WSJ What’s News

P.M. Edition for Sept. 18. In a letter to investors today, legendary investor Warren Buffett said he would step down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. WSJ deputy markets editor Justin Baer discusses why it’s happening now, and the details of Buffett’s long-held succession plan. Plus, Disney has hired the head of artificial-intelligence company Character.AI to be its first chief technology officer . We hear from Journal reporter Ben Fritz about how this fits into CEO Josh D’Amaro’s strategy. And President Trump says he’s banning CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House over their coverage of his administration. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 18. Hackers used Anthropic’s AI tool, Claude, to gain access to the company’s core algorithmic code . Plus, Russia seizes control of Nestle’s operations in the country, as the Kremlin cracks down on more Western businesses. And the Bank of Japan follows the Fed in hiking interest rates. WSJ’s Jason Douglas says central banks have learnt from recent inflation scares and are moving quickly to stave off persistent price rises . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 17. Yesterday’s interest rate increase from the Fed seemed to some like an assertion of the central bank’s independence. But afterward President Trump revealed that he and Warsh had a conversation before the decision was announced. WSJ Washington bureau chief Damian Paletta discusses what we know and what this could mean for the future of the Fed. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early this week ahead of the November election, despite criticism that Congress isn’t doing its job. We hear from Journal reporter Maya Davis about what the data show about how much Congress is getting done. And Mastercard becomes the latest credit card company to roll out the option for AI bots to do your everyday shopping . But, as reporter Ben Glickman notes, many consumers aren’t yet ready to hand over their cards to a bot. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 17. Stock markets are gaining on renewed investor confidence in the Fed being ready and able to tackle higher inflation, despite President Trump’s rebuke of yesterday’s rate hike. Plus, Congress backs new measures to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. And Canada’s prime minister takes a swipe at Washington , as he welcomes the EU’s offer of an “alliance for the future.” Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 16. The Federal Reserve unanimously decided to raise interest rates a quarter percentage point today, its first rate hike in three years. WSJ economics reporter Matt Grossman discusses what went into that decision, what it means for the Fed’s relationship with President Trump and what to expect from the Fed’s future meetings this year. Plus, Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a Saudi fighter jet . We hear from the Journal’s deputy Middle East bureau chief Jon Gambrell about how the Houthis recently seized Bab al-Mandeb Strait , a crucial oil chokepoint, after sitting out months of the Iran war. And business leaders are taking sides in the debate around AI regulation—mostly in opposition to President Trump. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 16. The EU top’s executive proposes making Canada the bloc’s first associate member as traditional U.S. allies forge stronger ties in the face of tensions with the Trump administration. Plus, WSJ correspondent Jared Malsin details how the U.S. is burning through its interceptors to counter Iran. And, we tee up one of the most consequential Fed rate decisions in recent memory. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 15. The annual Census report on households’ financial well-being showed that median household income notched a new record last year. But as WSJ economics reporter Rachel Wolfe explains, not all Americans are seeing the gains. Plus, a landmark bill that would regulate the crypto industry failed in a procedural vote in the Senate. We hear from reporter Vicky Ge Huang about where the measure goes from here. And the Kennedy Center’s board voted to close the venue for renovations, even as President Trump threatened to block them over a naming dispute. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 15. The global bond selloff is gaining steam, with a jump in oil prices pushing the 10-year Treasury yield back above 5%. BNP Paribas’ Chi Lo explains how fears of runaway inflation and a range of other factors have dialed up the pressure on the Federal Reserve ahead of tomorrow’s interest-rate decision . Plus, the Supreme Court blocks President Trump's plan to restrict mail ballots. And, WSJ entertainment reporter Ben Fritz looks at Hollywood’s latest obsession with the tech bros of Silicon Valley. Luke Vargas hosts. Correction: Nathan Fielder is the creator of the HBO television series The Rehearsal. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly said he was the creator of The Audition. (Corrected on September 15) Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 14. Industry leaders’ calls for a slowdown in AI development are rippling through tech, government and financial markets. As some look at what more guardrails could look like in practice, some— including President Trump —say they’re unnecessary since they could give China a competitive leg up. WSJ chief China correspondent Lingling Wei discusses how the debate is going over there. Plus, chip stocks fell over the prospect of a pullback in spending on the AI buildout… and the 10-year yield briefly touched over 5% as instability in the Middle East pushed up oil prices. We hear from markets reporter Hannah Erin Lang about what drove market moves today. And Democrats have momentum as they eye control of Congress. But as WSJ national political reporter Eliza Collins explains, there are also risks that could trip them up. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 14. After a week of panic over an AI doomsday, top industry CEOs are backing a call from Anthropic’s Dario Amodei to slow down development to allow safeguards to be designed. WSJ tech reporter Amrith Ramkumar says the industry’s quest for money and moral dilemma over safety has created a monumental crisis for AI . Plus, oil prices rise as Iran-backed Houthis seize more key territory and drone attacks shutter a lifeline for Saudi Arabian exports. And, could a trade war with the U.S. lead to Canada joining the European Union ? Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his first year atop the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth rebranded himself as a secretary of war, not defense. And the changes didn’t stop there. Under his leadership, the department has announced that all “warfighters” 30 and older will be tested for testosterone deficiency, and that they would be judged on their appearance and grooming. But possibly the most profound change has been a shake-up in the highest ranks of the armed forces. Top officers—especially in the Army—have been stymied , pushed out or fired . Michael Gordon and Lara Seligman join host Alex Ossola to discuss Hegseth’s approach, as well as the possible consequences of fast turnover in the highest echelons of the world’s most powerful military. Further Reading: Trump Fires Top Pentagon Officers in Sweeping Overhaul Hegseth Cuts Army Commander’s Storied Career Short as Part of Broader Shake-Up Hegseth Blocks Eight Navy Senior Officer Promotions Pete Hegseth Army Chief Pick in Jeopardy Over Republican Objections Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns After Months of Friction With Hegseth New Drone Unit to Be Phased Out as Hegseth’s Army Pick Makes His Mark Tillis Wants Hegseth Fired. Is the Pentagon Chief in Trouble? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why did a failed Novartis drug trial tank Amgen’s shares? And how is taxpayer money funding quantum-computing companies? Plus, will people pay $2,000 for a foldable iPhone? Host Imani Moise discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 11. New data from the Labor Department show that inflation held steady at 3.4% last month. As Journal economics reporter Justin Lahart explains, that puts pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates at its meeting next week. Plus, Anthropic found that Iran used the company’s AI tools to target U.S. forces in the Middle East. And on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, we look at how travel security measures have changed with reporter Alison Sider . Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 11. The vice president is increasingly looking like a presidential candidate, but some Republicans want Marco Rubio. We wrap up the GOP’s midterm convention with a look at Vance’s prime-time speech. Plus, investors hold their breath before today’s pivotal U.S. inflation report. And we’ll look back on 25 years of the global war on terror with WSJ national security correspondents Michael R. Gordon and David S. Cloud . Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 10. An Anthropic researcher who quit over concerns that AI is getting out of control has sparked a debate over whether the technology “could kill us all by the end of the decade.” WSJ tech writer and editor Sam Schechner discusses what people are afraid of when they talk about an AI doomsday. Plus, conflict in the Middle East heats up as Iran starts making ballistic missiles again. We hear from WSJ national security reporter Alex Ward about how Trump’s advisers are raising the possibility that the war with Iran could continue for the rest of his term. And the bond selloff continues, with yields again hitting multiyear highs . We hear from Journal investing columnist Spencer Jakab about what’s driving it–and how it’s affecting stock markets. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 10. President Trump used his keynote speech at a GOP midterm convention last night to promise $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Our Washington coverage chief Damian Paletta explains why the move marks Trump’s biggest election gambit yet. Plus, Iran shows a new appetite for escalation as it takes direct aim at U.S. forces. And data-center developers consider whether embracing nuclear power can quiet growing public backlash against them. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 9. Apple held its most consequential event in years today: Its new CEO showed off its new foldable iPhone… and unveiled new, higher prices. Plus, the Justice Department’s criminal trial against Chinese tech giant Huawei began in New York City. Dave Michaels , who covers corporate law enforcement, explains the government’s trade-theft case and why the trial might create a headache for a diplomatic meeting between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping later this month. And some states that for years have offered tax breaks to data centers are ripping up the deals . WSJ tech policy reporter Amrith Ramkumar discusses where it’s happening and why. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 9. The Trump Administration calls out Ford for doing business with Chinese companies, saying its “reliance on technologies of foreign adversaries” isn’t sustainable for America. Plus, Apple’s new CEO prepares to raise the curtain on a slate of much pricier iPhones, including the company’s first foldable. And WSJ sports columnist Jason Gay previews the new NFL season and the league’s pursuit of global domination. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

P.M. Edition for Sept. 8. OpenAI says it’s cracked the Navier-Stokes problem , one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems that are the deepest and most difficult unresolved questions in mathematics. WSJ Science of Success columnist Ben Cohen explains why labs like OpenAI are competing—and spending millions—for such breakthroughs. Plus, a dozen nations are imposing new trade restrictions on Israel over the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. And Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, the first African-American and the first historian to lead the institution, is stepping down after more than a year of tension with President Trump. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 8. Energy-price anxiety mounts, sending U.S. gasoline and diesel prices to fresh Labor Day records . Plus, Canada ups the ante in its trade spat with the U.S. as reciprocal tariffs kick in. And WSJ Germany bureau chief Bertrand Benoit explains how a regional election win by the far-right AfD party could shake up German politics in ways not seen since the end of World War II. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.