Discourse on Podcasting, Nation America, and Joe Rogan by Malcolm Gladwell

In this edition of our global news roundup, we bring you the latest developments from around the world.

Ottawa and Mexico City have vowed to increase bilateral trade as a protective measure, aiming to strengthen economic ties amidst uncertain global conditions.

In technology news, OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, announced a new version specifically designed for teens to protect minors who use chatbots.

Economic concerns have been raised in Russia, as independent analyses show that debt is soaring and growth is cooling.

In the US, American investors, including technology company Oracle, have applied to take over TikTok's US business. The ownership will be mostly American following a mandate for ByteDance to divest by January 2025, with Oracle playing a key role in ensuring data privacy.

The use of AI in businesses is on the rise, with more companies turning to automation than collaboration. This intensifies fears that the technology poses a greater threat to human jobs than previously thought.

President Donald Trump has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for not ending the war in Ukraine and urged allies to stop purchasing Russian oil. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its onslaught of Russian oil and gas facilities, causing damage to an economy that is showing signs of strain.

The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter-point, a move aimed at bolstering the cooling labor market and spurring more growth. However, tariffs and layoffs could complicate policymakers' path.

The European Union (EU) has announced new measures against Israel, including tariffs on €5.8 billion of imports and sanctions on top Israeli officials accused of human rights abuses. The EU unveiled these plans in response to Israel's expansion of its war in Gaza.

President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to discuss trade, tech, and Taiwan in their first call since June. This discussion comes as the US is beginning consultations ahead of a high-stakes review of its $2-trillion trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

Investors are hopeful that the rate cut will help the cooling labor market and spur more growth, but tariffs and layoffs could complicate policymakers' path. Trump has threatened to disband the pact if Canada and Mexico fail to heed his demands, such as halting fentanyl flows to the US and curbing Chinese investment.

The US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement facilitates the exchange of around $2 trillion worth of goods every year. Despite this, US retail sales have only risen in August for a third straight month, despite other gloomy economic signals.

In other news, the suspect in the assassination of conservative US activist Charlie Kirk was charged with aggravated murder and other counts, and the death penalty is being sought. Malcolm Gladwell, author and host of Revisionist History, discussed his current theories about the state of podcasting.

The US has blocked $400 million in military aid for Taiwan, a move that may ease US-China friction. The Saudi-Pakistan agreement changes the regional defense calculus, as Pakistan has nuclear weapons and Saudi Arabia has long relied on US military support.

The European Union, the biggest buyer of Russian natural gas, delayed sanctions on Moscow to better coordinate policy with G7 nations. Tensions over chip export curbs and security are expected to be covered in a call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi, and the United Arab Emirates agreed to boost intelligence sharing and military cooperation. These moves come in response to Israel's attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar during ceasefire talks, an event that regional leaders believe the US was aware of.

The Fed's decision to cut interest rates came under pressure from President Trump, who has tried to secure a panel of loyalists at the central bank. The leaders of Canada and Mexico agreed to boost trade and increase cooperation after a high-stakes meeting.

Finally, Gladwell expressed his views on why he's betting on narrative shows and skepticism towards chat shows. He also referred to Joe Rogan as a 'tightly muscled possum.' Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact, firming up a longstanding security partnership. The Saudi-Pakistan agreement is a significant development in the region's defense landscape.