Good morning. From Kimmel's controversial comments to Meta's AI glasses, this week showed how communication shapes perception—and one question changes everything instantly.

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The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point Wednesday, the first reduction in nine months. Eleven of twelve voters supported the move, with new governor Stephen Miran dissenting for a larger cut.

The decision prioritized labor market concerns over inflation worries, with unemployment at 4.3% in August. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said "downside risk is now a reality." The benchmark rate dropped to 4-4.25%, lowest in three years.

A majority of officials projected at least two additional cuts this year at October and December meetings. The decision came amid political pressure from President Trump, who has criticized Powell over rate policy for months.

Meta announced new smartglasses with built-in displays Wednesday at its annual Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed. The glasses, controlled by small hand movements via a Neural Band wrist strap, retail for $799 and launch 9/30.

See how they work here.

The company previously sold over two million second-generation Ray-Ban smartglasses since fall 2023. Meta also unveiled updated Ray-Ban models and new Oakley athletic smartglasses with AI assistants that can see and hear surroundings.

Silicon Valley companies are racing to develop AI-enabled devices to complement smartphones. Competitors include OpenAI working with Jony Ive, Google partnering with Warby Parker, and Snap planning holographic AR glasses for next year.

Everything announced at Meta Connect 2025 here.

ABC pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely Wednesday after the host's comments about Charlie Kirk's death, the network announced. Nexstar simultaneously dropped Kimmel from its 32 ABC affiliates, calling his September 15 remarks about the political activist's killing objectionable.

Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10. Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters for trying to distance themselves from Kirk's shooter and "score political points" from the tragedy during his opening monologue (video).

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened regulatory action, calling Kimmel's comments "sickest conduct possible." The suspension's duration remains unclear. ABC settled a $15 million defamation case with Trump in December 2024 (WSJ).

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Billionaires discovered the ultimate tax loophole: never sell anything. Instead, they borrow against their appreciating assets to fund their lifestyles.

Morgan Stanley reports wealthy clients hold $68.1 billion in asset-backed loans—doubling since 2016. Loan proceeds aren't taxable income, so they access cash without capital gains taxes.

When they die, heirs get "stepped-up basis" erasing all previous gains. 

The strategy: buy assets, borrow against them, die tax-free. Middle class sells and pays taxes; rich people borrow and stay wealthy.

Buy, borrow, die strategy here.

Research shows people judge you in 7 seconds and rarely change their minds. Sally Hogshead tested a different approach with executives: instead of trying to impress, ask "How can I add value to this person?" A networking rookie using this question landed three job offers in one evening. Maybe first impressions aren't about being impressive—they're about being useful. When you focus on helping others, they naturally want to help you back.

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▲ State visit sees Trump return to Windsor Castle as Google announces £5 billion UK investment

▲ JLR cyberattack shuts global production (Jaguar, Range Rover) through September 24 costing automaker $6.8 million daily

▲ Tyson Foods halts high-fructose corn syrup use by year-end, four additives by 2025

▲ Cocaine surge hits 154% increase in western U.S. as Mexico's "Mencho" displaces Sinaloa cartel

▲ South Park creators delay tonight's episode due to time crunch, reschedule for September 24 | How they do a show in 6 days

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