Podcast appearances and mentions of luke vargas

A.M. Edition for June 30. A premarket rally in tech companies is putting U.S. stocks on track for their best quarter since 2020. Investors pouring into AI suppliers have also boosted stock markets in Korea and Japan. But as the WSJ's Jason Douglas explains, all that foreign money is weakening the Japanese yen and stoking inflation concerns. Plus, a federal judge rules the Trump administration unlawfully froze Hudson River tunnel funding. And WSJ correspondent Thomas Grove explains how Ukrainian drones are making Russians feel the hardships of war. Luke Vargas 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 June 29. Researchers find a new Chinese AI model is able to match the performance of Anthropic's Mythos, a development WSJ tech reporter Sam Schechner says is likely to pressure the White House in its overhaul of U.S. AI policy. Plus, we'll look at how your unsecured home devices like computers and digital photo frames are linked to major cyberattacks. And Venezuela desperately searches for some 50,000 people still believed missing after last week's earthquakes. Luke Vargas 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 June 26. California's proposed billionaire's tax heads to November's ballot, teeing up a fight among Democrats over wealth, affordability and the future of their party. Plus, a New York City board approves Mayor Mamdani's rent freeze. And WSJ real estate bureau chief Craig Karmin answers listener questions about the U.S. housing shortage in the final episode of our special series. Luke Vargas hosts. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a week of exploring America's housing crisis, listeners wanted to know more. WSJ real estate bureau chief Craig Karmin joins What's News host Luke Vargas to tackle your biggest questions from mortgage rates and construction to immigration and tariffs. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: China moves to sue foreign companies damaging national interests. And global tech stocks tumble on reports that OpenAI will delay its IPO. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 25. Two powerful earthquakes rock Venezuela's capital, rattling other cities and leaving dozens dead. Plus, Anthropic claims Chinese tech-giant Alibaba ran a brazen campaign to access its Claude model. And WSJ economics reporter Justin Lahart explains why the massive AI build-out is becoming a new catalyst for inflation, driving up prices for components and electricity. Luke Vargas hosts. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Investors await today's PCE number - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. And a new bipartisan coalition aimed at readying the American workforce for major AI-driven disruption is launching today. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 24. Progressive candidates allied with Zohran Mamdani swept through New York's primaries, toppling more mainstream Democrats in deep-blue congressional districts. Plus, President Trump threatens big oil with a DOJ probe into why gasoline prices aren't lower yet. WSJ markets editor Alex Frangos, explains the lag and gives us an update on movements through the Strait of Hormuz. And as the energy crisis stemming from the war on Iran eases, HSBC's Frederic Neumann says a new one is brewing in Asia, as the onset of El Niño threatens the global economy. Luke Vargas hosts. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: China's Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense. And Tesla competitor Agility Robotics is set to go public in a deal valuing the startup at about $2.5 billion. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 23. Monday's tech-driven market slide is accelerating, prompted by concerns around Big Tech's AI spending plans and looming rate hikes. Plus, the Pentagon tries to drum up support on Capitol Hill for $80 billion more to fund the Iran war. And just a year after nine-figure compensation packages seemed to be fading, our annual CEO pay ranking shows the $100-million-plus salary is back with a bang. Luke Vargas hosts. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America needs more homes, but labor shortages and rising construction costs are making them harder to build. What's News host Luke Vargas talks to WSJ housing reporter Nicole Friedman about whether factory-built housing, modular construction and other innovations could ease the housing shortage. Listen to all episodes in our series on ideas for fixing the housing crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Tesla sales doubled across Europe last month. And Pete Hegseth pushes for more Iran war funds. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 22. U.K prime minister Keir Starmer resigns as his potential successor says he wants to save Britain from U.S. style politics. Plus, peace talks continue in Switzerland as Iran and the U.S. agree to create a mechanism to ensure the termination of military operations in Lebanon. And the great American housing shortage is forcing a search for solutions. In the first part of our new series, Luke Vargas and WSJ's Rebecca Picciotto dive into the persistent zoning tug-of-war pitting "Not In My Backyard" politics against "Yes In My Backyard" advocates pushing for more construction. Daniel Bach hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one neighborhood, a fight over a few parking lots has turned into a proxy battle in America's housing debate, pitting "Not In My Backyard" politics against "Yes In My Backyard" advocates pushing for more construction. What's News host Luke Vargas and WSJ reporter Rebecca Picciotto dive into the persistent zoning tug-of-wars playing out coast-to-coast as communities try to tackle America's housing shortage. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 18. WSJ national security reporter Alex Ward has the latest on the deal, what it means for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program and Israel's reaction. Plus, WSJ energy reporter Rebecca Feng says that oil prices have dropped on the news that the U.S. deal will lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports. And Intel's stock soars to an all-time high pre-market after President Trump says Apple will work with Intel to design and build chips in the U.S. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Further Reading: We Did the Math on Why the iPhone 18 Pro Could Cost $1,299 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Oil prices have dropped as sanctions on Iranian oil lift. And the AI startup finalizing its new funding round at a valuation of $13 billion. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 17. The Federal Reserve has trained markets to hang on its every word, but new chairman Kevin Warsh would rather it say less and let the economic data do the talking. WSJ chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos tells us what to expect. Plus, the Trump administration expands its antifraud campaign to state unemployment programs. And we'll take a bite of the only Gentleman's Relish we could get our hands on. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Check out the latest What's News Sunday episode on how health insurance could be a deciding issue in Georgia's midterms in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: China's Instagram plans to IPO. And European auto shares slump after BMW issues a profit warning. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 16. President Trump's Iran deal may be providing relief for markets, but central bankers are not convinced the inflation spike is over yet, with the BOJ and RBA warning of higher prices for longer. Plus, WSJ tech reporter Georgia Wells details how AI is supercharging deepfake nudes, with more than half of teens having created a nude image, unleashing a new form of bullying amongst kids. And, Iran's World Cup team was ordered to leave the U.S. after their opening match against New Zealand. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next wave of AI IPOs could send billions of dollars into charities and non-profits. WSJ reporter Keach Hagey explains how a new generation of tech wealth may reshape philanthropy. Plus, ElevenLabs co-founder Mati Staniszewski spoke with WSJ's Luke Vargas about the challenges of preventing AI-generated misinformation ahead of the midterm elections. Imani Moise hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: G-7 leaders gather on the shores of Lake Geneva for their latest summit. And shares of SpaceX are poised for another day of gains. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 15. The U.S. and Iran say they've reached an interim deal to open the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire. WSJ Middle East correspondent Benoit Faucon says more needs to be ironed out as Israel's defence minister said they will not withdraw from land it has seized in Lebanon. Plus, Anthropic sends top staff to Washington in a bid to end export restrictions. And, the U.K. announces plans for an under-16 social media ban. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Anthropic sends top staff to Washington in a bid to end export restrictions. And the U.K. announces plans for an under-16 social media ban. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 12. With just hours to go until SpaceX's trading debut we look at what to expect when the largest IPO ever hits the market today. Plus, oil falls on the prospects of an imminent U.S. peace deal with Iran - but will it stick? Analysts warn of more volatility to come. And, as the U.K. defense secretary quits over a lack of military spending, WSJ's Alistair MacDonald explains what it says about Europe's military readiness. Luke Vargas hosts. Further reading on SpaceX's IPO: SpaceX's IPO Couldn't Be More Old School  Musk Looks to an Army of Loyalists to Help Make Him a Trillionaire Meet the SpaceX Employees Who Are About to Make an Overnight Fortune Musk Poised to Be the World's First Trillionaire Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Stocks rise and oil falls on the prospects of an imminent U.S. peace deal with Iran. And growth takes a hit in Europe's two biggest economies. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 11. OpenAI is considering sweeping price cuts as it braces for an intensifying battle for users with chief rival Anthropic. The potential price drop comes as corporate clients begin to pull back on high AI spending and express difficulty tying costs to real investment returns. Plus, social media bans for kids gain momentum as Canada weighs a law that would likely apply to American tech companies like Meta and Snapchat. And the CEO of Bloom Energy K.R. Sridhar tells us how the company is navigating growing opposition to new data centers. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Canada moves to ban kids from social media. And striking workers at a GM supplier reach a deal to end the 10-day walkout. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 10. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is set to propose new rules for booming prediction markets in an effort to crack down on manipulation and bets regulators determine aren't in the public interest. WSJ reporter Alexander Osipovich discusses where the CFTC is likely to draw the line – allowing most sports betting while targeting wagers on war, terrorism and assassinations. Plus, Democrat Graham Platner coasts to victory in Maine, teeing up a crucial Senate contest against Susan Collins in November. And GM follows Ford with a pivot into energy storage. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Correction: A previous version of this podcast incorrectly said the Senate had included funding for an anti-weaponization fund in the immigration bill that passed last week. In fact, the Senate bill refrained from adding language to kill the fund. (Corrected on June 10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Stocks, futures slide on inflation concerns. And U.S. regulators are proposing new rules for prediction markets. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 9. OpenAI has privately filed for an IPO, setting the ChatGPT creator up to potentially listing as soon as this fall. WSJ tech reporter Sam Schechner says the filing comes amid intense competition with rival Anthropic and Elon Musk's SpaceX and who will get the biggest slice of public investor money this year. Plus, the Pentagon targets Alibaba, Baidu and BYD in a new Chinese military blacklist. And from London Tech Week, our conversation with the founder of AI voice company ElevenLabs, Mati Staniszewski. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Alibaba and Baidu face U.S. restrictions under an updated Pentagon list. And Chinese exports accelerated in May in a big boost to the struggling economy. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 8. Markets across Asia and Europe are falling, tracking Friday's Wall Street rout. WSJ editor Peter Landers says tech stocks–especially in South Korea–are being especially hard hit amid “extraordinary sensitivity” among investors over the outlook for future AI growth. Plus, Israel and Iran exchange fire for the first time in months. And Apple prepares to unveil a ChatGPT-like revamp of its Siri voice assistant in a bid to catch up in the AI race. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Global markets slide following Friday's Wall Street rout. And Israel and Iran exchange fire in a fresh test of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SpaceX is gearing up for a blockbuster public debut that could be the biggest in Wall Street history and redefine the global space economy. But as the company evolves from a dominant rocket launcher into an AI-powered conglomerate, questions remain about its financial losses and its de facto monopoly on U.S. space ambitions. WSJ's Corrie Driebusch and space reporter Micah Maidenberg join host Luke Vargas to break down the numbers behind the deal and what this massive infusion of capital means for the future of the cosmos. Further Reading See How SpaceX Is About to Eclipse Every Other Blockbuster IPO The Secrets Revealed in SpaceX's IPO Filing Morgan Stanley Sees SpaceX's Revenue Reaching $3.4 Trillion in 2040 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 5. Anthropic calls on top AI labs to consider slowing down their development. Tech reporter Sam Schechner discusses “recursive self-improvement,” when AI systems can improve on their own without human intervention. The FDA launches a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, potentially paving the way for the Trump administration to restrict its distribution and use. Liz Essley Whyte has the scoop. And Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is taking a U.S. tour as Beijing urges Washington to rethink its support for Taipei. National security reporter Yoko Kubota breaks down the geopolitical context and the timing of the visit. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Anthropic calls on top artificial-intelligence labs to consider slowing down their development. Senior U.S. officials discuss having the federal government take stakes in major AI companies. And the FDA launches a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 4. The leaders of OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind are calling on Congress to pass a law protecting against biological threats posed by AI. Plus, a flesh-eating screwworm has arrived in the U.S., creating a headache for U.S. ranchers and livestock producers. And the Journal's Douglas Belkin explains why college professors are urging schools to reinstate entrance exams after years of looser policies. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Top AI executives urge Congress to protect against biological threats posed by the technology. And a flesh-eating parasite has been detected in U.S. livestock for the first time since 1966. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 3. Heavy gunfire between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf tests a fragile ceasefire, while the OECD warns of multiple global recessions if the conflict isn't resolved by next year. Dow Jones economics editor Paul Hannon explains the risks and how the U.S.' new proposed tariffs on 60 countries would work. And an Iowa farmer pulls off an unexpected upset against a Trump-backed candidate in the state's GOP gubernatorial primary. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The OECD warns of multiple recessions if the war with Iran continues. And ‘60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley is fired by CBS News. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 2. Google parent Alphabet plans to issue $80 billion in equity this year to pay for its massive spending tied to the AI race. Plus, California voters head to the polls in a closely-watched primary to choose Governor Gavin Newsom's successor. And WSJ foreign correspondent Stephen Kalin details a new demand by President Trump complicating efforts to negotiate an end to the Iran war: that Arab states establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The Trump administration proposes a new 25% tariff on some Brazilian goods. And Google asks for billions to fund its AI buildout. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for June 1. Nvidia unveils a next generation lineup of laptops and desktops designed to run AI agents. Plus, SoftBank leapfrogs Toyota to become Japan's most valuable company on news it will invest more than $50 billion in data centers in France. And Colombia lurches right, as voters back a presidential candidate pledging a major drugs crackdown. WSJ South America bureau chief Juan Forero says a potential win by firebrand Abelardo de la Espriella in a runoff later this month could hand President Trump another close ally in Latin America. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Nvidia unveils a next generation lineup of laptops and desktops designed to run AI agents. And SoftBank leapfrogs Toyota to become Japan's most valuable company on news it will invest more than $50 billion in data centers in France. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 29. A Blue Origin rocket explodes on its Florida launchpad, dealing a setback to Jeff Bezos' space company. Plus, the Iran war energy shock sends drivers flocking to Costco gas stations. And with the U.S. intensifying its pressure campaign on Cuba, indicting Raúl Castro and warning of an increase in Russian and Chinese operations on the island, Dragonfly Intelligence analyst Ben Hiorns discusses whether U.S. military action could be in the cards. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Dell shares surge nearly 40% higher after the computer hardware maker reports strong AI server growth and a new U.S. military contract. And ABC complies with the FCC's order to apply for early broadcast license renewals but says the demand is unconstitutional. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 28. As the backlash against artificial intelligence builds in the U.S. and elsewhere, WSJ China economics reporter Hannah Miao says Beijing is pushing companies to embrace AI, but warning them not to cut jobs as they embrace new tools. Plus, federal prosecutors charge a Google employee with insider trading after the software engineer allegedly made more than $1 million betting with nonpublic information. And Meta rolls out paid subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp as the company tries to recoup some of the costs from its expensive AI buildout. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The Justice Department opens a probe into writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused President Trump of sexual assault and defamation. And Meta rolls out paid subscription plans on its platforms as it hunts for revenue to fund its AI buildout. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for May 27. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeats incumbent John Cornyn to clinch the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, setting up a showdown with Democrat James Talarico in what could be the red state's most competitive general election in years. Plus, The Trump administration plans to deploy public health officers to Kenya for a potential Ebola quarantine facility for Americans. And WSJ chief foreign-affairs correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov says with Russia stuck on the Ukrainian battlefield and launching massive strikes on Kyiv, European capitals fear Moscow could expand the conflict beyond Ukraine. Luke Vargas 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 26. The U.S. says it carried out “defensive strikes” against targets in Iran, following a flareup in back-and-forth attacks over the weekend. American officials say the U.S. continues to observe a cease-fire and that talks to end the war are ongoing. Plus, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn face off in a GOP primary that is the latest test of the power of president Trump's endorsement. And Pope Leo XIV warns of the ethical and social challenges created by the rise of artificial intelligence. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices