IMF chief says global economic uncertainty is the new normal: On Trump’s tariffs, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says ‘the full effect is still to unfold.’ FC
Trump says Israel and Hamas agree to hostage release in step toward peace: WSJ reports the deal came after tense negotiations, with many details left to iron out.
Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of ceasefire deal, Trump says: WP reports the president’s announcement says the agreement includes the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
A euphoric Donald Trump wins a breakthrough in the Middle East: A hostage release and Gaza ceasefire are welcome. But they are just the start. Economist
Bloomberg: Trump gave Qatar a security guarantee and isn’t explaining why
Meet the young Tories dreaming of a bright blue future: The Conservatives know they have a problem with Gen Z voters. At the party conference, The Times met a new breed of activists who are embracing the challenge The Times
Emmanuel Macron to name a new French PM by Friday: FT reports outgoing premier Sébastien Lecornu says prospect of a snap parliamentary election is receding.
Italian MPs from Meloni’s party call for ban on Islamic face coverings: FT reports lawmakers from Brothers of Italy aim to combat ‘religious radicalisation’ with wide-ranging proposals.
German parliament votes to get rid of fast-track citizenship: DW reports crossing fast-track citizenship off the books was a key migration-related election campaign promise from Chancellor Merz's CDU. Critics argue that this will deter highly qualified immigrants from coming to Germany.
Meat substitutes: The European Parliament voted to chop meat-related words, like “burger” and “bratwurst”, from plant-based products. The changes are part of a broader package, aimed at helping farmers, that the bloc will negotiate before it can become law.
Putin flies in to visit Russia’s restless backyard: The Russian president will attend a summit this week with the former Soviet republics in Central Asia, who are also being courted by China and the EU. The Times
Russia: Momentum for peace after Putin-Trump summit 'gone': DW reports the impetus for reaching a peace deal in Ukraine following the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska has largely "gone," a Russian official has said.
Trump mulls supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles: DW reports US President Donald Trump is no longer ruling out allowing Ukraine to acquire American-made Tomahawk missiles. These could strike deep inside Russian territory, and Kyiv believes they could change the course of the war.
IMF presses China to reflate economy as growth slows and tariffs bite: Nikkei reports uneven spending over Golden Week holidays signals consumer caution.
The sinister disappearance of China’s bosses: Detentions, public shaming, and suicides intensify the country’s corporate gloom. Economist
US stablecoin dream is a nightmare for China: China's President Xi Jinping is concerned about the impact of US stablecoins, which could lead to a new wave of dollarization and undermine the yuan's role in international payments. Andy Mukherjee
Analysis: US-China power game heats up ahead of APEC summit: South Korea caught in the middle as it prepares to host regional powwow. Nikkei
Takaichi's PM appointment to be delayed, affecting US, China diplomacy: Nikkei reports Diet vote now likely on Oct. 20 or later, pushing back passage of supplementary budget.
The Argentine peso, and Javier Milei, are in trouble: The president’s economic team has decamped to Washington, trying desperately to confirm American support. Economist
NYT: Strikes on purported drug boats are said to have also killed Colombians
Senate bipartisan move to restrict Trump’s Venezuela war powers fails: WP reports Democrats called the Trump administration’s lethal strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers unconstitutional but were unable to persuade Republicans to vote for a restraining measure.
Drilling frenzy arrives in Canada’s pristine wilderness: As countries around the world scramble to secure fuel to run their power plants, natural gas has attracted energy producers to Canada’s westernmost province. Bloomberg
The five Norwegians with Trump’s Nobel prize dream in their hands: Despite his lobbying campaign, the US president is still seen as an outsider in the race — although stranger things have happened. The Times
Donald Trump looms large over Nobel Peace Prize: US president pressures Norwegian government and independent committee to select him on Friday. FT
Trump excludes generics from pharmaceuticals tariff plan: WSJ reports the administration has been weighing duties for months on a range of products and ingredients in a national-security tariff investigation.
Axios: Mike Johnson faces growing internal revolt over shutdown
Republicans caution White House on inflicting shutdown pain: WSJ reports some GOP lawmakers have warned the president’s aides against mass layoffs and sharp cuts to government assistance.
Flight delays could force parties to the shutdown bargaining table: Politico reports disruptions caused by staffing shortfalls may up the pressure on lawmakers to strike a deal.
Hegseth’s sprawling hunt for Charlie Kirk critics spans nearly 300 investigations: WP reports the inquiry, resulting in a smattering of disciplinary action so far, follows an extraordinary Pentagon directive aimed at silencing criticism of the slain activist and Trump supporter.
A quarter of FBI agents are assigned to immigration enforcement, internal data shows: WP reports the intense focus on immigration has raised alarm among FBI agents who say morale is low across the bureau as they have less time to dedicate to national security, white-collar crime, and complex cases.
Before Trump ordered in troops, federal officers called Portland protests ‘low energy’: NYT reports Oregon officials say the atmosphere outside an ICE building that has drawn daily demonstrations since June has grown worse since the president’s threats.
The bad blood between Trump and Pritzker goes back decades: WSJ reports President Trump’s declaration that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker should be jailed is the latest clash between two feuding billionaires.
Texas’ blue-state deployments shred relations between governors: NYT reports state leaders have prided themselves on finding bipartisan consensus, but President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops from Texas to Illinois has ripped the veneer off that image.
What game is Trump playing with his military deployments? Ross Barkan
WP: James Comey pleads not guilty in case roiling Justice Department
NJ-GOV: A Public Policy Polling survey in New Jersey finds Mikie Sherrill (D) with a small lead over Jack Ciattarelli (R) in the governor’s race, 49% to 43% with 8% unsure.
Katie Porter’s viral videos plunge campaign into ‘disaster’: “Is this a disaster? Yes,” a veteran Sacramento strategist concluded. Politico
Florida man arrested, accused of starting deadly Palisades Fire in California: WP reports the fire killed 12 people and destroyed more than 23,000 acres, part of a series of blazes that devastated the Los Angeles area in January.
Man fascinated with fire imagery is arrested in Palisades blaze, officials say: NYT reports officials say that Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, of Melbourne, Fla., had intentionally set a fire that rekindled a week later into a devastating blaze that killed 12 people.
Le Creuset is cheugy: Why does a collection of $400 pots suddenly look so cheap? Tammie Teclemariam
In Grenoble, Shein's arrival splits local retailers: 'It could bring more people into the city, which is always welcome': The Chinese ultra-low-cost fashion brand announced it would set up shop at BHV Marais in Paris as well as in Galeries Lafayette in six other French cities including Grenoble, sparking mixed reactions. Le Monde
First comes Dimon’s new tower. Next up, a JPMorgan neighborhood: Inside America’s biggest city, its biggest bank has been piecing together a multi-block campus. Bloomberg
Kentucky’s AG launches Roblox lawsuit claiming platform isn’t safe for kids: FC reports the Kentucky suit is the latest to allege that Roblox isn’t doing enough to protect the children who use the gaming site.
AI bubble risks global market sell-off, Bank of England warns: The Times reports valuations are ‘comparable to the peak of the dotcom bubble’, raising global market concerns and threats to the UK.
Microsoft tries to catch up in AI with healthcare push, Harvard deal: WSJ reports the company seeks to move away from dependence on its partner OpenAI and build a consumer base for its Copilot chatbot.
Ari Emanuel bets AI will boost leisure time with three-day working week: Hollywood agent raises almost $3bn from investors including Apollo and QIA for venture spanning tennis to car auctions. FT
Will AI destroy us? Consider the nature of intelligence. The real threats AI poses will come from the humans who wield it. Eric Oliver
The flawed Silicon Valley consensus on AI: Serious questions remain about what will happen if we do — and don’t — replicate human intelligence. John Thornhill
AI has this harmful belief about women: A new study analyzed 1.4 million online images and videos, plus nine large language models trained on billions of words. Here’s what it found. FC
Ford Motor Co. could face as much as a $1 billion earnings hit from the shutdown of an aluminum plant in New York after a fire last month, an Evercore ISI analyst said in a Wednesday investor note.
Behind the lens: Breaking the news to a Nobel Prize winner: They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but these photos may be worth a Nobel Prize. In the early hours of Monday morning, Seattle-based AP photographer Lindsey Wasson got the call that a pair of Nobel Prize winners lived nearby and raced to the home of Mary E. Brunkow, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in medicine, to cover her reaction. AP
+ “Sir, your wife just won the Nobel Prize.”
Variety: ‘Heat 2’ moves from Warner Bros. to Amazon MGM as Michael Mann’s sequel gains traction
‘Heat 2’ is on: Michael Mann Crime Drama Moves From Warner Bros. to United Artists; Jerry Bruckheimer, Scott Stuber Producing: THR reports Mann is set to direct the follow-up to his 1995 feature, which has Leonardo DiCaprio circling to star.
‘Les Misérables’ at 40: The unlikely story of a hit: Critics initially panned it, but public love for the musical with songs like “One Day More” and “On My Own” has kept it going strong for four decades — and counting. NYT
Discord at the Venice opera house: La Fenice’s orchestra has objected loudly to the appointment of a conductor aligned with Giorgia Meloni’s party. Amy Kazmin
Inside Sixto Rodriguez's Detroit home, now for sale. See where the 'Sugar Man' lived Detroit Free Press
NBC Sports: Report: “Potential exit strategy” discussions have begun as to Bill Belichick
Who knew Bill Belichick would be a disaster at UNC? Anyone paying attention. Tar Heels boosters intent on making a splash hired the eight-time Super Bowl winner to lead their program. An actual college football coach would have made more sense. Steven Godfrey
AFP: Tigers rally to beat Mariners, stay alive in MLB playoffs
Ronaldo becomes first football billionaire with big Saudi contract: The Portuguese national is in the twilight of his playing career, but his contract at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr has propelled him into a select group of the very wealthiest athletes. Bloomberg
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 8
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