P.M. Edition for Jan. 21. Investment in blank-check companies, or SPACs, soared during the pandemic, with hundreds of startups piling into the craze. But now the frenzy is slowing, and some investors are starting to pull out of deals. Markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar joins host Annmarie Fertoli to discuss why interest in SPACs is sinking.
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Why the SPAC Craze Is Slowing Down

What's News brings you the headlines and business news that move markets and the world—twice every weekday. In about 15 minutes, get caught up on the best Wall Street Journal scoops and exclusives, with insight and analysis from the award-winning reporters that broke the stories. Hosted by Annmarie Fertoli and Luke Vargas.

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Daily News

A.M. Edition for May 6. The Israeli military has started warning Gazans to leave parts of Rafah in advance of a much-anticipated offensive against Hamas in the crowded city. Plus, WSJ reporter Austin Ramzy explains what to watch for as Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits Europe in a test of the continent’s allegiances. And Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway tweaks its portfolio but stays quiet on plans for its record cash pile. Luke Vargas hosts.



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Israel Orders Rafah Evacuations Ahead of Expected Offensive

When Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark lit up this year’s March Madness basketball tournament and propelled the women’s final to top the men’s in TV viewership, the gap between men’s and women’s sports looked like it might be starting to close. But that’s not the case when it comes to starting salaries. WSJ senior sports reporter Rachel Bachman answers listeners' questions about the economics behind this difference, the future of pay in the WNBA and how we might reframe the conversation about pay equity in professional sports. Annmarie Fertoli hosts.



Further Reading

Wait, Caitlin Clark Is Only Getting Paid $76,000? 

How Nike Won the Battle for Caitlin Clark

NCAA Women Beat Men in Finals’ Ratings for First Time—but Got 99% Less TV Money 

Why NCAA Women Got More Viewers Than the Men But Less TV Money 

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The NBA, the WNBA and the Pro Sports Pay Gap: Your Questions Answered

Why did Starbucks’ latest earnings leave a bitter taste for some investors? And how did healthcare turn unhealthy for CVS? Plus, how did artificial intelligence boost Amazon and Apple? Host Francesca Fontana discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them.

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What’s News in Markets: Weak Coffee, Advantage Lost, AI Push

P.M. Edition for May 3. When Donald Trump was president, he used a 1996 law, the Congressional Review Act, to undo many of the regulations enacted by his predecessor. Now, President Biden is rushing to cement his legacy ahead of a likely rematch with Trump in November. Domestic policy correspondent Andrew Restuccia explains. And U.S. hiring slowed in April, boosting hopes for a late-summer rate cut. Plus, reporter Stu Woo explains why the U.S. is worried about China’s mission to the far side of the moon. Annmarie Fertoli hosts.



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Biden Seeks to Trump-Proof His Agenda

A.M. Edition for May 3. Governments around the globe have been making it harder for the media to provide reliable and independent news—including in Russia, where WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich has been detained for more than a year. Plus, the U.S. reshuffles military assets in the Middle East after getting pushback from a Gulf partner wary of getting in the crosshairs of regional tensions. And, WSJ’s Jared Malsin explains why talks for a Gaza cease-fire are at a critical point. Luke Vargas hosts.



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Why the SPAC Craze Is Slowing Down

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