Podcast appearances and mentions of luke vargas

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

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

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

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

Plus: The Trump administration plans to deploy U.S. public health officers to Kenya for a potential Ebola quarantine facility for Americans. And memory-chip makers SK Hynix and Micron Technology have joined the elite group of clubs valued at over $1 trillion. 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 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

Plus: China's Huawei says it can match cutting-edge Intel semiconductors by 2031 without equipment the U.S. has blocked it from accessing. And Eli Lilly is buying a trio of companies for around $4 billion to grow its infectious diseases business. 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 15. With President Trump wheels up after a two-day summit in China, WSJ White House reporter Annie Linskey discusses the significance of a visit light on concrete new announcements. Plus, the Supreme Court preserves widespread access to abortion pills. And the head of the CIA visits Havana, as Cuba's Communist regime grapples with a U.S. energy blockade. 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 Supreme Court preserves widespread access to abortion pills. And the head of the CIA visits Havana. 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 14. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has warned President Trump that any mishandling of the Taiwan issue could lead to ‘an extremely dangerous situation' – a message China bureau chief Jon Cheng and national security reporter Alex Ward tell us is casting a cloud over a closely-watched summit. Plus, the CDC assigns more staff to respond to the hantavirus outbreak as it tries to strike a balance between a swift response and sparking panic. And columnist Callum Borchers shares career advice for new grads, including that no one cares about your GPA. 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 Pentagon abruptly cancels a deployment to Poland. And stock markets gain as chipmaker Cerebras Systems becomes the largest U.S. IPO so far this year. 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 13. As Tim Cook, Elon Musk and Jensen Huang arrive in China alongside President Trump, WSJ Beijing bureau chief Jon Cheng considers whether the U.S. could be posed to expand Chinese access to advanced American tech. Plus, U.S. household debt closes in on $19 trillion as student loan delinquencies rise. And WSJ's Ed Ballard explains how continued disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is sending trade overland, potentially changing trade routes permanently. 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 12. With the U.S. and Iran still far apart on a peace deal, WSJ reporter Caitlin McCabe says investors are embracing a new Tex-Mex-inspired trade based on the assumption the Strait of Hormuz won't be opening anytime soon. Plus, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fights for his job as a rebellion against him spills into markets. And Democrats face another setback in the midterm redistricting fight. 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 11. Around 150 passengers from a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship are finally returning home, with authorities around the world coordinating flights for quarantine and isolation. Plus, fading hopes of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran are reigniting a climb in oil prices. According to the AAA, Americans on average are paying $4.52 for a gallon of gasoline, with drivers in California hardest hit. And while consumers may be anxious about higher fuel costs, Expedia's CEO tells us that they're still booking trips. 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 8. Early U.K. election results point to a surge in populism and deep voter dissatisfaction with the incumbent Labour party. WSJ U.K. correspondent Max Colchester explains how voters are becoming increasingly polarised and what that means for governments around the world. Plus, President Trump's tariffs face another legal setback. And WSJ's Te-Ping Chen details the extremes writers go to, in order to prove that they are not AI. 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 7. U.S. airlines are warning that already-high airfares will surge if the war in Iran doesn't end soon. And the Trump administration is taking heed, as new polling shows most Americans blame the President for rising fuel costs. Plus, we look at the risks posed by the lowly power bank. And WSJ markets reporter Gunjan Banerji explains the pros and cons of asking AI for investment advice. 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 1. American oil execs give Venezuela a second look as the resumption of direct flights to Caracas signals a major thaw in relations. Plus, in more evidence the Iran war is reshaping supply chains, Australia's energy and climate change minister says he's tracking down new oil suppliers and speeding up the country's transition to renewables. And distillers across the pond cheer as President Trump says he's giving the Scotch industry a break after a royal intervention. 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: Oil giants weigh a return to Venezuela. And, President Trump says he's giving the Scotch industry a break after a royal intervention. 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 April 30. After several years of massive infrastructure spending, four of the biggest names in tech reported sales growth yesterday thanks to the proliferation of AI tools. WSJ deputy tech bureau chief Bradley Olson details how companies are dipping into their cash reserves and announcing layoffs to accommodate massive AI spending, and how investors are responding. Plus, the White House opposes Anthropic's plan to expand access to its powerful Mythos AI model over security concerns. And can LIV Golf survive after Saudi Arabia pulls funding for the PGA Tour rival? 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 conflict in the Middle East deals a blow to Europe's hopes for an economic revival. And, the White House opposes Anthropic's plan to expand access to its powerful Mythos AI model over security concerns. 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 April 29. President Trump instructs aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, to compel the regime to give up its nuclear ambitions. Plus, tech stocks prepare to take center stage during earnings season as AI jitters resurface on Wall Street. And against a backdrop of consumer anxiety, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol says a focus on experience and faster service is luring customers back to its coffee shops. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Correction: Mike Johnson is the House Speaker. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly referred to him as the House Majority Leader. (Corrected on April 29) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The White House warns of major travel disruptions as DHS funding hurtles toward a May deadline. And, it's the end of an era at the Fed: Jerome Powell delivers his final rate decision before his term ends next month. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: The Trump Administration announces payouts to energy firms to cancel offshore wind projects. And cheap foreign cars could disappear from American lots if the Trump administration fails to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 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 April 27. After an attack outside the White House Correspondent's Association dinner, WSJ's Washington coverage chief Damian Paletta explains how simple security flaws exposed the president to another gunman. Plus, budget airlines appeal for government assistance as higher jet fuel prices threaten the struggling sector. And WSJ's Stephen Wilmot reports on how China's electric carmakers are looking to cash in on big American-style SUVs. 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: Budget Airlines seek $2.5 billion in government assistance to help with elevated fuel costs. And backers of a 5% billionaire tax have likely secured a spot for the measure on California's November ballot. 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 April 24. Twin shortages of fertilizer and fuel in the wake of the Iran war are spooking consumers across Asia and raising fears of weak harvests. But as HSBC's Frederic Neumann tells us, the effects of rising food prices are likely to spread around the world and linger well into 2027. Plus, U.S. authorities charge a U.S. soldier who took part in the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro with using classified information to earn more than $400,000 on Polymarket. And Intel shares surge more than 20 percent in off hours trading, as the chip maker beat earnings estimates. 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: A potential federal bailout of Spirit Airlines faces opposition in Washington.  And shares of Intel surge off hours, after the chip maker beat earnings estimates. 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 April 23. Tesla shares have slipped off-hours despite surprising Wall Street with better revenues - and rising car sales. WSJ's Becky Peterson says investors are worried about the price tag for Elon Musk's AI plans, including the new Optimus robot. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Navy Secretary John Phelan in the latest shakeup at the Pentagon. And Senators approve a budget plan to fund DHS, which will hand ICE and Border Control an additional $70 billion, despite Democratic opposition. 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: Oil prices gain for a fourth straight session as the conflict with Iran enters a damaging new phase. And Tesla shares slip following its earnings call. 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 April 22. Florida has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI over ChatGPT's role in a mass shooting that killed two people at Florida State University. Plus, future Iran peace talks may be in doubt, but nobody told investors. Ben Kumar from investment manager 7IM explains the trader enthusiasm fueling yet-more market records. And imagine charging your EV in six and a half minutes. Battery-maker CATL says that'll soon be a reality. Luke Vargas hosts. Explore our series on the financial realities of divorce.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: Battery-maker CATL says you'll soon be able to fully charge your EV battery in just over six minutes. And SpaceX secures an option to buy AI coding startup Cursor for $60 billion ahead of a planned 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 April 21. Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down and handing the baton to hardware chief John Ternus. While Cook's tenure saw the company's market cap explode to over $3 trillion, WSJ deputy tech editor Bradley Olson says investors will want to see how Ternus handles a late-game pivot to generative AI. Plus, the White House is weighing whether to bail out Spirit Airlines or risk an airline collapse that could spike already high summer travel prices. And how Joe Rogan convinced president Trump to fast-track the review of psychedelic drugs used to treat mental illness. 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: Amazon is plowing an additional $5 billion into Anthropic. And the potential for another round of Iran-U.S. peace talks is perking up the markets 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 April 20. Oil prices are surging and stock markets are slipping, as Iran again blocks the Strait of Hormuz and President Trump threatens fresh strikes on key infrastructure. With just days left of the ceasefire, will the U.S. and Iran agree to peace talks this week? Plus, with the world's focus elsewhere, WSJ's Tim Martin says North Korea has sped up work on its nuclear program. And scientists close in on treatments to stop the genetic driver of the world's deadliest cancer. 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 U.A.E. asks the U.S. for a financial lifeline. And this week's economic data is set to reveal the Iran war's impact on the U.S. economy. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With less than 200 days to go until the midterms, voters in several key states will soon choose November's nominees, just as fractures are emerging within both major parties. This week, national political reporters Eliza Collins and John McCormick discuss how Democrats and Republicans are maneuvering for position in a wide-open battle for control of Congress. Luke Vargas hosts. Further Reading How March's Early Primaries Are Shaping the Midterms Rahm Emanuel Floods Democrats With Criticism and Ideas. Will His Party Listen? Bernie Sanders Is Back as a Left-Wing Kingmaker Growing Frustration With Chuck Schumer Spurs Talk of Replacing Him What Trump's Deleted Social-Media Post Says About 2026 How an Image Depicting Trump as Christ Sparked a Backlash on the Religious Right Republicans' Anxiety Over Iran War Grows Five Reasons Republicans Are Worried About This Texas State Senate Race Clash Between Trump and the Pope Is Dividing American Catholics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.M. Edition for April 17. In a setback for GOP leaders in Congress, Republican lawmakers join Democrats in blocking a five-year renewal of a key national-security surveillance program and reinstating temporary legal protections for Haitian immigrants. Plus, Ford cautiously opens the door to partnerships with Chinese carmakers. And QVC files for bankruptcy, as the long-running shopping channel struggles to stay competitive with social media and Amazon Live. 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 April 16. Washington dusts off its World War II playbook, asking manufacturers like GM and Ford to ramp up weapons production. Plus, we look at why pricier fuel is putting Spirit Airlines' future in doubt. And Europe drafts a plan to protect the Strait of Hormuz after fighting stops. But as WSJ's Max Colchester explains, it risks agitating President Trump who has appealed for immediate help with the Iran 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 April 15. As tensions rise over the Iran war, American allies are drafting fallback plans for a “European NATO” should President Trump exit the alliance. Plus, Maine becomes the first state to block construction of large AI data centers. And after the Trump administration cut IRS enforcement staff, WSJ's Richard Rubin looks at whether more Americans are prepared to cheat on their taxes. Luke Vargas hosts.  P.S., if Tax Day snuck up on you, it's not too late to request an extension. 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 April 14. To see how the finances of two of the biggest generations in American history stack up, WSJ's Joe Pinsker looks at whether data on things like income, home prices and student debt can settle the debate. Plus, a double departure on Capitol Hill: Republican Tony Gonzales and Democrat Eric Swalwell both say they will resign from Congress following separate misconduct allegations. And Chinese exports slip, while luxury sales stall as the war in the Middle East shuts malls across the region. 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 April 13. The U.S. plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz sets up a risky new showdown that could draw American forces into a prolonged conflict over the strategic waterway, while compounding the economic damage caused by the conflict. Plus, Trump ally Viktor Orban loses Hungary's election in a historic landslide. WSJ correspondent Matthew Luxmoore has the latest from Budapest. And California Rep. Eric Swalwell faces pressure to leave the House, after suspending his governor campaign following sexual misconduct allegations. 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 April 8. The U.S. and Iran have reached a 14-day ceasefire agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and pausing weeks of escalating military strikes. With Tehran touting the deal as a strategic win, WSJ Middle East correspondent Jared Malsin details what we know about the truce and whether the Strait is in fact reopening. Plus, how markets – and central banks – are responding to the U.S. and Iran walking back from the brink. And Republicans beat back a Democratic push to win Marjorie Taylor Green's House seat. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Correction: India's central bank is called the Reserve Bank of India. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly referred to it as the Royal Bank of India. (Corrected on April 9) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices