WSJ What’s News

Ben Fritz, a Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter, and Heather Somerville, a tech and national security reporter, dive into Disney’s surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI. Fritz shares insights on how this deal allows users to feature Disney characters in AI-generated videos while weighing the risks of unregulated content. Somerville discusses the U.S. initiative to develop its own critical minerals industry, highlighting Silicon Valley's enthusiastic support amidst challenges in labor and scalability.

Benoît Faucon, a security correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, brings insights into the U.S. plans for Ukraine that favor business interests, potentially reshaping Europe's economy. He discusses the clash over energy priorities and joint power plants amidst rising tensions. Siobhan Hughes, covering legislative developments, reveals the fierce competition among Republicans and Democrats regarding Affordable Care Act subsidies and the high stakes involved if they lapse. Together, they delve into the complexities of U.S. policy impacts on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Federal Reserve's quarter-point interest rate cut is analyzed, highlighting split opinions on inflation versus job stability. A bidding war for Warner Bros is heating up, with Netflix and Paramount vying for victory. María Corina Machado's daring escape from Venezuela by boat to accept her Peace Prize makes for a thrilling story. Additionally, discussions on banks allegedly debanking sensitive industries and President Trump’s calls for CNN's sale add intriguing political layers to the conversation.

Quentin Webb, Deputy Finance Editor at The Wall Street Journal, shares insights on Australia's groundbreaking law banning under-16s from social media, highlighting global interest and enforcement challenges. He also discusses the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cuts, illustrating the divide among policymakers, including the influential 'hawks' and 'doves.' Amid persistent inflation and labor market concerns, Webb emphasizes the political dynamics shaping the Fed's decisions and trades off different economic risks.

Sam Schechner, a Wall Street Journal technology reporter, discusses OpenAI's dramatic 'Code Red' stemming from a competitive threat posed by Google's Gemini 3. He highlights how user feedback has shaped ChatGPT's evolution and the potential pitfalls of overly reactive AI. Telis Demos examines the rise of private credit in consumer lending, revealing how it obscures the true health of U.S. consumers and warns of risks that could mislead investors about the economy's stability.

Arian Campo-Flores, a Journal reporter focusing on local politics, discusses the Miami mayoral runoff, emphasizing how it reflects broader sentiments about Trump. Meanwhile, Wall Street Journal correspondents Jonathan Cheng and Tom Fairless shed light on China’s staggering $1 trillion trade surplus and its implications for Europe, particularly in terms of potential tariffs as Chinese manufacturing escalates. They explore the pressures on European industries and debate strategies for reclaiming competitiveness amid rising Chinese dominance.

Peter Loftus, a Journal reporter specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, dives into the trend of drugmakers selling directly to patients, highlighting the shift in pricing dynamics and the challenges faced by middlemen. Scott Calvert, a national affairs reporter, shares insights on school districts investing in housing for teachers in California, discussing the 'teacher village' initiative designed to combat turnover and alleviate housing costs. The conversation uncovers the impact of these changes on both industries and the communities they serve.

Anat Peled, a dedicated Journal reporter from Tel Aviv, shares insights on critical issues from the region. She highlights alarming conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners, including overcrowding and inadequate medical care. The conversation also touches on the Biden administration's efforts to combat soaring beef prices, revealing the impact on low- and middle-income Americans. Lastly, the podcast discusses Trump’s concerns over the Netflix-Warner Brothers deal, hinting at significant regulatory implications.

Tech reporters Sam Schechner and Georgia Wells delve into Australia’s groundbreaking move to ban social media for kids under 16. They discuss the intense debate surrounding mental health risks linked to social media use, including anxiety and depression. Georgia highlights how harmful algorithms can exacerbate body image issues, while Sam outlines the challenges of enforcing age verification. With potential business ramifications looming, they explore alternatives like time limits. This thought-provoking conversation captures the nuanced battle between protecting youth and preserving free speech.

The podcast explores insights from supermarkets and consumer brands about cautious shoppers. P&G faces challenges with weaker sales, while Kroger deals with a quarterly loss and plans cost cuts. On a brighter note, dollar retailers like Dollar Tree and Dollar General are seeing a rise in affluent customers. In the media world, Netflix's surprising $72 billion acquisition of Warner Brothers stirs up stock movements among major players. Tune in for a recap of the week’s market dynamics!