What’s News
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Covid-19 Deepens the Gap Between Rich and Poor Countries
A.M. Edition for Jan. 19. Dubbed 'The Great Divergence,' the pandemic is exacerbating long-standing inequities between rich and poor nations. WSJ's Nicholas Bariyo reports from Uganda about Covid-19's disruptive effect on everything from childhood health campaigns to years of continuous economic growth. Luke Vargas hosts.Read transcript
Microsoft to Buy Videogame Heavyweight Activision
P.M. Edition for Jan. 18. Microsoft is expanding its footprint in the video game industry through a deal valued at $75 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. WSJ technology reporter Sarah E. Needleman joins host Annmarie Fertoli to discuss how the deal could impact the industry.Read transcript
Lobbyists Push Congress for More Pandemic Business Relief
A.M. Edition for Jan. 18. Lobbyists are pressing the case to lawmakers that businesses around the country-including restaurants, gyms and even sports teams-need another round of pandemic relief to stay afloat. But as WSJ's Brody Mullins explains, the appetite for billions in additional aid isn't what it once was. Luke Vargas hosts.Read transcript
Could the Vaccine Mandate for Health Workers Lead Some to Leave?
P.M. Edition for Jan. 14. The Supreme Court ruled this week that the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers can stand. But the rule has some worried that hospitals and nursing homes could lose even more staff, when many facilities are already on the brink. Health reporter Anna Wilde Mathews joins host Annmarie Fertoli to discuss.Read transcript
Is China's 'Zero-Covid' Policy Starting to Backfire?
A.M. Edition for Jan. 14. To date, China's strict 'zero-Covid' policy has largely prevented mass outbreaks and allowed the country's economy to keep buzzing. But Omicron is calling that strategy into question. WSJ's Lingling Wei explains how a fresh wave of lockdowns is triggering an economic slowdown that could have global consequences. Luke Vargas hosts.Read transcript
Democrats' Hopes for Voting-Rights Bills Dim
P.M. Edition for Jan. 13. President Biden and Democrats are making voting rights a political priority this year. But after an impassioned speech earlier this week in Atlanta, the president is now expressing doubts on the legislation’s path forward. Congressional reporter Siobhan Hughes joins host Annmarie Fertoli with more.Read transcript
Could a Pandemic Party Sink Boris Johnson's Career?
A.M. Edition for Jan. 13. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a history of surviving political scandals. But revelations that he attended a party at the height of the country's first lockdown is leading to calls for his resignation, even from within his own party. WSJ's Max Colchester breaks down the latest development and how Johnson hopes to weather the fallout. Luke Vargas hosts. Read transcript
Inflation Soars to Fastest Pace in Four Decades
P.M. Edition for Jan. 12. The Labor Department said the consumer-price index rose 7% in December, bringing inflation to its fastest pace since 1982. But what are the factors driving it? And is the Biden administration taking the right approach to bringing it under control? WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip joins host Annmarie Fertoli to discuss.Read transcript
NATO Faces a Test of Resolve in Russia Talks
A.M. Edition for Jan. 12. NATO leaders will meet face-to-face with Russian officials today amid tensions over Ukraine and a deployment of Russian troops to Kazakhstan. WSJ's James Marson explains what demands Moscow intends to make of NATO and how the alliance is likely to respond to growing Russian influence in Eastern Europe. Luke Vargas hosts.Read transcript
Lawmakers Question Powell on Inflation, Job Market
P.M. Edition for Jan. 11. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell faced questions from lawmakers about inflation and the job market at his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Powell defended the Fed’s decision to pull back on pandemic stimulus and explained why he is prepared to begin raising interest rates to cool the economy. WSJ chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos joins host Annmarie Fertoli to discuss.Read transcript
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HOSTED BY
Host, Senior Producer, WSJ Podcasts, The Wall Street Journal
Annmarie Fertoli hosts the PM edition of the What's News podcast. She joined The Wall Street Journal in 2017 after more than a decade in public radio: first with WFUV at her alma mater, Fordham University, then at WNYC, where she worked as a news host, reporter and producer for All Things Considered. Annmarie has also worked as a reporter and arts and entertainment editor for weekly newspapers on Long Island and in Queens. Her first print story for the WSJ focused on how the popular video game “Animal Crossing” became a form of therapy during the coronavirus pandemic—for her and many others.
Host and Producer, WSJ What's News Podcast, The Wall Street Journal
Marc Stewart is the AM host of the What’s News podcast. He joined the WSJ in May 2020 from ABC News in New York. He’s served as a television anchor and reporter across the country, including stops in Denver and Nashville. Marc has also been awarded several international reporting fellowships, taking him to North Korea, China, Japan and Europe. In addition, he’s been a contributor to the aviation-focused publication The Points Guy. Marc recently completed a Masters degree in business and economic reporting from New York University and Stern College of Business. In his free time, Marc is an avid runner and swimmer.