Netanyahu agrees to Trump plan for Gaza deal, but Hamas still a question: WP reports the White House also published the latest version of its peace plan that foresees hostages being released and hostilities ceasing within 72 hours of both sides agreeing to the deal.
Trump touts Israel’s approval of his Gaza peace plan. Hamas has not agreed. Politico reports the president appeared optimistic about bringing the war to an end, even as he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to “finish the job” should the deal fall apart.
The Trump deal for Israel and Gaza: The pressure now shifts to Hamas to release all the hostages and disarm. WSJ-Editorial
The Hill: Trump would head Gaza ‘board of peace’ in new postwar plan
Tony Blair has never quit the Middle East. Now, he could run Gaza. Blair is a key player in planning for the rebuilding and governance of the Gaza Strip if a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is finally signed. WP
Americans’ support for Israel dramatically declines, Times/Siena poll finds: A majority of American voters now oppose sending additional economic and military aid to Israel, a stunning reversal in public opinion since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. NYT
An entire generation of Americans is turning on Israel: Young people — on the left and right — are growing increasingly skeptical of Israel. Politico
Labour conference backs motion saying Israel is committing genocide in Gaza: Guardian reports union-led call for tougher action by government passes, as more cautious alternative proposed by leadership fails.
Dar Global to launch a $1 billion project in Saudi Arabia in a deal with Trump Organization: AP reports London real estate developer Dar Global said Monday that it plans to launch a Trump Plaza in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, its second collaboration with the Trump Organization, the collection of companies controlled by US President Donald Trump’s children.
Reuters: Russia pounds Kyiv, other regions in mass drone and missile attack
US considers Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles: WP reports President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on the sale of the weapons, which could strike 1,500 miles into Russia.
Giving Tomahawks to Ukraine could bring US into war, Kremlin warns: The Times reports President Trump is considering allowing the use of the American missiles by Zelensky. The long-range weapon could strike deep inside Russia.
In defeat for Russia, pro-EU party wins Moldovan parliamentary majority: WP reports the results brought a sigh of relief for the European Union, as Moldova showed firm public support for the ruling party’s pro-Europe course.
Moldova moves toward Europe, but Russian tug of war persists: NYT reports Moldova’s pro-European party held onto its absolute majority in Parliament in national elections, but it still has a long road into the European Union.
Moldova defies Russia by re-electing its pro-European government: Russian election subversion fails to beat President Maia Sandu’s party. Economist
Italy's Meloni hardens rhetoric after killing of Charlie Kirk: Le Monde reports since the assassination of Trump ally Chalie Kirk, the Italian prime miniser has embraced darker, more polarized themes, invoking conspiracies and casting herself as a target of political violence.
Between Argentina and the US, bad accounts make for good friends: Donald Trump pledged his unconditional support for Javier Milei's administration as it faces pressure from financial markets on the peso. However, this initiative primarily signals ideological solidarity – one that may ultimately be costly for Argentinians. Stéphane Lauer
Trump set to bail out Argentina, irking some in ‘America First’ camp: The Trump administration is set to provide a $20 billion financial lifeline to Argentina, a move that has sparked controversy among some of his supporters. WP
Reuters: China buys Argentine soybeans after tax drop, leaving US farmers sidelined
Trump bets the soybean farm on tariffs: The damage from the trade war turns out to be mutually assured. WSJ-Editorial
Trump targets China’s tech sector by expanding trade blacklist: Officials are concerned about US technology helping China’s AI companies. WSJ
Pentagon pushes to double missile production for potential China conflict: Military leaders are urging defense contractors to increase assembly of 12 critical weapons. WSJ
AUKUS survives Pentagon review, with US submarine sales to proceed: Nikkei reports Washington to conclude evaluation ahead of Australian PM's visit on Oct. 20.
The missiles threatening Taiwan: China is transforming parts of its east coast into a platform for potential missile strikes against Taiwan and the nearby seas. The buildup is a vital part of the Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s ambitions to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s control and counter US power in Asia through the threat of overwhelming force. NYT
Classified US intelligence warns of China's preparations for Taiwan invasion: A classified US military intelligence report seen by the ABC says China is rapidly building up the country's commercial ferry fleet to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan. The report dates from earlier this year and was prepared by members of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for the Pentagon. ABC
North Korea vows never to give up its nuclear weapons: DW reports in a rare address to the United Nations, the North Korean official stated that Pyongyang would never surrender its nuclear weapons. However, he left the door open to diplomacy. Follow DW for more from the UN.
Asia's Gen Z rises up against entrenched political elites: Le Monde reports since 2022, young people in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal have led a wave of uprisings to demand radical change, united by a common cause: frustration with politicians' corruption and self-granted privileges.
Surface-to-air missiles and deadly drones spread on Sudan’s battlefields: WP reports fighters now possess anti-aircraft weapons that could threaten civilian air traffic and what appears to be a Chinese surface-to-air missile system, experts said.
Russia’s ambitious plans in Africa are unraveling: Russian operations are in tatters two years after death of head of mercenary outfit. WSJ
Algiers seeks to sideline speaking French in favor of English: Le Monde reports that successive educational reforms in Algeria have led to a reduction in the number of classroom hours devoted to French in both elementary and middle school. Starting in the 2025 academic year, French will also be dropped in favor of English at medical schools.
AGOA renewal: Is it time to rethink US-Africa trade? The AGOA trade agreement between the United States and African countries is coming to an end. While countless workers fear for their jobs, there is also an opportunity for new trade partnerships to develop. DW
Stephen Miller takes leading role in strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats: Miller’s homeland security council has played a key part in coordinating operations, sources say. Guardian
Stephen Miller: Donald Trump’s ‘prime minister’ executes his plan to reshape America: Washington’s most powerful unelected bureaucrat slashes immigration and threatens his political enemies. FT
Miami suburb’s once-vibrant housing scene is hit by exodus of migrants: Doral, Fla., was a hub for Venezuelan immigrants, but many have left town. WSJ
AP: Trump will speak at a hastily called meeting of top military leaders, AP source says
Military leaders voice concern over Hegseth’s new Pentagon strategy: The critiques from multiple top officers, including chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, come as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reorders US military priorities. WP
White House shutdown summit fails to produce a deal: Politico reports: "There are still large differences between us," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said afterward.
No deal reached in talks to avoid shutdown: WSJ reports top Democrats made their case to President Trump, but said there was no breakthrough in talks, further dimming hopes of a last-minute deal.
JD Vance says US government 'headed to a shutdown,' blames Democrats: Le Monde reports Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, speaking alongside Vance and Senate Republican leader John Thune, accused Democrats on Monday of 'trying to bring in extraneous issues' instead of accepting his chamber's 'clean' proposal to extend funding.
+ The new Morning Consult poll, shared exclusively with Playbook, reports that 45 percent of voters are more likely to blame Republicans if there’s a shutdown, compared to 32 percent blaming Democrats — a 13-point margin.
+ @MZanona: On House GOP conference call, Lisa McClain walked members through polling and advised them not to make the message about healthcare, because Rs lose that argument.. BUT if they talk about economics of a shutdown, that’s where the GOP has the upper hand/winning message, she said.
Trump administration opens new front to strip Harvard of federal funding: WSJ reports the government is starting a process that could make the university ineligible for future funding.
Trump might be losing his race against time: The president is gambling that he can consolidate authority before the public turns too sharply against him. David Frum
Rahm Emanuel, weighing presidential bid, navigates a Democratic Party moving left: Party long-timer takes stage in Iowa to test political waters, leaving behind past criticism of Democrats. WSJ
How Democrats lost Big Business: The party’s animus toward corporations convinced executives that opposing Trump isn’t worth the risk. Caitlin Legacki
‘Mine, baby, mine’: Trump officials offer $625 million to rescue coal: NYT reports the new effort, which includes opening 13.1 million acres of federal land for mining and eliminating pollution limits, aims to save an industry that has been declining for decades.
Will mining destroy America’s most-visited wilderness? The Trump administration is moving rapidly to approve a mine next to the Boundary Waters that many fear will pollute the pristine wilderness area. WP
+ The price of gold rose above $3,800 per troy ounce, a record that took its gains to more than 45% this year.
YouTube to pay $24.5 million to settle lawsuit brought by Trump: WSJ reports Google subsidiary is the last of three Big Tech companies to resolve personal litigation Trump filed against social-media platforms.
Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancellations in the week after suspending Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show.
Trump re-ups tariff plan for movies made outside of US: WSJ reports president says films made elsewhere will face a 100% tariff.
+ "Trump did not specify when or how the tariff could be enacted."
American films are losing their dominance over the global box office Bloomberg
Video games maker Electronic Arts strikes $55bn deal to go private: FT reports Saudi-backed transaction orchestrated by Jared Kushner and Silver Lake is biggest-ever leveraged buyout.
Why EA is ready to quit Wall Street’s game: Legacy videogame companies have struggled with hit-and-miss media cycles. WSJ
Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia, more backers to buy EA in $55B deal. What this means for gamers. Saudi Arabia is looking to diversify its investments outside of oil, which is why it is interested in acquiring Electronic Arts. USA Today
Anthropic launches new AI model, touting coding supremacy: AFP reports US startup Anthropic on Monday announced the launch of its new generative artificial intelligence model, Claude Sonnet 4.5, which it says is the world's best for computer programming.
AI groups bet on world models in race for ‘superintelligence’: Google DeepMind, Meta, and Nvidia are developing systems that aim to better understand the physical world. FT
Lufthansa to shed 4,000 jobs with help from AI: DW reports German airline Lufthansa plans to cut a slew of administrative jobs by 2030 as it streamlines operations. The group says AI and digitalization will replace some tasks as it reshapes the way its airlines operate.
Creator says AI actress is 'piece of art' after backlash: AFP reports the creator of an AI actress who exploded across the internet over the weekend has insisted she is an artwork, after a fierce backlash from the creative community.
After colonizing the adult world, AI enters the world of children: There are no age limits for AI companies. As digital emotional 'companions' emerge, young children have become tech firms' latest targets. Corine Lesnes
California enacts AI safety law targeting tech giants: AFP reports California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law groundbreaking legislation requiring the world's largest artificial intelligence companies to publicly disclose their safety protocols and report critical incidents, state lawmakers announced Monday.
AI data centers are sending power bills soaring: Wholesale electricity costs as much as 267% more than it did five years ago in areas near data centers. That’s being passed on to customers. Bloomberg
In the global AI boom, Russia is conspicuously absent: The Putin regime is suffocating the country’s tech talent. Chris Miller
A new front opens between Zuckerberg and Musk over robots: The rivalry could be one for the ages—up there with the feud between Bill Gates and the late Steve Jobs. Tim Higgins
Forget about that protein bar: The founder of Jeni’s Ice Cream is convinced that fiber is the future. NY Mag
Once Upon a Farm PBC, the organic baby food company co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, has filed for an initial public offering in the US, joining a list of firms moving ahead with a public listing.
Britain’s strict new curbs on junk-food marketing: Will they work? Economist
Startup founder Javice sentenced to over 7 years for defrauding JPMorgan: WSJ reports Frank founder Charlie Javice acknowledged she “made mistakes,” but her attorneys say they plan to appeal her conviction.
Occidental Petroleum in talks to sell OxyChem unit for about $10bn: FT reports the deal would carve out one of the world’s largest standalone petrochemicals units.
What does MAGA taste like? Filet mignon is out and marrow bones are in at DC’s new right-wing power spots. NY Mag
Armani’s farewell had it all, from Richard Gere to chic nonagenarians: Giorgio Armani’s extravagant spring 2026 show doubled as a remembrance for the designer, who died earlier this year. WSJ
WP: Dolly Parton’s ‘health challenges’ force delay of Vegas concerts till 2026
The Mets spent a fortune to win it all. They became a $340 million disaster. WSJ reports that after having the best record in baseball in June, the team suffered a stunning collapse that ranks among the worst of the franchise’s many September meltdowns.
The Ryder Cup missteps that doomed Team USA: The Americans fought back late on Sunday, but critical errors and poor showings from stars had already left them facing an insurmountable deficit at Bethpage Black. WSJ
AP: Rory calls out 'unacceptable and abusive behavior' from fans at Bethpage
USL adds ex-Carlyle Group CEO as vice chair with eye toward new first division Guardian
LeBron relishing 23rd season as retirement draws near: AFP reports LeBron James said Monday he had not decided when to retire from basketball as he prepares to become the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season in the league.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | September 26
Bragging rights meet battlefield reality as Trump’s peacemaker pitch falls flat at UN: Politico reports Trump appears more interested in claiming victory than dwelling on the details to get there.
Agent Melania: The path from reluctant to ruling first lady: Diplomats and foreign powers believe President Trump’s wife could hold the key to influencing the administration’s foreign policy. Katy Balls
Trump’s pivot toward Ukraine was inevitable: Putin had every chance to make peace. Instead, he escalated the war. You don’t do that to Donald Trump. Marc A. Thiessen
Tusk issues stark reality check about Trump’s pro-Ukraine pivot: Politico reports the US president’s words actually mean he might be done with Kyiv, Poland’s prime minister warns.
‘They’re encircled, and we’ll wait until they surrender, withdraw or die’: Ukrainian troops surround hundreds of Russian infantrymen, restoring hope after a brutal summer and, they say, swaying Trump in their favour. The Times
AP: Russian warplanes detected flying near Alaska for ninth time this year, US military says
Bloomberg: Europeans privately tell Russia they’re ready to shoot down jets
NATO states should shoot down intruding Russian jets, says Mark Rutte: The Times reports NATO’s secretary-general says he agrees with President Trump after a series of incidents over European airspace.
Danish authorities say 'professional actor' behind drone airport disruptions: Le Monde reports drones were seen on Wednesday and Thursday at Danish airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg and the Skrydstrup air base before leaving, police said.
Drones seen at 4 more Danish airports in ‘systematic’ attack: FT reports an airfield used by military shut down for several hours as Europe remains on alert over airspace violations.
Xi climate speech highlights China's push for global leadership: Beijing sees opening as US under Trump shuns international cooperation. Nikkei
Chinese premier signalsdDesire for stable US ties: WSJ reports Li Qiang, China’s No. 2-ranking official, urged US executives in a New York visit to help maintain a fragile detente between Beijing and Washington.
Xi hails China's 'correct' rule of Xinjiang in face of global criticism: Nikkei reports the Chinese leader's visit marks 70 years of region's autonomous status.
Why Xi Jinping now accepts Kim Jong Un at the grown-ups’ table: China is grudgingly mending ties with North Korea. Economist
Hong Kong airport in talks with 20 global airlines to launch flights to city.
Microsoft disables some cloud services used by Israel’s defense ministry: WSJ reports the software company found ministry used the services to surveil Gaza citizens.
‘Palestine is ours,’ Abbas tells UN General Assembly: NYT reports Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, vowed that his people “will not leave our land.” His address came days after 10 Western countries joined 150 other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Trump assures Arab leaders he won’t allow West Bank annexation, officials say: NYT reports after more countries recognized a Palestinian state, President Trump told Mideast and Muslim powers that he would not permit Israel to annex the territory, people familiar with the matter said.
Trump presents new Gaza peace plan to Arab and Muslim leaders: FT reports it is unclear if Israel will accept permanent ceasefire proposal that includes limited role for Palestinian Authority.
Could Tony Blair run Gaza? Many are vying to run the devastated territory. Economist
Saudi Arabia aims to work with Asian countries on AI: investment minister: Al-Falih highlights kingdom's low energy costs and access to Middle East and Africa. Nikkei
Chinese lobbyists must register jobs by Wednesday amid spy concerns: The Times reports Dan Jarvis, the UK security minister, says all state backed consultants could be jailed if they fail to sign the foreign influence registration scheme.
UK defense pledge to fundamentally alter British state, IFS says: Bloomberg reports delivering the UK government's pledge to lift defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product would require cuts to other services equivalent to eliminating all spending on police, border force, courts, and prisons, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said.
The Reform UK-leaning areas where Labour will pump in millions: We map the constituencies that Labour has marked for its Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme to defeat Nigel Farage at the ballot box. The Times
Digital ID cards to be compulsory for British workers under PM’s plan: Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal would be part of efforts to tackle illegal migration by verifying right to live and work in UK. The Times
Trump wades into bailout politics in offering a lifeline to Argentina: A $20 billion loan to support Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, could come with economic and political risks. NYT
Hegseth orders rare, urgent meeting of hundreds of generals, admirals: The Pentagon has summoned military officials from around the world for a gathering in Virginia. Even top generals and their staffs don’t know the reason for the meeting. WP
Hegseth is said to have summoned US military brass from around the globe: The unusual directive, without a stated reason, came after the defense secretary fired several top officers and ordered a reduction in four-star officers. NYT
ABC: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted days after Trump demanded his DOJ move 'now' to prosecute enemies
James Comey indicted on false statement charges: WSJ reports the federal prosecution against the former FBI director comes days after Trump pressured the attorney general to bring the case.
Justice Dept. official pushes prosecutors to investigate George Soros’s foundation: NYT reports the directive suggests department leaders are following orders from the president, a major break from decades of past practice meant to insulate the agency from political interference.
Former FBI director James Comey indicted amid Trump push to prosecute foes: WP reports Comey faces two counts in connection with allegations that he lied to Congress. A grand jury declined to indict him on a third count sought by prosecutors. He has denied wrongdoing.
Trump gets his Comey indictment: The president’s nemesis has been charged. A conviction won’t be so easy. WP-Editorial
The H-1B visa needs surgery, not a sledgehammer: The administration’s $100,000 fee for high-skilled immigration visas could devastate businesses. WP-Editorial
Trump signs order advancing TikTok deal, in boost to corporate allies: WP reports the deal would create an American version of the popular video app owned by some of the president’s wealthiest supporters.
Bloomberg: Trump signs TikTok order with US app valued at $14 billion
US strikes deal with Musk’s xAI in sign of rapprochement with Trump: Contract agreed just days after the president and his billionaire backer met at memorial for Charlie Kirk. FT
CNBC: Ken Griffin knocks Trump’s corporate deals, says ‘all of us lose’ when government starts picking winners
Trump says he'll use tariff revenue to bail out farmers: Politico reports Hill Republicans and powerful agriculture lobbying groups have been pressuring the administration to deliver some kind of farm aid.
Trump says he wants to give aid to struggling farmers: NYT reports the president said some revenue from tariffs would go to crop farmers, but the agriculture secretary said a plan wasn’t yet ready.
China bought $12.6 billion in US soybeans last year. Now, it’s $0. NYT reports China stopped buying soybeans from America in May, placing a retaliatory tariff on the bumper crop after President Trump increased levies on goods from China.
Bloomberg: Trump plans 100% tariff on brand drugs unless US Plants underway
+ Trump announced new industry-specific tariffs targeting heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities, as well as upholstered furniture.
Rare-earth prices soar beyond China restrictions as US hoards magnet metals: Nikkei reports used in EVs, neodymium-praseodymium hits highest level since 2023.
Justice Department sues six states seeking private voter data: NYT reports the Trump administration has been increasingly focused on an effort to bolster President Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. More than 30 states have received requests for information.
Democrats dig in on shutdown stance after White House threatens to fire workers: WSJ reports Republicans want short-term deal to keep government open, while Democrats seek healthcare funds.
Democrats dig in on shutdown after White House layoff threat: Politico reports multiple lawmakers weighed in Thursday to say they would not be cowed. GOP leaders were quieter.
Democratic anger at their own party fuels 2026 primaries: NBC reports that with the party's image at record lows and declining even among Democratic voters, candidates for Senate see an opening to win by positioning themselves against leaders.
Why some Democratic Senate candidates are saying ‘hell no’ to Schumer: Across the country, candidates are putting space between themselves and the Senator amid a growing appetite for newer leaders waging aggressive fights against Trump. WP
Charlie Kirk and the new Christian GOP: Religious conservatives were part of the Reagan coalition but are far more central to the party now. Peggy Noonan
Oklahoma education chief who promoted Bibles in schools will resign: NYT reports Ryan Walters had drawn criticism from liberals and conservatives alike over his push to place Bibles in classrooms and bring more prayer into public schools.
The MAGA media takeover: Trump and his powerful friends are creating a dangerous moment for free speech. David Karpf
Donald Trump is trying to silence his critics. He will fail: But the country could still lose. Economist
Epstein’s emails reveal his elite supporters as investigators closed in Bloomberg
Bloomberg: The LA fires destroyed 11,000 homes. Less than 10% have permits to rebuild
Auto industry is flashing a warning sign on US economy: WSJ reports CarMax, the biggest seller of used cars, said that sales and profit plunged in the latest quarter. Its shares closed down 20%.
Bosch to cut 13,000 jobs in blow to Germany's auto industry: Le Monde reports the cuts represent about 10% of Bosch's total workforce in the country, and 3% of its staff worldwide. Workers' representatives vowed to resist the cuts, labelling them 'unprecedented.'
Toyota launches Woven City project site to test self-driving: Nikkei reports Daikin, Nissin, and other Japanese companies join the experimental community in central Japan.
Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement over allegations it misled Prime users: WSJ reports the agreement requires the e-commerce giant to give money back to customers and change its subscription practices.
Amazon will refund Prime subscribers to settle claims that it deceived consumers: WP reports the refunds are part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that Amazon tricked people into signing up for the shipping service and made it difficult to cancel. The settlement is one of the largest in US history.
The future of war? AI fighter jets trained in a matter of hours: Europe’s first uncrewed AI fighter jet, which beat human pilots in simulations, could be set for deployment within five years. The Times
Bloomberg: David Einhorn sees ‘tremendous’ capital losses from AI spending
San Francisco's comeback is fueled by AI giants: Le Monde reports San Francisco's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, boasts about the city's falling crime rate, the return of residents and tourists, and its rise as a hub for artificial intelligence, though he admits problems remain.
OpenAI is upping the ante massively: Calculated display of self-confidence is intended to signal it is still leading the charge to superintelligence. Richard Waters
Accenture to ‘exit’ staff who cannot be retrained for age of AI: FT reports the group details $865mn restructuring programme and outlook reflecting sluggish corporate demand for consulting projects.
AI coding start-ups reap $7.5bn wave of investment: FT reports Sequoia, NEA, and Nvidia invest $50mn in Factory in bet software engineering will be critical application for the tech.
Google DeepMind unveils new robotics AI model that can sort laundry: FT reports new technology advances reasoning capabilities in general-purpose machines in push to make them more useful.
Million-year-old Chinese skull may rewrite human evolution theory: Discovery of the Yunxian 2 skull challenges the view that humans first evolved in Africa, hinting Homo sapiens may have appeared 400,000 years earlier in Asia. The Times
The misunderstood genius of Taylor Swift: More than just a pop star, she’s a great songwriter who proves that mass appeal and lyrical subtlety can go together. WSJ
Why Britain’s top comedians are headlining a festival in Saudi Arabia: The Riyadh Comedy Festival opens this weekend with a bill of starry UK and US stand-ups — who are being paid handsomely ‘to look the other way.’ The Times
Paul Thomas Anderson's epic race across a divided America in 'One Battle After Another': Le Monde reports the filmmaker explores the extremist drift in the United States today in his new film, loosely adapted from Thomas Pynchon's novel 'Vineland.'
Milan Fashion Week: Gucci stages Demna's debut: Le Monde reports a palazzo turned into a movie theater, a short film and a parade of celebrities: The Florentine fashion house masterfully orchestrated its new creative director's arrival on the opening day of the Spring-Summer 2026 Women's collections.
Climber shuns bottled oxygen in historic Everest mission with skis: The Times reports Andrzej Bargiel has become the first person to climb then ski down the world’s highest mountain without the aid.
Why Israel faces no sanctions from international sports bodies, unlike Russia: Le Monde reports Israeli teams, clubs, and athletes continue to participate in international competitions, despite mounting calls for their exclusion. Independent UN experts urged FIFA and UEFA to impose sanctions on Tuesday.
New England Patriots valued at $9bn as sport deal flurry continues: FT reports Sixth Street and US financier Dean Metropoulos buying 8 percent stake in Robert Kraft’s NFL team.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | September 25
90%: The share of the world’s young people who live in developing countries.
AI + Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the use of artificial intelligence in the fighting in Ukraine was advancing “the most destructive arms race in human history.”
With his pivot on Ukraine, Trump may be washing his hands of the war: President Trump has shown dwindling interest in mediating a peace accord, joining European “security guarantees” for Ukraine or providing aid and intelligence to the Ukrainians. NYT
European officials fear Trump is preparing to blame them for Ukraine failure: FT reports Poland’s Tusk warns new US posture conceals a ‘shift of responsibility.’
Trump says Ukraine can win back all its land. It’s not that simple. While Ukrainian officials say a massive influx of arms and technology is crucial to a major offensive to retake territory, analysts do not foresee that happening. WP
Trump gives Russia a dotted red line: Will a tougher message to Putin on Ukraine and flights over NATO territory be backed up with action? David Ignatius
Trump’s blast toward Russia is a ‘negotiating tactic,’ White House says: WP reports the president’s escalation in rhetoric is a marker of Trump’s frustration toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a senior White House official.
Russia hits back at Trump after his abrupt swing toward Ukraine: WP reports Trump’s statement that Ukraine could retake all of its territory lost to Russia with NATO’s help was a dramatic change in US rhetoric on the war.
Denmark says new drone flights over military base, airports are ‘hybrid attack’: WSJ reports drones were spotted over at least four airports, including a military air base housing most of Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 jet fighters.
The NATO dilemma: when is it right to shoot down a Russian drone? As aircraft encroach into allied airspace, frontline states call for tougher action, while others fear that one wrong move could trigger World War III. The Times
Alexus Grynkewich, top NATO commander in Europe: 'Russia has always tried to maneuver for advantage over the alliance': As the repercussions of the war in Ukraine increasingly impact Europe, NATO's new supreme allied commander Europe explains the measures aimed at countering any actions that target NATO member states. Le Monce
Yulia Navalnaya on why Europe needs a better Russia strategy: Despite all the sanctions and strong words, thinking has been lamentably short-term, writes Alexei Navalny’s widow. Economist
Starmer can’t afford to wait for reckless Reform to implode: Farage’s path to power is strewn with landmines planted by his own side. Robert Shrimsley
Britain is slowly going bust: Even with a huge majority and plenty of time, Labour is drifting towards a fiscal crisis. Economist
Reuters: Former French President Sarkozy handed 5-year jail term in stunning downfall
Sarkozy gets five-year prison sentence in Gadhafi funding case: WSJ reports trial examined whether former French leader’s 2007 presidential campaign received money from the regime of Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi.
Nicolas Sarkozy to be jailed for five years over Gaddafi election money: The Times reports the ex-French president criticised the judiciary, which he accused of hatred towards him, after he was found guilty of criminal conspiracy.
Sarkozy given five-year sentence in Libya case, will be incarcerated even if he appeals: Le Monde reports Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy at his trial over the alleged financing of his 2007 presidential campaign with money from the government of Muammar Gaddafi. He was acquitted of other charges, including corruption.
The billionaire politician making a Trump-like comeback in the Czech Republic: Former prime minister Andrej Babiš is seeking a second tilt at power, with potentially serious ramifications for Europe. FT
Bloomberg: Trump’s steel tariffs are triggering counterstrikes from US neighbors against China
There are more robots working in China than the rest of the world combined: China has embarked on a campaign to use more robots in its factories, transforming its manufacturing industries and becoming the dominant maker. NYT
China wants a ‘super-embassy’ in London — sparking anger and spying fears: China’s proposal for a large embassy by the Tower of London, near critical communications cables, has led to espionage concerns. China describes the claims as “slander.” WP
Every nation wants to copy Iran’s deadly Shahed Drone: Militaries around the world are seeking low-cost, easy-to-make ways to exhaust an enemy’s air defenses. WSJ
Displaced residents in southern Lebanon fear return of large-scale war: Le Monde reports tens of thousands of Lebanese people are still displaced after two months of conflict in the autumn of 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel launched the offensive on September 23, 2024.
Netanyahu’s plane avoids France in flight to meet Trump in US: FT reports Israeli prime minister, who is subject to an international arrest warrant, bypasses European allies following rupture over Gaza.
Can Israel go it alone? The secular Zionists who founded the state were desperate for allies. No longer. Simon Kuper
Syria’s new leader makes a star turn in New York: But his problems at home may undermine his relations with America. Economist
AP: Trump hosts Turkey's Erdogan at the White House as the US considers lifting a ban on F-35 sales
Mali suspended its counter-terrorism cooperation with France, days after its former colonial ruler said it would do the same following the arrest of a French envoy in Bamako.
Milei fixed half of Argentina’s inflation problem. He needs help with the rest. The country’s central bank no longer prints money to finance deficits, but a run on the currency could still cause prices to surge. Greg Ip
Can a US bailout save Argentina’s Javier Milei? Markets have calmed for now, but the libertarian leader faces deep political problems, say observers. FT
Washington’s quest for allies: Andrew O’Shaughnessy, a professor of history at the University of Virginia, is co-author of “Republic and Empire: Crisis, Revolution, and America’s Early Independence.” WP
MSNBC: Former FBI Director James Comey expected to be indicted soon
Justice Department officials race to charge James Comey as deadline looms: WSJ reports prosecutors are moving forward days after President Trump ousted the US attorney who voiced doubts about charging former FBI director.
US attorney races to present case against James Comey: NYT reports it remains to be seen whether a career prosecutor would be willing to present a case to a grand jury or whether jurors would bring an indictment.
+ “Even by Trump’s standards, it’s a stunning breach of presidential protocol and legal norms.”
For Trump, data is often ‘phony,’ unless it supports his views NYT
Inside the White House struggle to tame the Epstein crisis: Finger-pointing, disorganization, and unforced errors by Trump advisers made the problem worse; ‘Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?’ WSJ
Park Service removes statue of Trump and Epstein from National Mall: WP reports the statue, the latest installation by an anonymous group of artists critical of the president, was supposed to be on display until 8 pm Sunday.
RFK Jr.’s team wanted to tout an autism therapy. He went after Tylenol instead. A meeting with Tylenol’s maker convinced Kennedy to put the emphasis on acetaminophen. WSJ
A judge blasted the work of this researcher on autism, Tylenol. Trump elevated it. WP reports the company behind Tylenol had gained the upper hand in litigation alleging its use during pregnancy can cause autism. Now the Trump administration has breathed new life into research rejected by a federal judge.
White House to pursue mass firings if government shuts down: WSJ reports Office of Management and Budget director says reductions in employee counts will be permanent if a deal isn’t reached.
Bloomberg: White House tells agencies to prepare for job cuts in shutdown
White House directs mass firings if there is a government shutdown: WP reports the memo instructs agencies to consider firing employees working on any program that is not funded by another law, such as Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and that does not align with the president’s priorities.
Senators seek answers from Big Tech on H-1B workers, layoffs: Top lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee have sent letters to Amazon, Apple, and other major companies. WSJ
Schumer becomes a campaign trail punching bag for some Democrats: WP reports across the country, Senate candidates have distanced themselves from their Senate leader amid a growing appetite for newer leaders waging aggressive fights against Trump.
Tensions are high in a Utah redistricting fight that didn't start with Trump: NPR reports Utah is getting closer to redrawing its congressional boundaries in an unusual mid-decade redistricting process, but it's not yet clear what that map will look like. Unlike other Republican-led states redistricting this year, Utah's new map is expected to give Democrats more of a chance at winning at least one of the state's four congressional districts, which could help Democrats in the race to control the US House.
NJ-GOV: A new Emerson College Poll of New Jersey voters finds 43% of voters support Mikie Sherrill (D) and Jack Ciatarelli (R), with 11% of voters undecided.
Government shutdown will boost Mike Duggan's campaign: If Michigan voters wake up next Wednesday to find their state government shut down, expect Mike Duggan to be knocking down the doors of the recording studio to cut more campaign ads about the destructiveness of political dysfunction. Nolan Finley
MI-GOV: Rep. John James, a GOP candidate to be Michigan's next governor, told a group Monday that he "was screwed" in his 2020 US Senate race and suggested he'll pursue "consequences" for those who had wronged Republicans five years ago.
Bill de Blasio thinks Mamdani is like a natural athlete NY Mag
Kimmel draws more than six million viewers for his ABC return: WSJ reports the comedian’s monologue also drew more than 15 million views on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” YouTube channel.
CNBC: Starbucks to close stores, lay off workers in $1 billion restructuring plan
HSBC says quantum computing trial helps bond trading: Reuters reports that HSBC said on Thursday a trial using quantum computers to aid bond trading had produced promising results, marking a rare example of a major financial company finding early benefits from the emerging technology.
HSBC claimed it had achieved a “Sputnik moment” for quantum computing. The British bank stated that a pilot using a quantum processor built by IBM yielded a 34% improvement in calculating the likelihood of a bond trading at a given price.
+ The bank applied quantum processing to an anonymized set of European bond trading data and found it could significantly enhance the efficiency of the market, with a 34% improvement in predicting how likely a bond will trade at a given price.
Nuclear fusion: The race among start-ups to harness limitless, clean energy: Who will be the first to feed fusion power into the grid? From Germany to China, the United States to France, more than 50 start-ups are locked in a fierce race to control this long-sought energy source. Le Monde
How Intel’s $28 billion pledge left an Ohio town in limbo: New Albany was supposed to be the site of the chip maker’s most advanced semiconductor factory, but progress on the facility is slow. WSJ
Bloomberg: Alphabet is ‘most valuable company’ on AI atrength, Moffett says
AI just created a working virus. The US isn’t prepared for that. A stunning scientific accomplishment brings both great promise and great risk. WP
AI data centres will take 10% of power demand increase, says BP: The Times reports the oil giant’s World Energy Outlook report says the figure for the US could be 40% by 2035.
Artists are leaving Spotify to protest CEO’s military AI investments: WP reports several acclaimed groups have said they don’t want their music funding defense technology. The next step is less clear.
Zuckerberg and Altman move closer to Trump since Musk rift: White House officials remain sceptical of Meta and OpenAI chiefs as they seek to embrace US president. FT
Brunello Cucinelli shares suspended as short seller makes new Russia claims: FT reports Morpheus Research alleges luxury brand continues to trade in Russia and misled investors over its operations.
One nation under Tuckernuck: Who’s winning the culture war? A preppy clothing brand wooing women on both sides of the aisle. NY Mag
Relationship sex: Why many women still feel pressure to say yes: Many women have sex with their partners even when they do not want to, out of reluctance to say no, uncertainty about desire, or fear of offending. Together, these reasons sketch the contours of a gray zone of consent. Le Monde
WP: ‘One Battle After Another’: Paul Thomas Anderson’s timely masterpiece
'One Battle After Another' review: Dynamite with a lit fuse: Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson's masterwork lets an amazing ensemble, led by Leo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, shine brightly. Adam Graham
15 years into the boom, Iceland asks if it’s had enough of mass tourism: A volcanic eruption in 2010 put the island nation on millions of travelers’ maps. But is the country’s culture now at risk? NYT
The US has a Ryder Cup disadvantage: Their opponents are basically American, too: Europe’s recent domination of golf’s biennial showdown is best explained by the fact that most of their players are as familiar with American courses as the guys wearing red, white, and blue. WSJ
UEFA members in favour of banning Israel from European football next week: The Times reports pressure has ramped up on European football’s governing body after protests and the UN Commission’s declaration of genocide in Gaza.
A 58-year-old powerlifter is giving his college football dream one more try TA
Detroit News: Sinking Tigers fall out of first place with eighth straight loss
Detroit Free Press: Tigers' epic collapse occurs against mirror-image Guardians
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal