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Why Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Went RogueFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-14 20:16
Last week, Grok went rogue. The AI chatbot – which users can interact with on X – posted antisemitic comments and graphic descriptions of violence before being deactivated, leaving users with a question: Where were Grok’s guardrails? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy breaks down what happened and what it means for Musk’s company’s plans for an AI future. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink - The Musk-Twitter Saga Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Can Superman Save Warner?From 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-11 20:53
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
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Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe KevinFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-10 20:03
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
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The Healthcare Costs of Trump’s Big Beautiful BillFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-09 20:38
President Trump’s megabill cuts over $1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next decade, mainly from Medicaid. Experts project nearly 8.7 million fewer people covered by Medicaid, and hospitals face reduced payments and higher costs. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen reports on the bill’s historic cuts. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate - 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
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Why Trump Pushed His Tariff DeadlineFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-08 20:01
When President Trump paused most of his “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days last spring, the administration had hoped to cut dozens of trade deals. As trade advisor Peter Navarro put it, there could be "90 deals in 90 days." But as Trump’s deal deadline approached, it became clear that the administration’s deal-making push has hit some snags, resulting in only a handful of agreements with the UK, China, and Vietnam. This week, Trump extended his deadline to August 1st and sent public letters to many U.S. trading partners. WSJ’s Gavin Bade explains the sticking points that have gotten in the way of “90 deals in 90 days.” Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's Plan B After Trade Court Setback - Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal - Taking Stock of the 'Sell America' Trade Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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AI Is Coming for Entry-Level JobsFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-07 20:00
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
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Why Meta Is Offering $100 Million for AI GeniusesFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-03 20:00
In the battle for AI supremacy, Meta’s models have lagged. Now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is racing to hire new AI talent to close the gap with rivals. He’s dangling huge pay packages to lure experts away from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains how Meta’s AI efforts fell short, and who will be joining the company’s new “Superintelligence Labs” to turn things around. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: -The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety -Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How Trump's Megabill Squeaked Through the SenateFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-02 20:29
After a marathon 27-hour session, Senate Republicans passed their version of President Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” Getting enough senators on board meant last-minute wrangling over key issues, including Medicaid, clean energy and the deficit. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains how Senate Republicans got to a “yes” vote, and what needs to happen before Trump can sign the bill into law. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: - 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
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Swipe, Spend, Repeat: The Perks Arms Race in Your WalletFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-07-01 20:02
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
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The Supreme Court’s Season Finale, ExplainedFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-30 21:49
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
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Rick Steves Is Tired of Hearing 'Have a Safe Trip'From 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-29 16:00
To renowned travel guru Rick Steves, “fear is for people who don’t get out very much.” The travel mogul has built an empire on a philosophy of travel that builds bridges. Recently, he sat down with Ryan Knutson at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival in Seattle for a conversation about his business, his politics and how the two intersect. Further Listening: - The Love Triangle Over Spirit - An Air Traffic Controller Speaks Out About Newark Airport Photo: Uncredited Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Is NYC’s Mayoral Race All About Rent?From 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-27 19:32
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has won over legions of rent-strapped young voters with a platform focused on making housing more affordable — including by freezing rents. This week he cleared an important hurdle, winning the Democratic primary in an upset of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. But his success has panicked the New York real estate industry, which is now in a mad scramble to assess its options. WSJ’s Rebecca Picciotto explains how the city’s housing crisis is driving the election. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: -How Eric Adams Became New York City’s First Indicted Mayor -The Rise of the Yimbys -The Downfall of a Real Estate Empire Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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"I'm Thinking I'm 100% Legal." Then ICE Raided His Company.From 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-26 20:22
Gary Rohwer owns Glenn Valley Foods and lends his name to the company’s signature product: Gary’s QuickSteaks. He says he built his business with the help of mostly immigrant workers, whose legal status he says his company vetted using the government’s E-Verify System. This month, his plant was raided by ICE. He speaks with Annie Minoff about what happened, his industry and what’s next for his company. Further Listening: - Why Latino Consumers Are Spending Less - 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
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Why the New Pope Is Taking on AIFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-25 20:03
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
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NCAA President on a New Era for College SportsFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-24 20:00
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
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Iran Retaliates After U.S. Strike. How Could This End?From 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-23 20:27
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
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Severed Fingers and Wrench Attacks: A New Era in Crypto CrimeFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-20 20:00
The most well-known cryptocurrency thefts involve online hacks or phishing attempts via text messages. But WSJ's Sam Schechner has been reporting on a new wave of violent crypto thefts: wrench attacks. Brutal physical attacks against the crypto elite are on the rise. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: -Pig-Butchering: A Texting Scam With a Crypto Twist -How North Korea’s Hacker Army Stole $3 Billion in Crypto Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Why Latino Consumers Are Spending LessFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-18 18:56
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
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Iran May Be Running Out of OptionsFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-17 20:07
After five days of escalating conflict with Israel, Iran’s government may be running out of moves. Today, President Trump called on Iran to surrender without conditions. WSJ’s Sune Engel Rasmussen explores how Iran built itself into a regional power and why its government now finds itself imperiled. Annie Minoff hosts. Further Listening: -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
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D.C. Mayor Talks DOGE, Trump and BudgetFrom 🇺🇸 The Journal, published at 2025-06-16 20:36
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. Photo: Uncredited Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices