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WSJ What’s News

WSJ What’s News

The Wall Street Journal 20 Episodes Aug 23, 2026

What's News brings you the biggest news of the day, from business and finance to global and political developments that move markets. Get caught up in minutes twice a day on weekdays, then take a step back with our What’s News in Markets wrap-up on Saturday and our What’s News Sunday deep dive.

Episodes

The Wild West of AI Therapy Laws
The Wild West of AI Therapy Laws Aug 23, 2026 00:18:31 You’ve heard about how AI tools could help meet demand for mental-health treatment, as well as some of the risks involved. Several U.S. states have passed laws limiting what these chatbots are able to do, leading to some changes in the industry. Meanwhile, federal regulators are taking a look at the AI therapy space. In the third and final episode of our series “The AI Therapist,” What’s News PM h
What’s News in Markets: Chip Stocks Clobbered, Retail Rotation, Moderna Makes History
What’s News in Markets: Chip Stocks Clobbered, Retail Rotation, Moderna Makes History Aug 22, 2026 00:05:43 What does mayhem in the bond market have to do with AI? And why are discount retailers getting a boost? Plus, how did Moderna help lift healthcare stocks? 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
State Lawmakers Try to Crack Down on ‘Ghost Jobs’
State Lawmakers Try to Crack Down on ‘Ghost Jobs’ Aug 21, 2026 00:09:18 P.M. Edition for Aug. 21. “Ghost jobs”—posted roles that companies have no real intention of filling—are a big source of frustration for job seekers. Now, as Journal reporter Lauren Weber discusses, lawmakers in a few states are proposing bills to reel companies in. Plus, bitcoin just had its best week in two years. Vicky Ge Huang, who covers cryptocurrencies, explains what’s behind the surge. And
What's Next for Bonds?
What's Next for Bonds? Aug 21, 2026 00:11:52 A.M. Edition for Aug. 21. WSJ’s Alex Frangos explains the combination of factors that fueled a multi-day bond selloff and what to watch for in the weeks to come. Plus, the Trump administration targets the Bar Association’s ability to accredit law schools. And James Rundle from the Dow Jones Risk Journal podcast looks at a White House initiative that could see private companies join the fight again
Colleges Try to Head Off a Coming Enrollment Crisis
Colleges Try to Head Off a Coming Enrollment Crisis Aug 20, 2026 00:12:22 P.M. Edition for Aug. 20. Colleges are facing a demographic cliff—lower birth rates means fewer 18-year-olds. WSJ higher education reporter Doug Belkin explains what impact that’s likely to have on colleges–and why it might not make it any easier to get into top-tier schools. Plus, Walmart was the biggest decliner in the Dow after it reported weaker sales growth in its second quarter. We hear from
What’s News in Earnings: Weak Housing Market Weighs on Home Depot and Lowe’s
What’s News in Earnings: Weak Housing Market Weighs on Home Depot and Lowe’s Aug 20, 2026 00:04:23 Bonus Episode for Aug. 20. Home-improvement retailers are feeling it as homeowners put off big renovation projects. WSJ reporter Sarah Nassauer discusses how the housing market influenced results this past quarter at Home Depot and Lowe’s, and how the companies are trying to grab market share in their pro divisions for professional contractors. WSJ reporter Veronica Dagher hosts this special bonu
Can Trump Deliver His Promised ‘Economic D-Day’ Against Iran?
Can Trump Deliver His Promised ‘Economic D-Day’ Against Iran? Aug 20, 2026 00:15:03 A.M. Edition for Aug. 20. Nearly six months into the war, President Trump is pledging a ‘crushing economic operation’ to isolate Iran. WSJ’s Georgi Kantchev explains why a push to get just one country, the United Arab Emirates, to go along with that won’t be easy. Plus, packaged-food giants head to the lab as users of weight-loss drugs say no to once-beloved foods. And we’ll look at why more AI de
A New Milestone for U.S. Debt: $40 Trillion
A New Milestone for U.S. Debt: $40 Trillion Aug 19, 2026 00:09:38 P.M. Edition for Aug. 19. Today the total U.S. debt passed $40 trillion. WSJ economics reporter Matt Grossman discusses what that means for how the government functions. Plus, a successful trial of a mRNA vaccine for melanoma could mean potential new treatments for a deadly cancer–and news of the trial results more than doubled Moderna’s stock price. And the Federal Trade Commission says retailers
China Braves the Ice to Unlock New Arctic Trade Route
China Braves the Ice to Unlock New Arctic Trade Route Aug 19, 2026 00:13:48 A.M. Edition for Aug. 19. President Trump hits pause on 50% tariffs that had been set to hit a range of Canadian products – buying more time for trade negotiators to reach a deal with Ottawa. Plus, OpenAI’s second quarter sales disappoint as rival Anthropic sees its revenue double. And a Chinese cargo ship sets sail for the Arctic in a move that WSJ foreign correspondent Sune Rasmussen says could
Worldwide Bond Selloff Accelerates
Worldwide Bond Selloff Accelerates Aug 18, 2026 00:10:50 P.M. Edition for Aug. 18. Government bonds are getting hammered in the U.S. and overseas. WSJ markets reporter Sam Goldfarb discusses how the AI boom is playing a part in driving yields of the 30-year Treasury and other long-term bonds to their highest levels in decades. Plus, Disney steps up a fight with the FCC over a challenge to ABC’s broadcast licenses. We hear from media reporter Joe Flint a
Meta Is Back on Trial in California
Meta Is Back on Trial in California Aug 18, 2026 00:11:17 A.M. Edition for Aug. 18. Opening arguments are set to begin today in a hugely consequential trial accusing Meta of contributing to a crisis in youth mental health and which could cost the social media giant more than $1 trillion. WSJ reporters Meghan Bobrowsky and Erin Mulvaney preview what to expect as proceedings get underway. Plus, retail giant Costco prepares to enter the Medicare market. And
Big Tech's AI Bill Is $3 Trillion Bigger Than It Looks
Big Tech's AI Bill Is $3 Trillion Bigger Than It Looks Aug 17, 2026 00:11:29 P.M. Edition for Aug. 17. Wall Street Journal reporter Peter Rudegeair discusses why the top technology companies have huge AI spending commitments that aren’t reflected on their balance sheets. WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains how renewed Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping are threatening another critical chokepoint for global energy as the Iran war spills into neighboring countries. And U.K. correspo

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