WSJ What’s News

P.M. Edition for Aug. 15. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have begun their face-to-face meeting in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. We talk to WSJ reporter Jim Carlton, who is in Anchorage, about where the leaders stand going into the summit and the vibe on the ground. Plus, tariffs have hit their highest rate in decades, but inflation hasn’t surged—and economists are puzzled. WSJ economics reporter Konrad Putzier discusses a theory about why that happens. And EV maker Rivian says a change to U.S. fuel economy rules is holding up $100 million in revenue. Ryan Felton, who covers the auto industry for the Journal, explains the change and what it means for the EV industry. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 15. People familiar with the matter say the chip maker is in talks with the Trump administration, as WSJ reporter Stu Woo explains. Plus, ahead of the landmark summit in Alaska between President Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, WSJ South Europe bureau chief Marcus Walker explains how Ukraine’s military seems to have accepted the reality that it may not be able to win back its lost territory. And, Apple reinstates its blood oxygen monitoring feature in some of its watches following a bruising patent dispute. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 14. Faced with budget shortfalls and preexisting deficits, state and local legislators are looking for ways to get more in taxes from their richest residents. WSJ economics reporter Juliet Chung describes how they’re approaching it. Plus, U.S. mortgage rates fall to their lowest level this year, offering hope to prospective buyers. And more of Americans’ retirement funds are tied to stocks than ever. Anne Tergesen, who covers retirement for the Journal, joins the podcast to discuss the risks involved. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 14. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lands in the U.K. to shore up support ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, WSJ correspondent Matthew Luxmoore says prisoner swaps provide an example of how Russia and Ukraine can cooperate in the future. Plus, why the era of big raises for low-paid workers is over. And WSJ’s Amrith Ramkumar details how Democrats are trying to reinvigorate waning support from tech executives. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 13. A revived tax deduction is prompting tech startups to dust off their hiring plans. WSJ special writer Theo Francis discusses the change and its implications. Plus, the New York Attorney General is suing the parent company of payments platform Zelle for allegedly failing to protect users from fraud. We hear from Journal reporter Dylan Tokar about why the suit, which was abandoned by a now-dismantled federal watchdog for consumers, may not be the last of its kind to come from attorneys general of democratic states. And President Trump meets with European leaders to discuss red lines in Ukraine. WSJ chief European political correspondent Bojan Pancevski joins to talk about how the call went and what it means ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 13. Their crypto-currency venture has generated more wealth since the election - some $4.5 billion - than any other part of the president’s business empire, as WSJ senior reporter Patricia Kowsmann explains. Plus, hundreds of National Guard troops begin patrolling Washington D.C. And WSJ reporter Vipal Monga explains how some Canadians are using alcohol as a new front in their country’s trade war with the U.S. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 12. As Google awaits a judge’s ruling that could require it to spin off its Chrome browser, AI startup Perplexity makes an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to buy Chrome. Journal reporter Katherine Blunt discusses what we know about the offer, and how likely it is to actually happen. Plus, President Trump calls for Goldman Sachs to replace its chief economist over his past predictions of the impact of tariffs. And the White House plans to review materials from the Smithsonian museums ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary. WSJ White House reporter Meridith McGraw explains why. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 12. After firing its former head, Trump says the Heritage Foundation’s current chief economist, E.J. Antoni, will ensure accuracy in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data. Plus, ahead of Friday’s summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, WSJ correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov explains why peace in Ukraine doesn’t seem to be a priority for Moscow. And WSJ reporter Clarence Leong details China’s massive new shipbuilding plans. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 11. Speaking from the White House this morning, the president compared the homicide rate in Washington with capitals around the world and said he would also put D.C. police under federal control. Plus, 50% tariffs on aluminum imports went into effect in June, and beverage, auto and manufacturing companies are hurting. Ryan Dezember, who covers commodities for the Journal, discusses how the U.S. aluminum industry’s answer to boosting the domestic supply of aluminum might currently be in your recycling bin. And Ford Motor has announced a $2 billion investment in a Louisville, Kentucky factory to build high-tech, affordable electric vehicles. WSJ reporter Sharon Terlep discusses how that might help the company take on the makers of cheap Chinese electric vehicles. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Bonus Episode for Aug. 11. Shares of publicly traded private-equity firms like Blackstone and Apollo are down year-to-date, trailing the broader market, while shares of traditional asset managers like BlackRock have outperformed. Heard on the Street columnist Telis Demos discusses this divide and how it relates to the firms’ second-quarter earnings. WSJ reporter Miriam Gottfried hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 11. In a highly unusual deal, chip giants Nvidia and AMD will give the Trump administration 15% of their AI chip sales to China. Plus, Israel’s military kills five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, according to the network. This comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed his new war plans include fighting in refugee camps. And, WSJ editor Aaron Zitner explains why the division between red and blue states is becoming deeper than ever. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

A surge in cyber attacks is increasingly hitting small businesses, the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to a forthcoming survey from Mastercard, nearly half of business owners have experienced a cyber attack, and nearly one in five that suffered an attack then filed for bankruptcy or closed their business. WSJ cybersecurity reporter James Rundle and Seyoung Jeon, lead cyber analyst at Security Intelligence Provider Dragonfly, discuss the vulnerabilities of small enterprises, what these attacks mean for the greater economy and what businesses can do to defend themselves. Kate Bullivant hosts. Further Reading Hackers Target Eldercare Homes For Some Companies, the Real Cost of a Cyberattack Is Telling Everyone About It New York Orders Local Governments to Start Reporting Cyberattacks Microsoft Alerts Firms to Server-Software Attack U.S. Tells Companies to Prepare for Iranian Cyberattacks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2025

How did Apple avoid tariffs on its chips? And are mortgage lenders Fannie and Freddie set to go public? Plus, what caused Crocs shares to plunge? Host Jack Pitcher discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 8. In an exclusive, we’re reporting that the Trump administration is preparing an IPO for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac later this year, which it estimates could raise $30 billion. But WSJ capital markets reporter Corrie Driebusch says that key questions remain—including whether the companies will remain under government conservatorship. Plus, gold futures briefly surpassed a 45-year record before paring gains after the White House said it would clarify tariffs on gold. And nicotine is in, beer is out: What Americans’ changing vices mean for the companies behind the goods, and their stock prices. WSJ reporter Laura Cooper discusses how the companies are responding. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 8. Wall Street is finally getting what it’s long hoped for - the ability to invest pension funds in assets like real-estate, crypto and private equity. But as WSJ deputy editor Quentin Webb explains, that doesn’t come without its risks. Plus, Israel’s cabinet approves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to take over Gaza City. And, why using old-school ways to land a job might be more effective than using AI to spray your resume all over the net. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his country will take control of the entire Gaza Strip. WSJ correspondent Dov Lieber fills us in on what we know about the plan so far. Plus, President Trump has called for Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign over his ties to China. Amrith Ramkumar, who covers tech policy for the Journal, joins the podcast to discuss what this might mean for the troubled chip maker. And Firefly Aerospace becomes the third space or defense company to make its stock market debut this year. We hear from WSJ capital markets reporter Corrie Driebusch about what makes this sector so appealing to investors. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 7. President Trump’s sweeping levies kicked in on dozens of countries just after midnight. But behind the scenes, negotiators are still racing to secure exemptions for key exports. Among them, chips, which are now subject to a 100% tariff - unless the importer invests in the U.S. And, the WSJ’s Stephen Wilmot and Jon Emont look at the outsize impact the trade war has had on the auto industry and the world’s poorest countries. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 6. President Trump’s tariffs have so far only caused minor disruptions. WSJ economics reporter Jeanne Whalen joins to discuss why we haven’t seen an economic earthquake. Plus, President Trump plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. And American carmakers are focusing less on electric vehicles and more on gas-guzzling vehicles like pickups and SUVs. We hear from Sharon Terlep, who covers the auto industry for the Journal, about what’s changed. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Bonus Episode for Aug. 6. It’s tough sledding in the food business as costs rise but consumers aren’t having higher prices. How are food companies balancing inflation and tariffs on one hand and the need to appeal to budget-conscious buyers on the other? WSJ Heard on the Street editor Aaron Back discusses the latest earnings reports for Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Conagra, Campbell and J.M. Smucker tell us about the food business and the future of how we eat. WSJ food reporter Jesse Newman hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 6. With scores of countries facing steep reciprocal tariffs tomorrow, WSJ markets reporter Chelsey Dulaney says governments without a U.S. trade deal are either rushing to Washington for talks or taking on the fight. Plus, special envoy Steve Witkoff meets President Putin just days before the White House's deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face severe economic penalties. And, RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for U.S. vaccine research. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 5. Nearly 10 million American children are living in poverty, the most since 2018. Tens of millions more are precariously close, their families pushed to the brink by a storm of economic factors. Dan Frosch, who covers the U.S. economy with a focus on income inequality and poverty for the Journal, talked with a number of families in this position and joins us to discuss. Plus, with the resignation of a Federal Reserve official, President Trump has an opportunity to reshape the Fed. We hear from WSJ chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos about what the president might do. And a House committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department for reports of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Bonus Episode for Aug. 5. Six of the so-called Magnificent Seven companies have reported quarterly earnings, with only Nvidia, the most-valuable of them all, yet to release its results. Heard on the Street’s Asa Fitch talks about how much better it can get for the stocks harnessing AI-mania to propel the stock market. Asa, who also writes the Journal’s new AI newsletter, says that the hyperscalers show no sign of slowing their furious pace of capital investment in infrastructure, but he cautions that continuing to top investors’ lofty expectations is becoming more of a challenge. Markets AM writer Spencer Jakab hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Sign up for the WSJ's free WSJ AI & Business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 5. President Trump is looking to step up pressure against banks for dropping clients over perceived discrimination against conservatives and crypto companies. WSJ editor Alex Frangos says it comes as investors are increasingly worried about political interference on Wall Street. Plus, The Justice Department tasks a grand jury with reinvestigating the intelligence community’s findings over Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election. And, in a bid to deter foreigners from overstaying their visas, The State Department might require travelers entering the U.S. to post a bond of up to $15,000. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 4. Tesla’s board has approved an interim pay package for CEO Elon Musk to incentivize him as he is dividing his time between several companies, with plans for a longer-term pay strategy. WSJ special writer Theo Francis reports that Musk wouldn’t be the only chief executive to enter the exclusive club of gaining stock-based pay worth more than $1 billion in a single year. Plus, though President Trump only signed his tax-and-spending megabill into law last month, some companies are already starting to feel the impact by having more cash on hand. We hear from the Journal’s Heard on the Street columnist Jonathan Weil about what that means for companies, their investors and the federal deficit. And as consumer spending stagnates, Americans are on the hunt for a good deal. WSJ corporate news reporter Katherine Hamilton discusses how U.S. consumers are trying to save money, and how companies are responding. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 4. China has gained leverage over the U.S. military supply chains by choking off the exports of critical minerals to Western defense companies. The WSJ’s Jon Emont explains how these restrictions from China will have significant consequences for the U.S. military. Plus, the Trump administration defends the president’s decision to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following Friday’s weaker-than-expected jobs numbers. And, dozens of Texas House Democrats flee the state in a bid to block Republican plans to redraw the state’s congressional map. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

We are in the heat of the summer travel season, and many travelers are finding that it’s getting more expensive to take a vacation. Airlines, whose hopes for this year were rattled by tariff uncertainty, have started adapting to more upscale consumers; Southwest, for example, has adopted new bag fees and started selling tickets with assigned seats. Hotels are seeing a decline in foreign visitors as domestic travelers scale back their plans, even as short term rental services like Airbnb are broadening their offerings to include services. Allison Pohle covers travel and tourism for the Wall Street Journal, and she joins host Alex Ossola to discuss how travel is looking different these days, and what this means for travel in the future. Further Reading:  Europe Is Out. Road Trips Are In. Welcome to the Scaled-Back Vacation.  Airlines Are Having a Bruising Year. Delta and United Are Doing Better. New York City’s Hotel Market Is Envy of the Country  Airbnb Lets You Add a Private Chef to Your Rental. Your Host Might Not Like It. Where Did All the Las Vegas Tippers Go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

Is Novo Nordisk losing its lead in the weight-loss market? And what caused Meta’s shares to jump? Plus, why did shoppers rush to buy Apple’s iPhones? Host Francesca Fontana discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

P.M. Edition for Aug. 1. The jobs report, which showed sharply lower revised numbers for May and June, may open the door for the Fed to cut interest rates at its next meeting in September. WSJ finance news editor Christina Rexrode joins to discuss. Plus, software company Figma’s stock market debut yesterday saw its stock price jump 250% in its first day of trading, leaving some $3 billion on the table. We hear from Corrie Driebusch, who covers U.S. capital markets for the Journal, about why that happened. And President Trump says he will position two nuclear submarines “in the appropriate regions” in response to criticism from a former Russian leader. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Bonus Episode for Aug. 1. Logistics companies that deliver the goods you use everyday are grappling with rapid shifts in freight demand due to President Trump’s trade war. Warehouse operator Prologis, trucking giant J.B. Hunt and parcel carrier United Parcel Service are also still dealing with a yearslong slump in freight demand following the pandemic. Elsewhere in the industry, railroad giants Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern plan to merge in a deal that would create the first coast-to-coast rail operator in U.S. history. WSJ reporter Esther Fung discusses what companies are saying in earnings reports and analyst calls. Liz Young hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies’ earnings reports and analyst calls to find out what’s going on under the hood of the American economy.Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

A.M. Edition for Aug 1. As the deadline for many countries to clinch trade agreements expires, President Trump moves to hike levies on scores of countries, while delaying their implementation until Aug 7. WSJ finance editor Alex Frangos unpacks the ins and outs of this new trade order. Plus, WSJ data reporter Inti Pacheco takes a stroll down main street to explain how tariffs are affecting American businesses and consumers. And, Ray Dalio sells his remaining stake in Bridgewater, the hedge fund that made him a billionaire. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

P.M. Edition for July 31. As President Trump’s deadline approaches for countries to establish trade agreements, an appeals court hears arguments about whether he can use emergency powers to impose tariffs. We hear from Jess Bravin, who covers the U.S. Supreme Court for the Journal, about where the case goes from here and the implications of a decision. Plus, Microsoft has become the second company in the world to notch a $4 trillion market capitalization. WSJ technology reporter Sebastian Herrera discusses how it achieved this milestone, and which company may be next. And shares of software company Figma jump 250% in the company's stock market debut, adding fuel to an IPO comeback already under way. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 31. Ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for reciprocal tariffs to kick in, the U.S. confirms deals with South Korea, Thailand and Cambodia, with more expected today. WSJ editors Timothy Martin and Peter Landers explain how these last-minute deals will benefit some of the world’s biggest manufacturing hubs. On the other hand, President Trump casts doubt on a Canada pact, after Ottawa said it plans to recognize a Palestinian state. And, shares of Microsoft and Meta rally in off-hours trading as ad sales and core businesses make up for huge spending on artificial-intelligence. Azhar Sukri hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 30. As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve held rates steady for a fifth straight meeting. But in a rare move, two officials disagreed with the decision. WSJ investing columnist Spencer Jakab joins to discuss why, and what the Fed might be paying attention to ahead of its next meeting in September. Plus, President Trump announces new tariff rates for Brazil and India, and says he won’t extend the Aug. 1 deadline for countries to make trade deals with the U.S. And Amazon will pay the New York Times at least $20 million annually to license its content to train artificial intelligence. We hear from WSJ reporter Alexandra Bruell about the significance of that deal. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 30. The magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Pacific coast, triggering tsunami warnings in Hawaii and California. Plus, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady, but two governors appointed by President Trump are due to vote against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, something that hasn’t happened in more than three decades. Dow Jones Newswires economics editor Paul Hannon explains the significance. And, the Trump administration takes a big swing at toppling a landmark scientific finding on greenhouse-gas emissions. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 29. The merger deal between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create a single company controlling coast-to-coast rail shipments for the first time in U.S. history. WSJ reporter Esther Fung discusses why the deal isn’t totally done yet, and why it’s taken this long to get a coast-to-coast rail operator. Plus, JPMorgan Chase is nearing a deal to take over Apple’s credit-card program. We hear from WSJ banking reporter AnnaMaria Andriotis about why the deal would be significant. And as tech companies build more electricity-hungry data centers to power artificial intelligence, utilities want the companies to pay more. Journal reporter Katherine Blunt describes how the dynamic is playing out across the U.S. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 29. At least sixteen children under five have died of hunger-related causes since mid-July, according to the UN-supported group the IPC. WSJ correspondent Margherita Stancati says it’s the most dire assessment of conditions in Gaza since the war began. Plus, in Midtown New York a lone gunman has killed four people including a police officer and a Blackstone executive. And, we look at how the Trump administration is looking to borrow 1 trillion dollars with a deluge of new government debt. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 28. Business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic welcomed a trade deal between the U.S. and European Union, despite pushback from Europe. WSJ White House economic policy reporter Brian Schwartz discusses how the deal came to be and the reaction from around the world. Plus, workforces are getting smaller and CEOs want everyone to know. WSJ’s Chip Cutter explains why companies are bragging about staff reductions. And is Dubai chocolate the next pumpkin spice? WSJ’s Owen Tucker-Smith talks about the latest food craze and its possible staying power. Sabrina Siddiqui hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 28. The agreement avoids a damaging trade war with the U.S.’s largest trading partner. WSJ Brussels reporter Kim Mackrael explains the significance of the deal. Plus, Israel announces a pause in military activity in Gaza to allow in humanitarian aid. And Samsung will supply Tesla with chips in a $16.54 billion deal. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Startups are aiming for an audacious reboot of America’s nuclear energy program. With massive energy demand for data centers and recent executive orders from President Trump that aim to quadruple nuclear-power generation in the next 25 years, the industry is having a moment. What will it take to meet these goals, and is it even possible? X-energy CEO Clay Sell and WSJ reporter Jennifer Hiller discuss how small modular nuclear reactors could lower the cost of building nuclear while meeting America’s energy needs and what the electric grid of the future could look like. Alex Ossola hosts. Further Reading:  The Audacious Reboot of America’s Nuclear Energy Program Trump Wants to Expand Nuclear Power. It Won’t Be Easy New York to Build One of First U.S. Nuclear-Power Plants in Generation A Nuclear Power Plant in Your Backyard? Future Reactors Are Going Small Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

Which companies’ shares are under the sway of meme traders this summer? And why did Chipotle’s sales alarm investors? Plus, why did a trade-war development boost shares of Japanese automaker Toyota? Host Francesca Fontana discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 25. American corporations have paid much of the additional $55 billion in tariffs that the U.S. has collected this year. WSJ economics reporter Jeanne Whalen explains why these companies are footing the bill, and when we might expect to see those costs passed on to consumers. Plus, earlier this week Columbia University agreed to pay the Trump administration $200 million to restore its federal funding. We hear from WSJ White House reporter Natalie Andrews about how this agreement may provide a blueprint for negotiations with other schools. And banks are getting picky about who they want as credit card customers. WSJ personal economics reporter Imani Moise discusses what kinds of customers they’re looking for, and the impact this higher bar could have on consumers. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 25. The latest setback in the Trump administration’s drive to end the war between Israel and Hamas comes amid acute food shortages in Gaza, with the WSJ’s Feliz Solomon saying child hunger is rapidly increasing across the enclave. Plus, a new Wall Street Journal poll finds President Trump’s political standing has been buoyed by voters’ improving views of the economy. And LVMH chief Bernard Arnault is working friendships on both sides of the Atlantic in a bid to avert a trade war - and insulate his luxury empire. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 24. President Donald Trump took a rare step visiting the Federal Reserve. The $2.5-billion renovation to its headquarters has gotten renewed attention this month as Trump has ramped up pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. WSJ White House reporter Meridith McGraw discusses what this might mean for the Fed’s meeting next week. Plus, Walmart has built dozens of artificial intelligence agents to interface with everyone from customers to suppliers. Now the retailer is overhauling its approach; WSJ enterprise technology reporter Isabelle Bousquette explains why. And, for the first time, UnitedHealth Group has confirmed it’s responding to Justice Department probes. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 24. Japan’s TOPIX hits a new record high and European markets surge on trade optimism. So are 15% tariffs the new benchmark for trade with the U.S.? The WSJ’s Kim Mackrael discusses. Plus, Tesla’s profit plunges as EV sales continue to slip, and Elon Musk urges investors to look to future revenue streams. And Microsoft says human waste could be the key to offsetting the climate impact of its AI data centers. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 23. Attorney General Pam Bondi also told the president that the Justice Department had decided to not release more Jeffrey Epstein documents because of the presence of child pornography and to protect victims. Plus, as President Trump hails the trade deal the U.S. struck with Japan, American automakers have criticized it. WSJ autos reporter Ryan Felton discusses their reasoning, and why the companies’ stocks are rallying anyway. And as the Trump administration pledges to stimulate the use of artificial intelligence in the U.S., companies are already scrambling over the rising popularity of AI search. We hear from WSJ marketing reporter Patrick Coffee about what marketers are doing about it. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 23. President Trump says that he will set tariffs on the country at 15%. The WSJ’s Jason Douglas says the deal helps Japan’s crucial automotive sector. Plus, Trump lashes out at his perceived political enemies, including Barack Obama, as the president faces more questions about Jeffrey Epstein. And how younger individual investors are cheering on a new clutch of meme stocks. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 22. To keep his company competitive in a wild and costly AI battle, Elon Musk is seeking up to $12 billion for xAI as it looks to build a new data center. Plus, Republican leaders in the House have cut short this week’s session as the furor over disclosures from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation continues. “Buy now, pay later” plans become more popular among Americans, but they might hurt their chances of mortgage or credit-card approval. WSJ personal economics reporter Imani Moise discusses why banks are worried about the rise of “buy now, pay later.” Alex Ossola hosts.   Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 22. Six months in, Stargate has so far failed to complete a single deal for a data center despite the Trump administration’s ambitions. The WSJ’s Eliot Brown says OpenAI is instead finding other partners. Plus, Chinese and European leaders are set to meet in Beijing this week, as the global economy seems to shrug off tariff uncertainties. And why more college graduates are starting their careers in America’s secondary cities. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

P.M. Edition for July 21. The battle between Harvard University and the Trump administration reached a crescendo today as they met in a federal courtroom in Boston over the government’s cancellation of more than $2 billion of research funding. We hear from WSJ higher education reporter Sara Randazzo about the case, and where it goes from here. Plus, as the valuations of chip companies rise, Heard on the Street writer Asa Fitch says investors are ignoring the looming threat of tariffs on chips. And slumping U.S. EV sales mean that battery makers have capacity to spare, so they’re turning to a new market: energy-storage systems. WSJ autos reporter Chris Otts tells us what the impact of such a pivot might be. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

A.M. Edition for July 21. The European Union is changing its tune as trade talks with the U.S. take a turn for the worse. WSJ editor Dan Michaels explains what this could mean for the world’s largest trading relationship. Plus, how Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been trying to convince President Trump not to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell. And why taxing the super rich can backfire on governments, as the U.K. seems to be learning to its detriment. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025