crises came to a head this week when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and submitted his resignation. WSJ’s Philip Wen describes the roots of the crisis -- and what pushed this highly indebted nation over the edge, into rolling blackouts and shortages of food, fuel and medicine.
July 13, 2022
Rural America Is Still Waiting for Fast Internet
For decades, the Federal Communications Commission has tried to close the digital divide between cities and rural communities. In a 2020 auction, it allocated funding to a private telecom company to expand high-speed internet coverage. WSJ’s Ryan Tracy explains why one company has struggled to deliver on its big promises.
July 12, 2022
The Battle to Get Brittney Griner Home
One of the WNBA 's biggest stars has been in Russian prison since February, when she was arrested on drug charges. While fans clamor for her release, WSJ's Louise Radnofsky explains why it's going to be a difficult task for the U.S. to get her back.
July 11, 2022
Elon Musk Doesn't Want to Buy Twitter Anymore
Elon Musk says he wants to pull out of his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. The social media company responded by saying it plans to sue. WSJ's Jason Dean discusses the latest and what might be next.
July 1, 2022
Two Friends Pulled Apart by a Changing Hong Kong
25 years ago, Britain handed Hong Kong back to China. We meet two Hong Kong artists whose friendship has survived personal, political and creative differences in a shared art studio for 13 years. Now, with China exerting more power, one of them is choosing to leave the city for good.
June 30, 2022
One Town's Fight Against 'Forever' Chemicals
Peshtigo, Wisconsin, is grappling with a crisis: Chemicals known as PFAS have leached from a nearby industrial site into the town's groundwater. WSJ's Kris Maher traveled to the town to report on what the community is doing and how the contamination has affected people's health and lives.
June 29, 2022
Is Nuclear Power Poised for a Comeback?
As concerns grow over climate change and high oil prices, the U.S. and Europe are starting to build new nuclear power plants, after decades of favoring other energy sources. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains why those nations have lost some of their expertise in building nuclear plants, causing significant delays.
June 28, 2022
The ‘Existential Threat’ Facing Big Tobacco
Recent moves by the Biden Administration to rein in the vaping market and nicotine levels in cigarettes could hit the tobacco company Altria Group hard, as it has major investments in both markets. WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney unpacks how the latest moves fit within decades of public health efforts.
June 27, 2022
Murder in the Amazon
Earlier this month, an indigenous expert and a British journalist went missing in an area of dense Amazon rainforest. The disappearance of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips sparked an international outcry. WSJ’s Luciana Magalhaes and Samantha Pearson explain what the two men’s disappearance and eventual fate reveal about the state of the Amazon.
June 24, 2022
The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade
Today, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to an abortion. WSJ’s Laura Kusisto breaks down the decision and explains how state governments are responding. Plus, a woman who runs clinics that provided abortions in Oklahoma and Texas shares how restrictions have affected her patients.
June 23, 2022
June 22, 2022
The CEO Scandal at WWE
Vince McMahon, the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, stepped aside as CEO and chairman of the company last week after allegations surfaced that he had an affair with a former employee and agreed to pay $3 million to keep it secret. WSJ’s Ted Mann explains what’s at stake for the company.
June 21, 2022
'We Are Helpless': Indian Heat Wave Hurts Mango Farmers
Record-breaking high temperatures in India have wreaked havoc on crops like mangoes, which are known there as the "king of fruits." As WSJ's Shan Li explains, the devastation is threatening the livelihoods of farmers and raising food prices for the country’s nearly 1.4 billion people.
June 17, 2022
Is BTS Breaking Up?
The biggest pop band in the world right now is the seven member K-Pop sensation, BTS. This week, the band released a video signaling that they’re tired and want a break. WSJ’s Neil Shah explains why the group has had breakout success and may need to take a hiatus.
June 16, 2022
Amazon Went Big During the Pandemic. Now It’s Feeling the Hangover.
To keep up with increased demand during the pandemic, Amazon hired hundreds of thousands of people and massively expanded its logistics network. Now, demand is falling, creating a problem for the company’s new CEO, Andy Jassy. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli explains how Jassy is trying to scale back.
June 15, 2022
Celebrities Loved Crypto and NFTs. Then the Markets Crashed.
Earlier this year, it seemed like celebrities everywhere were promoting cryptocurrency and NFTs. But then, in early May, the markets crashed. WSJ’s Ellen Gamerman explains how celebrities got hooked on crypto in the first place, and how they’re responding now that the value of these assets is plummeting.
June 14, 2022
The Teen Jobs Boom
It’s a teenage dream. Unemployment among teens is near its lowest level in decades as business owners look to solve a hiring crunch. We talk to WSJ’s Kathryn Dill about the bargaining power teens have in today’s job market.
June 13, 2022
The Saudi Money Splitting Golf
Last week, the first LIV Golf event, a Saudi Arabian-funded golf tournament, officially launched. The new tour is offering professional golfers a lot of money to participate. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton explains why the rival PGA Tour is punishing players who try to participate in both.
June 10, 2022
Hack Me If You Can, Part 1: The Making of a Russian Hacker
In more than 20 years of reporting on cybercrime, Wall Street Journal reporter Robert McMillan has never come face-to-face with a criminal hacker. Until he met Dmitry Smilyanets.
Hack Me If You Can, Part 2: Counterstrike
In 2008, Dmitry Smilyanets and his crew of hackers pulled off one of the biggest hacks in history. It made Dmitry millions of dollars, some of which he used to build an esports empire.
Hack Me If You Can, Part 3: The Infiltrator
After his arrest in Amsterdam, the threat of a decades-long prison sentence loomed over Dmitry. If he cooperated with American prosecutors, he could lower his sentence. But he’d have to betray his hacking collaborator and best friend, Vladimir Drinkman.
June 9, 2022
The Love Triangle Over Spirit Airlines
In February, Frontier Airlines announced its plan to purchase fellow budget airliner, Spirit. But JetBlue’s surprise competing bid for Spirit sent the three airlines into a messy, public love triangle. WSJ’s Alison Sider reports on how the possible mergers will shake up flying in the U.S.
June 8, 2022
The Most Hated Solar Company in America
Earlier this week, President Biden announced emergency measures to get the solar power industry moving again after a major standstill that had pitted domestic manufacturers against solar panel installers. WSJ’s Phred Dvorak explains how tiny Auxin Solar became the most-hated solar company in America.
June 7, 2022
FanDuel CEO on Sports Gambling's Big Boom
More than a dozen states have legalized online sports gambling since the Supreme Court repealed a federal ban in 2018. That's opened doors for a burgeoning new industry, and companies like FanDuel are trying to capitalize. CEO Amy Howe shares her views on the industry, and she makes her case for legal sports betting.
Introducing: Hack Me If You Can
Wall Street Journal reporter Bob McMillian has spent years trying to find a Russian hacker who would tell him their story. And then, he met Dmitry Smilyanets, the man who managed one of the most notorious hacking teams to come out of Russia.
June 6, 2022
Biden’s Plan to Bring Down Inflation
Inflation is the worst it’s been in 40 years. President Joe Biden says he has a plan to bring it down. WSJ’s Amara Omeokwe talks about whether it will work.
June 3, 2022
Sheryl Sandberg's Complicated Career at Facebook
After 14 years at Facebook, COO Sheryl Sandberg announced this week that she's leaving the company. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman describes how Sandberg helped build Facebook's business and faced the fallout of recent scandals.
June 2, 2022
Why Snap's Stock Fell 43% in a Day
Things were already tough for Snap, Snapchat's parent company, thanks to big changes in the ad market. Then last week the company made a surprise announcement: It's worse than we thought. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains the reasons behind Snap’s stock tumble, and why it’s raising concerns about other tech companies too.
June 1, 2022
A Tale of Two Top Guns
This past weekend's release of Top Gun: Maverick -- the sequel to Tom Cruise’s 1986 movie -- was record-breaking at the box office. But it also exposed the increasing power that China and its vast market has in Hollywood. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how Top Gun: Maverick attracted Chinese financing -- and then lost it.
May 31, 2022
Can My Stock Portfolio Save the Planet?
What is ESG? Some proponents see it as a way for investors to grow their wealth while fighting climate change and racism. But critics, like Elon Musk, call it an “outrageous scam.” WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar explains how “environmental, social and governance” became three of the hottest words on Wall Street.
May 30, 2022
The Quest to Find a Lost Purple Heart
A Marine died in Fallujah at the height of the Iraq War. Years later, his family found out his Purple Heart was listed on an auction site. WSJ's Ben Kesling, who once served in the same company as the Marine, tells the story of how he helped track it down. This episode was originally published in July 2021.
May 27, 2022
Old Navy Tried to Make Sizes for All. It Backfired.
Last year, Old Navy overhauled its women’s clothes to make sizing more inclusive. But then its sales started falling. WSJ’s Suzanne Kapner unpacks why the company’s plan to reach more customers didn’t work.
May 26, 2022
The Fight Over Banning the AR-15
Many of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. have involved an assault-style rifle like the AR-15. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson reports on how Washington regulations have failed to stop the gun's rise to prominence.
May 25, 2022
As the Stock Market Tumbles, so Does a YouTuber's Influence
Kevin Paffrath is a social media influencer who dishes out financial advice on multiple platforms. He cashed in on young people’s hunger for investment tips from non-traditional sources. But as WSJ’s Robbie Whelan explains, Paffrath's followers became fickle when his advice turned cautious.
May 24, 2022
Beware the Big Bad Bear Market
Recent stock slides are approaching dangerous territory: a bear market. WSJ’s James Mackintosh explains why a recent dramatic plunge in stock indexes is spooking investors, what it could mean for the wider economy, and the likelihood of the markets dipping into a bear market in the coming days.
May 23, 2022
Can a Hedge Fund Win the World Series?
Billionaire hedge-fund manager Steve Cohen is trying to duplicate his financial success in his other major venture as owner of the New York Mets baseball team. And to do so, he’s calling on some of the same people. WSJ’s Juliet Chung and Jared Diamond explain why some of Cohen’s hedge-fund employees are moonlighting for his team.
May 20, 2022
How the Baby Formula Industry Broke
The U.S. is facing a massive shortage of baby formula. WSJ’s Jesse Newman explains how the roots of the crisis lie in the industry’s structure. And a mother in Kentucky describes her desperate search for formula for her son.
May 19, 2022
U.S. Soccer’s Equal Pay Deal and One Player Who Helped Negotiate It
The four-time World Cup-champion U.S. Women's National Soccer team has scored a new win: equal pay with the men's team. Collective-bargaining agreements between the women's and men's national teams and the United States Soccer Federation align the teams’ pay and create a unique mechanism to share prize money from their respective World Cup competitions. We talk to U.S. Women’s Soccer player Tierna ...
May 18, 2022
The ‘Death Spiral’ of a Stablecoin
Cryptocurrencies are volatile, but so-called stablecoins were meant to be the exception. But after one major stablecoin, TerraUSD, crashed spectacularly, it caused ripple effects in cryptoland. WSJ’s Caitlin Ostroff explains why regulators are spooked, and what this could mean for the broader economy.
May 17, 2022
How Will We Know When the Pandemic's Over?
We speak with Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control about eroding trust in public health, vaccine approvals for children under 5 and the one million Americans who have now died from COVID-19.
May 16, 2022
The Political Cost of China's Faltering Economy
China’s sputtering economy is altering the balance of power among its top leaders. For years, President Xi Jinping sidelined his second in command, Premier Li Keqiang, a proponent of economic liberalization. WSJ’s Lingling Wei explains that Li is now gaining clout and pushing back on Xi's socialist policies.
May 13, 2022
Why An Online Telehealth Startup Is Limiting Adderall
The digital startup Cerebral began prescribing ADHD drugs like Adderall over the internet, after federal rules loosened. But recently, there have been concerns from inside and outside the company that Cerebral was not careful enough. Now the company has stopped prescribing Adderall to new patients. WSJ's Rolfe Winkler reports.
May 12, 2022
Fidelity’s Controversial Bet on Bitcoin
Fidelity Investments will be the first major retirement-plan provider to allow bitcoin in its 401(k) plans. WSJ's Anne Tergesen explains the move and the blowback that followed.
May 11, 2022
Can the Fed Lower Inflation Without Causing a Recession?
The Federal Reserve has never managed to significantly decrease inflation without causing job losses, but it's trying to now. Central Bank officials hope they can cool down an overheated economy by raising interest rates. But as WSJ’s Jon Hilsenrath explains, the Fed risks triggering a recession.
May 10, 2022
Are Stock-Market Games Turning Teens Into Risky Investors?
Every year, more than a million U.S. high-school students learn about investing through stock-picking games. But what do these games really teach? WSJ's Jason Zweig explains the shortfalls of traditional stock-market games, and teacher Mike Scanlan describes the different approach his school is taking.
May 9, 2022
Australia Wanted Facebook to Pay for News. Facebook Played Hardball.
Last year, Facebook blocked news pages to pre-empt Australian legislation that would force it to pay publishers for content. But it also took down the Facebook pages of non-news organizations like hospitals, emergency services and charities. Was the move inadvertent or a negotiating tactic? We talk to WSJ's Keach Hagey about what she learned.
May 6, 2022
The Battle Over Reparations at Georgetown
In 1838, the Jesuits who founded Georgetown University sold 272 enslaved people to pay off the school's debts and keep the college afloat. Nearly 200 years later, the Jesuits want to make amends. But as Lee Hawkins explains, the path to racial healing can be a messy one.
May 5, 2022
The Fight Over a Menthol Cigarette Ban
After decades of debate, the Food and Drug Administration is proposing a ban on menthol cigarettes. A researcher of the tobacco industry explains the benefits of a potential ban, and WSJ’s Jennifer Maloney explains why some want menthols to stay on the market.
May 4, 2022
Germany’s Difficult Breakup with Russian Energy
The European Union announced a proposal to ban purchases of Russian oil exports, after Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, dropped its opposition. WSJ’s Bojan Pancevski explains why Germany was such a holdout.
May 3, 2022
The Potential End of Roe v. Wade
A leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court indicates the court may be preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 precedent that established a constitutional right to an abortion. WSJ’s Brent Kendall explains what this could mean for women in America and why this is a significant moment in the history of the court.
May 2, 2022
How Inflation is Causing Americans to 'Unretire'
Economic data from March revealed a new trend: hundreds of thousands of Americans are "unretiring" and returning to the workforce. WSJ's Harriet Torry reports that rising inflation is making retirement unsustainable for many. We also hear from two retirees who have started looking for work.
April 29, 2022
Why Airbnb Is Letting Employees Work Anywhere
As many companies evaluate how to return to the office, Airbnb announced a new ‘work-from-anywhere’ policy that will let its employees work remotely from 170 countries. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky explains how he arrived at the idea, and how the policy could serve as a blueprint for others companies.
April 28, 2022
The Rise of the Yimbys
With rising housing prices and concerns about affordability, a new approach to solving the problem has emerged. Its answer is to build more housing of all types. Meet the Yimbys. WSJ’s Christine Mai-Duc explains the origins of the movement and how it's gaining traction around the country.
April 27, 2022
Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World
Governor Ron DeSantis revoked the theme park's self-governing privileges after Disney opposed Florida's "Don’t Say Gay" bill. WSJ's Robbie Whelan explains the fight that led to this decision and what it might mean for one of the state’s largest employers.
April 26, 2022
Afghanistan’s Desperation Economy
Afghanistan is dealing with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, which has accelerated since the Taliban took power. Jobs are scarce, the nation’s suffering a devastating drought and Afghans are going hungry. As WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains, Afghans are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to survive, such as selling kidneys.
April 25, 2022
Elon Musk is Actually Buying Twitter
Twitter announced today that it plans to sell itself to Elon Musk for $44 billion. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains the unusual nature of how the deal came together and what it could mean for Twitter.
April 22, 2022
The Quick End to CNN+
In late March, CNN launched its new streaming service, CNN+. But less than a month later, it’s shutting down. WSJ’s Joe Flint explains how this expensive project became the collateral damage of a corporate takeover.
April 21, 2022
How Biden Plans to Tackle Student Debt
The Biden administration announced plans this week to reduce the student loan burden for millions of people in the U.S. WSJ’s Gabriel T. Rubin explains how the plan involves retooling an existing program that has enrolled millions of people but provided few with relief.
April 20, 2022
Will France Elect a Far-Right President?
France votes for its next president on Sunday and polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen closing in on incumbent centrist, Emmanuel Macron. WSJ's Noemie Bisserbe explains why a Le Pen victory could upend French and European politics.
April 19, 2022
Starbucks CEO Faces Brewing Union Efforts
After a Starbucks store in New York state successfully unionized last year, a movement has begun at the coffee giant's stores across the country — one that CEO Howard Schultz is hoping to tamp down. WSJ’s Heather Haddon unpacks what the company is doing to fight back, and a Starbucks worker explains their interest in unionization.
April 18, 2022
Amazon Takes On SpaceX in Battle for Space Internet
Amazon's Project Kuiper is planning dozens of launches to send satellites into space in order to sell internet to consumers on Earth. But it's up against a big competitor: Elon Musk’s Starlink. WSJ’s Micah Maidenberg explains the promise of the technology and why it might be hard to succeed.
April 15, 2022
Red-Flag Laws, Their Application and One Mother’s Experience
A year ago, Brandon Hole killed eight people at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. His mother, Sheila, had tried to get law enforcement to take away his firearms. WSJ’s Zusha Elinson explains the red-flag laws that could have helped stop this mass shooting.
April 14, 2022
Elon Musk’s $43 Billion Offer to Buy Twitter
After buying a sizable amount of Twitter’s shares, Elon Musk is now gunning for the entire company. Today, he announced a bid to buy Twitter for about $43 billion. As WSJ’s Tim Higgins explains, Musk is framing the move less as an investment, and more as a fight for free speech.
April 13, 2022
Russia's Central Banker Dismantles What She Built
Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Russian Central Bank, has spent decades working to integrate Russia into the global economy. But Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the sanctions it triggered, have pushed Russia's economy into crisis. WSJ's Alexander Osipovich explains how Nabiullina's strategies to stabilize Russia's economy undermine many policies she once championed.
April 12, 2022
Why Workers Can’t Get Enough Hours, Even in a Jobs Boom
American workers quit a record 47 million jobs in 2021. Despite conventional wisdom, they’re not always leaving to pursue their dreams. Instead, many employees aren’t getting enough hours. WSJ’s Te-Ping Chen explains why.
April 11, 2022
Why So Many Russians Are Going to Turkey
Since the invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians have flown to Turkey, many arriving with cash in their suitcases. WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why Turkey — a member of NATO — has been so welcoming to Russians while the rest of Europe closes its doors.
April 8, 2022
The Basquiat Sisters on Managing One of Art's Hottest Brands
Jean-Michel Basquiat's art has sold for over $100 million and his name and work has been licensed for all kinds of merchandise, from Gap to Coach. WSJ’s Kelly Crow talks with Basquiat's two sisters, who are now managing his estate, about how they’re running the business of Basquiat and a new show that will reveal unseen art.
April 7, 2022
One Ukrainian Factory Owner Joins the War Effort
Shamil Malachiyev helps run his family's business: one of the largest grain mills in southern Ukraine. He explains how his business has been forced to adapt to war and how he's pitching in on the fight against the Russians.
April 6, 2022
Elon Musk's Twitter Surprise
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, announced this week that he is now Twitter's largest shareholder and has a seat on the board. WSJ's Rob Copeland and Dave Michaels explain what that means for the social media platform, and what it might mean for Elon Musk.
April 5, 2022
Carl Icahn, Activist Investor, Takes on Pork
Activist investor Carl Icahn has made billions of dollars taking stakes in companies and pressuring them to make changes. Now, Icahn is doing that again, but this time it’s not about making money. It’s about the treatment of pregnant pigs in pork supply chains. WSJ’s Cara Lombardo explains why he’s doing it — and whether it’ll work.
April 4, 2022
‘We Just Took Down Amazon:’ Activist on Amazon’s First U.S. Union
On Friday, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York voted to unionize. Chris Smalls, the man who’s led the unionization effort, reflects on how the Amazon Labor Union got here, what’s next and how his grassroots efforts could serve as a blueprint for other workers.
April 1, 2022
An Undercover Operation to Reveal an Alleged Ponzi Scheme
Over the last few weeks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating an alleged Ponzi scheme that attracted hundreds of investors. The alleged fraud was uncovered by a group of whistleblowers and an undercover businessman looking for a shot at redemption. One of the whistleblowers, the undercover businessman himself and WSJ's Ben Foldy recount the events.
March 31, 2022
Bribes, Cartels, and Extradition: How a Honduran President Became a U.S. Target
Former President Juan Orlando Hernández promised to combat corruption, violence and drug cartels. But U.S. prosecutors allege he took bribes from drug cartels and "allowed brutal violence to be committed without consequence." WSJ's José de Córdoba explains why the U.S. wants to bring Hernández to trial in an American court.
March 30, 2022
The TikTok That Changed College Hoops
University of Oregon forward Sedona Prince’s viral TikTok from the 2021 NCAA women’s tournament led to a gender-equity investigation in college basketball. WSJ reporter Rachel Bachman details how it also resulted in big changes in this year's women's championships.
March 29, 2022
The Beef Between Cattle Ranchers and Meatpackers
While beef prices are up at the meat counter, cattle ranchers aren't cashing in. Some blame America’s meat-processing giants, which they say underpay for livestock. We talk to Trey Wasserburger about how he and fellow Nebraska ranchers are fighting back by building their own meat packing plant.
March 28, 2022
The Supply Chain Saga at One Port
Last year, Covid led to enormous slowdowns along the supply chain, especially at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. WSJ's Paul Berger explains how one terminal overcame its backlog, and how a union negotiation on the horizon could back everything up once again.
March 25, 2022
Why Uber Is Hailing New York City Cabs
When Uber first started over a decade ago, the company had one huge competitor: The taxi industry. But after both businesses began to stall, the two former enemies began making nice. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains what caused Uber to team up with New York City's yellow cabs, and the company's bigger taxi ambitions.
March 24, 2022
Iran’s Secret System to Avoid Sanctions
The U.S. and other Western nations have imposed harsh sanctions on Iran. But the country has built a clandestine financial system in order to endure them. WSJ’s Ian Talley explains how Iran did it, and what it means for Western influence.
March 23, 2022
War in Ukraine Hits Global Food Supplies
As Russian forces rampage through Ukraine, farmers are facing a growing list of barriers to planting and tending to their crops. That’s bad news for countries around the world that rely on Ukrainian imports. WSJ’s Alistair Macdonald explains the repercussions on global food supplies and a farmer talks about how his operations are faring during the war.
March 22, 2022
The Online Sleuths Fighting Russian Disinformation
The investigative group Bellingcat has won awards and international recognition for its work exposing misdeeds of authoritarian governments. We talk with Bellingcat’s executive director, Christo Grozev, about the group’s focus on Russian disinformation and alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
March 21, 2022
How Disney's CEO Got Caught in Florida's Fight Over Gay Rights
Since taking over Disney in early 2020, Bob Chapek has presided over a difficult period for the company. Now, a bill in Florida has become another stumbling block for the embattled CEO. WSJ's Robbie Whelan looks at Chapek's tenure — and why he was reluctant to speak out against a bill critics are calling "Don't Say Gay."
March 18, 2022
Inside Chernobyl’s Hostage Crisis
When Russia invaded Ukraine, it took control of the abandoned Chernobyl power plant, the site of worst nuclear disaster in history. Now, around 200 workers are being held hostage at the site by Russian forces. The WSJ’s Joe Parkinson breaks down the situation, and we speak with an off-duty employee of the power plant.
March 17, 2022
As Saudi Arabia Cools on the U.S., It Warms to China
President Joe Biden wants Saudi Arabia to pump more oil, to alleviate global supply concerns amid sanctions on Russia. But the U.S.-Saudi relationship has grown so strained that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is refusing to take Biden’s call. Now, the kingdom has turned its attention toward another buyer: China. WSJ’s Stephen Kalin explains why Saudi Arabia is growing cold on the U.S.
March 16, 2022
Inflation at the Only Grocer in Town
Inflation is forcing Frank Timberlake, owner of Rich Square Market in rural North Carolina, to raise prices on many of his products. The store is the only grocery around for miles, and many customers are on fixed incomes. Timberlake and WSJ's Valerie Bauerlein explain how inflation is squeezing the store's customers and the business.
March 15, 2022
Can Poland’s Economy Absorb Millions of Ukrainians?
Nearly two million Ukrainians have flooded into Poland in the last few weeks. While Polish people have welcomed the refugees with open arms, politicians are warning that the country’s systems are getting overwhelmed. WSJ’s Drew Hinshaw describes the scene on the ground in Poland’s capital and the effect of this mass migration on Poland’s economy.
March 14, 2022
Oatly Pioneered Oat Milk. Now it’s Struggling to Keep Up.
With its cheeky advertising, Oatly helped invent the oat milk market. But now it’s having a hard time keeping up with all the demand it helped create. WSJ’s Khadeeja Safdar and Jesse Newman tell the story of the company’s rise and recent troubles.
March 11, 2022
A Russian Car Maker Falls Back Into Soviet-Era Isolation
This week, production of Lada cars, the icons of Russia’s auto industry, ground to a halt as Western sanctions cut off auto parts and supplies. WSJ's Nick Kostov tells the story of the famous car maker and explains why it offers a glimpse into the evolution of the Russian economy.
March 10, 2022
How Crypto Became Part of the War
Since the invasion, cryptocurrency use has increased in both Russia and Ukraine. Michael Chobanian, the founder of the largest crypto exchange fund in Ukraine, explains how his company is soliciting donations for the Ukrainian war effort. And WSJ's Paul Vigna reports on Russians' renewed interest in cryptocurrency as the ruble tumbles.
March 9, 2022
An Unexpected Strategy to Bring Gas Prices Down
The United States banned Russian oil yesterday, its latest retribution against the invasion of Ukraine. The move is designed to hurt Russia's Vladimir Putin but is also likely to push America's soaring gas prices even higher. Journalist Patricia Garip says the U.S. is now looking for ways to replace the Russian oil and is turning to an unlikely source: Venezuela.
March 8, 2022
Russia's Media Crackdown: 'The Future is Pretty Dark'
Russia's only independent TV news channel, TV Rain, shut down last week amid a media crackdown in the country. A new law outlaws publishing what Russian authorities consider false information about the Ukraine invasion. TV Rain's editor-in-chief, Tikhon Dzyadko, who has fled the country, talks to The Journal about independent journalism in Russia.
March 7, 2022
Facebook's $10 Billion Advertising Exodus
Last month, Facebook's parent, Meta Platforms, forecasted the company would lose $10 billion in advertising revenue this year. Small business owner Martha Krueger explains why she stopped using the platforms, and WSJ reporter Salvador Rodriguez talks about how the company plans to address the exodus.
March 4, 2022
The War in Ukraine Hits American Gas Prices
President Biden had hoped to insulate Americans from the economic fallout of sanctioning Russia, one of the world's biggest oil producers. But oil prices have jumped more than 25 percent this week alone. WSJ's Tim Puko explains why prices keep rising and what, if anything, Biden can do about it.
March 3, 2022
Yachts, Soccer and Sanctioning Russian Oligarchs
This week, governments around the world have slapped sanctions on prominent Russian billionaires in retaliation for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. WSJ's Max Colchester explains the push to scrutinize these Russia billionaires and looks at the debate around sanctioning one oligarch: Chelsea soccer team owner, Roman Abramovich.
March 2, 2022
Russians, and Putin, Face the Fallout of War
As repercussions mount for the invasion of Ukraine, ordinary Russians are starting to feel the impact. WSJ's Ann M. Simmons details what it's like on the ground in Moscow and explains whether economic sanctions are having any effect on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
March 1, 2022
A Ukrainian Tech CEO Reckons With War
Since the Russian invasion, Ukrainian tech CEO Vitaly Sedler has been organizing efforts to move employees from conflict zones to safety. His company, Intellias, is one of Ukraine's biggest tech companies and is part of a burgeoning tech sector in the country. Sedler talks to The Journal about what it's like to run a business in a country at war.
February 28, 2022
The Financial Punishment of Russia
Over the weekend, countries around the world ratcheted up their punishment of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Newly announced sanctions could severely cripple the Russian economy in what's being called the biggest economic attack in history. WSJ's Laurence Norman breaks down the new measures.
February 25, 2022
The Man Leading Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was remaining in his nation's capital, Kyiv, even as Russian troops closed in. He urged Ukrainians to fight against the invasion. WSJ's James Marson explains how the embattled Ukrainian leader, a one-time TV star, is now standing up to Russia.
February 24, 2022
As Russia Invades, Ukrainians Weigh Fight or Flight
Russia launched a full-scale invasion across Ukraine on Thursday. Now, Ukrainians are deciding between fleeing west or fighting back. We hear from one man who's leaving and one who's heading to the front lines. Plus, WSJ's Brett Forrest and James Marson detail what's happening on the ground in Ukraine and what to expect next.
February 23, 2022
How Putin Has Planned For Sanctions
Western leaders have threatened sweeping sanctions if Russia continues advancing into Ukraine. But can even the toughest sanctions avert full-scale war? WSJ's Ann M. Simmons and Georgi Kantchev describe the sanctions that could be coming and how Russia has prepared for this moment.
February 22, 2022
The Labor Dispute That Has Baseball on Hold
Spring training for the baseball season was supposed to be underway this week. Instead, players and owners are locked in a labor dispute over their contract. WSJ's Jared Diamond explains why players' demands for more pay could be costly for baseball.
February 21, 2022
How an Art World Outsider Landed a $69 Million Sale
After selling an NFT for $69 million, the digital artist known as Beeple says he's not trying to "blow up" the contemporary art world. And WSJ's Kelly Crow explains how a new technology led to a historic sale. This episode originally published in March 2021.
February 18, 2022
Why NATO Is at the Center of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Russia continues to amass troops on the Ukrainian border, threatening an invasion. One of Russia's demands is that Ukraine never join NATO, the longstanding Western alliance. WSJ's Yaroslav Trofimov explains NATO's history with Russia, and why President Vladimir Putin considers its expansion a threat.
February 17, 2022
NBC's Olympic Bet on Peacock
When NBCUniversal launched its streaming service, Peacock, in 2020, it had a rocky start. Now it's trying to regain its footing by live-streaming the Winter Olympics, along with new shows and movies. As WSJ's Lillian Rizzo explains, the stakes are high for NBC and its parent company, Comcast, to get it right.
February 16, 2022
Remington's Surprising Sandy Hook Settlement
Families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook mass shooting announced yesterday that they would receive a $73 million settlement from Remington, the parent company of the manufacturer of the gun used in the shooting. WSJ's Zusha Elinson explains the families' novel legal strategy and why it paid off.
February 15, 2022
How The Government Tied One Couple to Billions in Stolen Bitcoin
A couple was charged last week with conspiring to launder bitcoins stolen in one of the biggest hacks in crypto history. WSJ's Paul Vigna explains how the feds followed the crypto money trail to the two thirty-something New Yorkers.
February 14, 2022
Canada's Trucker Protests
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to end demonstrations against Covid-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, a day after police cleared protesters from a bridge between the U.S. and Canada. WSJ's Paul Vieira explains the roots of the trucker-led demonstrations and why they've been going on for so long.
February 11, 2022
If Russia Invades Ukraine, Can the U.S. Deliver on Sanctions?
On Friday, a top White House official warned that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time. President Biden has promised tough sanctions if Russia does invade, but Russia's economic ties with Germany could limit the bite of those measures. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski explains Germany's growing reliance on Russian gas and how it could complicate the West's response.
February 10, 2022
The Coach Accusing the NFL of Discrimination
As the Super Bowl approaches, the National Football League is tackling some big issues off the field. In a lawsuit against the league and three specific teams, former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores alleges racial discrimination in hiring. As WSJ's Andrew Beaton explains, the suit highlights a diversity issue the NFL has been trying to fix for years.
February 9, 2022
Frontier, Spirit and the Future of Low-Cost Airlines
This week, Frontier announced its plan to buy Spirit Airlines. If approved, the merger would create the fifth-largest commercial airline in the US. WSJ's Alison Sider looks at the story behind the deal and the man who has worked for years to make it happen.
February 8, 2022
A Fight for the Fed's Future
Lawmakers last week questioned President Biden's picks for the Federal Reserve. Biden and the Democrats say the diverse slate of nominees will bring a new perspective to the central bank, but Republicans worry some nominees will politicize the Fed. WSJ's Amara Omeokwe outlines the philosophical debate over the Fed's role in the economy.
February 7, 2022
The Business of Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is one of the biggest pop stars of the past two years. WSJ Magazine contributor Alan Light - and Dua Lipa herself - explain how a pivotal decision in 2020 helped fuel her success, and why she's decided to launch a newsletter and a podcast.
February 4, 2022
The Shock Exit of CNN's President
CNN president Jeff Zucker suddenly resigned on Wednesday after announcing he had failed to disclose his romantic relationship with another senior executive. WSJ's Ben Mullin traces Zucker's long career and impact on CNN, and explores where the network goes from here.
February 3, 2022
The Real Cost of 15 Minute Grocery Delivery
A battle among fast grocery delivery companies is raging in New York and other U.S. cities. With millions of dollars of venture capital funding, startups are flocking to get products out to customers in under 20 minutes, but at what cost? WSJ's Eliot Brown breaks down the numbers and explains why this trend could have a short shelf life.
February 2, 2022
Why U.S. Sponsors Are Keeping a Low Profile This Olympics
In the leadup to the 2018 Winter Games, U.S. Olympic sponsors unveiled high-profile ad campaigns. But this year, they're keeping mum. WSJ's Stu Woo explains how tensions between the US and China over human rights have put U.S. Olympic sponsors in a bind.
February 1, 2022
Is This the End of the SAT?
The pandemic forced many colleges to make standardized entrance exams like the SAT optional. Now, a lot of them are choosing to make the tests optional longer term. WSJ's Douglas Belkin explains the forces motivating them, and an admissions officer in South Carolina describes how the trends affect his school.
January 31, 2022
Google's Plan to Change Online Ads Isn't Going Well
Last week, Google announced it is overhauling its plans for targeted online advertising after pushback from privacy advocates. The company's new plan is called Google Topics and aims to give marketers less granular information about web users than under the tech giant's earlier proposal. WSJ's Sam Schechner talks about what the new proposal means for Google, advertisers and regulators around the wo...
January 28, 2022
Neil Young, Joe Rogan and Spotify's Balancing Act
Earlier this week, rock star Neil Young asked Spotify to remove his music from its streaming service. He said it was in protest of covid misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Spotify's most popular podcast. WSJ's Anne Steele explains how Spotify's big bet on the controversial podcaster complicates the company's plans to dominate the audio space.
January 27, 2022
Investors are Buying Up Homes. Cincinnati is Pushing Back
Since the 2008 financial crisis, institutional investors have bought up thousands of homes around the country to rent out, crimping the supply of available homes for average buyers. But a new gambit by an economic development agency in Cincinnati aims to put a dent in that dynamic. We speak to its CEO and WSJ's Konrad Putzier about the stakes.
January 26, 2022
Why Russia Fears Ukrainian National Pride
With Russian troops amassing at Ukraine's border, many Ukrainians say they're willing to take up arms against Russia. WSJ's James Marson visited Kyiv, spoke to some prominent leaders and explains how a new sense of Ukrainian identity is playing into the current tensions.
January 25, 2022
Peloton's Wild Ride
Fitness company Peloton was once a pandemic favorite with booming sales and a surging stock price. But recently, it's suffered a reversal of fortune. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Laura Forman explains what happened and why she saw the fall coming.
January 24, 2022
The Fight Over the U.S. 5G Rollout
Communications giants AT&T and Verizon have been investing billions of dollars into their 5G networks. But aviation regulators have warned for several years that certain 5G signals may interfere with some equipment on aircraft. WSJ's Drew FitzGerald unpacks how the U.S. government failed to avert a pitched battle over the 5G rollout.
January 21, 2022
Is Now the Moment for the Four-Day Workweek?
Earlier this month, Bolt, a startup in Silicon Valley, announced that employees can permanently work a four-day workweek. The company's founder and CEO tells The Journal why, and WSJ's Patrick Thomas explains how the four-day workweek went from an abstract idea to something employers across the country are now offering their staff.
January 20, 2022
Grammys CEO on How He's Tackling One Challenge After Another
The Grammys has come under fire in recent years for a lack of diversity among its members and its nominees. We speak with Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. about how he's trying to rebuild trust among artists while at the same time respond to the pandemic's disruption of the awards ceremony.
January 19, 2022
Why Microsoft Is Paying $75 Billion for Activision Blizzard
On Tuesday, Microsoft announced its biggest acquisition ever: It'll buy the video gaming juggernaut Activision Blizzard for $75 billion. Microsoft's betting the deal will help it build a new way to sell games to consumers, which it calls the "Netflix of games." WSJ's Aaron Tilley explains Microsoft's strategy and the risks it contains.
January 18, 2022
Canada's Historic Settlement with Indigenous Peoples
Earlier this month, Canada reached a landmark preliminary settlement with members of its indigenous community, capping a 15-year legal battle over child welfare resources. Cindy Blackstock, an advocate who vaulted the case onto the national stage, explains what drove the initial complaint, and WSJ's Kim Mackrael unpacks the importance of the $32 billion settlement, the largest in Canada's history.
January 14, 2022
The Stock Trading Scandals at the Federal Reserve
Three top officials have recently retired early from the Federal Reserve amid controversy surrounding personal stock trading activity. WSJ's Nick Timiraos explains what's led to the worst reputational crisis at the Fed in decades.
January 13, 2022
Why This Week's Child-Tax-Credit Checks Aren't Coming
Democrats gambled that their expanded child tax credit would be so popular, Congress wouldn't let it lapse. It just lapsed. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains why the monthly checks for parents are ending, and dad Jamie Herrington discusses what it means for his family.
January 12, 2022
The Obscure Players Keeping the NBA in Business
More than half of the NBA's players have tested positive for Covid-19 this season as the highly contagious Omicron variant sweeps the country. WSJ's Ben Cohen explains how the NBA has had to tap into its developmental league to keep the games going, and what it means for the players getting their first big break.
January 11, 2022
Workers Are Burnt Out. Can Companies Fix It?
Workplace burnout is on the rise, with resignations at an all-time high. WSJ's Ray A. Smith reports that employers are scrambling to find ways to combat it. And we hear from a woman who says professional burnout sent her to the hospital. Plus, the president of Bumble, the dating app, explains why his company gave employees a week off last year.
January 10, 2022
Pfizer's CEO on Omicron, a Fourth Shot and 2022
Pfizer has sold and distributed billions of doses of its Covid-19 vaccine, generating an estimated $36 billion in sales last year. CEO Albert Bourla talks to The Journal about Omicron and how Pfizer is approaching the virus as we enter the third year of the pandemic.
January 7, 2022
What's Russia Doing in Kazakhstan?
After a steep rise in gas prices, violent protests broke out in the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. Dozens have been killed, most of the country's government has resigned and, now, Russian-led forces are entering the country to intervene. WSJ's James Marson traces the roots of these protests.
January 6, 2022
Why At-Home Covid-19 Tests Are So Hard to Find
Months after they first came on the market, at-home Covid-19 tests are still scarce in some parts of the country. But it didn't have to be this way. WSJ's Brianna Abbott unpacks the decisions and circumstances that led to the at-home testing shortage. And healthcare CEO Zachariah Reitano explains how he found tests for his customers.
January 5, 2022
How College Professors Got Caught Up in U.S.-China Tensions
The Department of Justice has charged about two dozen academic researchers in the U.S. over suspicions they may be secretly helping China. But WSJ's Aruna Viswanatha explains universities see the government's actions as intimidation and an attack on open research.
January 4, 2022
Elizabeth Holmes Found Guilty
Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes promised investors that her company could revolutionize blood tests. But after 11 wire-fraud charges and 15 weeks of a court trial, yesterday a jury found Holmes guilty on four counts. WSJ's Sara Randazzo, who has been in the courtroom, explains what this means for Holmes and why this trial was a referendum on how Silicon Valley startups raise cash.
December 24, 2021
Mariah Carey on the Rise of Her Christmas Anthem
Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1994 to moderate success. Today, the song is a megahit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out. This episode was originally published on December 11, 2020.
December 23, 2021
How The 'Apes' Took Over AMC
AMC, the world's largest movie-theater chain, is now over 80% owned by everyday investors. Which means CEO Adam Aron has a new boss: The 'apes.' WSJ's Alexander Gladstone and Erich Schwartzel introduce the online movement that saved AMC. And self-declared 'ape' investor David Dumas explains why he jumped in.
December 22, 2021
Purdue's $4.5 Billion Opioid Settlement Got Thrown Out. Now What?
Last week, a federal judge overturned a roughly $4.5 billion settlement between OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family, who own the company. WSJ's Jonathan Randles explains why the ruling was surprising and what it means for people who sued Purdue, like Ryan Hampton.
December 21, 2021
The Man in the Middle of the Fight Over Jan. 6
Lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol believe former chief of staff Mark Meadows holds critical knowledge about how the Trump administration responded that day. But Meadows, like several other former Trump allies, refuses to testify. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains why lawmakers want to talk to him.
December 20, 2021
A Toy Maker Battles the Global Supply Chain
Toymaker John Hansen III needs his products in stock by the holidays. This year, manufacturing delays, port backups, and a trucking shortage made getting goods from China to the U.S. harder than ever. Hansen describes how cascading supply-chain failures delayed an order of chess sets by a year, and explains what the backups mean for his business.
December 17, 2021
The Shadow Crisis Unfolding in One Doctor's Clinic
Dr. Christine Hancock is a primary care doctor in Washington state. Early in the pandemic, Dr. Hancock thought her patients would be hit hard by Covid-19. But she has seen a different crisis play out where isolation and health care delays have led to complications and deaths. WSJ's Anna Wilde Mathews has spoken with Dr. Hancock throughout the pandemic and reflects on the doctor's story.
December 16, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci on Omicron and the Covid-19 Stalemate
Dr. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease official, says we are at a stalemate in the war against Covid-19. New coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom just hit a record high as the Omicron variant spreads. And U.S. deaths from the virus have surpassed 800,000, even as vaccines become more widely available. We speak with Dr. Fauci about the war against coronavirus and whether we can ever ...
December 15, 2021
Can 'Immersive' Van Gogh Beat the Real Thing?
The painter Vincent Van Gogh is having a moment. Right now, multiple companies are battling to sell tickets to dozens of immersive shows of his work, which involve virtual-reality headsets and large-scale projections. WSJ's Kelly Crow tells the story behind this new way of viewing art and why it is creating a challenge for museums.
December 14, 2021
The Fed's Shifting Inflation Message
For months, the Federal Reserve has predicted that inflation was "transitory" - that it would go away on its own. But recently, Fed officials have backed away from that buzzword. WSJ's Nick Timiraos explains what that tiny word choice reveals about the Fed's changing thinking on the future of the U.S. economy.
December 13, 2021
Will Omicron Require New Covid Vaccines?
Since the identification of the Omicron variant, vaccine makers - like Pfizer and Moderna - have been racing to figure out if the existing Covid-19 vaccines are effective against it or whether they should develop new, Omicron-targeted vaccines. WSJ's Denise Roland explains what scientists have to consider.
December 10, 2021
Back Stage at a Metaverse Concert
Pop star Tai Verdes is the latest among a slew of stars performing concerts in the metaverse, a virtual world growing in popularity. Verdes and WSJ's Anne Steele explain why the music industry is diving in.
December 9, 2021
New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern on Her Change in Covid Strategy
New Zealand ended its Covid-19 elimination strategy after an outbreak triggered a months-long lockdown in the country's largest city. Now, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has put in place a phased reopening plan. We talk with Ardern about the economic cost of the country's elimination strategy and what new variants mean for its plans.
December 8, 2021
Inside the Trial of Elizabeth Holmes
Today the defense rested in the trial of Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos. WSJ's Sara Randazzo takes us inside the trial, from the prosecution's arguments to the moment Holmes took the stand herself.
December 7, 2021
Elon Musk on Why He Wants More Robots and Less Government
What does the world's richest person think about the role of government and the future of robots and space travel? Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared his views in a wide-ranging interview with WSJ's Joanna Stern.
December 6, 2021
How the Pandemic Helped Fix Retail
Some in the retail industry thought the pandemic could end in-store shopping as we know it. But brick-and-mortar retailers weren't destroyed, and many managed to emerge from the pandemic stronger. WSJ's Suzanne Kapner explains why.
December 3, 2021
The Designer Who Made Streetwear Luxury
Designer Virgil Abloh became the first Black American to hold a top creative job at a major luxury label. Abloh, who was artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, was able to turn ordinary streetwear like hoodies and sneakers into high fashion, commanding big price tags and drawing celebrity customers. WSJ's Jacob Gallagher unpacks the legacy of Virgil Abloh, who died earlier this week at age...
December 2, 2021
The Fallout From Turkey's Economic Experiment
Turkish President Erdogan is pushing ahead with an unusual economic plan for his country that is based on slashing the value of the currency. As the Turkish lira has plunged, inflation has spiked and Turkish citizens have taken to the streets. WSJ's Jared Maslin reports on the situation from Istanbul.
December 1, 2021
How Gas Prices Are Weighing on Biden's Climate Agenda
Gasoline prices are on the rise. To avoid a political backlash, President Biden is pushing to increase the global oil supply in hopes that will eventually help consumers at the pump. But as WSJ's Timothy Puko explains, the move has risks, given Biden's climate agenda.
November 30, 2021
The Rise of Binance - And The Effort to Reel It In
Binance, the world's biggest cryptocurrency trading platform, surged by operating from nowhere in particular - without offices, licenses, or headquarters. Now, WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explains, global regulators are taking a closer look.
November 29, 2021
Why South Africa Sounded the Alarm Over Omicron
On Friday, the World Health Organization labeled a new variant of the coronavirus, called Omicron, as a variant of concern. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how scientists in South Africa noticed it so quickly, and what's known about Omicron so far.
November 24, 2021
The Biotech Startup that Became an FBI Target
We are bringing you the complete story of uBiome. It was a biotech company with promise: charismatic leaders, an exciting product and lots of venture-capital funding. So why did the FBI end up raiding its office? And why is the government calling its leaders fugitives? WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells the story of uBiome's spectacular downfall.
November 23, 2021
A Player Goes Missing, and Women's Tennis Takes on China
A post on tennis player Peng Shuai's social-media account made a startling accusation: that a former top official of the Chinese Communist Party had sexually assaulted her. Then, she disappeared from public view for more than two weeks. WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how the head of the Women's Tennis Association is speaking out against China and putting the organization's business on the line.
November 22, 2021
Why Older Americans Are Fleeing the Workforce
Compared with pre-pandemic estimates, hundreds of thousands more Americans have retired in the last 18 months. We hear from two recent retirees, and we talk to WSJ's Amara Omeokwe about what the wave of retirement could mean for the economy.
November 19, 2021
A Videogame Giant Confronts a Culture Crisis
Activision Blizzard, one of the world's biggest videogame makers, is facing multiple investigations over sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. WSJ's Kirsten Grind looks at the CEO helming the company, Bobby Kotick, and his knowledge of the allegations.
November 18, 2021
How Puff Bar Became the Most Popular Vape for Kids
Last year, the FDA cracked down on flavored vapes in hopes of combatting a rise in teen vaping. But thanks to a loophole in the FDA's rule, sweet, fruity flavors are still around. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney details how a product called Puff Bar has become the top-selling vape among kids.
November 17, 2021
Ford and GM's Battle for the Hottest Electric Vehicle Startup
Rivian, the Amazon-backed electric vehicle company, went public earlier this month in the biggest IPO since 2014. But before that, Detroit giants General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. fought over partnering with Rivian, earning one of the legacy carmakers a multi-billion dollar payout. WSJ's Mike Colias tells the story of the high-stakes battle.
November 16, 2021
Taylor Swift's Push to Change Music Ownership
In 2019, Taylor Swift announced she would re-record her first six albums after they fell into the hands of talent agent Scooter Braun. Last week she debuted her version of her album Red. It broke streaming records. WSJ's Anne Steele says this decision is not only making Taylor money but also inspiring other artists to do the same -- and that record labels are pushing back.
November 15, 2021
The End of the GE Era
With a reputation as the company whose leaders knew how to run any kind of business, General Electric once made everything from lightbulbs to jet engines. Then, last week, the storied American company announced it was breaking up. WSJ's Thomas Gryta tells the story of how GE's management philosophy fell back down to earth.
November 12, 2021
What Went Wrong at uBiome, Part 2
uBiome raised millions of dollars in venture funding with the promise that insurance companies would pay for its customers' microbiome tests. But that pursuit ultimately led to an FBI raid and a federal indictment alleging a fraud scheme. WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells the story of uBiome's spectacular downfall. Plus, we try to track down uBiome's leaders, Jessica Richman and Zac Apte, who the gove...
November 10, 2021
The Labor Shortage That's Causing More Labor Shortages
One reason people can't go back to work is because they can't find childcare, and they can't find childcare because there's a shortage of childcare workers. WSJ's Kris Maher explains why the economics of the industry make it so difficult to raise wages, and the CEO of a childcare program in Philadelphia explains how hard she's tried to hire teachers.
November 9, 2021
How Zillow Failed at Flipping Homes
Zillow started buying and selling homes directly a few years ago, hoping to make money on each transaction. But last week, the company said it was exiting the business and laying off 25% of its staff. WSJ's Will Parker explains why the company failed at home buying, a line of business Zillow once predicted could generate $20 billion a year.
November 8, 2021
Teens Are Developing Tics. Doctors Say TikTok May Be A Factor.
Over the last year, there's been a sharp increase in teen girls seeking medical help for involuntary tics. Kayla Johnsen is one of them. She shares her story, and a neurologist explains why doctors think the social media app TikTok may be behind the medical phenomenon. Plus, WSJ's Julie Jargon traces the origin of the Tourette influencers whose videos may have sparked the surge.
November 5, 2021
What Went Wrong at uBiome, Part 1
uBiome was a biotech company with promise: charismatic leaders, an exciting product and lots of venture-capital funding. So why did the FBI end up raiding its office? And how did its leaders end up labeled as fugitives by the government? WSJ's Amy Dockser Marcus tells us the story.
November 4, 2021
The Fight Over Climate Change's Price Tag
A key part of the 2015 Paris climate accord was a pledge by wealthy countries to provide $100 billion a year to help developing countries fight climate change. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains how the failure to keep that promise is challenging the COP26 climate summit this week in Glasgow.
November 3, 2021
Why the Feds Want to Stop a Major Publishing Merger
The Department of Justice yesterday sued to block Penguin Random House, the world's largest book publisher, from buying rival Simon & Schuster for more than $2 billion. WSJ's Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg explains how the industry has consolidated in recent years and why the government says it wants to block the deal for the sake of authors.
November 2, 2021
Facebook Rebrands to Meta
Facebook announced last week that it was changing its name to Meta Platforms Inc., a name inspired by a futuristic technology that doesn't fully exist yet: the metaverse. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains what the metaverse is and why Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is betting big on it.
November 1, 2021
The Covid Treatment That Comes in a Pill Bottle
Pharmaceutical giant Merck has developed a drug against Covid, the first treatment that wouldn't require hospitalization. But WSJ's Jared S. Hopkins tells us distributing it equitably around the world will be a challenge.
October 29, 2021
Formula One Gets Fuel From Netflix
After years of struggling to attract new fans, Formula One is suddenly finding tons of them. The reason? A reality TV show on Netflix, called "Drive to Survive." WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how a show he likens to "The Real Housewives of Monte Carlo" made F1 a model for modern sports marketing.
October 28, 2021
Why a Ransomware Group Is Pretending to Be a Real Company
A major hacking group has been recruiting tech talent by setting up a fake cybersecurity company, according to researchers. WSJ's Robert McMillan details how the ransomware group is recruiting workers and what it says about the state of ransomware attacks.
October 27, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 8: A New Enforcement Strategy
Facebook has professed a commitment to neutrality and upholding free speech on its platform for years. But internal documents reviewed by the Wall Street Journal show the company is increasingly targeting specific groups it deems dangerous. WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains how Facebook's actions toward the Patriot Party movement stopped it from going viral.
October 26, 2021
The Man Behind the Latest Push to Unionize Amazon
An Amazon employee group formed by warehouse workers in Staten Island filed Monday to hold a vote on unionization. We speak with Chris Smalls, the president of the group, about why he's trying to establish the first union in the U.S. for Amazon employees.
October 25, 2021
Biden's Climate Ambitions Die in the Senate
Democrats in Congress have been trying to pass a multitrillion-dollar spending bill, which includes a major piece of President Joe Biden's climate agenda. But in the face of opposition from a single senator, the climate provision is dead. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains where this leaves the U.S. in its fight against climate change.
October 22, 2021
To Solve Labor Shortage, Companies Turn to Automation
Despite wage growth, the labor force participation rate remains near its lowest level since the 1970s. In the face of this shortage, companies are turning to a possible solution: automation. We talk to the CEO of a hospital system in Nevada that is hoping new technology can help the nursing shortage, and WSJ's Josh Mitchell explains what increased investment in tech will mean for the economy and wo...
October 21, 2021
The Chappelle Controversy Tests Netflix
After Netflix released its latest Dave Chappelle special earlier this month, the company faced strong criticism from the transgender community and its own employees. WSJ's Joe Flint explains how the controversy has challenged Netflix's culture of 'radical candor' and we go on the ground at the Netflix employee walkout.
October 20, 2021
Sen. Klobuchar Says Congress Is Losing Patience With Tech Giants
After a whistleblower shared internal Facebook documents, lawmakers renewed calls to regulate social media companies. But concerns over the influence tech giants exert on society extend far beyond Facebook. We spoke with Senator Amy Klobuchar about how she hopes to rein in tech companies.
October 19, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 7: The AI Challenge
Facebook's top executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have touted the company's progress at using artificial intelligence to police harmful content on its platform. But internally, documents show there were deep concerns about what Facebook's AI could do. In the seventh episode of The Facebook Files, WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman discusses what Facebook's AI can really do and ways in which it still f...
October 18, 2021
Google's CEO on the Future of Work
As CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, Sundar Pichai is responsible for a massive, 144,000-person workforce. Right now, he's grappling with big issues, like how tech should be regulated, how to rein in cybercrime and how (or whether) workers return to the office. WSJ's Editor in Chief, Matt Murray, asks him about these issues and more.
October 15, 2021
The Vaccine That Took 40 Years to Make
The World Health Organization last week recommended the first-ever vaccine for wide use against malaria, one of the world's deadliest diseases. Paul Kofi Awuffor, a public health worker in Ghana, shares how the vaccine can change lives, and WSJ's Denise Roland explains this historic landmark in public health.
October 14, 2021
The Global Supply Chain Is Broken
Since the pandemic started last year, the disruptions to the global supply chain have only gotten worse. Delays at America's busiest commercial port, Los Angeles, are wreaking havoc on manufacturing and retail, leading the White House to get involved. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer and Costas Paris explain what the logjam means and how it can be fixed.
October 13, 2021
136 Countries Agree to a Global Minimum Tax
More than 100 countries agreed last week to a 15% global minimum corporate tax. WSJ's Richard Rubin details how the deal came together, and WSJ's Paul Hannon explains why Ireland - which has long had some of the lowest tax rates in Europe - finally got on board.
October 12, 2021
How 'Squid Game' Became a Megahit
"Squid Game" is on track to become Netflix's biggest show ever. WSJ's Timothy Martin explains the show's origins and why Netflix has invested so heavily in Korean content.
October 8, 2021
The Unraveling of the Murdaugh Dynasty
Over Labor Day weekend, an attempted murder was reported to police in Hampton County, S.C. involving the scion of a powerful local family. The victim, Alex Murdaugh, later said he attempted to stage his own murder to try to collect insurance money. WSJ's Valerie Bauerlien looks at this case and other events that threaten to undermine the Murdaugh dynasty.
October 7, 2021
The Day Facebook Logged Off
On Monday, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp went offline for billions of people around the world. To fix it, Facebook's employees had to physically drive to data centers to address the problem. WSJ's Robert McMillan explains the cascade of failures that caused it to happen.
October 6, 2021
A Huawei Exec, Two Canadians And The Deal That Got Them Home
In 2018, Canadian authorities arrested Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou on behalf of the United States. Days later, the Chinese government arrested two Canadians in retaliation. WSJ's Jacquie McNish has been covering the ordeal and the high stakes detainee exchange that took place in September.
October 5, 2021
What Secret Tapes Reveal About the College Admissions Scandal
College counselor Rick Singer pled guilty to helping wealthy parents like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman cheat their kids' way into elite colleges. In 2018, the federal government began wiretapping his cellphone. WSJ's Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz dissect the tapes.
October 3, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 6: The Whistleblower
At the heart of the Facebook Files series is a cache of internal company documents. And behind the release of those documents is a person: Frances Haugen. In Part 6, we sit down for an extended conversation with Frances. She tells us about her time at Facebook, what led her to speak out and what she hopes to achieve by disclosing internal Facebook documents.
October 1, 2021
The Federal Law That 138 Judges Have Broken
For the last year, a team at the Wall Street Journal has been investigating the financial holdings of federal judges across the country. This week, the team reported that more than 130 judges violated U.S. law by overseeing court cases that involved companies in which they or their family had a financial interest. WSJ's James Grimaldi explains the investigation and introduces us to the judge with t...
September 30, 2021
One Restaurant Owner's Answer to the Labor Shortage
The restaurant industry around the country is having a hard time finding enough workers. So, Amanda Cohen, who runs a restaurant called Dirt Candy in Manhattan, decided to dramatically overhaul her business in order to raise wages. Since then, not only has she been able to retain staff, she's also managed to increase profits.
September 29, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 5: The Push To Attract Younger Users
In the fifth part of our series looking deep inside Facebook, we examine the company's efforts to win over young children. Reporter Georgia Wells discusses what Facebook's internal documents reveal about the company's years-long efforts to study and design products for kids. And we look ahead to tomorrow's Senate hearing, where lawmakers are expected to question a Facebook executive about the compa...
September 28, 2021
China's Evergrande Crisis
Evergrande built homes for China's growing middle class for more than two decades. Now, the property developer is running out of money. WSJ's Quentin Webb explains how years of piling on debt brought Evergrande to a crisis point, and what its potential collapse could mean for China.
September 27, 2021
The Long Journey to Del Rio
Last week, roughly 16,000 migrants showed up in Del Rio, Texas. Most of them were Haitian, but they didn't come directly from Haiti. They've been on a long journey. WSJ's Alicia Caldwell and Juan Montes explain how these Haitians reached Texas and what they're encountering at the border.
September 24, 2021
Harry and Meghan, Hollywood Royalty?
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the royal family, the couple have been building a Hollywood production company and signed deals with Netflix and Spotify. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how this royal career shift has been going.
September 23, 2021
Xi Jinping Is Rewriting the Rules of China's Economy
The Chinese government is cracking down on big private corporations and reining in their power. WSJ's Lingling Wei shares her analysis which suggests this recent development is coming from China's President Xi Jinping's personal ideological shift from capitalism towards a Mao-style socialism.
September 22, 2021
The Snub That Made France Furious
Last week, the U.S. announced a new multibillion-dollar deal to supply nuclear submarines to Australia. There was just one problem: Australia had already inked a submarine deal with France. WSJ's Matthew Dalton explains the sub snub and what it means for U.S.-France relations.
September 21, 2021
Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Is Popping Up Everywhere
A growing number of retailers are offering customers the ability to buy a product and pay for it later in installments. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis explains why the approach has become so popular and whether it's likely to stick around.
September 20, 2021
The Dogfight Over Dogecoin
Dogecoin began as a joke cryptocurrency in 2013, but this year its price has soared, and now its market cap stands at about $30 billion. WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff says two competing organizations that both call themselves the Dogecoin Foundation are vying for the coin's trademark and its future. Representatives from both groups make their case about who should be dogecoin's steward going forward.
September 18, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 4: The Outrage Algorithm
In the fourth episode of our investigative series based on an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, we explore the fallout of a major algorithm change the company made in 2018. The documents outline how an emphasis on engagement incentivized the spread of divisive, sensational content and misinformation. WSJ's Keach Hagey and Jeff Horwitz explain how attempts from within the company to un...
The Facebook Files, Part 3: 'This Shouldn't Happen on Facebook'
In the third episode of our investigative series based on an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, we look at a persistent problem on the platform: human trafficking. WSJ's Justin Scheck describes documents showing that Facebook has closely studied how human traffickers use the platform to ensnare victims and advertise illegal sex services. The documents also show Facebook's response to t...
September 17, 2021
'Moneyball' Meets Firefighting
To combat increasingly extreme wildfires, firefighters are taking cues from the world of sports analytics. WSJ's Dan Frosch explains how the "Moneyball" sports data revolution is making its way into firefighting and why increasingly unpredictable fires are putting new computer models to the test.
September 16, 2021
Will the Vaccine Mandate Affect the Labor Shortage?
Jack Schron has been encouraging his employees to get vaccinated. He also worries a vaccine mandate might cause them to quit. The manufacturing company president explains what the Biden administration's vaccine mandate could mean for him, and WSJ's Eric Morath discusses its impact on the labor market.
September 15, 2021
How to Stop a $45 Billion Crime Spree
A brazen kind of shoplifting is plaguing America's retail stores, where people fill up garbage bags with items and simply walk out the door. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains how organized crime rings orchestrate the shoplifting. And Ben Dugan, the head of CVS' investigative unit, describes what he does to fight crime at his stores.
September 14, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 2: 'We Make Body Image Issues Worse'
In the second episode in our investigative series, we turn to research that Facebook has kept private: its internal studies on the effects of Instagram, one of its core products, on teen mental health. WSJ's Georgia Wells details the company's findings, which show that Instagram can be harmful for young users, particularly teen girls. Plus, Instagram head Adam Mosseri explains why he thinks there's...
September 13, 2021
The Facebook Files, Part 1: The Whitelist
The Facebook Files, an investigative series from The Wall Street Journal, dives into an extensive array of internal Facebook documents, giving an unparalleled look inside the social media giant. In our first episode, WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains how high-profile users from celebrities to politicians are shielded from the site's rules and protected from enforcement measures. The company does this in ...
September 10, 2021
How the Afghan Women's Soccer Team Escaped the Taliban
As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, members of the country's women's soccer team - once symbols of a new Afghanistan - knew they needed to escape. WSJ's Drew Hinshaw tells the story of how the team's former captain, Khalida Popal, hatched a daring plan for their evacuation.
September 9, 2021
The Dashed Hopes of a Swift Economic Rebound
Economists, CEOs and many others predicted earlier this summer that the economy would recover around Labor Day. But the Delta variant has changed all of that. WSJ's Eric Morath explains how the highly contagious strain is affecting business and job growth.
September 8, 2021
The Business of Forecasting Fashion
The pandemic has disrupted a lot of things - including how people dress. We talk with WGSN fashion forecaster Francesca Muston about how the uncertain times have made predicting fashion trends more difficult and how other forces like climate change may shape fashion choices in the long term.
September 7, 2021
Scholastic's Succession Drama
Scholastic, which is famous for children's books like Harry Potter and Clifford the Big Red Dog, has been controlled by the same family for more than a century. Then, the CEO unexpectedly died in June and his will had a controversial decision on succession. WSJ's Shalini Ramachandran on the drama that unfolded.
September 3, 2021
The Man Who Chose to Get Covid
Jake Hopkins, a university student in the U.K., decided earlier this year to do something most people in the world have been trying to avoid: he volunteered to get Covid-19. Jake signed up for a human challenge trial that intentionally infects participants with the virus. He shares recordings from his experience in the controversial study, and WSJ's Jenny Strasburg explains the researchers' goals.
September 2, 2021
The First Country to Adopt Bitcoin
In June, the President of El Salvador made an announcement that shocked the nation: It would become the first country to adopt Bitcoin as a national currency. As "B-day" approaches, WSJ's Santiago Perez headed to El Salvador to hear how Salvadorans are feeling about the change.
September 1, 2021
Sexual Assault Allegations Surface at ABC News
A lawsuit filed last week alleges that a former top producer at Good Morning America, Michael Corn, assaulted at least two women at ABC News, and that the company did not take disciplinary action against him. Corn and ABC dispute the claims. WSJ's Joe Flint breaks down the allegations and explains how they come at a pivotal moment for ABC News.
August 31, 2021
Why the Biggest SPAC Ever Is Faltering
Famed activist investor Bill Ackman raised $4 billion for a blank-check company last year, enough to merge with a big, proven start-up. But he still hasn't found a company to buy, and is now suggesting he might return all of his investors' money. WSJ's Cara Lombardo tells us why Ackman is falling short.
August 30, 2021
United States v. Elizabeth Holmes
Six years ago, a WSJ investigation raised serious questions about the blood-testing startup Theranos. This week, the company's founder Elizabeth Holmes will go on trial for fraud. WSJ editor Michael Siconolfi remembers what it was like to help break the Theranos story, and legal reporter Sara Randazzo explains what to expect from the much-anticipated trial.
August 27, 2021
Taliban Takeover Throws Afghan Economy Into Chaos
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, foreign aid has stopped flowing, the business community is fleeing, and banks have limited how much money people can withdraw. WSJ's Yaroslav Trofimov explains why the Afghan economy is in turmoil and what the Taliban might do to restore it.
August 26, 2021
How Amtrak's CEO Plans to Spend $66 Billion
Congress is nearing passage of the largest investment in public transit ever. About $66 billion of that money is slated to go to Amtrak, America's passenger rail company. Amtrak's CEO sat down with Ryan to talk about where he intends to spend that money.
August 25, 2021
Afghan Women Brace for Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, many women around the country have been living in fear, despite the Taliban's assurances they'll respect women's rights. WSJ's Margherita Stancati talks about the threats women face, and Afghan photographer Fatimah Hossaini explains her decision to flee the country.
August 24, 2021
Why OnlyFans Banned Sexual Content
OnlyFans, an adult social-media platform, built a thriving business selling sexually explicit content. So why did it just ban sex? WSJ's Georgia Wells explains the financial backstory to the company's surprising move, and an OnlyFans creator weighs in on what it could mean for her.
August 23, 2021
The Growing Market of Not Cutting Down Trees
The main way to make money from trees used to be chopping them down and selling them to sawmills. But now, people are getting paid to do the opposite. WSJ's Ryan Dezember explains the economics of the carbon offset market and why it's finally taking root.
August 20, 2021
The Fight Over BuzzFeed's Move to Go Public
BuzzFeed has been trying to go public for years. When it finally struck a deal to do so earlier this year, the media company left its biggest shareholder -- NBCUniversal -- facing a huge loss. WSJ's Ben Mullin explains how changes in digital media fortunes brought BuzzFeed to this moment.
August 19, 2021
The Investigation Into Tesla's Crashes
The nation's top auto safety regulator announced this week that it was investigating Tesla's assisted driving technologies after a series of crashes. WSJ's Rebecca Elliott explains what prompted the probe of Autopilot, as it's called, and what it could mean for the auto industry.
August 18, 2021
Why a Texas School District Is Defying the Governor
Schools across the country are reopening just as the Delta variant is causing a surge of Covid-19 cases. But some states, including Texas, have blocked school districts from taking certain safety precautions. We spoke to Dallas superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa about how he's navigating Covid-19 and the politics around it.
August 17, 2021
Apple Exec Defends iPhone's Latest Update
When Apple announced new iPhone software to combat child pornography, it set off a firestorm over privacy. WSJ's Joanna Stern talked to Apple software chief Craig Federighi about why it sparked controversy and what it actually does.
August 16, 2021
Taliban Seize Power in Afghanistan
After almost 20 years of war, the U.S. withdrew its remaining troops from Afghanistan. In a matter of weeks, the Taliban have taken control of the country. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen explains how the Taliban was able to move so quickly and describes the chaos and fear gripping Afghanistan today.
August 13, 2021
What's Behind Amazon's Review Problem
On Amazon's massive online marketplace, third-party sellers live and die by customer reviews. WSJ's Nicole Nguyen explains how and why sellers risk getting kicked off Amazon to improve their reviews, and we hear from one customer who found out just how far some companies are willing to go.
August 12, 2021
CDC Director Explains the Agency's Reversal on Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has come under fire this summer for reversing its masking recommendations as the Delta variant threatens COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Now, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky speaks out in an exclusive interview with WSJ reporters Sarah Toy and Sabrina Siddiqui.
August 11, 2021
How Lebanon's Economy Imploded
In the span of a year and a half, Lebanon went from a middle-income economy to a country in financial free fall. WSJ's Nazih Osseiran explains the cycle of monetary policy, inflation, and government mismanagement that set off one of the worst economic collapses in 150 years.
August 10, 2021
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Resigns
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned today, following the release of a report that alleged he sexually harassed several women. Cuomo will depart office in 14 days and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will take his place for the remainder of his term. WSJ's James Fanelli details the allegations against Cuomo and describes the woman who will be replacing him.
August 9, 2021
The Clash Between Facebook and Independent Researchers
Last week, Facebook suspended the personal accounts of an NYU Ph.D. candidate and some members of her research team. They were studying how well the social media platform was identifying political ads. WSJ's Jeff Horwitz explains what the dispute means for the broader community of outside researchers.
August 6, 2021
How Kidnapping Became Big Business in Nigeria
In 2014, the terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria. It gave rise to a viral Twitter movement #BringBackOurGirls and would eventually inspire hundreds of similar kidnappings in the years that followed. The WSJ's Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson explain how criminal groups are building a kidnapping for ransom industry in Nigeria.
August 5, 2021
Anthony Fauci: Delta Variant Has 'Exposed Our Vulnerability'
At a critical moment in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, leading White House infectious disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci sat down to talk with The Journal about the increased risks of the Delta variant, whether children should go back to school and how to bring the vaccine-hesitant on board.
August 4, 2021
Why Scarlett Johansson Is Suing Disney Over 'Black Widow'
Disney released the latest Marvel movie, "Black Widow," in theaters and on its streaming service, Disney+. The movie's star, Scarlett Johansson, sued Disney, alleging the decision cost her millions. WSJ's Joe Flint explains how the showdown could affect the industry.
August 3, 2021
The Tricky Calculus Behind Vaccine Mandates
As the Delta variant spreads, more companies are requiring their employees to get vaccinated. WSJ's Chip Cutter discusses the legal precedents behind these policies, and an HR executive explains how her company handled the issue.
August 2, 2021
Used Car Prices Are Defying Gravity
Used cars are more expensive now than they've ever been, and car dealerships are having to go to great lengths to find inventory. WSJ's Nora Naughton explains the shortages that are driving up prices and what it means for dealers and consumers.
July 30, 2021
Biden's New FTC Chair Squares Off With Big Tech
Even before her appointment, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan had made a name for herself by criticizing Amazon's market dominance. Her stance has already provoked backlash from the tech industry and congressional Republicans. WSJ's Ryan Tracy explains.
July 29, 2021
Simone Biles and the Power of Saying No
Earlier this week, star gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of two Olympic competitions after she experienced a dangerous case of the "twisties." WSJ's Louise Radnofsky explains how one of the Olympics's biggest stars is helping change attitudes towards mental health and physical safety.
July 28, 2021
Robinhood's Unconventional IPO
Robinhood built its business around the idea of making it easier than ever for everyday people to invest. Now the company's betting it can "democratize" initial public offerings, too - including its own. WSJ's Peter Rudegeair explains the thinking behind Robinhood's unconventional IPO this week.
July 27, 2021
The Fed Chair Helped Save the Economy. Will He Keep His Job?
Jerome Powell has led the U.S. economy through its pandemic-induced crash and turbulent recovery. But with his first term ending soon, WSJ's Nick Timiraos says some in Washington are questioning whether Powell should be reappointed.
July 26, 2021
Unrest, Covid and Economic Despair in South Africa
Covid has taken a toll on South Africa. Successive lockdowns have led to deep economic suffering across the country. And when political protests broke out recently, the economic hardship took a violent turn leading to riots and looting. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how South Africa could be a warning to other countries.
July 23, 2021
Simone Biles Is USA Gymnastics' Biggest Star - And Critic
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles could become the first woman since 1968 to repeat as the gold medalist in the individual all-around competition. But WSJ's Louise Radnofsky says that, for Biles, continuing to compete at the sport's highest level is also about keeping a spotlight on the crimes committed by former team doctor Larry Nassar. As the last self-identified survivor on the team, Biles is stil...
July 22, 2021
An Ad Executive's New Challenge: Selling the Vaccine
Last year, PJ Pereira got a big assignment: to help market new Covid-19 vaccines to the public. Pereira explains what he learned trying to convince vaccine-hesitant Americans to get the shot.
July 21, 2021
Wall Street CEOs Say Working From Home Isn't Working
Major banks performed well while employees worked remotely. But executives at some banks are bringing their workers back to the office full time. WSJ's David Benoit explains what it could mean for the industry and the rest of corporate America.
July 20, 2021
Who's in Charge of Fixing Miami's Aging Condos?
Many of Miami's condo buildings are vulnerable to the same kind of structural issues as Champlain Towers South, which collapsed last month. WSJ's Laura Kusisto explains why it's often untrained volunteer condo boards that are in charge of repairs.
July 19, 2021
Bezos' Blue Origin Takes Off
Blue Origin is set to launch founder Jeff Bezos into space tomorrow, about a week after Virgin Galactic sent its own founder to the stars. WSJ's Micah Maidenberg explains how Blue Origin stacks up in the commercial space race.
July 16, 2021
The Man Behind Biden's Push for More Competition
Legal scholar Tim Wu has spent years pushing for greater regulation of big American companies. To get his ideas into the mainstream, Wu has done everything from run for office to ride on a roller coaster with Stephen Colbert. WSJ's Ryan Tracy details how Wu's ideas made their way into President Biden's executive order to increase business competition.
July 15, 2021
Is Graduate School Worth the Price?
New federal data show that many graduate students don't make nearly enough money to pay back their student loans. WSJ's Melissa Korn explains why some graduates of elite schools, like Columbia University, seem to have the worst outcomes.
July 14, 2021
Cuba's Protests Have an Anthem
For the first time in 60 years, mass demonstrations are sweeping Cuba. Protesters are chanting one slogan: 'patria y vida,' or, 'homeland and life.' The phrase - a counterpoint to the revolutionary slogan 'homeland or death' - comes from a song written by Cuban dissidents. WSJ's Santiago Perez dives into the origins of the artist dissident movement and the song that defines this moment.
July 13, 2021
Didi's IPO Gets Caught In China's Tech Crackdown
After Didi launched a successful IPO in New York last month, Beijing took punitive action against the ride hailing giant. It also established new rules for Chinese companies that want to list overseas. WSJ's Patrick Barta explains what that means for future economic cooperation between the U.S. and China.
July 12, 2021
When an Online Conspiracy Theory Turns Deadly
Christopher Hallett built a business providing online legal advice in custody cases. His main offering was built on a conspiracy theory. But this conspiracy theory ended in murder. WSJ's Georgia Wells and Justin Scheck tell the tale.
July 2, 2021
A Marine died in Fallujah at the height of the Iraq War. Years later, his family found out his Purple Heart was listed on an auction site. WSJ's Ben Kesling, who once served in the same company as the Marine, tells the story of how he helped track it down.
July 1, 2021
Hollywood's Fast and Furious Reopening
F9, the latest Fast and Furious movie, is a major test of the movie industry's ability to rebound after the pandemic. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how the franchise grew so large, and why it became so important to Hollywood.
June 30, 2021
The Mixed Signals from the Collapsed Condo's Past
Last week's building collapse near Miami was an event without modern precedent. Its cause remains a mystery. But building records, eyewitness accounts, and expert assessments are offering possible clues. WSJ's Jon Kamp details the potential warning signs from the history of Champlain Towers South.
June 29, 2021
Environmental Investing Frenzy Stretches Meaning of 'Green'
Investors are pouring money into "green" companies, but what actually makes a company green? WSJ's Justin Scheck tells the story of The Metals Company, a deep sea mining startup that's set to go public at $2.9 billion.
June 28, 2021
Oath Keepers and the Business of Extremism
The Oath Keepers, a right-wing militia group, had a large presence at the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Now, a WSJ investigation has revealed the group's funding sources and financial struggles. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus explains.
June 25, 2021
The Company That Said: We Failed
At an antitrust trial, executives from tobacco giant Altria have been speaking in unusually frank terms about the company's closed e-cigarette business. They've testified that the company failed to innovate. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney explains why Altria is making this unusual defense.
June 24, 2021
Britney Spears Wants Her Life (And Money) Back
For the past 13 years, pop star Britney Spears has lived under a legal arrangement that's given her father control over her finances and her life. Yesterday, Spears spoke out publicly against the conservatorship for the first time. WSJ's Neil Shah details Spears's fight to break free.
June 23, 2021
Travel Is Back. So Why Is American Airlines Canceling Flights?
As the country resumes flying in droves, the air travel industry is struggling to keep up. American Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights in recent days due to labor shortages. WSJ's Alison Sider explains why carriers are cancelling flights and calling back retired staff.
June 22, 2021
iPhones, iPads, and iClinics? Apple's Foray Into Healthcare
Apple has been trying for years to reinvent the healthcare system. In 2016, the company started operating its own health clinics for employees as a testing ground. But, WSJ's Rolfe Winkler explains, Apple's had a hard time accomplishing its ambitions.
June 21, 2021
Why Is Everyone Quitting?
Americans are quitting their jobs at record rates. But why? WSJ's Lauren Weber dives into the reasons that Americans have decided to walk away from their careers during a pandemic and breaks down what it means for the economy. Plus, two quitters open up about their decision.
June 20, 2021
To The Moon, Part 5: The Comedown
Stocks, it turns out, don't only go up. On the final episode of To The Moon, we follow the GameStop rocket ship as it returns to Earth, and we learn how the traders who poured their money into the stock fared-and why they don't want to quit trading.
June 17, 2021
Congress's Case to Break Up Amazon
Last week, Congress introduced legislation that, if passed, could force Amazon to break up. The bills come after a 15-month investigation into whether big tech has monopoly power in the economy. WSJ's Dana Mattioli speaks to Representatives David Cicilline (D., RI) and Ken Buck (R., Col.) about the investigation and why they believe these laws should be passed.
June 16, 2021
The Firm Tanking Some of Wall Street's Hottest Stocks
Hindenburg Research is a small investment firm that is having a big impact. Its critical reports about some of the hottest startups have pushed stock prices lower, allowing the firm to profit. WSJ's Amrith Ramkumar talks about the firm, its strategy and what happened to Lordstown Motors.
June 15, 2021
The Ruthless Group Behind Ransomware Attacks on Hospitals
A Wall Street Journal investigation has found that one hacking group - called Ryuk - is behind hundreds of attacks on U.S. health care facilities. WSJ's Kevin Poulsen details the rise of Ryuk, and one hospital administrator shares what it's like to be a victim of one of their attacks.
June 14, 2021
The Fundamental Flaw (and Alleged Deception) of MoviePass
In 2019, MoviePass declared bankruptcy. The company had offered unlimited movie tickets to customers for a low monthly fee but never found a successful business model. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission alleged that MoviePass executives deceived customers to try to save the business. WSJ's Ben Fritz unspools one of the most audacious stories in Hollywood.
June 13, 2021
To The Moon, Part 4: Diamond Hands
Individual investors banded together online to send GameStop soaring in January. Many of those investors were inspired by one man, Keith Gill, aka DeepF-ingValue, aka Roaring Kitty. On episode four of To The Moon, we hear how WSJ reporter Julia Verlaine tracked down Gill, and we trace how his arguments inspired legions of GameStop investors to buy... and hold.
June 11, 2021
A New Alzheimer's Drug Brings Hope and Controversy
The FDA this week approved the first new Alzheimer's treatment in nearly 20 years. But it almost didn't make it to market. WSJ's Joseph Walker untangles the complex story behind the drug Aduhelm and why its approval is raising questions.
June 10, 2021
The New Corporate Diversity Strategy: Tie it to Executive Pay
Companies are using a new approach to push their executives to prioritize diversity: Tying it to their pay. WSJ's Emily Glazer explains how this tactic came about, and former executive Steven Davis talks about the role boards can play in improving diversity.
June 9, 2021
Can Food Delivery Make Money?
Despite a surge in business during the pandemic, food delivery companies like Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub still aren't profitable. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains how these companies are pivoting away from delivering food to make money.
June 8, 2021
Why Crypto Is Key to Stopping Ransomware
Ransomware attacks have been hitting U.S. companies hard. But yesterday, law enforcement officials made a big announcement: they recovered more than $2 million from the group behind last month's Colonial Pipeline hack. WSJ's David Uberti details how the U.S. government is fighting back against hackers and explains why going after cryptocurrency is a key part of the strategy.
June 7, 2021
The Unintended Consequences of China's One-Child Policy
In 1980, China implemented its one-child policy to curb a swiftly growing population. After raising the cap to two in 2015, last week it was increased to three. WSJ's Jonathan Cheng on the purpose of the original policy and why the government is trying to reverse it now.
June 6, 2021
To The Moon, Part 3: A People's History of Investing
Decades ago, trading was the domain of the wealthy elite, but two innovators would change that. The first made investing accessible to the masses. The second made it fun. On episode three of To The Moon, we meet the disruptors who made the markets ready for the GameStop moment.
June 4, 2021
Why Suing Amazon Just Got Easier
Companies have been including arbitration agreements in their terms of service for years, preventing customers from filing lawsuits. Recently, Amazon removed the arbitration clause from its terms of service and told customers they can sue the company instead. WSJ's Sara Randazzo explains what led the company to make the change.
June 3, 2021
Will Americans Buy an Electric Truck?
For years, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. has been Ford's F-150 pickup truck. Now, Ford's making an electric version. WSJ's Mike Colias and Dan Neil explain why Ford's making the move and why it's a big test for the future of electric vehicles.
June 2, 2021
Why a Grand Plan to Vaccinate the World Unraveled
Early last year, a few vaccine experts created a group that would help make sure all countries had access to covid vaccines. Called Covax, this initiative hit problem after problem. WSJ's Gabriele Steinhauser explains how this ambitious plan came undone.
June 1, 2021
Amazon Bags the MGM Lion
Amazon announced last week it is buying the Hollywood movie studio MGM for $8.4 billion, including debt. WSJ's Erich Schwartzel explains how Amazon hopes the studio will help it compete in the intensifying streaming wars.
May 30, 2021
To The Moon, Part 2: 'The Birth of the Yolo'
A man in a wolf mask. A wild gamble. A fortune passed on from a deceased uncle. Years before the world learned about WallStreetBets, WallStreetBets learned about the YOLO. On episode two of To The Moon, we meet the guy who started it all.
To The Moon, Part 1: 'How Much Do Islands Cost?'
When GameStop's stock surged this winter, Wall Street was shocked to learn that a bunch of amateur investors had all piled in. Who were these people and where had they come from? On episode one of To The Moon, we meet the force that shook Wall Street and hear what it's like to suddenly see $800,000 in your account.
May 28, 2021
Conspiracy Theory or Science? The Lab Leak Theory is Back
The origins of Covid-19 are still unknown, but the possibility that it could have escaped from a Chinese lab is back in the news. WSJ's Betsy McKay explains why this idea is getting renewed attention.
May 27, 2021
How Internet Buzz Drove a SPAC Even Higher
Early this year, a storm of intrigue brewed online around the electric vehicle company Lucid Motors and its potential merger with a SPAC. WSJ's Eliot Brown explains how the buzz helped drive the valuation sky high and ultimately left some investors burned.
May 26, 2021
Biden's Plan for Police Reform: The Consent Decree
A year after the murder of George Floyd, the Justice Department is stepping up its oversight of local police departments. Last month, the DOJ opened investigations into police conduct in Minneapolis and Louisville. WSJ's Sadie Gurman talks to Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta about why the federal government is doing this, and the head of Newark, N.J. police talks about what it's like when th...
May 25, 2021
An Activist Investor and the Showdown Over Exxon's Future
An activist investor is trying to take over four seats on Exxon's board of directors, arguing the company should cut its emissions by 2050. But Exxon is pushing back. WSJ's Christopher M. Matthews previews the shareholder meeting showdown, where the fight will be decided.
May 24, 2021
Inflation Is Happening. Should You Be Worried?
Inflation is the highest it's been in over a decade. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath explains why the Federal Reserve says everything is under control, while some other economists fret.
Introducing: To The Moon
In January, a group of Redditors started pouring their savings into the stock of GameStop, a struggling video game retailer. Overnight, everything Wall Street thought it understood about how small-time traders invest changed. While the moment may have surprised Wall Street, it was years in the making. This is a trailer for our series, To The Moon. Out May 30th.
May 21, 2021
Four Years Trapped on a Cargo Ship
Sailor Mohammad Aisha was stuck on a cargo ship near the mouth of the Suez Canal for four years - alone for much of that time. WSJ's Joe Parkinson tells the story of how this could happen and how he survived.
May 20, 2021
Hertz Rewards Its True Believers
A strange thing happened last year after the rental car company Hertz filed for bankruptcy: its stock took off. Old hands on Wall Street thought that the people buying the stock - individual investors with no ties to institutions - were making a bad bet. But now, WSJ's Alexander Gladstone says, the little guys are getting the last laugh and seeing a big windfall.
May 19, 2021
What's Wrong With the Car Market?
Car sales have been skyrocketing, but dealers have a big worry: they're running low on cars to sell. The problem isn't expected to be resolved anytime soon. WSJ's Mike Colias explains how a tiny computer chip at the end of the auto industry's long and complex supply chain is causing big problems.
May 18, 2021
AT&T Abandons Its Hollywood Dreams
When AT&T bought Time Warner and DirecTV, it set out to build a media empire that could take on companies like Netflix and Disney. But after three years and a $100 billion price tag, AT&T is giving up on that dream. WSJ's Marcelo Prince says without media assets, AT&T is back to being the utility it once was.
May 17, 2021
No Credit Score, No Problem?
Banks could begin issuing credit cards to people without credit scores thanks to an effort by a banking regulator to make lending more racially equitable. WSJ's AnnaMaria Andriotis tells the story of how Black Lives Matter protests sparked the effort and explains how the lending would work.
May 14, 2021
Instagram for Kids Isn't Getting Many Likes
Facebook has proposed making a version of Instagram for children under 13, and the idea has prompted an outcry from lawmakers and regulators on both sides of the aisle. WSJ's Brad Reagan on Facebook's plan and New Jersey's Attorney General on why he is against it.
May 13, 2021
Ransomware, a Pipeline and a Gas Shortage
Colonial Pipeline supplies fuel to more than a dozen states. Last Friday, a ransomware attack forced its shutdown, causing a massive shortage of gasoline. WSJ's Robert McMillan says the group behind the attack, Darkside, and others like it represent a broader threat to corporate America and the country's infrastructure.
May 12, 2021
The NFT Craze Explained
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have made a multi-billion dollar market out of digital items like pixelated cats, basketball highlight videos and even tweets. WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explains the history of the technology and why NFTs could move beyond digital collectibles into the physical world.
May 11, 2021
WeWork's CEO on the Future of Work
WeWork CEO Sandeep Mathrani took charge of the office space company just as the pandemic hit. He's now on the brink of bringing WeWork public. We speak to Mathrani about his time at WeWork, his relationship with cofounder Adam Neumann, and the future of office work.
May 10, 2021
The Covid Vaccine Patent Problem
The U.S. government reversed course last week and said it would support waiving patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines, over the objections of the pharmaceutical industry. WSJ's Yuka Hayashi explains how we got to this point.
May 7, 2021
When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door
Elon Musk's SpaceX has been building out its operations in Boca Chica, Texas and pressuring residents to sell their homes. WSJ's Nancy Keates explains why some residents are pushing back, and a homeowner explains the challenges of living next to a launchpad.
May 6, 2021
Chevron and the Amazon: A 28-year Legal Battle
Oil giant Chevron has been locked in a decades-long legal battle with people living in the Ecuadorian Amazon, who claim they were harmed by oil drilling. After a $9.5 billion judgment in Ecuador in 2011, the company has fought back hard. WSJ's Sara Randazzo tells the story, and the plaintiff's lawyer, Steven Donziger, speaks about the case while under house arrest.
May 5, 2021
'It's on Fire': Why the Housing Market Is Booming
Housing prices around the country have been skyrocketing. WSJ's Nicole Friedman explains what makes the hot market so unusual. And a real estate agent and a prospective buyer from Boise, Idaho, share how the boom is changing their city.
May 4, 2021
India's Social Media Crackdown
As Covid-19 cases were spiking in India, the government said it had removed dozens of social media posts relating to the outbreak. WSJ's Newley Purnell traces the ongoing conflict between the government and global tech giants over freedom of speech in the world's largest democracy.
May 3, 2021
Three Women of Color on Their Pandemic Finances
Black and Latina women have been disproportionally affected by job losses during the pandemic. They're also one of the most financially fragile groups in this country. We talk with three women of color about what getting laid off in the pandemic has meant for them.
April 30, 2021
The 'Jeopardy!' Showrunner on the Search for a New Host
After longtime "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek died last November, the show has been running a public search for a replacement, with guest hosts like Aaron Rodgers and LeVar Burton. We talk with the show's executive producer, Mike Richards, about how the search is going.
April 29, 2021
The Strange Economics of the Lumber Market
There's a disconnect in the lumber market. The price of lumber is the highest it's ever been, but the price of the timber - the raw material - is at record lows. WSJ's Ryan Dezember on the paradox of the lumber market and tree farmer Joe Hopkins on how he's getting through this strange moment.
April 28, 2021
Inside the World's Worst Covid Outbreak Yet
WSJ's Shan Li covered the pandemic's start in Wuhan, China. Now, she is in the midst of the world's worst outbreak yet, in India. Shan told us about what it's like on the ground as numbers rise dramatically and resources are in short supply.
April 27, 2021
Energy Secretary Granholm on the Future of Oil
The Biden administration has made big promises to fight climate change. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm discusses the push for clean energy and what it means for the U.S. oil and gas industry. Plus, WSJ's Russell Gold explores what's next for oil companies.
April 26, 2021
From Political Donor to Alleged CIA Asset
Imaad Zuberi's jet-setting lifestyle afforded him high-profile connections all around the world and made him a heavyweight donor in DC. But at the same time, according to documents, Zuberi was also collecting information for the CIA. WSJ's Byron Tau tells the story of Zuberi's rise and fall.
April 23, 2021
How Soccer Fans Killed the Super League
Twelve of the biggest teams in European soccer announced Sunday they were forming a "Super League." 48 hours later, the plan was dead. WSJ's Joshua Robinson explains how a backlash from fans killed an audacious plan to remake the business of soccer.
April 22, 2021
How a Cryptocurrency Company Went Mainstream
Coinbase, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, went public last week. WSJ's Paul Vigna explains how its co-founder Brian Armstrong wants to make crypto as easy as email.
April 21, 2021
The Floyd Family Reacts: 'We All Took a Breath'
A day after a jury convicted Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd, two members of the Floyd family sat down with WSJ's Erin Ailworth to share their reactions to the trial and verdict.
April 20, 2021
Rural Healthcare Is Being Squeezed. One Community Is Fighting Back.
More than 130 rural hospitals across the U.S. have closed since 2010, while even more have cut back on services. WSJ's Brian Spegele shares the story of one Wyoming community where residents are fighting a decline in services at their local hospital by doing something drastic: creating a hospital of their own.
April 19, 2021
mRNA Vaccines Are Taking On Covid. What Else Can They Do?
Dr. Özlem Türeci is the chief medical officer of BioNTech, which created the first Covid-19 vaccine to be authorized in the U.S. We speak with Dr. Türeci about the technology behind the vaccine and the promise it holds for treating other diseases.
April 16, 2021
The Legacy of Ponzi Schemer Bernie Madoff
Bernie Madoff died this week in prison while serving a 150-year sentence for masterminding one of the biggest financial frauds. We speak with one of his victims, and WSJ's Jamie Heller explains how Madoff stole millions of dollars from his clients in his notorious Ponzi scheme.
April 15, 2021
The Rise of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are homemade, untraceable guns. The Biden administration is proposing new gun control measures to regulate their sales. WSJ's Zusha Elinson explains how these guns have been on the rise and under the radar.
April 14, 2021
A Pause on the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Six cases of a rare blood clotting disorder have led U.S. health officials to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine. Though it's not known if the vaccine is behind the blood clotting, WSJ's Jonathan D. Rockoff says the pause could impact efforts to vaccinate the country.
April 13, 2021
From George Floyd to Daunte Wright, Minneapolis on the Brink
As the country watches the trial of the police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd, Minneapolis is reeling from the killing of another unarmed Black man by police in a nearby suburb. WSJ's Erin Ailworth describes the tension on the ground.
April 12, 2021
The Woman Behind The Market's Fastest Growing Fund
With the launch of her latest investment fund, Cathie Wood is betting big on outer space. But it's not the first time she's backed a nascent industry. WSJ's Michael Wursthorn says she's become a star investor by backing innovative companies, delighting investors and attracting critics along the way.
April 9, 2021
Why China Is Jumping Into Digital Currency
China has been testing a digital yuan for the past year. WSJ's James T. Areddy says digital currency is the future of money and that China's head start could threaten the U.S. dollar's dominance.
April 8, 2021
The U.S. and Iran Try for a New Nuclear Deal
President Biden made restoring the 2015 Iran nuclear deal a key piece of his foreign policy. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen reports from Vienna, where indirect talks began this week, about the tricky path to reviving the deal.
April 7, 2021
Biden Tries to Bring Back 'Big Government'
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan ushered in an era of limited government that lasted for decades. President Biden's new plans and proposals set out to change that. WSJ's Jacob M. Schlesinger traces the history of how big government became taboo in Washington and explains why Biden wants to take a new approach.
April 6, 2021
What's Driving Migrants to the Southern Border Now
The number of migrants at the southern U.S. border reached a 15-year high last month, after rising for several months, leading to a humanitarian crisis for the Biden administration. WSJ's Juan Montes spoke to migrants about why they are coming now, and Alicia Caldwell explains the Biden administration's response.
April 5, 2021
The Business Backlash to Georgia's Voting Law
After a group of Black executives condemned a new voting law in Georgia, some of the state's biggest businesses, like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, voiced their own concerns. WSJ's Cameron McWhirter walks through the controversial law that's fraying the relationship between state Republicans and the business community.
April 2, 2021
Why China's Internet Froze Out H&M
H&M faced a firestorm on Chinese social media last week and then started disappearing from map searches and e-commerce sites. WSJ's Eva Xiao explores what led to the attack on the Swedish retailer.
April 1, 2021
A Tug of War Between a Billionaire and a Hedge Fund Over Local News
Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund known for its cost-cutting approach to local newspapers, had made a bid to buy Tribune Publishing, a conglomerate of local papers including the Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun. Then, a billionaire put in an offer of his own. WSJ's Lukas Alpert details the face-off between the hedge fund and the billionaire, which could forever change the newspapers caught in...
March 31, 2021
The Secret Investor Who Triggered a Massive Market Selloff
Since Bill Hwang got in trouble with regulators for insider trading about a decade ago, the Wall Street veteran has built his investments back up. And last week, he was behind a more than $30 billion selloff that hit some blue-chip companies. WSJ's Juliet Chung charts Hwang's rise and untangles how he sent stocks into a tailspin.
March 30, 2021
The Suez Canal and a Hard Year at Sea
Even before the debacle at the Suez Canal, it had been a challenging year for the shipping industry. WSJ's Costas Paris explains why the timing of this incident was especially bad for the global supply chain. And one captain talks about his trying year.
March 29, 2021
Will Amazon Unionize in Alabama?
Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Ala. are wrapping up voting today on a big decision: whether to unionize. We hear from a worker who's in favor of unionizing and one who's opposed. And, WSJ's Sebastian Herrera describes what's at stake for Amazon.
March 26, 2021
A Tipping Point for Paying College Athletes?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association faces mounting pressure to let its athletes get paid. WSJ's Rachel Bachman traces the changes in public opinion on the issue and outlines what's at stake in an upcoming Supreme Court case. Plus, a University of Iowa star Jordan Bohannon shares why he started the hashtag #notNCAAproperty ... and why his team purloined a rug.
March 25, 2021
AstraZeneca's Rocky Road to Releasing a Vaccine
Countries around the world had high hopes for AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, but it's run into problems. WSJ's Jenny Strasburg explains how manufacturing issues, a scare about side effects and questions about AstraZeneca's trial data have undermined faith in the shot.
March 24, 2021
An Asian-American Business Owner on a Challenging Year
As he prepared to reopen his chain of Chinese restaurants in New York City last year, Jason Wang worried about two different dangers facing his employees: coronavirus and racist attacks. Plus, WSJ's Akane Otani spends an evening with a volunteer safety patrol in a majority Asian-American neighborhood.
March 23, 2021
Pete Buttigieg on Getting an Infrastructure Deal
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is convinced there's bipartisan support for big infrastructure spending. But WSJ's Ted Mann explains why reaching a deal may be an uphill battle.
March 22, 2021
How China's Superstar Entrepreneur Ran Afoul of the Government
Alibaba founder Jack Ma was a rock star of China's business world. Now, he's an outcast. WSJ's Lingling Wei and Keith Zhai reveal how Ma fell out of favor with Beijing and what that means for other entrepreneurs in China.
March 19, 2021
A Surprise Turkey and 200 Lemons: Everyday Stories From the Pandemic
At the WSJ, a recurring feature known as the A-hed captures the bizarre twists and turns of everyday life. It took on a whole new meaning over the past year. Today, we share five A-hed stories - from trying to plant a garden to learning to ride a bike.
March 18, 2021
Greensill Wanted to 'Democratize Capital.' Now It's Bankrupt.
Lex Greensill went from farm boy to financier with a simple mission: to bring big bank financing to small business supply chains. But as WSJ reporter Duncan Mavin says, his ambition for growth and risky lending caused his namesake company to implode.
March 17, 2021
Dr. Anthony Fauci: 'The Game Is Not Over'
An interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci about how efforts to vaccinate the country are going, what it will take for work and school to return to normal and whether the pandemic is ending.
March 16, 2021
Fresh off his $69 million sale, the digital artist known as Beeple says he's not trying to "blow up" the contemporary art world. And WSJ's Kelly Crow explains how a new technology led to a historic sale.
March 15, 2021
Who is Getting Left Behind in the Vaccination Push
As Covid-19 vaccinations race along, elderly Black and Latino people are getting left behind. WSJ's Daniela Hernandez explains why. We also talk to a doctor trying to get his elderly father a vaccine and a community organizer in Miami.
March 12, 2021
One Year Later, Elmhurst Doctors Look Back
Elmhurst Hospital in Queens was at the epicenter of New York City's Covid-19 outbreak. WSJ's Katie Honan speaks to three doctors who were inside the hospital as that crisis was unfolding about what it was like and how they're coping now.
March 11, 2021
How One Company Rode the Electric Vehicle Boom to Success
In the last 10 years, China has cornered the market on a key ingredient needed for electric car batteries: lithium. Now, one company is trying to change that by mining the metal in America. WSJ's Scott Patterson tells the story of Piedmont Lithium and one of its founders, geologist Lamont Leatherman.
March 10, 2021
Why Fewer Ads Might Follow You Around the Web
Google says that by next year it will completely do away with third-party cookies, and it won't support any technology that tries to replace them. WSJ's Sam Schechner talks about what the move means for Google, and he bids goodbye to the rhino t-shirt that follows him everywhere.
March 9, 2021
One of Cuomo's Accusers in Her Own Words
Ana Liss describes what she says was inappropriate behavior from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo when she worked in his office from 2013 to 2015. WSJ's Jimmy Vielkind talks about the scandals swirling around the three-term governor that have led to calls for his resignation.
March 8, 2021
Is $1.9 Trillion Too Much?
After already spending more than $3 trillion on economic relief packages this past year, Congress is set to pass another $1.9 trillion bill. We speak with top White House economist Jared Bernstein about the benefits - and risks - of so much spending.
March 5, 2021
The New Reality for Oil in Washington
The oil industry's top lobbying group is poised to embrace a climate policy it had fought for years. WSJ's Timothy Puko explains what's behind that reversal, and what it says about the new political reality facing fossil fuels.
March 4, 2021
Where Jobs Are Booming
Even with high unemployment, certain industries are having a hard time finding enough workers. WSJ's Sarah Chaney Cambon explains why some companies are increasing wages and benefits as a result. We also talk to Aaron Jagdfeld, the CEO of a generator company, about the lengths he's taken to recruit workers.
March 3, 2021
WeWork Looks to Go Public, Again
For more than a year, WeWork has been dogged by its obligations to its co-founder Adam Neumann. WSJ's Maureen Farrell tells the story of how the company finally severed ties with Neumann and why going public may now be on the horizon.
March 2, 2021
How an Army of Retail Investors Helped Save AMC Movie Theaters
AMC, the world's largest movie theater chain, was facing possible bankruptcy after the pandemic dried up moviegoing. But early this year, retail investors rallied to #SaveAMC. WSJ's Alexander Gladstone spoke with AMC CEO Adam Aron about how he set the company up to benefit from an unexpected stroke of luck.
March 1, 2021
Novavax's Long Road to a Covid-19 Vaccine
Novavax is a vaccine company that for decades never brought a vaccine to market. Before the pandemic, they were on the verge of bankruptcy. WSJ's Gregory Zuckerman and Novavax's Dr. Gregory Glenn explain how the company's fortunes are now changing thanks to its Covid-19 vaccine, which is delivering promising results.
February 26, 2021
Hollywood Director Lee Daniels on a Changing Film Industry
Major film studios are starting to embrace a strategy never before seen in Hollywood: releasing films directly to streaming. Director Lee Daniels joins us to discuss what that change has meant for his new film, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday," and what it could mean for the future of filmmaking.
February 25, 2021
An Interview With a Member of the Facebook Oversight Board
Facebook's new oversight board is preparing to rule on whether Donald Trump should be banned from Facebook permanently. We talk with one of the board's co-chairs, former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, about how the board is weighing the decision and what it means for free speech on the platform.
February 24, 2021
Dogecoin Was a Joke. Now It's Worth $7 Billion.
Billy Markus created the cryptocurrency Dogecoin on a lark, based on a viral dog meme. Eight years later, his creation is worth billions of dollars. Markus and WSJ's Caitlin Ostroff explain how crypto's jokiest coin went to the moon.
February 23, 2021
A Voting Machine Company Fights Disinformation With Lawsuits
Dominion Voting Systems, the voting-machine maker, was swept up in a storm of allegations about its role in the 2020 election. We speak with Dominion's CEO, and WSJ's Alexa Corse describes how the company is fighting back.
February 22, 2021
Why the Texas Power Grid Failed
Texas's deregulated power sector was considered a model for delivering cheap electricity, but the power outages last week revealed shortcomings. WSJ's Russell Gold unpacks what went wrong.
February 19, 2021
Ban on Foreign Workers Left Jobs Open. Americans Didn't Take Them.
Last year, President Trump banned most new visas for foreign workers, arguing unemployed Americans would take those jobs instead. But as WSJ's Alicia Caldwell told us, even with high unemployment, many of those positions were left unfilled.
February 18, 2021
Free Trading Isn't Free: How Robinhood Makes Money
Robinhood is able to offer free trading on its app thanks to a practice known as payment for order flow. WSJ's Alexander Osipovich explains how it works and why Congress has questions about it.
February 17, 2021
This Judge Put Criminals Away. Now He's Trying to Set Them Free.
Judge John Gleeson spent his career putting high-profile and dangerous criminals behind bars, but now he is on a mission to reduce sentences for some inmates convicted under mandatory minimum sentences. We talk to the WSJ's Corinne Ramey, Judge John Gleeson and one man who's been freed by the Judge's strategy.
February 16, 2021
Why Google Might Leave Australia
Australia is poised to pass a law that would compel tech companies like Google and Facebook to pay news organizations for links. In response, Google threatened to turn off search, and Facebook said it wouldn't let users share articles. WSJ's Mike Cherney explains what's at stake.
February 12, 2021
Facebook's Showdown With Apple
Apple is launching a new privacy feature that Facebook says could severely hurt its business by making it harder to target consumers with ads. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman explains how the dispute has been years in the making.
February 11, 2021
An Oral History of WallStreetBets
Five WallStreetBets members tell the story of how they ended up on the Reddit forum and how they felt when it upended the stock market.
February 10, 2021
The Shell Companies Taking Over Wall Street
Companies with no business plan, no profit, and no revenue are flooding Wall Street. They're called SPACs, and investors are pouring money into them. WSJ's Maureen Farrell explains the forces behind the market's SPAC boom and what it could mean for investors.
February 9, 2021
GM's All-Electric Bet
General Motors has committed to making all its vehicles electric by 2035. WSJ's Mike Colias explains GM's history making electric vehicles and why it's now going all-in.
February 8, 2021
Trump's Second Impeachment Trial Begins
Donald Trump is the first president to be impeached twice. Now, the Senate will vote on whether or not to convict him. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes outlines what's different about this impeachment and what problems it could raise on both sides of the aisle.
February 5, 2021
Why It's Hard to Buy a House in Detroit, Especially if You're Black
When Vincent Orr decided to buy a house, he didn't get a mortgage. He paid cash, and he's not alone. WSJ's Ben Eisen explains why Black Detroiters still have a tough time getting mortgages decades after racist redlining policies officially ended.
February 4, 2021
Two Power Brokers in Biden's Washington
One of President Biden's closest advisors, Steve Ricchetti, has ties to lobbying that go back decades. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz tells the story of how Steve Ricchetti and his brother Jeff climbed the ranks of lobbying and government.
February 3, 2021
Amazon After Bezos
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced yesterday that he plans to step down as CEO. WSJ's Bradley Olson explains how Bezos's relentless drive grew Amazon into a goliath and what the next CEO will mean for America's biggest online retailer.
February 2, 2021
Do Stimulus Checks Work?
Congress is debating a third round of stimulus checks to Americans. WSJ's Richard Rubin talks through the upsides and downsides to stimulus checks, why they're neither "stimulus" nor a "check," and we hear how our listeners spent their money.
February 1, 2021
Why Robinhood Put the Brakes on GameStop
In the middle of the GameStop frenzy last week, Robinhood users woke up to find they couldn't buy many of the market's hottest stocks. The app had placed unprecedented restrictions on trading. WSJ's Peter Rudegeair explains why Robinhood did it and the backlash it's facing as a result.
January 29, 2021
Companies Try to Speed Up the Vaccine Rollout
As the vaccine rollout around the country hits obstacles, corporate America says there's a better way. WSJ's Sarah Krouse explains how companies are stepping in to address distribution woes, and one CEO details his company's effort.
January 28, 2021
Why Biden Killed the Keystone XL Pipeline
President Biden revoked the permit for the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline on his first day in office. But as a candidate early in the presidential race, the pipeline wasn't a priority. WSJ's Tim Puko explains how the pipeline became a symbol and day-one agenda item for the Biden White House.
January 27, 2021
GameStop and the Rise of the Reddit Investor
A group of investors on Reddit are driving up the stock price of GameStop, going against Wall Street consensus that the video game retailer's days are numbered. WSJ's Gunjan Banerji explains how they're working together to make the stock soar - and make a lot of money for themselves in the process.
January 26, 2021
What to Expect from the Jobs Market in 2021
The U.S. job market made a remarkable comeback in 2020, after the pandemic wiped out more than 20 million jobs. But it wasn't nearly enough for a full recovery. WSJ's Eric Morath explains why many economists think that 2021 could be a record-setting year for job growth - and how that optimistic outlook could fall apart.
January 25, 2021
Two Investors, One Company and a Billion-Dollar Short
For years, two billionaire investors battled over the fate of Herbalife, a nutritional shake company. This month, we saw the final chapter of the strange saga that WSJ's David Benoit likens to "Mean Girls meets Wall Street."
January 22, 2021
What It Takes to Open a Business in a Pandemic
Reporter Peter Grant has been walking one stretch of Brooklyn since the beginning of the pandemic, talking to struggling business owners. Recently, he's found a new phenomenon: people who've decided now is the right time to open a new business.
January 21, 2021
The Risks the U.K. Strain Poses for the U.S.
A new strain of coronavirus that arose in the U.K. could become dominant in the U.S. by March. WSJ's Daniela Hernandez explains the science behind the emerging threat.
January 20, 2021
On the Ground at Biden's Inauguration
Joe Biden was sworn in today as the 46th president of the United States. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes was at the ceremony, and Ted Mann was on the streets outside.
January 19, 2021
How Trump Tied His Businesses to His Presidency
As the end of Donald Trump's presidency approached, the Trump Organization believed there was money to be made after Trump left the White House. WSJ's Brian Spegele and Rebecca Ballhaus explain how the assault on the U.S. Capitol could upend those plans.
January 15, 2021
Three Afghans Prepare for the U.S. to Leave
The U.S. military completed one of the most significant drawdowns of the Afghan war today. There are now just 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, the lowest number since 2001. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen went to Kabul to hear from Afghans what the withdrawal means for them, and their country.
January 14, 2021
Sheldon Adelson and the Rise of the Megadonor
Casino magnate and billionaire Sheldon Adelson died this week at the age of 87. WSJ's Julie Bykowicz explains the mark Adelson left on politics as a Republican megadonor.
January 13, 2021
How Big Tech Kicked Parler Offline
Google, Apple and Amazon took steps over the weekend to effectively shut down the social media site Parler, which had been used to organize the attack on the Capitol. WSJ's Keach Hagey explains why they did it and what it means for the future of speech and tech.
January 12, 2021
Why This Impeachment Could Be Different
House Democrats introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump this week, accusing him of "incitement of insurrection." WSJ's Siobhan Hughes, who covered Mr. Trump's first impeachment, explains how this impeachment could play out differently.
January 11, 2021
Why Google Workers Formed a Union
Silicon Valley has long been resistant to organized labor, but last week a group of Google employees announced the formation of a union. WSJ's Bodeya Tweh on the activism that led to this moment and union member Andrew Gainer-Dewar on why he joined.
January 8, 2021
How Wednesday's Attack Came Together: Out in the Open
In the weeks before Wednesday's attack on the U.S. Capitol, people were openly planning violence online. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman describes the patchwork of policies that have allowed extremists to organize on the internet.
January 7, 2021
How One State Got Its Vaccine Rollout Right
West Virginia has administered first doses of Covid-19 vaccines at one of the highest rates in the country. Covid Czar Dr. Clay Marsh tells us how the state did it by forgoing the federal government's plan.
January 6, 2021
Pro-Trump Mob Storms the Capitol
Mass chaos engulfed the U.S. Capitol today as a pro-Trump mob stormed the building in objection to the results of the election. WSJ's Gordon Lubold described what he saw on the ground at the Capitol.
January 5, 2021
What's Behind the Slow Vaccine Rollout
The federal government set a goal of vaccinating 20 million people by the end of 2020. But the rollout fell far short. WSJ's Jared Hopkins explains why vaccine distribution is going much more slowly than expected.
January 4, 2021
The Republican Party Civil War in Georgia
Ahead of Tuesday's high-stakes Senate runoffs in Georgia, WSJ's Cameron McWhirter talked to Republican voters to understand how Trump's barrage of attacks on their governor and secretary of state is affecting their vote and their loyalty to the party.
December 23, 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci Looks Back at 2020
It's been nearly a year since the first coronavirus case was recorded in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Fauci looks back on the year we had and ahead at what's to come.
December 22, 2020
Inside the Largest Government Hack in Years
WSJ's Bob McMillan tells the story of how updates from a little-known software company, SolarWinds, allegedly let Russian hackers into U.S. government networks and explains what that means for the future of cyber espionage.
December 21, 2020
The $900 Billion Relief Package
Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a $900 billion stimulus package. We speak with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson about the package and what it could mean for states and the economy.
December 18, 2020
A Church Tries to Bridge Its Political Divides
This year, members of a small Michigan church tried to do something America has struggled to: find common ground. WSJ's Janet Adamy watched-and recorded-as the group tried to navigate its political divisions in just 11 conversations.
December 17, 2020
What Corporate America Can Learn From Coke's Reckoning With Race
Two decades ago, black employees sued Coca-Cola for racial discrimination. The company pledged to turn things around -- and it did. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney and Lauren Weber explain how Coke successfully transformed itself into a more equitable company...and how it failed to stay that way.
December 16, 2020
Chef José Andrés: How to Feed People in an Emergency
After the pandemic forced restaurants across the U.S. to close, award-winning chef José Andrés had an idea: He could mobilize those shuttered kitchens to help feed the hungry. Chef Andrés joins us to talk about an unprecedented year for his industry.
December 15, 2020
How One Hospital Is Rolling Out the Vaccine
Americans are now getting vaccinated, starting with health-care workers and people with conditions that make them vulnerable. We talk with Dr. Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital, the only public hospital in New Jersey, about how that process is playing out.
December 14, 2020
Sweden's Pandemic Experiment
Sweden attempted for months to combat Covid-19 through voluntary measures rather than lockdowns and other restrictions. WSJ's Bojan Pancevski looks at how the country fared.
December 11, 2020
Mariah Carey released "All I Want for Christmas Is You" 26 years ago to moderate success. Today, the song is a mega-hit and Christmas playlist staple. What happened? WSJ's John Jurgensen called up the "Queen of Christmas" to find out.
December 10, 2020
The Government's Case for Breaking Up Facebook
The Federal Trade Commission and 48 attorneys general sued Facebook Wednesday, accusing the company of being anticompetitive and seeking to break off Instagram and WhatsApp. WSJ's Deepa Seetharaman lays out the government's case and Facebook's defense.
December 9, 2020
Airbnb's Rough Road to an IPO
Airbnb is set to go public at a valuation of more than $40 billion, just months after the pandemic threatened the company's survival. WSJ's Maureen Farrell explains how Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky brought the company back from the brink.
December 8, 2020
The Vaccine Is Coming to a CVS Near You
The U.S. is days away from approving its first Covid-19 vaccine. And the way most Americans will get a vaccine? Their pharmacy. We talk to CVS executive Chris Cox on the company's plan to immunize millions of Americans.
December 7, 2020
How Biden and McConnell Do Business
President-elect Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are leaders of opposing parties, but their similar backgrounds and political upbringings give them common ground at the negotiating table. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes tells us what their relationship means for Biden's policy agenda.
December 4, 2020
As Covid Climbs, One State Holds On for the Vaccine
An interview with Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama's top health official, about how his state is both struggling to fight the virus and preparing for a massive vaccine rollout.
December 3, 2020
The Daring Rescue Behind the Middle East Peace Talks
A peace treaty called the Abraham Accords has played a vital role in the Trump Administration's effort to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. WSJ's Dion Nissenbaum tells the story of the general who orchestrated a daring mission that helped make the historic treaty possible.
December 2, 2020
The Life of Zappos's Pioneering CEO
Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, died last week at the age of 46. WSJ's Bob Hagerty shares how Hsieh made his name as an off-the-wall tech entrepreneur who helped transform online shopping.
December 1, 2020
Why Schools Are Getting Hacked
Schools are facing a wave of increasingly aggressive ransomware attacks, with hackers seeking ransoms in the tens of thousands of dollars. WSJ's Tawnell Hobbs takes us inside the world of hackers, and we talk with a school technology director in Texas who got hacked this summer.
November 30, 2020
Janet Yellen's Biggest Challenge Yet
Janet Yellen is Joe Biden's pick for Treasury secretary. Despite having served in essentially all of the government's top economic jobs, this role may present her greatest challenge yet: partisan politics.
November 25, 2020
The Agony and Ecstasy of Tab
When Coca-Cola announced it was discontinuing Tab, its long-running diet soda brand, it left a small band of fiercely loyal soda fans in the lurch. WSJ's Jennifer Maloney talks about the rise and long decline of Tab, and Ryan goes in search of the elusive pink can.
November 24, 2020
One Nurse, Three Covid Hotspots
Trinity Goodman is a traveling crisis nurse. Since April, she has treated Covid patients in three different hotspots: New York, Texas and Indiana. She tells us about the last 8 months at the front lines of the pandemic.
November 23, 2020
Why Conservatives Are Turning to Parler
Conservatives upset by Twitter and Facebook's approach to content moderation are finding an alternative: Parler. WSJ's Keach Hagey explains why the buzzy social network's commitment to free speech is both an asset and a liability.
November 20, 2020
The Creator of the Record-Setting Covid Vaccine
Pfizer and BioNTech asked the Food and Drug Administration today to authorize their Covid-19 vaccine. We talk with the visionary scientist who developed the vaccine, Dr. Ugur Sahin, and the WSJ's Bojan Pancevski about what could be the fastest vaccine ever developed and approved.
November 19, 2020
While Airlines Shrink, Southwest Goes Big
While most airlines are parking planes and cutting costs, Southwest is starting flights to 10 new airports. WSJ's Alison Sider explains why Southwest is expanding and how the company has used this strategy before.
November 18, 2020
How Fraud and Waste Seeped Into a Covid Stimulus Program
The Paycheck Protection Program was supposed to save small businesses after Covid-19 shut down the economy. Its legacy is more complicated. WSJ's Ryan Tracy walks us through the mounting cases of PPP fraud and whether the program ultimately proved effective.
November 17, 2020
Georgia's Secretary of State Defends the Election
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is managing Georgia's hand recount. We speak with him about how it's going and how he's countering the criticism from fellow Republicans about the election he ran earlier this month.
November 16, 2020
Why the Biggest IPO Ever Blew Up
Ant Group, a giant Chinese financial technology company, was days away from a $34 billion IPO when things came to a sudden stop. WSJ's Jing Yang explains why it all unraveled.
November 13, 2020
Would a Biden Administration Push for Covid Lockdowns?
As new U.S. coronavirus cases and hospitalizations reach record highs, we talk with Dr. Celine Gounder, a member of president-elect Joe Biden's Covid-19 advisory board. She explains how a Biden administration will handle the pandemic and what Americans need to do to get the virus under control.
November 12, 2020
The Agency Holding Up Biden's Transition
President-elect Joe Biden is setting up his administration, but he's still waiting on the sign off of a federal agency to get the resources he needs. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains the role of the General Services Administration in the presidential transfer of power.
November 10, 2020
The Next Challenge for Pfizer's Covid Vaccine
Pfizer announced that its Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective in final stage trials. We talk to WSJ's Jared Hopkins about what still needs to happen before the FDA approves the vaccine and the biggest obstacles ahead for distributing a vaccine across the globe.
November 9, 2020
The Iowa Pollster Who Got It Right
Joe Biden's win was much closer than polls predicted, but not every pollster emerged from Election Day with a black eye. Iowa's Ann Selzer was right on the money. We talk to Iowa's queen of polling about how she got it right.
November 7, 2020
Joe Biden Wins the Presidency
Joe Biden has been elected the 46th president of the United States. WSJ's Sabrina Siddiqui explains how Biden built a coalition to unseat President Trump and what his history in public office tells us about how he might govern.
November 6, 2020
Inside Pennsylvania's Vote Count
As ballot counting stretched into a fourth day, WSJ's Kris Maher explains why the count is taking so long and describes his visit to a ballot counting facility in Erie, Pa. earlier this week.
November 5, 2020
Democrats Spent Big on the Senate. It Didn't Go Well.
Democrats poured record-setting sums into Senate races around the country but came up short. WSJ's Siobhan Hughes explains why Democrats thought they could win big and what happens with some races still uncalled.
November 4, 2020
A Close Election and the Legal Challenges Ahead
The presidential election is still too close to call in a few crucial swing states. WSJ's Michael Bender explains the state of play and Michael Amon looks ahead to possible legal challenges and recounts.
Special Election Episode: How the Night Unfolded
What happened last night? Our reporters took us on the ground with both campaigns as the results came in.
November 3, 2020
Election Day in Three Battleground States
It's Election Day, and all eyes are on the battleground states that will likely decide the next president. WSJ reporters on the ground in Texas, Georgia and Pennsylvania talk about what they're seeing and how voters are feeling.
November 2, 2020
California Votes on the Gig Economy
California is voting on how companies classify gig workers, a measure that has become the most expensive ballot proposition in the state's history. WSJ's Preetika Rana explains what's at stake for companies like Uber and Lyft and why the outcome could matter to drivers and customers everywhere.
October 30, 2020
What to Watch for on Election Day
Election Day is just days away. We talk with veteran WSJ political reporter Catherine Lucey about what to pay attention to as America goes to the polls.
October 29, 2020
Covid's Grip on a Rural Hospital
A small North Dakota hospital system that went months without a coronavirus case is now facing a serious outbreak. We speak with CEO Matt Shahan about how the virus is affecting his hospital and community.
October 28, 2020
Tech CEOs Defend Their Efforts to Police Online Content
Lawmakers questioned the CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter over how they shape discourse online. WSJ's Robert McMillan explains why a recent New York Post story about Hunter Biden put the CEOs in the hot seat.
October 27, 2020
Trump Versus Biden on the Economy
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are approaching a key issue - the economy - in different ways. WSJ's Jon Hilsenrath looks at President Trump's economic record and talks us through both candidates' economic plans.