*** Ross Rant ***
Have you heard of Brigadoon Sundance?
Now happening for the eighth time, Brigadoon Sundance is a curated gathering happening February 22-24, 2026, at Robert Redford's Sundance Mountain Resort.
Here's what makes it different—the gathering is intentionally limited to just 100 seats. Not because of space constraints, but because we believe that meaningful connections require intimacy. No massive conferences. No endless networking booths. Just thoughtful design.
Brigadoon gatherings are for founders and thought-leaders like you who are actively shaping commerce and culture.
Three days in a winter camp-like setting in the Utah mountains, where you'll engage with new concepts, challenge assumptions, and connect with people whose perspectives will genuinely expand how you see the world.
Brigadoon Sundance | 2026
February 22-24
You can find more information here: www.brigadoon.live/sundance.
I'd love to see you there.
-Marc
*** A11. ***
Sanae Takaichi will be the first female leader in Japan since Hojo Masako in 1225. It has been 800 years.
Sanae Takaichi makes history as Japan's first female prime minister: BBC reports the 64-year-old won a clear majority on Tuesday - 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and another 125 in the Upper House - as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A staunch conservative and admirer of the late former UK PM Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes over at a challenging economic moment as Japan grapples with a rising cost of living and a frustrated public.
Japan shifts to the right under ‘Iron Lady’ admirer Takaichi: Bloomberg reports Sanae Takaichi, the pro-stimulus conservative who has become Japan’s first female prime minister, is an energetic nationalist with a soft spot for the hard-nosed politics of Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher and the heavy metal music of Iron Maiden. Takaichi broke the glass ceiling to become the nation’s leader after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday.
Japan gets its first female leader, a conservative who favors a stronger military: WSJ reports Sanae Takaichi was confirmed as prime minister days ahead of a possible visit to Japan by President Trump, with whom she shares a hawkish stance on China.
Japan's Takaichi to meet with Trump next week to discuss defense: Nikkei reports the new leader dismissive of early snap election in first news conference.
Takaichi Sanae becomes Japan’s first female prime minister: Hawkish on security policy, dovish on fiscal policy, and traditionalist on social policy, she will move her country to the right. Economist
Trump-Putin summit called off: There are no plans for President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet “in the immediate future,” ABC News reports, calling off a summit that was expected in Hungary in the coming weeks.
Trump’s second meeting with Putin is off: Politico reports Russia’s foreign minister said he made clear to Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a call on Monday that their demands in Ukraine haven’t changed.
In a reversal, Trump will not meet with Putin in coming weeks: NYT reports the back-and-forth was the latest example of President Trump teasing a breakthrough, only to be pulled back by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.
Trump says Ukraine summit with Putin would be a ‘waste of time’: WSJ reports the administration has concluded that Russia is clinging to territorial ambitions that make a peace deal with Ukraine impossible.
WP: Trump says he doesn’t want ‘wasted meeting’ with Putin, delaying summit
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin cancel Budapest summit over Ukraine: FT reports White House announces two leaders have ‘no plans’ to meet to discuss ways to end the war.
Trump-Putin summit off after Russia rejects ceasefire proposal: The Times reports the leaders were expected to meet in the next two weeks, but a call between ministers broke down because of the Kremlin’s ‘maximalist’ demands over Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies rush to bolster Zelenskyy amid fears over Trump-Putin deal: Politico reports that after Ukraine’s leader struck out at the White House last Friday, his European friends will try to strengthen his hand before it’s too late.
Sarkozy’s five-year prison term starts with fingerprints and a mug shot: WSJ reports the former French president was convicted of conspiring to seek campaign funds from Gadhafi and has been placed in an isolation ward for his safety.
AFP: US, Australia ink rare earths deal to curb reliance on China amid rising trade tensions
Can a US-Australia partnership shake China’s grip on rare earths? Australia’s got reserves and mining expertise, and the United States is eager to invest in alternatives to China. But building mines, refineries, and factories could take years. NYT
North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile toward the east, South Korea’s military said, just days before world leaders are set to gather in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Trump seeks peace ceremony spotlight at ASEAN summit: Politico reports Trump wants to preside over a Thailand-Cambodia peace deal ceremony — and Chinese officials aren’t welcome.
Trump sees successful Xi meeting, but allows it might not happen: Bloomberg reports Trump predicted an upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, would yield a “good deal” on trade — while also conceding that the highly anticipated talks may not happen.
China’s Commerce Minister warned that the Dutch state’s move to take control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia has “seriously affected” the stability of the global supply chain.
Supply-chain economics beats tariff politics: Twenty years ago, China learned the hard way that once supply chains reorganize, they never return to their previous form. By relying on tariffs and subsidies, the United States is now paying the price for underestimating how tightly its economy is bound to the rest of the world. Jun Du
China has another lever to pull in showdown with Trump: Factory lines: In Washington, China hawks say its economy is too weak to withstand a tariff shock. In the city of Yiwu, factories are showing why, for now, that may be a miscalculation. NYT
China’s big London spy platform: Beijing wants a mega-embassy in Britain, but espionage risks abound. WSJ-Editorial
In China, a forbidden question looms: Who leads after Xi? Xi Jinping seems to believe that only his continued rule can secure China’s rise. But as he ages, choosing a successor will become riskier and more difficult. NYT
The miseducation of Xi Jinping: How a father’s struggle revealed the price of power. Orville Schell
CNN: Vance downplays concerns over ceasefire in visit to Israel as Trump administration officials privately worry
+ Vance urges a 'little bit of patience' amid Israeli frustration with Hamas' pace of returning hostages' remains.
Trump officials ratchet up pressure on Israel and Hamas: WSJ reports senior envoys are warning both sides to avoid an escalation that could collapse the truce ahead of talks on Gaza’s future.
Saudi crown prince plans first White House visit since 2018: WSJ reports Mohammed bin Salman is seeking a defense pact, and normalization with Israel and Gaza reconstruction are likely on the agenda.
Carney government warned by auto industry that delaying tariff talks puts thousands of jobs at risk: Auto industry and union representatives fear pusing off tough auto sector talks about American tariffs to whenever formal negotiations on a scheduled review of the North American free trade deal get underway. Toronto Star
GM to stop making electric vans in Canada, in another hit to a key industry: NYT reports the announcement, which will eliminate about 1,200 jobs, came less than a week after the carmaker Stellantis said it would move production of a new vehicle to Illinois from a Toronto suburb.
GM cuts EV production in Canada, cites Trump backpedal: AFP reports General Motors said Tuesday it was ending production of an electric vehicle at a plant in Canada, a further blow to the country's auto sector tied to President Donald Trump's opposition to EVs.
Ontario’s anti-tariff ad has caught Donald Trump’s attention: Toronto Star reports Trump said he saw the commercial, which aired during the Fox broadcast of the Toronto Blue Jays’ American League Championship Series victory over the Seattle Mariners, on Monday night.
US-Canada trade deal could be ready for approval at APEC summit, sources say: G+M reports an agreement would focus on steel, aluminum, and energy, but leave out autos and lumber.
Critical minerals, electricity top of agenda at G7 energy meeting, IEA head says: G+M reports energy ministers slated to discuss urgency of developing a critical minerals supply chain.
Gen Z protesters from Nepal to Peru fly 'One Piece' anime pirate flag: Emblem symbolizes fight against oppression for youth who grew up with franchise. Nikkei
Generation Z leads Peru’s protests for change: After decades of instability and political turmoil, Peru’s youth demands change through organised protests. BAT
Colombia’s ex-guerrilla president is relishing a fight with Trump: WSJ reports Gustavo Petro is using a clash with the US over strikes on alleged drug boats to cast himself as David vs. Washington’s Goliath.
Colombia's president embraces war of words with Trump: AFP reports Donald Trump's decision to freeze millions in aid to Colombia and brand its president a drug trafficker has smashed long-standing ties and could yet shake up the country's 2026 presidential race.
Military briefing: The US naval and special forces build-up off Venezuela: Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to see Nicolás Maduro ousted. Here are the forces he has sent to the region. FT
What US forces face as Venezuela puts Russian-armed military on wartime alert Allen Frazier
TWZ: Venezuela’s supersonic anti-ship missiles are a real threat to American warships
US attacks more boats as tensions with Venezuela rise: What’s Happened So Far: NYT reports the Trump administration is ratcheting up pressure on the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, while striking vessels that it says are trafficking drugs.
The US plan to blow up drug boats has some major leaks: Military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean aren’t what could bring Venezuela a better future. Jim Geraghty
Argentina's central bank intervenes to halt run on peso: AFP reports Argentina's central bank said Tuesday it had sold $45.5 million dollars on the foreign exchange market to try and halt a run on the peso days ahead of midterm elections that have put pressure on the currency despite substantial US financial aid.
Milei flees Buenos Aires Province campaign, leaving Santilli solo for final stretch: BAT reports polls show La Libertad Avanza narrowing the gap but still trailing Peronism, prompting the President to abandon campaigning in nation's most populous district and shift attention to Córdoba and Rosario.
Javier Milei faces his most dangerous moment yet: He could still survive a currency run and knife-edge election. Economist
Countering cartels and Communists in the Americas Daniel McCarthy
The Trump administration's politicization of US national security: Through purges in intelligence agencies, institutional politicization, and an authoritarian drift, the American president has shaken US democracy and elevated a new imagined 'enemy within.' Le Monde
Trump said to demand Justice Dept. pay him $230 million for past cases: NYT reports senior department officials who were defense lawyers for the president and those in his orbit are now in jobs that typically must approve any such payout, underscoring potential ethical conflicts.
NBC News: Some Trump critics fear they could be the president's next target for prosecution
NY Mag: Trump’s White House demolition will be televised
Treasury tells employees not to share photos of White House ballroom construction: WSJ reports Treasury’s headquarters is located next door to the East Wing, giving employees there a front-row seat to the construction of President Trump’s $250 million ballroom.
White House expands East Wing demolition as critics decry Trump overreach: WP reports more of the structure was torn down to make way for President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom, despite complaints about the project’s lack of transparency.
Trump administration to release farm aid frozen by shutdown: WSJ reports the Trump administration is planning to release more than $3 billion in aid to US farmers that had been frozen as a result of the government shutdown, as the agriculture sector grapples with the fallout from President Trump’s tariffs.
Shooting by ICE officer in Los Angeles wounds motorist, US marshal: WP reports federal authorities said the driver had threatened officers with a vehicle while trying to flee an arrest.
CNN: Elon Musk calls acting NASA chief ‘Sean Dummy’ as SpaceX moon contract hangs in the balance
‘Sean Dummy’: Musk and Duffy brawl over the future of NASA: Politico reports it’s far from the first time the world’s richest man has lobbed broadsides at the administration.
US army taps private equity groups to help fund $150bn revamp: FT reports Apollo, KKR, Carlyle, and Cerberus among investors that held talks with the federal government.
The boardroom bet on Trump’s industrial policy: CEOs would be wise to avoid staking too much on the US president’s pet projects. FT-Editorial
Arizona AG sues over Speaker Mike Johnson refusing to seat new House member: WP reports Arizona’s attorney general sued the House after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) refused to swear in a Democrat who won a special election a month ago.
Politico: Johnson says he won’t block a floor vote to release the Epstein files
Obamacare subsidies: Thirteen vulnerable Republicans are urging Speaker Mike Johnson to “immediately turn our focus” to extending Obamacare subsidies after the government reopens.
North Carolina lawmakers vote to add GOP House seat, in win for Trump: WP reports the redrawing of North Carolina’s congressional map comes as President Donald Trump presses Republicans to add more GOP seats to protect their majority in 2026.
More voters identify as Democrats: Gallup finds Democrats have retaken the lead in party identification, 48% to 41%, the party’s best reading since the first quarter of the Biden administration.
Trump job approval: A total of 37% of Americans say they approve of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president, and 60% say they disapprove of the way Trump is handling his job, according to the latest survey from the American Research Group.
POTUS 2028: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) told reporters a presidential run is something he and his family will “consider” if they feel he’s the best candidate for the job in 2028, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Biden completes a course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer: WP reports former president’s spokesperson confirms Biden “rang the bell,” a tradition in cancer facilities to mark major milestones for patients, at the Philadelphia center.
CNN’s future at stake as owner Warner Bros. Discovery seeks sale: WP reports Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has reportedly expressed interest in buying the company, in a sale that could place CNN and CBS under one parent company.
Prediction markets boom as volumes surpass 2024 election: Bloomberg reports the trading volume on the leading prediction markets platforms, Polymarket and Kalshi, has hit a new record high, surpassing the previous peak reached during the US presidential election last year. The recent jump in trading activity offers one of the clearest indications yet of the growing excitement around the exchanges that allow investors to bet on the likelihood of real-world events, just as financial firms like CME Group Inc. and Intercontinental Exchange Inc. look for a way into these hot markets.
GE Vernova has agreed to buy the stake in transformer-maker Prolec GE that it doesn’t already own as the artificial intelligence boom drives demand for products and services in the power sector.
BlackRock among biggest investors in Meta’s giant data-center debt deal: WSJ reports Meta Platforms and Blue Owl, the private-credit firm, raised $27 billion to finance the buildout of a Louisiana data center.
The hottest term in AI is completely made up: Artificial intelligence executives are harkening back to the industrial revolution. WP
What does the market really think about AI? Despite all the enthusiasm for AI, which has undoubtedly demonstrated impressive capabilities, the signal from bond markets suggests that investors are unconvinced that the technology will generate sustained or widespread growth, let alone a more extreme positive or negative outcome. What accounts for this disconnect? Isaiah Andrews + Maryam Farboodi
Public AI is the new multilateralism: In the 1970s, European governments worked together to create an aircraft manufacturer capable of competing with the US firm Boeing. As a handful of private companies in Shenzhen and Silicon Valley race to entrench their AI dominance, similarly bold cooperation among middle powers has become imperative. Jacob Taylor + Joshua Tan
AI won’t end entry-level work: Plus, the century of cities, what people actually use AI for, and more. Bloomberg
Anthropic is in discussions with Google about a deal that would provide the artificial intelligence company with additional computing power valued in the high tens of billions of dollars, according to people familiar with the matter.
OpenAI unveiled its first artificial intelligence-powered web browser, called ChatGPT Atlas, designed to be a more personalized web experience.
OpenAI launches Atlas web browser: FT reports ChatGPT-maker’s tool will integrate the popular chatbot in a challenge to Google and Microsoft.
Microsoft will exempt many sales roles from its coming return-to-office mandate, offering a more flexible approach than many of its tech industry peers.
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella’s pay package jumped to $96.5 million for fiscal 2025, his highest compensation since he became CEO more than a decade ago, with the board citing the company’s progress in artificial intelligence.
Have we reached peak social media? Use ‘falls among Gen Z’: A study has suggested Germans are being put off by AI ‘slop’ on Instagram and TikTok. But the reality may be more complicated. The Times
Cracker Barrel CEO explains short-lived logo change: WSJ reports Julie Felss Masino said the logo change was meant to help with the chain’s visibility on highway billboards.
It’s like Uber Eats but for Israeli Arabs without home addresses: Startup Haat gets pizzas to shoppers in traditionally underserved neighborhoods, and they’re still hot. It’s a model it plans to take global. Bloomberg
China races ahead in robovans even as autonomous delivery challenges remain: Nikkei reports Neolix says it has deployed 10,000 of the self-driving vehicles in industry milestone.
Kim Jones is betting big on Asia: After 15 years at LVMH, the English designer is working for Chinese coat maker Bosideng and has partnered on a car with Avatr. Why? FT
Mattel shares fell after the company reported third-quarter sales and earnings that missed analysts’ estimates as US retailers delayed orders due to uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Renters are conning their way into luxury apartments: WSJ reports Atlanta, where up to half of rental applications contain fraudulent information, is epicenter of national surge in these scams.
Japan weighs allowing banking groups to trade cryptocurrencies: Nikkei reports the move aims to level playing field with brokerages amid market growth.
FT: Gold tumbles 6% in biggest sell-off since 2013
Gold suffers biggest drop in more than a decade: WSJ reports an epic run-up in precious metals switched abruptly into reverse, while stock investors dug into corporate earnings.
Are we in a financial bubble? While there is ample reason to believe that AI-driven investments are in bubble territory, the real question is when – and how – the end might come. For anyone hazarding a guess, the lessons of past bubbles, combined with key financial-market indicators, offer a useful guide. Dambisa Moyo
Louvre heist: Paris prosecutor says jewels stolen are worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million).
Eric Lu, a 27-year-old American classical pianist, won the top prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw on Monday.
Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ takes the stage in Minneapolis: There was a flourish of purple at the State Theater for the debut of a new musical adaptation of the performer’s 1984 movie in his hometown in Minnesota. NYT
Sundance film festival sets tributes to late co-founder Redford: AFP reports the upcoming Sundance film festival will feature multiple tributes to its late co-founder Robert Redford, including a screening of his first independent movie, organizers said Tuesday.
One of Jane Birkin's Hermès handbags to be auctioned in Abu Dhabi: Le Monde reports Hermès handbag that belonged to singer and actress Jane Birkin will be auctioned by Sotheby's on December 5. The bag is one of four that Birkin owned after auctioning the original to raise money for charity in 1994.
After falling to 1-5, the Baltimore Ravens removed the players' ping pong table, video game consoles, basketball hoop, and corn hole boards from the locker room.
A Mexican soundtrack for American football NYT
Is all-rounder Shohei Ohtani the planet’s most dominant athlete? LA Dodgers star is rewriting history — and has joined greats of track and field, cycling, and swimming in conversation about the most versatile sportsperson alive. The Times
Blue Jays fans, resellers race for World Series tickets: G+M reports Game 1 tickets sold out in 30 minutes before appearing on resale platforms starting at $2,000.
How sumo wrestling became a hit in Britain: The ancient Japanese sport finds some unlikely fans. Economist
The NBA has a record-breaking 135 international players on opening night rosters. Every country with players in the NBA:
🇨🇦 Canada: 23
🇫🇷 France: 19
🇦🇺 Australia: 13
🇩🇪 Germany: 7
🇷🇸 Serbia: 6
🇨🇲 Cameroon: 4
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 4
🇧🇸 Bahamas: 3
🇭🇷 Croatia: 3
🇨🇩 Democratic Rep. of the Congo: 3
🇬🇷 Greece: 3
🇱🇹 Lithuania: 3
🇨🇭 Switzerland: 3
🇧🇪 Belgium: 2
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: 2
🇬🇪 Georgia: 2
🇮🇱 Israel: 2
🇳🇬 Nigeria: 2
🇷🇺 Russia: 2
🇸🇳 Senegal: 2
🇸🇸 South Sudan: 2
🇪🇸 Spain: 2
🇸🇪 Sweden: 2
🇺🇦 Ukraine: 2
🇦🇹 Austria: 1
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina: 1
🇧🇷 Brazil: 1
🇨🇳 China: 1
🇨🇿 Czech Republic: 1
🇫🇮 Finland: 1
🇬🇳 Guinea: 1
🇮🇹 Italy: 1
🇯🇲 Jamaica: 1
🇯🇵 Japan: 1
🇱🇻 Latvia: 1
🇲🇱 Mali: 1
🇲🇪 Montenegro: 1
🇳🇱 Netherlands: 1
🇳🇿 New Zealand: 1
🇵🇹 Portugal: 1
🇸🇮 Slovenia: 1
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia: 1
🇹🇷 Turkey: 1
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
A11. | October 21
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