Global Street Smarts.
Happy Wednesday.
Here’s today’s ITK Daily.
To be ITK, know this:
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ITK Radio | Anne Maas | Better Data = Better Retail
On this episode of ITK Radio, a conversation with Anne Maas.
Anne thrives on analyzing, planning, and implementing new and updated processes and systems that drive operational efficiencies.
Her experience includes developing and managing data, merchandising, wholesale and marketing operations, and teams. As a change champion who excels in fluid, fast-paced environments, her expertise is in managing multiple projects and resolving complex challenges.
Anne specializes in data-driven analysis, change management, omnichannel marketing, and product development.
Listen or watch the conversation here.
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Ukrainians kill top Russian general with British-supplied missile: The Times reports Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov confirmed dead after Storm Shadow strike.
Russian ex-navy commander shot dead while jogging in Krasnodar: BBC reports a former Russian submarine captain who worked as a mobilization officer has been shot dead while jogging in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar.
+ Russian media has speculated that Rzhitsky could have been tracked on the Strava fitness app.
France to send SCALP long-range missiles to Ukraine: Le Monde reports the announcement was made by French President Macron on the first day of a NATO summit set to be dominated by the alliance's response to Russia's war on Ukraine and Kyiv's push for NATO membership.
WP: NATO to invite Ukraine when ‘conditions are met’; Zelensky slams lack of a timeline
Erdogan’s flip on Sweden signals mending of ties with US: NYT reports the long seen as an in-house disrupter in NATO, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey could be trying to repair relations with the Biden administration, partly by scaling back close ties with Russia.
AFP: Biden thanks Erdogan for Sweden decision, backs F-16s sale
What would Europe do if Trump were re-elected? Even as NATO meets, Europeans are exploring a plan B. Economist
NATO isn’t what it says it is Grey Anderson + Thomas Meaney
NATO removes Tokyo office mention from joint communique: Nikkei reports the alliance seeks to engage with Indo-Pacific, but differences remain over approach.
Japan is ready and able to maintain US naval vessels: American warships shouldn’t be sailing home for repairs when a trusted ally can do the job. Rahm Emanuel
Japan eyes stronger EU ties as China looms ever larger: DW reports Prime Minister Kishida is visiting Europe to take part in both the NATO and EU-Japan summits. He will use the trip to remind European leaders of the danger posed by China's policies in the Indo-Pacific, say experts.
Fresh fears over China’s expansion in South Pacific: The Times reports the deal with Solomon Islands prompts Australian unease.
China woos Papua New Guinea with free trade push: Nikkei reports Beijing leverages frustrations over economic ties with US, Australia.
US big tech won't shake its China addiction: For companies like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, and Qualcomm, decoupling has not dented Chinese market. Nikkei
Can the US and China go back to being frenemies? The superpower rivals appear to be finding a fragile new equilibrium, one that may open the door to some hard-nosed dealmaking. Minxin Pei
India’s economy could surpass that of the United States in size by 2075, Goldman Sachs predicts — though high taxes and bureaucracy could stand in the way.
French riots caused €650 million of damage, say insurers: The Times reports the cost is based on claims filed so far and is expected to rise.
‘We are on for a massive defeat’: Can the Tories prevent the inevitable? When Rishi Sunak became prime minister, he promised a fresh start. But his government is being consumed by economic problems and infighting. FT
US and EU complete long-awaited deal on sharing data: The agreement ends legal uncertainty for Meta, Google, and scores of companies — at least for now. NYT
Trump is picking fights in Iowa, no matter the 2024 consequences: NYT reports the former president snubbed one influential Iowa leader and attacked another, testing his immunity to traditional political pitfalls in a crucial state.
Trump wins ‘clean sweep’ of endorsements from Michigan’s GOP congressional delegation: Fox News reports former President Trump won Michigan in 2016--the first time a Republican won the state in a presidential election since 1988.
DeSantis’s striking, risky strategy: Not trying to Trick small donors: NYT reports diverging from Donald Trump, who has often cajoled, guilt-tripped, and even misled small donors, the DeSantis team is pledging to avoid “smoke and mirrors” in its online fund-raising.
Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid is floundering — and so are his clothes: In contrast to Donald Trump, the Florida governor’s attire rarely sends a clear message, and when it does, it tends to be the wrong one. Robert Armstrong
From Ron DeSantis to Prada’s runway, fisherman gear catches on: The Florida governor may be going for folksy relatability, but his nylon shirts follow fashion-consumer demand for pocketed vests, $1,000 waders, and fancy bucket hats. Jacob Gallagher
Murdochs start to sour on DeSantis: ‘They can smell a loser’: Rolling Stone reports the conservative media kingmakers' preferred candidate to knock off Donald Trump is not meeting expectations, and the family's patriarch is getting tired of waiting.
Former lawmakers plan new group to stop No Labels presidential bid: The bipartisan effort is aimed at stopping a third-party push that many Democrats fear would hurt Biden and help Trump. WP
AI is making politics easier, cheaper, and more dangerous: Voters are already seeing AI-generated campaign materials — and likely don’t know it. Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Musk to host AI-focused Twitter event with US House lawmakers
Microsoft can close its Activision deal, US judge rules: WSJ reports Microsoft can complete the $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard before a Federal Trade Commission hearing scheduled for August.
Amazon becomes first US company to challenge EU digital rules: FT reports Seattle-based group files legal action against proposed legislation designed to rein in Big Tech.
Disney explores strategic options for India business: WSJ reports the talks are a sign of how Star India’s fortunes have changed since Disney’s purchase of Fox entertainment assets.
Disney World hasn’t felt this empty in years: WSJ reports shorter wait times for rides and more discount offers are signs of thinning crowds at the theme parks.
Nuclear fission start-up backed by Sam Altman to go public: FT reports Oklo valued at $850mn in transaction through Spac set up by OpenAI chief.
The office-as-playground is dead. You might prefer what comes next: The next big office amenity? Space where you can actually get some work done. FC
‘Bastion of the super-rich’: Inside a New York billionaire’s private museum: A collection of art, featuring pieces by Picasso, Lichtenstein, and Cézanne, has been kept secret for years, but for select members of the public, the door is slowly being opened. Guardian
After a year of climate protests, the toll rises for museums and activists: NYT reports museums must pay for added security and the conservation of precious paintings. Now they are suing eco-activists for damages, and authorities are bringing serious charges.
I did my PhD in Hollywood action films – here’s why Mission: Impossible is the best: The series has come to be characterized largely by Tom Cruise’s spectacular stunts – but what sets them apart are Ethan Hunt’s very human qualities. Clem Bastow
AFP: Britney Spears memoir set for October 24 release
WP: At the All-Star Game, even the stars are in awe of Shohei Ohtani
WP: PGA Tour defends Saudi deal in Senate as emails show plan’s origins
The Times: We had to cave in to LIV Golf and its Saudi millions, says PGA Tour
Bloomberg: PGA-LIV deal memos released by Senate raise antitrust flags
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal produces ITK Daily.
Geopolitics is disrupting every business and industry.
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Caracal lives and breathes at the intersection of globalization, disruption, and politics, home of the world's most savvy participants.
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Caracal believes that to be a world-class geopolitical business communicator, you need global street smarts coupled with holistic, high-frequency, and high-low communications.
