Podcast appearances and mentions of Jessica Mendoza

Charlie Kirk, the provocative conservative influencer and confidant of President Trump, was shot and killed yesterday. He was 31. WSJ's Aaron Zitner reports on how Kirk quickly rose to become a prominent figure in conservative politics and where things stand with the investigation into his death. He also discusses the alarming recent rise of political violence in American life. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a Hyundai electric vehicle factory complex in Georgia, agents from the Department of Homeland Security detained about 475 people, including hundreds of South Korean nationals. It was the biggest single site raid in the history of the department. WSJ's Sharon Terlep went to the factory complex and explains how two of Trump's key policies—cracking down on illegal immigration and rebuilding U.S. manufacturing—have unexpectedly collided. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:  - Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz - "I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets are on sale now.! Tickets are on sale now. Stein-Erik Soelberg became increasingly paranoid this spring and he shared suspicions with ChatGPT about a surveillance campaign being carried out against him. At almost every turn, his chatbot agreed with him. WSJ's Julie Jargon details how ChatGPT fueled a troubled man's paranoia and why AI can be dangerous for people experiencing mental health crises. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- What's the Worst AI Can Do? This Team Is Finding Out. - A Lawyer Says He Doesn't Need Help for Psychosis. His Family Disagrees.Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets go on sale Friday, September 5 at 10am ET. A hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania was acquired by a private equity firm that leveraged it to make shareholders millions. Now the facility has had to close its doors, leaving the community reeling. WSJ's Soma Biswas takes us inside the hospital's bankruptcy and Jessica Mendoza speaks to a local emergency services executive about the impact on the local community in Chester.  Further Listening:  - Why Private Equity Is Buying Up Car Washes - The Private Equity Lobby Wins Again Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a huge summer of show jumping, and the Flair Overview team is back to unpack the highlights. From Nina Mallevaey's breakthrough five-star Grand Prix win to Laura Kraut's emotional Dublin triumph, plus the rise of young French talent and the US riders' hot streak, this episode dives into the stories behind the results. Episode Highlights Nina Mallevaey's 13 international wins in 2025 and her rise as France's top under-25 rider Laura Kraut and Bisquetta's long-awaited Dublin Grand Prix victory The resurgence of the French team with Nina, Jean, and Antoine Erman leading the way Big US wins: Aaron Vale, Jessica Mendoza, Adrienne Sternlicht, and more Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei chasing Grand Slam glory at Calgary Who's the real “horse of the sport” right now? Point Break, Checker 47, Leone Jei, or United Touch? This show is very kindly supported by FLAIR Strips. Achieve Equine, LLC develops innovative equine products like the FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. Founded by Jim Chiapetta and Ed Blach, both equine veterinarians, the company focuses on enhancing horse respiratory health and performance. They conducts rigorous research to ensure the efficacy and safety of its products, aiming to support the health and safety of horses and riders. Located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, Achieve Equine emphasizes strong relationships, data-driven decisions, and effective solutions in the equine industry.

Get more information about our first-ever live show here! Tickets go on sale Friday, September 5, 10am ET!  Kraft Heinz, the huge company behind Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Heinz Ketchup and Kraft Mac and Cheese, is splitting in two. Behind this split is a private equity company, the MAHA movement, and the "historically bad deal” that merged Kraft and Heinz in the first place. WSJ's Jesse Newman tells Jessica Mendoza about what's changing in America's pantry. Further Listening:  Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA The Fight to Kick Soda Out of Food Stamps  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is trying to triple its ranks of deportation officers. Flush with cash from President Trump's “one big, beautiful bill,” the agency is attempting to recruit and train an additional 10,000 officers. The push comes as the White House has set a goal of a million deportations by the end of Trump's first year in office. It's a pace that is roughly double what ICE is currently on track to achieve. WSJ's Michelle Hackman tells Jessica Mendoza about her visit to an ICE training center in Georgia. Further Listening: - "I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company. - Deportations Could Upend This Parachute FactorySign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a week after it unveiled a streamlined new design, Cracker Barrel has reversed its controversial decision to change its logo. WSJ's Heather Haddon unveils a behind the scenes corporate grudge from an activist investor who fueled the outrage. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: Red Lobster's New CEO Plots Its Comeback The Epic Mess at TGI Fridays The Taco Tuesday Fight Is Over Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. government is taking a 10% stake in Intel, a deal that caps a two-week frenzy for the troubled chip maker and marks the latest in a series of extraordinary private-sector interventions by President Trump. WSJ's Robbie Whelan peels back the curtain on the unprecedented deal and shares details from the Oval Office meeting between Intel and the Trump administration. Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: - How Intel's CEO Became a Political Liability- Is American Capitalism in Retreat?- The Nvidia CEO's Quest to Sell Chips to ChinaSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of demands for lower interest rates, President Donald Trump is attempting to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in the most dramatic step yet in his efforts to take control of the independent central bank. As WSJ's Matt Grossman explains, the move could allow Trump to alter the makeup of the board enough to potentially outvote Fed Chair Jerome Powell and recast the Fed in his image. Jessica Mendoza hosts.Further Listening: - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff DeadlineSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a pro-growth mayor in rural Tennessee dies unexpectedly, his vision for development is suddenly challenged. What began as a land dispute quickly escalates into a clash of values, dividing the deep-red county over the very definition of 'conservative.' WSJ's Cameron McWhirter reports on a fight between tradition and transformation, featuring two farmers on opposing sides. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- A Fight over Buc-ee's and the Soul of the American WestSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When New Rochelle, NY was faced with a declining population and economy, it set out on a building spree. A decade into the effort, the city – which sits just north of New York City – actually managed to keep rents down, bucking a nationwide trend. WSJ's Rebecca Picciotto shares how New Rochelle navigated red tape and some community opposition to build thousands of new housing units. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- Is NYC's Mayoral Race All About Rent? - The Rise of the YimbysSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has made big moves to intervene in critical industries – from computer chips to rare earth minerals to steel. WSJ's chief economics commentator, Grep Ip, says that these efforts could suggest the U.S. might be moving away from free market capitalism and towards what he calls state capitalism, American-style. Now, Greg is wondering if the U.S. economic system is starting to look more like China's, and if President Trump is imitating the Chinese Communist Party by extending political control ever deeper into the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.Further Listening: - The Nvidia CEO's Quest to Sell Chips in China- How Intel's CEO Became a Political LiabilitySign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of quiet behind the scenes' lobbying in both Washington and Beijing, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has secured a deal to protect tens of billions of dollars in future sales from the heated U.S.-China trade rivalry. WSJ's Lingling Wei profiles the CEO's transformation from co-founder to corporate lobbyist. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- How Intel's CEO Became a Political Liability- The U.S. Wants American-Made Chips. Can Intel Deliver? Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A couple in Los Angeles say they wanted a big family. Surrogates who carried their children say they were deceived. WSJ's Katherine Long explains why an investigation into a family who say they have 22 children is raising alarm among the commercial surrogacy industry, a fast-growing and multibillion-dollar market. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:  - America's Maternal Mental Health Crisis - How Employer-Funded Child Care Can Work Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe has mostly been spared from the synthetic opioid crisis that has ravaged the U.S. over the past two decades. But now, a deadly new drug could be changing that: nitazenes. Up to 15 times stronger than fentanyl, nitazenes have been behind hundreds of overdose deaths in European countries over the past few years. WSJ's Sune Rasmussen on where the drug comes from and why it's doing so much damage. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: Fentanyl Is Bad. ‘Tranq' Might Be Worse. The Push to Test Drugs for Fentanyl Why Some Opioid Victims Are Challenging Purdue's Settlement Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a new game selling out stadiums around the country: banana ball. The game's founder, Jesse Cole, describes how he got started. And WSJ's Jason Gay watched a game to see what Major League Baseball – and other pro sports – can learn from banana ball's fan-first approach. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further listening: - NCAA President on New Era for College Sports - How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in Sports - The Biggest Trade in Sports Wasn't an Athlete –– It Was a TV Show Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney is grappling with how to push forward into a new AI era without losing control of its valuable intellectual property. WSJ's Jessica Toonkel takes us inside the company's complicated relationship with AI and its race to figure out how to leverage the new technology for maximum gain – without putting too much at risk. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Download That Led to a Massive Hack at Disney - Disney Gets Into Gambling - Why Florida is Fighting with Walt Disney World Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Marty Makary has criticized the Food and Drug Administration for being "captured" by Big Food and Big Pharma. Now, the surgeon and former professor is in charge. In an interview with host Jessica Mendoza, the new FDA head talks about food dyes, AI, vaccines and the big changes he has in store for an agency that regulates one-fifth of consumer spending. Further Listening:  Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup MAHA Influencers Go to Washington Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, President Trump fired the top Bureau of Labor Statistics official after the government published new data showing that U.S. hiring slowed sharply this summer. The jobs report was the weakest in President Trump's second term. WSJ's Matt Grossman reports on the economist at the heart of the controversy, Erika McEntarfer, and on bigger concerns around data from the bureau. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin ​​- Is Trump Winning His Trade War? - Is the Economy… OK? Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few months, President Donald Trump has struck numerous trade deals with countries and continues to negotiate with others. The European Union, Japan and South Korea all agreed to a tariff rate of 15%. WSJ's Greg Ip says Trump has succeeded on his own terms and created a new trade world order, albeit a fragile one. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- A Pharmaceutical Executive on Trump's Tariff Strategy- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff DeadlineSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After decades, Volkswagen brought its iconic VW bus back to the U.S., this time as a fully electric vehicle. But after years of buzz, the new model is falling flat. WSJ's Sean McLain explores the hype around the ID.Buzz and why it struggled to capture American hearts and dollars. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: -Kia and Hyundai's ‘Kia Boyz' Problem -Will Honda Be Nissan's Ride or Die? -Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would impose up to a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals, though he would give them up to a year and a half before fully implementing the tariffs. Trump's goal is to bring more manufacturing to the United States, but one pharmaceutical CEO, Richard Saynor of Sandoz, says there is little incentive to build in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline - Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global diamond company De Beers spent decades convincing couples that true love required a diamond. But now, lab-grown diamonds that are identical to naturally-mined ones are flooding the market with cheaper options and reshaping the diamond business completely. WSJ's Jenny Strasburg takes us inside the showdown in the diamond market, and we speak to a ring shopper weighing her options. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening:-One American Company Taking on China's Rare-Earth Dominance-Can Pepsi Make a Comeback?-How Target Got Off TargetSign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tiny rare-earth magnets are used for building phones, electric cars, and submarines, but nearly all of them are mined and made in China. One U.S. company is trying to change that. WSJ's Jon Emont spoke with MP Materials' CEO about his goals for the mine, which has now made deals with the Pentagon, General Motors, and Apple. Can this industry come back the U.S.? Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: -Why Trump Wants Ukrainian Minerals  -Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2003, Jeffrey Epstein got a gift for his 50th birthday, a leather-bound album containing letters, poems, photos and greetings from friends. One of the letters was from Donald Trump. The president says the letter "is a fake thing." WSJ's Khadeeja Safdar reveals what's in the letter and Sadie Gurman explores what it means for Trump and the Department of Justice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: -JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon warehouses are more automated than ever. The company, a key bellwether for the U.S. labor market, now has over a million robots packing and shipping goods in its fulfillment centers. While some employees are finding ways to transition into higher-paying technical roles that manage the robots, the company's CEO Andy Jassy has said it plans to cut the size of its overall workforce. Sebastian Herrera explains Amazon's vision for the warehouse of the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs.  - The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon   Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After talks with NATO allies, President Donald Trump gave Russia 50 days to broker peace with Ukraine. If they can't make it happen, he says he'll impose tariffs on Russian goods to ratchet up economic pressure. The move underscores Trump's growing anger with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ's Lara Seligman unpacks the latest and explores the evolving relationship between Trump and Putin. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: -Inside the Hunt for Putin's Sleeper Agents  -How Ukraine Built a Weapon to Control the Black Sea  -Ukraine Makes a Deal With Wall Street  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The man of steel is back in a new $225 million reboot. Riding on this weekend's release is the hope that DC Studios will finally begin to match the past successes of its archrival Marvel. Its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery views DC Studios as critical to its success or failure. WSJ's Ben Fritz talks to Jessica Mendoza about whether or not Superman can be the savior that DC and Warner are hoping for. Further Listening: - With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema  - Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, President Trump has feuded with the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates. And now, two Republicans named Kevin (Kevin Hassett, one of Trump's closest economic advisers and Kevin Warsh—a former Fed governor) are vying to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ's Nick Timiraos takes us inside the contest for the next Fed Chair and what the President might be looking for with his choice. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline  - Is the Economy…OK?  - Trump 2.0: Where Is the Economy Headed?  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is shaking up business in a big way, and recent college graduates are feeling the pinch. WSJ's Chip Cutter explores the new corporate philosophy emerging around hiring and explains how the promise of artificial intelligence is putting entry-level jobs on the chopping block and less experienced applicants may be forced to pivot. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - The Company Behind ChatGPT  - The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT  - OpenAI's Weekend of Absolute Chaos  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JPMorgan Chase recently announced that it was raising the annual fee on its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card by 45%. The company believes enough customers will stick around because of the status and exclusivity the card conveys. WSJ's Imani Moise reports on how credit card companies have increasingly attracted customers by offering perks. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card  - The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SCOTUS wrapped up a busy session, giving states room to restrict transgender medical care for minors, allowing the federal government to strip legal status for Venezuelan migrants and, in one of its final acts on Friday, clipping the power of federal judges to block President Trump's policies nationwide. Jessica Mendoza speaks to WSJ's Jess Bravin about the emergency cases filling the Supreme Court schedule and what that signals for the future. Further Listening: -Is There an Ethics Problem at the Supreme Court?  -Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, is making artificial intelligence a signature issue. Last week, the Vatican hosted tech leaders at a two-day international AI conference in Rome. WSJ's Margherita Stancati reports on why Silicon Valley is watching to see if Leo will use the Church's moral authority to push for stronger AI rules. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - The Financial Mess Facing the Vatican  - Pope Francis Has Died. What's Next for the Catholic Church?  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Mendoza speaks to NCAA president Charlie Baker about the landmark settlement that is ushering in a new professional era for college sports. The deal will create a new system for college athletes to get paid directly by schools. They discuss how payments will be regulated, what impact Title IX could have and how the deal could change college sports. Further Listening: - The TikTok That Changed College Hoops  - California Takes On the NCAA  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Iran fired missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar. Officials said Iran also fired on Iraq. The attacks were in retaliation for a strike over the weekend that hit three of Iran's nuclear facilities, authorized by President Trump. WSJ's Shayndi Raice reports on how Iran got backed into a corner and has been forced to decide whether or not to escalate into a broader war. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: -Iran May Be Running Out of Options  -Iran and the U.S. Were Set to Negotiate. Then Israel Attacked  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deportation fears and economic uncertainty is driving changes in shopping behavior in Latino communities. Job losses in industries like construction have also left Hispanics with less money to spend. WSJ's Laura Cooper travels to Texas and reports that some Hispanic shoppers are forgoing their regular shopping trips and restaurant meals. Companies are now saying they're seeing the pullback in their sales. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Inside ICE's Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants  - Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year, Washington D.C. has faced thousands of federal jobs cuts due to President Trump's DOGE work. Also, the city has a $1 billion budget shortfall after Congress passed a funding bill forcing the District to revert to its 2024 budget. Jessica Mendoza sat down with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to discuss the city's challenges, the weekend's military parade, and her relationship with Trump.  Further Listening: - Inside DOGE's Campaign of Secrecy  - Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill'? Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leonard Leo is a conservative lawyer and co-chairman of the Federalist Society who played a significant role in shifting the U.S. Supreme Court rightward. Now he is focusing his efforts on reshaping American culture through entertainment. He's channeling funds towards high production value Christian and conservative television shows and films, including Amazon Prime's hit "House of David.” WSJ's Maggie Severns reports on how Leo is using a fund of more than $1 billion to back Hollywood blockbusters that push a more right-wing agenda. Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: -The Return of Religious Films to Hollywood  -Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To fulfil a key campaign promise, the Trump administration has been pushing ICE to arrest more migrants. WSJ's Michelle Hackman explains how that's led to more aggressive tactics and raids like the ones that unfolded in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking major protests. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory  - How Frog Embryos Landed a Scientist in ICE Detention  - A New Phase in Trump's Immigration Fight  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The storybook bromance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to have come to an end. WSJ's Rebecca Ballhaus unpacks what happened and what the stakes are for the two powerful men. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk  - Elon Musk's Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin  - Inside USAID as Elon Musk and DOGE Ripped it Apart  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the sickest Medicare Advantage patients ran into problems getting end-of-life care. Ultimately many patients switched to traditional Medicare, costing taxpayers billions, according to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal. This is one of many Medicare Advantage practices that is now under government scrutiny. Both Congress and Medicare agency head Dr. Mehmet Oz are pushing for reforms to curb tactics that can boost federal payments to private insurers. The Department of Justice is also investigating major private insurance companies UnitedHealth, Aetna, Elevance Health and Humana. Jessica Mendoza discusses the investigations with WSJ's Anna Wilde Mathews. Further Listening: -Medicare, Inc. Part 1: How Insurers Make Billions From Medicare  -A Life-or-Death Insurance Denial  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medicare Advantage was designed to save the government money. But a Wall Street Journal investigation found that private insurers used the program to generate extra payments through questionable diagnoses. The investigation uncovered instances of potentially deadly illnesses like AIDS, where patients received no follow-up care, as well as diagnoses that were medically impossible. This happened in part when insurers sent nurse practitioners into Medicare Advantage recipients' homes. Jessica Mendoza discusses the investigation with WSJ's Christopher Weaver as well as a nurse who participated in the program.  Further Listening: -A Life-or-Death Insurance Denial  -Even Doctors Are Frustrated With Health Insurance  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Israeli-backed system meant to deliver aid and food into Gaza launched last week to scenes of chaos and violence. WSJ's Anat Peled breaks down the new system, and explains why getting aid to the region is difficult and dangerous. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - A Fragile Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza  - The UN Agency Accused of Links to Hamas  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minting one penny costs the United States nearly four cents. After 233 years, the Treasury Department has decided to phase out the coin. This will mean that businesses will have to round cash transactions up or down, and some fear it could lead to inflation. We reminisce about the cultural significance of the one-cent coin with WSJ's Oyin Adedoyin and discuss the pro-penny stance with an advocate. WSJ's Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: - The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe  - The Coronavirus Cash Crisis  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In May, President Trump signed an executive order cutting off federal funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS. In his order, Trump said “neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.” WSJ's Joe Flint breaks down the decades-long fight over public media, and NPR's CEO Katherine Maher explains why her network is challenging the Trump administration in court. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: -For Millions of Student-Loan Borrowers, It's Time to Pay  -Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off for Memorial Day but with summer reading season just beginning, we wanted to share this episode.BookTok, the corner of TikTok that's all about books, has shaken up the publishing world. Over the last few years, the platform has pulled in new readers, especially in the romance and fantasy genres. And now some of the largest publishers in the U.S. are finding new talent and rethinking their strategies because of TikTok. We hear from an author, a bookstore owner and a publisher about how TikTok has transformed the book industry. Jessica Mendoza hosts.This episode was first published in December 2024. Further Listening: -The Rise of the Tween Shopper  -Inside One Publisher's Fight Against Book Bans  -Scholastic's Succession Drama  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economists have long analyzed data to predict the next recession. They've also turned to more offbeat economic gauges like underwear sales and skirt lengths. But now, the TikTok generation is seeing recession indicators everywhere. WSJ's Hannah Erin Lang explains what Gen Z's fascination with harbingers of economic doom might actually mean for the economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Is the Economy… OK?  - Trump 2.0: Where Is The Economy Headed?  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blockbuster drugs. Rising profits. Strong sales. And yet, Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind the GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, made a surprising move last week: It pushed out its CEO. WSJ's Peter Loftus charts the rise of Ozempic and the fall of CEO Lars Jorgensen. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: Trillion Dollar Shot  Why WeightWatchers Wants in on Drugs Like Ozempic   Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill today to urge passage of his multitrillion dollar tax and spending agenda. The bill is a complex piece of legislation that includes tax cuts, spending increases, spending reductions and some tax hikes. In total, it would increase budget deficits by nearly $3 trillion over a decade. WSJ's Richard Rubin reports on the testy debate inside the GOP over the bill. Jessica Mendoza hosts.     Further Listening: -Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days  -Trump's Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices