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Group Chat News is back with the biggest stories of the week including, Jimmel Kimmel makes his return to ABC, Dee shares a Gary Vee story, what if everyone drove like a Waymo, Consumers in the top 10% of the income distribution accounted for 49.2% of total US spending in Q2, Nvidia plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI as part of data center buildout and everyone's favorite WINNERS LOSERS CONTENT
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1152: Today we're talking Hyundai and GM's detailed game plan for their collab, Stellantis' new EV tech that sheds weight and adds power,, and why Americans are going bigger than ever on Halloween—even with higher prices haunting their budgets.Show Notes with links:Hyundai and GM's strategic collaboration will co-develop five vehicles aimed at growing their presence in the Americas while containing costs in a tightening market.The partnership kicks off in 2028 with an electric commercial van for North America and expands to include a compact crossover, sedan, and two pickups for Central and South America.Initial volumes are expected to hit 100,000 units, with a long-term goal of reaching 800,000 annual sales.Each company will “donate” specific models: Hyundai leads the electric van and compact vehicles, while GM heads development of midsize pickups.The duo will lean into shared logistics, propulsion systems, and battery supply chains to drive efficiency.“We are not going to mix everything to try to do a hybrid — that is not going to work. There is a donor and a receiver of a particular product.” said Hyundai CEO Jose Muñoz.Stellantis is rolling out its new Intelligent Battery Integrated System (IBIS)—a breakthrough powertrain innovation that could redefine EV architecture by baking the charger and inverter directly into the battery pack.IBIS cuts vehicle weight by about 40 kg and frees 17 liters of space, boosting aerodynamics and interior design options.The system improves energy efficiency by up to 10%, slashes charging times by 15%, and delivers 15% more power with no added battery size.Developed in partnership with Saft, Sherpa Engineering, and others, IBIS simplifies servicing and enhances battery reuse for second-life applications.A fully functional prototype is now on the road in a Peugeot E-3008 riding on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform.Consumers may be bracing for price hikes, but that's not stopping them from going big on Halloween this year—with spending expected to hit a record $13.1 billion.Top categories: $4.3B on costumes, $4.2B on decorations, and $3.9B on candy.Per-person spend is also at an all-time high: $114.45, up nearly $11 from last year.79% of shoppers expect higher prices due to tariffs, yet 73% still plan to celebrate.Pets aren't left out—$860M will be spent dressing them up as pumpkins, hot dogs, and bumblebees.Top costumes? Kids are going with Spider-Man, princesses, and witches; adults favor witches, vampires, and pirates.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier1:00 Big Announcement on 10.011:25 Announcements2:02 Hyundai and GM To Launch 5 Co-Developed Vehicles5:25 Stellantis' New EV Tech Means Lighter Batteries and Faster Charging10:20 Halloween Spending To Hit $4Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
When the subject of tariffs comes up in agricultural circles, you hear the good and the bad, but on the heels of or in the midst of harvest season, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says when you ask is key
Ralph interviews New York Times reporter, David Gelles, about his new book, “Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.” Then, we welcome back former IRS commissioner, John Koskinen, to update us on how the Trump Administration is dismantling the IRS and stealing your personal information.David Gelles is a reporter on the New York Times climate team and he leads the Times's “Climate Forward” newsletter and events series. He is the author of The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America—and How to Undo His Legacy, and his new book is Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.He [Yvon Chouinard] saw Patagonia as a role model for other corporations and believed that by running Patagonia in a different way, he could show that capitalism just didn't have to suck so much.David GellesThere's a paradox that runs through the pages of Dirtbag Billionaire and it's never fully resolved…It's the fact that Chouinard is an environmentalist who wants to reduce the impact of mankind on planet earth, and yet he runs a big, complicated clothing company that is taking a toll on the environment that he's trying to protect. He runs a company that in theory, he says, and in practice is largely doing, the work of funding grassroots activists and environmental conservation. But he's doing it by participating in the very capitalist system that is responsible for so much of the damage to our natural world. And the list goes on. These contradictions are what really has animated Chouinard and his executive team for all these years. They understand their own perfections. But unlike most, they are willing to really examine their own failings, to look it square in the eye, straight in the mirror, and try to figure out how to make things better.David GellesChouinard being a “dirtbag” is something he always identified as and he still does at a certain level. The great insult in his mind is being called a “billionaire.”David GellesJohn Koskinen served as the IRS Commissioner from 2013 to 2017.Lobbyists and corporations are very good at making sure that [tax advantages] always stayed. You never hear too often of tax advantages taken out of the code, what everybody argues about as new ones being put into the code.John KoskinenThese (IRS workers) are very skilled people who in fact have given up the opportunity to make two or three times more money in the private sector because they believe in public service.John KoskinenNews 9/19/25* Just weeks after David Ellison's Skydance Media completed their $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global, Ellison is setting his sights even higher – a proposed $70 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Variety reports. If this deal proceeds, it would mean that Ellison would control CNN in addition to CBS news, the latter of which he seemingly plans to place under the supervision of “anti-woke” arch-zionist media personality Bari Weiss. While true that cable news does not possess nearly as much clout as it did just a few years ago, this would represent a nearly unprecedented consolidation in that sector. Ellison and his lieutenants would wield a tremendous amount of influence in the media, which would translate to real impacts on the political process. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration media regulators will take any action to block this deal. Based on their actions so far, it seems unlikely.* In more media news, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which the comedian has hosted since 2003, after he criticized Trump and his allies for “capitaliz[ing]” on the murder of Charlie Kirk to score political points, CNN reports. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action up to and including revoking the broadcast license for ABC, which airs the program, or possibly blocking their merger with Nexstar. While Rolling Stone reports multiple executives at ABC and its parent company Disney, felt that Kimmel “had not actually said anything over the line,” they folded immediately under the threat of retaliation by the administration. This move represents a major contradiction of Carr's previously stated belief that “[the FCC] must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.” Democrats are incensed at this attack on free speech, Congressman Ro Khanna is seeking to subpoena Carr to testify to the House Oversight Committee. Trump, feeling confident after claiming the scalp of both Kimmel and Colbert – two outspoken critics – is now calling for NBC to remove Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, via Truth Social. Variety reports conservative media conglomerate Sinclair will “replace the Friday timeslot of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with a Charlie Kirk tribute special on its ABC affiliate stations — and is offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country.”* Regarding social media, the Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. and China are nearing a deal on control of TikTok, under a framework in which “an investor consortium including Oracle... Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz” would acquire an 80% stake. Oracle is of course run by David Ellison's father, Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, while Andreessen Horowitz is the venture capital firm of Trump ally Marc Andreessen. Silver Lake is another Silicon Valley private equity firm. This deal would finally put an end to the nebulous legal limbo created by Congress passing the TikTok ban and Trump refusing to enforce it. According to this report, the new company that would be created to run TikTok in America, “would also have an American-dominated board with one member designated by the U.S. government.”* The administration is seeking to shore up support in corporate America in other ways too. Trump has renewed his 2018 push to eliminate the reports businesses are mandated to issue on a quarterly basis, moving to a biannual reporting system. Trump argues that this shift would “cut costs and discourage shortsightedness on the part of publicly traded companies.” Others however believe that this change could be harmful to the economy, making companies less transparent and therefore increasing potential investor risk. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is “making Trump's proposal a priority.” This from Reuters.* More troubling signs are emerging in the U.S economy. Per Bloomberg, “Consumers in the top 10% of the income distribution accounted for 49.2% of total spending,” in the second quarter of 2025. This is the highest percentage of consumer spending accounted for by that demographic going back to 1989, according to an analysis of the Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts and Survey of Consumer Finance data conducted by Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's. Chandan Economics reports a spike in late rent payments in August, suggesting stress in the “financial health of renter households,” while for homeowners, Polymarket reports that even more people are searching "help with mortgage" on Google than during the 2008 housing crisis. This comes as only 1.3 million home building permits were issued in August, the lowest level since the Spring of 2020, according to economist and Washington Post columnist Heather Long. Taken together, this data paints a picture of an economy flailing, and kept afloat only by the very rich.* Speaking of the very rich, the first American Pope, Leo the XIV, condemned the precipitous rise in CEO pay compared to their employees. Leo remarked that CEOs now make “600 times more than what average workers are receiving," adding "What does that mean…If [money] is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble." Specifically, Leo was referring to the proposed new compensation package for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which could turn the billionaire into a trillionaire. This from Yahoo! Finance. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed this sentiment, writing “The Pope is exactly right. No society can survive when one man becomes a trillionaire while the vast majority struggle to just survive — trying to put food on the table, pay rent and afford health care. We can and must do better.”* Turning to Israel and Gaza, AP reports Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's is resigning from the company after 47 years. In a letter, Jerry explains that he could not “in good conscience” remain at Ben & Jerry's because their parent company – the British conglomerate Unilever – has been constraining his ability to advocate against the genocide in Gaza. Jerry writes “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry's stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world…It's profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.” This is the largest, but by no means only, rupture between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever; this report notes “In March Ben & Jerry's said that its CEO was unlawfully removed by Unilever in retaliation for the ice cream maker's social and political activism.” However, as Greenfield's departure illustrates, the founders have little recourse besides their public platform and resignation.* In a sign of Israel's waning influence in the Democratic Party, POLITICO reports Democratic public affairs “megafirm” SKDK has ended their $600,000 contract with the state of Israel which was supposed to run from April 2025 through March 2026. The firm's recent focus had been “pitching guests for news shows to hear Israel's side of the war in Gaza.” The firm has been tight-lipped on this decision, saying only the work “had run its course.” Yet, this decision comes directly on the heels of reporting that Stagwell, the parent company of SKDK, was involved in “setting up a bot program ‘to amplify pro-Israel narratives on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other platforms,'” as revealed in a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing.* On Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders crossed a major rhetorical rubicon, labeling Israel's actions in Gaza a “genocide.” In an op-ed appropriate titled “It Is Genocide,” Sanders cites the casualty totals – noting that “The full toll is likely much higher, with many thousands of bodies buried under the rubble” – along with the Israeli blockade on the enclave and their systematic destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, water and sanitation facilities and schools. Sanders also cites the genocidal intent expressed by Israeli leaders, through quotes like “the Gaza Strip should be flattened, and there should be one sentence for everyone there — death. We have to wipe the Gaza Strip off the map. There are no innocents there.” Sanders concludes this piece by warning that if the world fails to act, as during the Holocaust, Netanyahu and other “demagogues” will feel emboldened. History, Sanders writes “demands that the world act with one voice to say: enough is enough. No more genocide.” After Sanders' announcement, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint came out with her own statement accepting the genocide label. Zeteo reports a total of 20 members of Congress now say Israel is committing genocide.* Finally, to end on a positive note, on Monday the House passed the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, which seeks to “break down…barriers and support the mental health of our aviation workforce by changing the current rules which prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do,” according to a press release by the bill's Republican sponsor Pete Stauber. A press release from the Democratic sponsor, Sean Casten, reads “Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care…The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it's past time that changes.” Some observers have attributed some credit for the passage of this bill to the comedian Nathan Fielder's series The Rehearsal, the latest season of which dealt extensively with the issue of aviators' mental health. While congressional staff have downplayed the show's influence, it seems hard to deny that at the very least it raised the profile of this pressing issue. Either way, hopefully this bill will make it safer to fly by removing the stigma from pilots seeking mental healthcare. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe
- VW Starts Passing Tariff Costs to Consumers - EU Gets Its First Rare Earth Magnet Factory - Honda Opens New Recycling Center in Ohio - U.S. Senate Approves New NHTSA Director - Tier 1s Need Junk Bonds to Raise Capital - NVIDIA Invests in AV Company From UK - Waymo Gets into Public Transportation in Arizona - XPeng Says L4 Is Easier Than L2
- VW Starts Passing Tariff Costs to Consumers - EU Gets Its First Rare Earth Magnet Factory - Honda Opens New Recycling Center in Ohio - U.S. Senate Approves New NHTSA Director - Tier 1s Need Junk Bonds to Raise Capital - NVIDIA Invests in AV Company From UK - Waymo Gets into Public Transportation in Arizona - XPeng Says L4 Is Easier Than L2
Our guest on this week's episode is Doug Cantriel, the head of North American transportation for the Ford Motor Company's Customer Service Division. Accurately delivering more than 400,000 parts every night to 3,000-plus Ford automotive dealers is complex work. Charged with this daily task is the team led by Cantriel. They manage the delivery of parts from suppliers to packagers, distribution centers, and then finally to the dealers. Cantriel will be a keynote speaker at this year's EDGE conference in Washington DC that begins on October 5. Amid economic uncertainty and high prices, consumers are looking for a cost-conscious, seamless online shopping experience in 2025. That's according to data from Ryder System, Inc. The information comes from the company's 11th annual benchmark study on U.S. shopping behaviors, preferences and expectations, and it aims to help brands and retailers optimize their omnichannel sales and supply chain strategies. Ben Ames attended the Zebra conference this week in Nashville, where Zebra executives said the company is moving beyond that pure data collection function to a broader umbrella function of analyzing the data their devices collect and finding better efficiencies across the entire supply chain enterprise. In their game plan, they will provide not just asset visibility, but also a connection to frontline workers, and ultimately, intelligent automation. Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Ford Motor CompanyE-commerce study: Shoppers prioritize cost-savings flexibilityVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply ChainOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYJoin the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.
Welcome to The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The major penalty for a major bank. How climate change will impact property values. The surprising home buying pessimism from Western Australian consumers. And much more!
Today on the show, the real estate industry has a reputation problem. Consumers are more informed than ever, but too many agents are still relying on outdated tactics, offering little more than door access or search filters. This isn't just inefficient—it's eroding trust in our profession. In a marketplace where clients are more informed, competition is tighter, and expectations are higher than ever, the role of the real estate agent has never been under more scrutiny. The days of coasting on a license, a business card, and a few listings are long gone. Today's buyers and sellers demand expertise, innovation, and true value—and the agents who don't rise to the occasion risk being left behind. This conversation isn't just about survival—it's about redefining what excellence in real estate should look like. Featuring Brown Harris Steven's Executive Director, Jared Antin alongside President of Platinum Properties, Teresa Stephenson. Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-new-york-real-estate-with-vince-rocco/id1645541166 Connect with Vince Rocco: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/vince-rocco Connect with Jared Antin: https://www.bhsusa.com/bhs-leadership/jared-antin Connect with Teresa Stephenson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-stephenson-0460b67/ Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/ #realestatebuyers #nycrealestate #realestate #vincerocco #TNYRE #theeverset #roadwaymoving #newyorkrealestate #nyc
ill communication: copywriting tips & sales strategies for small businesses
We're not just in an economic recession — we're also in a trust recession. Consumers and businesses are being more choosy than ever about where they spend their money.So how do you keep selling in shaky times? Spoiler: it's not by slashing your prices.In this episode of the Ill Communication Podcast, I'm showing you why doubling down on premium, high-ticket offers is the smartest move in a downturn. You'll hear:Why “trust recession” is really a market correctionWhat research shows about premium buyers during recessionsThe 5 keys to attracting and selling to high-ticket clientsHow selling premium actually gives you more room to do goodSubscribe to my newsletter to get info on my upcoming High Ticket Strategy and Sales Workshop: https://www.kimkiel.com/newsletterText me a question or comment!
In this episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Nathan Friedman, Co-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Understood.org, to explore the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and business strategy. Nathan shares how his personal journey with learning and thinking differences shaped his career and fuels his passion for building a more inclusive world. We dive into insights […]
If you feel as though the price of food has gone through the roof, well, the IFA agrees but says "Consumers in Ireland had little or no food inflation for over 20 years up to 2021". For more on this Tadhg Buckley is the IFA Chief Economist.
Basheena Bhoola – Telecommunications Partner, Pwc SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Angus Rittenburg, Co-Founder and CEO of WYNK, to explore one of the fastest-growing trends in the beverage industry: low-dose THC drinks. Angus shared his incredible journey from engineering at Tesla and SpaceX to launching a scrappy startup with a vision for healthier, more social alternatives to alcohol. What struck me most was how much of WYNK's story is about holding onto a vision—even when the path forward wasn't clear and staying scrappy, adaptable, and true to quality. In this episode, Angus and I discuss everything from his early mentor, who taught him to value education over money, to the inventive mobile production systems that helped WYNK break into multiple states, to the massive regulatory unlock that allowed hemp-derived THC beverages to finally reach mainstream shelves. Along the way, we also explored the challenges of consumer education, the better-for-you movement in beverages, and what it takes to not just build a product but build a category. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: * How a mentor's belief in vision over money shaped Angus's entrepreneurial journey * The scrappy origins of WYNK and how a mobile canning trailer became the company's launchpad * Why low-dose THC beverages are poised to disrupt alcohol consumption trends * The regulatory shifts that allowed WYNK to expand beyond dispensaries into bars, restaurants, and liquor stores * How WYNK is investing in quality and compliance to build not just a brand, but an entire category Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this fascinating episode of 'The Story of a Brand,' where we explore the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind WYNK, a brand rewriting the rules for social beverages. For more on WYNK, visit: https://drinkwynk.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're limited to selling on just one channel. While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in. They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do. As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.
This Day in Legal History: Final Draft of the US Constitution EngrossedOn September 16, 1787, the final draft of the United States Constitution was signed by the Constitutional Convention delegates in Philadelphia. Although the official signing date was September 17, the 16th was the day the finished document was ordered to be engrossed — meaning it was written in its final, formal script on parchment. This step marked the culmination of four months of intense debate, compromise, and drafting by delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states. The Constitution replaced the failing Articles of Confederation and established a stronger federal government with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches.Debates on September 16 included last-minute details such as how amendments could be proposed and the extent of federal power over the militia. The delegates had already resolved key issues like the Great Compromise (creating a bicameral legislature), the Electoral College, and the Three-Fifths Compromise regarding the counting of enslaved individuals for representation. One of the final acts on the 16th was the approval of the letter that would accompany the Constitution to Congress, urging ratification by the states.Though the Constitution would still need to be ratified by nine of the thirteen states, the events of September 16 set the stage for the formal adoption the following day. The engrossed copy would be signed on September 17 and later become the foundation of American law and governance.Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor and daughter of ex-FBI Director James Comey, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over her sudden termination in July. She alleges that her firing was politically motivated, stemming from her father's adversarial relationship with Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, names both the Justice Department and the Executive Office of the President as defendants and claims Comey was given no reason for her dismissal. According to the suit, Comey had received strong performance evaluations, including one in April signed by Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.Comey had played key roles in high-profile prosecutions, including the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell and the recent conviction of Sean “Diddy” Combs on prostitution-related charges. She was fired just two weeks after the Combs trial ended. The email she received from DOJ human resources cited presidential authority under Article II but offered no specific explanation. When she asked Clayton about the decision, he allegedly said, “All I can say is it came from Washington.”The lawsuit challenges the administration's ability to remove career, non-political prosecutors and raises concerns about politicization of the Justice Department, particularly in cases involving Trump or his allies.Former federal prosecutor Maurene Comey sues Trump administration over firing | ReutersElon Musk's company X Corp has settled a trademark dispute with legal marketing firm X Social Media over the use of the “X” name. The case, filed in Florida federal court in October 2023, stemmed from Musk's rebranding of Twitter to X, which X Social Media claimed caused consumer confusion and financial harm. As part of the resolution, both parties asked the court to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be reopened. The founder of X Social Media, Jacob Malherbe, confirmed the settlement and announced the company will now operate under the name Mass Tort Ad Agency.The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and X Corp did not issue a comment. The lawsuit was one of several Musk's company has faced over the “X” name, which is widely used and trademarked by numerous businesses, including Microsoft and Meta. In its defense, X Corp argued that many companies have long coexisted with similar “X” trademarks and accused X Social Media of trying to exploit the situation for profit. This settlement follows another earlier agreement in which X Corp resolved a separate trademark claim brought by the firm Multiply.The dismissal brings closure to a case that raised questions about branding overlap and trademark dilution in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.Musk's X Corp settles mass-tort ad agency's trademark lawsuit over 'X' name | ReutersTwo U.S. law firms, Bartlit Beck and Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer, are requesting $85 million in legal fees after securing a $700 million settlement with Google over alleged antitrust violations tied to its Play Store. The settlement, which is still pending approval by U.S. District Judge James Donato, resolves claims that Google overcharged Android users by restricting app distribution and imposing excessive in-app transaction fees. Under the agreement, $630 million will go to a consumer fund, with another $70 million allocated to a state-managed fund shared by all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.Consumers are expected to receive a minimum of $2, with additional compensation based on their Play Store spending from August 2016 to September 2023. Google also agreed to ease restrictions on app developers, allowing them to inform users about alternative payment methods and enabling easier direct app downloads from the web. The fee request amounts to approximately 13.5% of the consumer settlement fund, and the firms say they invested nearly 100,000 hours over more than three years.While Judge Donato previously raised concerns about the scope of the deal, no U.S. state has objected to the fee request so far. Google has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, and users will still have the opportunity to raise objections before final approval.Lawyers behind $700 million Google settlement ask for $85 million fee award | ReutersMy column for Bloomberg this week looks at Norway's recent national election, which effectively became a referendum on one of the last remaining wealth taxes in Europe. Despite having a $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund and no immediate fiscal need for a wealth tax, Norwegians narrowly backed the Labour Party, signaling that voters still care about fairness in taxation—even when the government doesn't need the money. In a global landscape where wealth taxes have mostly disappeared, this was a small but potent victory for the principle of equity.I argued that this matters beyond Norway. Wealth taxes used to be common across Europe, but most were abandoned due to fears of capital flight and elite lobbying. That Norway held the line—even amid billionaire threats and a populist surge—suggests that wealth taxes can survive politically when fairness becomes a central electoral value. It also underscores that symbolic wins can shape broader policy debates by proving what's administratively and politically possible.In the U.S., we lack Norway's fiscal cushion, yet we've persistently avoided taxing wealth. Policymakers often justify this inaction with fears about capital mobility, but I question whether we're really more vulnerable to capital flight than Norway is. The deeper issue is political will. Americans have long treated wealth taxation as politically toxic and bureaucratically unworkable, but that may be more a product of narrative than necessity.Norway's voters showed that fairness can be enough to win—even narrowly. But I emphasize that such policies require ongoing public defense; they don't sustain themselves. If we continue dodging the issue in the U.S., we'll be doing so not from a place of strength, but from a place of illusion. If Norway can defend taxing wealth despite not needing to, we have no excuse not to even try.Norway Wealth Tax Victory Shows Visible Fairness Still Matters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.
Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.
The influence of the New Zealand-made label appears to be decreasing as more consumers prioritise price. Wattie's is ending some of its contracts with Hawke's Bay peach growers and says more people are choosing imported alternatives. It says the demand for New Zealand-grown peaches has seen a steady decline in recent years. Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy Jessica Walker says less and less consumers are prioritising locally-sourced products. "At the same time, we're seeing concerns about price, cost of food and groceries ratchet up...more people are cutting back on fruit and veg altogether, so I'm not surprised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The oil business is heading for a big bust, putting Texas in the crosshairs. While that's obviously not good for the economy as a whole, energy does tend to be a leading indicators and when the jobs starting being lost in the space in a big way it's a big red flag. Consumers know it, given what was also just reported from them, too. Eurodollar University's conversations w/Steve Van Metre---------------------------------------------------------------------------In a world where markets swing on every headline, focus matters. That's why Eurodollar University offers One Big Weekly Theme — a disciplined, thematic analysis you can count on.If you don't have the time to go all the way to the depth of Eurodollar University's comprehensive Deep Dive Analysis and want the next best thing, One Big Weekly Theme is for you. https://eurodollaruniversity.substack.com/---------------------------------------------------------------------------https://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU
As Tesla (TSLA) rallies on Elon Musk's $1 billion share purchase, @LikeFolio's Megan Brantley points to consumer interest revving higher for the company. She shows how the end to EV tax credits gave a boost to consumer interest as more people looked into buying Tesla vehicles. Megan later turns to long-term catalysts for Tesla by examining consumer trends in autonomous driving and robotics.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
On today's AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill celebrated California Wine Month with special guest Julie Berge of the Wine Institute. Berge, who recently joined the Institute, shared her enthusiasm for an industry steeped in tradition yet looking boldly toward the future. California's Global Wine Standing Berge highlighted the scale of California's contribution to the global wine market. The state produces 81% of all U.S. wine, making it the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, behind only France, Italy, and Spain. With 6,200 wineries across 49 counties, California remains a powerhouse not just in production but also in culture, tourism, and economic impact. Sustainability at the Forefront One of the most surprising facts Berge shared is that 90% of California wine is produced in certified sustainable wineries, and around 65% of vineyard acreage is certified sustainable. Consumers increasingly want to know how their wine is produced, and California is leading with practices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring quality. “That's something to be proud of,” Berge said. Engaging the Next Generation of Wine Drinkers The conversation also focused on the challenge of reaching younger consumers, who often view wine as intimidating. Berge pointed to innovation in packaging—like canned wines, boxed options, and lighter bottles—as tools to make wine more accessible. Social media also plays a critical role in reaching new audiences and sharing the stories behind the bottles. She emphasized that 95% of California wineries are family-owned, each with unique histories and vintages that add to wine's storytelling appeal. “Wine is about connection,” she said, encouraging young people to explore through wine tastings. The Institute's website, discovercaliforniawines.com, offers a map of wineries, events, and resources to help consumers learn and connect. Looking Ahead While the industry faces headwinds with shifting consumer trends, international competition, and market challenges, Berge remains optimistic. “We have an incredible product and a passionate community,” she said. “This is the time to reintroduce wine to a new generation.” For the full interview with Julie Berge of the Wine Institute, listen to today's AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com.
We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?In this episode of Streams to Impact, Dr. Allen Lomax interviews Bill Rice, a former Air Force officer turned tech entrepreneur, who shares his journey from military service to mastering lead generation. The conversation explores the evolution of lead generation, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and insights on scaling businesses for success. Bill emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the need for businesses to adapt to technological advancements to thrive in a competitive landscape.Main Points:Scaling doesn't mean hustling harder; it's about leveraging systems.Bill Rice transitioned from military to entrepreneurship through curiosity and opportunity.The early days of the internet shaped lead generation strategies.Lead generation is about understanding consumer behavior and patterns.AI is transforming the way businesses approach lead generation.Consumers prefer to educate themselves before engaging with service providers.The demand for unique and original content is increasing with AI.Skilled trades may see a deficit as technology evolves.Businesses need to focus on relieving pain points for customers.Success in scaling requires understanding market needs and delivering efficiently.Connect with Bill Rice:bill@billrice.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billrice/https://x.com/billricehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybXcF5WUxxwjhefKItztsAhttps://billricestrategy.com/https://kaleidico.com/
As smaller institutions often learn the hard way, you can't just throw a switch on new tech and expect all will go well--especially when marketing teams, for example, are overlooked. What should the value propositions be for community banks and credit unions at a time when everyone's trying to win on rates? And how best to apply key pieces of the high-tech puzzle? Samantha Paxson, Founder and Lead Investor of the Power and Light Collaborative, shares from her decades of experience on how to get everyone across the finish line successfully.
This week's Open Mic guest is Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. This week nearly 300 OTA members will celebrate "Organic Week" in Washington.Dillon says consumer demand for organic products is growing at nearly twice the pace as demand for conventional food items. Consumers purchased over $70-billion dollars of organic products last year. Dillon says OTA is hopeful for legislation to prevent fraud in imported foods and an investment in infrastructure to allow the industry to expand and meet demand.
Wellington City Councillors have voted in favour of funding an independent Water Consumer Advocacy Group.
In this episode, Karl Eggerss discusses recent economic indicators that might be suggesting a potential economic slowdown. Key topics include weaker inflation and employment data, which are contributing to decreasing interest rates and anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Eggerss explains that consumers are resisting inflation by choosing cheaper alternatives or reducing spending, causing companies to absorb some costs. He also discusses implications for investments, noting that market conditions are currently favorable as the Fed cuts rates while profits remain strong. 01:37 Economic Indicators and Market Response 04:21 Impact of Tariffs on Consumers 06:51 Investment Strategies in a Changing Market 11:36 Challenges and Opportunities Ahead 13:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tsvetta Kaleynska highlights Friday's consumer sentiment report and explains the weaknesses driving lower numbers on and below the headline print. Out of the 13 million people her firm's data targets, five million expressed concerns over spending, which highlights a search for value happening under the economy's surface.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
In today's world flooded with AI-generated content and “AI slop,” one quality stands out as the ultimate differentiator: Brand Authenticity. AI is a powerful tool, but it can't replicate humanity. Half of consumers say AI content feels “off” or inauthentic. So how can your brand leverage AI without losing the human touch? Joanne explores how to let AI handle efficiency, while humans own creativity, storytelling, and emotional connection. In this video, global brand strategist and thought leadership coach Joanne Z. Tan unpacks: ✅ What brand authenticity really means (beyond buzzwords) ✅ How brands like Cracker Barrel and Coca-Cola show the risks of losing authenticity ✅ Why “social-first” brands are outperforming others with double-digit growth ✅ How AI is changing consumer perception—and why humans must lead creativity ✅ Practical steps to protect your brand identity, vision, and trust in the AI era To read it as a 3-min blog To watch it as a 10-min video Why does authenticity matter more than ever? According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in institutions is dropping, while trust in brands is rising. Consumers are no longer just buying products—they're investing in purpose, values, and honesty. Brands that “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” are the ones building loyalty, stability, and real human connection.
LikeFolio's Megan Brantley says her firm's data shows strong consumer interest for Coinbase (COIN) as cryptocurrencies and crypto-based exchanges gain traction. However, the divergence in Bitcoin prices and Coinbase's stock price has some scratching their heads. Megan still sees Coinbase benefitting due to accelerating institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Jan Rogers Kniffen considers Walmart (WMT) nearly indestructible. He says the retail giant handled tariffs "extraordinarily well" and continues to draw customers through its doors despite economic uncertainty. Jan adds that Walmart bringing more higher-end consumers in stores supports his bull case. He doesn't see ecommerce giants like Amazon (AMZN) disrupting Walmart's momentum. Tom White presents example options trades in Amazon and Walmart.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
So what IS brand authenticity, and how to build it, in the AI age? – Decode your brand DNA, clarify your vision, and decide what humans control—and what AI supports. Humans must lead the creative work of connecting with other humans. That's how you build an authentic brand that lasts. Consumers trust brands more than governments or media—but only when brands live by real values, vision, and purpose. Brands that show up authentically in culture and community. - To read it as a half-min blog - To watch it as a 1-minute video Half of consumers say AI content turns them off. Coca-Cola's AI polar bear ad? Backlash. Because people can feel when the human touch is missing. Consumers aren't fooled by polished AI “slop”. AI is powerful for research and efficiency. But when it takes over your brand's voice, you risk losing trust. Authenticity builds trust. Trust builds loyalty. Take Cracker Barrel. When they tried changing their logo, customers pushed back. Why? Because authenticity is about staying true to your identity, history, and soul. In a rising sea of AI-enabled mediocrity, what makes a brand stand out? One word: authenticity.
Plus: Chesterfield rezones students; Warner praises Henrico Housing expansion
TDI's Fraud Unit has a team of investigators that look into reports of insurance fraud to build cases they can send county district attorneys for prosecution and potential punishment. What kind of training do insurance fraud investigators have? The investigators are licensed peace officers and most of them previously worked in other law enforcement roles. They learned to gather facts, interview people, and present information. Once they're at TDI, the investigators take continuing education classes and practice exercises and scenarios. Do the investigators offer insurance fraud training? Yes, the Fraud Unit has a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certification to teach others. They create 4 to 6-hour classes about spotting insurance fraud and collecting information to build cases. Who reports insurance fraud? Anyone can report insurance fraud online or by calling the Help Line at 800-252-3439. Consumers, insurance companies and health plans are common sources of fraud reports. How does a report turn into a fraud investigation and eventually a court case? The Fraud Unit looks at a report, sends it to a supervisor, and the supervisor will assign it to an investigator. The investigator looks at the information to decide what else they need to collect. They look through financial records and interview victims and suspects to collect evidence. Once the investigator has collected enough information, they'll hand off the case to a supervisor and eventually to a district attorney in the county where the crime took place. What are the most common types of insurance fraud? So far in 2025, the Fraud Unit has received 22,000 reports of suspected insurance fraud. Of those, 55% are for auto insurance fraud, 20% for homeowners insurance fraud, and 6% for health insurance fraud.Learn about reporting fraud Insurance fraud could happen to you Insurance fraud guide
Send us a textAmazon is testing an AI-powered shopping feature that reads product details in a podcast format. It's currently mobile-only and surfaces product highlights that customers usually miss. This shift could change how buyers interact with listings and how sellers optimize content.If you're not optimizing your listings for mobile AI features, you're already behind, let's fix that: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonAI #EcommerceTools #MobileShopping #ProductListingTips #AmazonFeaturesWatch these videos on Youtube:Amazon PPC Tier List Management Rankings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9s9vjtU5l4&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5UwWhy Turning Off Ads Kills Sales and Rankings on Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5fCd0i7ts&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=2&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5Uw-----------------------------------------------Tired of marketplace limits? Let's talk real growth with DTC strategy: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrStop wasting ad spend. Grab the PPC guide that actually drives results: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXRank higher and sell faster, get the SEO tools built for real growth: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe ready before problems hit, download the kit every brand should have: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Amazon Rolls Out AI Podcast Feature for Listings00:27 - Real-Time Test of the New AI Audio Summary01:37 - Why the AI Audio Matches Real User Experience02:40 - Comparing Product Pages: Above vs. Below the Fold03:55 - Which Categories Are Getting This AI Feature?05:20 - Speaker Selection and Target Demographics in AI06:12 - How AI Might Be Choosing Talking Points07:14 - Amazon Reviews, AI, and the Missing Social Push08:26 - Why Amazon Removed Social Posts and What It Means09:22 - AI Shopping Highlights That Actually Work10:20 - Amazon's Jenga Problem: Too Many Features, Not Enough Space11:15 - Desktop vs. Mobile: What Users See and Miss12:01 - Where AI Pulls Info From on the Product Page13:30 - Final Thoughts on Amazon's AI Shopping Experience----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show
Producer prices fell last month. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports.
FNB Wealth & Investments's Sithembile Bopela unpacks the Anglo American–Teck “merger of equals” – is it really a winning strategy? Stats SA's Joe de Beer breaks down South Africa's Q2 GDP – what's working, and what's worrying. Tax Consulting SA's Shuanita de Wet on how to properly step out of Sars's net when relocating abroad.
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on Venezuela and the Trump administration's ill-considered attack on the purported drug boat and what that might mean for how the current regime uses our military. The two also posit the political and diplomatic implications of Trump's “name change” from the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Col. Leighton also breaks down the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un joining Xi Jinping in a show of strength as China unveiled new weapons at a huge military parade. Finally, the Colonel gives the latest updates on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The two examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. They also detail the specific damage the President's tariffs have done on the U.S. economy, as well as a new report from Goldman Sachs estimating that 86% of the tariff revenue collected so far has been paid by American businesses and consumers. Additionally, the pair talks about the latest news surrounding the Epstein files. Finally, they discuss the chilling implications as Trump continues working to turn the military into his own police force, which he seeks to unleash in predominantly Democratic-led American cities. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social. Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on Venezuela and the Trump administration's ill-considered attack on the purported drug boat and what that might mean for how the current regime uses our military. The two also posit the political and diplomatic implications of Trump's “name change” from the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Col. Leighton also breaks down the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un joining Xi Jinping in a show of strength as China unveiled new weapons at a huge military parade. Finally, the Colonel gives the latest updates on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The two examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. They also detail the specific damage the President's tariffs have done on the U.S. economy, as well as a new report from Goldman Sachs estimating that 86% of the tariff revenue collected so far has been paid by American businesses and consumers. Additionally, the pair talks about the latest news surrounding the Epstein files. Finally, they discuss the chilling implications as Trump continues working to turn the military into his own police force, which he seeks to unleash in predominantly Democratic-led American cities. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social. Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Jimi Gibson, Vice President at Thrive Agency. They discuss digital marketing, particularly in e-commerce, and the challenges businesses face in a multi-channel environment. Jimi shares insights on the importance of a holistic marketing approach, the impact of AI on marketing strategies, and the necessity of original content to connect with consumers. The conversation also touches on the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on AI in customer engagement and the importance of maintaining a human touch in marketing efforts.TakeawaysThrive Agency has been around for 20 years, providing full-service digital marketing.A holistic approach to marketing is essential for e-commerce success.E-commerce brands face unique challenges in navigating multiple platforms.AI is changing the marketing landscape, but it has limitations.Original content is crucial for brand identity and consumer connection.Consumers are becoming more savvy and can detect robotic interactions.Data-driven strategies are vital for understanding market trends.Maintaining a human touch in marketing is essential for engagement.Over-reliance on AI can lead to frustrating customer experiences.Feedback and criticism are valuable for personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00Introduction to Thrive Agency and Personal Background01:35Holistic Approach to E-commerce Marketing04:28Navigating Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies07:45The Impact of AI on Marketing10:36The Importance of Original Content15:10Challenges with AI Chatbots in Customer Service
In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, meet our farmer friend and regenerative agriculture advocate Tim Auld. We discuss the recent Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, where Tim participated in a three-day grazing masterclass - and where this conversation was recorded. Tim shares insights he gained on soil health, grazing practices, and adaptive livestock management. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in farming, the impact of healthy soil on food systems, and the benefits of community involvement in agricultural advocacy. Tim also elaborates on his personal journey toward regenerative farming, some lessons he learned, and the importance of consumers' choices to support responsible agriculture.TIME STAMPS00:00 Soil Sisters Podcast From Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference00:30 Introducing Tim Auld01:04 Insights from the SFFFS Conf. Grazing Masterclass03:49 Challenges and Learnings in Grazing Management08:54 Defining Regenerative Agriculture15:42 Navigating Agricultural Policies and Programs24:36 Local Soil and Water Health Activism25:05 Getting Involved in Local Conservation Efforts25:45 The Importance of Community Participation27:09 Navigating State-Level Advocacy30:46 Personal Journey and Family Farm Background36:59 Advice for Consumers on Agriculture and Food Choices40:26 The Future of Our Food System43:11 Community and Educational Initiatives44:27 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
In this new monthly macro/market recap with veteran investor David Hay, we go deep into the major trends in motion currently: an increasing number of recessionary indicators, a fast-deteriorating housing market, higher for longer bond yields, stubborn secular inflation, and a promising outlook for the commodity complex.Let us know in the Comments if you value this new monthly segment with David.LOCK IN THE EARLY BIRD PRICE DISCOUNT FOR THE THOUGHTFUL MONEY FALL CONFERENCE AT https://thoughtfulmoney.com/conference#recession #inflation #commodities _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It's important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer's unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security's or a firm's past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.
Producers And Consumers - David Zybach by The Church of Christ Wheeler Area
Consumers are spending 38% less on tipping so we weigh the reasons as to why this is! Much of it we believe is due to 'guilt tipping'!
Nicola Ilic is a social entrepreneur, activist, and adjunct professor of leadership at Georgetown University. He's the founder of Changelab and applies lessons from grassroots movements to transform how leaders build agency in others. In this episode, Nikola defines democratic leadership as enabling people to exercise leadership regardless of title when facing uncertainty rather than voting or consensus-building. The key difference is that instead of becoming the authority figure people depend on, democratic leaders create agency in their teams to handle challenges independently. He says that most leadership development initiatives fail to transform because they focus on comprehension rather than experiential learning. Nicola discusses the challenge facing emerging leaders who grew up in protected environments and can't handle uncertainty, explaining how leaders must create developmental challenges for their teams. Listen to discover how to enable others to reach their leadership potential. You can find episode 475 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Key Takeaways [02:34] Nikola reveals he played basketball seriously in Serbia as a point guard, which taught him "individual excellence, work ethics and team play." [04:20] Nikola explains democratic leadership centers around "how do you relate to uncertainty" based on observing his young daughters. He notes that "authoritarians are always also fear mongers" because creating fear makes people search for a parental authority figure. [08:40] Nikola says to make our companies, our teams, our organizations better is to focus on the core, which is enabling people to "exercise leadership in the face of uncertainty, no matter what is their title". [11:53] He emphasizes that transformation requires "tacit learning" through immersed experience, like presenting to 40 CEOs despite being scared. [18:34] He shares his two most powerful questions: "what do you think?" and "tell me more" which he uses with kids, students, and everyone to develop their thinking. [20:50] Nikola explains how leaders course-correct reactive behavior is that leaders must enable all the talents because you need all the brains you can get. [26:07] He clarifies that "voting is not democracy - it's the ability to surface various ideas, let them compete and then come up with the best one" creating a "free market of ideas" and co-creation process. [31:15] Nikola teaches that effective democratic leaders must "differentiate initiative and extroversion from leadership" and act like "a conductor in the orchestra" who knows each team member's personality and draws out contributions from introverted members. [34:31] He notices three things in young leaders: people from "well protected childhoods" have "underdeveloped their ability to handle uncertainty," everyone is "looking for purpose," and many feel "there's something deeper that we need to change." [37:28] Nikola confirms students must test themselves and asks them "what is the highest good you can imagine?" because "when you aim for something that's huge" and believe in it, "challenges will feel very differently." [40:56] He shares growing up in Serbia during the 1990s war, joining a movement against dictatorship as a teenager, and discovering "we as kids can organize and use nonviolence to overthrow the worst dictator in Europe." [44:31] Nikola invites listeners to become "activists in unlikely places" by building allies through one-on-one conversations before making interventions. [48:15] And remember…“Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.” - Confucius Quotable Quotes "It just makes you person with a title and authority. Yeah, it's. I like to use this metaphor of, you know, if you see a person with a knife, what do you say oh, here's a chef. Or do you say oh, here's a murderer? Well, it depends what they do with the knife. It's the same with power, authority and title." "The core of Democratic leadership is how do you relate to uncertainty? How do you enable people to exercise leadership in the face of uncertainty, no matter what is their title." "Once acquire self reliance, kill is now there. And it's part of her identity, it's part of pride." "What do you think? And tell me more. These are two most powerful questions." "If you talk to anyone who built a successful business, they always tell you it's about playing a long game because who cares about short term if it's going to be wiped out long term?" "It's not voting. Voting is not democracy. Voting is just A part of democracy, right? It's the ability to surface various ideas, let them compete and then come up with the best one." "As Nietzsche said, he or she who knows why to live can bear. Anyhow, if you're doing something that you believe in, challenges will feel very differently." "If you want to change something in your organization, you can, but you have to think about it as a little activist project." "We got to connect the comprehension to the actual transformation." "At the end of the day, country, company, whatever it is, the vote happens with dollars. Okay, where do consumers spend their money? Consumers spend their money. That's how the best ideas percolate to the top and win." "We control two things. Where we spend our time and how we respond to our environment." "Your circle of influence is bigger than you think, potentially. "There's three things you can do. You can suck it up, you can try to change it, or you can move on." Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | ChangeLab | Nicola Ilic LinkedIn | Nicola Ilic's Newsletter: "Pulse of Change" |
Summer travel is usually supposed to be a major time for the tourism industry. But this year, budget-conscious American travelers are adjusting their vacation plans. Consumers are actually taking more trips than initially anticipated, but they're tending to be shorter, less expensive, and later in the summer than usual. Plus, a new justice tech startup is using AI to simplify the criminal record expungement process in Mississippi.
Summer travel is usually supposed to be a major time for the tourism industry. But this year, budget-conscious American travelers are adjusting their vacation plans. Consumers are actually taking more trips than initially anticipated, but they're tending to be shorter, less expensive, and later in the summer than usual. Plus, a new justice tech startup is using AI to simplify the criminal record expungement process in Mississippi.
Preview: Lancaster County. Colleague Jim McTague comments on the local facts of the county that do not stem the young consumers from complaining about food prices. More later. 1945 Lancaster County