Pope and circumstance: Pope Francis’ six-day visit to the U.S. that began on Tuesday ushered in a week of unprecedented logistical challenges for delivery companies, railroads, the U.S. Postal Service and many shippers as cities ramp up their security and close down roadways, The Wall Street Journal reports. In many of the areas he will visit in New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, e-commerce deliveries will come to a standstill. Apple’s brand new iPhones are also scheduled to hit doorsteps on Friday, at a time when major service disruptions in New York and Philadelphia are expected. Read the full story (subscription may be required).
On the table: When Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses some of the top names in Chinese and American business today in Seattle, they may be most interested in what he says about progress toward a treaty that would provide a framework for broader investment in each nation’s economy. The Associated Press reports Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Jack Ma of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba are among the 30 executives attending a closed-door discussion moderated by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who has advocated for such a treaty. Read the full story.
Gaming the system: Long before Volkswagen admitted to cheating on emissions tests for millions of cars worldwide, the automobile industry, Volkswagen included, had a well-known record of sidestepping regulation and even duping regulators. The New York Times reports that for decades, car companies have found ways to rig mileage and emissions testing data. In Europe, some automakers have taped up test cars’ doors and grilles to bolster the aerodynamics. Others have used “superlubricants” to reduce friction in the car’s engine to a degree that would be impossible in real-world driving conditions. Automakers have even been known make test vehicles lighter by removing the back seats. Read the full story.
