Global Street Smarts.
Happy Saturday.
Here’s today’s ITK Daily.
To be ITK, know this:
WHO declares end to COVID pandemic emergency: WSJ reports the move by the World Health Organization marks a milestone as the pandemic recedes and the coronavirus becomes routine.
COVID-19: What are the lessons learned from three years of a global health emergency? The WHO announced the end of the maximum alert level for the pandemic on Friday, but the UN organization added that the virus is not eradicated. Le Monde
The power behind the throne: In modern Britain, the monarchy still shapes how the country is run. Tim Ross
How to design a king: Charles III’s coronation is a performance of majesty. Props matter. Kelly Faircloth
King Charles III coronation by the numbers: When ‘scaled back’ doesn’t look or feel that way: The weekend of royal events won’t be cheap. It’s expected to cost around $125 million. FC
Swear to King Charles? So help me God: Even monarchists are puzzled by the idea of pledging allegiance. Robert Shrimsley offers some alternative oaths. FT
A lukewarm coronation Louis Staples
Coronation of King Charles III leaves the Brits underwhelmed: While Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed enormous popularity due to her incredible longevity, 74-year-old Charles III inspires much less deference. Cécile Ducourtieux
Britain’s imperial past clouds the coronation of Charles III: As a new king prepares to be crowned, the monarchy is facing new criticism for its historical role in colonialism and slavery. WSJ
King Charles III could be Britain’s first post-colonial monarch WP
Local election results: PM’s worst fears realized as Tories shed 1,000 seats — as it happened: Labour gains more than 500 council seats. The Times
Local election results: Conservative MPs will cling on to hope despite this rude rebuff John Curtice
UK Tories suffer losses in PM Sunak's first electoral test: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak admitted results looked 'disappointing.' Le Monde
Iran’s new friends: Russia and China: Having viewed both powers warily for years, the Islamic Republic sees its best prospects for survival as the junior partner in an anti-Western alliance. WSJ
Massive split in Russian military forces as Wagner vows to quit Bakhmut on May 10: Politico reports schism between Kremlin and mercenary chief boils over, with Yevgeny Prigozhin vowing to pull out of key battleground the day after Moscow celebrates Victory Day.
Russia has a vodka addiction. So does Vladimir Putin – but not the same way. The Russian leader is famously sober. There’s a reason that his country isn’t. Politico
Who will replace Putin if he falls? The Russian leader faces rumors of ill health and the threat of assassination. His death could cause chaos. The Times
Bloomberg: US seeks meeting with China defense minister after being spurned
+ Austin would meet Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La forum in Singapore.
+ Austin's request for a call was rejected after the balloon incident.
The next fear on AI: Hollywood’s killer robots become the military’s tools: US national security officials are warning about the potential for the new technology to upend war, cyber conflict, and — in the most extreme case — the use of nuclear weapons. NYT
The President can’t counter China on his own: Congress must commit to America’s bipartisan China strategy. Robert C. O’Brien + Arthur Herman
China: Anti-espionage law heightens risks for foreign firms: The revised anti-espionage law increases security risks for foreign individuals and businesses operating in China, say experts, especially amid growing geopolitical and trade frictions between Beijing and the West. DW
China’s Xi vows to strengthen party’s control over economy Bloomberg
Taiwan’s trade clash with China could benefit the US: Taiwan is preparing for a sharp rise in economic tensions, including encouraging businesses to look to invest elsewhere. WSJ
Bloomberg: US prepares to fast track $500 million of arms for Taiwan
+ Sale marks the first time the US has used the authority for Taiwan.
+ Pentagon and White House declined to comment on Friday.
US submarines are popping up more often and it's not clear why Bloomberg
India's Modi to join Macron for France's Bastille Day: Le Monde reports like the US, France sees developments in the Indo-Pacific as crucial to the future geopolitical balance of power and is stepping up engagement in the region.
US seeks Brazil help as frustration grows on Haiti force: AFP reports months after Haiti's prime minister and the UN pleaded for intervention in the violence-ravaged nation, world powers are searching for new ideas with no country eager to lead a force.
Can this former CEO fix the World Bank? In the midst of both a climate and debt crisis, former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga has his work cut out for him. FC
Of course Trump is afraid to debate: It isn’t 2016 anymore. He’s older and out of political shape, and his absence would hurt his rivals. Peggy Noonan
Edinburgh airport wants to offer US immigration clearance within two years: Chief executive says the facility would ease travel and boost passenger numbers. The Times
Shein, fast fashion's infernal machine, opens Paris pop-up amid controversy: The Chinese clothing site is opening a pop-up store in Paris from May 5 to 8. The company's reach worries both its competitors and advocates of responsible fashion. Le Monde
Chinese fast fashion giant Shein denies low prices due to forced labor: Chinese cut-price fast-fashion giant Shein defended its business model in an interview with AFP, saying demand-based production accounted for its low prices and not forced or cheap labor.
Apple CEO sees India at ‘tipping point’ as China pivot quickens Bloomberg
Shaquille O’Neal, 50 Cent explore bid for BET Media: WSJ reports a group including the basketball legend, the rapper, and TV producer Kenya Barris is among the potential bidders for a majority stake in Paramount Global’s BET Media Group.
Paramount can’t say no to the man behind ‘Yellowstone’: $50,000 a week for his ranch, $25 per cow: Taylor Sheridan writes most of the company’s hits, giving him clout to dominate the big-budget productions through his network of commercial projects, pushing costs to among the highest in Hollywood. WSJ
Writers vs AI bots is more than a Hollywood drama: Screenwriters’ strike reflects wider job insecurity and fear of being usurped by technology. John Gapper
Will AI become the new McKinsey? As it’s currently imagined, the technology promises to concentrate wealth and disempower workers. Is an alternative possible? Ted Chiang
AFP: ‘I am sorry’ says PSG star Messi over Saudi trip
Messi and PSG: A warning from history – and for Manchester United Barney Ronay
In pictures: Naples erupts in joy after first Napoli Series A win in 33 years: After thirty-three years of waiting, SCC Napoli Naples won the Italian football championship, its first title since the two titles won with Diego Maradona in 1987 and 1990. Thousands of fans celebrated the victory of their team in the city's streets. Le Monde
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
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