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A New Milestone for U.S. Debt: $40 Trillion

August 19, 2026·10m

P.M. Edition for Aug. 19. Today the total U.S. debt passed $40 trillion. WSJ economics reporter Matt Grossman discusses what that means for how the government functions. Plus, a successful trial of a mRNA vaccine for melanoma could mean potential new treatments for a deadly cancer–and news of the trial results more than doubled Moderna’s stock price. And the Federal Trade Commission says retailers have to let shoppers know when they’re using their personal data to raise prices. Dave Michaels, who covers corporate law enforcement for the Journal, explains how personalized pricing works, and how the FTC is looking to rein it in. Alex Ossola hosts. How Governments in the U.S.