What’s News
Obama Vetting GOP Nevada Governor for Supreme Court
The White House is vetting Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, of Nevada, for the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death. 57
How Islamic State’s Secret Banking Network Prospers
Every day, hundreds of money-exchange offices in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Jordan funnel millions of dollars in and out of militant-held territory, despite financial sanctions intended to isolate the terror group.
Capital Account
Why a Global Currency Accord Won’t Happen
Currency chaos of late is reminiscent of the mid-1980s, and has revived hopes for the sort of coordinated intervention used back. It’s not going to happen, writes WSJ chief economics commentator Greg Ip.
Election 2016
Cruz, Rubio Prepare for Crucial Super Tuesday Voting
Donald Trump’s commanding victory in his third straight Republican presidential nominating contest frustrates Sens. Marco Rubio’s and Ted Cruz’s argument that they can consolidate the non-Trump vote and win the nomination.
The glut of gasoline sent prices at the pump in some states to 12-year lows earlier this month.
Cutbacks by Midwest Refiners Pose Fresh Risk for Oil
Refineries in the U.S. Midwest are losing their thirst for oil, posing a new risk for the battered oil market. Several refineries in the region have opted to reduce activity for economic reasons—a marked change after more than a year of refiners processing as much crude as possible.
Putin Makes Push on Syria Cease-Fire Amid Doubts
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a push to draw up support for a cease-fire in Syria, a deal that has already prompted skepticism about the Kremlin’s intentions.
The Middle Seat
The Best Way to Compare Flights
A service called Routehappy advises travelers about Wi-Fi, legroom, entertainment options and more aboard each plane, Scott McCartney writes.
Alphabet Unleashes New Humanoid Robot
The Boston Dynamics unit of Alphabet Inc. released a video showing a new version of its humanoid robot Atlas walking out of its offices, trudging through a snow-covered forest -- and withstanding abuse from its developers.
Chesapeake Energy Posts Deep Loss on Big Write-Down
Chesapeake Energy lost more than $14 billion in 2015, as it wrote down the value of oil and gas fields amid a protracted downturn in energy prices.
Honeywell Seeking Buyer for Building-Solutions Business
Honeywell, which has been trying to orchestrate a merger with United Technologies, has been shopping a unit with about $4.6 billion in annual revenue that provides services to commercial buildings.
Jury Awards $72 Million in J&J Baby-Powder Cancer Suit
A Missouri jury has awarded $72 million to the family of an Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer, which she said was caused by using Johnson & Johnson’s well-known baby powder and other products containing talcum.
In Off Year, What Markets Are Up?
Declines in the markets this year have been swift and broad. However, some corners of the market, including tobacco stocks, Indonesia’s currency and lean-hog futures, have shown resilience during the turmoil.
Commodities
Saudi Oil Minister Surprises OPEC With $20 Remark
Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi surprised fellow OPEC members when he said the kingdom was prepared to let oil prices slip to $20 a barrel—a level that would strangle some of the group’s own members.
Stocks Turn Higher Heading Into Close
U.S. stocks erased earlier losses Wednesday to trade higher, though a decline in financial stocks kept the gains in check.
Six of 13 IRS-Approved Tax Preparers Fail Cybersecurity Test
Six of 13 IRS-approved tax preparers failed a cybersecurity test, a new audit has found -- opening their customers up to potential identify theft and tax fraud.
Mansion
Making $1 Million on a Home Flip
How three homes in Los Angeles made millions when sold twice within a year of being listed.
Arts
Oscars 2016
Saoirse Ronan Gets Ready for Oscars, Broadway Debut
The “Brooklyn” star, up for the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of a small-town Irish girl who comes to America, will play Abigail Williams in Ivo van Hove’s production of “The Crucible.”
Novelist Jeffery Deaver on Paul Simon
The Paul Simon ballad “American Tune” spurred Jeffery Deaver, then a young folk singer, to consider a life of crime writing.
Pakistan Frets Over Potential Appeal of Islamic State
Muslim-majority Pakistan has long been awash with terrorist groups, including al Qaeda. Officials are warning that Islamic State’s territorial conquests in the Middle East are a potential draw for new recruits.
Europol Chief Sees U.K. Exit From EU Undermining Security Efforts
A British exit from the European Union would be potentially damaging to continental law and order, said Rob Wainwright, the head of the EU’s police agency, Europol.
Egypt Concedes Russian Plane Was Downed by Terrorists
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi says militants brought down a Russian passenger jet in October over the Sinai Peninsula, acknowledging for the first time that terrorism was responsible.
North Korea’s Threats Are a Poor Guide to Predicting Clashes
The two Koreas are trading angry rhetoric before U.S.-South Korea military exercises next month but there isn’t a clear link between threats and physical clashes.
Video
London Is Having a Shoe Moment
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Small Voting Group Sets Pace of Election—Just How Small?
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Smart Sole Can Charge Your Smartphone as You Walk
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On Wine: Lettie Teague
Can Chianti Shed Its Dusty, Banal Image?
Chianti, a famously good food wine, has been in something of a slump, with sales down and sommeliers’ passing it over in favor of hipper Italian reds. But these well-made—and well-priced—wines are worth another look.
Oscars 2016
Behind the Oscar-Nominated Costumes
Cinderella’s ball dress or the Revenant’s bearskin cloaks? This year’s nominees for the Oscar in costume design choose a garment or outfit that is emblematic of their team’s overall work.