Global trade growth to slow sharply next year, WTO says: The World Trade Organization said trade growth had proved more resilient in 2025 than expected, but would slow next year as a result of President Trump’s tariffs. NYT
Donald Trump’s tariffs to cut into global goods trade in 2026, says WTO: Impact of trade war delayed by stockpiling and AI economy. FT
AP: A divided Israel marks 2 years since Oct. 7 attack as war in Gaza grinds on and hostages languish
After two years of war, Israel is stronger—and more isolated—than ever: War in Gaza spurs global backlash that threatens Israel’s long-term prospects. WSJ
In Israel, two-year anniversary of Oct. 7 attack is quiet but inescapable: The somber milestone comes with peace talks underway, hostages from the Hamas-led attack still in Gaza, more than 67,000 Palestinians dead, and Israel more isolated than ever. NYT
WP: TikTok posts on Israel-Gaza war are overwhelmingly pro-Palestinian
Reuters: Hamas says on war anniversary it's ready to reach a Gaza deal, but conditions remain
Pope Leo to make first papal trip to Turkey and Lebanon: AFP reports Pope Leo XIV will travel to Turkey and Lebanon in a six-day trip beginning late November, his first since becoming head of the Catholic Church, the Vatican said Tuesday.
An isolated Macron is pushing the limits of France’s political system: The president is running out of options but refuses to step aside. WSJ
A tool for integration or identity politics? Sweden's new list of cultural values sparks controversy 'Pippi Longstocking,' Ikea, Bergman: In early September, Sweden's conservative government unveiled a list aimed at defining a 'common frame of reference' to promote the integration of foreigners. The opposition has condemned the project's nostalgic vision. Le Monde
Election calls pile pressure on Macron amid crisis: DW reports calls are growing for French President Macron to call elections or even resign after his latest government collapse. The country has been in political turmoil since he unexpectedly dissolved parliament in 2024.
France’s political collapse is Europe’s problem: Supporting Ukraine or building a fighter jet are in jeopardy without the Franco-German axis. Roger Boyes
What is happening in France may not stay in France: Bond markets are losing patience with political paralysis. Mohamed El-Erian
EU wants to crack down on 'conversion therapy': AFP reports the European Union wants to clamp down on "conversion therapy" targeting LGBTQ people, the bloc's equality chief told AFP on Tuesday, but Brussels will stop short of introducing a ban on such practices.
EU proposes 50% steel tariffs as Trump effect ripples around world: NYT reports European officials want to sharply lower the bloc’s quota on tariff-free steel imports, while doubling levies to 50 percent, as President Trump’s tariffs create domino effects.
British steel faces ‘disaster’ as EU imposes 50% tariffs: The Times reports the European Union says it has no choice but to protect its own industry from a glut of cheap Asian steel diverted to the continent by President Trump’s tariffs.
Spy case collapsed ‘because of failure to call China a threat’: The director of public prosecutions has said Christopher Berry and Chris Cash could not be prosecuted because officials did not give evidence that China was an ‘enemy.’ The Times
The Oct. 7 warning for the US on China: Israel got complacent, thinking war would never come. Are we doing the same with Taiwan? Mike Gallagher
China is on the move for Golden Week. But are tourists spending? From Shanghai Disneyland to gambling hub Macau, holiday travellers are wary about state of economy. FT
Japan's Takaichi poised for early diplomatic test with Trump, Xi summit chances: PM hopeful has little foreign relations experience but set for busy schedule. Nikkei
Bloomberg: Indian investors eye UK trade talks during Starmer visit
Ecuador president unharmed after apparent gun attack on motorcade: AFP reports Ecuador's president emerged unharmed from an apparent gun attack on his motorcade Tuesday, a top minister said.
Ecuadorean president’s car attacked in protest over diesel price: FT reports Daniel Noboa escapes unharmed after demonstrators pelt rocks at vehicle.
Venezuela says foiled 'false flag' plot targeting US embassy: AFP reports President Nicolas Maduro said Monday that Venezuela foiled a false flag operation by what he called local terrorists to plant explosives at the US embassy in Caracas and exacerbate a dispute between the two countries over drug trafficking.
South American leftists struggle with Trump pressure, voter shift: “Pink tide” among democracies may ebb in upcoming elections as voters in Chile, Colombia, and Brazil shift to the right amid economic and immigration worries. WP
Carney gets praise from Trump despite continued tariff stalemate: Politico reports Canada's prime minister earned rare Oval Office praise from the president as negotiations continue.
Donald Trump signals optimism on Canada trade but offers no concessions: FT reports in meeting with PM Mark Carney US president fails to announce any change to tariffs on biggest commerce partner.
Trump’s tariffs won’t deliver many jobs: Nostalgia is not a strategy: the past cannot return. Martin Wolf
Detroit News: Trump mulls canceling $1B in grants for GM, Stellantis projects
Americans see economic warfare rising: More Americans think that the US is engaged in economic, political or cultural warfare than believe the US. is engaged in cyber or military warfare, a new online poll conducted by the London-based Public First research firm found. The poll, conducted Sept. 5-10, was taken to coincide with the inaugural London Defence Conference in Washington today. The findings: The majority of Americans polled — 60 percent — said they believe the US is engaged in economic warfare with other states, a number that balloons to 78 percent for those over the age of 65.
WSJ: Gold prices top $4,000 for first time
Airport delays hit second day amid government shutdown: NBC News reports staffing shortages have already caused delays at airports in Denver; Burbank, California; and Newark, New Jersey.
Flight delays begin as air traffic staffing shortages worsen: NYT reoports the delays came just hours after the transportation secretary warned that flying could be disrupted by the government shutdown.
ICE closes detention oversight group in shutdown despite surge in detainees: WP reports agency’s entire Office of Detention Oversight has been placed on furlough, despite surging numbers of detainees and the administration’s promise that its deportation push remains unchanged.
Troop deployments deepen chasm between Trump and Dem governors: Politico reports: “I refuse to let Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Gregory Bovino continue on this march toward autocracy,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday.
Trump's ineffective campaign to secure the Nobel Peace Prize: Le Monde reports the American president's aggressive tactics have taken Norwegian experts by surprise. Yet in Oslo, the committee responsible for awarding the prize remains unfazed by attempts at influence, according to its secretary.
Treasury defends lawfulness of minting a $1 Trump coin: NYT reports the Treasury Department said that a 2020 collectible coinage law allows a living person to appear on US currency.
Big banks woo Trump for roles on blockbuster IPO: Planned Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offering prompts one of the strangest ‘bake-offs’ ever. WSJ
Zohran Mamdani’s sticker contest is the perfect kind of political engagement bait: Sticker contests are proven political gold. Mamdani’s, which resulted in some very good art, does not disappoint. FC
TX-SEN: Rep. Wesley Hunt’s (R-TX) entrance into the GOP primary against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has further complicated the election in deep-red Texas.
Axios: No more "owning the libs": Ramaswamy pushes sharp break for GOP
The political transformation of California’s billionaire mall king: Rick Caruso, the mogul behind Los Angeles’ shopping meccas, lost the mayor’s race in 2022. Rebuilding after the wildfires has suddenly put him in the running for governor. Bloomberg
A court race in Pennsylvania quietly has major implications for 2028 CNN
Nobel in physics awarded to scientists showing quantum mechanics on macro scale: WP reports John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis demonstrated quantum tunneling in an electrical circuit, with implications for the next generation of quantum technology.
How AI became our personal assistant: New data shows the ways millions have integrated the technology into their everyday lives. FT
‘Stethoscopes in the sand’: Why I’m rethinking AI’s role in medicine: If used correctly, the technology could achieve what traditional reforms could not. Leana S. Wen
Americans have become more pessimistic about AI. Why? Four theories to explain the surveys that keep showing sour public opinion about AI. WP
OpenAI’s computing deals top $1tn: Partners including Nvidia, AMD, and Oracle have signed up to Sam Altman’s huge bet on the future of artificial intelligence. FT
OpenAI, Nvidia fuel $1 trillion AI market with web of circular deals: A wave of deals and partnerships are escalating concerns that the trillion-dollar AI boom is being propped up by interconnected business transactions. Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Nvidia to finance Musk’s xAI chips as part of $20 billion deal
AI in the military: Testing a new kind of air force: Preparing for the threats of tomorrow, the US Air Force is drawing up plans to operate drones piloted by artificial intelligence alongside aircraft flown by humans. David Martin reports on how AI is learning how to fight – a potential revolution in warfare. CBS Sunday Morning
How TikTok keeps its users scrolling for hours a day: Washington Post reporters analyzed data from more than 800 TikTok users to learn how the app turns people into power users, some of whom spend hours per day scrolling. WP
NYSE Owner to invest up to $2 billion in Polymarket: WSJ reports investment from Intercontinental Exchange could help the popular prediction market re-enter the US.
They got to live a life of luxury. Then came the fine print. ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ has built a delirious new culture of consumption — and trapped users in a vortex of debt. NYT
WSJ: Tesla debuts cheaper, stripped-down versions of Model 3 and Model Y
Musk’s cheap Teslas are the wrong kind of cheap: This has not been a vintage year for Tesla Inc. product launches. This summer, it launched a long-delayed robotaxi service that came with a free human. Now, it has unveiled two long-awaited cheaper electric vehicles that are most definitely not the game-changers once promised. But are they enough to do the job? It depends on what that job is. Liam Denning
GM sees manganese as a winning path in battery race with China: Detroit News reports General Motors Co.'s global battery leader detailed plans to introduce the first electric vehicle powered by a lithium manganese-rich battery in 2028, an example of automakers' strategy to leapfrog EV powerhouse China with new technologies.
New designs and features lead the way as Germany’s automakers roll out next-gen EVs Mark Phelan
The landmark US office buildings that are on life support: Providence’s Superman Building has been empty since 2013, despite a revival effort; ‘It’s dead down here now.’ WSJ
Bloomberg: Cost of Citadel’s planned Miami tower surges to $2.5 billion
Clear and TSA race to speed you through airport security: TSA updates have helped it rival Clear’s membership-based verification service. WSJ
How Din Tai Fung became America’s top-earning restaurant chain: The dumpling restaurant was started in Taiwan half a century ago. Now there are 17 always-packed locations in the US, including one in Disneyland. Bloomberg
Food critic Tom Sietsema is stepping down — and dropping his anonymity: After a quarter-century of reviewing restaurants, donning disguises and turning down photos, The Post’s food critic is ready for his next course. WP
Joe Wright won’t let you look away from Mussolini Roxana Hadadi
ESPN: Bengals acquire QB Joe Flacco in trade with rival Browns
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been fined $250,000 by the National Football League after directing an "obscene gesture" to fans during last weekend's defeat of the New York Jets, US media reports said on Tuesday.
After years waiting to call plays, ‘Mr. UCLA’ Jerry Neuheisel got his chance. It was worth the wait Athletic
The Emirates must be revamped to secure Arsenal’s future: North London club built stadium just as match-day income became less important, and now the football landscape has changed again. Sam Dean
Why this college hockey season is the dawn of a new era for the sport Athletic
The Bill Belichick nightmare just keeps getting worse: The 73-year-old coaching legend was supposed to turn North Carolina into a title contender. Instead, they’ve become a laughingstock, while his former NFL players have flourished since his departure. WSJ
He’s the biggest star of the baseball playoffs—and he’s from Canada: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has torched the Yankees in these playoffs, showing the rest of the baseball world what Canadian fans have long since known about his talents. WSJ
As Blue Jays advance, America’s pastime is in Canada’s cross hairs: Political tensions remain high between the United States and Canada, making this a striking moment for the Toronto Blue Jays to be dominating the New York Yankees in October. NYT
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 7
Has Japan found its Margaret Thatcher? Sanae Takaichi is a hawk on China but a muddle on economics. WSJ-Editorial
Japan ruling coalition in flux as Komeito is alarmed by hawkish Takaichi: Some in junior partner call for leaving alliance over fund scandal, Yasukuni Shrine visits. Nikkei
Vietnam pushes ahead with its International Financial Center dream: Dual-hub project aims to lure foreign capital, fuel double-digit growth. Nikkei
Macron’s latest prime minister resigns after a month in office: WSJ reports Sébastien Lecornu’s resignation sends French stocks lower, signals depth of political disarray.
France in fresh political and market turmoil after prime minister resigns: FT reports Sébastien Lecornu, who quit on Monday, is asked by Emmanuel Macron to quickly negotiate a stability plan.
French conservatives brought about PM's downfall hours after pledging support: Le Monde reports that even though Les Républicains had agreed on Sunday to participate in the government, the appointment of two former members who joined Macron years ago provoked the party's ire.
The world’s worst job is in France: Legislative gridlock and a budget crisis topple another Prime Minister. WSJ-Editorial
President Macron is a lame duck running out of options: France is facing a crisis of democracy not seen since Charles de Gaulle. The need for a strong head of state with a mandate has seldom been greater. The Times
Can Emmanuel Macron stop France’s political unravelling? The president’s options narrow after losing the third premier since his 2024 snap elections. FT
Europe’s high quality of life is getting hard to afford. Just ask France. The cost of Europe’s way of life — health care, affordable education, and a dignified retirement for all, through high social spending — is becoming unbearably high. WP
The dangers of war in the grey zone: Russia’s resort to hybrid warfare is a sign of weakness. But it still requires a response. Gideon Rachman
Brazil's Lula asks Trump to remove tariffs in 'friendly' phone call: Le Monde reports diplomatic ties have become increasingly strained between Washington and Brasilia in recent months, with Trump angered over the trial and conviction of his ally, the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Trump calls off diplomatic outreach to Venezuela: NYT reports the move paves the way for a possible military escalation against drug traffickers or the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Are we at war with Venezuela? Chas Danner
Mark Carney’s radical vision for handling Trumpian America: Liberalise at home and lead a new free-trade revolution. Economist
Donald Trump threatens to invoke the 200-year-old Insurrection Act to deploy troops: FT reports warning to use 19th century law comes as president faces legal setbacks in bid to put soldiers on the streets of US cities.
Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act: Politico reports the comments came a day after a federal judge blocked the president from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.
+ A federal judge on Monday declined to block the deployment of National Guard units to Illinois, a mobilization that the state’s governor, JB Pritzker, labeled an “unconstitutional invasion” by the federal government.
What a Chicago immigration raid says about Trumpism: The worst excesses seem designed to produce content. Economist
Trump’s immigration push diverts US agents from drug, money, and sex-crime cases: WSJ reports federal investigators are resigning, and morale is low, as they juggle complex cases and detain migrants.
Shutdown politics has GOP singing government’s praises: NYT reports as Republicans try to pin blame for shutdown damage on Democrats, they are hailing a federal bureaucracy they normally bash as wasteful and overreaching.
Trump aimed shutdown cuts at Democrats, but GOP districts are hit, too: NYT reports that as the president cancels projects in Democratic-run states, he is cutting money that benefits his own party’s lawmakers in some of the most competitive House districts.
Donald Trump says US truck imports to face 25% tariff from November 1: FT reports announcement comes on eve of talks in Washington with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
White House says it will take 10% stake in Trilogy Metals: Shares in mining company more than double on announcement from US secretary of interior. FT
CIA deputy director has replaced agency’s top legal official with himself: NYT reports it is not clear what is behind the move by Michael Ellis, a Trump loyalist. A legal ethics specialist said it could raise conflict-of-interest issues.
Supreme Court won’t hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal of sex-trafficking conviction: WP reports the justices declined to consider arguments from the imprisoned associate of deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein that she was improperly prosecuted.
VA-GOV: A new Wason Center poll in Virginia finds Abigail Spanberger (D) leading Winsome Earle-Sears (R) by 10 points in the race for governor, 52% to 42% among likely voters, with 6% still undecided or don’t know.
Jesse Jackson Jr. (D) will announce another bid this week to represent his old seat in Congress, now being vacated by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Politico reports.
WP: Lawmakers in Utah pass new congressional map aimed at preserving GOP power
Democrats could have a slight shot at flipping a US House seat in Utah under a new congressional map: AP reports Utah’s Republican-led Legislature approved a revised congressional map Monday that could give Democrats an improved chance at flipping a seat as the party fights to topple the GOP’s slim majority in the US House. But in a state overwhelmingly dominated by Republicans, it remains a long-shot that Democrats could win a district next year. Republicans currently hold all four of Utah’s House seats.
Rep. Wesley Hunt joins race for Senate, seeks to shake up Texas GOP field: WP reports his decision adds a new dimension to a primary race that has been centered on longtime incumbent John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton.
No immediate evidence fire at South Carolina judge’s home was intentional: WSJ reports investigators are searching for the cause of the blaze at the home of Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, a former Democratic state senator.
Manosphere influencers who boosted Trump are now cooling on him: Creators like Theo Von and Adin Ross are starting to distance themselves from the president they helped propel to the White House. RS
Bari Weiss’s journey from New York Times resignation to top TV news gig: WSJ reports the former newspaper opinion editor and co-founder of the Free Press is now editor in chief of CBS News.
How Bari Weiss won: At The Free Press, she battled “wokeness” and buddied up with billionaires. Now she’s the editor in chief of CBS News. NYT
America is now one big bet on AI: It’s seen as the magic fix for every threat to the US economy. Ruchir Sharma
How AMD came from behind to mount a challenge in the AI chip wars: A pivot from videogames to data centers—and a new deal with OpenAI—has the chip designer on the road to a $1 trillion valuation. WSJ
The AI arms race gets even hotter: OpenAI bets on AMD chips as an alternative to Nvidia. That’s good news for competition. WSJ-Editorial
OpenAI targets 10% AMD stake via multibillion-dollar chip deal: FT reports latest circular transaction aims to make ChatGPT maker central to the effort to build a huge AI infrastructure.
Sam Altman is trying to manifest a new Nvidia: The booming AI industry wants more than one giant chip supplier. John Herrman
Elon Musk gambles billions in Memphis to catch up on AI: xAI aims to win tech arms race with ‘Colossus’ data centers, thrown up at lightning speed; city divided over massive power and water demands. WSJ
Elon Musk gambles on sexy AI companions: In July, the billionaire’s AI company introduced two sexually explicit chatbots, pushing a new version of intimacy. NYT
AI video: More than just “slop”: The next big thing in AI may be pictures, not words. Economist
AstraZeneca signs $555mn AI deal to identify immunology targets: FT reports the pharmaceutical company is latest to invest in artificial intelligence to speed drug development.
This school district asked students to draft its AI policy: As school leaders around the country debate how to handle the technology, one district in Silicon Valley turned to teenagers for help. WP
The big advantage humans have over AI Benjamin Hart
A devastating fire at a major Ford supplier will disrupt business for months: Novelis plant supplies about 40% of aluminum sheet used in auto industry. WSJ
+ Novelis said a major portion of its Oswego, NY, plant has been knocked offline until early next year.
Fifth Third to acquire Comerica in $10.9 billion deal: WSJ reports deal could open the door to a long-anticipated wave of consolidation in the industry.
US regional bank Fifth Third strikes $11bn deal to buy Comerica: FT reports the combined group will become the ninth-biggest lender in America with $288bn in assets.
Why did Walmart just buy a shopping mall? Walmart hasn’t said much about its plans for Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania. But its partner has told some store owners that the mall will be demolished for a mixed-use development. NYT
Luxury goods are out, but luxury travel is in: Can hospitality firms avoid the mistakes fashion firms made? Economist
“One Battle After Another” wins the war: Paul Thomas Anderson gives a masterclass in making a political film. Economist
The Super Bowl contender turning into a soul-crushing disaster: Beaten down by injuries and struggling to keep pace, the much-hyped Baltimore Ravens have gone from worse to…well, worse. Jason Gay
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 6
To crack 21st-century populism, revisit the 17th century: One way to cope with our confusing times is to look back at the past. Studying history does more than provide us with a perspective on the rush of events. It suggests how they might unfold in the future and how we can shape them to our advantage. Adrian Wooldridge
Reading Schmitt in Beijing: How China’s rise provoked America’s illiberal turn. Benn Steil
China hawks grow queasy over Trump’s push for deals with Beijing: Trump rewrote Washington’s rules for dealing with China in his first presidency, embracing confrontation, launching a trade war and upending decades of policy. In his second term, China hawks in Washington fear that Trump is going soft. Bloomberg
As America fumbles, China races ahead: Xi is building the future while Trump pushes tariffs and fights the woke wars. Fareed Zakaria
Thwarted plot to cripple cell service in New York was bigger than first thought: Sources: A thwarted plot to cripple the telecommunications system in New York was bigger than investigators first realized, adding to the urgency of their search for answers, sources told ABC News. Federal agents discovered additional locations and more equipment as they work to determine the ultimate goal of what the US Secret Service said was a China-linked plot that could have crippled every cell tower in the nation's largest city, jammed 911 calls, and unleashed chaos on communications networks.
The inside story of China spy case collapse: ‘It came from the very top’: Official silence on why charges were dropped against Chris Cash and Christopher Berry has angered Westminster and fuelled suspicions that it was a sop to Beijing. The Times
UK government undermined China spying probe to protect Beijing ties, say officials: Prosecution case collapsed after senior security advisers said they would not testify that China was an ‘enemy.’ FT
How China secretly pays Iran for oil and avoids US sanctions: Hidden arrangement secured by prominent Chinese insurer connects Tehran with its biggest customer. WSJ
Tracked: Russia’s drone mothership causing mayhem around Europe: Tanker seized off France is believed to have been used for ‘hybrid war’ attacks in Denmark and Germany. Telegraph
The West is waking up to the Russian drone onslaught: Britain and the rest of Europe cannot risk being caught unprepared by Putin again. Telegraph
The mini-missiles designed to ram Putin’s drones out of the sky: Low-cost interceptor that can be fired from a hand-held cannon could become a powerful part of the EU’s defence capabilities. Telegraph
‘I’m leaving,’ Trump said. ‘There’s no reason to be here any more’: inside the meeting that brought NATO to the brink: Former secretary general Jens Stoltenberg recalls the rollercoaster ride of dealing with Donald Trump – and how close the US president brought the alliance to the point of collapse. Guardian
What America thinks of Blair’s political comeback: Sir Tony’s return to global politics is making an impact in Washington as Trump endorses the former prime minister’s post-war Gaza blueprint. Telegraph
CNN: Trump says Hamas faces ‘complete obliteration’ if it insists on staying in power
Strong-armed by Trump, Netanyahu embraces Gaza deal as a personal win: NYT reports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took credit for an emerging agreement, but it was clear that President Trump was calling the shots.
PTSD and suicides spike among Israeli troops amid devastation of Gaza war: WP reports returning soldiers are suffering in record numbers, and the military is scrambling to address an issue once taboo in Israel.
EU pushes new AI strategy to reduce tech reliance on US and China: Brussels to unveil plan targeting digital sovereignty as it warns technology can be ‘weaponised’ by geopolitical rivals. FT
Does Britain need a second Thatcher or must the Tories finally let go? A hundred years after her birth, Margaret Thatcher’s influence is as strong as the Tories’ is weak. How might her example help Kemi Badenoch — and the country? The Times
How not to get a progressive party off the ground: The British left needs a strategy that can win elections instead of throwing them to the right. Arash Azizi
Can Italy finally build the world’s longest suspension bridge? Italy is planning a mega-bridge to Sicily. Locals want none of it. Bloomberg
Japan to expand anti-dumping tariffs amid continued China overproduction: Nikkei reports new rules would allow levies on imports via third countries.
BBC: Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's first female prime minister
Japan is set for its first female prime minister: NYT reports Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, was elected as leader by Japan’s embattled governing party, paving the way for her to become prime minister of the coalition government.
Japan gears up for ‘Takaichi trade’ as first female leader prepares for power: Hardline conservative is expected to revive ‘Abenomics’ era stimulus, spending, and fiery foreign policy. FT
Inspired by Thatcher, Japan's PM-in-waiting Takaichi smashes glass ceiling Reuters
New LDP chief Takaichi expected to name Aso to senior party post: Nikkei reports veteran conservative politician known for controversial statements.
Friday: North Korea ruling party's 80th anniversary: North Korea is expected to show off its newest weapons at a large military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party. High-ranking officials from China and Russia are expected to participate. The last time North Korea held a large military parade was in July 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice.
Gen-Z protests are spreading globally. What's driving this youth-led movement? The specific grievances differ, but there are common threads. CBC
How Discord has become a tool for youth mobilization in Morocco and Nepal: The American platform has taken on a leading role in recent weeks in youth movements in both Morocco and Nepal – a future its original purpose never anticipated. Le Monde
France's global news agency AFP buckles under pressure from rising populism: Targeted by several authoritarian governments, Agence France-Presse – one of the three leading global news agencies – has found itself struggling financially in the face of a fragile media sector, changing news consumption habits, and the rapid rollout of AI. Brice Laemle
Argentina’s wily currency traders drain Javier Milei’s dollars: FT reports labyrinthine restrictions and chronic instability spawn strategies to profit from foreign exchange policies.
Carney to return to Washington as Trump's tariffs hit sectors hard: Prime minister facing pressure from opposition to land a win. CBC
Calgary is racing to 2 million people. Will next council prepare for it? City hall faces pressure to manage continued growth and strains that come with it. CBC
US shutdown hobbles Haiti’s textile industry amid stabilization push: According to Bloomberg, without the trade deal, Haiti's exports to the US are subject to duties of between 14% and 30%, in addition to the 10% reciprocal tariff that most nations face. The textile sector is one of the few that's working in Haiti and is an important source of revenue for the country, employing more than 24,800 people and exporting to the US, totaling $538 million in the 12 months through July.
Trump’s 50% tariffs sow fear inside Indian apparel hub: Factories that invested in anticipation of a boom in orders are saddled with debt and unsold inventory. Bloomberg
The US-India romance is over: The relationship is at risk of collapse as Washington pushes New Delhi closer to Moscow. Abishur Prakash
How the US trade war uncorked a surprising boom for wineries across Canada: The 'Buy Canadian' movement has sparked a big uptick in local vino sales. CBC
Invasion of the killer IKEA sofas: There’s nothing Trump won’t call a ‘national security’ threat to justify a punitive tariff. WSJ-Editorial
Shutdown: A new YouGov survey found that 41% of Americans think the federal closure will last for two weeks or less. Thirteen percent said they expect the shutdown to last three to four weeks, and 9% said they predict at least a month-long closure.
Government shutdown drags on with little pressure to break impasse: WSJ reports pain from missed federal paychecks, healthcare deadlines will mount, but Republicans and Democrats aren’t budging for now.
Both parties are resigned to deadlock as shutdown takes hold: NYT reports Republicans, who hold a governing trifecta, have adopted a mostly passive stance while Democrats dig in for a fight, with both feeling they have the political upper hand.
Democrats’ defiance on shutdown shows a new, tougher approach to Trump: WP reports in this battle — and a growing number of other political fights nationwide — the party’s mood has shifted dramatically. “There is a growing understanding that you should never try to appease a bully,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said.
CNN: Trump’s shutdown architect: Russ Vought’s plan to deconstruct the government was years in the making
Shutdown gives Trump administration a chance at DOGE 2.0: Forget Elon Musk. Russell Vought is trying to use the crisis to fire more federal employees. Also on Everybody’s Business, Justin Sun and “Splenda daddies.” Bloomberg
Trump plan would limit Social Security disability benefits for older Americans: Trump administration officials are considering eliminating age as a factor in deciding whether someone is capable of working. WP
GOP to Gen Z: Pay double for health insurance or go without Natalie Foster
Supreme Court and Trump are headed for a reckoning in new term: WP reports that after months of emergency rulings, the justices will be asked to render final verdicts on economic and immigration policies at the core of Trump’s presidency.
NYT: Oregon officials vent fury as California National Guard head to Portland
Judge blocks Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Portland, OR: NYT reports a federal judge appointed by President Trump issued a temporary restraining order, siding for now with Oregon and Portland lawyers who called federalizing the guard a presidential overreach.
Tensions spike in Chicago, Portland as Trump faces legal challenges over troop use: WP reports California says it will sue the Trump administration over plans to send 300 state National Guard troops to Oregon.
Trump sends California National Guard troops to Portland, OR: NYT reports the move follows a judge’s order on Saturday that blocked the Oregon Guard from deploying there. California’s governor said the state would sue.
Trump officials discussed sending elite Army division to Portland, text messages show: A high-ranking White House official was indiscreetly texting about the Portland, OR., planning last weekend, according to messages shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Everything is terrorism in Trump’s America: Identifying faceless ICE agents. Mutual aid for jailed protesters. Calling JD Vance a fascist. The war on ‘antifa’ is a war on free speech, and it’s just getting started. Verge
Pope makes rare comments on US politics, military gathering: 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. WP
The commander in chief is not okay: Trump put on a disturbing show for America’s generals and admirals. Tom Nichols
Pete Hegseth is living the dream: A man who retired as a major lectures hundreds of generals about the need to meet his standards. Eliot A. Cohen
Hundreds of generals try to keep a straight face: Pete Hegseth gathered commanders from around the globe to unveil new physical-fitness standards. Nancy A. Youssef + Missy Ryan
Donald Trump and the aggressive pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize: The president said it would be “a big insult” to the US if he doesn’t win. Some in Norway fear retaliation if he’s disappointed. Bloomberg
Today: Nobel Prize announcements begin: Nobel Prize week kicks off with the award in physiology or medicine, and culminates next Monday with the economics prize.
Trump’s Louis XIV moment: Donald Trump has made his mark on democracy. But his plan to extend the East Wing of the White House is a permanent altering of the people’s house and an extension of the Trump brand. A new ballroom might appear as another shrug-worthy flourish in a career filled with gilded lobbies and mirrored atriums, but the symbolism is harder to dismiss. Debbie Millman
Trump’s team hones message on economy: Just wait until 2026: Advisers work to ease voter anxiety about weak jobs growth and stubborn inflation. WSJ
Trump is targeting an economic revival story: Pittsburgh shows how universities and hospitals can fuel renewal — and why Trump’s manufacturing push and cuts to higher education could undermine it. Bloomberg
+ Mini Ross Rant: This is great. I frequently think about how, just four hours from Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto, have powered a bright future and a dynamic economy. Much of this success is due to hosting world-class universities in the respective cities, much like Pittsburgh, which is also only four hours from Detroit.
1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin — the hubris behind the Wall St crash: The ‘Too Big to Fail’ author returns with an eye-opening account of the banking titans and practices that led to financial disaster. FT
‘If anyone builds it, everyone dies’ is the new gospel of AI doom: A new book by Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares argues that the race to build artificial superintelligence will result in human extinction. Bloomberg
Will AI free us from life’s tedious admin? I hold out hope that tech can work for us rather than the other way around. Emma Jacobs
Silicon Valley talent war turns nasty as Musk hounds defectors: The race for AI dominance has descended into bitter feuds over a handful of superbrains. Telegraph
Google wants superintelligent AI. First it has to beat teen math prodigies: At the International Math Olympiad, Google’s AI joined hundreds of humans working through problems designed to stump even the brightest minds. Bloomberg
AI investors are chasing a big prize. Here’s what can go wrong. There are good reasons to believe that simply throwing more computing power at the current models won’t be enough. WSJ
OpenAI and Jony Ive grapple with technical issues on secretive AI device: ChatGPT maker is working with former Apple design boss to launch a palm-sized personal assistant next year. FT
Beyond pepper: SoftBank charts new course in robotics with AI: Group puts robot investments under one holding company to coordinate strategy. Nikkei
Satellites and drones are unlocking benefits ‘hidden in plain sight’ in Michigan: Technology is helping farmers use land and fertilizer more strategically. Sometimes, the best practice is no chemicals at all. NYT
What the hell happened to NFTs? The mad gold rush of the digital art world has come to an abrupt end – and people are losing money fast. Telegraph
OnlyFans chief Keily Blair: ‘People can be quite uncomfortable talking about sex’: The boss of one of Britain’s biggest tech start-ups on the ethics of porn, the future of the content creator economy — and why the platform banned Bonnie Blue. FT
Are trampoline bunnies and dog podcasters the future of entertainment? One person’s AI slop is another’s viral hit. Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Stellantis said to plan $10 billion in US turnaround investments
Who’s responsible for these terrible cars, planes, and shoes? Jaguar Land Rover, Boeing, and Nike may be legendary brands, but they’re not living up to the hype as of late. Tobin Harshaw
Bloomberg: IKEA expands in Manhattan in $2.2 billion US push, undeterred by tariffs
Costco to sell popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy: NYT reports Costco members will pay $499 a month out of pocket, the same price offered at CVS and Walmart, and on the manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer website.
Sharpie found a way to make pens more cheaply—by manufacturing them in the US: Newell Brands moved production without cutting employee count or raising prices. WSJ
This Halloween, Americans are expected to spend $860 million on pet costumes, according to the National Retail Federation.
The new age of entrepreneurship: 70 to 79: Septuagenarians starting new businesses leverage technology, experience, and decades worth of contacts. WSJ
What if working from home was a legal right? An Australian state is planning a new hybrid work law despite an outcry from businesses. FT
Detroit is booming—and it’s a must-visit for design lovers: The best way to explore Motor City? By car, of course. AD
A24's Scott Belsky fuels his creativity 'with a fresh dose of surprise': The head of A24 Labs and partner at the indie studio darling thinks about creativity as a system, yet always leaves room to 'unlock a door of intrigue.' FC
MrBeast on his quest to turn YouTube fame into an entertainment empire: The master of viral videos now has a CEO to rein in spending on Lambos—and give his “banger content” an even wider reach. Bloomberg
Rescue efforts are underway after 1,000 people were trapped on the slopes of Mount Everest. According to the BBC, hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to clear snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900 metres (16,000 feet). According to local media, approximately 350 people have been rescued and guided to safety to the small township of Qudang, the Reuters news agency reported.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ revolutionary bullpen strategy: No bullpen: Baseball’s $350 million superteam had a glaring weakness. In the playoffs, they’re using their starting pitchers to fix it. WSJ
Friday: NBA games in Macao: The Brooklyn Nets face off against the Phoenix Suns in two preseason matches in Macao on Friday and Sunday, in the first National Basketball Association contests in a Chinese city in six years.
Amazon will allow NBA fans to connect their FanDuel account and display live bets/placed bets on screen during NBA action.
Taylor Swift, NFL, and Starbucks: Real Madrid’s big plan for their Bernabeu brand TA
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal