US and Russian officials draft new peace plan for Ukraine: FT reports that the proposal envisages major concessions by Kyiv and rollback of American military assistance.
Trump administration pushes new plan for ending Ukraine war: WSJ reports the 28-point proposal drafted by some of the president’s closest aides is likely to face strong opposition from Ukraine.
US-Russian peace plan would force Ukraine to cede land and cut army: NYT reports the 28-point proposal, which comes as the Trump administration tries to restart settlement talks, includes demands long rejected by Kyiv as nonstarters.
+ The 28-point US plan is inspired by President Trump's successful push for a deal in Gaza. A top Russian official told Axios he's optimistic about the plan. It's not yet clear how Ukraine and its European backers will feel about it.
+ The Trump administration has been secretly working in consultation with Russia to draft a new plan to end the war in Ukraine, US and Russian officials tell Axios.
US pushes Ukraine to halve army in secret peace plan with Kremlin: The Times reports Kyiv could also be asked to surrender the Donbas and give up its most powerful weapons in return for an end to Putin’s war.
Axios: Scoop: Trump plan asks Ukraine to cede additional territory for security guarantee
Ukraine told to accept cash-for-land deal with Putin: Telegraph reports Russia would keep control of Donbas region in exchange for rental fee under US plan.
US pushes new Ukraine peace plan as US Army secretary visits Kyiv: WP reports the administration is renewing efforts to end the war, pitching a revised ceasefire proposal and giving a top military official an unusual diplomatic assignment.
Top US Army officials visit Kyiv on peace and tech sharing mission: Politico reports it's the highest-level visit by the Trump administration to the war-torn country since Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv in February.
Congress plots path for Russia sanctions bill with Trump’s blessing: Politico reports Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he believes the legislative effort should begin in the House.
Zelensky under siege as corruption case shatters Ukraine’s wartime unity: NYT reports an anti-Zelensky political coalition is coalescing as the president’s allies are accused of enriching themselves while the country’s soldiers die on the battlefield.
Don’t let a scandal undermine the defence of Ukraine: Outrage is justified. Letting Vladimir Putin win would be disastrous. Economist
NATO on alert as Poland accuses Russia of ‘state terrorism’ in rail blast: WP reports tensions rose after a blast damaged the Warsaw-Lublin rail line, which has been used to deliver aid to Ukraine, and a Russian missile attack killed at least 25 people in Ternopil.
+ Poland closed its last remaining Russian consulate and accused Russia of “state terrorism” days after a railway explosion wrecked tracks leading to Poland’s border with Ukraine.
John Healey says Russia laser provocation ushers in ‘hard power’ era: After the ‘deeply dangerous’ actions by the spy ship Yantar, the defence secretary sent a defiant message directly to President Putin: ‘We see you.’ The Times
Trump wants Germany to take over NATO: Ambassador Matthew Whitaker calls for a European general to take over alliance’s top military role. Telegraph
Italy approves Nord Stream suspect's Germany extradition: DW reports Italy's highest court has upheld a lower court verdict approving the extradition of the suspected ringleader of the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage to Germany. The Ukrainian national's lawyer announced the news.
AP: Israel’s military carries out strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, killing dozens of people
Israeli strikes kill at least 25 in Gaza amid truce, officials say: NYT reports Israel’s military said it had launched attacks across Gaza after Palestinian militants shot at its troops. The six-week-old cease-fire has been pierced periodically by bursts of violence.
Bodies keep turning up in Syria, haunting new leaders: In the months after the fall of the Assad regime, Syrians have continued to discover large-scale burial sites, sometimes by chance. ‘Everyone who’s missing now…they’re buried in the ground somewhere.’ WSJ
Bloomberg: US approves sale of 35,000 AI chips to UAE’s G42, Saudis’ Humain
US approves deal to sell AI chips to Middle East: WSJ reports agreement follows talks between President Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Musk’s xAI and Nvidia to develop data center in Saudi Arabia: WSJ reports executives unveiled plans at Wednesday gathering featuring President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia’s prince has big plans, but his giant fund is low on cash: NYT reports that after nearly a decade of expensive, hit-and-miss investments, Mohammed bin Salman is overseeing a behind-the-scenes restructuring of the kingdom’s all-important wealth fund.
The art of a deal with Saudi Arabia: Trump says he’ll sell the F-35 fighter jets and more. What is MBS willing to give? WSJ-Editorial
Bloomberg: Trump’s green light of Saudi F-35s for MBS is only the beginning
AP: Trump says he'll push for peace in Sudan after Saudi crown prince urged greater US involvement
Can Chinese-made buses be hacked? Norway drove one down a mine to find out: The growing prevalence of Chinese technology in Europe’s infrastructure is stoking security concerns across the region. WSJ
Chinese spies targeted ‘thousands’ in Westminster operation: Intelligence officers approached those “one step removed” from high-priority parliamentary figures, as well as economists, think tank employees, and consultants. The Times
China reclaims spot as top German trade partner from US: DW reports China has edged back ahead as Germany's highest-volume trade partner, just a year after the US claimed the position. Exports, particularly of cars, to both core markets have dipped sharply amid tariff tussles.
Netherlands to give up control of Nexperia in China dispute: DW reports the Netherlands praised China's softening of export restrictions as a "show of goodwill." The dispute has alarmed European car manufacturers, who have warned of serious supply chain disruptions on high-tech chips.
Analysis: Xi Jinping hesitates to draw double-edged sword of anti-Japan protests: Whipping up unrest could unleash Chinese people's pent-up economic frustrations. Nikkei
China suspending Japanese seafood imports: Japan official: Nikkei reports move taken in apparent retaliation for PM Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.
US panel calls on Taiwan to fund Philippine base upgrades: Nikkei reports American presence at defense cooperation sites 'directly related' to deterring China.
AI boom is turning Malaysia’s palm oil estates into data centers: Plantations are being turned into data center parks and solar power farms, the latter meant to feed the insatiable energy appetites of the former. Bloomberg
Outrage over ‘Italian’ carbonara made in Belgium: The Times reports jars of Belgian-made pasta sauce featuring an Italian flag being sold the supermarket of the European parliament cause a diplomatic incident.
Meloni’s party orders investigation into sale of ‘fake carbonara’ in EU parliament: Telegraph reports Brothers of Italy party furious that Belgian-made versions of famous sauces, branded with Italian flag, are available.
Namibia wants to build the world’s first hydrogen economy: Can the vast and sparsely populated African country translate its renewable power potential into national development? MIT TR
Bloomberg: US warns South Africa not to issue G20 statement at summit
+ The US warned South Africa against pushing for a joint statement at the G20 summit that the Trump administration is boycotting.
+ The US opposes South Africa's G20 presidency and its core agenda of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, and will block any outcome framed as a consensus G-20 position.
+ Despite the US opposition, South Africa is pressing ahead with efforts to obtain a joint statement at the summit, with support from countries such as Brazil and Germany.
Hedge funds reap gains on Argentina bets as Trump steps in: BAT reports hedge funds notched bumper gains in October after a US rescue package and a resounding win for President Javier Milei’s party in midterm elections.
Milei set to attend Mercosur summit amid EU trade deal uncertainty: BAT reports Argentina's head of state is now likely to attend Mercosur summit, despite previous reports to the contrary. “The President has it on his agenda and it is very likely that he will go,” says government source.
Mexico is not just the top supplier to the US. Now it is the top buyer. NYT reports for the first time in at least 30 years, the United States has exported more to Mexico than Canada, US government data show, in a sign of how much North American trade has consolidated.
María Corina Machado on why time is running out for Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela: A democratic transition could set off a bonanza worth almost $2trn, reckons the opposition leader and Nobel laureate. Economist
Trump said to authorize CIA plans for covert action in Venezuela: The president has signed off on possible operations inside Venezuela, but has also reopened back-channel communications with the government of President Nicolás Maduro. NYT
Is Donald Trump preparing to strike Venezuela or lining up a deal? The answer is both. Economist
The ‘Donroe Doctrine’: Trump’s power play in Latin America: Long neglected in Washington, the region is key to some of the president’s priorities, including halting illegal migration and limiting Chinese influence. FT
Why the ‘America First’ president keeps looking abroad: Trump keeps showing he is not as isolationist as many supporters had hoped. NYT
Trump and a new ‘Arsenal of Freedom’: Hegseth’s acquisition reforms are crucial to reviving US defenses. WSJ-Editorial
The day Republicans beat Trump: Nothing like the Epstein-files loss has ever happened to him. Ben Jacobs
WP: Despite congressional action, quick release of Epstein files is in doubt
Reuters: US Justice Department will release Epstein files within 30 days, Bondi says
Trump says he will approve the release of the Epstein files. But There Are Loopholes. NYT reports the bill has not yet been presented to the president, and it wasn’t clear when it might reach his desk.
How Donald Trump lost control of the Epstein spin cycle: Donald Trump has spent years benefiting from the QAnon's Jeffrey Epstein obsession. That’s all changing. Wired
Harvard will open a new inquiry into faculty ties to Epstein: NYT reports the university is reviewing newly released emails between the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Lawrence H. Summers, a former Harvard president, and others at the institution.
Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board after Epstein revelations: WSJ reports Harvard University also launches review of its former president’s behavior over his correspondence with the sex offender.
Former Fox News host under fire for Epstein comments: Telegraph reports Megyn Kelly accused of getting bogged down in ‘paedophile math’ over remarks made about age of victims.
Justice Dept. acknowledges full grand jury never saw final Comey indictment: WP reports the remarkable admission could threaten the viability of the case against the former FBI director.
Trump loyalist admits grand jury never saw final Comey indictment: NYT reports grand jurors have to vote on indictments to approve them, but a prosecutor told the judge in the case that only the foreperson formally approved the second charging document, a move that could cripple the case.
WP: Trump administration agrees not to paint the Eisenhower building before 2026
Trump says he’d ‘love to fire’ Powell, renewing attacks on Fed chair: WP reports Trump also seemed to pressure Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to somehow persuade Powell to lower interest rates further — or be fired himself.
Trump says he’d ‘love to fire’ Powell, renewing attacks on Fed chair: WP reports Trump also seemed to pressure Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to somehow persuade Powell to lower interest rates further — or be fired himself.
What economists got wrong on tariffs: When Donald Trump rolled out global tariffs in April, economists braced for the worst. Since then, a lot has happened, but the sky has yet to fall. Were the experts wrong? Or is it too early to tell? Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Trump’s $2,000 tariff check idea draws Republican resistance
+ Republican lawmakers are resisting President Donald Trump's proposal to send $2,000 checks to working-class households next year.
+ The White House says the checks would be funded by tariff revenue, but lawmakers prefer to use the revenue to reduce the deficit.
+ The president's idea remains fluid, but administration officials are considering options to circumvent Congress and distribute the checks without legislative approval.
The FTC’s Meta antitrust implosion: Its monopoly case loses after five years of fierce online competition. WSJ-Editorial
WP: Mamdani will keep Jessica Tisch as New York police commissioner
Political parties have disconnected from the public: Across the democratic world, the postwar era’s dominant parties face a populist insurgency. Idrees Kahloon
Democrats lead in 2026 generic ballot: A Marquette Law School Poll finds that 49% of registered voters expect to vote for a Democrat and 44% expect to vote for a Republican in the 2026 midterms.
George Conway, a vocal foe of Trump, eyes congressional run: NYT reports the former conservative lawyer built a social media following with his harsh criticism of President Trump, who was the boss of his wife at the time.
+ Conway is moving closer to announcing a run for Congress in one of Manhattan’s wealthiest and bluest districts, pitching himself to potential donors as a top attorney who does not “have any more effs to give.”
+ Conway has hired the Democratic pollster Anna Greenberg to work on a budding campaign to succeed Representative Jerrold Nadler, Democrat of New York, who is retiring.
Despite Ron DeSantis' lobbying, megadonor Ken Griffin stays on the sidelines in Florida governor's race: NBC News reports the Florida governor has made at least two direct pleas to the GOP megadonor or his team to help him find a challenger to Rep. Byron Donalds; both have been rebuffed.
Whitmer-tied nonprofit draws $7.7M from secret donors in 2024, staffs up: Detroit News reports the group, Road to Michigan's Future, which has existed since January 2020, doesn't have to report the identities of its contributors, even though many of its sponsors — whose names have become public in the past through other means — have had interests in matters before the state government.
Vance and Rubio offer clues to Trump’s foreign policy — and the 2028 Race: The US vice president and secretary of state have divergent styles. Both are building credentials on the world stage as potential successors to Trump. Bloomberg
+ President Donald Trump’s boycott of the Group of 20 summit in South Africa leaves the forum to divine his intentions on the global stage without a US representative for the first time since its inception.
+ Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have closely aided Trump as he sketches out the bones of a new foreign policy, with their divergent styles and interaction offering clues to reading the emerging doctrine.
+ Trump has spent months privately and publicly teasing a rivalry between Vance and Rubio, suggesting at times that one, then the other, is best positioned to take the torch from him, although both men have downplayed any sense of competition.
Orthodox Church pews are overflowing with converts: “In the whole history of the Orthodox Church in America, this has never been seen,” a priest said about the surge of young men drawn to the demanding practice of Christianity. NYT
Nvidia delivered a surprisingly strong revenue forecast and pushed back on the idea that the AI industry is in a bubble, easing concerns that had spread across the tech sector.
Nvidia says AI boom is accelerating as revenues rise 62%: The Times reports shares in the world’s most valuable company jump after third-quarter results in which founder Jensen Huang says demand for advanced chips is ‘off the charts.’
Fortune: Nvidia blows past revenue targets and forecasts trillions in AI infrastructure spending by end of decade
Fortune: Big 5 AI ‘hyperscalers’ have quadrupled their use of debt to fund operations, Bank of America says
Bloomberg: Trump plans to unveil ‘Genesis Mission’ to boost AI development
+ President Donald Trump plans to roll out a “Genesis Mission” as part of an executive order to boost US artificial intelligence efforts.
+ The effort is intended to signal that the Trump administration sees the coming AI race as important as the Manhattan Project or space race.
+ Trump called on lawmakers to pass a federal standard governing artificial intelligence, saying that if they don't, China will easily catch the US in the AI race.
Quantum computing needs its own industrial revolution: The path to scalable computers is paved with high-tech equipment, not just high-impact academic papers. John Martinis
Bloomberg: Trump urges Congress to block state-level AI regulation
+ President Donald Trump called on Congress to pass a federal standard governing oversight of artificial intelligence, warning that varied regulation at the state level risked slowing the development of the technology.
+ Trump urged lawmakers to act quickly, and floated the idea of including an AI measure as part of upcoming defense policy legislation, saying "one Federal Standard instead of a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes" is needed.
+ Trump said that if the US doesn't act, "then China will easily catch us in the AI race," and that members of the White House administration have been making a push for federal preemption with members of Congress.
Let a thousand AI regimes bloom: While critics of decentralized technology regulation warn of higher compliance costs for businesses, Chinese-style centralization is hardly preferable. In fact, not only do regulatory patchworks tend to converge, but they also provide the flexibility that rapid technological change demands. Angela Huyue Zhang
EU proposes softening AI and data privacy regulations: DW reports the EU is responding to calls by businesses and member states that have argued the bloc needs to keep up with tech innovation. Meanwhile, cookie consent pop-up banners are also set to be scaled back.
Elon Musk’s xAI nears $230bn valuation in fundraising deal: FT reports billionaire’s artificial intelligence company plans to raise $15bn.
Meta AI pioneer LeCun announces exit, plans new startup: Yann LeCun, an artificial intelligence pioneer who runs a research lab at Meta Platforms Inc., told employees that he will depart the social media giant at the end of the year and start a new company, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News. Bloomberg
Meta’s chief AI scientist to depart for new venture: AI pioneer Yann LeCun is leaving to launch his own world model startup. WSJ
Cracks are appearing in OpenAI’s dominant facade: A deal between Anthropic, Microsoft, and Nvidia makes AI more circular. Economist
Event: Global launch of the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer flash poll: Trust + AI at a crossroads: Join Edelman for a virtual event on December 3 featuring new research from the Edelman Trust Barometer that shows trust in AI is at an inflection point. The report reveals a clear disparity in enthusiasm and adoption of AI across geography, income, industry, and age. Our discussion will focus on what businesses can do to build acceptance of AI. RSVP here.
Event: AI, technology and society: Shaping the future together: Join LSE on November 24 as our panel discusses how their work at the intersection of AI and the social sciences can help to ensure AI advancement serves the greater good. Exploring how social science insights can shape AI innovation, the importance of research into the most consequential impacts of AI on our economies and societies, and how AI tools and methodologies can transform social science investigation. RSVP here.
The Pope vs. the algorithm. Bilge Ebiri
The new requirement for MBAs seeking consulting jobs: AI proficiency: Rather than posing an existential threat, the technology is reinforcing the importance of judgment and emotional intelligence. Bloomberg
The most joyless tech revolution ever: AI is making us rich and unhappy: Discomfort around artificial intelligence helps explain the disconnect between a solid economy and an anxious public. Greg Ip
How to cheat at conversation: A new AI tool promises to improve social interactions, but instead makes them worse. Julie Beck
‘Mine is really alive.’ In online communities, people who say their AI lovers are “real” are seen as crossing a line. Are they actually so crazy? Lila Shapiro
Meta to remove under-16 Australians from Facebook, Instagram on December 4: AFP reports Australians younger than 16 will be removed from Facebook and Instagram on December 4, tech giant Meta said Thursday, as Canberra prepares to enforce sweeping laws banning teens from social media.
G+M: AI bot recorded doctors’ meeting, sent patient info to current and former hospital staff, watchdog says
Cloudflare outage briefly disrupts ChatGPT, X and dozens of apps: WP reports the cybersecurity service called the disruption “resolved” but said it would continue to monitor.
Cloudflare service resumes after outage disrupts X, ChatGPT, other sites: WP reports company’s web security tools are invisible to users, but underpin many widely trafficked sites.
Bloomberg: A $100,000 robot dog is becoming standard in policing — and raising ethical alarms
Incode Technologies, an identity verification platform, is in preliminary talks to raise between $150 million and $300 million from investors at a valuation of as much as $3 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
Crypto mixer co-founder gets four years in money-laundering case: Bloomberg reports one of the rare cryptocurrency prosecutions under the Trump administration led to a four-year prison term for a bitcoin wallet operator accused of helping launder more than $200 million from illegal dark web transactions. William Lonergan Hill, who co-founded the crypto mixing service Samourai Wallet, was sentenced Wednesday by US District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan.
CNBC: Zoox begins offering robotaxi rides in San Francisco, facing off with Waymo
+ Zoox on Tuesday began allowing select San Francisco users to hail its driverless vehicles, pitting the Amazon-owned robotaxi service against Alphabet’s Waymo in the same market for the first time.
+ Riders can sign up for the “Zoox Explorers” program to take free rides in the company’s robotaxis in San Francisco’s SoMa, Mission and Design District neighborhoods.
+ Waymo opened up its service to all San Francisco riders in June 2024. Since launching its service in Phoenix in 2020, Waymo has provided more than 10 million paid rides, the company said in May.
Bloomberg: Blue Origin no longer just a rocket company as Mars ‘on radar’
Kering must kick Gucci habit, chief Luca de Meo tells staff: FT reports boss sets out in memo need for luxury group to reduce ‘over-dependency’ on Italian brand.
Warner Bros. suitors put final touches on bids as deadline nears: Bloomberg reports Paramount Skydance Corp., Comcast Corp., and Netflix Inc. are all contemplating offers for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., with each trying to distinguish their proposals and avoid overpaying for the assets.
21 million: The concept of kissing dates back more than 21 million years, University of Oxford scientists have found, with humans and many of their ancestors engaging with the practice. The study didn’t explore why the practice began.
UK to ban ticket resales above face value: Le Monde reports the move comes as the UK government unveils sweeping consumer protections aimed at ticket scalpers whose inflated prices have angered fans and the music industry.
+ "With a price cap on regulated marketplaces, ticket transactions will move to black markets," said a spokesperson for StubHub International. "When a regulated market becomes a black market, only bad things happen for consumers," the spokesperson added.
Wes Anderson at the Design Museum review — even better than Kubrick: The Texan is the third film-maker to have a retrospective at the London museum, after Stanley Kubrick and Tim Burton — and his is the exquisite best. The Times
Everyone in LA wants a giant front door Clio Chang
The NFL’s secret obsession with supersonic flight: With dreams of permanent franchises in Europe, the league has quietly been keeping tabs on companies aiming to bring the technology back—and it could happen sooner than you think. WSJ
+ @AdamSchefter: The New Orleans Saints are expected to play a game in Paris, as early as the 2026 regular season, per their team president Dennis Lauscha. The NFL and stadium officials in Paris are working to finalize a deal to bring the Saints to Paris, with an announcement likely in the coming
Shedeur Sanders gets the start for the Browns: ‘The game got to speak’: WP reports the former Colorado star and Hall of Famer’s son is named starter for Sunday’s game at Las Vegas.
Cartel NIL: FBI investigators reveal the University of Texas at El Paso has been receiving NIL donations from the Juárez Cartel to support athletic programs. University officials claim they were unaware of the source of the funds and say the money would’ve been rejected had they known.
Major League Baseball signs new rights deals with ESPN, NBCU, and Netflix: WSJ reports agreements are valued at a combined $800 million annually.
AFP: MLB returns to Field of Dreams in 2026 with Twins and Phillies
The scandal roiling Turkish football: Gambling probes halt lower leagues and suspend hundreds of players, but many say they are scapegoats. FT
The World Cup is being overrun by underdogs: The decision to expand the field for next summer’s tournament to 48 teams has opened the door to a cast of unlikely entrants, including Uzbekistan, Curaçao—and Scotland. WSJ
Joy as Haitian men’s team secures first World Cup berth since 1974: WP reports that with their Port-au-Prince stadium under gang control, the Grenadiers are playing home games in Curaçao. Their French coach hasn’t visited Haiti since his appointment.
Gang-wracked Haiti unites, goes wild over World Cup qualification: AFP reports fireworks and dancing erupted across Haiti in a reprieve from gang violence as people came together to celebrate their national team punching its ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
I was lost in Scotland’s World Cup drama — only sport does this to us: Watching Scotland’s heroics to qualify for the World Cup filled me with delight. We live and breathe sport in the hope of experiencing a game like that. Matthew Syed
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | November 19
The illiberal world order is here: Now that Donald Trump's administration has explicitly rejected the international rules-based institutions and arrangements that America created after World War II, the very idea of an international order is no longer relevant. The world now belongs to illiberal regimes intent on pursuing their own interests. Carl Bildt
The loneliness of America’s model ally: Donald Trump has no desire to play global cop. That is tough on Denmark, a loyal sheriff’s deputy. Economist
US may owe $1 trillion in refunds if SCOTUS cancels Trump tariffs: ARS reports tech industry primed for big refunds if SCOTUS rules against Trump tariffs.
AP: Trump dismisses criticism of Saudi Crown Prince over 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, says ‘things happen.’
Trump says Saudi leader knew nothing of journalist murder, rejecting CIA assessment: WSJ reports Jamal Khashoggi’s grisly murder in a Saudi consulate in Turkey in 2018 led to intense blowback in Washington. The CIA assessed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated the killing.
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing: WP reports the president said he did not hold Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the 2018 murder of Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, despite a US intelligence report assessing the opposite.
DW: Saudi prince calls Khashoggi killing a 'mistake' on US visit
Bloomberg: US plans to approve sale of chips to Saudi AI venture Humain
Chinese agents using LinkedIn to target British MPs: Politico reports MI5 warns lawmakers China’s security ministry is “actively reaching out to individuals in our community” to “collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships.”
Chinese spies targeting MPs with ‘large financial incentives’, MI5 warns: The Times reports MPs are told that Beijing is ‘relentless’ in trying to gain influence over members of the Commons and Lords.
How Chinese spies seek state secrets with LinkedIn ‘headhunters’: MI5’s decision to publicise the online targeting of parliamentary aides sends a clear message to Beijing: we know what you are doing. The Times
The growing problem with China’s unreliable numbers: Beijing’s GDP figures have drawn scrutiny for years but the questions have become more acute. FT
Xi’s university fuels China AI boom with more patents than Harvard or MIT: Tsinghua University has educated the country’s top science and engineering students for decades. Now, it’s at the forefront of the AI revolution. Bloomberg
China and Japan are in a vicious game of chicken over Taiwan: Neither side sees backing down as an option. Economist
From films to flights, Xi tests Japan’s stamina for a fight: Beijing has continued its tirade against Sanae Takaichi after she suggested Tokyo’s support for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. The Times
Japanese, Chinese diplomats spar over Taiwan row, signaling long standoff: Nikkei reports Tokyo refuses to retract PM comment, pushes back on Beijing warning against Japan travel.
Cutting ties with China is harder than companies expected: As US toymaker Learning Resources tries to wean itself from mainland producers, it’s discovering that it’s easier to move your factory out of China than it is to move China out of your factory. Bloomberg
Germany hopes new data centre can help bring 'digital sovereignty': AFP reports a new mega data centre is slated to rise in a rural stretch of eastern Germany in what backers hope is a starting point for a European AI sector that can compete with the United States and China.
Bloomberg: Macron says Germany, France seek to delay high-risk AI rules
+ Germany and France want to delay by a year provisions of the European Union’s AI Act that would regulate high-risk artificial intelligence systems, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
+ Macron said it's necessary to use the time to accelerate the innovation agenda, and industry groups and companies have lobbied the EU's executive branch to freeze the rules until standards are adopted.
+ The European Commission will present a "digital omnibus" draft law to simplify data protection regulations and the AI Act, and requirements for high-risk AI systems are set to come into force next August if a delay is not agreed upon.
Europe aimed to set standards for tech rules, now it wants to roll them back: WSJ reports backed by France and Germany, the EU thinks easing back on legislation will boost growth and make the bloc less dependent on US tech.
Macron urges 'European preference' in tech to avoid becoming vassals of US or China: The French President called for Europe to build its own digital solutions and stop relying on American and Chinese tech giants. Le Monde
AFP: As Europe aims for "digital sovereignty", biomedical agentic AI could be the next big field
What NATO’s arms industry is learning from the battlefields of Ukraine: War has long been constrained by the moral and physical boundaries of soldiers. Now humanity is being removed from combat altogether. Toronto Star
TotalEnergies accused of 'complicity in war crimes' in Mozambique: Le Monde reports in the summer of 2021, Mozambican civilians were detained and tortured by soldiers guarding TotalEnergies's gas site. A non-governmental organization is challenging the responsibility of the French multinational company.
Toronto Star: One in five immigrants are leaving Canada. Data reveals these highly skilled newcomers are leading the exodus
Crime and economic woes push South American voters to the right: Reasons why South Americans are electing right-wing candidates this year differ in each country, but they’re all driving the region in the same political direction. BAT
Ecuador votes no to hosting US military base: NYT reports vote on Sunday rejected the expansion of a foreign military presence. It came as the US military’s campaign in waters near Latin America has been roiling the region.
Milei plans new US trip to meet Trump and attend 2026 World Cup draw: BAT reports Argentina’s President Javier Milei planning new trip to United States; He will attend World Cup 2026 draw at Kennedy Center and meet with US President Donald Trump.
A grand bargain with Venezuela: American forces won’t dislodge Maduro, but American diplomacy might. Francisco Rodríguez
Trump Team calls Maduro a ‘cartel’ boss. That word doesn’t mean what you think. Venezuelans coined a figure of speech for the phenomenon of generals corrupted by drug money: “Cartel de los Soles.” Then the United States started talking about it as a literal organization. NYT
Why the real target of Trump’s campaign in Venezuela is Cuba: The US president is amassing firepower in the Caribbean to force Maduro out, but the ultimate goal may be regime change in Havana. Telegraph
Can Venezuela count on any allies to help if the US attacks? American adversaries are unlikely to help President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela fend off a concerted attack. But they have made toppling him harder. NYT
BBC: Venezuela's Maduro 'ready to talk' as US ramps up pressure
Axios: Senate passes bill to release Epstein files
Senate approves Epstein files bill, sending it to Trump’s desk: Politico reports the legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent, with no debate.
ST: US House passes measure to force release of Epstein files in 427-1 vote
Congress passes bill to release Epstein files after lengthy fight: WSJ reports the Senate quickly approved the measure after a 427-1 vote in the House. President Trump had said he would sign the bill despite his long-standing objections.
Congress to send bill to Trump forcing disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein files: WP reports the House overcame a months-long impasse, and the Senate moved quickly to dispatch with the issue.
Miami Herald: Epstein turned to academic Noam Chomsky, others to rehab image after Herald investigation
Trump again threatens ABC's broadcast license, this time over Epstein questions: Politico reports Trump’s threat came after questions about whether he would order the files released without congressional consent, as well as those related to the 2018 assassination of a Washington Post columnist.
Trump threatens ABC News in Oval Office meltdown: AFP reports an infuriated Donald Trump threatened a US network's broadcast license Tuesday after its reporter asked questions about his family's business and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal at a high-profile White House event.
‘Quiet, piggy, ’ Trump tells reporter who asked about Epstein files: The Times reports the Bloomberg reporter, thought to be Catherine Lucey, has not commented on the exchange on board Air Force One.
Reuters: Trump approval falls to lowest of his term over prices and Epstein files, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
CDC links measles outbreaks in multiple states for the first time: NYT reports that if the outbreaks cannot be extinguished by January, the anniversary of the first cases in Texas, the United States will lose what is known as “elimination status” as determined by the World Health Organization.
Trump administration announces steps to dismantle Education Department: NYT reports responsibilities for K-12 and college programs, among others, will be moved to other federal agencies.
Trump administration announces dismantling of parts of the Education Dept. WP reports President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March seeking to close the department, but only Congress has the power to do that.
Under Trump, immigrants are more fearful but determined to stay, poll finds: NYT reports a national survey found that half of all immigrants in the United States say they feel less safe since President Trump took office. Still, many say their future remains bright.
Texas’ new congressional map blocked by court: WSJ reports challengers succeeded in a bid to block the state’s move to add more Republican seats to the House.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s big MAGA break-up: Defying the president over the Epstein files is her latest bust-up with the Republican Party. Economist
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s rebrand sends a message to MAGA: The Georgia lawmaker is using the Epstein vote to draw a line in the sand between herself and President Trump. Jessica Karl
It’s the cost of living, stupid: The MAGA agenda will only succeed if Americans feel material relief. Bridget Phetasy
Musk is back in politics. Does he want to stay a while? Having struck an uneasy truce with the president, Elon Musk is starting to make political appearances again, and his allies are planning a DOGE reunion party. NYT
Kamala Harris hits campaign trail in Tennessee special election: NYT reports on Tuesday, the former vice president made her first campaign appearance for another Democrat since leaving office.
Why Ford can’t find mechanics: Forget about reshoring manufacturing without more skilled workers. WSJ-Editorial
Bloomberg: US faces winter blackout risks from data centers’ power needs
US backs $1 billion loan to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant: WSJ reports Constellation Energy aims to bring the mothballed plant back to life to power a Microsoft AI agreement.
Bloomberg: Constellation gets $1 billion loan to open Three Mile Island nuclear plant
Alphabet-led AI project to shield New Zealand grid from outages: Bloomberg reports a consortium of four utilities serving a quarter of New Zealand will join an Alphabet Inc.-led initiative that uses artificial intelligence to fortify the country’s grid against failures caused by extreme weather or earthquakes.
Why today’s internet is so fragile Bloomberg
Rampant AI demand throws the memory chip market into turmoil: Nikkei reports supply constraints spark warnings of price rises and launch delays for consumer electronics.
Oracle is already underwater on its ‘astonishing’ $300bn OpenAI deal: FT reports AI’s circular economy may have a reverse Midas at the centre.
The AI bubble’s shaky math: Today’s massive and still-growing investments in AI and its accompanying infrastructure could well pay off like the internet did, following the investment boom of the late 1990s. But, for now, the gains from AI look more muted, and the macro downsides larger, than in the case of the dot-com bubble. Carl Benedikt Frey
BBC: Google boss says trillion-dollar AI investment boom has 'elements of irrationality'
Nvidia, Microsoft pour $15 billion into Anthropic for new AI alliance: WSJ reports Anthropic is committing to purchase $30 billion from Microsoft’s cloud-computing business, Azure.
Nvidia, Microsoft invest $15 billion in AI startup Anthropic: AFP reports Nvidia and Microsoft announced Tuesday investments totaling $15 billion in AI startup Anthropic, creator of the Claude chatbot, amid frenzied spending on the technology and growing fears of a bubble.
I invented the AI actress Tilly Norwood. She’s no threat to Hollywood: The UK-based former actress Eline van der Velden on the backlash to her ‘Bafta-optimised’ creation, the benefits of AI, and her plan to make Norwood interactive. The Times
Bloomberg: Google launches new Gemini AI model with interactive answers
+ Alphabet Inc.'s Google debuted an updated version of its artificial intelligence model, Gemini, that executives said represents a "massive jump" in reasoning and coding ability.
+ The new model, Gemini 3, can process text, images, and other media as well as solve complex science and math problems, and has dramatically improved its ability to reason and respond based on that input.
+ Gemini 3 will be available immediately across all of Google's major products, including search, and can answer questions with interactive graphics, and will be used to reply to the hardest queries in Google Search or AI Mode.
Google seeks to shake up chatbot race with new Gemini version: WSJ reports the new model could help the company leverage its built-in advantages of scale and profitability—if it can meet users’ expectations.
AI can empower the financial industry: Detecting subtle patterns in data will help America preserve its hard-won competitive edge. Eric Schmidt + Dimitris Tsementzis
Meta defeats FTC’s antitrust case alleging social-media monopoly: WSJ reports the ruling denies the agency’s attempt to force the Facebook parent to unwind its Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions.
Meta wins major antitrust case as US judge rules no monopoly: AFP reports a US judge dismissed the federal government's antitrust lawsuit against Meta on Tuesday, ruling that the tech giant's acquisition of Instagram and Whatsapp did not constitute an illegal monopoly in social media.
Meta’s victory opens the way for Silicon Valley to go deal shopping: NYT reports that to avoid regulatory scrutiny, big tech companies had steered clear of buying start-ups outright. Meta’s antitrust win may change that thinking.
Bloomberg is looking for Africa’s standout startups: We want to know about the companies that are designing Africa’s future. Bloomberg
Crypto market sheds $1.2tn as traders shun speculative assets: FT reports Bitcoin drops 28% in six weeks amid concerns about lofty tech valuations and US interest rates.
Why crypto’s spectacular market success is going sour: The industry got everything it wanted. Now it’s sinking. Economist
The stablecoin threat: Far too little attention has been paid to the fact that stablecoins could erode governments' control over money and debt, fundamentally reshaping how modern economies manage inflation, stabilize markets, and finance public spending. By catering to a politically connected industry, the United States is playing with fire. Angus Armstrong + Dennis J. Snower
Anheuser-Busch InBev nears $700 million deal for party punch maker BeatBox: WSJ reports the owner of Michelob Ultra is in talks to buy boxed punch that has gained traction with younger drinkers.
French court says Perrier can keep marketing as 'natural mineral water': AFP reports a French court on Tuesday said Perrier can keep selling its famed sparkling beverage as "natural mineral water", rejecting a case brought by a consumer rights group that said the label was misleading and urged the suspension of sales.
Panera plans to spend millions on better sandwiches and nicer stores: WSJ reports a turnaround strategy for the sandwich-and-salad chain includes improving service and food. “No one likes iceberg,” said Paul Carbone, CEO of Panera Brands.
Bloomberg: The hot new Dubai restaurant run by an AI chef at Woohoo
+ Dubai restaurateur Ahmet Oytun Cakir used ChatGPT for menu inspiration, which led to a bestselling dish and the idea for an all-AI concept restaurant called Woohoo.
+ Woohoo is fronted by "Chef Aiman," a large language model that creates recipes, analyzes ingredients, and generates flavor combinations, with human chefs testing and refining the dishes.
+ The restaurant features a futuristic atmosphere with immersive audio and video experiences, and its menu includes experimental dishes such as the Dinosaur Heart and Molecular Burrata, with prices ranging from $130 to $200 for a four-course meal.
Toyota announces $912m investments in US hybrid vehicle production: Nikkei reports the automaker aims to enhance production capabilities across five factories.
Self-driving taxis are catching on. Are you ready? With the arrival of Amazon’s Zoox robot taxi in San Francisco to compete with Waymo, autonomous services are gaining momentum. But there are pros and cons. NYT
After last week’s stunning landing, here’s what comes next for Blue Origin: “There’s never been such a high demand for launch as there is right now.” ARS
UK plans ban on ticket resale touts in bot-buying era: DW reports modern technologies have made it possible to buy up tickets moments after their release and instantly put them up for resale, often at an egregious mark-up. But the industry argues a ban will fuel the black market.
Did the Louvre robbers want to get caught? They left behind incriminating evidence, but perhaps their bungling was all part of a plan. Gavin Mortimer
The world has hit “peak wine”: Consumption is in secular decline, thanks to demographic and cultural shifts. Economist
Scotland has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
The Times: Pandemonium as Scotland strike late to reach first World Cup in 28 years
What’s it like to compete in the longest US off-road rally with no GPS? Hydrogen and solar power the rally infrastructure, but navigation is low-tech. ARS
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | November 18
*** Ross Rant ***
What happens when seven people gather with no agenda
Posted on Saturday, November 15
Seven people.
One Scottish estate.
Zero PowerPoints.
Brigadoon Scotland concluded on Friday at Carphin House in Fife, and I spent the weekend in Edinburgh letting it all settle before flying home Sunday.
The mantra I used when curating this gathering was "Less logic. More magic."
And I can tell you from firsthand experience, there is a specific magic that happens when you gather the right people in the right place with no agenda beyond authentic conversation.
I've organized Brigadoon gatherings in different formats and sizes for years, and I'm still surprised by what emerges when you trust the format: no PowerPoints, no name tags, and Chatham House Rule.
People arrived as strangers and became friends.
They left noticeably smarter, myself included, all while sharing challenges and opportunities in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Getting out of your typical routine is key, even for just a few days.
A fire burning constantly.
Hikes that start the moment you walk out the front door.
The Scottish November light casting a glorious hue across the landscape.
Nooks for reading and strategic planning.
Chef-prepared meals that let someone else make decisions and pamper you.
Nightly conversations that stretched for hours because no one wanted to leave.
All Brigadoon gatherings operate under Chatham House Rule, so what was said and what was shared stays private, but the impact doesn't.
Everyone left different than they arrived, especially me.
Some call these multi-day Brigadoon gatherings anti-conferences, but nothing I have ever attended creates this quality of dialogue and connection.
Nothing else makes you noticeably smarter and more energized in just five days.
I'm already thinking about the next one, and I'm so excited.
-Marc
*** Caracal Daily ***
The world ahead: How 2026 will shape the next decade: This year, President Donald Trump has demolished long-standing norms and upended decades-old institutions at breathtaking speed. The old world order is finished—and in 2026, the contours of what will replace it will emerge. In the week we publish our new edition of The World Ahead, our future-gazing guide to the coming year, our top editors consider what 2026 will reveal about the future of Western liberal democracies, the reshaping of global power structures, the outlook for the world economy, and the impact of new technologies. Economist (Video)
China rapidly expands nuclear test site as Trump revives Cold War tension: WP reports the quiet expansion of Beijing’s remote nuclear complex points to years of preparation for a potential return to Cold War-era weapons testing.
White House memo claims Alibaba is helping Chinese military target US: National security document outlines intelligence on tech support given to PLA ‘operations.’ FT
Europe sees China as a rival. China sees Europe as a has-been: Yet China may be underestimating Europe’s willingness to push back. Economist
Japan shows off warships to Indonesia defense chief with eye on exports: Nikkei reports Koizumi and Sjafrie affirm cooperation on maritime security at 2+2 meeting.
Taiwan plans to spend $3bn to pursue 'AI island' ambitions: Nikkei reports initiative to focus on photonics, quantum computing, and AI robotics.
Taiwan’s amazing economic achievements are yielding alarming strains: It has the world’s most undervalued currency and one of its biggest trade surpluses. Economist
Security Council backs Trump’s plan for postwar Gaza: NYT reports the resolution, which passed with 13 votes in favor and Russia and China abstaining, forms the central plank of the Trump administration’s next steps to implement a lasting peace in Gaza.
In major breakthrough, UN Security Council adopts US peace plan for Gaza: NYT reports the vote, in which Russia and China abstained, provides a legal mandate for the Trump administration’s vision of how to move past the cease-fire and rebuild.
320,000: The UN’s estimate of the number of homes destroyed or damaged in Gaza during the war.
CNN: Trump pulling out all the stops to welcome Saudi crown prince for first White House visit since Khashoggi killing
MBS in DC: Top lawmakers from both parties are trying to schedule a Capitol Hill visit for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his upcoming trip to Washington, according to multiple sources.
+ The crown prince will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House later this morning. The president will later host a White House dinner for the Saudi leader.
Trump says he will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia: Politico reports the president's comments, which could antagonize Israel, come a day before he welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House.
Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudis, despite Pentagon concerns: NYT reports the president told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that he planned to sell the advanced fighter jets to Riyadh.
Trump family and Saudi partner unveil tokenised Maldives resort: FT reports project announced on eve of Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to White House.
Courtroom erupts in cheers as ousted Bangladesh PM sentenced to death: USA Today reports a courtroom in Dhaka erupted in cheers on Monday, November 17, as a special tribunal sentenced Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to death.
The scramble for Europe is just beginning: As the EU struggles to defend its interests, outside powers play divide and rule. Gideon Rachman
Ukraine faces manpower crisis as most recruits flee training, MP says: The fervour of the war’s first volunteers is largely spent, and Kyiv is struggling to plug gaps on the front line as Russia comes close to capturing Pokrovsk. The Times
A huge corruption scandal threatens Ukraine’s government: Volodymyr Zelensky faces his biggest challenge since the invasion. Economist
Poland says rail explosion was ‘unprecedented act of sabotage’: Politico reports Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the goal of the sabotage was to blow up a train and that additional damage had been identified elsewhere on the route.
Polish PM confirms 'act of sabotage' on key Ukraine supply train line: Le Monde reports investigators suspect that the explosion on Sunday on the rail link running from Warsaw to the Polish city of Lublin was committed 'on behalf of a foreign intelligence service,' Poland's National Prosecutor's office said.
France pledges to sell Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, but funding remains uncertain: Le Monde reports that, as with all letters of intent, the one signed by Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday was not a formal contract, but simply an official acknowledgment of ongoing negotiations.
Ukraine plans to buy 100 French Rafale jets: FT reports Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs letter of intent to purchase aircraft and other weapons during visit to France.
France wants to build jet fighters for Ukraine. Neither has the cash. WSJ reports French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan to supply Kyiv with up to 100 Rafale jets and other advanced weaponry.
UK follows Europe and US in crackdown on asylum seekers: WSJ reports moves include threatening visa restrictions on countries that don’t take back failed asylum seekers, something President Trump has done.
Why Britain is embracing ‘negative nation branding’: Prime Minister Keir Starmer, trying to get a grip on a feverish immigration debate, is introducing a hard-line, contentious policy on refugees. NYT
Nearly half of Labour voters want Keir Starmer to step down: Polling for The Times has found that the prime minister’s popularity is waning after a chaotic briefing row and build-up to the budget.
Pope Leo is following in Francis’s footsteps: The new pope refuses to discipline bishops who move against traditionalists. Joseph D’Hippolito
UBS chair talked to Scott Bessent about moving bank to US: FT reports discussions came as Colm Kelleher tries to pressure Swiss government to back down over proposed capital rules.
Number of new foreign students in US falls 17% over visa worries: FT reports Trump’s tough policies against universities lead to sharp fall in international enrolments.
AP: US may have discussions with Maduro as aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean, Trump says
CNN: Trump hasn’t made decision on striking Venezuela, officials say
Bloomberg: Trump threatens Latin America but leaves US strategy unclear
Trump makes a sharp pivot on Venezuela: The Times reports that as Operation Southern Spear gathers pace in the Caribbean, President Trump has indicated he is willing to speak to the Venezuelan leader.
Trump’s armada off Venezuela’s coast is a hint to President Maduro: The US naval build-up gives the Venezuelan president a choice: do a deal or do a runner. The Times-Editorial
The case for overthrowing Maduro Bret Stephens
If we’re going to do tariffs, let’s do them right: The White House’s chaotic tariff strategy is making everything more expensive. Gretchen Whitmer
Bloomberg: World’s top aluminum producer adds markups as Trump tariffs drive up consumer costs
Epstein files: The House will vote Tuesday on the discharge petition calling on the Justice Department to release the complete Epstein files.
‘He got tired of me winning’: How Thomas Massie outmaneuvered Trump on Epstein: Politico reports the president’s Sunday capitulation handed his biggest GOP foe in Congress a major victory.
+ “I think I’ve just demonstrated I can get something done with the Speaker against me, the President against me, the Vice President against me, and the FBI director against me. If you can get something done in the face of all that, then I think my prospects are pretty good.” -- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)
Trump says he would sign bill to release Epstein files if it reaches his desk: ABC News reports: "I'm all for it," he said in the Oval Office on Monday.
Trump bows to reality in Epstein reversal, beating a rare retreat: NYT reports faced with a mass defection on a bill to demand the release of the Epstein files, the president rushed to avoid an embarrassing loss, suggesting a slip in his iron grip on the GOP.
As Trump looks for distraction on Epstein, Justice Dept. rushes to his aid: NYT reports the department was deployed, in effect, as an arm of the president’s rapid-response operation to help him muscle through a damaging news cycle over Jeffrey Epstein, former and current officials said.
CNN: Elizabeth Warren calls on Harvard to sever ties with Larry Summers after new Jeffrey Epstein emails
The first glimpse of post-Trump MAGA has arrived: With a push from Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump acquiesces over the Jeffrey Epstein files. Jim Geraghty
Can the American right find its way back? Under the influence of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, the American right has become unrecognizable to those who remain committed to the values espoused by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. The question now is whether the Republican Party can still recover its brand of dignified conservatism. Michael R. Strain
A conservative vision for America after Trump: Can the right find its way back to small government? Sarah Isgur thinks so. NYT
Here's an example of what I call "politics is the art of what's possible": Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) told CNN’s Dana Bash that she wanted to end the “toxic fighting in politics” and regrets her own heated rhetoric. Punchbowl called this "remarkable" and went on to write, "because that’s what MTG’s entire career and public persona was built on."
+ The White House chalks Marjorie Taylor Greene’s newfound persona up to sour grapes that Trump didn’t back her to run for Senate or governor.
Trump to back primary against Indiana Republican who opposes redistricting: Politico reports the White House plans to challenge Republican state Sen. Jim Buck of Kokomo.
Why Curtis Sliwa stayed in the race—and the billionaires who tried to buy him out Time
Why Trump gets away with it: The institutional checks that got the country through Watergate are far weaker now. Clark Hoyt
The Trump era is one of GOP decline Timothy P. Carney
Federal judge blasts potential ‘government misconduct’ in Comey case: WP reports the judge excoriated the Justice Department for its investigation and prosecution of former FBI director James B. Comey, citing a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps” that could threaten the viability of the case.
FAA to lift flight restrictions: WSJ reports a cut in flight traffic implemented last week in response to the government shutdown would end Monday morning.
Bloomberg: US airlines may see weaker holiday traffic amid shutdown fallout
Shut up, or suck up? How CEOs are dealing with Donald Trump: Chief executives are learning to live with a unique commander-in-chief. Economist
The American Petroleum Institute is backing a seven-figure ad campaign featuring real landmen during Paramount+ and CBS broadcasts of "Landman."
The State of AI: The new rules of war: Military commanders hope for a digitally enhanced force, but will autonomous weapons mean they risk losing control? FT
When AI hype meets AI reality: A reckoning in 6 charts: Record capital expenditures and data-center planning run up against the ground truths of physical infrastructure. WSJ
Paul McCartney joins music industry protest against AI with silent track: Guardian reports the former Beatle and artists including Sam Fender, Kate Bush, and Hans Zimmer record silent LP Is This What We Want.
Jeff Bezos creates AI start-up where he will be co-chief executive: Called Project Prometheus, the company is focusing on artificial intelligence for the engineering and manufacturing of computers, automobiles, and spacecraft. NYT
Chatbots are surprisingly effective at debunking conspiracy theories: Turns out many believers do respond positively when presented with the right evidence and arguments. MIT TR
Grok, Elon Musk's AI, spreads far-right falsehoods about 2015 Paris attacks: Le Monde reports a false rumor that acts of torture were committed during the attack on the Bataclan hall venue was revived by the French far right and confirmed by Grok, which invented victim testimonies.
Libellous chatbots could be AI’s next big legal headache: Companies from Google and Meta to OpenAI are getting sued for defamation. Economist
Now tech moguls want to build data centers in outer space: Energy constraints in the artificial-intelligence race are causing tech companies to think out of this world. Tim Higgins
‘I’m nervous’: Klarna founder challenges trillion-dollar spending on AI: OpenAI backer Sebastian Siemiatkowski says tech industry is committing too much money to huge computing infrastructure. FT
How Italy’s mafia uses social media to recruit new blood: TikTok is struggling to contain it. Economist
The global internet is pulling apart: The rise of the national messaging app. NY Mag
Screen-time worries send parents in increasingly desperate directions: Parents are turning to $8,000 ‘detox’ camps to rein in on kids’ tech usage. WP
Amazon joins Big Tech bond rush with $12bn debt sale: FT reports e-commerce giant’s first US bond in three years comes as it cranks up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Bloomberg: Fear engulfs Bitcoin traders betting on free fall to $80,000
The crypto industry’s $28 billion in ‘dirty money’: As President Trump has championed crypto and the industry has gone mainstream, funds from scammers and other criminal groups have flowed onto major crypto exchanges. NYT
Cryptocurrencies, a fast lane for money laundering: An international journalistic investigation of which Le Monde is a partner highlights the glaring weaknesses in cryptocurrency exchange platforms, used by criminals to launder money. Le Monde
Apple intensifies succession planning for CEO Tim Cook: FT reports the iPhone maker’s board is preparing for its longtime leader to step down as early as next year.
The world’s most-watched YouTube video hasn’t made its creator rich: Company behind ubiquitous song is hampered by ad restrictions on children’s content, wants to raise funds for expansion via an IPO. WSJ
Bloomberg: ‘Baby Shark’ creator Pinkfong set for Seoul debut after popular IPO
The surprising new use for GLP-1s: Alcohol and drug addiction: WP reports some doctors are prescribing weight-loss drugs such as Zepbound and Ozempic to help reduce cravings for illicit drugs and alcohol. But research on the benefits is limited.
J&J buys cancer drugmaker Halda for $3bn in latest biotech deal: FT reports pharma group hopes acquisition will help to offset losses from expiring patents on blockbuster drugs.
China wants electric cars to feed power back to the grid: The world’s largest EV fleet could become a giant battery network if economic and technical hurdles are overcome. ROW
Reuters: Electric vehicle sales are booming in South America — without Tesla
Will superfast, super-expensive electric vehicles catch on? This could be the make-or-break year. Economist
Ford has reached a deal with Amazon to sell certified used cars directly on Amazon's website.
Eat, pay, love: Dining with strangers is China’s new social fix: Algorithm-matched dinners with strangers have proliferated in some of China’s biggest cities, as participants pay to make friends, explore their surroundings, and try to escape the mundanity of daily life. Sixth Tone
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos to fund Met Gala: The Times reports New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced that ‘costume art’ will be the theme of next year’s A-list event.
The NFL has a new comeback king: With a last-gasp victory on Sunday, the Chicago Bears notched a fourth-quarter comeback for the fifth time this season. It’s a remarkable record—but is it sustainable? WSJ
The Kansas City Chiefs are wobbling out of the playoffs: Inconsistent and searching for answers, the Super Bowl perennials lose more ground to Denver as AFC power resets. Jason Gay
6 ski clinics to up your on-mountain game: Multiday clinics offer focused instruction and camaraderie on the slopes and at après-ski. Here, a half dozen that will improve your skills. NYT
Mbappé and PSG trade countersuits worth hundreds of millions: Le Monde reports the captain of France claims his former club mistreated him after he refused to sign a new contract. PSG, in return, claims their former star striker botched a €300 million transfer deal.
Bloomberg: Trump says US is creating priority visa system for World Cup
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal