Dec. 24 Edition. The WSJ’s David Luhnow and Juan Forero say next year could spell trouble for leaders contending with tricky fiscal math. Plus, American Airlines briefly halts all flights, but a holiday travel meltdown is averted. And Nippon Steel’s plan to buy U.S. Steel is referred to President Biden for review. Luke Vargas hosts.

Programming note: The next episode of What's News will be released midday Thursday.

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P.M. Edition for Dec. 23. In the Biden administration’s last few weeks in office, officials are disclosing the intelligence in an effort to get Pakistan to stop the program, says Wall Street Journal national security correspondent Michael Gordon. And the House Ethics Committee releases an explosive report about sexual misconduct allegations against former representative Matt Gaetz. Plus, WSJ reporter Laura Cooper tells us how beverage companies are ramping up lobbying to keep sugary drinks eligible for purchase with food stamps. Alex Ossola hosts.

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A.M. Edition for Dec. 23. Satellite imagery shows Pyongyang is ramping up production of missiles bound for use by Russia against Ukraine, in what the WSJ’s Matthew Luxmoore calls a major boost for Moscow as the war nears its third anniversary. Plus, President Biden commutes the sentences of 37 death row inmates. And the hosts of WSJ’s Take On the Week gaze into the crystal ball for some 2025 economic predictions–with the help of Goldman Sachs’ chief economist. Luke Vargas hosts.

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The last couple of years have seen fewer mergers-and-acquisitions deals targeting U.S. companies, but a new presidential administration is bringing optimism for a pickup in M&A activity. WSJ’s Ben Dummett explains how a change in political leadership could pave the way for a reset of antitrust policies, what sectors might see more deals and what those deals might look like. Charlotte Gartenberg hosts.

Further Reading

As Trump Readies a Reset of Antitrust Policy, Look to These Sectors for Deals 

Trump Aims to Remake Federal Trade Commission With Two Picks 

Why Goldman Stands Out as a Trump-Era Winner on Wall Street 

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How are discounts boosting Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants? And how did an activist investor lift government contractor KBR? Plus, why did Berkshire Hathaway’s bets boost three companies? Host Karen Langley discusses the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them.

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P.M. Edition for Dec. 20. For a growing number of men, what started as an interest in meme stocks or crypto has turned into a gambling addiction. WSJ markets reporter Gunjan Banerji went to Gamblers Anonymous meetings to understand more. And U.S. lawmakers are racing to avoid a government shutdown at midnight. Katy Stech Ferek, who covers Congress for The Wall Street Journal, gives us her read from the Hill. Plus, at least two people were killed and more than 60 wounded in an attack at a Christmas market in eastern Germany. You can follow the developing story on wsj.com. Alex Ossola hosts.

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A.M. Edition for Dec. 20. Most Democrats and several dozen Republicans join ranks to reject a revised spending measure, putting the U.S. on course for a government shutdown at midnight. Plus, Donald Trump threatens the EU with tariffs if it fails to increase U.S. energy imports. And Heard on the Street columnist Jon Sindreu explains the difference between being ultrarich, rich or merely affluent … and why that matters for banks trying to make their wealth-management offerings more inclusive. Luke Vargas hosts.

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P.M. Edition for Dec. 19. Aides and advisers stepped in to keep President Biden’s agenda on track despite the limitations of the oldest president in U.S. history. WSJ investigations reporter Rebecca Ballhaus tells us how this affected his presidency. And President-elect Donald Trump endorses a new deal that House Republicans have put together in an effort to avoid a government shutdown this weekend. Plus, sales of previously owned homes in the U.S. are on track to hit the lowest level this year since 1995, even as November saw sales numbers tick up. Alex Ossola hosts.

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A.M. Edition for Dec. 19. Late-breaking objections by the president-elect and Elon Musk to a bipartisan spending bill raise the prospects of a government shutdown. Plus, WSJ Europe finance editor Alex Frangos discusses how global markets are processing yesterday’s Fed-fueled selloff. And the Department of Justice sues CVS Health over its alleged role in contributing to the opioid crisis. Luke Vargas hosts.

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P.M. Edition for Dec. 18. The Federal Reserve drops interest rates by a quarter point, but signals intent to slow interest-rate cuts next year. And former students have filed a motion in a lawsuit against several elite universities, alleging that they colluded to determine students’ financial aid packages. WSJ higher education reporter Doug Belkin talks about how the suit taps into growing public frustration with the schools. Plus, reporter Richard Rubin talks about a new proposal in Congress that could cut taxes for Americans living abroad. Alex Ossola hosts.

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A.M. Edition for Dec. 18. Two of Japan’s biggest automakers - Honda and Nissan - are in talks over a tie-up that could create one of the world’s largest car companies. WSJ editor Peter Landers says the historical rivals are seeking to further share development costs, amid struggles for both companies in the vital Chinese market. Plus, U.S. authorities are considering a ban on the sale of internet routers from Chinese firm TP-Link, which have been linked to cyberattacks. And hedge funds are piling into utilities stocks, banking on the energy demand that’s powering the AI boom. Luke Vargas hosts.

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