Synopsis
Top stories. Timely insights. Mirrored after the popular WSJ column, get updates twice daily for your commute as our journalists cover world events, business, politics, markets and the economy.
Episodes
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Democrats Sweep With Big Wins in New York, Virginia and New Jersey
05/11/2025 Duration: 13minA.M. Edition for Nov. 5. Democrats notched major victories last night, prompting President Trump’s ire on social media. WSJ editor Aaron Zitner breaks down what the results mean for both parties and how they could shape the national political landscape going into the 2026 midterms. Plus, Republican senators meet at the White House this morning as the government shutdown becomes the longest in history. And we look at the competition facing weight-loss giant Novo Nordisk. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Government Shutdown Poised to Become Longest in U.S. History
04/11/2025 Duration: 12minP.M. Edition for Nov. 4. WSJ’s Congress reporter Katy Stech Ferek talks about the latest in negotiations as lawmakers search for a deal to end the shutdown. Spencer Jakab, who writes WSJ’s Markets A.M. newsletter, explains why a famous method of valuing stocks suggests rough years ahead. And it’s Election Day in the U.S. Head to WSJ’s live blog for more coverage of key races in New York City, New Jersey and Virginia. Sabrina Siddiqui hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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What’s News in Earnings: Who Is Winning the Obesity-Drug Arms Race?
04/11/2025 Duration: 07minBonus Episode for Nov. 4. The weight-loss-drug arms race is only heating up, as Novo Nordisk attempts to snatch drugmaker Metsera away from Pfizer. But can either company compete with Zepbound seller Eli Lilly? WSJ reporter Peter Loftus discusses what earnings from Big Pharma, including AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck, say about the future of the industry and how companies are responding to President Trump’s drug-pricing plans, including TrumpRx. WSJ Heard on the Street columnist David Wainer 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. Further Reading: Novo Nordisk Sweetens Offer for Metsera - WSJ Pfizer Sues Seeking to Block Novo Nordisk’s Effort to Undo Weight-Loss Drug Deal Why Pfizer Can Still Prevail in the Obesity Fight With Novo Nordisk The Day Pharma’s Weight-Loss Gold Rush Intensifie
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Trump Backs Cuomo in New York Mayoral Race
04/11/2025 Duration: 14minA.M. Edition for Nov. 4. It is election day with voters heading to the polls in states including New York, Virginia and New Jersey. WSJ’s John McCormick says that although Democrats are expected to win all three races, it will not necessarily ease the divided party’s troubles. Plus, WSJ’s Gavin Bade says there is a lot at stake for President Trump as his tariffs are set to go before the Supreme Court. And two major investors reject Elon Musk’s $1 trillion pay deal. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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What Drove Kimberly-Clark’s $40 Billion Deal for Tylenol Maker Kenvue
03/11/2025 Duration: 14minP.M. Edition for Nov. 3. In one of the biggest takeovers of the year, Kimberly-Clark has agreed to buy Tylenol maker Kenvue for more than $40 billion. WSJ business reporter Natasha Khan joins to discuss the strategy behind the deal. Plus, Chipotle has invested heavily in courting younger customers. Now, they’re feeling the economic pinch—and so is Chipotle. Journal reporter Heather Haddon talks about what the company is doing about it. And Mali may soon be the first country to fall to al Qaeda. We hear from WSJ security correspondent Benoit Faucon on what that would mean for the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s presence in Africa. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Shutdown Nears Record as Crucial Week Begins
03/11/2025 Duration: 13minA.M. Edition for Nov. 3. Democrats are pressing President Trump to come to the table as the government shutdown nears a record 35 days. Plus, WSJ’s Chelsey Dulaney breaks down why Europe’s former economic heavyweights are falling behind their southern neighbors. And we dig into the surprising comeback of one of the housing market’s riskiest loans — and why homebuyers are taking the gamble. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Business and Politics Collide in NYC Mayor’s Race
02/11/2025 Duration: 15minWith the New York City mayoral election just days away, many Americans outside the city are following the race closely to see if the previously unknown democratic-socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani will defeat former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The results could have broad implications for the national business community and the Democratic party. WSJ reporters Joshua Chaffin and Kevin Dugan discuss what the mayoral race could mean for business and politics. Alex Ossola hosts. Further Reading Mamdani and Cuomo Trade Barbs in Tense New York City Mayoral Debate Republican NYC Mayoral Candidate Curtis Sliwa Faces Pressure to Drop Out Five Takeaways From the NYC Mayoral Debate New York’s Richest Ask ‘How Dare He?’ as Mamdani Closes In on City Hall Cuomo Pins Longshot Comeback on Reshaped New York Mayor’s Race Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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What’s News in Markets: Nvidia Milestone, Mag 7, Chipotle Suffers
01/11/2025 Duration: 06minHow did Nvidia close out the week after becoming the first $5 trillion company? And how did increased AI spending affect the members of the Magnificent Seven that reported earnings this week? Plus, what’s causing lower demand for fast-casual dining spots like Chipotle? 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
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Behind the Escalating Violence in Sudan
31/10/2025 Duration: 13minP.M. Edition for Oct. 31. Sudan’s civil war is taking a jarring turn in Darfur, where an Arab-led militia is now using state-of-the-art drones and execution squads to dominate the region’s Black population. WSJ reporter Nicholas Bariyo, who is based in Uganda, shares the latest on the conflict. Plus, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to pay for federal food assistance benefits as the government shutdown continues. And across the U.S., a growing number of home purchases are falling through. We hear from Journal personal finance reporter Veronica Dagher about what’s driving the rise, and what it says about the U.S. housing market. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Government Shutdown Threatens Food Stamps for Millions of Americans
31/10/2025 Duration: 15minA.M. Edition for Oct. 31. SNAP benefits, or food stamps, are set to end this weekend, if the U.S. government shutdown persists. WSJ’s Sabrina Siddiqui explains what that would mean for millions of Americans. Plus, after a busy earnings week WSJ’s Quentin Webb discusses how giant tech companies are continuing to bet big on artificial intelligence. And, WSJ’s Mark Maremont breaks down why the number of justifiable homicides by civilians in the U.S. is rising. Kate Bullivant hosts.Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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JPMorgan Steps Into Fund Tokenization
30/10/2025 Duration: 15minP.M. Edition for Oct. 30. JPMorgan Chase said today that it tokenized a private-equity fund on its blockchain platform, an offering available to the wealthy clients served by its private bank. We hear from WSJ reporter Vicky Ge Huang about why the bank made this move, and whether others are making similar ones. Plus, earnings season continues, with companies including Amazon and Apple reporting strong quarterly results. And Prince Andrew is a prince no more—King Charles is stripping him of his royal titles. Alex Ossola hosts. READ: Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Become Gavin Newsom’s Toughest Opponent Yet Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trump, Xi Scale Back Trade Tensions
30/10/2025 Duration: 14minA.M. Edition for Oct. 30. President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping emerged from their first face-to-face meeting in six years with a temporary truce in their trade fight. WSJ’s Meridith McGraw explains what the superpowers’ agreement entails. Plus, Trump says the U.S. will begin testing nuclear weapons on an “equal basis” with Russia and China. And, WSJ’s Katherine Clarke details why the Hamptons luxury housing market is staging a comeback for the ages. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Fed Lowers Interest Rates but Powell Sows Doubt About December Cut
29/10/2025 Duration: 14minP.M. Edition for Oct. 29. The Fed cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point today, as was widely expected. But comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell cast doubt on another cut in December. WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip joins to discuss. Plus, a trio of big tech companies report quarterly earnings that exceed analyst expectations… mostly. And a Senate proposal to raise the limit on insured deposits is creating surprising political alliances—and, as WSJ reporter Dylan Tokar explains, would be a nightmare scenario for the nation’s biggest banks. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How AI is Tearing Through The White-Collar Workforce
29/10/2025 Duration: 15minA.M. Edition for Oct. 29. It has been a tough month for the white-collar workforce, as companies including Amazon, United Parcel Service and Target all announced layoffs. WSJ’s Chip Cutter explains how a new normal is emerging for a leaner workforce, driven in part by artificial intelligence. Plus, the Federal Reserve will announce its latest policy decision today. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos explains what central bankers are weighing amid a government shutdown that is leaving a gap in the official data. And, with over three thousand billionaires on the planet, Americans are dominating their collective wealth. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trade Framework Emerges for the U.S. and China
28/10/2025 Duration: 13minP.M. Edition for Oct. 28. In an exclusive, we’re reporting on a trade framework that President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to discuss later this week that could see the U.S. rolling back some tariffs on China. WSJ trade and economic policy reporter Gavin Bade discusses what we know about the framework, and what that means for the U.S.-China relationship. Plus, UPS says it has cut 48,000 jobs in management and operations, pushing its stock price to close up 8%. And OpenAI has transitioned into a more traditional structure. We hear from WSJ reporter Keach Hagey about what that means for the company and its longtime partner Microsoft. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Correction: OpenAI’s nonprofit parent owns a stake in its for-profit subsidiary, which has become a public-benefit corporation. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly said OpenAI had become a for-profit company. (Corrected Oct. 28) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f
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What’s News in Earnings: Inside Airlines’ Holiday Pricing Strategy
28/10/2025 Duration: 06minBonus Episode for Oct. 28. Earlier this year, economic uncertainty weighed on airlines, as Americans were rethinking their travel plans. With the busy holiday travel period approaching, executives at carriers such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines say demand is improving. WSJ reporter Dean Seal discusses how these carriers’ money-making strategies are beginning to pay off. WSJ travel reporter Jacob Passy 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. Further Reading: Delta Predicts Premium Seat Sales to Overtake Economy as Soon as 2026 United Airlines Expects Stronger Revenue Trends in Holiday Season Southwest’s Revenue Is Growing. Stronger Travel Demand and Bag Fees Are Helping. American Airlines Lifts Profit Target for 2025 Alaska Airlines Works to Restore Operations After T
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Why Amazon Plans to Cut 30,000 Jobs
28/10/2025 Duration: 14minA.M. Edition for Oct. 28. According to people familiar with the matter, Amazon plans to cut roughly 10% of its corporate workforce, as it seeks to slim down, conserve cash and further employ AI. Plus, WSJ’s Jon Emont explains how a slew of billion-dollar deals is reshaping the once-dormant Western rare-earths industry. And, a Republican-led committee recommends that the Justice Department investigate former President Joe Biden’s executive actions, particularly his clemency decisions. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Qualcomm Takes On Nvidia in the AI Chip Race
27/10/2025 Duration: 14minP.M. Edition for Oct. 27. Shares of Qualcomm rose 11% today after the company announced that it plans to launch new artificial-intelligence accelerator chips. We hear from WSJ reporter Robbie Whelan about what the entrance of Qualcomm, which has so far mostly focused on chips for mobile devices, means for the AI race. Plus, the Caribbean braces for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, which has developed into a Category 5 hurricane. Journal reporter Joseph De Avila discusses the damage the storm is expected to inflict, and where. And Sudanese rebels have captured the last government stronghold in Darfur. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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U.S. and China Signal Trade Progress Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting
27/10/2025 Duration: 13minA.M. Edition for Oct. 27. President Trump touches down in Tokyo, following a busy weekend in Malaysia that included trade agreements with several nations. Plus, Javier Milei scores a decisive victory in Argentina, which WSJ’s Chelsey Dulaney says will allow talks to continue on a multi-billion aid package for the struggling country. And, American women’s pay is falling, with return-to-office mandates possibly to blame. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Inside the New Era of Emergency Readiness
26/10/2025 Duration: 14minBetween the regularity of extreme weather events, the reality of total blackouts and the increasing threat of war, survival prep is becoming more popular. While individuals across the globe have been prepping for decades, now some governments are making sure their citizens are ready for when a crisis strikes. We speak to Denmark’s minister for resilience and preparedness as well as executives from delivery service Wolt, and explain why Taiwan is asking people to pack go-bags. Plus, preppers in the U.K. and U.S. explain why getting ready for disaster doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Further Reading What’s in Your Go-Bag? How Taiwan Packs for Disaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices