Good morning readers. In the art of persuasion, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Five TED Talk pros, from diverse fields like law and journalism, suggest that winning an argument isn't about speaking confidently—it's about empathy. Ditch the age-old tactic of speaking slowly or lowering your voice. Instead, truly listen, find common ground, and remember: sometimes, the key to getting people to listen is to listen to them first. Want to master the art of changing minds? Tune into these TED Talks. Because, as it turns out, confidence might just be overrated.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Showbiz's struggle with the Israel-Hamas controversy

• Headline Hustle: Jim Jordan gets dropped from Speaker race, Chesebro pleads guilty, Negotiations between actors and studios start back up Tuesday

• The hurdles keep coming for Nike

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

BUSINESS

Hollywood’s confrontation with geopolitical strife

The recent Israel-Hamas conflict has cast a shadow over the entertainment world, revealing the industry's deep-seated divisions on the issue. Events like Dave Chappelle's on-stage clash with a fan over his remarks on the conflict spotlight the contentious nature of the topic in the public eye.

The rift isn't just playing out in the limelight; it's tearing through the very fabric of the industry's institutions. Take the Writers Guild of America (WGA), for instance. Once a united front against studio contracts, the union is now splintered over its silence on the Hamas attacks on Israel. The discord has reached such heights that some of its most prominent members, many of them Jewish, are considering drastic measures, including withholding dues. But it's not all internal strife. Heavyweights like Disney's Bob Iger are stepping into the fray, attending high-profile meetings addressing the surge in antisemitism, a concern amplified by the recent conflict.

Zoom out: the ripple effects of the conflict go beyond institutional politics, touching the lives and careers of those in the industry. Maha Dakhil of Creative Artists Agency (the agent for Hollywood big wigs like Tom Cruise, Natalie Portman and Madonna) faced professional hurdles after her social media posts critiquing Israel. Her subsequent apology and commitment to education highlight the tightrope many in the industry walk. Similarly, Dave Chappelle's comments during a performance, criticizing both the attacks on Israel and the Israeli government's actions, encapsulate the nation's divided sentiments. In short, the entertainment world's struggle with the Israel-Hamas conflict mirrors the broader societal challenges, as it grapples with representing diverse views while maintaining unity.

Headline Hustle

🇺🇸 Jim Jordan gets dropped from speaker race for good. In a stunning turn, Rep. Jim Jordan's run for House speaker crumbles, leaving the GOP's leadership race wide open and halting critical legislative action. Jordan, once a Trump ally and conservative figurehead, faced internal pushback, highlighting a rift within Republican ranks. His departure ushers in a scramble for control, with the party seeking a leader who can bridge divides and kickstart governance. Amid urgent national and international concerns, the spotlight is on the GOP to navigate this internal storm.

🧑🏻‍⚖️ Chesebro's plea shifts dynamics in Trump's legal game. Kenneth Chesebro, former Trump legal advisor, entered a guilty plea in Georgia's high-profile racketeering case, adding a new twist to Trump’s growing list of legal woes. Sidestepping jail, Chesebro's deal intensifies scrutiny on Trump's post-election maneuvers. His minimal charge contrasts with the case's gravity, sparking debate on potential testimonies against Trump. Amidst this legal chess game, observers speculate on strategy shifts and alliances, questioning who might next tip the scales in this unfolding judicial saga.

🎥 Negotiations between actors and studios restart on Tuesday. Hollywood's monthlong production freeze might soon thaw as actors' union and major studios gear up for fresh talks on Tuesday. The standoff, ignited by streaming revenue disputes, saw bigwigs like Warner Bros., Disney, and Netflix briefly exit negotiations. With industry titans like George Clooney and Emma Stone urging resolution, and Clooney even proposing a dues hike to prioritize lesser-known talents, the stakes are high. While SAG President Fran Drescher appreciates the gestures, she emphasizes deeper issues at play. The strike's ripple effects? Delayed movie releases, reshuffled TV lineups, and a financial blow to entertainment-reliant regions. Hollywood's next act awaits.

RETAIL

Outpacing the past, Nike stumbles in the present

Nike, the titan of the track, is feeling the heat as the race in the athletic footwear arena intensifies. Despite basking in the glory of marathon marvels like Kelvin Kiptum, who smashed records in their Alphafly 3s, the brand is losing ground. The culprits? Rival brands sprinting ahead with offerings that resonate with the casual runner's quest for comfort, style, and individuality. Even with a revenue trophy of $48.7 billion last year, Nike's stride is faltering, evidenced by a stumble of 2% in North American footwear sales.

Switching up the game plan

In a bid to regain its lead, Nike is shifting gears, veering away from its traditional playbook of high-cost, high-performance exclusives. The game plan? Winning over everyday athletes and sneakerheads with a refreshed marketing playbook, diversified lineup, and a renewed focus on community engagement. But it's a tricky path, with pandemic-induced operational hurdles and a perceived slowdown in innovation adding to the brand's woes. Moves like offering more wallet-friendly options and teasing tech advancements for the 2024 Olympics showcase a willingness to adapt, though the reception remains to be seen.

Looking ahead…the finish line is far from sight, and the stakes are high. Nike's pivot to embrace the mass market is a delicate dance, trying to maintain its 'cool factor' amidst a younger, novelty-hungry demographic. Collaborations, once surefire crowd-pullers, are now hit-or-miss, reflecting the changing tides. As Nike navigates this course, its agility in tuning into consumer pulses while maneuvering internal and market challenges will determine whether it maintains its pedestal or gets outpaced.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

Elon Musk announced that X (formerly Twitter) will introduce two new premium tiers, one cheaper without ad reduction and a pricier one eliminating all ads.

A jury ruled Google guilty of sexual discrimination, awarding female executive Ulku Rowe $1.1 million, acknowledging her claims of unequal pay and retaliatory denial of promotions.

Stonepeak has agreed to buy shipping-container lessor Textainer for over $2 billion, offering investors $50 per share in a deal valued at around $7.4 billion including debt.

How Walmart became America’s largest grocer.

Apple's new NameDrop feature, introduced in iOS 17, allows users to exchange phone numbers by simply holding their iPhones close to each other.

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