Author: The Wall Street Journal & Gimlet

Last week, Grok went rogue. The AI chatbot – which users can interact with on X – posted antisemitic comments and graphic descriptions of violence before being deactivated, leaving users with a question: Where were Grok’s guardrails? WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy breaks down what happened and what it means for Musk’s company’s plans for an AI future. Annie Minoff hosts.   

Further Listening:

- How Elon Musk Pulled X Back From the Brink 

- The Musk-Twitter Saga 

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The man of steel is back in a new $225 million reboot. Riding on this weekend’s release is the hope that DC Studios will finally begin to match the past successes of its archrival Marvel. Its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery views DC Studios as critical to its success or failure. WSJ’s Ben Fritz talks to Jessica Mendoza about whether or not Superman can be the savior that DC and Warner are hoping for.

Further Listening:

- With Great Power: The Rise of Superhero Cinema 

- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer on Longevity in Hollywood 

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For years, President Trump has feuded with the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates. And now, two Republicans named Kevin (Kevin Hassett, one of Trump’s closest economic advisers and Kevin Warsh—a former Fed governor) are vying to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. WSJ’s Nick Timiraos takes us inside the contest for the next Fed Chair and what the President might be looking for with his choice. Jessica Mendoza hosts. 

Further Listening:

- Why Trump Pushed His Tariff Deadline 

- Is the Economy…OK? 

- Trump 2.0: Where Is the Economy Headed? 

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President Trump’s megabill cuts over $1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next decade, mainly from Medicaid. Experts project nearly 8.7 million fewer people covered by Medicaid, and hospitals face reduced payments and higher costs. WSJ’s Dominique Mosbergen reports on the bill’s historic cuts. Annie Minoff hosts. 

Further Listening:

- How Trump’s Megabill Squeaked Through the Senate 

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'?

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When President Trump paused most of his “Liberation Day” tariffs for 90 days last spring, the administration had hoped to cut dozens of trade deals. As trade advisor Peter Navarro put it, there could be "90 deals in 90 days." But as Trump’s deal deadline approached, it became clear that the administration’s deal-making push has hit some snags, resulting in only a handful of agreements with the UK, China, and Vietnam. This week, Trump extended his deadline to August 1st and sent public letters to many U.S. trading partners. WSJ’s Gavin Bade explains the sticking points that have gotten in the way of “90 deals in 90 days.” Annie Minoff hosts. 

Further Listening:

- Trump's Plan B After Trade Court Setback 

- Inside the Surprise U.S.-China Trade Deal 

- Taking Stock of the 'Sell America' Trade 

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Artificial intelligence is shaking up business in a big way, and recent college graduates are feeling the pinch. WSJ’s Chip Cutter explores the new corporate philosophy emerging around hiring and explains how the promise of artificial intelligence is putting entry-level jobs on the chopping block and less experienced applicants may be forced to pivot. Jessica Mendoza hosts. 

Further Listening:

- The Company Behind ChatGPT 

- The Hidden Workforce That Helped Filter Violence and Abuse Out of ChatGPT 

- OpenAI’s Weekend of Absolute Chaos 

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In the battle for AI supremacy, Meta’s models have lagged. Now CEO Mark Zuckerberg is racing to hire new AI talent to close the gap with rivals. He’s dangling huge pay packages to lure experts away from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. WSJ’s Meghan Bobrowsky explains how Meta’s AI efforts fell short, and who will be joining the company’s new “Superintelligence Labs” to turn things around. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

-The Battle Within Meta Over Chatbot Safety 

-Why the New Pope Is Taking on AI 

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After a marathon 27-hour session, Senate Republicans passed their version of President Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” Getting enough senators on board meant last-minute wrangling over key issues, including Medicaid, clean energy and the deficit. WSJ's Richard Rubin explains how Senate Republicans got to a “yes” vote, and what needs to happen before Trump can sign the bill into law. Annie Minoff hosts.

Further Listening:

- Can the GOP Unite Around Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'? 

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JPMorgan Chase recently announced that it was raising the annual fee on its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card by 45%. The company believes enough customers will stick around because of the status and exclusivity the card conveys. WSJ’s Imani Moise reports on how credit card companies have increasingly attracted customers by offering perks. Jessica Mendoza hosts. 

Further Listening:

- The Unusual Economics of the Bilt Credit Card 

- The Fight Over Your Credit Card Swipe 

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SCOTUS wrapped up a busy session, giving states room to restrict transgender medical care for minors, allowing the federal government to strip legal status for Venezuelan migrants and, in one of its final acts on Friday, clipping the power of federal judges to block President Trump’s policies nationwide. Jessica Mendoza speaks to WSJ’s Jess Bravin about the emergency cases filling the Supreme Court schedule and what that signals for the future.

Further Listening:

-Is There an Ethics Problem at the Supreme Court? 

-Trump 2.0: A Showdown With the Judiciary 

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