WSJ What’s News
Hosted by Luke Van Ness · 100 decoded episodes · newest Oct 7, 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 100
- Sep 16, 2026 · 12 minAllies hedge against Washington as war strains U.S. defensesThe episode connects a possible EU-Canada partnership, a consequential Fed decision and mounting wartime pressures on American households, weapons stocks and infrastructure.
- Sep 16, 2026 · 11 minFed hikes rates as Houthis widen regional risksThe episode connects a renewed fight against inflation with threats to central-bank independence, financial markets, oil infrastructure, and vital shipping routes.
- Sep 15, 2026 · 16 minBond yields test Fed credibility as oil fuels inflation fearsRising long-term borrowing costs could constrain the Federal Reserve just as energy disruptions and fiscal concerns revive inflation pressure.
- Sep 15, 2026 · 11 minRecord incomes expose America’s widening economic divideThe episode shows why a stronger national income figure can coexist with financial strain for households without assets or secure work.
- Sep 14, 2026 · 14 minAI leaders confront the risks of losing controlThe debate over slowing frontier AI development now intersects with government oversight, geopolitical instability, trade realignment and changing consumer habits.
- Sep 14, 2026 · 13 minAI safety fight collides with markets and midterm politicsThe episode connects Washington’s resistance to new AI guardrails with U.S.-China tensions, financial volatility, corporate accountability and Democrats’ electoral path.
- Sep 13, 2026 · 15 minHegseth’s Pentagon overhaul tests military readiness and trustThe leadership turnover and culture-war priorities could shape modernization, procurement, congressional oversight, civil-military norms, and allied confidence.
- Sep 12, 2026 · 6 minOil shock pushes markets toward higher ratesRising oil prices, renewed inflation concerns and war-related uncertainty are tightening financial conditions for investors.
- Sep 11, 2026 · 13 minVance tests the waters as Republicans eye 2028The episode connects early Republican succession politics with the consequences of U.S. intervention and fast-moving technology policy.
- Sep 11, 2026 · 13 minSticky inflation raises pressure on the Fed and reshapes air travelThe episode connects persistent price pressures and geopolitical volatility with the long security legacy of September 11.
- Sep 10, 2026 · 12 minTrump turns midterms into a referendum on his presidencyThe episode connects Trump’s political gamble to war, inflation, census rules, monetary policy, and the energy demands of artificial intelligence.
- Sep 10, 2026 · 12 minWar, markets and AI fears collide in one uncertain weekThe episode connects geopolitical escalation, fiscal anxiety and increasingly capable AI to pressures already reaching energy prices, borrowing costs and housing.