The Journal.
The most important stories, explained through the lens of business. A podcast about money, business and power. Hosted by Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson. The Journal is a co-production from Gimlet Media and The Wall Street Journal.
China’s Accidental Dissidents
Cao Zhixin and her friends went to a rally to honor people who died in a fire. Several weeks later, they were detained by Chinese authorities and now face years in prison. WSJ's Shen Lu explains why Beijing is cracking down on a new kind of protester. Further Reading: - In China, Young Women Become Accidental Symbols of Defiance - Under Xi Jinping, Women in China Have Given Up Gains - The Exposure of China’s ‘Bought Wives’ Further Listening: - …
'Putin's Chef' Now Serving Up Gains for Russia in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion forces have tightened the noose around Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine with help from a paramilitary outfit called the Wagner Group. Heading the group is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close confidants -- Yevgeny Prigozhin. WSJ’s Benoit Faucon explains why the Wagner Group has been drawing condemnation for its deployments in several global hotspots. Further Reading and Watching: - Wagner: How Russian Mercenaries Help Putin in Ukraine - Russia Tightens Grip Around Bakhmut as Ukraine Awaits Western Tanks …
Hacking the Hackers
For years, the U.S. government went after hackers by trying to arrest them. Now, they’re trying a new approach. WSJ’s Robert McMillan tells the story of how one of the world’s most infamous hacking groups, called Hive, got busted. Further Reading: - FBI Disrupts ‘Hive’ Ransomware Group Further Listening: - Hack Me if You Can - Why a Ransomware Group Is Pretending to Be a Real Company - Ransomware, a Pipeline and a Gas Shortage Ukrainian President Zelensky's Fight Against Corruption
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was originally elected on an anti-corruption platform. Over the last two weeks, he has removed nearly a dozen top officials. WSJ’s James Marson explains why Zelensky is trying to shore up Western confidence in his administration at a crucial moment in the war. Further Reading: -Ukraine’s Zelensky Removes Top Officials in Bid to Contain Corruption Scandals -Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges Faster Weapons Deliveries Amid Russian Push Further Listening: -The Man Leading Ukraine Learn more ab...
Why an Arctic Treasure Is Spurring Hope and Dread
North of the Arctic Circle, a Swedish mining company says it has located a coveted resource: Europe’s biggest cache of rare-earth minerals, elements used for making electronics and green technology. The deposit could be a blessing for the West, but WSJ’s Kim Mackrael explains that for Sweden’s indigenous Sami people, it also puts hundreds of years of tradition in peril. Further Reading: - Rare-Earth Find in Sweden Lifts Hope for Shift Toward Clean Energy Further Listening: - Diving Deep for …
Blackouts, Corruption and a Poisoned CEO
South Africa’s state-owned power company, Eskom, is struggling to keep the lights on in the country and is now looking for a new leader after its current CEO was poisoned. WSJ’s Alexandra Wexler on the difficult job of running Eskom. Further Reading: - South Africa Seeks State Power Chief After CEO Says He Was Poisoned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why the DOJ Is Suing Google Again
The Department of Justice is seeking to break up part of Google’s digital advertising business. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the government says the tech giant has taken actions that ‘severely weaken, if not destroy competition in the ad tech industry.’ Google says the lawsuit is an attempt to pick winners and losers. WSJ’s Miles Kruppa discusses the DOJ’s case and the moves Google made to become a giant in the online advertising space. Further Reading: - DOJ Sues Google, …
The Unraveling of Stitch Fix
Over the last year, fashion company Stitch Fix has lost 95% of its value as the company's attempts to expand beyond subscriptions floundered. WSJ columnist Laura Forman says the decline of Stitch Fix holds broader lessons for tech companies. Further Reading: - Stitch Fix’s Unraveling Should Sow Broader Tech Doubts Further Listening: - Shein Took Over Fast Fashion. Then Came the Backlash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tesla’s Big Price Cut
Tesla cut prices for some of its vehicles sold in the U.S. by nearly 20% earlier this month. WSJ’s Nora Eckert on what’s behind the price drop and what it means for the EV market. Further Reading: -Tesla’s Price Cuts Are Roiling the Car Market -What if Tesla Is…Just a Car Company? Further Listening: -GM’s All-Electric Bet -Will Americans Buy an Electric Truck? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesWhat's Going on With Biden's Classified Documents?
On Friday, FBI investigators found more classified documents at President Joe Biden’s Delaware home. This is the latest in a series of searches that turned up classified material at a number of Biden's offices and homes. WSJ’s Annie Linskey discusses the search, and what it could mean for Biden’s presidency. Further Reading: - String of Classified Document Discoveries Seen Tarnishing White House - More Classified Documents Found at President Biden’s Delaware Home Further Listening: - Why FBI Agents Searched Mar-a-Lago...