*** Ross Rant ***
The media trust crisis that should alarm every leader
A Gallup survey finds American confidence in mass media has collapsed to 31%.
This number is a historic low with profound implications for anyone leading in business or government. The latest numbers, from a survey conducted from September 2 to 16, 2025, mark the first time this Gallup measurement has fallen below 35%.
This isn't a partisan talking point.
When Gallup began measuring trust in news media in the 1970s, between 68% and 72% of Americans expressed confidence in reporting.
Today, trust has cratered across the political spectrum: Republican confidence sits at 12%, independents at 27%, and even Democrats have declined to 54%. When two-thirds of Americans actively distrust the institutions meant to inform public discourse, we face a crisis in our information infrastructure.
The generational data is particularly sobering. Only 38% of Americans 65 and older trust media, while younger cohorts register at 31% or below. As demographics shift, institutional credibility will likely deteriorate further without dramatic intervention.
Top six insights:
1. Trust in media has reached a historic low: At 31%, this marks the lowest confidence level since Gallup began tracking this metric in the 1970s, when trust ranged from 68-72%.
2. Republican confidence has collapsed to 12%: This represents a dramatic decline from already-low levels, and Republican trust hasn't exceeded 21% since 2015.
3. Democratic trust has also declined significantly: Only 54% of Democrats now express confidence in the media, down from historical highs and representing a concerning erosion even among the media's most supportive demographic.
4. A generational divide persists, but everyone's trust is declining: While 38% of adults aged 65+ trust the media compared to 31% or less in younger age groups, even older Americans show substantially lower trust than in previous decades.
5. Two-thirds of Americans are actively distrustful: 67% of US adults express either "not very much" confidence (36%) or "none at all" (31%) in news media, demonstrating widespread skepticism rather than neutral indifference.
6. The decline is universal across all partisan groups: While partisan gaps remain significant, confidence has reached new lows among Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike, indicating this is a systemic issue affecting the entire media landscape.
Why this matters:
Communication becomes nearly impossible when your stakeholders don't trust information sources. Market-moving news faces immediate skepticism. Corporate reputation management operates in an environment where traditional media channels lack persuasive power. Crisis communication strategies built on earned media are fundamentally compromised.
For Capitol Hill staffers, this helps explain why constituents are increasingly rejecting expert consensus and official messaging. For CEOs, it underscores the importance of direct communication channels and authentic engagement more than ever, for private equity executives evaluating portfolio companies, media strategy, and stakeholder trust should be due diligence priorities.
The challenge isn't simply fixing media. It's recognizing that every leader must now build trust directly with their stakeholders. Your voice, your transparency, and your accountability matter more than any press release ever will.
You can access the complete Gallup survey here.
-Marc
*** A11. ***
Hamas to demand key revisions to Trump Gaza plan before accepting, sources say: Guardian reports Turkey and Qatar putting pressure on group to make concessions – but condition it disarm is a sticking point.
NBC: Police declare terrorist incident as at least two killed in car and knife attack outside UK synagogue
+ Thursday's incident occurred as the community observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
British Jews say UK terrorist attack was just a matter of time: WSJ reports the community worries about growing antisemitism and feels increasingly isolated as the Gaza war drags on.
Deadly attack outside UK synagogue on Yom Kippur is declared terrorism: NYT reports the police identified the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent. He was shot dead, the police said, after killing two people in Manchester, England.
Europe’s new war on the Jews: Yom Kippur sees a terror attack in Britain, while Germany foils one. WSJ-Editorial
Trump’s drone deal with Ukraine to give US access to battlefield tech: A Team from Kyiv is in Washington this week to work out agreement details. WSJ
Why not let Ukraine hit Moscow? Trump offers intelligence support for long-range strikes inside Russia. WSJ-Editorial
Ukraine needs Europe to move faster on Russian ‘reparations’: An EU summit made only incremental progress on getting Kyiv access to frozen Kremlin funds. WP-Editorial
Russian gasoline production buckles under Ukrainian drone strikes: WP reports in annexed Crimea, drivers are limited to five gallons of gas at the pump, and all Russians face higher taxes and less social spending as the war drags on.
Vladimir Putin is testing the West—and its unity: NATO must resist Russia’s efforts to corrode it from within. Economist
As Russian drones menace Europe, Putin says Moscow has no plans to invade: NYT reports President Vladimir V. Putin lashed out at “European elites” for “whipping up the hysteria” about the “Russian threat.”
French-German future combat aircraft project on the brink of collapse: Le Monde reports eight years after Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel launched it, this symbol of European sovereignty in defense is on the verge of collapse. At issue are the demands of the project's main contractor, Dassault Aviation, which Berlin considers excessive, as well as political and strategic differences between France and Germany.
The unravelling of France’s centrist project: There is a real chance that power will fall into the hands of the extremes. Economist
Labour has a new leader. His name is Nigel Farage: Sir Keir Starmer displayed multiple personalities at his party conference, which shows you that Reform is making the political weather. Patrick Maguire
Britain is trying to create a digital identity system, again: One more heave. Economist
Two cables and the hidden subsea battle between US and China: A high-stakes rivalry is playing out over a vast but vulnerable web of underwater cables that carry nearly all global internet traffic. Bloomberg
The feud that could upend Asia’s balance of power: The Philippines sits at the middle of a China-US power struggle. A pitched battle between its president and vice president could tip the outcome. Bloomberg
Australia rolls out ‘ghost bats and sharks’ in historic defence spending spree: Canberra undertakes the most ambitious military overhaul since the Second World War to meet the China threat. FT
India’s rich flock to Mumbai’s new billionaires’ row: Transformation of city’s infrastructure creates seafront neighbourhood for ultra-rich on single street. FT
8%: The share of land in Paraguay that is owned by Mennonites, a close-knit group of German-speaking Christians.
In Argentina, Milei faces a new setback as Congress overturns spending vetoes: The vote comes as the US-backed Milei struggles to end a run on the national currency, the peso, in the run-up to the crucial October 26 mid-term elections. Le Monde
US Treasury chief says 'fully prepared' to support struggling Argentina: AFP reports US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that his agency was "fully prepared to do what is necessary" in support of Argentina, a week after revealing both sides were in talks over an economic aid program.
Foreign interference in Canadian elections could get more sophisticated, task force warns: Canada’s most recent election was not significantly impacted by foreign interference. Still, interference attempts could become more sophisticated and social media companies are less interested in protecting democracy, a government task force warns. Toronto Star
Canada making progress in trade talks with US, LeBlanc says: Canada is making “progress” in reaching a breakthrough on US tariffs, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s point man in the trade war. Toronto Star
Canada issues warning for US-bound travellers with gender-neutral passports: Toronto Star reports the advisory notes some countries, including the US, don’t recognize the “X” gender identifier, meaning entry is not guaranteed.
Bloomberg: Trump declares cartels in ‘armed conflict’ with US military
US in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels, Trump tells Congress: The Trump administration is seeking legal justification for strikes on what it has claimed are Venezuelan drug traffickers at sea. WP
Lawmakers from both sides pressed Pentagon on legal basis for cartel boat strikes: Republicans and Democrats press top Defense Department lawyer in closed-door briefing. WSJ
The embarrassing Pete Hegseth: The Pentagon needs sober, judicious leadership, not a drama queen who makes things jarring and fevered. Peggy Noonan
Trump making plans to send billions in cash bailouts to farmers with taxpayer money: Politico reports the president has also said he wants to use direct tariff revenue for the payments, but that could trigger a major fight in Congress.
Trump explores bailout of at least $10 billion for farmers: WSJ reports the move would come as the agriculture sector warns of economic fallout from Trump’s tariffs.
Wall Street buys Trump tariff refund rights from cash-strapped US importers: Oppenheimer, other financial firms bet on the Supreme Court striking down trade war levies. Nikkei
+ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted a “pretty big breakthrough” in the next round of trade talks with China, even as the Trump administration takes steps to support American farmers hurt by a decline in Chinese purchases of soybeans.
US farmers hit by trade war to get 'substantial' aid: Treasury chief: AFP reports US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled Thursday that "substantial support" for farmers would be announced next week, particularly for those growing soybeans, as they struggle with fallout from President Donald Trump's trade conflicts.
+ Mini Ross Rant: As a means to increase GDP, Team Trump is soon to announce a corps of ditch diggers to create a ditch from Baltimore to San Diego. And then to really juice the GDP, Team Trump will announce a corps of ditch fillers to fill the same ditch from San Diego to Baltimore. Brilliant.
Trump's tariff war persists, destabilizing global trade: Six months ago, on April 2, the president of the United States unveiled his 'reciprocal tariffs' on the rest of the world. Since then, Washington has wielded the threat of new taxes to pressure its partners. Le Monde
Thoughts on the US economy: A new CBS News poll finds 59% of Americans say the economy is “getting worse,” and 52% describe the job market as “bad.”
LA’s entertainment economy is looking like a disaster movie: Work is evaporating, businesses are closing, longtime residents are leaving, and the city’s creative middle class is hanging on by a thread. WSJ
What’s wrong with Las Vegas? As prices skyrocket and international travel declines, the city finds itself caught in a perfect storm. NYT
White House senses political risk on healthcare despite shutdown bravado: WSJ reports aides to President Trump are discussing proposals to extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies on which millions of Americans rely.
Senior government officials privately warn against firings during shutdown: WSJ reports the Trump administration has said mass firings are coming, but officials have quietly warned several agencies that the move could violate appropriations law.
Bloomberg: Trump eyes firing thousands of federal workers over shutdown
Trump promises cuts to ‘Democrat agencies’: WSJ reports President Trump redoubled his threat to use the shutdown to slash the federal bureaucracy as Democrats and Republicans dug in for an extended battle.
Trump administration approval of abortion drug infuriates the right: WSJ reports the administration approved a new generic version of mifepristone, a decision made quietly by the Food and Drug Administration this week.
Trump officials cancel $7.6 billion in clean energy projects: WP reports the cuts are the latest in the administration’s efforts to undercut renewable energy and other efforts to decrease the emissions driving climate change.
Newsom threatens funding cuts to colleges that sign Trump deal: Bloomberg reports California Governor Gavin Newsom threatened to pull “billions of dollars” in state funding from any California university that signs a Trump administration proposal offering preferential funding in exchange for certain demands, including a cap on international students.
Jane Fonda relaunches McCarthy-era committee to defend free speech: WP reports the actor said the Committee for the First Amendment — first backed by her father in 1947 — would fight the Trump administration’s attempts to silence critics.
Democrats are putting money into solidly red Mississippi. Here’s why. The DNC is investing in low-profile state races there as the South is on track to wield more power in future elections. Will it work? WP
How Trump’s 2020 election falsehoods are shaping a marquee Georgia race: Warring factions at odds over his failed effort to overturn the outcome are renewing their rivalries in a major midterm contest. WP
The Mamdani effect: Democrats seem to be acting differently since June. Is that a coincidence? David Freedlander
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer casts doubt on a 2028 presidential bid: Whitmer was asked by a Canadian journalist in a moderated discussion whether she is considering seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 2028. “I anticipate helping, but I don’t know if I’m going to be the person,” she said. AP
Musk joins 'cancel Netflix' campaign: AFP reports Elon Musk has urged his 227 million social media followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, accusing the streaming platform of promoting what he describes as transgender propaganda.
Paramount nears a deal to buy Bari Weiss’s Free Press: Ms. Weiss, a co-founder of the site, would become editor in chief of CBS News, people briefed on the talks said. NYT
5 most valuable private companies:
1. OpenAI
2. SpaceX
3. ByteDance
4. Anthropic
5. Stripe
+ Source: CB Insights
OpenAI valuation hits $500 billion while Altman signs more deals in Asia: WSJ reports the share sale speaks to frenzy around artificial intelligence.
AI comes to the video wars: A new period of experimentation in apps has arrived to expand the user experience beyond chatbots. Richard Waters
Younger workers will win the AI economy: Artificial intelligence is slowing hiring for junior roles, but history suggests young workers are often best placed to adapt to new technology. Bloomberg
Convicted moguls Sean Combs and Miles Guo ponder AI platform after jail: FT reports Chinese businessman tells judge ahead of rapper’s sentencing hearing they ‘sleep right across from each other’ in Brooklyn jail.
Music labels close to landmark AI licensing deals: FT reports Universal and Warner seek payment structure similar to streaming as more disruption looms.
Boom or bubble: How long can the AI investment craze last? The staggering investments in artificial intelligence keep coming: Last week, AI chip giant Nvidia announced it would invest $100 billion to help OpenAI, the frontrunner in generative AI, build data centers. AFP
The incompatibility of AI and decarbonization: The notion of 'techno-solutionism,' asserting that artificial intelligence could achieve sufficient energy savings to make the process sustainable, is an illusion. Le Monde-Editorial
Delays to Trump’s UAE chips deal frustrate Nvidia’s Jensen Huang: WSJ reports the multibillion-dollar deal was announced in May, but the commerce secretary has since pushed the UAE for certain US investments first.
ByteDance will be better off without TikTok US: There is a lot more to the Chinese tech giant than its American offshoot. Economist
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire comes to the aid of Occidental Petroleum—again: WSJ reports Berkshire’s $9.7 billion buy of Occidental’s petrochemicals business will allow the company to reduce debt and focus on fossil fuels.
Bloomberg: California-to-Vegas high-speed rail costs jump $5.5 billion
Tesla reported record vehicle deliveries in the third quarter, after months of decline. The strong performance, which saw 497,099 cars delivered globally, was a 7% increase from the same period a year ago.
Volkswagen gets what it paid for: VW welcomed the union last year and now faces a costly work stoppage. WSJ-Editorial
Autonomous truck startup Kodiak set to go public after $2.5 billion deal: WSJ reports the maker of software for self-driving vehicles is one of several companies aiming to automate long-haul trucking.
Paris in uproar as Shein picks capital of fashion for first shop: The Times reports the Chinese fast-fashion giants plan to open stores six French cities outraged the industry, which accused it of flooding the market and destroying local brands.
Japan days away from running out of Asahi Super Dry after cyber attack: Vast majority of factories of nation’s most popular beer have stopped work this week. FT
Detroit Free Press: Ford IT system tampered with to display vulgar anti-RTO message across office screens
Why are Americans relocating? The data shows surprises. The tranquility and safety of suburban and rural areas increasingly appeal to many movers. Mitch Daniels
Meet the first American to win ‘Best Cheesemonger in the World’: Emilia D’Albero won the Mondial du Fromage, one of the world’s top cheese competitions, held every two years in Tours, France. WP
Wine from China is finer than Western snobs imagine: Government support and French expertise have made all the difference. Economist
These numbers are the real reason late-night TV is collapsing: Comedy’s cultural center of gravity has shifted under Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert’s feet. Mark Robichaux
Can’t stop talking about ‘One Battle After Another’? Neither can we. Ten writers on what Paul Thomas Anderson’s zany political opus is really about. WP
The 25 most influential magazine covers of all time: Our editors, a creative director, and a visual artist met to debate and discuss the best of print media — and its enduring legacy. NYT
Detroit News: Go west! Tigers conquer Guardians, head to Seattle for ALDS
Latest USMNT roster offers look at A-team as World Cup looms: US men’s national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino brought Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, and Matt Turner back to the fold for matches against Ecuador and Australia. WP
Pulisic, McKennie headline US squad for October friendlies: AFP reports AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie headline a 26-strong squad named Thursday by USA manager Mauricio Pochettino for two October friendlies.
FIFA 'cannot solve geopolitical problems' like Gaza, says Infantino: AFP reports FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday football "cannot solve geopolitical problems", as he comes under pressure to suspend Israel over the Palestinian conflict.
The PGA apologizes to Rory McIlroy’s wife Elizabeth Gulino NY Mag
Trump ally threatens immigration sweep at Bad Bunny Super Bowl show: AFP reports US authorities could conduct immigration sweeps at next year's Super Bowl, a Trump administration official has warned, following the announcement that Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 2
Moscow indicates retaliation if Europe uses Russian assets for Ukraine: NYT reports amid a plan to lend $165 billion to Kyiv using Russian state assets, European officials are mindful of the possibility of blowback as they gather to discuss the idea.
US to provide Ukraine with intelligence for missile strikes deep inside Russia: WSJ reports Trump has approved sharing targeting data with Ukrainians as the administration weighs sending powerful weapons.
Ukraine war’s new front line runs through Denmark: WSJ reports Danes are facing implications of their muscular opposition to Russia’s invasion.
Macron says 'nothing ruled out' if Russian plane violates European airspace: Le Monde reports that after Russia was blamed for drone incursions into Poland and Romania, the French president told a German daily newspaper that 'nothing is ruled out' if a Russian jet breaches European airspace.
France detains Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker suspected in drone attack: WSJ reports French President Emmanuel Macron said authorities are investigating incursions into Danish airspace that rattled NATO allies.
Two arrested as French navy boards blacklisted Russian tanker off western coast of France: Le Monde reports the Boracay, part of Russia's sanctioned 'shadow fleet,' was previously off Denmark during drone incursions. French prosecutors have opened an investigation, while President Macron said he would 'remain very careful' and not draw a link to the flights.
The flashing red threat from Russia’s dark fleet: NATO navies struggle to contain a new danger on the seas. Economist
The Trump plan for Gaza deserves praise: America, Israel, and perhaps Hamas, have changed their positions. Economist
Sir Keir Starmer declares a battle for the soul of Britain: The Labour Party takes aim at Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Economist
Labour has decided to stop punching its own voters: Sir Keir Starmer has embraced peace and love of the party’s hippy base. Economist
How the Tories might live again: It will take buyer’s remorse about Labour and fear of the economic consequences of Nigel Farage. Janan Ganesh
Brussels backs Trump-style tariffs on cheap Chinese steel: FT reports new measures would protect industry, but some countries fear that curbing low-cost imports could drive up prices.
Analysis: A storm of PLA purges rages on ahead of key party meeting: How will Xi Jinping maintain balance of power within Chinese military? Nikkei
China launches 'K visa' for tech talent as US clamps down: Nikkei reports Beijing touts 'openness' but move draws online anti-immigrant backlash.
China curbs use of Nokia and Ericsson in telecoms networks: Beijing’s national security drive hits European groups even as Huawei maintains its business on the continent. FT
Bloomberg: Trump vows to confront China over its refusal to buy US soybeans
Trump Asia visit preparations grind to halt with government shutdown: Nikkei reports Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea embassies watch Congress closely. At the end of October, Trump is expected to make his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region in his second term, attending the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, stopping by in Tokyo before flying to Gyeongju, South Korea -- the venue of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' week.
+ Lee Jae Myung, South Korea’s president, said that annual defence spending would increase by 8.2% in next year’s budget.
Argentine assets hit by fresh selling amid worries over US bailout: FT reports peso, stocks, and bonds all fall as investors fret over lack of details from Washington on rescue plan.
Bessent’s Argentina rescue pledge put to test by traders attacking peso Bloomberg
Going back to the 1970s won’t save Mexico: Embracing protectionism to prevent Chinese dumping and appease Trump will fail — just like import substitution did. Eduardo Porter
Bank of Canada cut rates despite uncertainty on inflation outlook, minutes say: WSJ reports senior Bank of Canada officials believed a rate cut was warranted even though upside risks to inflation remained intact.
Donald Trump’s tariffs causing economic pain on both sides of the border, Michigan governor says: “Tariffs have been incredibly challenging for Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at Queen’s Park. “Our economic lives are intertwined.” Toronto Star
The inside scoop on how Canada’s ice-cream giant Chapman’s is rising above tariffs David Olive
Trump’s budget chief, slayer of big government, moves quickly in shutdown: WSJ reports Russell Vought is targeting Democratic priorities and projects since federal funding lapsed.
Trump’s agenda is shaped by Project 2025 author, not Elon Musk Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Trump plans to use shutdown to fire federal workers this week
White House uses shutdown to maximize pain and punish political foes: NYT reports the Trump administration forged ahead with plans to conduct mass layoffs, as the fiscal standoff appeared to intensify.
Trump targets states that voted for Harris in shutdown fight: Politico reports the Office of Management and Budget is withholding billions in energy and infrastructure money in more than a dozen states that voted against Trump.
Congressional Democrats embrace government shutdown, a risky move: WP reports House Democrats gave Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries a standing ovation in a caucus meeting Monday evening, praising his feisty posture toward Donald Trump.
‘Gen Z Is in the House!’ and other cringe moments in the Democrats’ shutdown marathon: Democrats promised to livestream the shutdown battle until (almost) the bitter end. We watched so you didn’t have to. Politico
Democrats marched into a shutdown trap: Progressive Democrats, like the Freedom Caucus, are urging their party in a dangerous direction. WP-Editorial
Can Democrats break free of the Left? The shutdown isn’t their only problem. The public thinks they’re soft on crime. Karl Rove
White House asks colleges to sign sweeping agreement to get funding advantage: WSJ reports an initial round of nine schools is being asked to sign a wide-ranging accord.
+ “The memo demands that schools ban the use of race or sex in hiring and admissions, freeze tuition for five years, cap international undergrad enrollment at 15%, require that applicants take the SAT or a similar test, and quell grade inflation.”
Hegseth escalates war on leakers with lie detector tests and nondisclosure agreements: WP reports the efforts are part of a wider strategy by the Trump administration and the Pentagon to ferret out officials deemed insufficiently loyal or who provide information to reporters.
Pope makes rare comments on US politics, military gathering: WP reports Pope Leo, asked about the gathering of military leaders in Virginia and a debate roiling Chicago’s diocese, gave his strongest comments on Trump administration policies.
We need to stop being so naive about what America is becoming. Trump and his Secretary of War just showed us why Justin Ling
‘Dangerous cities,’ the military, Trump, and the Founding Fathers: The US armed services have long sought to preserve the tradition of a nonpartisan military. NYT
'War from within,' end of beards, stricter physical tests: Trump and Hegseth unveil new direction for US military: Before nearly 800 generals and admirals, the US president and his defense secretary laid out their vision for a military purged of its 'woke' elements. Its primary mission would now be to combat enemies from within, starting with Democrat-led cities. Le Monde
CBS: UN Ambassador Mike Waltz isn't part of Trump's Cabinet, sources say
America’s pharmacist in chief: The President becomes a drug marketer, while Pfizer gets a tariff break. WSJ-Editorial
Trump keeps blurring the line between capitalism and socialism: President’s plans on drug pricing echo themes of Zohran Mamdani, democratic socialist running for mayor of New York. Greg Ip
Student-loan debt is strangling Gen X: Free-flowing student loans promised upward mobility. Instead, they left the ‘forgotten generation’ with a mountain of debt and regret; ‘I’m going to be working until the day I die.’ WSJ
As stock market booms, Americans have more at stake than ever: WP reports small investors are riding a wave, even as Wall Street’s gains overlay a mixed economic picture and some analysts think the market is overheated.
The Guardian’s new pitch to Americans—it’s not just about Trump: British publisher aims to get more people visiting its website as AI summaries threaten search traffic. WSJ
A ‘Godfather of AI’ remains concerned as ever about human extinction: Yoshua Bengio worries about AI’s capacity to deceive users in pursuit of its own goals. ‘The scenario in “2001: A Space Odyssey” is exactly like this,’ he says. WSJ
Tilly Norwood has Hollywood seething. She’s an AI-generated ‘actor.’ Emily Blunt, Lukas Gage, and Toni Collette are among the actors expressing unease over the AI character Tilly Norwood that is being marketed to Hollywood. WP
Meta to mine AI interactions to help target advertising: FT reports changes signal how the social media giant will make money from its costly artificial intelligence efforts.
Bloomberg: Apple shelves vision headset revamp to prioritize Meta-like AI glasses
AI is not killing jobs, US study finds: Research shows little evidence that cutting-edge tech such as chatbots is putting people out of work. FT
James Anderson warns Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI bet echoes dotcom bubble: Former Baillie Gifford tech investor says recent jump in AI valuations is ‘disconcerting.’ FT
'China's Nvidia' Cambricon at forefront of AI stock boom: Chinese tech companies dominate list of global top performers last quarter. Nikkei
America’s newest moguls: The Ellisons: With Warner Bros and TikTok, the family would be a force in old and new media. Economist
Walmart to remove food dyes from its Great Value, other private labels: WP reports the nation’s largest grocer will excise certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes from its store brands as consumers shift to “cleaner” options.
All dressed chips were a Canadian secret. Now they have a rare shot at US stardom: For decades the ‘all dressed’ potato chip has been a made-in-Canada oddity. Now it’s on the cusp of winning over legions of hungry Americans. Toronto Star
Jane Goodall, who studied chimpanzee behavior for decades in Africa, dies at 91: WSJ reports the British primatologist and global activist won the trust of a chimpanzee group in 1960 that became the focus of her life’s work.
In Finnish Lapland, tourism is encroaching on the last remaining sanctuaries: The 'Green to Grey' investigation reveals the consequences of the tourism boom in Finnish Lapland. Popular with French tourists, this region is one of the last remaining areas of unspoiled nature in Europe. Le Monde
San Francisco is running out of patience with your dog: In San Francisco, pets put their paws on cafe counters, roam sports bars, and lick gym-goers during sit-ups. WSJ
They’re the surprise of the year in college football—and their MVP is a 48-year-old lawyer: Vanderbilt was a doormat in the Southeastern Conference until quarterback Diego Pavia showed up. Now he’s back, but only thanks to a former Vandy cheerleader turned antitrust attorney. WSJ
Are ‘super spikes’ powering America’s running resurgence? Cole Hocker, who has won world titles for the US in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, said he could be benefiting from new shoes that may give an edge to bigger, heavier runners. WSJ
They were a Super Bowl favorite—until everything started going wrong: Week 4 of the NFL season featured another ugly day for the Baltimore Ravens—along with a rookie quarterback who gave a lifeless New York Giants franchise some hope. WSJ
Jurgen Klopp says MLS quality ‘constantly increasing’ but US youth soccer too expensive TA
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 1
Telegraph: Hamas response to Trump’s Gaza plan ‘could take days’
Accept peace deal or pay in hell, Trump warns Hamas: The Times reports a big decision looms for Hamas as the US president issues a stark ultimatum. The group faces severe consequences if it rejects a 20-point peace plan.
With new US proposal to end Gaza War, a rare moment of triumph for Netanyahu: In President Trump’s plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got almost everything he hoped for in the end, despite mounting international isolation. NYT
How Donald Trump’s Gaza deal came together: The hurried diplomacy and backroom arm-twisting that shaped the White House plan. FT
ST: Netanyahu is happy with Trump’s Gaza peace plan, but will Hamas bite?
A big majority of Israelis support Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan: Economist reports that Binyamin Netanyahu hopes he can use this to his political advantage.
Israeli far right hits out at Benjamin Netanyahu over US-backed Gaza peace deal: FT reports finance minister Bezalel Smotrich describes proposal as ‘resounding diplomatic failure’ that will ‘end in tears.’
Keir Starmer used his conference speech to welcome the US and Israeli peace plan for Gaza and won huge applause in the conference hall for his recent move in recognizing Palestine.
Bloomberg: Blair’s return in Gaza role drives wedge into wary Labour Party
Britain’s leader promised to defeat populism. So far, he’s losing. Keir Starmer was billed as a European litmus test for pragmatism over populism. After a year in office, he trails in the polls. WSJ
Farage is a snake oil merchant who does not like Britain, says PM: The Times reports Starmer used his Labour Party conference speech to accuse the Reform UK leader of pursuing ‘the politics of grievance’ with racist policies.
Memo for Labour: Globalisation is good, actually: This government is in many ways the party returned to its factory settings. But the product was faulty in the first place. Stephen Bush
Meloni's deficit reduction masks Italy's struggling economy: Le Monde reports while Rome boasts of ratings agencies upgrading its public debt, Italy's economy continues to suffer from sluggish growth, anemic productivity, persistent poverty and a continuing brain drain.
How Europe can strike back at Putin without starting World War Three: As Russian drones and fighter jets test NATO’s resolve, the West gears up to defend itself. Roland Oliphant
NATO's new engagement rules mark a turning point in response to Russian incursions: By opening the door on Tuesday, September 23, to shooting down Russian fighter jets that violate the Alliance's airspace, NATO allies have moved beyond supporting Ukraine with weapons and intelligence from behind the front lines. Le Monde
The flashing red threat from Russia’s dark fleet: NATO navies struggle to contain a new danger on the seas. Economist
Germany jails Chinese spy, marking new low in China-Europe relations: WSJ reports Europeans are growing skeptical about Beijing’s interest in solving a series of economic and political disputes between the two blocs.
Germany: Ex-AfD aide convicted of spying for China: DW reports a former assistant to far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah has been jailed for nearly five years for working with Chinese intelligence. The court said Jian Guo passed on sensitive EU documents and spied on dissidents.
China’s Communist Party replaces senior diplomat: WSJ reports Liu Jianchao is latest to be caught up in leader Xi Jinping’s disciplinary purges.
Saudi comedy festival draws big names and backlash: Human rights advocates and some comics say the festival, at which Bill Burr, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, and Kevin Hart are performing, whitewashes abuses. WP
South African ambassador to France found dead: FT reports former police minister Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa had been named in corruption allegations this month.
A world with two predatory superpowers: Nations must work out how to contend with Trump’s America and China. Martin Wolf
Can the West survive an age of brinkmanship? It is time to relearn the cold-war arts of escalation management. Economist
Trump, Hegseth lecture military leaders in rare, politically charged summit: WP reports the hastily organized event became a forum for the president to tout his political agenda while his defense secretary lectured the brass on standards.
Trump and Hegseth recount familiar partisan complaints to top military leaders: The US generals and admirals summoned from around the world had been given little information about the planned event. NYT
Hundreds of officers. Two long hours of political theater. WJ Hennigan
‘Could have been an email’: Officials balk at Hegseth's generals meeting: The last-minute gathering featured hundreds of senior military officials, who swear an oath to the Constitution, attending something more akin to a campaign rally. Politico
Hegseth uses rare meeting of generals to announce new military standards: Politico reports he warned commanders who don’t support the changes could leave the service.
NBC: Hegseth says 'no more beards, long hair, superficial individual expression'
Telegraph: Fat generals banned from Trump’s new-look US military
Trump, justifying domestic military action, tells Pentagon leaders to ‘handle’ the ‘enemy from within’: Politico reports the president suggested “dangerous” American cities should be used as Pentagon “training grounds” during a dark and winding 72-minute speech.
Trump tells generals the military will be used to fight ‘enemy within’: WSJ reports president says some US cities he considers dangerous should become training grounds for American troops.
Donald Trump says US cities should be used as military ‘training grounds’: FT reports defence secretary Pete Hegseth also tells admirals and generals they must restore ‘warrior ethos.’
Donald Trump tries to enlist the top brass for “the war from within”: A gathering of generals turns into a surreal, and worrying, political show. Economist
Trump says not winning Nobel would be 'insult' to US: Le Monde reports Trump's administration recently listed the seven wars it said he has ended: Cambodia and Thailand; Kosovo and Serbia; the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Pakistan and India; Israel and Iran; Egypt and Ethiopia; and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Trump said that if the Gaza plan works out, 'we'll have eight in eight months.'
Trump says government shutdown likely as no last-minute deal emerges: WSJ reports funding will lapse at 12:01 am Wednesday unless Congress passes a stopgap spending bill.
Bloomberg: Democrats leverage US shutdown to try to dent Trump’s dominance
Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries face a big leadership test in the shutdown fight: NBC News reports some Democrats are still furious with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for caving in the last shutdown fight, while his House counterpart, Hakeem Jeffries, is relatively untested.
The Hill: Fetterman: Shutdown ‘would be the ideal outcome for Project 2025’
The Hill: Republicans refuse to swear in newly elected Democrat, delaying success of Epstein petition
Trump announces deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices, new ‘TrumpRx’ website: WP reports the White House has been pursuing efforts to lower US drug costs by linking them to the cheaper prices paid abroad.
KMUW: Kansas sorghum farmers will have their biggest yield in years. But tariffs killed the market
#farmageddon
Tariffs mean you pay more for worse products: Even if America could make as much coffee as Colombia, it wouldn’t be nearly as flavorful. Scott Burns + Caleb S. Fuller
US vows to maintain tariffs regardless of Supreme Court ruling: Jamieson Greer says Trump administration has other ways to impose levies if use of emergency powers is struck down. FT
The man behind Trump’s push for an all-powerful presidency: Russell T. Vought spent years drawing up plans to expand presidential power and shrink federal bureaucracy. Now he is moving closer to making that vision a reality, threatening to erode checks and balances. NYT
Why Trump is going for Soros: The philanthropist is as close as the world’s strongmen get to a cross-border demon. Edward Luce
Americans view Trump, Vance and congressional leaders in both parties more negatively than positively Pew
+ 58% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Trump, while 40% have a favorable view. This is identical to his approval rating.
+ 51% of Americans view Vance unfavorably, while 40% see him favorably. Another 8% say they have never heard of him.
After volatile summer, Trump’s approval remains low but stable, poll finds: A new Times/Siena survey shows the president retaining the support of nine out of 10 GOP voters, even as the government races toward a shutdown on Wednesday. NYT
How Zohran Mamdani built a campaign around food: The front-runner for New York mayor is leveraging his lifelong love of eating to inform his policy plans and spread his message. NYT
The legend of Zohran: NYC’s mayoral candidate has Kennedy-like charisma, a global profile, and nepo baby instincts. He is also a proud democratic socialist who has both Donald Trump and the left-wing establishment in a lather. Is Zohran Mamdani the future of American politics—or a fantasy? Vanity Fair
With Mamdani, Republicans should be careful of what they wish for Chris Stirewalt
‘AI for America’ wants to be a New Deal for workers and communities. But it needs teeth: Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly’s plan to protect workers amid the AI revolution starts the conversation, but here’s how it could take the fight to the companies building the future at a breakneck pace. FC
‘I have to do it’: Why one of the world’s most brilliant AI scientists left the US for China: In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now he might hold the key to who wins the global AI race. Guardian
Top AI researchers leave OpenAI, Google, and Meta for new start-up: Founded by a co-creator of ChatGPT, Periodic Labs aims to build artificial intelligence that can accelerate discoveries in physics, chemistry, and other fields. NYT
AI fighter jets and cockroach spies: Inside the changing business of war: Russia’s war on Ukraine changed the course of a generation of start-ups and investors that have applied a new business model to Europe’s military buildup. NYT
Are AI glasses the next smartphone race between the US and China? Meta Ray-Ban Display and rival devices may make personal AI agents a reality soon. Nikkei
Variety: Emily Blunt calls AI actress Tilly Norwood ‘really scary’ and warns Hollywood agencies: ‘Don’t do that’
OpenAI launches video generator app to rival TikTok and YouTube: WSJ reports the company’s new social media app allows users to create short videos with audio from text prompts and insert themselves in AI-generated scenes.
AP: Amazon unveils new generation of devices all powered by AI
Amazon unveiled the latest generation of connected products on Tuesday, featuring enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities designed to make interactions with AI more frequent and natural.
Why Amazon went all-in on balls for its new line of speakers: FC reports three years in the making, Amazon’s new spherical Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max are built to raise the bar of Amazon’s audio quality and usher in the next generation of smart home.
How Nvidia’s Jensen Huang became AI’s global salesman: Chipmaker’s chief is urging countries to build their own AI ecosystems — but using its tech. FT
The murky economics of the data-centre investment boom: How similar is it to the 1990s telecoms bubble? Economist
Will our robot future be Rosey? Or will it look less like ‘The Jetsons’ and more like ‘Desk Set’? Gregg Opelka
Komatsu says autonomous dump trucks carry social impact of $2.4bn: Nikkei reports the Japan construction equipment maker discloses annual nonfinancial figures for first time.
AP: DoorDash is expanding into restaurant reservations and robot deliveries
Daniel Ek, founder of Spotify, to step back from running business: The Times reports Ek will relinquish the day-to-day running of the music streamer to become executive chairman in January.
Elon Musk hit by exodus of senior staff over burnout and politics: Churn at Tesla and xAI comes amid disillusionment with billionaire’s activism, strategic pivots, and mass lay-offs. FT
Shein fails on human rights, wages, and environment, says OECD: The Times reports the Paris-based authority said the Chinese fast-fashion retailer “does not comply” with several of its guidelines related to corporate social responsibility.
Berkshire Hathaway nears $10 billion deal for Occidental’s petrochemical unit: WSJ reports Warren Buffett’s sprawling conglomerate could unveil its largest deal in years in coming days.
Exxon CEO sought security assurance from Mozambique for $30bn project: FT reports US oil major in final stages of deciding whether to go ahead with LNG export terminal amid jihadist insurgency.
This windowless plane is vying to be the private jet of the future: Flexjet to buy 300 business planes from Otto Aerospace. WSJ
A low-cost Icelandic airline suddenly folds, stranding passengers: NYT reports Play Airlines said it was ceasing operations, becoming the second low-cost airline in Iceland to collapse in the last six years.
You can now buy your next car straight from Hertz online: FC reports that with its new e-commerce site, Hertz aims to make direct-to-consumer sales its biggest resale channel.
ABC: Starbucks new protein lattes, protein cold foam now on menus
Why whiskey collectors are flocking to Unicorn’s $125 million marketplace: Unicorn’s logistics web—vans, vaults, and verification—has created a $125M marketplace for spirits collectors. FC
The $400 million restaurant man: Stephen Starr has become one of America’s most successful restaurateurs, making and replicating dining magic at places like Pastis and Osteria Mozza. NYT
The invention of Jane Birkin, French girl: In an excerpt from her new Birkin biography, ‘It Girl,’ Marisa Meltzer marks the moment when a 16-year-old Brit began her ascent toward becoming the ultimate French style icon. WSJ
The world’s most influential rising stars Time
Bad news, America. The numbers say we’re getting another Yankees-Dodgers World Series. Baseball’s most prestigious teams haven’t had the best of seasons. But the odds say they’re poised for a Fall Classic rematch for one simple reason: They both hit a ton of home runs. WSJ
Yahoo: Lynx star Napheesa Collier calls out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, calls for more consistent officiating
+ Collier: 'We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now, we have the worst leadership in the world."
Napheesa Collier reveals shocking Caitlin Clark conversation with WNBA commissioner: SI reports Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier had a lot to say about WNBA leadership in a prepared statement during her exit interview.
MAGA-tinged melee casts a shadow over the Ryder Cup: Vulgarities and beer were tossed about at this year’s golf competition staged in New York. Sujeet Indap
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal