US sought to lure Nicolás Maduro’s pilot into betraying the Venezuelan leader AP
Venezuela suspends Trinidad gas deals over US military build-up: FT reports twin-island nation has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump’s campaign against alleged drug traffickers.
Reuters: US military officials required to sign NDAs tied to Latin America mission, sources say
AP: US launches strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in the eastern Pacific, killing 14
US strikes draw Mexico into Trump’s campaign against drug boats: WSJ reports strikes on four vessels in eastern Pacific kill 14 as Mexican president seeks talks with US.
Bloomberg: US hits four ‘narco’ boats in Pacific, drawing Mexico’s ire
The new pirates of the Caribbean: Attacks against alleged drug boats are lawless. WP-Editorial
Trump’s feud with Colombian leader threatens US antidrug efforts: President Trump said he is cutting US aid. Gustavo Petro, a leftist guerrilla turned president, has called Mr. Trump’s boat strikes murder. NYT
As Hong Kong waged shadow war in Britain, ex-Royal Marine became a casualty: UK officials have tracked what they describe as an escalating campaign of surveillance and intimidation against Hong Kong exiles living in Britain. WP
Trump, Xi to discuss lowering China tariffs for fentanyl crackdown: WSJ reports that if Beijing takes action to cut the export of chemicals that make fentanyl, the US would cut in half the 20% fentanyl-related levies on Chinese goods.
Trump heads to South Korea with all eyes on Xi meeting: AFP reports US President Donald Trump heads Wednesday for South Korea, where a key meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping could produce a truce in the blistering trade war between the world's two largest economies.
What the Trump-Xi meeting can and can’t solve: Expect the outcome of the meeting to be a truce—not a treaty. Economist
Why China keeps winning the trade war: Beijing, Brussels, and Washington are all searching for the most efficient way to gum up their adversaries’ supply chains. Chris Miller
Japan and the US unveiled a list of potential projects for their $550 billion US investment vehicle, providing a first look into what specific proposals could be funded by the mechanism that’s a key part of the two countries’ trade deal.
US inks $80 billion deal with Westinghouse for nuclear reactors: WP reports the partnership would be funded with help from Japan and gives US taxpayers an ownership stake in the plants.
US government and Westinghouse strike $80bn nuclear reactor deal: FT reports agreement that uses funding from Japan is part of Donald Trump’s push to quadruple country’s nuclear capacity by 2050.
US enters $80 billion nuclear partnership to power AI expansion: Le Monde reports the announcement marks Washington's most tangible investment in nuclear power since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
Japan’s Sanae Takaichi finds the perfect playlist for Donald Trump: New prime minister hits clever notes in crucial encounter with visiting US president. Leo Lewis
Donald Trump and Sanae Takaichi promise ‘golden age’ for US-Japan alliance: FT reports president and Japanese prime minister sign agreement on rare earths supply.
US, South Korea to sign deal boosting AI, quantum cooperation: Bloomberg reports President Donald Trump’s administration is slated to sign a deal with South Korea aimed at bolstering cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 6G, according to a US official — part of a bid to maintain a competitive edge with China in an expanding race for tech supremacy.
The US is poised to rock Russia and China — if it holds firm: To change the behavior of Putin and Xi, new sanctions need to keep biting. Thomas Duesterberg
AP: Gaza ceasefire tested as Israel and Hamas exchange fire and blame
Netanyahu orders ‘forceful’ strikes in Gaza, testing ceasefire: Politico reports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire during the return of hostage remains.
Israel conducts first airstrike in West Bank in months and kills 3: NYT reports a militant group allied with Hamas confirmed the deaths, which were part of an increase in fighting in the Palestinian territory during a surge of settler violence.
A trip to Gaza’s new ‘yellow line’ shows Israel is digging in: WSJ reports the temporary dividing line between two foes is becoming more permanent with earthworks and plans for civilian infrastructure.
Tareq Amin, the head of Saudi Arabia’s artificial intelligence startup Humain, said he is confident the US will clear the sale of advanced chips to the kingdom after his firm provided detailed guarantees to American officials. One of those guarantees, according to Amin: The company will not purchase equipment from China’s Huawei Technologies Co.
Mass atrocities feared in Darfur after paramilitaries seize key Sudanese city of El-Fasher: Le Monde reports fears of genocide are mounting in Sudan after paramilitary Rapid Support Forces captured the strategic city of El-Fasher, ending an 18-month siege and sparking reports of mass killings and executions.
AFP: Fears of mass atrocities after Sudan's El-Fasher falls to paramilitaries
Zelenskyy vows harder, better, faster, stronger strikes on Russian oil facilities: Politico reports Ukraine’s president also wants the EU to step up by unlocking Moscow’s frozen assets to help Kyiv.
BBC: Surge in Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries
sparks Russian fuel shortages
Russia has pounded Ukraine’s fortress city for over a year, but it hangs on: WP reports it was supposed to fall more than a year ago, but Pokrovsk is still holding out, even as street fighting has erupted inside the city after Russian troops infiltrated.
Michael Heseltine: Reform is fascist. We must stop Nigel Farage: At 92, the Tory grandee Michael Heseltine is making a comeback. He has harsh words for Nigel Farage and Reform, whose policies remind him of Oswald Mosley and Enoch Powell. The Times
Catholic nationalists are on a collision course with the Vatican: Pope Leo’s cosmopolitan stance lays bare a tension at the heart of the Church’s teaching. Jack Hanson
At least 60 dead in mega-operation against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro: EL Pais reports authorities were targeting Comando Vermelho, which has become Brazil’s second most powerful criminal organization.
CNN: Massive police raid in Rio de Janeiro leaves at least 64 dead
Brazil: At least 64 reported killed in Rio’s worst day of violence amid police favela raids: Guardian reports governor says city ‘at war’ after gunfights between troops and Red Command drug traffickers who reportedly used weaponised drones.
The case for a multilateral trade organization without America: US President Donald Trump’s divide-and-rule tactics have shattered the postwar multilateral order. To preserve open, rules-based commerce, America’s major trading partners must form a new coalition capable of upholding the principles that the World Trade Organization can no longer guarantee. Anne O. Krueger
What’s behind the global Gen Z revolution? The rise of youth-led political movements in the Global South point to structural inequalities in the global system. Robert A. Manning
Here's what experts say 'A House of Dynamite' gets wrong (and right) about nuclear war NPR
Pentagon frets over ‘A House of Dynamite’ nuclear doomsday film: WP reports a Missile Defense Agency internal memorandum argues that the doomsday scenario depicted in the movie is inaccurate. The Oct. 16 memo, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg News, is meant to make sure agency leadership “has situational awareness and is not ‘surprised’ by the topic, which may come up in conversations or meetings.”
+ “The fictional interceptors in the movie miss their target and we understand this is intended to be a compelling part of the drama intended for the entertainment of the audience,” but results from real-world testing “tell a vastly different story,” the Pentagon says in the memo.
The Pentagon issues statement decrying Netflix’s House of Dynamite over ‘inaccuracies’: The film imagines the response to an impending nuclear attack on the United States as its anti-missile defense system fails. Independent
I spoil ‘A House of Dynamite,’ Netflix’s nuclear war movie: In real life, President Idris Elba wouldn’t get such bad advice. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.
I'm a US senator. 'House of Dynamite' exposes a brutal truth. The film dispels the comforting illusion that technology can shield us from a nuclear attack. Sen. Edward J. Markey
The new Eurasian order: America must link its Atlantic and Pacific strategies: Julianne Smith + Lindsey Ford
Reuters: Trump's popularity dips as Americans sweat cost of living, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
+ Trump’s net approval rating fell to -18%, according to The Economist’s tracker. It is the lowest it has been since his inauguration and three percentage points lower than at any point during his first term.
The political economy of Trump’s luck: Those who are bearish on US democracy should not extend their pessimism to the economy. Edward Luce
Detroit News: 'There's no end in sight': Detroit air traffic controllers lament first payless payday
Air traffic controllers’ $0 pay stubs have arrived: Unpaid government workers, SNAP benefits on the verge of expiration … what’s it going to take for Congress to end this shutdown? Jessica Karl
Reuters: US flight delays near 7,000 as government shutdown hits Day 27
Donald Trump’s trade power is vast, but self-defeating: The view from Canada, as Trumpian threats fly. Economist
The Supreme Court won’t hurt America if it strikes down the tariffs: Despite the Trump administration’s warnings, the economy will not suffer from obeying the Constitution. Scott Lincicome
Inside the Trump family’s global crypto cash machine: The US president’s family raked in more than $800 million from sales of crypto assets in the first half of 2025 alone, a Reuters examination found, on top of potentially billions more in unrealized “on paper” gains. Much of that cash has come from foreign sources as Donald Trump's sons have touted their business on an international investor roadshow. Reuters
Trump's inner circle implodes: How McMahon and Rollins tried to oust Wiles: In an excerpt from Retribution, Jonathan Karl reveals the chaos and infighting from Trump acolytes—including a last-ditch effort by Linda McMahon and Brooke Rollins to derail Susie Wiles’s appointment as chief of staff. Vanity Fair
Donald Trump floats Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as new Fed chair: FT reports US president expected to name successor to Jay Powell by Christmas.
Donald Trump’s plan to subvert the midterms is already under way: Our election system is reaching a breaking point. David A. Graham
Speaker Johnson says there's no 'path' for a 3rd Trump term: ABC News reports the House speaker said he doesn't "see a way to amend the Constitution" to allow for President Donald Trump to seek a third term in office.
CNN: Johnson says he’s spoken with Trump about ‘the constrictions of the Constitution’ on a third term
Why is Trump autocracy rising? These Dems have an unnerving answer. A new Biden administration autopsy, based on internal assessments from many government insiders, has crystal clear lessons for the future. TR
Biden adviser says he would have received $4 million bonus for 2024 win: WP reports Mike Donilon’s total potential pay package was unusually large and outsized compared to the salaries of senior campaign officials working for the president’s reelection.
DMR: Rep. Randy Feenstra (R) launches run for governor, promises 'America First agenda in Iowa'
A political drama for the ages, opening soon in New York City: Zohran Mamdani v Donald Trump. What could go wrong? Economist
Bill Gates: Climate change is not the end of the world: The Times reports the Microsoft co-founder, whose foundation has donated billions to philanthropy projects, has called for a change in strategy away from ‘emissions goals.’
Remote work is shaped by geopolitics, not technology: Increasingly, geopolitics is shaping who works, the location of work, and the type of work we get to do. FC
24 AI startups to watch in 2026: OpenAI may get most of the attention, but these two dozen companies are finding their way in AI by making vibe-coding software, building robots, and developing drones. Bloomberg
Why companies will just keep nudging you to try AI: The prodding to try AI products as you watch TV, surf the web or stare at your phone is a classic tactic in technology. It’s annoying, but it works. WP
What AI means for growth and jobs: While many commentators warn that AI will undermine employment and offer only modest productivity gains, empirical studies continue to suggest otherwise. With the right policies in place, the technology holds immense potential to drive both growth and employment. PS
Why AI breaks bad: Once in a while, LLMs turn evil—and no one quite knows why. Wired
48 hours without AI: It’s everywhere, as the author learned the hard way while making as little contact as possible with machine learning and generative artificial intelligence. NYT
OpenAI completes for-profit transition, pushing Microsoft above $4 trillion valuation: WSJ reports startup’s conversion clears obstacle for potential initial public offering, gives Microsoft 27% stake in new public-benefit corporation.
Microsoft holds 27% of OpenAI in revamped partnership: AFP reports Microsoft and OpenAI announced Tuesday a sweeping overhaul of their landmark artificial intelligence (AI) partnership, giving both companies greater independence while maintaining their close collaboration.
OpenAI restructures to become a more traditional for-profit company: The artificial intelligence company said the nonprofit that controlled the organization would receive a $130 billion stake in the new company. NYT
OpenAI restructuring pushes Microsoft’s valuation above $4tn: FT reports ChatGPT creator was founded as non-profit but has been racing to unlock new investment.
OpenAI and Microsoft are avoiding a messy breakup Dave Lee
Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang announced a flurry of new partnerships and dismissed concerns about an AI bubble, saying the company’s latest chips are on track to generate half a trillion dollars in revenue.
Nvidia is taking a $1 billion equity stake in Nokia Oyj and plans to supply the telecom company with artificial-intelligence powered computers for wireless networks. Nokia shares jumped the most in more than a decade.
Nvidia to invest $1 billion in Nokia in AI pact: WSJ reports chip maker will have a 2.9% ownership stake in the Finnish telecom company.
Nvidia to invest $1bn in Nokia as chip giant extends deal spree: FT reports Finnish group’s shares surge by a fifth on tie-up that will see US company become one of its largest shareholders.
Nvidia bets on national security with Palantir, 6G partnerships: Nikkei reports AI chip giant unveils new quantum computing platform NVQLink.
Eli Lilly partners with Nvidia to build AI supercomputer for drug discovery: WSJ reports drugmaker hopes Nvidia-chip powered supercomputer will help it find new drugs and accelerate lengthy R&D timelines.
Peter Thiel-backed startup secures $100 million to make chips in US: WSJ reports Substrate seeks to build semiconductor factories with new laser-based technology, but hurdles are high.
Samsung shakes off AI memory woes but race to innovate is far from over: Nikkei reports tech giant bets big on HBM chips after ceding ground to rival SK Hynix.
Uber is setting a goal to eventually have a fleet of 100,000 autonomous vehicles powered by Nvidia Corp. technology, an ambitious move that could help bring down the cost of offering hailable robotaxis to consumers.
Uber partners with Nvidia to deploy 100,000 robotaxis: AFP reports Uber and Nvidia announced an alliance to deploy 100,000 robotaxis starting in 2027.
Stellantis said it plans to work with tech heavyweights Nvidia, Uber, and Foxconn as it seeks a foothold in the robotaxi business.
Tesla sees the forthcoming Cybercab as its long-promised more affordable electric vehicle — and it’s willing to make fundamental design changes to sell the car in high volumes. In short, it’s willing to make it more like a normal vehicle that human drivers can control.
China looks to replicate EV success with autonomous cars: Nikkei reports self-driving autos to reach 70% of total domestic sales in 2035 under plan.
Detroit News: The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a four-cylinder engine with F1 tech
What Amazon’s 14,000 job cuts say about a new era of corporate downsizing: Executives have echoed Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s talking points, tying their job cuts to expected gains from AI and the need for more nimble operations. WP
Is Amazon's massive wave of layoffs the first of the AI era? The company said Tuesday that it is eliminating 14,000 jobs to streamline its operations, without saying from where the cuts will come. Le Monde
Amazon to cut 14,000 corporate jobs amid AI investment: DW reports Amazon hired as its delivery demand peaked during the COVID pandemic, meaning analysts anticipated layoffs. The company is also in the process of boosting its AI spending with a view to streamlining.
WSJ: UPS cuts 48,000 jobs in management and operations
Embattled Tylenol maker Kenvue hires new marketing chief: WSJ reports company to name snack food executive Jon Halvorson as it faces a crisis over concerns of links between Tylenol and autism.
How KFC lost fast food’s chicken crown—and how it plans to win it back: The decades-old chicken chain is battling US sales declines as consumers choose sandwiches and tenders over buckets of fried chicken. WSJ
KFC’s plan to catch up in the fried chicken wars: Ditch the bones Bloomberg
Weight-loss drugs are spreading across the world: The expiry of patents in China, India, and elsewhere will boost uptake dramatically. Economist
How pig organs may soon save lives: After a man lives nearly nine months with a pig kidney, two American firms are preparing clinical trials. Economist
The fight to restore Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to its glory days: The area’s crime rate is down, and cheaper rents have prompted retailers to lease new space. WSJ
CEOs are furious about employees texting in meetings: Jamie Dimon says it’s gone too far. Others are devising new measures, from hiding Wi-Fi passwords to installing the corporate equivalent of the swear jar. WSJ
Why ‘Yellowstone’ mastermind Taylor Sheridan decided to ditch Paramount: The creator of hits like ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Landman’ is leaving the entertainment company after tension with new Paramount CEO David Ellison’s leadership team. WSJ
Stellan Skarsgård knows best: The self-proclaimed “nepo daddy” is at the top of his game as a narcissistic patriarch in Sentimental Value. NY Mag
Mel Gibson angers right by casting pro-abortion actress as Virgin Mary: The Times reports Kasia Smutniak, who supported protests for women’s rights in Poland, will star in the actor-turned-director’s film The Resurrection of the Christ.
On a terrace in Milan, a gathering of creative
expats: Having adopted the Italian city as her home, the German-born fashion designer Tina Lutz Morris threw a housewarming party filled with others who’ve done the same. NYT Mag
MAGA singles are looking for love in Washington. It’s a challenge. The politics of trying to find a partner in an overwhelmingly liberal city can be tricky: “My partner can’t think I’m a fascist. That’s crazy.” WP
Why I run: I took up the sport to be like my father. I kept going because he stopped. Nicholas Thompson
‘Every Day Is Sunday’ review: How football got huge: The NFL went from being a major pro sports league to something even bigger—the commercial titan it is today. WSJ
Belichick who? Hug-loving coach and quarterback phenom have patriots rolling again: First year boss Mike Vrabel has New England off to a 6-2 start. But the revelation is second year passer (and growing MVP candidate) Drake Maye. Jason Gay
TA: Fox to broadcast a record 69 matches in the 2026 World Cup
'I would like to be there' – Lionel Messi on if he will play at the 2026 World Cup: BAT reports national team captain says in an interview with NBC news that he wants to play in the World Cup but will decide in early 2026.
With college soccer ‘at risk,’ US Soccer pushes for overhaul – but not without resistance: TA reports a US Soccer-led committee is pushing college soccer toward a new competitive model that could override current conferences, introduce an element of promotion and relegation, and extend the college season from late summer through the spring. In a white paper released Thursday, the committee of college administrators, pro soccer executives, corporate partners, and others recommended this revolutionary model for men’s college soccer.
+ Access the paper "Ensuring College Soccer Thrives in the Modern Era of College Athletics and the Changing US Soccer Landscape" here.
Backers with £1.5bn-plus and need for control: Christian Horner’s next move: Sacked Red Bull chief has been linked to Ferrari, but wants security of ownership and has investors who could help him buy an F1 team or even set up a new one. The Times
Trump’s granddaughter to make LPGA debut in £2.45m event: Telegraph reports Kai Trump receives sponsor exemption to play in The Annika next month, which has one of the strongest fields outside the majors.
Trump's granddaughter set to play in LPGA event: AFP reports US President Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai Trump is poised to make her LPGA Tour debut after receiving a sponsor invitation on Tuesday to the November 13-16 tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Florida.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | October 29
