EU to be ‘ready’ for war with Russia by 2030: The European Commission aims to help the bloc prepare “for the battlefields of tomorrow.” Politico
NATO agonizes over leaky air defenses while Russian threat grows: Politico reports mounting drone incursions are sparking a debate on national rules that some see as limiting NATO’s top military officer.
Trump ‘optimistic’ he can bring Russia and Ukraine to peace after Middle East hostage exchange: Politico reports President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet in Washington on Friday.
Hegseth warns of ‘costs on Russia’ in latest sign of shifting US stance: Politico reports the Defense secretary spoke before a meeting of European defense leaders that he has skipped in the past.
Pete Hegseth vows to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine continues: The Times reports US secretary of war urges Nato allies to increase American weapons purchases for Kyiv after a report showing a sharp decline in western military support.
Bessent urges Japan, other countries to cut imports of Russian LNG: Nikkei reports anyone that buys Russian energy is 'subsidizing the attack on the Ukrainian people.'
The America v China spat reveals a dangerous dynamic: A balance of economic terror is no basis for stability. Economist
China got Trump’s attention but renewed a risky game of chicken: Xi Jinping’s need to project strength before a crucial meeting of Communist Party leaders may help explain why Beijing announced new rare earth controls. NYT
Fortifying America’s Pacific front line is getting expensive and difficult: The Pentagon is bolstering its assets in Guam with ‘latest and greatest technology’ to deter Beijing. WSJ
Rare-earth 'de-risking' from China will be dirty and costly, analysts warn: Nikkei reports Bessent urges US and allies to diversify supply chains immediately.
US warns world will ‘decouple’ from China if it imposes new export controls: FT reports Scott Bessent says Washington will retaliate if Beijing proceeds with policy on rare earths and critical minerals.
Trump to expand government stake in strategic sectors to combat China: Greater domestic mining and processing of rare earth minerals is an especially urgent priority in battling Chinese competition, the treasury secretary said. WP
US to take control of more companies to counter China: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China’s dominance of rare earths calls for a more assertive American industrial policy. NYT
America is heavily reliant on China for raw materials in medicines: A new analysis found that nearly 700 drugs approved for use in the United States depend on chemicals solely produced in China. NYT
Keir Starmer publishes evidence in collapsed China spy case: The security adviser Matt Collins said the Chinese conducted espionage operations against the UK, but the government wanted a ‘positive relationship’ with Beijing. The Times
Dominic Cummings: China ‘stole’ classified state secrets: Boris Johnson’s former adviser claims that Beijing harvested hugely sensitive data for years and that senior officials deliberately ‘buried’ the breach. The Times
China’s hold on UK infrastructure — from nuclear power to Heathrow: Chinese companies have stakes in National Grid and Thames Water as well as plans to build Britain’s largest wind turbine manufacturing facility. The Times
Now it’s clear, China hawks were right all along: While a group of MPs stood up for the nation’s security over spying, the government failed to stand up to Beijing. Juliet Samuel
Analysis: China-Japan ties in limbo as Xi, Takaichi mind domestic politics: As Beijing's security purges rage on, Tokyo witnesses the collapse of the ruling coalition. Nikkei
How Israeli jails became a Palestinian training ground: Thousands of Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons this week. Some are seen as future militant and political chiefs. FT
Israel and Hamas start next phase of talks on Trump plan: WSJ reports the second phase of discussions takes on issues such as postwar governance in Gaza, as debates continued about Hamas’s failure to return all the bodies of dead hostages.
What Donald Trump gets right in the Middle East: It’s not what you think. Economist
Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan in talks to provide troops for Gaza stabilization force: Politico reports negotiations on the makeup of the force, a key part of Trump’s 20-point-plan, are ongoing.
Britain’s Labour Party has no more safe seats: A by-election in Wales reveals Labour’s vulnerability. Economist
Canada threatens Stellantis with legal action over Jeep move to US: The company could default on agreements made to keep a factory footprint in Ontario, said Industry Minister Melanie Joly. WSJ
In nod to Trump, automaker Stellantis shifts production from Canada to the US: Canadian leaders blame the move by Stellantis to abandon production in Ontario on President Trump’s tariffs. Mr. Trump says he wants to increase production in the United States. NYT
Bailout for Argentina will hit $40 billion, Bessent says: WP reports the Trump administration is working to arrange private-sector financing that would double the total US financial lifeline for the embattled nation.
Bessent says US considers doubling aid to Argentina by tapping outside funding: Politico reports the assistance is aimed at bolstering the country's collapsing currency and calming economic unrest before Oct. 26 midterm elections.
US arranging $20 billion private finance facility for Argentina: WSJ reports Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a ”private-sector solution” was in the works as the US looks to expand a lifeline for ally Javier Milei.
Trump offered a helping hand to Argentina. It backfired. When President Javier Milei of Argentina faced an economic meltdown, President Trump vowed to come to his aid. But that lifeline is coming at a cost. NYT
Trump’s gamble on Argentina: The US administration is backing an ally’s misguided exchange rate policy. FT-Editorial
Bloomberg: Trump confirms report that he authorized CIA action in Venezuela
Trump administration authorizes covert CIA action in Venezuela: NYT reports the development comes as the US military is drawing up options for President Trump to consider, including possible strikes inside the country.
Trump says US 'certainly' considering strikes on land against Venezuela cartels: Le Monde reports the US has carried out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats, most recently on Tuesday, killing six 'narcoterrorists,' according to Trump, who declined to confirm a New York Times report that he had secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela against the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.
Reuters: Shutdown is costing US economy $15 billion a day, Bessent says
Judge orders Trump administration to pause shutdown layoffs: WP reports unions for federal workers argued that the dismissals were improperly handled, politically motivated, and illegal.
Trump invites ballroom donors to glitzy White House dinner: WSJ reports the event set to include representatives from Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Palantir.
Vance downplays group chat messages: ‘Kids do stupid things, especially young boys.’: Politico reports the vice president called the texts "edgy, offensive jokes."
Pete Hegseth’s jet forced to land in Suffolk after distress call: The Times reports the American secretary of war was returning from a meeting in Belgium when a crack in the Boeing’s windscreen caused depressurisation.
US approves new bank backed by billionaires with ties to Donald Trump: FT reports target market for Erebor will be businesses that are part of America’s ‘innovation economy.’
Anthropic’s AI principles make it a White House target Dave Lee
+ White House AI "czar" David Sacks accused Anthropic of running a "sophisticated regulatory capture strategy based on fear-mongering" that is damaging the startup ecosystem.
+ Anthropic's co-founder Jack Clark found Sacks' attack "perplexing" and said the company is "extremely lined up" with the administration in many areas, but has a different view in some areas.
+ Anthropic's support for California Senate Bill 53, which imposes transparency rules and whistleblower protections around AI development, may have been a catalyst for Sacks' outburst, according to Clark.
BHP considers reopening defunct US copper mines in response to Trump: FT reports chief executive Mike Henry says company is looking at restarting operations in Arizona.
Brown University rejects White House deal for special treatment: NYT reports Brown was the second university to turn down the deal, which would have given a funding preference to universities that agreed to certain requirements.
Gaza deal is a big win for Trump—but voters are fickle: He has secured a place in history, but the midterm elections are another matter. Karl Rove
Mamdani directly addresses Trump via Fox News appearance Nia Prater
Bill Ackman donates $1mn to oppose Zohran Mamdani’s NY mayoral campaign: FT reports hedge fund billionaire in last-ditch effort to stop democratic socialist frontrunner in race for city hall.
Millions of dollars are pouring into NYC's mayoral race: The campaign between Mamdani and Cuomo is playing out with big-dollar PAC donations. Here's who's giving. Bloomberg
NJ-GOV: Heading into the final weeks of the New Jersey gubernatorial race, a new Quinnipiac poll finds Mikie Sherrill (D) with a slight lead over Jack Ciattarelli (R), 50% to 44%.
The nation’s biggest banks are saying the economy is still strong: WSJ reports a boom in dealmaking and higher spending point to a healthy economy, while bears are watching frothy stock prices and a weakening job market.
Three exaggerations about the US economy right now Bloomberg
+ The idea that artificial intelligence is driving a surge in US GDP growth has uncertainty, as a significant portion of AI investment was imported, affecting the GDP math.
+ The notion that AI is weakening the labor market has evidence that is not uniform, and other factors may be contributing to the recent labor market slowdown.
+ The narrative of a K-shaped expansion in the US, where higher-income consumers drive most of the economic growth, is complicated by data showing that lower-income households have accounted for a higher share of consumer spending and have seen wage growth.
Bloomberg: Big banks warn of AI froth as bubble talk dominates earnings
+ Wall Street executives cautioned of over-exuberance in the AI industry as banks posted a record-breaking quarter for deal activity and trading revenue.
+ Executives sounded a note of caution, with Citigroup Inc.'s Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason saying some sectors are "likely frothy and overvalued" and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer David Solomon alluding to the dot-com bubble.
+ Some finance executives adopted a more optimistic tone, with Morgan Stanley CFO Sharon Yeshaya saying "we are really just scratching the surface of what" AI technology can do.
A giant new AI data center is coming to the epicenter of America’s fracking boom: WSJ reports CoreWeave and Poolside announced a partnership for a data center built on a sprawling ranch in West Texas.
BlackRock’s AI consortium to buy Aligned data centers in $20 billion deal: WSJ reports the companies say the transaction ranks among the biggest data-center deals ever.
Apple upgrades Vision Pro headset as competition heats up: WP reports the company’s $3,499 headset just got a silicon brain transplant and longer battery life, the company said.
Smucker’s sued Trader Joe’s over an Uncrustables dupe. How similar are they? We tasted the freezer-aisle crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches head-to-head. WP
Bloomberg: United sees resilient demand as premium travel drives profit
How the battle over leaf blowers became a front in US culture wars: Advances in battery technology could make complaints about noisy devices a thing of the past. Gregory Meyer
A billionaire has rebuilt downtown Detroit: But is Dan Gilbert’s project finally running out of steam? Economist
Why was the president of FIFA at the Gaza summit? Gianni Infantino, the head of soccer’s global governing body, frequently appears alongside President Trump at events outside the realm of sports. NYT
Athletic: President Trump once again suggests relocating World Cup matches
Trinity Rodman was ‘in pain all the time.’ She’s finally back with the USWNT. US Coach Emma Hayes named a 26-player squad for two friendlies against Portugal and a third vs. New Zealand. WP
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 15
Trump, hailing a ‘new Middle East,’ avoids many of the hard questions ahead: WP reports in touting his Gaza ceasefire win, the president projected optimism for a wider peace while sidestepping the many obstacles that remain.
Will Donald Trump follow through on his plan for Gaza? Success of deal depends on president’s willingness to keep engaged and pressure warring parties, particularly Netanyahu. FT
‘A big day’: How the US and the Arab world teamed up to seal the Gaza deal: NYT reports the cease-fire talks in Egypt showed that with pressure on Hamas and Israel, seemingly huge impediments could be overcome or set aside.
Mr. Trump, on the Middle East, please move fast and break things Thomas L. Friedman
Hamas launches violent crackdown on rivals in Gaza: WSJ reports firefights and public executions have spread fear and raised concerns about a spiral of internecine violence. “I could hear gunfire all around.”
Hamas launches Gaza crackdown as Trump vows to disarm group: Le Monde reports Hamas published a video on its official channel showing the street execution of eight blindfolded, kneeling suspects, branding them 'collaborators and outlaws.' The footage, apparently from Monday evening, emerged as armed clashes were underway between Hamas's various security units and armed Palestinian clans in parts of the territory.
Trump says US will disarm Hamas if it does not do so itself: WP reports Hamas has not yet publicly agreed to or signed anything that specifies how it would disarm, but President Donald Trump suggested he had received verbal assurances the group would.
Trump vows to disarm Hamas as it executes enemies on Gaza streets: The Times reports dozens of suspected collaborators are killed by the militant group after Israeli forces withdraw.
Israel pressures Hamas to return bodies, but Gaza’s destruction poses challenge: NYT reports the Israeli government is considering limits on aid to Gaza to penalize Hamas for not turning over more bodies of former hostages. But devastation in the enclave complicates the retrieval of all remains.
Hamas releases bodies of four more hostages held in Gaza: WSJ reports the latest handover of hostages’ bodies comes as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of cease-fire violations.
AP: Israel says it has received the remains of 4 more deceased hostages as cuts to aid for Gaza loom
AP: Madagascar’s president is ousted in a military coup after weeks of youth-led protests
Madagascar army unit says it has taken power after weeks of protest: FT reports the announcement comes day after President Andry Rajoelina fled to a ‘secure location.’
Gen Z revolt fells another government: Madagascar's president is in hiding after the military sided with protesters frustrated at the dearth of opportunities on the island. WSJ
Donald Trump deserved the Nobel prize, says … Vladimir Putin: Politico reports the Russian president, who is wanted by the ICC, says the Nobel committee has “lost credibility.”
Russia blasts ‘freaks’ at Time magazine over cover that Trump hated: Politico reports: “Only unhealthy people” could have chosen the photo Time used, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova fumes.
Russia accuses Mikhail Khodorkovsky of plotting coup: FT reports Moscow’s intelligence service launches fresh criminal case against former Yukos oil magnate and 22 other dissidents in exile.
Under Russian drones, Ukrainians wonder if Europe still cares: Politico reports more than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s capital endures constant Russian attacks while watching European solidarity fray.
Trump hints that Tomahawks could bring Putin to heel: The Times reports the president has a new-found desire to establish peace after his success in the Middle East.
Trump says he may give Tomahawks to Ukraine. Is he bluffing? NYT reports President Trump’s threats to provide the missiles to Ukraine, whether he follows through on them or not, are a sign of his growing frustration with Moscow.
Ukraine’s most prestigious military units are run like businesses: Marketing and human-resources departments are key. Economist
Zelensky strips Odesa mayor of Ukrainian citizenship: Le Monde reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suspended mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov of his Ukrainian citizenship over allegations that he possessed a valid Russian passport. Trukhanov has denied the accusations.
How Brexit drained the Tories’ talent pool: The party can’t keep expecting successful people to pretend that leaving the EU was a good idea. Stephen Bush
Margaret Thatcher had two extramarital affairs, claims new book: The Times reports Tina Gaudoin claims in The Incidental Feminist that the former prime minister had two affairs: one early in her career as an MP and one with another politician.
French authorities fear mounting 'MAGA sphere' intrusions into domestic politics: Le Monde reports French diplomatic officials said they were prepared to be more 'direct' in their response to predicted acts of interference in favor of the far right, especially during election periods.
France's political crisis weakens French and European growth: Uncertainty stemming from political instability has cost France at least 0.2 percentage points of growth, according to its central bank. With economic stagnation in Germany and budget tensions in the UK, Europe's largest countries are in turmoil. Le Monde
How India tariffs hurt America’s China strategy: New Delhi can be a counterweight to Beijing’s economic and military bellicosity. WP-Editorial
Stabilizing the US-China rivalry: The geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China embodies risks of outright military conflict, economic warfare, and political subversion, as well as the danger that tensions between the world's two leading powers will destroy the potential for achieving a global consensus on such issues as climate and artificial intelligence. Moderating this rivalry therefore emerges as a critical goal, both for the United States and China and for the wider world. Rand
US-China déjà vu all over again: Trump’s latest piece of brinkmanship is likely to result in another climbdown. Edward Luce
Bloomberg: Xi’s rare earth ‘bazooka’ sparks global alarm, race for supplies
China, betting it can win a trade war, is playing hardball with Trump: Chinese leader Xi Jinping thinks the president will fold before launching new tariffs that would roil markets. WSJ
China tries shock-and-awe on Donald Trump: Xi Jinping’s bet that dramatic escalation is the way to win a trade war. Economist
China is going after American firms to hit back at Donald Trump: Its investigation of Qualcomm may be the latest example. Economist
Scott Bessent slams China: ‘They want to pull everybody else down with them’: FT reports US Treasury secretary tells FT that Beijing’s export controls are ‘a sign of how weak their economy is.’
Trump threatens to halt China cooking oil trade over soybean freeze: Nikkei reports US president accuses Beijing of 'economically hostile act' as tensions simmer.
Bloomberg: Trump threatens China cooking oil as payback for soy boycott
Chinese criminals made more than $1 billion from those annoying texts: WSJ reports messages seeking payment for unpaid tolls or postage fees prompt victims to hand over credit-card information, which gangs use to buy gift cards and luxury goods.
The US is racing to rebuild its submarine power before China catches up: Inside the effort to deliver a ‘transformational improvement’ in how the US builds submarines, vital to preserving its undersea advantage. Bloomberg
Ministers delay decision on Chinese super-embassy: The Times reports UK ministers will delay a decision over whether to approve a Chinese super-embassy in London amid a mounting backlash over the government’s ties to Beijing. Steve Reed, the communities secretary, is expected to announce that the decision, which was due next Tuesday, will be deferred until November.
Has Britain gone soft on China? A spying fiasco and a new London embassy feed accusations that Sir Keir is a Red softy. Economist
Dutch seizure of chipmaker followed US ultimatum over Chinese chief: Takeover of Nexperia plunges Netherlands into US-China tech war. FT
The world economy in an age of disorder: It is dangerous to have confidence in what lies ahead. Martin Wolf
Inmates make brazen escape in Guatemala: NYT reports: “I’m not going to deny the reality — there’s no good explanation,” the interior minister said of how the 20 inmates had slipped out, perhaps over a period of time.
Bloomberg: Trump says ‘we’re gone’ If Milei loses vote, rattling market
Trump says Argentina bailout depends on Milei’s party winning upcoming elections: WSJ reports the US recently said it purchased Argentine pesos and wrapped up the framework for a $20 billion currency swap with the cash-strapped country’s central bank.
Trump says US won’t benefit from $20 billion bailout for Argentina: WP reports the president explicitly conditioned the relief on the success in this month’s elections of the Argentine leader, who admires and emulates him.
Donald Trump says US support for Argentina is ‘gone’ if Javier Milei suffers election losses: FT reports US president suggests $20bn swap line is contingent on libertarian’s victory in midterm elections.
Bloomberg: Trump says he’d be ‘very upset’ by Chinese military in Argentina
+ President Donald Trump told Argentine President Javier Milei that any Chinese military activity in Argentina wouldn’t be received well in Washington.
+ Trump made the comments during a meeting at the White House where he also said Milei will need to perform well in the nationwide Oct 26 vote to receive a $20 billion currency swap line.
+ Trump's finance chief Scott Bessent clarified that the US financial lifeline to Argentina isn’t predicated on Milei’s government ending its $18 billion accord with China’s central bank.
US strikes another boat it says was trafficking drugs: WSJ reports six killed in the US military’s fifth reported strike on vessels allegedly engaged in smuggling illegal substances from Latin America.
US kills 6 alleged drug smugglers in new strike off Venezuela, Trump says: WP reports the president claimed the six men killed were “narcoterrorists” affiliated with what he said was a designated terrorist organization, though he did not identify the group.
Media including Fox News overwhelmingly reject Pentagon press policy: WP reports the network, generally supportive of the Trump administration, joined ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN in denouncing the Defense Department policy.
Pete Hegseth’s new Pentagon press policy is a miserable failure Nia Prater
Trump is (half) right about his hideous Time Magazine cover Margaret Hartmann
Trump’s ‘flood the zone’ strategy also involves a lot of mopping up: The president’s push to do everything at once has overwhelmed Democrats, the courts, the media—and the White House. Bloomberg
Both parties brace for a 'long conflict' as government shutdown hits two-week mark: NBC News reports for the eighth time, the Senate voted to reject the the House-passed stopgap funding bill amid the fifth-longest shutdown in US history.
NYT: Trump targets Democratic districts by halting billions during shutdown
ICE is cracking down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans are fighting back. NYT
State Department revokes visas over Charlie Kirk comments: WSJ reports the agency says the US ‘has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans.’
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat: Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery, and rape. Politico
Young Republican leaders are really racist in their group chats Matt Stieb
ME-SEN: Gov. Janet Mills (D) entered the Maine Senate race on Tuesday morning, giving Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) a more proven potential challenger even as other Democrats are seeking the nomination.
Collins could face toughest re-election fight yet: WSJ reports Maine’s Democratic Gov. Janet Mills officially launched a bid to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins, in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races.
Is this top Senate recruit too old to run? Some Democrats think so. WP reports Maine Gov. Janet Mills, 77, would be the oldest freshman senator ever. Her Tuesday campaign launch has prompted some criticism and reignited a debate in the party about age.
The rise of the smartphone and the fall of Western democracy Thomas B. Edsall
First Wap, a discreet cyber-surveillance firm tracking journalists, public figures, and corporate executives: Little known to the public, this long-standing player in the surveillance industry has been selling phone-tracking technology for more than 20 years, including to authoritarian regimes. Among its targets: a journalist investigating the Vatican, an Airbus employee, and Hollywood actor Jared Leto. Le Monde
US Army plans to power bases with tiny nuclear reactors: WSJ reports the Janus Program fulfills a Trump order to start powering military installations with state-of-the-art nuclear technology.
Two of the biggest US timberland owners strike deal to combine: WSJ reports Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic plan to combine in an all-stock deal that would create a more than $7 billion company.
GM takes $1.6 billion charge on EV pullback: WSJ reports the automaker cited the end of government-funded subsidies and regulatory mandates as it reduced electric-vehicle manufacturing capacity.
Jeep-maker Stellantis plans $13 billion investment to boost US manufacturing: WSJ reports the automaker says that American production will grow by 50% with 5,000 new jobs at plants across the Midwest.
Social media ban will make us more secretive, say Australian teens: The Times reports as a government campaign seeks to persuade children the ban is for their own good, sceptical young users say it will not teach them navigate the web safely.
Instagram to limit content for teenage users based on PG-13 ratings: WSJ reports the platform will hide certain content from teens, such as strong language and risky stunts.
California plans on protecting minors and preventing self-destructive content by regulating AI: Le Monde reports the legislation, signed on Monday by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, requires platforms to remind users that they are interacting with a chatbot − not a human − and to direct users to emergency services if they express suicidal thoughts.
Reuters: Walmart partners with OpenAI for ChatGPT shopping feature
Soon you’ll be able to shop Walmart in ChatGPT. Here’s why it matters. Retail giant signals that online shopping is about to change. WSJ
How you can make ChatGPT your personal shopper and deal hunter: Artificial intelligence platforms can help with shopping by giving you personalized recommendations and comparing prices. WP
Google said it will spend $15bn over five years to build its largest artificial-intelligence data centre outside America, in India. The hub will boost computing capacity for AI.
China now leads the US in this key part of the AI race: Free artificial intelligence technology released by Chinese tech companies appears to be more powerful and popular than that developed by American rivals. WP
IMF warns burst AI bubble could rival dotcom crash: The Times reports International Monetary Fund says risks to financial stability are elevated, citing ‘stretched’ asset valuations, trade tensions, and levels of government debt.
Bloomberg: Goldman tells staff it will cut more jobs as AI saves costs
The AI future you want depends on these questions: After decades of hype, the AI-powered future long-promised by its champions is coming into focus. When that image resolves, what exactly do you want to see? Bloomberg
Apple is preparing to expand its manufacturing operations in Vietnam as part of a push into the smart home market and an ongoing effort to lessen its dependence on China.
Are we about to enter an age of leisure? Don’t bet on it: Productivity gains won’t necessarily translate into the embrace of free time — especially in America. Sarah O'Connor
In Japan and beyond, space startups are relying more on government cash: Private money takes a step back as profits and exit opportunities underwhelm. Nikkei
Tiny microphones, huge presence: Once a quirky accessory, small external microphones have become ubiquitous in social media videos. NYT
NCAA: Purdue, Houston, Florida lead AP Top 25 men's basketball preseason poll
1. Purdue
2. Houston
3. Florida
4. UConn
5. St. John's
6. Duke
7. Michigan
8. BYU
9. Kentucky
10. Texas Tech
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 14
The highest US tariffs since the 1930s are redrawing the international trade map: America’s trading partners are rushing to seal new trade deals to blunt the hit from Trump’s protectionism. Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Trump, Xi spark another standoff with world economy at risk
+ Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s latest tit-for-tat showdown reached a standoff, with both countries claiming the ball was now in the other’s court.
+ China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing would take its cues from Washington’s next steps, and that China will firmly take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests if the US continues on its wrong course.
+ The US and China are set to hold staff-level meetings, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes the Trump-Xi meeting will still be on, with the question now being which side blinks first.
Trump and Xi still plan to meet this month, Bessent says: FT reports US and Chinese officials will also hold talks this week about escalation in trade tensions.
China snubs US beef in trade war win for Australia's farmers: Nikkei reports combination of increasing exports and higher global prices bolster local sector.
Consequences be damned. China loves its own economic model: Foreign concerns about a deluge of Chinese goods fall on deaf ears in Beijing. Economist
A wargame to take Taiwan, from China’s perspective Jeffrey Michaels + Michael John Williams
AUKUS anxiety: Unmet expectations could fracture the US-Australian alliance. James Curran
Trump touts ‘dawn of new Middle East,’ though much remains uncertain: WP reports President Donald Trump attended a summit on Gaza’s future in Egypt and declared the war in Gaza as “over.” However, uncertainty looms about the peace plan’s next phase.
Fighting flares in Gaza as Donald Trump says “The war is over”: Clashes between Hamas and armed gangs threaten his peace plan. Economist
Questions remain on Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan: DW reports the details of the peace plan that has brought about a Gaza ceasefire are vague — deliberately so, negotiators say. Many questions still remain and the answers have the potential to bring peace, or a return to fighting.
WSJ: Fresh from Mideast victory, Trump sets sights on Ukraine peace
Trump: Now let’s end the Ukraine war: Telegraph reports buoyed by declaration of peace in the Middle East, president turns attention to Russia conflict with Tomahawk missile threat.
Trump to meet Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday: FT reports US president has floated selling long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in bid to end Russia’s invasion.
Behind Russia’s battlefield drone surge in Ukraine? Chinese factories. Chinese sales of fiber-optic cable and lithium-ion batteries to Russian drone makers surged over the summer, underscoring Beijing’s “no limits” ties with Moscow. WP
As Russian aggression turns West, Poland says it’s ready: Warsaw has doubled the size of its military since 2014 and boosted military spending to nearly 5% of GDP. WSJ
Espionage, sabotage, and ghost tanks in the Baltic Sea: Hundreds of tankers, whose owners are hidden behind shell companies, have enabled Russia to sell 60% of its oil. Moscow has been accused of using these ships to damage undersea cables and launch drones. Le Monde
Why Russia may be running out of time in Ukraine Benjamin Hart
German intelligence leaders sound the alarm about Russia, Hamas in public briefing: DW reports the leaders of Germany's two main intelligence services made their annual public statements to the Bundestag on Monday, saying the threats posed by Russia and by the Palestinian militant group Hamas should not be underestimated.
Norway suspects espionage in Nobel Peace Prize winner breach: Bloomberg reports Norwegian officials see cyber espionage as the most likely cause of unusual betting surge on this year’s Nobel Peace Prize recipient ahead of the announcement. The Nobel Institute on Friday began investigating reports that bets at the Polymarket platform spiked hours before it was unveiled that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for fighting for democracy.
As Pakistan battles Afghan Taliban, fears of major war rise: DW reports that both Pakistani forces and the Taliban in Afghanistan are reeling after deadly clashes. Observers warn that border violence could escalate into a full-blown conflict.
Madagascar’s president goes into hiding: NYT reports the move followed weeks of intense and deadly protests against the government of President Andry Rajoelina, who said he would defy growing calls to resign.
The new war on drugs: Bringing tactics from the war on terror to America’s backyard. Economist
Silver futures rose 6.8% Monday to settle at $50.13 a troy ounce, topping the longstanding record of $48.70, set in January 1980 during one of the 20th century’s biggest commodity-trading scandals.
Bloomberg: Average US car prices top a record $50,000 on EV sales surge
Two industries were supposed to drive America’s future. One is booming, the other slumping. The outcome of these trends has huge implications for workers, wealth, and the future of America’s economy. WP
The Hill: Johnson: ‘We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history’
Congress is losing its grip on the power to spend Americans’ money: WP reports Congress is supposed to control spending, but increasingly, the White House is dictating how America’s money is used.
Peace in Trump’s time — except here Maureen Dowd
The Hill: Rove: Trump National Guard deployments ‘going to end up being a loser’
Trump’s intervention in Washington prompts calls for its 18-term House delegate to step down: AP reports even longtime allies say Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s nonvoting delegate in the House, has not risen to the challenge of pushing back against the Trump administration’s intervention into her city. They cite her age, 88, and her diminished demeanor.
AP: North Carolina GOP announce plans to vote on new House map amid nationwide redistricting battle
The populist playbook: Democratic US Senate candidate seeks to replicate Mamdani’s success: Abdul El-Sayed’s bid for Michigan senator centers on bold leftwing populism similar to the NYC mayoral candidate. Guardian
Mamdani seeks to charm New York’s most powerful capitalists: Key power brokers attacked Zohran Mamdani and raised millions for his leading opponent in the Democratic primary. Now, many are talking to him behind the scenes. NYT
LA-SEN: Former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) dashed the dreams of Democrats who hoped he would jump into next year’s US Senate race, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Major media outlets rebuff new Pentagon press policy: WSJ reports the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Journal, and CNN are among outlets that have said they won’t sign a new Defense Department policy.
Prominent news outlets reject Pentagon’s press policy before deadline: WP reports the Washington Post and other major news outlets have refused to sign the Defense Department’s restrictive new media policy, citing First Amendment concerns.
“You could cut the tension with a knife”: Bari Weiss gets to work at CBS: As the Free Press cofounder takes the helm at CBS News, all eyes are on its preeminent newsmagazine—inside and outside the building. Vanity Fair
The Paramount and Warner Bros. assets that would make a media behemoth: A Sprawling array of streaming, cable, and film properties could position a combined company to better compete with media and tech giants. WSJ
Trump allies sold sponsorships to what appeared to be a Treasury event. It wasn’t. Treasury says it didn’t approve marketing pitch for private Oct. 21 event about AI that is to be headlined by Scott Bessent. WSJ
Super PAC aims to drown out AI critics in midterms, with $100M and counting: Leading the Future is pushing to make Congress more AI-friendly. WP
‘The Democrats still may not understand what they're dealing with’: A Silicon Valley chronicler on the increasingly radical politics of Elon Musk, David Sacks, and Mark Zuckerberg. Politico
LAT: Gov. Newsom signs AI safety bill aimed at protecting children from chatbots
+ Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday requiring AI chatbot operators to prevent suicide content, notify minors they’re chatting with machines, and block explicit material.
+ The law mandates that chatbots remind minors every three hours to take breaks and refer users to crisis hotlines, despite tech industry concerns about innovation.
+ A more stringent companion chatbot bill supported by Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and child safety groups await Newsom’s signature or veto by Monday.
California enacts first US law requiring AI chatbot safety measures: AFP reports California governor Gavin Newsom on Monday signed into law a first-of-its-kind law regulating artificial intelligence chatbots, defying a push from the White House to leave such technology unchecked.
Regulating military use of AI is in everyone’s interest: Blanket prohibitions won’t work — but all states should agree on best practices for ethical and legal compliance. Michael C. Horowitz
CNBC: OpenAI’s dominance is unlike anything Silicon Valley has ever seen
+ While every tech cycle features a dominant company or two, OpenAI is a different kind of beast.
+ The company is forging massive partnerships with the likes of Nvidia, Broadcom, Oracle, and AMD to build out infrastructure while continuing to roll out viral consumer services.
+ “It’s the fastest-moving time in startup creation and disruption in my 17 years of investing,” said Ethan Kurzweil, managing partner at venture firm Chemistry.
Ari Emanuel bets AI will boost leisure time with three-day working week: FT reports Hollywood agent raises almost $3bn from investors including Apollo and QIA for venture spanning tennis to car auctions.
Can AI replace junior workers? The effect is still hard to spot in official data. But a study of 300,000 companies suggests where hiring is weakening. Economist
AI is juicing the economy. Is it making American workers more productive? Investment in AI ignites a fire under US economy, but technology hasn’t yet fulfilled promise of making humans work more efficiently. WSJ
OpenAI, Broadcom forge multibillion-dollar chip-development deal: WSJ reports the companies plan to deploy 10 gigawatts of custom AI chips over the next four years.
OpenAI extends chip spending spree with multibillion-dollar Broadcom deal: FT reports the deal could cost up to $500bn on top of start-up’s $1tn pledge for semiconductors and data centres.
Measuring risk in the AI financing boom: A shift towards debt raises the potential fallout from the data centre spending spree. FT-Editorial
Larry Ellison to invest extra £890m in Oxford institute: The Times reports Oracle tycoon commits to extension of the campus at Oxford Science Park and aides say the economic benefit of the project could ultimately be worth billions.
Factory towns revive as defense tech makers arrive: Drawn by local talent, cheap labor, and state cash incentives, start-ups building the weapons of the future are revitalizing manufacturing in once-vibrant industrial towns. NYT
JPMorgan to invest $10 billion in US companies critical to national security: Bank pledges to take stakes in companies such as mineral producers, artificial-intelligence firms, and others. WSJ
JPMorgan backs ‘America First’ push with up to $10bn investment: Chief executive Jamie Dimon says US too dependent on ‘unreliable’ sources of materials ‘essential’ to national security. FT
Western executives who visit China are coming back terrified: Robotics has catapulted Beijing into a dominant position in many industries. Telegraph
How mega batteries are unlocking an energy revolution FT
Detroit’s new skyscraper signals the city’s back, baby: Twelve years in the making, the $1.4 billion Hudson’s project by SHoP Architects is billionaire Dan Gilbert’s bet on a brighter future. FC
How Bike Share went from death’s door to one of Toronto’s fastest-growing ways to travel: How self-cleaning toilets, the pandemic, and bike lanes made Toronto Bike Share a staple of the city — and how Doug Ford’s battle against bike lanes will shape its future. Toronto Star
Variety: Apple TV+ rebrands to Apple TV, ditching the plus sign for ‘vibrant new identity’
FC: There will be 500,000 seasonal hires this holiday season. Half of them will work for Amazon
Nobel economics prize awarded to trio for work on innovation-driven growth: Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt deepened understanding of pickup in economic growth over the past two centuries. WSJ
Nobel economics prize recognizes creative destruction in innovation, growth: The prize was split between economists at Northwestern University, Brown University, and Collège de France. WP
Nobel economist warns of AI dangers: A winner of this year’s Nobel prize in economics warned Monday that artificial intelligence offers "amazing possibilities" but should be regulated because of its job-destroying potential. AFP
How life became an endless, terrible competition: Meritocracy prizes achievement above all else, making everyone—even the rich—miserable. Maybe there’s a way out. Daniel Markovits
Chloé Zhao on why Hollywood is ‘not very good at preserving the language of ambiguity’ and how neurodivergence is her ‘superpower’ in filmmaking Variety
Taylor Swift’s new album smashes sales records in first week: FT reports success of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ unprecedented in era of declining music purchases.
Ancelotti ready to make World Cup history with Brazil: AFP reports no country has ever won the World Cup with a foreign-born coach, but Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that there was "always a first time" as he eyes glory with Brazil. The Italian became Brazil's first overseas coach in six decades when he took over in Ma,y and he helped the five-times champions punch their ticket for next summer's World Cup.
Canada’s blueprint for capitalizing on the men’s World Cup: A ‘one-stop shop’ for soccer Athletic
Historic World Cup qualification for Cape Verde islanders: AFP reports Cape Verde beat Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, booking their place in football's global showpiece for the very first time.
Senator cautions Big Ten presidents about private capital as conference moves closer to deal: Athletic reports as Big Ten schools moved closer to a decision on whether to accept a more than $2 billion investment deal, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) sent a letter to the league’s university presidents Friday, stressing concerns and urging caution about getting involved with private capital.
How Indiana—Indiana!—became America’s college football and NFL paradise: The Colts stay hot as the unbeaten Hoosiers blast Oregon on the road and soar to a historic No. 3. An improving Notre Dame lurks. Jason Gay
AFP: NFL Titans fire Callahan as coach after 1-5 start
The NBA’s return to China is no slam dunk: The NBA's re-entry into China is complicated by the country's politically fraught landscape, including the trade war between Washington and Beijing, and the risk of becoming a "political football" on sensitive subjects. Juliana Liu
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal