The Journal?s investigation into the wild west of the fertility industry continues, this time from an intended parent?s perspective. Ryan Knutson speaks with AnnaMaria Gallozzi, who wanted to have a child through surrogacy after a cancer diagnosis. Gallozzi and her husband set aside a large sum of money, but they lost it all when the escrow company entrusted with that cash defrauded them. WSJ?s Ben Foldy walks us through the complicated legal battle, and reveals how a lack of oversight has exposed hopeful parents to fraud.  Further Listening: - Fertility Inc.: When the Surrogate Gets Left With the Bill - The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global economic disruption and created a major military and political challenge for the Trump Administration. WSJ's Jared Malsin explores the militarization of the strait, the options for its reopening and the risks of a prolonged closure of the world?s most important energy-transport route. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War? - The Global Scramble for Patriot Missiles Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the start of the war in Iran, the U.S. and regional allies have relied on American-made Patriot missile systems to counteract Iran?s airstrikes. But WSJ?s Bojan Pancevski reports that production shortfalls are draining reserves. This urgent math problem is not only straining U.S defenses around the world, it?s also creating an existential crisis for another country seeking to defend itself: Ukraine. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Will Gas Prices Go Up Because of the Iran War? - Trump?s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran - What?s Next for Iran? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthropic is taking the Trump administration to court, after the Trump administration designated the AI company a security threat and tried to cancel its federal contracts. The move brings the ongoing battle between the two sides to new heights. WSJ?s Keach Hagey explains Anthropic?s ?red lines? at the heart of the saga, how rival OpenAI stepped in to make its own deal with the Pentagon, and what all of this could mean for the future of Anthropic?s business. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Anthropic?s Pentagon Problems - The AI Economic Doomsday Report That Shook Wall Street Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristi Noem brought a camera-ready leadership style to the Department of Homeland Security. Now, after a turbulent year leading the agency, Trump has fired her. WSJ's Michelle Hackman takes us behind the scenes of her controversial tenure and what led to her downfall. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz - Inside ICE's Aggressive Approach to Arresting Migrants Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reproductive technology is a modern miracle. It's made it possible for millions of people to become parents who might otherwise not have been able to. But growing demand has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry that?s largely unregulated in the U.S.  In our first episode looking at the wild west of the fertility industry, Ryan Knutson speaks with a three-time surrogate who ended up in a big legal battle. Nia Trent-Wilson was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt after a family didn?t pay up after delivery. WSJ?s Katherine Long reports on how the industry fosters a dramatic power imbalance between surrogates and intended parents. Further Listening: - The Mystery of the Mansion Filled With Surrogate Children - America?s Maternal Health Crisis Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a months-long bidding war, Paramount Skydance has secured a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, snatching the media giant away from Netflix. WSJ?s Joe Flint breaks down how Paramount CEO David Ellison pulled off the $81 billion takeover and what this debt-heavy merger means for the future of entertainment and news. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Man Who Wants Netflix to Save Hollywood  - She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News. Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conflict with Iran has raised energy prices and sent shock waves through markets. WSJ?s Rebecca Feng explains what?s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, an Iran-controlled waterway through which a fifth of the world?s oil supply typically travels. And WSJ?s Harriet Torry breaks down what this could mean for consumers and inflation in the U.S. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump?s Shifting Reasons for War With Iran - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S.?s war with Iran has entered its fourth day. The Trump administration has given several reasons for initiating attacks on Iran. All of them are coming under scrutiny. WSJ's Alex Ward discusses the intelligence President Trump is using for his case for war and explores the challenges ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - What?s Next for Iran? - U.S. and Israel Attack Iran Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has launched its own strikes in return. Now, the Middle East is on a path to a broader regional war. WSJ?s Sune Engel Rasmussen explains the Iranian regime's existential fight and how its retaliation is drawing in countries around the region. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - The Bank Collapse Behind Iran's Protests - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy  Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to start on episode one, or hear the full series up to this point, click on this playlist.  Jennifer Spivey Foley has her day in court. After a long hearing with new evidence, a judge decides whether Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams should have immunity under South Carolina?s Stand Your Ground law for the killing of her brother Scott. WSJ?s Valerie Bauerlein reports from the courtroom.  Read the Reporting: - What Happened on Camp Swamp Road? Follow the Story: - Camp Swamp Road Playlist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special episode from our sister podcast, What?s News. The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership and military assets in an attack that risked sparking a wider conflict in one of the most economically sensitive regions in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A viral blog post by a relatively unknown research firm sent the stock market on a wild ride this week. The post by Citrini Research tapped into a new strain of fears about artificial intelligence, painting a dark portrait of a future in which technological change leads to mass white collar unemployment. WSJ?s David Uberti explains why Wall Street is jumpy about the prospects for AI. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun- AI Is Coming for Entry-Level Jobs And listen to Camp Swamp Road, full playlist here.Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newell Brands, the Atlanta-based maker of dozens of household brands including Rubbermaid, Coleman and Yankee Candle, paid more than $170 million in tariffs last year. Newell?s CEO Chris Peterson tells Jessica Mendoza that those tariffs hurt business and the company is considering requesting a refund. He also talks about plans to bring more manufacturing to America. One of its brands, Sharpie, is now almost completely made in the United States. But making that happen wasn?t easy.  Further Listening:  Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B. How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S. How to Make a $12.98 T-Shirt... in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Mexican authorities killed El Mencho, the country?s most powerful drug lord, his cartel responded with violence across the country. The operation came amid pressure from the U.S. government on Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum. WSJ?s José De Córdoba explains the power struggle that will ensue among the cartels and what it means for the global drug trade. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In- Drug Cartels' New Weapon: Chinese Money Launderers Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has spent much of the past year trying to pump up international investment in U.S. factories. He's promised to bring back jobs that have moved overseas. WSJ?s Gavin Bade investigates a Chinese automotive glass plant in the Ohio heartland and explores the risks when America?s biggest rival sets up shop. Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: - Trump's Tariffs Are Illegal. He's Got a Plan B. - How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S. - The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthropic is feuding with the U.S. military, despite their massive $200 million contract. The company says that its AI model, Claude, cannot be used for weapons development or surveillance. The Pentagon is pushing back against those limitations. WSJ's Amrith Ramkumar joins Jessica Mendoza to explain why the Department of Defense is now threatening to label Anthropic a supply chain risk.  Further Listening: - AI Bots Have Social Media Now. It Got Weird Fast. - Vibe Coding Could Change Everything - Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump?s global tariffs are illegal. It is the first time the Supreme Court has definitively struck down one of Trump?s second-term policies, saying the president went too far in enacting his most sweeping tariffs without clear authorization from Congress. WSJ?s Gavin Bade unpacks the ruling and discusses Trump?s next steps. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's Tariffs Force a New Era in Global Trade - How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S. - The Tariff Trade Off: Jobs vs. Higher Prices Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a first-of-its-kind trial with one central question: Are social media platforms causing mental health disorders among young people? The plaintiff argues that platforms like Instagram are designed to keep children addicted, potentially bypassing long-standing legal shields that have protected tech companies in the past. WSJ?s Meghan Bobrowsky takes us inside the courtroom for Mark Zuckerberg?s testimony and explains why this trial could impact thousands of other cases. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety  - ?The Facebook Files? from The Journal. Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Food and Drug Administration agreed to begin a review of biotech company Moderna?s application to make a new seasonal flu shot available. The decision comes after the FDA initially refused to review the company's application. It's a back and forth that reveals increased turmoil within the agency. WSJ?s Liz Essley Whyte takes us inside the FDA?s unexpected reversals and explores what?s next for the mRNA flu vaccine. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust - Breakfast Battle: The Cereal Industry vs MAHA Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are booming, but they?re facing questions about users betting on information that is not publicly available, from Super Bowl performances to geopolitical crises. Advocates for the platforms say they are "truth machines" but critics say they?re a new vehicle for insider trading. WSJ?s Caitlin Ostroff explains how users are making fortunes, and why regulators are starting to take notice. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - How ?The Joker? Rigged the Texas Lottery - How Parlays Became the Biggest Bet in SportsSign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boy Throb is a new boy band going viral on social media, but member Darshan Magdum is stuck in India. To get him to the U.S., the band needs to convince the United States government that Darshan qualifies for an "extraordinary ability" visa, the type of thing that?s often reserved for Olympians and scientists. WSJ?s Michelle Hackman explains the visa process and Boy Throb tells Jessica Mendoza about their unconventional quest to get their fourth member stateside. Further Listening: - Are Waymos Driving More Like Humans? - Lady Gaga, Low-Rise Jeans, and the Next Recession Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Justice Department recently released millions of additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. These files detailed Epstein?s expansive social and business network and reveal how the disgraced financier maintained ties with the global elite. WSJ?s Khadeeja Safdar discusses the new revelations, the fallout for those named in the documents, and the impact of unredacted victim information. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump?s Letter to Jeffrey Epstein- How Jeffrey Epstein Made His MoneySign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An influential California labor union is gathering signatures for a proposed asset tax on billionaires. But some of California?s ultra-wealthy are threatening to pack their bags ? leaving the state?s tax revenue in the balance. WSJ?s Laura J. Nelson explains what?s potentially at stake and why a billionaire exodus is harder than simply renting a truck. Jessica Mendoza hosts.   Further Listening: - The Healthcare Costs of Trump?s Big Beautiful Bill  - Kathy Hochul on Mamdani, Trump and Where Democrats Went Wrong Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Xi Jinping has solidified control over China's military after firing his top general Zhang Youxia in an unprecedented military purge that has sent shockwaves through the country. The allegations against Zhang include corruption and a nuclear secrets leak. WSJ?s Lingling Wei explains how this move potentially gives Xi more room to pursue his long-standing goal of reunifying with Taiwan. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - China's Cheap Goods Are Europe's Problem Now - China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug McMillon was Walmart's CEO for more than ten years, overseeing the company's return to retail success. WSJ's Sarah Nassauer sat down with him to talk about Walmart's turnaround, its future and a CEO's role in politics. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The Battle to Be the King of Retail: Walmart vs. Amazon - The 20000 Steps to a Walmart Manager's Six-Figure Salary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There?s a new social media platform for AI agents, but things are getting weird. It?s called Moltbook, and agents use it to apparently talk about things like coding and dating profiles, but also about overthrowing their human overlords and forming their own lobster religion. Initially, Moltbook shocked even some of the most experienced AI researchers, but how much of that is just humans messing around? WSJ?s Angel Au Yeung explains what?s actually happening on the site and how it came to be. Ryan Knuston hosts. Further Listening: Vibe Coding Could Change Everything  AI Has Come for Advertising Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, SpaceX and xAI, two companies controlled by Elon Musk, merged into a $1.25 trillion company. The deal combines a successful rocket and satellite business with an AI startup. Musk says the goal is to put AI data centers in earth?s orbit. WSJ?s Berber Jin reports on the deal. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: The Woman Behind SpaceX Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Why Elon Musk?s AI Chatbot Went Rogue Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Billionaire investor and CEO Ken Griffin runs one of the world?s most successful hedge funds, Citadel. He?s also a Republican who has been outspokenly critical of some of President Trump?s policies. Griffin sat down with WSJ Editor in Chief Emma Tucker at WSJ Invest Live to discuss his concerns about political uncertainty, the dangers of crony capitalism and the erosion of ethics in public service. Further Listening:  - JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon on What's Next for the Economy - It?s Almost 2026. How?s the Economy Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vibe coding, the process of turning a text prompt into actual software, has taken the AI world by storm. And it has investors in everything from software to legal services nervous. WSJ?s Joanna Stern and Ben Cohen tell us about their experience using Claude Code to develop an article. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun Her Client Was Deepfaked. She Says xAI Is to Blame. Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last year, the dollar has been declining in value. And last week, President Donald Trump said he wasn?t concerned about the recent slide. WSJ?s Greg Ip explains how a weaker dollar fits into Trump?s broader economic strategy to boost U.S. growth. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - Who Is the New Fed Chair? - It's Almost 2026. How?s the Economy? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kraft macaroni and cheese has been a household staple for decades. But owing to shifting consumer tastes towards healthier options and a tumultuous corporate shakeup, Kraft?s status as the big cheese is slipping. WSJ?s Jesse Newman reports on how Kraft lost its dominance in the mac and cheese aisle, and what the company plans on doing about it. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Kraft Heinz?s Big Breakup - ?It Came out of Nowhere?: The Rise of Dr Pepper Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump will be nominating former Fed official Kevin Warsh to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ?s Nick Timiraos profiles the pick, explores the lingering issues Trump has with the current Fed chair and details the implications for the U.S. economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin - Why is the Fed Chair Facing a Criminal Investigation? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Howard Rubin is a Wall Street legend, famous in the 1980s and ?90s for being a risk-loving star trader. He also allegedly was involved in secret sex trafficking for years, hidden in a midtown penthouse. WSJ?s Erich Schwartzel traces the saga and explains the allegations of abuse that ultimately led to Rubin?s arrest. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - The High Pressure Tactics Gloria Allred Uses On Her Own Clients - Behind the Scenes at Davos, Claims of a Toxic Boss Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney?s largest source of revenue is its theme parks and cruises. The people responsible for designing those attractions are the secretive Imagineers. WSJ?s Ben Fritz reports that the company is spending $60 billion to create more Disney magic and it's up to the Imagineers to make it work. Ryan Knutson hosts.  Further Listening: - Disney?s Big AI Dilemma - Disney Gets Into Gambling Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley St. Clair, a conservative influencer who had a child with Elon Musk, sued Musk?s artificial intelligence company xAI, alleging that its chatbot Grok generated and shared nonconsensual, sexually explicit images of her. St. Clair?s lawsuit is emblematic of the thorny legal issues that surround new AI tools and deepfakes. It also confronts the question: Who is responsible for the content that users prompt chatbots to create? Jessica Mendoza spoke with St. Clair?s lawyer, Carrie Goldberg, about the lawsuit. Further Listening: - Why Elon Musk?s AI Chatbot Went Rogue - How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the weekend, a federal officer shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis. WSJ?s Joe Barrett describes how events unfolded in the wake of Pretti?s killing, and WSJ?s Michelle Hackman breaks down how ICE tactics have led to clashes with local residents. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: The Florida Cops Who Act as ICE Agents The Hyundai Plant Raided By Immigration Authorities Inside the ICE Hiring Blitz Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danielle Gansky was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at age 7. Soon, she was prescribed a daily cocktail of powerful psychiatric drugs that she would be on for years. A new Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that children who start on ADHD medication at a young age are more than five times as likely to be prescribed additional psychiatric drugs. WSJ?s Shalini Ramachandran breaks down that investigation. WSJ?s Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Is America on Too Many Psychiatric Drugs? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, has overseen the rise of the rocket and satellite company. She?s also maintained a long relationship with the company?s CEO Elon Musk. Now, with a potential IPO looming, WSJ?s Micah Maidenberg reports on how expansive Shotwell?s role is, and explains the big year ahead. Jessica Mendoza hosts.  Further Listening: - When Elon Musk Moves In Next Door- Elon Musk?s Unusual Relationships With Women at SpaceXSign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is straining the U.S. power grid and driving up electricity prices. Tech giants and politicians are scrambling to determine who will pay for the massive infrastructure needed to keep the lights on. WSJ's Jennifer Hiller explains what this energy crisis means for the future of the power industry. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - AI Has Come for Advertising - The Era of AI Layoffs Has Begun Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the weekend, President Trump intensified calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a territory controlled by Denmark. WSJ?s Max Colchester explains how European leaders are reacting to Trump?s push for the arctic island, and what might happen next. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy - 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 this mini-episode of The Journal, WSJ's Katherine Bindley investigates a recent change in behavior among San Francisco?s ubiquitous Waymos, the self-driving robotaxis. Suddenly, the cars are behaving less like deferential drivers and more like New York cabbies. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - How Waymo Won Over San Francisco - The Future of Self-Driving Cars Is Here Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a young age, it was clear that Phillip Bell was a football phenom. He got his first college scholarship offer in middle school. But that talent drew Bell into Southern California?s unruly youth football black market. In that system, high schoolers and their families are paid millions to play football. WSJ's Harriet Ryan reports on a system that ultimately tore Phillip Bell's family apart. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - NCAA President on a New Era for College Sports  - Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the past two weeks, Iran has been consumed by protests that have resulted in a heavy government crackdown with deaths estimated in the thousands. But the prelude to the unrest wasn?t just political. It stemmed from a deep financial crisis, and specifically, as WSJ?s Jared Malsin explains, the collapse of an obscure and indebted bank. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Iran Retaliates After U.S. Strike. How Could This End? - Iran May Be Running Out of Options Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump's sweeping plan for Venezuelan oil is coming into focus. It includes cutting off illicit oil exports, gaining more control over Venezuela's state-run oil company and rebuilding infrastructure. Some of these goals require the participation of U.S. oil companies, but those companies are reluctant to invest in the still-unstable country. WSJ's Andrew Restuccia explains Trump's gambit to bring down oil prices and reshape the global oil market. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' on Foreign Policy - Was Maduro's Capture About Oil? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After receiving grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department last week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the investigation was part of a pressure campaign to get the Fed to lower interest rates. WSJ?s Nick Timiraos explains how the investigation could change who controls monetary policy in the future. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Is the Economy Getting Better or Worse? The Fed Says It?s Hard to Tell - Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Maybe Kevin Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An AI bubble. Geopolitical turmoil. Inflation and interest rates. These things and more could rock the stock market in 2026, and investors have to be prepared. WSJ?s Jason Zweig, writer of The Intelligent Investor column and newsletter, discusse s how investors can best set up their portfolios for the new year and breaks down his outlook for the year ahead. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - It's Almost 2026. How?s the Economy? - Investment Accounts for Babies Are Coming. Wall Street Can?t Wait. Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August, a troubled man named Stein-Erik Soelberg killed his mother and took his own life. In the months leading up to the tragedy, Soelberg had been engaging in delusion-filled conversations with ChatGPT. Now, his mother?s estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, and Soelberg?s son Erik wants the tech giant to take responsibility for a product that he believes deepened his father?s decline. WSJ?s Julie Jargon tells Ryan Knutson about the challenges facing OpenAI when it comes to mental health.  Further Listening: - A Troubled Man and His Chatbot - OpenAI?s ?Code Red? Problem Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix is in a high-stakes fight to buy storied movie studio Warner Bros. The company has a $72 billion deal in hand, but rival Paramount isn't going down without a fight. At the helm of the streaming giant is co-CEO Ted Sarandos, whose strategies have helped transform the entertainment industry. WSJ?s Joe Flint says that Hollywood?s creatives were once enamored with Netflix?s approaches but have grown more wary of what new changes could come with consolidation. WSJ?s Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - Netflix?s Fight for Warner Just Got Harder - Hollywood Jobs Are Disappearing Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid an intense trade dispute with the US, China has started looking to other markets to sell its low value items. In recent months, Chinese e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu have started homing in on Europe. But the pivot has been met with resistance by many in Europe. WSJ's Chelsey Dulaney reports on the evolving China-Europe trade dynamic. Ryan Knutson hosts. Further Listening: - China and the U.S. Are in a Race for AI Supremacy - Is Trump Winning His Trade War? Sign up for WSJ?s free What?s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices