Frequent-flier programs are a symptom of a much deeper rot in the American air travel industry. And although getting mad at airlines is perfectly reasonable, the blame ultimately lies with Congress, Ganesh Sitaraman argues. Read by Ron Butler.

The Atlantic

Airlines are just banks now

The company set out to design a silicon chip that would allow it to cut ties with its chipmaker, Qualcomm. Aaron Tilley and Yang Jie explain why, despite investing billions of dollars and years of effort, they eventually abandoned plans to use their chip in their new iPhones and extended their deal with a longtime supplier and bitter foe. Read by Karl Miller.

The Wall Street Journal

Inside Apple’s spectacular failure to build a key part for its new iPhones

With the impending threat of a government shutdown and mounting fiscal crises, former Senate leaders Rob Portman and Kent Conrad argue that the U.S. can still address its debt and deficit issues. They suggest establishing a bipartisan commission to offer objective recommendations on revenue, spending, and entitlement programs and emphasizing the urgency of action to secure a stable financial future for generations to come. Read by Michael Satow.

The Washington Post

It isn't hopeless. We can fix our debt and deficit problems

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown, racing against the October 1st deadline. Senate and House leaders are locked in a battle to avert disaster, with Senate negotiators close to a short-term funding solution, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces stiff opposition. Moderates in the House consider a daring move to force a vote on temporary funding. Bloomberg examines how this high-stakes drama promises an unpredictable outcome.

Then, with the impending threat of a government shutdown and mounting fiscal crises, former Senate leaders Rob Portman and Kent Conrad argue that the U.S. can still address its debt and deficit issues. The Washington Post analyses their suggestion to establish a bipartisan commission to offer objective recommendations on revenue, spending, and entitlement programs and emphasise the urgency of action to secure a stable financial future for generations to come.

Informed

Is a U.S. government shutdown inevitable?

The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown, racing against the October 1st deadline. Senate and House leaders are locked in a battle to avert disaster, with Senate negotiators close to a short-term funding solution, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces stiff opposition. Moderates in the House consider a daring move to force a vote on temporary funding, whilst Moody's Investors Service expresses concerns about U.S. institutions, adding to the tension. Erik Wasson and Billy House examine how this high-stakes drama promises an unpredictable outcome. Read by Sean Crisden.

Bloomberg

U.S. government shutdown nears as moderates try to keep it short

The ‘manosphere’ is full of troubled young men—some groups are trying to pull them out. Julie Jargon examines how organizations like Diverting Hate, backed by government funding, use social media ads to redirect anger, ultimately seeking to break the online extremism and violence cycle. Read by Betsy Foldes Mieman.

Rescuing men from rage rabbit holes

Ukraine and its supporters are fixated on the counter-offensive. But, The Economist argues, instead of aiming to “win” and then rebuild, the goal should be to ensure that the country has the staying power to fight a long war—and can thrive despite it.

The Economist

Ukraine faces a long war. A change of course is needed

Rupert Murdoch liked to portray himself as an outsider ‘sticking it’ to the elites despite being deeply ensconced in global media, business and political circles. Walter Marsh argues that even with his resignation, his legacy remains one of relentless pursuit of control and power in the media world. Read by Jonathan Booth.

The Guardian

The Murdoch story is the endless pursuit of control, power and profit – Rupert’s resignation is unlikely to change that

The U.S. and its allies are cultivating India as an economic and diplomatic partner. But its prime minister’s authoritarian streak is becoming harder to ignore. The Financial Times reveals why Narendra Modi is causing concern among the west, as his government's actions raise questions about India's image as a global power. Read by Jonathan Booth.

Financial Times

The west’s Modi problem

When Rupert Murdoch hands his media empire to his 52-year-old son Lachlan, it’s unlikely that die-hard Fox News viewers will notice much difference. Conservative-leaning Lachlan has controlled the cable news giant’s parent company since 2019. Jeremy Barr considers the potential changes facing Fox News. Read by Michael Satow.

Lachlan Murdoch will be fully in charge of Fox. Will viewers notice?

The share of people in the U.S., ages 18 to 29, living with family is roughly the same level as in the 1940s. Paulina Cachero and Claire Ballentine share the stories of young adults making this choice, highlighting their financial pressures and changing attitudes toward independence and homeownership. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

Nearly half of all young adults live with mom and dad — and they like it

PowerPoint is a widely successful tool, and lessons can be learned from its triumph. Tim Harford highlights how versatile technology can be embraced for its convenience rather than its effectiveness in communication; its misuse often leads to tedious presentations lacking a clear message. Read by Gary Furlong.

PowerPoint is widely reviled. How did it triumph?

Match Group, the company behind dating apps like Tinder and Hinge, is using AI to improve the online dating experience. They're developing AI-driven features to assist users in selecting better photos and offering engagement advice. John Herrman ponders on how AI may streamline online dating but also raises concerns about potential challenges and the future impact of the technology on user experiences. Read by Sean Crisden.

New York Magazine

Welcome to the age of AI-powered dating apps

AI-powered apps are revolutionizing everyday finances by offering personalized guidance and tools to help manage money. However, concerns are building. Martha Muir explores how regulatory measures are being considered, but trust in human financial advice still prevails among consumers. Read by Marni Penning.

AI: the answer to everyday finances?

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Rishi Sunak is accused of delaying vital work transforming the U.K. economy as car industry leaders also condemn plans. The Guardian examines how postponing environmental targets will harm the economy and why industry leaders are concerned that these decisions will hurt productivity and jobs while deterring international investors.

Then, Some see Rishi Sunak's decision to dilute net-zero policies as a political move, but it raises important questions about the challenges of reaching such emissions levels. European governments, including the U.K., might be realising that achieving this will require pushing costs onto consumers. The Financial Times argues that leaders must candidly talk with the public about the sacrifices and changes necessary for a sustainable future.

Why the UK Prime Minister is making a U-turn on Net Zero

The media mogul leaves the most-watched U.S. rightwing network as more costly lawsuits are still pending, and the question of how to cover Trump remains. Richard Luscombe reports on Rupert Murdoch's resignation from Fox News. Read by Gary Furlong.

Rupert Murdoch jumps ship at Fox News just as it sails toward choppy waters

Rishi Sunak is accused of delaying vital work transforming the U.K. economy as car industry leaders also condemn plans. Joanna Partridge and Richard Partington examine how postponing environmental targets will harm the economy and why some are concerned that these decisions will hurt productivity and jobs while deterring international investors. Read by Jonathan Booth.

E.ON boss hits out at Sunak’s plan to row back on net zero policies

Some see Rishi Sunak's decision to dilute net-zero policies as a political move, but it raises important questions about the challenges of reaching such emissions levels. European governments, including the U.K., might be realising that achieving this will require pushing costs onto consumers. Camilla Cavendish argues that leaders must candidly talk with the public about the sacrifices and changes necessary for a sustainable future. Read by Sharon Bott.

Cynicism about Sunak’s net zero U-turns is understandable

The ChatGPT craze has made OpenAI the default option for consumers, developers and businesses keen to embrace the technology. The Economist reflects on what the business of AI’s leading startup says about the technology’s future.

Could OpenAI be the next tech giant?

Kevin Scott is taking an unconventional approach in the tech industry's AI race by investing billions in the unproven startup OpenAI instead of relying solely on in-house technology and teams. Tom Dotan examines how, despite being a relative newcomer to Microsoft, the CTO has been instrumental in reshaping the company's approach to AI and technology. Read by Michael Satow.

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