Gallup vs Morning Consult

AI Adoption Outpaces AI Readiness for CX Leaders

According to McKinsey's 2025 State of AI report, 88% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, up from 78% in 2024, while 79% use generative AI. However, Gallup found that only 13% of U.S. employees use AI daily and only one in four say their organization has a clear AI plan. The article highlights a growing gap between AI adoption and organizational readiness, with 66% of service organizations planning to use agentic AI in 2026 (up from 39%) and only 35% of organizations having a mature AI literacy program. CX leaders are encouraged to start experimenting with AI despite uncertainty, as standing still is riskier than imperfect progress.

• 88% of organizations use AI in at least one business function (McKinsey 2025).
• 79% of organizations use generative AI.
• Only 13% of U.S. employees use AI daily (Gallup).

Pennsylvania Governor Says Data Center Developers Don't Care About Communities

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized data center developers for disregarding local communities amid growing opposition to AI infrastructure. He signed an executive order on Aug. 18, 2026, requiring compliance with strict responsible infrastructure standards, including earning local support, generating their own power, and protecting water and air quality. The order also removes AI data center projects from a fast-track approval program. The issue has become a political flashpoint, with Shapiro's challenger Stacy Garrity calling it damage control and calling for a pause on data center development. A Gallup poll found 70% of Americans oppose local AI data centers. Amazon previously announced a $20 billion investment in two data center complexes in Pennsylvania.

• Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order on Aug. 18, 2026, mandating compliance with the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements for data centers.
• The order removes AI data center projects from a fast-track approval program and requires developers to earn local support before state permitting.
• Shapiro stated that developers must generate their own power and protect water supply and air quality.

Trump Warns Communities Opposing AI Data Centers

U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized local communities opposing the construction of new artificial intelligence data centers, warning that resistance could leave these areas economically stagnant. Trump's remarks come as Republican strategists express concern that voter backlash over data centers, driven by concerns over energy costs and resource usage, could hurt candidates in the upcoming November midterm elections. Private polling reveals a significant drop in public support for local data center development. These facilities are critical to housing the massive computing power required to train and run advanced models for prominent AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.

• President Donald Trump criticized U.S. communities opposing AI data centers, claiming they risk becoming economically disadvantaged.
• A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned that local backlash against data centers is negatively impacting Republican Sen. Jon Husted's campaign in Ohio.
• A Wolfe Research report noted a 60-point drop in net support for local data center construction over the past year across party lines.

Amex Partners with Harry Styles for Fan Experiences

American Express is expanding its music fandom strategy by partnering with Harry Styles on his 'Together, Together' tour and album, offering card members exclusive presale tickets, merchandise, album release events, and a global sweepstakes. The partnership includes album pop-ups across 16 cities and aligns with Styles' 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden. Amex has previously worked with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, aiming to deepen emotional connections with card members by leveraging fandom. Research cited shows 92% of music fans want deeper artist connections, and over 70% of engagement comes from Gen Z and millennials. The strategy focuses on authentic collaborations with artists' teams rather than simple logo placements.

• American Express partners with Harry Styles for his 'Together, Together' tour and album, offering card members exclusive presale tickets, merchandise, and pop-up events across 16 cities.
• The partnership includes a global sweepstakes across 26 countries to win tickets and a trip to see Harry Styles on tour.
• Amex's music fandom strategy previously included artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, and Tate McRae.

Charting the Growth in Sports Betting

New article from Morning Consult on sports betting statistics.

How Brands Are Putting Morning Consult’s AI Connector to Work