*** Ross Rant ***
Carr speaks. Jimmy sits.
A comedian makes social commentary. A government official threatens action. A network pulls the plug. This isn’t a story from Moscow or Beijing—it’s what just happened to Jimmy Kimmel, right here in the United States.
ABC took Kimmel off the air after Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), floated the idea that the network could be punished for Kimmel’s remarks. Carr, on a conservative podcast, said Kimmel’s comments were part of a “concerted effort to lie to the American people.” Hours later, ABC folded. The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, put keeping a regulator happy ahead of protecting free speech.
This kind of quick surrender should set off alarms for anyone who cares about open debate and free speech.
When government threats can silence comedians, we cross a line that the First Amendment was built to stop. The First Amendment, which protects free speech, exists to keep government intimidation out of the public square.
But the story doesn’t stop there.
Nexstar, which owns local TV stations across the country, joined in. Nexstar announced it would drop Kimmel’s show from its ABC-affiliated stations. Why would Nexstar back government censorship? The answer is simple: money.
Nexstar wants to merge with Tegna, another big media company. That deal needs the FCC’s sign-off. By pulling Kimmel, Nexstar sent a clear signal to Carr: We’ll play ball if you approve our merger. This is what happens when regulatory power warps the market for ideas.
Let’s break this down.
A comedian is commenting on the state of affairs. A government official doesn’t like them. Companies that need government approval silence the comedian. This chain of events would fit right in with strongman politics overseas. It should outrage Americans.
The danger here is bigger than any one show.
If the FCC can shut down speech it doesn’t like, who draws the line? Today it’s Kimmel. Tomorrow it could be any journalist, commentator, or critic. When we let government officials punish speech they dislike, we lose what makes America different from less free countries.
Business leaders should take note. Companies that bow to pressure on speech turn into tools for censorship. They trade their backbone for a shot at regulatory favors—this kind of deal poisons both business and democracy.
Look at the timing. Carr speaks. Companies scramble. Shows vanish. This isn’t how free markets or free speech work. This is fear in action. When business decisions hinge on regulatory threats, rather than audience choice or company values, the market breaks down.
We’ve seen this before in other countries. Officials target critics. Businesses fall in line to protect deals or licenses. Independent voices go quiet. Democracy weakens. America is supposed to be different. The Constitution is supposed to stop this. Yet we’re watching it play out.
The answer is simple, but not easy: courage.
Media companies must stand up to regulatory threats. Business leaders must call out government censorship, even if it’s risky. Citizens must demand that regulators focus on their real jobs, not policing late-night jokes. Most of all, we must protect the speech we dislike, not just the speech we agree with.
Once the government gets to decide which jokes are allowed, we’ve already lost the bigger fight for freedom.
-Marc
*** A11. ***
The unlikely personal friendship between Trump and Starmer: The British prime minister has gone out of his way to make the US president feel heard. Politico
Trump affirms ‘immortal bonds’ after royal treatment in UK: WP reports the trip, filled with pomp and pageantry, began with a parade on the grounds of Windsor Castle and concluded with business deals and talk of trade.
Trump and Starmer, skirting differences, praise each other in UK: The Republican US president and the Labour British prime minister appear to have formed a friendship, however unlikely. NYT
Trump, Starmer paper over cracks amid royal pageantry: WSJ reports the two leaders projected unity despite differences over Palestinian statehood, immigration, and energy policy.
Politico: Starmer and Trump's united front cracks on subject of Russia-Ukraine war
Where has the state visit left the US-UK relationship? President Trump and the prime minister were not aligned on all issues, but Starmer will be relieved to have avoided public humiliation at Chequers. The Times
The UK must stand up to Trump’s tech regulation pressure: Caving in to US demands on digital tax and content moderation would be an economic and political mistake. José Ignacio Torreblanca
Trump says US ‘trying’ to get Bagram airbase back: Politico reports the first Trump administration negotiated an American withdrawal from the country by 2021 and didn’t mention keeping the base.
Donald Trump says Afghanistan’s Bagram air base should be returned to US control: FT reports president says site is strategic due to its proximity to China.
Today: Trump has a phone call with Xi Jinping this morning at 9:00 am ET.
Trump nixed $400 million in Taiwan military aid, pushing future arms sales: WP reports the president declined to approve a package of weapons to Taiwan this summer, as he tries to negotiate a trade deal and a potential summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
‘Russian spies’ arrested in Essex suspected of tracking dissidents: The Times reports the Met Police confirmed three suspects were held on suspicion of assisting the Kremlin’s intelligence service.
UK urged to do more to protect undersea cables from attack: The Times reports security committee of MPs and peers says government is ‘too timid’ about risk of ‘catastrophic disruption’ caused by hostile powers such as Russia.
Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire is ‘fragile bandage over a long-festering wound’: The Times reports that the war in Southeast Asia stopped seven weeks ago, tensions are still simmering, and it appears to be a matter of when, not if, full-scale violence erupts again.
How Israel is dismantling the dream of a Palestinian state: While attention has been focused on Gaza, Israel has undermined the delicate architecture of governance in the West Bank built up over three decades. FT
How Israel is losing America: Public opinion is souring even in Israel’s strongest ally. Israelis should worry. Economist
Reuters: UAE could downgrade diplomatic ties if Israel annexes West Bank, sources say
Saudi Arabia seeks new security alliances as trust in US erodes: WSJ reports the kingdom signed a new defense pact with Pakistan a week after Israel carried out a missile attack targeting Hamas political officials in Qatar, another key US Arab Gulf partner.
Giorgia Meloni to bring back holiday honouring ‘the first Italian’: The Times reports an extra day off to celebrate St Francis of Assisi would ‘complete Italy’s identity’, says the prime minister’s party, but it will cost the country millions.
The Argentine Church ramps up criticism of President Javier Milei's austerity measures: Le Monde reports that, from priests working in shantytowns to bishops, representatives of the institution have condemned the government's budget cuts.
Trump’s trade war split Canada and Mexico. Now they want a united front. WSJ reports America’s top two trading partners are seeking a strategic partnership ahead of negotiations with the US over tariffs.
Gatekeepers and national traumas: In 1963, hardly anyone saw the Zapruder film. It was kept from the public by the media’s responsible men. Peggy Noonan
Trump administration wields its full toolbox to bring media to heel: ABC’s decision to “indefinitely” suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show illuminates the administration’s efficacy so far. NYT
NYT: President says broadcasters risk losing licenses when hosts criticize him
Bloomberg: Kimmel’s suspension is latest victory in Trump war on media
Canceling Jimmy Kimmel: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr thinks he’s a showrunner for late-night comedy. He used to know better. WP-Editorial
When free speech evangelists lose the plot: Charlie Kirk’s deplorable murder has sent Republican hypocrisy on the subject rocketing. Robert Shrimsley
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension raises fears of a new censorship era: WP reports critics accused ABC of bowing to President Donald Trump after it suspended Kimmel’s show over his remarks about the suspect in the Charlie Kirk killing.
Inside Disney’s abrupt decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show: The late-night host wanted to address the firestorm over his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s killing on Wednesday’s show. Company leaders worried it would make matters worse. WSJ
The FCC threatened to punish Kimmel ‘the hard way.’ ABC made it easy. Another media company caved after pressure from a Trump official, and the chilling effect got a few degrees colder. NYT
What is Disney thinking? By pulling Jimmy Kimmel off the air, Bob Iger risks tarnishing his legacy in Hollywood. Josef Adalian
Disney capitulation over Jimmy Kimmel sparks fears for US media under Donald Trump: Bob Iger’s suspension of comedian’s show over Charlie Kirk comments fuels free speech controversy. FT
The clear and present danger to the First Amendment: America's commitment to free speech depends on an understanding of the constitutional provision that protects it. Jessica Karl
David Letterman says Kimmel’s suspension is ‘just not how this works’: NYT reports: “We all see where this is going,” the longtime late-night host said of ABC’s move to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show after pressure from the Trump administration.
Inside the room where CEOs say what they really think of Trump’s policies: America’s top executives are expressing worry about moves that many see as state capitalism and pressure on the Fed. WSJ
American farmers are feeling the pain of Trump’s policies: US agricultural communities that had expected Trump to have their backs have found themselves flung into a second trade war. If the situation continues, it could put loyalties at risk. Bloomberg
CNN: Former Biden chief of staff Jeff Zients testifies in probe of Biden mental decline
Harris' score-settling, elbow-throwing, bridge-burning memoir: The former vice president’s reflection on the 2024 campaign includes pointed anecdotes about likely 2028 contenders. Politico
In ‘107 Days,’ Kamala Harris lays out her regrets: In her book, coming out next week, she revisited her breakneck campaign, explaining her choices and outlining missteps — of hers and others. She hinted at a return to politics. NYT
Harris book draws blowback from Shapiro, Buttigieg. Here’s what’s in it. The same people criticizing what she said about them in her new book about the 2024 campaign could be among those she faces in 2028 if she runs again. WP
ICE seeks hundreds of new offices to house 10,000 additional staffers: WP reports officials are looking for roughly 300 new sites to support plans to hire thousands of new deportation officers and lawyers.
21%: The approximate share of FBI agents that Donald Trump has diverted to do the work of ICE.
FTC sues Ticketmaster alleging illegal Tticket resale tactics: WSJ reports Ticketmaster is accused of illegal tactics that cost consumers billions of dollars.
Nvidia to invest $5 billion in Intel, furthering Trump’s turnaround plan: WSJ reports the investment pairs the world’s most valuable company, which has been a darling of the AI boom, with a chip maker that has fallen behind rivals.
DeepMind hails ‘Kasparov moment’ as AI beats best human coders: The Times reports Google beat 135 human teams at the ‘coding Olympics’, marking a profound leap for AI comparable to chess grandmaster’s defeat to a computer.
AI models must adapt or die: The technology has already consumed almost all high-quality data — experience is now the dominant medium of improvement. John Thornhill
Since leaving Washington, Elon Musk has been all in on his AI company: NYT reports Musk spent the summer at his artificial intelligence start-up xAI, trying to match the runaway success of OpenAI. The result was chaos.
The $4trn accounting puzzle at the heart of the AI cloud: A bean counter’s look at the hyperscalers’ balance sheets.Economist
Antarctica's tourism boom accelerates melting of 'white continent': While the number of tourists has skyrocketed over the past decade, the pristine continent, which is attracting growing interest among researchers, is gradually deteriorating. Le Monde
Stone-skimming championship in Scotland gets rocked by cheating scandal: CBC reports organizers say the stones in question were 'suspiciously round'
TA: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers icon, is retiring after 18 seasons
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | September 18
*** Ross Rant ***
YouTube's $100 billion creator payout: The end of media as we know it
Not long ago, most people saw YouTube creators as hobbyists, nerds, or amateur filmmakers shooting videos in their basements for fun. Fast forward twenty years, and YouTube has paid them $100 billion. That's real money—one hundred billion dollars flowing directly to people who make videos, bypassing the traditional media giants entirely.
This shift isn't an anomaly.
It's a signal that the creator economy has outgrown its humble beginnings. What started as a quirky corner of the web now rivals Hollywood and major newsrooms. When a single platform pays out more than most countries' entire media budgets, it's time to pay attention.
YouTube's recent push into artificial intelligence amplifies this transformation. These new tools enable anyone to create professional-looking videos without expensive equipment or advanced technical skills. I've been discussing the shift toward more amateur, agile video creation for years, and now we're witnessing it unfold in real time. Anyone with a smartphone can produce content that rivals professional TV studios. The barriers that once protected big media have crumbled.
For decades, traditional media companies controlled the game. They owned the channels, theaters, expensive cameras, and the professionals who operated them. That advantage is rapidly disappearing.
Today, solo creators armed with AI tools can move faster than any corporate team. They don't need sign-off from multiple layers of management. They speak directly to their audiences—no focus groups, no market research required. When people crave authentic voices over corporate messaging, these creators win.
Big Media spends millions producing a single TV episode. Creators make content people love for a fraction of that cost. They don't pay for sprawling offices, high-paid executives, or legacy distribution networks. Every dollar saved can be reinvested in content—or go straight to their pockets.
This wave extends far beyond entertainment. Newsrooms now compete with independent journalists breaking stories on social media. Educational institutions face YouTubers who explain complex topics through engaging, accessible videos. Even corporate trainers struggle to match the reach and effectiveness of online educators.
Policymakers face a significant challenge. Existing broadcast regulations were designed when only a select few could reach mass audiences. Now anyone can reach millions instantly. We need new frameworks for content moderation, information accuracy, and fair competition—the old rules simply don't apply.
TikTok represents another seismic shift. It's not merely social media; it's handheld television on steroids, delivering access to countless global creators through hyper-personalized feeds. Its AI-driven recommendation engine tailors content to individual preferences with unprecedented precision.
Communications experts like Kevin Munger from Penn State University argue that short-form video communicates information more efficiently than traditional text-based content. Given TikTok's television-like influence, there's growing momentum to regulate it similarly to traditional broadcasters under frameworks like the Communications Act of 1934.
Countries from Canada to China have implemented television and communications regulations, highlighting the urgent need for similar oversight of platforms like TikTok.
Civic leaders and communications professionals cannot afford to ignore this transformation. Many still rely on strategies built for a world of media gatekeepers—a world that's rapidly disappearing. Tomorrow's leaders must understand creator economics, AI-powered tools, and direct-to-audience models.
The $100 billion YouTube payout isn't the conclusion of this story—it's the opening chapter. As AI capabilities expand, content creation will become even more accessible. Traditional media companies face a stark choice: adapt to this new reality or watch their influence diminish. The creators have already moved forward. The rest of us should take note.
-Marc
*** A11. ***
People around the world want political change, but many doubt it can happen: Large shares give politicians low marks on honesty and understanding the needs of ordinary people. Pew
It isn’t just the US. The whole world has soured on climate politics. How do we think about the climate future, now that the era marked by the Paris Agreement has so utterly disappeared? David Wallace-Wells
WP: Trump tariffed the British. They’re still rolling out the red carpet.
The Times: Royals give Trump a spectacular welcome for ‘ultimate’ state visit
Trump has no need of reality, deep in the land of make-believe: The skies rained on his parade, but the US president seemed to enjoy the pomp and pageantry in a Windsor hermetically sealed from outside protests. Tom Peck
UK and US are two notes of the same chord, says Trump: The Times reports the King praised the special relationship at the state banquet, which also hosted tech leaders from Apple, Microsoft, and Google.
Trump meets with royal family in pomp-filled state visit to Britain: WP reports the day ended with a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where President Donald Trump and King Charles III both toasted to the special relationship between their nations.
+ Trump’s interview from the UK with Fox News’ Martha MacCallum will air at 3:00 pm ET tomorrow
Starmer banks on £150bn investment to placate critics of Trump state visit: Guradian reports the prime minister seeks to make best of difficult state visit by US president with package of commitments by US firms.
US tech groups answer Starmer’s call for AI infrastructure spending: FT reports multibillion-dollar pledges on data centres come during Trump visit despite unresolved issues around digital services tax.
Nvidia invests £500m in Nscale to boost UK AI data centers: The Times reports investment promises 250 jobs and a significant boost to national tech infrastructure as part of a wave of tech deals announced during President Trump’s visit.
Nvidia says Britain will have to burn gas to power technology revolution: The Times reports the company chief executive Jensen Huang says the UK’s costly electricity means new data centres will rely on fossil fuel as well as renewable energy.
It’s Britain’s fault the special relationship isn’t working: The Prime Minister’s woeful record of poor judgment has the Trump administration questioning the value of a friendship with Downing Street. Con Coughlin
Why MAGA’s next project is to fix ‘broken Britain’: President Trump has been vocal about what he perceives as the UK’s shortcomings. After America is fixed, his administration wants to make it great again. The Times
How conservative America turned on Britain: Donald Trump may go easy on Starmer during this week’s state visit, but his supporters see the UK as a stark warning for the US. Telegraph
Won’t the British right stand up for sovereignty? A hatred of interference in national affairs disappears when American conservatives are doing it. Janan Ganesh
The Times: Starmer will recognise Palestine after end of Trump’s state visit
Ukraine’s best hope for influencing Trump? King Charles. The US president will be lauded with the finest pomp and pageantry Britain has to offer. Politico
TKI: Ukraine aims for Trump meeting during Zelensky’s upcoming New York visit, FM says
Tests show Navalny was poisoned in jail, his widow says: BBC reports the wife of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has said he was killed by poisoning while serving a prison sentence in an Arctic penal colony in 2024. In a video shared on social media, Yulia Navalnaya said analysis of smuggled biological samples carried out by laboratories in two countries showed that her husband had been "murdered."
Germany faces ruin without reform of welfare state, warns economist: Economic adviser says younger workers face an unsustainable burden without radical action to tackle the €400 billion-a-year pensions bill. The Times
EU unveils plan to hit Israel with tariffs, sanctions amid Gaza war outcry: Politico reports European Commission moves to get tough on Israel — but now it needs member countries on board.
EU will present social media regulation bill in 2026, says official: Nikkei reports new law may include restrictions on underage use.
EU's new approach to lure India away from Russia's orbit: DW reports The EU has proposed better strategic ties with India to pull New Delhi closer to Europe and away from Russia. While a trade deal is currently in focus, the EU also looks to boost defense cooperation.
AI is erupting in India: American firms are piling on users—and sucking up mountains of data. Economist
Saudi Arabia signs ‘strategic mutual defence’ pact with Pakistan: FT reports deal with nuclear-armed power comes a week after Gulf states were deeply rattled by Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha.
Scott Bessent’s chief of staff set to move to IMF: FT reports Dan Katz expected to become second to fund chief Kristalina Georgieva.
The Philippines will keep up support for the country’s fishermen near the Scarborough Shoal, said an official on Sept 17, despite China’s increased efforts to assert control after designating the disputed atoll a national nature reserve.
Taiwan unveiled its first missile to be jointly manufactured with a US company on Sept 17, marking a major step in the fast-growing defence cooperation between Taipei and Washington to counter China’s military threat.
Taiwan chipmakers struggle to curtail tech leaks to China: Nikkei reports industrial espionage investigations up 31% as Beijing bolsters companies at home.
Chinese officials urge firms to shun Nvidia AI chip: WSJ reports the world’s most valuable company was dragged further into the US-China trade war after Beijing’s top cybersecurity regulator urged big tech firms not to buy one of its newest chips.
China bans tech companies from buying Nvidia’s AI chips: FT reports Beijing steps up efforts to boost semiconductor independence and compete with US.
Trump’s China trip may hinge on Boeing and soybean deals, sources say: ‘Significant progress’ made on plans since Beijing’s invitation to US leader for formal state visit, source says. SCMP
See how China is dominating the global EV market WSJ
Future EVs must be made in Europe, EU president says: WSJ reports EU President von der Leyen said the EU executive will work toward safeguarding a broad range of industries.
Ontario expected to have the worst economic growth in Canada thanks to Trump’s tariffs, report says: The Toronto Star reports that despite Premier Doug Ford's battle against the tariffs, demand for Ontario exports has declined, as has business investment and hiring.
Surge of imports into Southern California ends: WSJ reports retailers and manufacturers pulled back on orders in August after tariffs spurred a rush of cargo into the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in previous months.
ARG: Argentine President Javier Milei’s disapproval rating rose for a third straight month to a new high in September amid bribery allegations involving his sister, while his party’s lead in October’s crucial midterm race narrowed in a new poll.
America loves cocaine again—Mexico’s new drug king cashes in: The Trump administration’s war on fentanyl created an opening for ‘El Señor Mencho’ to smuggle cocaine into the US by the ton. WSJ
Trump adopts war on terror tactics to fight drug cartels: WSJ reports the White House has depicted smugglers as terrorists similar to members of al Qaeda and Islamic State who should be neutralized by military force.
Pentagon lawyers raise concerns over Trump’s strikes on alleged drug boats: WSJ reports defense officials worry about the legal implications for military personnel involved in the operation.
Fed lowers rates by quarter-point, signals more cuts are likely: WSJ reports concerns about a job-market slowdown are overriding jitters about inflation in justifying a pivot towards a shallow sequence of rate reductions.
Surging US power costs defy Donald Trump’s pledge to halve bills: FT reports electricity price inflation sparks political debate ahead of elections.
Rising electricity price? Thank Trump: Bigger bills are a direct result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut green-energy subsidies. Rahm Emanuel
A seamlessly unserious president: Damage from Trump’s protectionism mounts domestically as danger abroad rises. George Will
‘Department of War’: The branding our soldiers deserve Micheal Keane
Anti-Trump influencers flood the White House’s new TikTok account: WP reports the rocky rollout of the president’s official presence on the social platform showcases the challenges he faces among younger people online, even as he says he’s nearing a deal to get it sold to US owners.
Inside Trumpworld’s reality distortion field: In the immediate aftermath of Charlie Kirk's killing, Donald Trump's advisors were sure who was to blame. That law enforcement says they were wrong didn't, and doesn't, much seem to matter. Wired
‘They’ didn’t kill Charlie Kirk: It insults his memory to blame political opponents for one man’s heinous act. Karl Rove
Obama condemns ‘horrific’ Kirk shooting, urges country to unite: WP reports former president Barack Obama called the killing of Kirk a tragedy and said the Trump administration was wrong to try and sow division after the shooting.
ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel off air for Charlie Kirk comments: NYT reports Kimmel faced some criticism for comments he made on Monday about the motives of the man who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
The constant battle: The first excerpt from 107 Days. Kamala Harris
Bernie Sanders becomes first US senator to say Israel committing genocide in Gaza: Guardian reports the Vermont senator had taken flak for avoiding term as UN panel says Israel’s conduct meets criteria for genocide.
In ‘Dead Center,’ Joe Manchin says he’s been right all along: In a new memoir, the former Democratic senator from West Virginia defends his centrist politics, portraying himself as a high-minded public servant with unshakable convictions. NYT
GA-GOV: Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who defied President Donald Trump’s calls to help overturn the 2020 presidential election results in his state, on Wednesday announced he’ll run for governor of Georgia in 2026.
Senators weigh regulating AI chatbots to protect kids: WP reports parents told a Senate Judiciary subcommittee that chatbots had harmed their teens, even contributing to deaths by suicide.
The looming crackdown on AI companionship: The risks posed when kids form bonds with chatbots have turned AI safety from an abstract worry into a political flashpoint. What happens now? James O'Donnell
How to legislate for AI in an age of uncertainty: We need laws that only kick in once we know the impact of the technology. Martin Skladany
AI is making online dating even worse: What happens when users are inundated with machine-generated profiles and pickup lines? Anna Louie Sussman
AI firm DeepSeek writes less-secure code for groups China disfavors: Research by a US security firm points to the country’s leading player in AI providing higher-quality results for some purposes than others. WP
Google DeepMind claims ‘historic’ AI breakthrough in problem solving: Version of company’s Gemini 2.5 AI model solved complex real-world problem that stumped human programmers. Guardian
DeepMind and OpenAI achieve gold at ‘coding Olympics’ in AI milestone: FT reports artificial intelligence labs attain top grade in prestigious programming contest.
AI agents are getting ready to handle your whole financial life: Artificial intelligence promises to reshape Wall Street—and individual investors—like few other tech changes in its history. WSJ
AI is turning traditional corporate org charts upside down: Teams are getting leaner and flatter, while leaders at the top are overseeing more than ever before. Everyone, everywhere is restructuring. Welcome to the AI age. WSJ
The Japanese business philosophy fueling Microsoft’s AI transformation: Microsoft COO Carolina Dybeck Happe said the principle of kaizen is key to how she’s approaching AI transformation inside the organization. WSJ
Apple explores possible test production of foldable iPhones in Taiwan: Nikkei reports the tech giant eyes new form factor to help boost total shipments by 10% in 2026.
StubHub raised $800 million in its IPO after pricing its shares at $23.50, in the middle of its expected range.
Death & Co. made cocktails cool. Now they’re coming for boutique hotels: Great bars have long been a luxury hotel amenity. For new hospitality brand Midnight Auteur, they’re the entire point. Bloomberg
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is trying to lure back customers with a promise: The long-troubled Newark Liberty International Airport will soon be the most dependable New York City-area airport.
‘Rocket Dreams’ recounts the highs and lows of the billionaire space race: Christian Davenport’s second book is a thorough accounting of the growing friction between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. WP
Robert Redford’s greatest roles, from ‘Sundance Kid’ to ‘All the President’s Men’: Plus directorial efforts such as “Quiz Show” and “A River Runs Through It.” WP
What the Odeon’s maître d’ wants you to know before you walk through the door: For more than two decades, Roya Shanks has been the quiet force behind the widely recognizable dining room—balancing family meals, fashion crowds, and the theater of hospitality with style all her own. Cultured
A cappuccino war breaks out in Berlin: In the German capital, a coffee chain is booming on the promise of affordable prices. The success is generating as much enthusiasm as hostility, with some seeing it as the work of destructive 'turbo-capitalism.' Le Monde
AFP: Louboutin taps Jaden Smith to lead well-heeled shoemaker's men's line
DC’s $3.7 billion Commanders stadium deal gets final council approval: WP reports the Commanders stadium project will transform a largely vacant and blighted swath of DC and return the team to the city its owners have described as its “spiritual home.”
Tom Brady is doing too much: The former star quarterback is a television announcer, and he’s also a partial team owner. He shouldn’t be allowed to be both. Barry Svrluga
Testing the latest surf watches on the biggest breakers on earth: Peter Howarth tests his stamina — and an ocean-going Tudor watch — with pros who ride the biggest waves on the planet. The Times
How NIL money changes the game for German basketball: Germany's national basketball teams are enjoying a golden era, but are there concerns domestically that NIL money from US colleges might impact future generations. DW
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | September 17
A11.
September 17, 2025
*** Ross Rant ***
The Keynes-Hayek paradox: Why a camel driver and a CEO share the same economic DNA
I took this photograph in 2008 in rural India—a man guiding his camel through a marketplace, laden with produce which I believe was destined for local vendors. The image has stayed with me for years, not for its exotic appeal, but for what it represents about our interconnected yet paradoxical world. This farmer and I inhabit the same planet, participate in the same global economy, and live under the same pressures of supply and demand. Yet our methods of moving goods to market could hardly be more different. While I navigate web-based technologies and have access to e-commerce in a climate-controlled office, he relies on a beast of burden his ancestors might have used a thousand years ago.
This stark contrast illuminates a fundamental question that has shaped international economics and American foreign policy for over a century: Why do nations organize their economies so differently? Why does China's government direct massive state-owned enterprises while Silicon Valley entrepreneurs launch companies from garages? Why do European governments maintain extensive social safety nets while Americans celebrate individual self-reliance? How do these different approaches to economic organization affect global trade, international relations, and America's role in the world?
The answers lie not in abstract economic theory, but in a very human story—an intellectual battle between two brilliant economists whose ideas were forged in the crucible of global war, economic collapse, and social upheaval. John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek, working literally side by side during World War II blackouts in Cambridge, developed fundamentally opposing visions of how modern economies should function. Their debate, intensely personal yet profoundly philosophical, would reshape not just economic policy but the entire architecture of international relations.
Keynes, the celebrity intellectual with artistic connections and media savvy, argued that government intervention could smooth capitalism's destructive boom-and-bust cycles. His ideas promised democratic leaders a middle path between laissez-faire capitalism and communist central planning—a way to "do something" about economic crises without abandoning democratic principles. Hayek, the Austrian exile who had witnessed firsthand the collapse of empires and the rise of totalitarianism, warned that government intervention in markets would inevitably lead down a "road to serfdom." For him, free markets weren't just efficient—they were essential to human freedom.
This wasn't merely an academic dispute. The stakes were enormous: which economic philosophy would guide the reconstruction of a war-torn world? How would the emerging American superpower organize global trade and finance? What role would a government play in managing industrial economies? The answers would determine whether the twentieth century belonged to capitalism or communism, to American leadership or Soviet dominance, to individual liberty or collective planning.
The intellectual battle between Keynes and Hayek ultimately shaped the Bretton Woods system, the Marshall Plan, NATO, and every major institution of the post-war international order. Even boardrooms of the greatest, world-class multinational corporations cannot escape this intellectual battle. More importantly, their competing visions continue to influence how American policymakers understand globalization, trade policy, and economic competition with China. When US President Biden announces massive infrastructure investments, he's channeling Keynesian logic. When US President Trump makes a ten percent investment stake in Intel, he's channeling Keynesian logic. When critics warn about industrial policy distorting markets, they're echoing Hayekian concerns. When the US Treasury Secretary travels to Beijing to discuss economic cooperation, they are navigating the same fundamental tension between state-directed and market-driven approaches to development.
Understanding this historical context isn't merely academic—it's essential for anyone seeking to comprehend modern globalization and America's evolving foreign policy. The intellectual framework established in the 1940s continues to shape our understanding of economic sovereignty, international cooperation, and the relationship between prosperity and security. The camel driver in rural India and the Silicon Valley entrepreneur operate in an economic system whose basic architecture was designed by thinkers responding to crises that predated both of their births.
-Marc
+ This text is from the opening chapter of the book I am authoring, entitled Globalization and American Politics: How International Economics Redefined American Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics.
*** A11. ***
Trump arrives in UK for his second state visit: The Times reports President landed at Stansted airport at the start of a trip that is likely to involve trade deal talks and investment announcements.
UK hopes pomp and ceremony of Trump’s state visit will distract from tricky questions: Jeffrey Epstein affair will hang heavily over trip after Sir Keir Starmer sacked Lord Peter Mandelson. FT
+ Trump left one Epstein nightmare at home but is heading towards another.
Windsor poised for global spotlight with Trump state visit: AFP reports the historic town of Windsor braced Tuesday for a return to the global spotlight, as its world-famous castle prepared to host Donald Trump amid pomp, protests, support, and mammoth security.
Trump and the limits to British flattery: Keir Starmer might be tempted to hymn ‘shared values’, but such talk rings increasingly hollow. Edward Luce
King Charles III has mellowed over the past 30 years: Blandness is a feature of the British crown, not a bug. Economist
Kyiv presses allies for Russia's defeat as diplomacy with Moscow falters: Le Monde reports Volodymyr Zelensky denounced 'an obvious expansion of the war by Russia' after Russian drones flew over NATO countries.
Make Putin fear you: Ukraine says it's time Trump took a 'clear position' on Russia: NBC News reports: “All that’s lacking now is a strong sanctions package from the US,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview, urging Washington to impose promised punishment on the Kremlin.
CNN: NATO launches ‘Eastern Sentry’ operation in response to Russian drone incursions
Cold war deterrence doesn’t work any more: Why the West is finding it so hard to deter China and Russia. Economist
Israel launches new ground offensive seeking to force end to Gaza War: WSJ reports the expanding operation comes as a UN commission concluded in a new report that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli military begins ground invasion of Gaza City: WP reports Palestinians in Gaza City reported a night of heavy bombardment. A UN commission said Israel was committing genocide in Gaza; Israel rejected it as “falsehoods.”
A futile push in Gaza will deepen Israel’s isolation: Israel’s leaders fear American support for their war is about to run out. Economist
WP: UN commission finds that Israel committed genocide in Gaza
The Bayeux Tapestry, a barometer of Franco-British relations: France's decision to lend the nearly 1,000-year-old tapestry to the United Kingdom represents part of the long and tumultuous relationship between the two countries; Brexit supporters had even turned the tapestry into a symbol of national humiliation. Le Monde
Industrial strategy needs more than ‘superstars’: The bulk of UK jobs are in the everyday economy, not internationally competitive clusters. Andy Haldane
EU and Indonesia agree trade deal: Brussels and Jakarta to sign pact next week as they seek to reduce reliance on US. FT
IEA says more oil and gas investment may be needed: AFP reports new oil and gas projects may be necessary to maintain current production levels, the IEA said Tuesday, as it is in a public feud with the Trump administration over its forecasts for lower demand.
Despite presidential animus, America’s solar industry is buzzing: And investment is on the rise. Economist
US in talks to fund multibillion-dollar mining initiative for critical minerals: FT reports investments would finance projects to extract materials crucial for defence and high-tech manufacturing.
Trump delays TikTok ban again: NYT reports it was the fourth time President Trump extended the deadline for TikTok to find a new owner or face a ban in the United States. This time, officials have said they are nearing a deal to address concerns about the app.
US and China reach deal to keep TikTok operating in US, Trump says: Nikkei reports White House extends deadline for divestment to Dec. 16.
Beijing says TikTok’s US app will use Chinese algorithm: FT reports Donald Trump extends deadline to shut down social media platform as he promises a deal with China.
US investors, Trump close in on TikTok deal with China: WSJ reports Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz are part of a consortium that would control an 80% stake.
Brazil’s ex-president plans to wield political power from prison: America calls Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction a “witch hunt.” Economist
AP: US designates Colombia as failing to cooperate in the drug war for first time in nearly 30 years
Colombia halts US arms purchases in row over drug fight delisting: AFP reports Colombia on Tuesday halted arms purchases from the United States, its biggest military partner, after Washington decertified the South American country as an anti-drugs ally for failing to halt cocaine trafficking.
Bloomberg: Trump says US military hit third drug boat from Venezuela
Trump brings the war on terrorism to the Caribbean: The military blows up another Venezuelan boat without congressional authorization. WP-Editorial
The US is preparing for war with Venezuela: Who cares if it achieves anything. Donald Trump’s policy on Latin America isn’t bothered by either consistency or the lessons of history. Daniel DePetris
JD Vance vows retribution on liberal institutions after Charlie Kirk killing: WP reports Trump also denounced groups on the left and renewed his talk of prosecutions of unnamed organizations that he says fund violent protests.
Bondi prompts broad backlash after saying she’ll target ‘hate speech’: NYT reports the attorney general also said she could investigate businesses that refused to print Charlie Kirk vigil posters as the Trump administration pushes to punish anyone who celebrated his killing.
Pam Bondi is clueless about the First Amendment Ed Kilgore
Sotomayor rebukes calls to ‘criminalize free speech’ in apparent swipe at Pam Bondi: Politico reports the justice, in public remarks, didn’t name the attorney general, who has come under fire for comments to target people over “hate speech.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) says First Amendment ‘absolutely protects hate speech’ in wake of Charlie Kirk killing: Politico reports: “You cannot be prosecuted for speech, even if it is evil and bigoted and wrong,” he says.
Carr splits from the GOP's social media crackdown after Kirk killing: Politico reports amid anger over Charlie Kirk posts, a key Trump ally said the First Amendment protects online speech.
Trump files $15 billion lawsuit against New York Times: WSJ reports the suit accuses the paper of interference in the 2024 presidential election and of “spreading false and defamatory content” about Trump.
The president is putting America’s armed forces in a bind: Turning soldiers into cops was once a last resort. How far might he go? Economist
Trump says Republicans will host a midterm convention next year: The event could be an opportunity to energize the party, which will be playing defense as it seeks to retain control of Congress. NYT
Trump’s approval hits new low: A new Economist/YouGov poll finds President Trump’s approval rating is now 17 percentage points underwater, 39% to 56%, a new low.
Tim Walz to run for a 3rd term in Minnesota: Politico reports Walz’s 2026 campaign will see him try to become the state’s longest-serving governor, after fanning speculations that he’d seek a presidential bid in 2028.
DEM-2028: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) will visit the Granite State on October 7, holding multiple events to help Democrats at the municipal and state levels, WMUR reports.
European textile industry urges EU to take action against Chinese platforms like Shein: Le Monde reports that, in a joint statement, around 20 industry federations have called on the European Union to take immediate action to curb the rise of low-cost online sales platforms.
A tariff lesson for coffee drinkers: A case study in how border taxes raise the daily cost of living. WSJ-Editorial
14 smaller WTO members, including Singapore, tie up to support open and fair trade: Straits Times reports that 14 small and medium-sized members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including Singapore, established a partnership on Sept 16 to boost their trading links, amid strains on the rules-based trading system. The other members of the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership, which was launched during a virtual ministerial meeting, are Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Uruguay.
US auto tariffs push Mitsubishi, Mazda toward Latin America: Nikkei reports duties in No. 2 auto market still high for Japan carmakers even after cut to 15%.
VinFast bets on 'Vietnam playbook' to crack India and other Asian markets: EV maker deploys three-pronged strategy closer to home after US setback. Nikkei
Parents slam OpenAI, CharacterAI over safety in Senate hearing: Bloomberg reports OpenAI and other leading artificial intelligence companies, including Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms, have come under fire in recent months over their chatbots’ risks to young users. The Federal Trade Commission last week launched an investigation into those companies, as well as Elon Musk’s xAI, Snap, and Character Technologies, over potential harms their chatbots pose to children.
What exactly are AI companies trying to build? Here’s a guide. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and OpenAI plan to spend at least $325 billion by the end of the year in pursuit of AI. We explain why they’re doing it. NYT
What has ChatGPT become? Less synthetic brain, more replacement for the whole internet. John Herrman
The AI-scraping free-for-all is coming to an end: The web would like to make a deal. John Herrman
Hollywood giants sue Chinese AI firm over copyright infringement: AFP reports top Hollywood studios filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Chinese artificial intelligence company MiniMax, alleging massive copyright infringement.
Disney, Universal, and Warner launch copyright lawsuit against Chinese AI company: FT reports Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros Discovery claim MiniMax engaged in ‘wilful and brazen’ violations.
YouTube on Tuesday boosted artificial intelligence tools for creators, saying it has paid out more than $100 billion to content-makers in the past four years.
Switzerland’s US tech ‘whale’: Swiss National Bank has more than $42bn invested in Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Meta. FT
The ‘ghost particle’ machine rewriting our understanding of the universe: At a futuristic underground observatory in China, particle physicists hope that by studying neutrinos, they can unlock the greatest secrets of science. The Times
WP: Robert Redford, movie star and Sundance founder, dies at 89
Digital dopamine is consuming America. It’s time to fight for IRL. Jake Auchincloss
Why YouTube Premium beats the BBC Rory Sutherland
Camille Cottin on comedy, the red carpet and Call My Agent! the movie: The French actor has always made clowning look cool. FT
Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G to headline Coachella: AFP reports American singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, and Colombian reggaeton artist Karol G will headline the prestigious Coachella festival in 2026, organizers said Tuesday.
SFC: Oakland Ballers’ manager let AI take his job. A bold call, some glitches and a win followed
Welcome to the Luka Doncic revenge tour: After an unexpected trade to the LA Lakers followed by sniping about his fitness level, the NBA star is ready to answer his doubters—both off and on the court. WSJ
The Raiders lean on Tom Brady’s insight. Other NFL teams don’t love that. Brady’s seat in the Las Vegas coaches’ booth Monday night inflamed angst over his dual role as Fox broadcaster and Raiders minority owner. WP
IndyCar reveals 17-race 2026 season with March opening: AFP reports IndyCar unveiled its 17-race schedule for the 2026 season on Tuesday with three new events, a record four races in March, and the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24.
Masters deal with Amazon Prime boosts US TV coverage hours: AFP reports a new deal between Augusta National and Amazon Prime Video will boost US television coverage of the Masters by four hours starting next year, club chairman Fred Riley announced Tuesday.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal