WSJ What’s News

Modern warfare is a contest of industrial might. China has spent decades assembling an industrial base at an unmatched scale, from shipping to advanced electronics. But although manufacturing power helped the U.S. win World War II, America now would struggle in a production battle. WSJ senior reporter Jon Emont discusses how China's economy fueled that buildup, what it means for China's economy, and where that leaves the U.S. Alex Ossola hosts. Further Reading: America Let Its Military-Industrial Might Wither. China's Is Booming. The Fortress That China Built for Its Battle With America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What drove Temu's profit down? And why doesn't Nvidia seem to need China to sell? Plus, how E.l.f. Beauty's stock got a major glow-up. 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

P.M. Edition for May 30. President Trump says farewell to Elon Musk as the billionaire returns to the private sector. And American consumers are feeling gloomy about the economy. WSJ reporter Chao Deng says economists chalk that up to the tariff news cycle. Plus, the Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to cancel temporary protections for about 500,000 migrants. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 30. Lawyers for the Justice Department and Google prepare to make closing arguments today as a judge weighs how to improve competition in online search. Plus, top U.S. officials say trade negotiations with foreign capitals remain on course, despite a court ruling that President Trump's sweeping global tariffs were illegal. And WSJ reporter Feliz Solomon explains the situation in Gaza as a new aid distribution system backed by Israel goes into effect. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 29. A federal court has temporarily put on hold a ruling that voided President Trump's tariffs. WSJ trade and economic policy reporter Gavin Bade discusses what this means for the president's trade agenda and where the administration goes from here. Plus, Jess Bravin discusses the potential role of the Supreme Court. And Meta and Anduril are teaming up to make high-tech VR/AR headsets for the U.S. Army. WSJ technology and national security reporter Heather Somerville weighs in on why this could be an important move for Meta's business. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 29. A U.S. federal trade court has ruled President Trump lacked the authority to impose global tariffs, blocking one of the administration's boldest assertions of executive power. While stock futures are rallying today, WSJ deputy finance editor Quentin Webb says that decision adds to investor uncertainty over the future of U.S. trade policy. Plus, Elon Musk announces his looming exit from government. And Nvidia's business booms, even as its CEO critiques U.S. efforts to shut China out of the global chips market. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 28. As the Trump administration has threatened to roll back temporary legal protection of immigrant workers, U.S. businesses are preparing for a blow to their workforce. WSJ senior special writer Ruth Simon visited one such company to understand what that might mean for its business. Plus, Elon Musk criticized President Trump's tax-and-spending bill, saying that it failed to reduce the federal deficit. And Nvidia's sales soar as demand for artificial intelligence chips surges, even with the company effectively shut out of China. Alex Ossola hosts. WSJ Future of Everything event  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 28. In a State Department cable signed by Marco Rubio, the Trump Administration orders embassies and consulates to stop scheduling new student-visa interviews while officials prepare to ramp up social media screening and vetting. Plus, with its armed forces depleted, WSJ's Matthew Luxmoore describes how Ukraine is turning to TikTok and cash incentives to bring Gen Z into the fight against Russia. And SpaceX loses control of a Starship spacecraft after making it farther than previous test flights. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 27. China, Russia and North Korea claim the missile-defense project is driving a dangerous new arms race. WSJ reporter Thomas Grove says an impenetrable shield—though difficult to accomplish—would upend the paradigm of mutually assured destruction. And the GOP tax bill includes a much higher levy on schools' endowment income. WSJ reporter Juliet Chung discusses how universities are rethinking their investment strategies. Plus, Salesforce strikes a roughly $8 billion deal to buy the data-management software firm Informatica to enhance its AI capabilities. Pierre Bienaimé hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 27. President Trump gives the European Union a reprieve on his threat to impose 50% tariffs on June 1 if a trade deal isn't reached. The WSJ's Kim Mackrael in Brussels talks us through the negotiations. Plus, Trump weighs sanctions against Russia as Moscow pummels Ukraine with drones and missiles. And Canada's new leader Mark Carney takes up the task of fixing the country's relationship with Trump. Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson previews King Charles's historic speech at the opening of parliament. Azhar Sukri hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Trump's latest threats hurt Apple? And how did a DEI boycott affect Target's latest quarter? Plus, why was Ross Stores the latest company to pull its outlook? Host Jack Pitcher discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Listen: Boycotting Target: A WSJ Podcast Series Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 23. In posts on social media and statements from the Oval Office today, President Trump threatened a 50% tariff on imported goods from the European Union, as well as new duties on iPhones and other smartphones made overseas. WSJ reporter Gavin Bade joins to discuss how the EU might negotiate with the president, and whether Apple can make iPhones in the U.S. Plus, a weak bond auction earlier this week pushed some long-term bond yields higher. WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip digs into what's behind this recent bond turmoil. And a judge temporarily blocked the government's move to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 23. While the court said President Trump can remove independent agency leaders, the ruling found the Federal Reserve is unique, providing some relieft o investors. Plus, major U.S. banks are exploring whether to team up to issue a joint stablecoin. And as BYD beats out Tesla in European sales for the first time ever, we look at how China has been building up its high-tech industries with WSJ's Brian Spegele. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 22. The House passed President Trump's sprawling tax-and-spending bill, after some last-minute changes this morning united Republican holdouts. WSJ tax policy reporter Richard Rubin talks about what made it into the bill, and what happens next. Plus, the Trump administration has blocked Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students. And U.S. antitrust enforcers argue that large institutional investors who own shares in rival companies may be violating antitrust laws. Dave Michaels, who covers corporate law enforcement, joins to discuss what this could mean for those big institutional 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

A.M. Edition for May 22. A man shouting “Free Palestine” fired shots near a Jewish museum in the U.S. capital, with President Donald Trump suggesting the killings were driven by antisemitism. Plus, WSJ's Quentin Webb says it's a new, golden era for crypto as Bitcoin jumps to a fresh, record high. And Oasis fans look set to outspend Swifties as the British band's summer reunion tour gears up. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 21. In its first quarter earnings reported today, Target's sales declined more than analysts expected and the company lowered its outlook for fiscal 2025. WSJ reporter Sarah Nassauer discusses the challenges facing Target's business. Plus, a meeting between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa grew tense over Trump's unsubstantiated claims that white South Africans were the victims of a possible genocide. And a report from the Boston Fed examines potential risks of the rapidly expanding nonbank lending, which is often financed by banks. Platform editor Isaac Taylor breaks down what that means. Alex Ossola hosts. Boycotting Target: A WSJ Podcast Series Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 21. House GOP leaders and Republicans from high-tax states appear to be nearing an agreement on state and local tax deductions, as President Trump's giant tax and spending deal inches toward a vote. Plus, WSJ columnist Jon Sindreu unpacks why recent volatility in the treasury market matters to more than just bond investors. And in the latest electric vehicle pull back, Ford is letting rival Nissan share its flagship U.S. battery plant. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 20. Google is adding an AI chatbot feature to its iconic search page, allowing it to more closely rival competitors like ChatGPT. WSJ reporter Katherine Blunt discusses Google's parent, Alphabet, plans to bet even bigger on artificial intelligence. Plus, despite the fear of an immigration crackdown from the Trump administration, many workers without legal status are still going to work. Paul Kiernan, who covers the U.S. economy for the Journal, joins to talk about why that is, and what it means for industries dependent on migrant labor. And President Trump pressures Republican dissenters in the House to drop their objections to his tax and spending bill which could go on vote as early as tomorrow. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 20. Republican leaders plan to meet with President Trump Tuesday morning in order to shore up support for their tax bill, ahead of a potential House vote on Wednesday. Plus, an administration u-turn means construction of a massive wind farm in New York is back on. And WSJ reporter Te-Ping Chen explains how some companies in the trades sector are targeting high-school students to fill staff shortages. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 19. To meet their self-imposed deadline of Memorial Day, House Republicans are facing a tug of war over spending cuts. Siobhan Hughes, who covers Congress for WSJ, discusses the major points of contention and where the bill goes from here. Plus, President Trump wants the U.S. to be a manufacturing powerhouse, even though hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled. We hear from Journal economics reporter Chao Deng about what makes those jobs less appealing to workers, and what manufacturers are doing to try to woo them. And the U.S. Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to strip Venezuelan migrants of their legal status. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 19. Former President Joe Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his doctors, as representatives say the disease has spread to his bones. Plus, Israel says it will start allowing aid into Gaza for the first time in months, as the Israeli military expands its ground operation in the enclave. And Journal foreign correspondent Georgi Kantchev on what to expect from President Trump's phone call with Vladimir Putin today after Russia unleashed a drone barrage on Ukraine. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many U.S. shoppers know Target as a place to get everyday items like groceries and paper towels, as well as clothes and homegoods. But recently some shoppers have stopped buying things at Target as part of boycotts over its pullback from policies around diversity, equity and inclusion. In the first episode of this special What's News series, host Alex Ossola digs into how Target got here: the company's history and why shoppers are upset with Target in particular at a moment when many other companies are also changing their DEI policies. In your feed, you can find the second episode of this series, looking into the boycotts' impact on Target's business and on those of Black entrepreneurs with products on Target's shelves.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Target rolled back its goals around diversity, equity and inclusion, several organizers across the U.S. launched boycotts. In the second episode of this special What's News series, we zoom in on the boycotts' potential impact on Target's business and on those of Black entrepreneurs with products on Target's shelves. Host Alex Ossola and producer Jess Jupiter travel to Atlanta to see how one boycott, Target Fast, is going, and what things are like at one Bullseye Black Market for Black entrepreneurs. And we consider how effective boycotts are at pushing companies to change. In your feed, you can find the first episode of this series, looking into Target's history and why shoppers are upset with the company at a time when many other businesses are also changing their DEI policies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which companies got a boost from the trade truce between the U.S. and China? And how did UnitedHealth shares respond to a week of bad news? Plus, what was the reaction to news of Dick's Sporting Goods acquisition of Foot Locker? 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

P.M. Edition for May 16. The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer-sentiment index fell to 50.8 in May. WSJ economics reporter Chao Deng says the data surprised economists, and reflect fears of higher prices driven by sweeping tariffs. And higher education reporter Sara Randazzo says President Trump's funding cuts have delivered a broad hit to universities from the Ivy League to state schools. Plus, Boeing will avoid prosecution over violating an earlier criminal settlement under a tentative deal with the Justice Department. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 16. We'll get the latest from White House reporter Alex Leary in the United Arab Emirates as President Trump winds down a four-day trip to the Middle East. Plus, a veteran FAA air-traffic controller, shaken after averting a midair collision, opens up about stress, staffing and tech problems. And with two weeks until hurricane season, the new head of FEMA admits to not having a fully formed disaster-response plan. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 15. The retail giant plans to raise prices this month and early this summer, when tariff-affected merchandise hits its store shelves. WSJ reporter Sarah Nassauer says its price hikes could set the tone for other U.S. retailers. And Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks of a new strategy for the central bank, given that very low interest rates are not guaranteed. Plus, financial crime and regulation reporter Dylan Tokar follows the trail of the Chinese money-launderers depositing bags of drug cartel cash at banks around the United States. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 15. President Trump claims India has offered to charge no tariffs on U.S. goods as trade talks between the European Union and Washington also speed up. WSJ reporter Joe Wallace says those signs of progress in negotiations come as transpacific trade begins to roar back to life. Plus, the Supreme Court prepares to hold a hearing on Trump's bid to abolish birthright citizenship. And hopes for Ukraine-Russia peace talks crumble as Vladimir Putin turns down a face-to-face meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 14. The U.S. president has fired the librarian of Congress and is seeking to install members of his administration. National political reporter Ken Thomas describes the power struggle between the branches of government. And Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Aramco, says it has signed 34 agreements with U.S. companies with a potential value of $90 billion. Plus, Ukraine and Russia can't agree on who will meet where— if at all —for peace talks, scheduled for Thursday. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 14. We head to a gathering of top global retailers to hear why this week's 90-day tariff rollback by the U.S. and China isn't delivering the long-term certainty businesses are looking for. Plus, President Trump met with the new president of Syria, marking a major turning point in global recognition of the country's leadership. And the U.S. reverses Biden-era export controls on advanced AI chips. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 13. Companies seek to access foreign-trade zones as they navigate rising U.S. tariffs. WSJ news associate Owen Tucker-Smith reports on how the country's roughly 260 foreign-trade zones allow them to defer tariffs on imported goods and materials, for a while. And the latest consumer-price index showed prices rose 2.3% in the 12 months through April, slowing from a 2.4% rate a month earlier. Economics reporter Chao Deng considers U.S. tariffs' effects on that price growth. Plus, President Trump announced an end to sanctions on Syria during the first of a four-day trip to the Middle East. The move would give Syria's new rulers a financial lifeline. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 13. President Trump landed in Riyadh this morning, his first stop on a regional visit during which Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, plan to announce dozens of business agreements with the U.S. WSJ foreign correspondent Stephen Kalin previews what to expect and deputy Middle East bureau chief Shayndi Raice explains why Israel is questioning a slew of recent moves by its ally. Plus, United Airlines tries to reassure the flying public as travel issues mount at its New Jersey hub. And the world's top auction houses hope 20th century masters can help the art market shrug off economic uncertainty. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 P.M. Edition for May 12. U.S. stocks rallied today—with the Nasdaq entering a bull market, closing 20% above its April low—after the U.S. and China agreed to temporarily unwind most of the tariffs they have imposed on each other's goods since April. Plus, President Trump signs an executive order intended to lower U.S. drug prices. WSJ White House correspondent Natalie Andrews joins to discuss the order and what it means for consumers. And the retail-property market, which had bounced back after the pandemic, is starting to fall flat. Kate King, who covers real estate for the Journal, talks about why that is and what it means for the broader state of the retail 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

A.M. Edition for May 12. Washington and Beijing take a major step toward thawing their trade conflict by agreeing to lower tariffs on each other's goods by 115%. WSJ reporter Jason Douglas recaps the results of weekend talks and explains which issues the two sides still need to sort out. Plus, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order today tying U.S. drug prices to what other countries pay. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky challenges Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him for peace talks this week. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Ankara is the capital of Turkey. An earlier version of this podcast said Istanbul was the country's capital. (Corrected on May 13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're bringing you an episode of Bold Names, which presents conversations with the leaders of the bold-named companies featured in the pages of The Wall Street Journal. On this episode, hosts Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims speak to Peter Jackson, the CEO of Flutter Entertainment, who leads a global sports betting empire. With the U.S.-based FanDuel as its crown jewel, he has a prime view of one of the fastest-growing and most profitable entertainment industries in the world. How is Flutter using technology to supercharge sports betting, while grappling with its potential harms?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why did Disney's Middle East expansion wow investors? And how is steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs slowing down its operations? Plus, how did Boeing benefit from the U.S.-U.K. trade agreement? 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

P.M. Edition for May 9. In a social-media post, President Trump said lowering tariffs on Chinese goods to 80% “seems right.” Meanwhile, Beijing moved to enforce restrictions on exports of rare-earth metals before this weekend's talks in Switzerland. But when it comes to the future of electric motors, that might not matter; WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims tells us about one startup that's using iron and steel instead. Plus, Newark Liberty International Airport suffers its second tech outage in two weeks. Victoria Craig hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 9. Chinese exports to the U.S. plunged in April as the Trump administration's tariff assault forced the world's second-largest economy to redirect more of its goods to other markets. Plus, President Trump resurrects a proposed ‘millionaire tax' despite opposition from congressional Republicans. And correspondent Sune Rasmussen explains how European authorities are struggling to respond to a new generation of young extremists being radicalized online. Luke Varg as hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 8. Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff? WSJ reporter Drew Hinshaw answers that question from Vatican City. Plus: the U.S. agrees to a new trade deal with the U.K.—while the European Union draws up a list of American tariff targets. WSJ's Kim Mackrael has the details from Brussels. And, the Federal Aviation Administration could modernize the nation's air-traffic control system in the next few years, but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says Congress needs to front the funding. Victoria Craig hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 8. In a first since President Trump's ‘Liberation Day' tariff announcements, the U.S. is expected to announce a framework of a trade deal with the United Kingdom. Correspondent Max Colchester explains that despite the likely straightforward nature of the agreement, it hints at the White House's broader strategy. Plus, why tariff whiplash is spurring some central banks to cut rates, even as the Fed stands pat. And President Trump looks to cement his ‘Make America Healthy Again' agenda with his pick for surgeon general. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for May 7. Despite political pressure from President Trump, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady today. WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip explains how tariff uncertainty factored into their decision. And Disney seeks a foothold in the Middle East with an upcoming theme park in Abu Dhabi. WSJ entertainment reporter Ben Fritz has details on the company's ambitions. Plus, investigations reporter Katherine Long tells us what U.S. spy agencies are after in Greenland. Victoria Craig hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode for May 7. Big automakers are bracing for tariffs. General Motors, Ford, Stellantis and Tesla say they're strategizing to address possible price increases and supply-chain disruptions. Automotive regulatory reporter Ryan Felton analyzes the latest earnings results from car companies to explain what they're doing and what it could mean for customers. Julia Carpenter 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