The world economy shrugs off both the trade war and AI fears: Can anything bring it down? Economist
AP: China accuses US of cyberattack on national time center
The Register: China blames US for cyber break-in, claims America is world's biggest bit burglar
+ 'US is … the greatest source of chaos in cyberspace'
CNBC: AWS outage: Company working to restore service as users report a resurgence in issues
+ Amazon Web Services, which suffered a major outage early Monday, is the leading provider of cloud infrastructure technology, accounting for about a third of the market.
+ Downdetector showed user reports of problems at sites including Amazon, Snapchat, Disney+, Reddit and Canva.
+ Amazon said in an afternoon update that it was working to fully restore service “as quickly as possible.”
Guardian: Amazon Web Services outage shows internet users ‘at mercy’ of too few providers, experts say
+ Crash that hit apps and websites around world demonstrates ‘urgent need for diversification in cloud computing’
CNN: Amazon says systems are back online after global internet outage
The day Amazon broke the internet for millions of Americans: WSJ reports the prolonged outage offered a reminder of the fragility of global internet connectivity and Amazon’s role underpinning much of online infrastructure.
Bloomberg: Trump expects Taiwan on agenda for Xi meet, predicts trade deal
Trump affirms support for nuclear sub deal: Politico reports Australia and the UK have feared for months that the US would pull out of the AUKUS pact.
Trump touts deal with Australia on rare earths ahead of Xi meeting: WP reports the White House has criticized China’s efforts to limit access to materials and minerals needed for manufacturing.
+ America and Australia agreed to invest $3bn in critical-minerals projects over the next six months, in a bid to advance “self-reliance” in processing such materials.
+ “In about a year from now, we’ll have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you won’t know what to do with them,” Trump said.
US and Australia strike critical minerals deal as Trump backs AUKUS: Nikkei reports president says submarine partnership is 'all set' and advancing 'very rapidly.'
A rare earths alternative to China? Australia eyes timely pitch to Trump: China’s escalating curbs on the critical minerals has given Australia, a longstanding US ally, the opportunity to reposition itself to a transactional president. WP
America’s rare earth delusion: China’s critical minerals chokepoint has been hiding in plain sight for decades. Rana Foroohar
China rare-earth magnet exports to US tumble 30%: Nikkei reports the drop last month amid overall rise in global shipments suggests bid for leverage amid trade rift.
How China took over the world’s rare-earths industry: Beijing used bare-knuckle tactics in multidecade effort to consolidate control over supplies. WSJ
Why the China doves are wrong: American business leaders cozying up to Beijing refuse to see that the Communist Party wants us to fail. Shyam Sankar
Texas crackdown on China casts shadow over immigrants and descendants: Efforts to curb Beijing's influence rattle residents, academics and investors. Nikkei
The toxic tragedy of US-China trade talks: The sides lack seasoned interlocutors and it shows. Economist
China is well positioned for a trade showdown with Trump: Rare earths are not the only Chinese product that America would struggle to replace. Gideon Rachman
China is testing American resolve in the trade war: Both sides view the confrontation through a lens of mistrust and containment, with China playing the long game and the US considering marshaling allies to counter China's strategy. Karishma Vaswani
Who’s in, who’s out? Xi’s party meets under shadow of purges: The supposed reappearance in China of the former ‘wolf warrior’ foreign minister Qin Gang has raised speculation he might be about to be fully rehabilitated. The Times
China faces nationalist backlash as it turns to migration for growth: Telegraph reports unemployed youth accuse Beijing of ‘repeating the West’s mistakes’ with plan to attract skilled workers.
China’s economy expands at slowest pace in a year: WSJ reports Beijing said economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter, a deceleration that nonetheless keeps it on track to hit its official annual target.
A troubled $140 billion bet on China property gets even worse: Many foreign investors are stuck with real estate assets that are increasingly difficult to sell. Bloomberg
There is an alarm flashing at the heart of the US economy: Investors nervously await outcome of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s expected meeting. Telegraph
Israel strikes Gaza and temporarily halts aid, saying Hamas broke truce: NYT reports Israel launched a wave of attacks on Gaza after accusing Palestinian militants of attacking its forces across cease-fire lines. Both sides say they are still committed to the truce.
Bloomberg: Trump vows to ‘eradicate’ Hamas as fragile Gaza truce resumes
Reuters: US steps up diplomacy after Gaza truce shaken
US ramps up diplomacy around Gaza ceasefire; Vance travels to Israel: WP reports Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s trip was planned in advance of Israeli strikes across Gaza, launched after two Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah.
White House works to preserve Gaza deal amid concerns about Netanyahu: NYT reports the Trump administration strategy is to try to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel from resuming an all-out assault against Hamas, US officials said.
Today: Vice President JD Vance will visit Israel.
This weekend’s violence in Gaza shows how fragile the cease-fire really is: NYT reports a round of violence on Sunday was short-lived, but analysts expect more tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants that will put the truce under strain.
Reuters: Zelenskiy paints meeting with Trump as a success, touts new Patriot systems
Bloomberg: Zelenskiy slams Budapest as Putin summit venue but says he would go
Russia and Ukraine are no closer to cease-fire after Trump’s pressure on Zelensky: WSJ reports the US president wants swift end to conflict, but both sides are digging in over the region in Ukraine’s east.
Trump told Zelenskyy he’d try to end the war ‘on the current line’ in difficult White House meeting: Politico reports Ukraine’s leader left Washington without a promise of Tomahawk missiles from his US counterpart, but insiders blamed poor timing given events in the Middle East.
In tense meeting, Trump told Zelensky to concede land, meet Putin’s demands: WP reports following the trip to Washington, Zelensky has set up a series of calls and meetings with his main European backers.
Trump keeps getting played by Putin. Will Budapest be different? A Russia-Ukraine ceasefire might be possible if only Trump would apply more pressure on Putin. Max Boot
Putin is facing his Waterloo: Bondarchuk’s epic revels in Soviet savagery. Aris Roussinos
EU pushes back on Trump’s demand Ukraine cede territory to Putin: Politico reports the top diplomat Kaja Kallas said EU countries should stand behind the principle of territorial integrity for Ukraine.
Europe can rearm in 5 years to deter Russia, Finnish president says: The Times reports Alexander Stubb has emerged as one of the European leaders with the strongest relationships with President Trump, whom he claims is 100 per cent committed to NATO.
EU agrees to stop importing Russian gas by end of 2027: Le Monde reports the plan announced on Monday is part of a broader EU strategy to wean the bloc off Russian energy supplies.
Berlin to buy more jets from US, media say: DW reports the defense minister wants to order 15 US F-35 fighter jets at a cost of some €2.5 billion, a report says. The populist AfD would like to make Donald Trump an honorary citizen of a southwestern district.
Britain to host Vietnam’s top leader in state visit: Politico reports the two-day visit, starting Oct. 29, is expected to include meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III.
Britain needs reliable and affordable energy to achieve its growth ambitions: As US ambassador to the UK, this is what the nation must do to attract investment. Warren A. Stephens
Nigel Farage on the rise: The man who would replace Britain’s Conservative Party holds forth on immigration, social unrest, the “mum vote,” and what’s “far right” these days. Chronicles
Macron hosted Sarkozy four days before start of incarceration: Le Monde reports Sarkozy is to be jailed Tuesday over a scheme to acquire Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential run, for which he was convicted of criminal conspiracy.
France puts a former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, behind bars: Economist reports the first French ex-head of state to be jailed since Marshal Pétain.
Canada is launching a new financial crimes agency and making changes to banking laws to clamp down on online fraud and other scams.
Canada tells pension funds to invest at home in age of ‘economic nationalism’: Industry minister wants financial institutions to help cut country’s economic dependence on the US. FT
+ Mark Carney’s government is trying to foster economic nationalism at home to navigate Donald Trump’s trade wars.
Stellantis president summoned to Ottawa over plans to send 3,000 Brampton jobs to the US: Toronto Star reports that Industry Minister Mélanie Joly "summoned" Jeff Hines to discuss next steps for the company, according to one source.
After an ICE raid in rural Georgia, Hyundai keeps betting on America NYT
After Bolivia, will more Latin America nations move towards Trump? Rodrigo Paz’s stunning victory in Sunday’s presidential election — overturning two decades of socialist rule — points to a sea change in the continent’s relationship with the US. The Times
Bolivia's president-elect says will resume ties with US after nearly two decades: AFP reports Bolivia's new center-right president-elect said Monday he would seek to reinstate diplomatic ties with the United States that were broken off nearly two decades ago under leftist ex-leader Evo Morales.
Colombia’s leader accuses US of murder, prompting Trump to halt aid: NYT reports President Gustavo Petro said a US strike in the Caribbean had killed a fisherman. President Trump said he would cut aid and impose new tariffs on Colombian imports.
Colombia has recalled its ambassador to Washington after Trump threatened to increase tariffs on the country and called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader.”
Argentina's central bank and the US Treasury signed a currency swap line for $20 billion, a vote of confidence for President Javier Milei ahead of a crucial midterm election.
BAT: Argentina's government formalises US$20-billion currency swap deal with United States
+ Milei requires a good election result to justify a second swap.
Argentine peso weakens to fresh low despite US interventions: FT reports currency gains sparked by estimated $400mn of US purchases melt away ahead of election for president Javier Milei.
US banks are hunting for collateral to back $20 billion Argentina bailout: WSJ reports banks are looking for assets or guarantees from the US that would back a private-sector loan to support Argentine President Javier Milei.
AP: Trump suggests US will buy Argentine beef to bring down prices for American consumers
Trump Argentina beef plan risks rancher ire, little price relief: BAT reports Donald Trump vowed to boost beef imports from Argentina, but this may bring little relief to consumers – and risk angering US ranchers.
Argentina CEOs strive to surf Milei volatility at annual retreat: Upcoming national election and volatility in financial markets dominates conversation at annual gathering in Mar del Plata. BAT
Officials, locals undercut Trump claims about Venezuela drug boats: WP reports Trump says the US is blowing up boats carrying deadly fentanyl to the United States. US and other officials say the route under attack carries cocaine and marijuana to Europe and Africa.
CNN: US releasing survivors of strike on suspected drug vessel to their home countries
Yankees come home: Exactly 20 years ago next month, Washington silently retreated from the region. Now it’s coming back, in full swing. Marcelo J. García
Today is Day 21 of the government shutdown: There’s no resolution in sight to the crisis.
+ This is now the third-longest government shutdown in US history.
+ Small business loans have stalled, as have loans to farmers, with US Department of Agriculture offices closed nationwide.
+ Trump — mostly checked out during the standoff — leaves Friday for Asia after spending the weekend in Palm Beach.
CNBC: White House economic advisor Hassett says shutdown could end this week
Trump administration hunts for ways to pay air traffic controllers: Politico reports controllers received partial pay last week and may receive no pay next week.
+ Since July 4, the House of Representatives has conducted just 20 days of business in the last 16 weeks.
Speaker Johnson continues to resist swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Grijalva: ABC News reports Johnson has maintained that he is "following the Pelosi precedent."
‘We’re going to have a vote’ on member stock trading, key GOP hard-liner says: Politico reports Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) said there’s still bipartisan interest in forcing a floor vote on congressional trading.
Reuters: US appeals court lets Trump send troops to Portland
The power struggle over who will run NASA is turning ugly: WSJ reports Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been steering space agency on interim basis, but Trump’s former nominee Jared Isaacman is interested in the role.
NASA wants companies to compete with SpaceX over a contract to put astronauts on the moon due to delays with Elon Musk's Starship spacecraft.
White House begins demolishing East Wing facade to build Trump’s ballroom: WP reports the president had claimed construction of the $250 million ballroom wouldn’t ‘interfere’ with the existing White House structure.
Part of White House is reduced to rubble. Trump’s ballroom will rise in its place. NYT reports the president had pledged that construction wouldn’t “interfere with the current building,” a promise that always seemed unrealistic given the grand scale of the plans.
Trump is literally demolishing the White House NY Mag
Trump nominee says he has a ‘Nazi streak,’ bashes MLK Jr. Day, according to texts: Politico reports Paul Ingrassia’s bid to lead a whistleblower agency is set for a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday.
I worked for Biden. Here’s the gold in Trump’s foreign policy. The president leverages America’s power well and ignores domestic criticism. Ned Price
Will Trump do it? It pays to bet ‘no’: Polymarket data shows wagers against Trump taking action would have yielded returns similar to the S&P 500. And gambling that he'll actually follow through was a losing proposition. Bloomberg
‘If you can’t beat them, join them’: Why politicians everywhere are emulating Donald Trump: Analysts say the key to the president’s enormous following is his ‘unlikeable character.’ Telegraph
Mamdani maintains wide lead in New York City: A new AARP/Gotham Polling survey finds Zohran Mamdani leading the New York City mayoral race with 43%, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 29% and Curtis Sliwa at 19%.
Disney+ cancellations jump after Kimmel suspension: NYT reports roughly three million Americans canceled the streaming service in the month that it temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show. About 4.1 million people canceled Disney-owned Hulu.
Lower-income Americans are missing car payments: NYT reports inflation and a tough job market are making it harder for some people to pay back the car loans they signed in better times.
Americans can’t afford their cars any more and Wall Street is worried: Telegraph reports Goldman Sachs’ president warns ‘it’s not going to be pretty’ as default fears mount.
How Americans are feeling about their chances on the job market, according to an AP-NORC poll: Americans are growing increasingly concerned about their ability to find a good job under President Donald Trump, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds, in what is a potential warning sign for Republicans as a promised economic boom has given way to hiring freezes and elevated inflation.
+ Some 47% of US adults are “not very” or “not at all confident” they could find a good job if they wanted to, an increase from 37% when the question was last asked in October 2023.
The warning signs lurking below the surface of a record market: WSJ reports utilities, healthcare, and consumer staples are leading the S&P 500 this month.
Oura Health Oy plans to launch a Blood Pressure Profile study to detect early signs of hypertension without displaying actual systolic or diastolic readings.
Vision restored in blind patients with revolutionary microchip: The Times reports a tiny retinal implant connected to smart glasses allows patients who had completely lost their central sight to see again.
Blindness cured with ‘revolutionary’ bionic chip: Telegraph reports an electronic implant restores sight to patients with age-related condition, heralding ‘new era’ for artificial vision.
Apple stock hits new record on report of strong iPhone sales: WSJ reports early sales of the new iPhone 17 are outpacing last year’s launch of the iPhone 16 in US and China, a research firm says.
Crypto miners riding the AI wave are leaving Bitcoin behind: Bloomberg reports shares of the large-scale computing outfits that make Bitcoin work are once again outperforming the original cryptocurrency, as more pivot to hybrid models built around artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
How to avoid being hurt when the AI bubble bursts Merryn Somerset Webb
Claude enters the lab: Anthropic bets big on life sciences: FT reports AI group tailoring its chatbot to integrate with biomedical databases and coding tools.
How Sam Altman tied tech’s biggest players to OpenAI: The CEO’s dealmaking blitz has convinced Silicon Valley’s giants to tether their fates to his company, essentially making it too big to fail. WSJ
Suno, a startup that generates music using artificial intelligence, is in talks to raise over $100 million at a valuation of more than $2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, quadruple its previous valuation.
G+M: Sora’s uncanny AI makes it difficult to distinguish real from fake
AI data centers Create fury from Mexico to Ireland NYT
BC proposes industrial electricity rules putting resource development before AI, data centres G+M
Canadian province moves to limit AI power use, ban crypto mining: Bloomberg reports British Columbia proposed legislation to limit how much electricity will be available to artificial intelligence data centers, and moved to permanently ban new cryptocurrency mining projects. The government of Canada’s third-most populous province will prioritize connections to its power grid for other purposes like mines and natural gas facilities because they provide more jobs and revenue for people in BC, the energy ministry said Monday.
America’s most successful restaurant chain feeds a dumpling frenzy: WSJ reports Din Tai Fung’s large restaurants, rapid service and hand-folded soup dumplings make it chain with highest average sales in US.
Despite abstemious Gen Zs, the booze industry is going strong: It’s too soon to declare the death of drinking. Economist
Southwest unveils a new cabin design. It’s all blue and some seats have more legroom. NYT reports the redesign features German-made seats, space for premium customers and USB charging ports. The move is part of the company’s plan to offer more upscale options.
Kering sells beauty branch to L'Oréal, refocusing on fashion: Le Monde reports Kering, the luxury company owned by the Pinault family, sold Kering Beauté, which notably includes Creed perfumes, to the cosmetics giant L'Oréal for €4 billion, and has promised to hand over the Gucci license in 2028.
Women-focused resorts are the next big thing in wellness: And Canyon Ranch is paving the way with a new Austin location. Bloomberg
Louvre heist leaves France asking how it could have happened: Sky-high visitor numbers and dwindling funds for revamps may have made the landmark museum unexpectedly vulnerable. WSJ
Spectacular Louvre heist highlights security flaws at world's largest museum: Empress Eugénie's 2,000-diamond tiara and the necklace from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, made up of eight sapphires and 631 diamonds, were among the items stolen by a gang of four thieves who entered through a window. Le Monde
How the Louvre museum heist unfolded: A timeline of how the thieves broke into the Parisian gallery and made off with French crown jewels. Plus, what was stolen in the daylight robbery. The Times
Why steal from the Louvre? It may have more to do with stones than art. Sunday’s robbery at the Paris museum could be the latest example of thieves targeting museums for jewels and precious metals to break down and sell on. NYT
Louvre heist: Where might the loot end up? The heist at the Louvre in Paris has shocked the art world, though such spectacular thefts have a long tradition. What drives the perpetrators, and where might the loot end up? DW
The murky underworld where the Louvre thieves hope to hawk their stolen jewels: A multibillion-dollar global black market deals in gold, diamonds and other precious metals and jewels stolen from museums and private collections. WSJ
Sky News: Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will not be able to buy tickets to Aston Villa match next month, Israeli club says
AFP: US confirms Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica as co-hosts for 2031 Women's World Cup bid
Vanderbilt is a top 10 college football team. You can believe it, because it’s true. The famously woebegone, now-revived Commodores beat LSU to soar to the program’s highest ranking since 1947. Jason Gay
The Southeastern Conference is eating itself alive: The college football league that boasts that it’s the deepest and toughest in the country is rapidly running out of unbeaten teams. WSJ
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 20
‘Great Power Diplomacy’ review: Making friends and allies: International diplomacy in recent years has had the same unilateral thrust as imposing policies by military force. WSJ
Moscow's mix of relief and renewed charm toward Washington: Since Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Thursday and agreed to meet soon in Budapest, the prevailing sentiment has been that the White House is once again opening its doors to the Kremlin. Le Monde
Tomahawk diplomacy: How Putin outmanoeuvred Zelensky: Trump may be bolstered by his success in the Middle East, but the Donbas is not Gaza, and the Russian president has cards still left to play. Mark Galeotti
Trump urged Zelenskyy to accept Putin’s terms or be ‘destroyed’ by Russia: US president tossed aside maps of Ukraine frontline in volatile White House meeting. FT
Bloomberg: Zelenskiy wants Ukraine war to be frozen before peace talks
‘Let them both claim victory’: Donald Trump has boasted that the Ukraine war would be easy to solve. It didn’t look that way today. Jonathan Lemire
Europe is answering Putin’s challenge: Members of the NATO alliance are showing real grit—and, for now, the US is with them. Shane Harris
Polish civilians arm themselves in case of Russian invasion: The Times reports children learn guerrilla warfare tactics while ‘preppers’ are stepping up in the face of growing threats from the Kremlin.
China is already winning the trade war America wanted: Trump's “grand bargain” won’t happen at a time when tariffs and export controls have become combat by other means. Hal Brands
China is growling. Bravado won’t stop it. The art of the deal is no substitute for strategy. Fareed Zakaria
Here’s how Trump can hit China’s economy where it really hurts as analysts say Beijing’s rare earths gamble could backfire Jason Ma
Trump and Xi’s trade dance will end in deal for both US and China: The US president managed to reignite the trade row with China while achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, but both he and Xi Jinping will have firepower when they meet. Irwin Stelzer
US-China ties – never mind the trade deal, there are more important issues to resolve: It is better for long-term peace and security that the two superpowers not have an agreement just for the sake of doing so. Han Fook Kwang
The auto industry is panicking about another potential chip shortage: WSJ reports the Chinese-owned chip maker Nexperia has told suppliers it won’t ship product after Dutch government took control of company.
Apple, caught between US and China, pledges investment in both: In Beijing this week, the company’s chief executive, Tim Cook, made promises similar to ones he’d made at the White House. He also got a custom Labubu. NYT
What Germany can teach Britain about China’s spy threat: Berlin once had a tendency to overlook the ‘dark side’ of closer economic ties to Beijing, but federal prosecutors have begun to crack down. The Times
Spy suspect was stopped with cash in suitcase on return from China: Christopher Berry, who had landed at Heathrow, is believed to have been given the money by his Chinese intelligence handler known only as “Alex.” The Times
China’s chilling stolen data plot for everyone in Britain: Beijing’s ‘harvest now/decrypt later’ strategy means even encrypted personal information could be cracked within months. The Times
Southeast Asia has made the right moves in dealing with Trump: ASEAN countries have made wise strategic choices that helped build political goodwill in Washington. Hasan Jafri
Nepal’s Gen Z protest was just the beginning of the real political struggle: Understanding what Sri Lanka and Bangladesh did after they forced out political leaders could be crucial for Nepal. Rishi Gupta
Gen Z is the new force in global politics: The Madagascar protests highlight the powers and flaws of youth seeking a quick fix. FT-Editorial
Peru's new president takes on ‘Generation Z’ unrest: FT reports José Jerí wants to convince an angry public he can fight crime — and last longer than his predecessors.
The Taliban’s visit to India marks a turning point for South Asia: The Taliban stand to gain economically through engagement with India. But what’s in it for India? Nirmal Ghosh
South Africa intends to revive a controversial modular nuclear reactor program and step up its reliance on gas to generate electricity, according to a new energy-policy blueprint unveiled by the nation’s electricity and energy minister.
The UK Green Party claims it is now the third largest in the country, after reporting a jump in its membership numbers. The Greens have 126,000 members, up nearly 80% since new leader Zack Polanski was elected last month.
Reform’s new ‘kingmaker’: The theologian friend of JD Vance: Cambridge University’s James Orr tasked with giving Farage’s party a lift by acquiring new talent. Telegraph
Inside John Swinney’s plan to bore his way to election victory: The first minister is leading an SNP that is the most united it has been for years, but a lack of policy ambition could undermine voter support. The Times
London became a global hub for phone theft. Now we know why. About 80,000 phones were stolen in the British capital last year. The police are finally discovering where many of them went. NYT
Denmark's postal service is dumping letter delivery. Could Canada? Denmark's mail volume has declined 90 per cent over the past two decades. CBC
Trump had to choose between Israel and Qatar. He chose Qatar: Gaza’s future hangs in the balance. But while a fragile ceasefire holds, it looks like Israel has lost influence over the peace process, writes Lawrence Freedman. FT
Quebec's Saint Lawrence River hits record low amid drought: Le Monde reports after an exceptionally warm and dry fall, the Saint Lawrence River – a vital economic corridor in Canada – has reached abnormally low levels in Quebec. In an unprecedented measure, the gates of the Lake Ontario dam were opened on Friday to come to its rescue and replenish its waters.
CNA: Trump calls Colombian president 'a drug leader', vows end to payments
Donald Trump aims to topple Venezuela’s leader with military build-up: Objective of US mission has shifted from fighting drug traffickers to regime change. FT
War on drugs or regime change? Trump’s gamble over Venezuela: US strikes on drug traffickers play well at home but the threats to topple Nicolás Maduro are a response to Beijing’s fast-growing influence in Latin America. Katy Balls
What won’t Congress let Trump get away with? The president’s Caribbean boat strikes are setting a dangerous new precedent. Conor Friedersdorf
The traffickers are winning the war on drugs: New decentralised networks are even harder to disrupt than the hierarchical gangs they have replaced. Economist
Trump and the return of Great Man theory: The president vindicates an unfashionable view of how history works. Janan Ganesh
Trump presents himself as war leader of a domestic conflict: The US specialist revisits the long history of far-right rhetoric about the 'enemy within.' According to Burtin, President Trump has turned this narrative into a genuine mode of governance, one capable of justifying authoritarian policies and increasing militarization, to the point of redefining American territory as a battlefield. Olivier Burtin
What powers does the Border Patrol have across the country? The Trump administration is increasingly relying on the agency for immigration enforcement within the US. NYT
The curious market timing of Trump’s tariff threats: Donald Trump may know the art of dealmaking, but he certainly doesn’t know the art of stock market timing. Shuli Ren
Former US trade chief Robert Lighthizer: ‘Economists have been wrong on everything!’ The architect of Trump’s first-term tariff policy on the end of free trade, swapping the White House for Wall Street — and why he considers the president ‘the most honest person.’ FT
It’s 2025, and Democrats are still running against Trump: In New Jersey, Virginia and beyond, voters have been inundated with ads linking Republican candidates to the president. Some Democratic strategists see a missed opportunity to forge a more positive message. NYT
Utahns are fighting for fair maps: While other states race to enact partisan gerrymanders. Economist
Inside the Republican network behind big soda’s bid to pit MAGA against MAHA: A Guardian investigation finds the US soda and snack-food industries, threatened by RFK Jr’s movement to change Americans’ eating habits, have turned to a group of well-connected strategists, shadowy pollsters and ‘anti-woke’ influencers. Guardian
Fraidy-cat at the Pentagon Maureen Dowd
Donald Trump’s dream palace of puffery: The Pentagon’s ban on real journalism looks to be a preview of where the White House is headed. Susan B. Glasser
Disconnected by design: Democracy broke when reality became a partisan choice. The right manufactured fiction; the left courted rich donors and lost the working class. Fixing America demands rebuilding reality and proving to ordinary people that their voices matter. Kirk Cheyfitz + Brian Komar
TED gets new bosses and changes direction: The event organiser heads into ed tech. Economist
First comes Dimon’s new tower. Next up, a JPMorgan neighborhood: Inside America’s biggest city, its biggest bank has been piecing together a multi-block campus. Bloomberg
The stage is set for luxury’s long-awaited revival: After months of sluggish demand, early signs point to a turnaround in the luxury market — with LVMH poised to lead fashion’s next upswing. CNA
The silver bullet fallacy: The idea that a lot of problems are difficult to fully solve doesn’t mean we should stop trying. Tim Harford
One of the world's biggest AI companies wants a deal with Canada. Is sovereignty the trade-off? Company needs energy to power massive centres to store AI data. CBC
AI-related data centres use vast amounts of water. But gauging how much is a murky business: As tech companies spend billions on data centres, citizens around the world are starting to push back. CBC
Fears over higher rates as Georgia moves to provide more electricity for AI datacenters: Guardian reports the state’s Republican-led public service commission to decide on power expansion and prices, as Democrats vie for voice.
AI has a cargo cult problem: Spending vast sums and inflating an investment bubble is no guarantee of unleashing technological magic. Gillian Tett
AI is killing the magic: Not knowing whether art originated in someone’s heart or a data centre is a major enjoyment-killer. Jemima Kelly
Are large language models the problem, not the solution? Why smaller may be better when it comes to AI. FC
How well founded are fears of a dotcom-style AI bubble? The IMF and Bank of England have warned of a looming ‘correction’ but there are reasons to think artificial intelligence is about to start turning a profit. Tom Calver
I know the real reasons behind fears of a dotcom-style AI bubble: Central bankers are duty bound to compile dusty reports — and self-publicising bankers (and columnists) like to look clever. But should we really be worried? Simon French
The end of the old Instagram: Efforts to make social media safe for teenagers are starting to get a little weird. Kaitlyn Tiffany
Smart glasses shouldn’t be the next smartphones: Tech giants are trying to convince us that a screen glued to our eyes is liberation, not intrusion. Catherine Thorbecke
What it’s really like working in China’s brutal gig economy: Hu Anyan held 19 jobs in six Chinese cities after he graduated — in I Deliver Parcels in Beijing he exposes a system of relentless grind, where it’s near impossible to make a living. The Times
Enter the season of the witch - We’re all nasty women now: In an unusual turn at the UK premiere of Hamnet last weekend, the audience were invited to take part in a “little ritual” by the film’s director Chloé Zhao. For a short, quite uncomfortable few minutes, I took part in a breathing exercise “to honour the presence that you graciously chose to share with us.” Jo Ellison
What’s so great about ‘Slow Horses’? This scene says it all. The British spy show owes its sarcasm and wit to Mick Herron’s novels. Our critic AO Scott breaks down a few sentences from Herron’s latest, “Clown Town.” NYT
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 17
Trump says he will meet with Putin in Budapest to discuss end to Ukraine war: WSJ reports a phone conversation between the two leaders took place a day before Trump is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Trump, Putin will meet in Budapest to discuss end to war in Ukraine: WP reports President Donald Trump is seeking another diplomatic breakthrough after brokering a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The US leader will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office on Friday.
Trump to meet Putin in Budapest for second Ukraine summit this year: The Times reports the announcement comes before President Zelensky of Ukraine visits the White House on Friday to ask the US for Tomahawk missiles.
Russia’s succession fear: ‘All our dictators quit by 80. Putin is 73’: Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who lives in exile and is accused of plotting a coup, says paranoia is growing in Moscow about the transfer of power. The Times
Russia is arming drones with North Korean cluster weapons, report says: NYT reports though Pyongyang has largely pulled its soldiers off the front lines in Ukraine, it is expanding the types of ammunition it supplies to Russia.
Russia’s weakness is Trump’s opportunity: The president leveraged Netanyahu’s vulnerability to secure a cease-fire. He can similarly pressure Putin. Rahm Emanuel
Putin bluffed Biden. It won’t work on Trump. The only way to bring to peace to Ukraine is to increase the cost of war to Russia. Marc Thiessen
Trump’s Gaza lessons for Ukraine: Putin won’t negotiate until he pays a higher price for waging war. WSJ-Editorial
Militias and mafias — how Gaza has unravelled since the ceasefire: The Times reports that after Israel’s withdrawal, Hamas is killing rivals and reasserting control as fear, hunger, and lawlessness grip the territory. Some fear civil war is next.
Pick-up trucks and public executions: Hamas emerges from Gaza’s ruins: FT reports show of strength attempts to send message to both Palestinians and truce mediators that group remains in control.
A day of somber ceremony in Israel, with a fragile cease-fire holding: NYT reports ceremonies took place on Thursday to commemorate two years since the surprise attack of Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israel.
Israel is in a rare position: Strong and isolated: While two years of war have left Israel in a position of military dominance, the country's image has collapsed as never before among its friends and traditional allies. Alain Frachon
What does China want? It’s too soon to tell: Whether playing from a position of strength or weakness, Beijing’s timing is excellent. John Authers
Bloomberg: Xi rare earth shock gives Trump chance to win over US allies
The Chinese spy scandal that is rocking Britain’s government: When a British parliamentary researcher was arrested for allegedly spying for China, security officials expected a slam-dunk case. Instead, the trial collapsed. WSJ
Cai Qi: Xi Jinping’s right-hand man drawn into UK’s China spy drama: Political veteran mentioned in collapsed prosecution of two British men over espionage allegations. FT
‘You’re in spy territory now’: How the China case unfolded: Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry were accused of providing an inside track on British ministers — and their views on Beijing — according to the government’s witness statement. The Times
I spy mixed messages and muddle on China: National security concerns clash with demands of trade, making the government’s approach to Beijng wildly inconsistent. Patrick Maguire
MI5 thwarted another China spy threat this week, chief reveals: The Times reports Sir Ken McCallum says he is frustrated by the collapse of the spy trial as he vowed to ‘never back off’ from the challenge posed by Beijing.
MI5 chief says China a continual threat: The Times reports Sir Ken McCallum discloses that a new espionage threat from Beijing was intercepted in the past week.
Finally, Japan is standing up for itself: Japan is spending more on defense. Trump’s pressure helped. WP-Editorial
EU exports to US drop sharply: WSJ reports exports to the US fell 26% on month in August and 22% on year.
IKEA boosts US production as Trump hits furniture makers with hefty tariffs: FT reports the flat-pack group moves to increase domestic sourcing as it faces tariffs of up to 50% on wood products.
Revealed: Group 78, the secret US task force fighting cybercriminals: When the FBI presented 'Group 78' to European counterparts in November 2024, some officials were shocked. They expressed particular concerns about the integrity of their investigations. Le Monde
French PM survives no-confidence vote by 18 votes: Le Monde reports most Socialists did not vote to bring down the government after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised to suspend the pension reform and not to use Article 49.3 to push the budget through.
Sweden defends its 'snus' through thick and thin: Le Monde reports in the Scandinavian country, the use of nicotine pouches has surged, yet any form of regulation remains off the table. Lobbyists have presented snus as a risk-free alternative to cigarettes, while political leaders defend it as an integral part of the Swedish lifestyle.
Uruguay passes law to legalize euthanasia: Le Monde reports after a decade-long debate, Uruguay's Senate approved a 'Dignified Death' law, making the country one of the first in Latin America to legalize assisted suicide.
Bloomberg: Peru’s new President Jerí faces left-wing push to oust him
US Special operations helicopters near Venezuela expand Caribbean mission: WP reports the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment appears to have flown within 90 miles of Venezuela, according to a Post visual analysis. Trump has authorized CIA covert action inside the country.
US B-52s and helicopters fly near Venezuela in show of threats: NYT reports the Trump administration is sharply increasing US military pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro.
America doubles down on Javier Milei: But there’s a catch. Economist
Bloomberg: Argentines dump the peso, betting US rescue is doomed to fail
+ Argentines are convinced that a flood of cash from the US won’t be able to stop another painful devaluation of the peso.
+ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved to prevent a devaluation by stepping in to buy the currency and talking it up as “undervalued”.
+ Residents are continuing to dump the peso, betting it’s virtually assured that President Javier Milei will need to let it tumble after the Oct. 26 legislative elections.
US and Canada weigh revival of ‘zombie’ Keystone XL pipeline in trade talks: FT reports controversial project to ship heavy crude to Texas coast was killed by Biden administration on environmental grounds.
‘I’ll have Eric call’: Trump sets up son’s meeting with Indonesian president: WSJ reports a hot-mic moment suggests blurry line between US president’s roles as political leader and businessman.
How the Trump companies made $1bn from crypto: The president and his family have built a rapidly growing digital assets empire which has been fuelled by the administration’s industry-friendly policies. FT
The impossible politics that mean the shutdown is set to drag on: Democrats and Republicans both feel they have the upper hand; Trump hasn’t signaled what deal he would support. WSJ
This shutdown is different — and shows signs of lasting: The government closure is driven by partisan fury and a fight over who controls government. That could make it harder to resolve. WP
CNN: ‘The communication culture sucks’: Republicans on Capitol Hill in the dark on Trump administration decisions during shutdown
Ossoff walks political tightrope in Georgia as shutdown drags on: NYT reports for Jon Ossoff, the most endangered Senate Democrat, the shutdown fight could rally support among some voters, but risks alienating others in a state President Trump won in 2024.
NY Mag: Democrats torch Mike Johnson for blocking Grijalva over the Epstein files
Voters blame everyone for the shutdown: A new AP-NORC poll shows fairly similar proportions of Americans placing significant onus for the shutdown on Donald Trump at 58%, congressional Republicans at 58% and congressional Democrats at 54%.
White House set to announce proposal seeking to make IVF more accessible: NYT reports it is unclear whether the new guidance will substantively affect how many employers will choose to offer such benefits.
Judge says immigration agents must wear body cameras in Chicago: NYT reports the federal judge said she was “profoundly concerned” that federal agents might have violated earlier limits that she had set as the Trump administration has carried out an immigration crackdown.
Penn becomes latest university to reject White House deal: NYT reports Penn is the third school to say no to the Trump administration’s offer of federal funding preferences in exchange for complying with certain requirements, such as protecting conservative voices.
AP: Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules
Why is Pete Hegseth afraid of the press? Nia-Malika Henderson
Chamber of Commerce sues over Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B Visa fee: WSJ reports the lawsuit puts the chamber among the few business groups to challenge the Trump administration in court over policies they say will hurt employers.
Skepticism grows over GOP plan to use Zohran Mamdani to ding Democrats nationally Time
Zohran Mamdani explains his rise: NYT interview with the New York mayoral candidate who has burst onto the national stage. NYT
Five takeaways from the NYT Magazine’s profile of Zohran Mamdani: How the Democratic nominee for mayor who has stunned the New York establishment is working to shore up support and sustain his momentum. NYT Mag
MD-GOV: A new Baltimore Banner poll in Maryland finds Gov. Wes Moore (D) leading in a possible match-up with former Gov. Larry Hogan (R), 45% to 37% with another 14% undecided.
Billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker recounts $1.4 million Las Vegas blackjack win: WSJ reports the Illinois governor was asked about winnings disclosed in a 2024 tax return.
The eye-popping numbers behind America’s investment boom: AI, tax cuts, tariffs, and US consumers are driving a supercharged capital machine. Sara Eisen
From sports to AI, America is awash in speculative fever. Washington is egging it on. The Fed is lowering rates, the Trump administration is loosening regulations across the financial system, and Trump’s own family is cashing in. Greg Ip
‘Of course it’s a bubble’: AI start-up valuations soar in investor frenzy: FT reports unprecedented funding leads 10 groups including OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI to gain almost $1tn in value in past year.
How people around the world view AI: More are concerned than excited about its use, and more trust their own country and the EU to regulate it than trust the US or China. Pew
Chatbots are a waste of AI’s real potential Gary Marcus
AI’s double bubble trouble: There is a distinction between good investment and bad speculation — the likelihood is we are experiencing both. John Thornhill
Get ready to see yourself in ads: Thanks to generative AI, the future may look like Minority Report. John Herrman
Sloponomics: Who wins and loses in the AI-content flood? Against all odds, the deluge might be good for creators. Economist
OpenAI wants to own it all: ChatGPT maker has boundless ambition, but how much can it achieve before suffering a serious case of indigestion? Richard Waters
AI data centers, desperate for electricity, are building their own power plants: Bypassing the grid, at least temporarily, tech companies are creating an energy Wild West; ‘grab yourself a couple of turbines.’ WSJ
The military’s big gamble on small nuclear reactors: The US Army’s plan to deploy microreactors could be crucial after attacks on the electric grid. WP-Editorial
The man building Ford's new world headquarters has 100-year history with automaker Detroit Free Press
Want to recycle Nespresso pods? Don’t bother, say bamboozled customers: The Times reports the ‘seamless’ green operation is anything but, according to coffee lovers who find the process confusing and irregular, which means more end up in landfill.
Nestlé to slash 16,000 jobs in cost-cutting push: NYT reports the company’s new chief executive, Philipp Navratil, announced the reductions as part of a plan to turn around the world’s largest food company.
Delta and United are leaving other airlines behind: NYT reports Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have accounted for most of the industry’s profits since 2022. Their appeal to wealthy travelers could become a liability if the economy weakens.
How powerful is your passport? Americans’ travel documents aren’t as muscular as they used to be. Economist
Austin, Salt Lake City top global list of most affordable cities: New York, Mexico City, and Hong Kong rank among the least affordable. Economist
What the cowboy boot boom says about America: The style statement is also a story about nostalgia, nationalism, and America’s search for identity in times of uncertainty. Bloomberg
Why America’s fridges are overflowing with sauce: The pandemic is over, but households are still stocked up on fancy ketchups and chili crisp like the world could end tomorrow. Bloomberg
No NFL team looks dominant this year. Here are four theories why. After six weeks, most teams are bunched up with records between 4-2 and 2-4. Could artificial intelligence have something to do with it? WP
Inside English football’s training ground arms race – featuring smart urinals, ‘corridors of power’ and F1 simulators Athletic
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal