The end of the longest peace? One of history’s greatest achievements is under threat. Graham Allison + James A. Winnefeld, Jr.
Bloomberg: Ukraine and allies warn US against rush to end Russia’s war
+ Ukraine and its European allies signaled that key sticking points remained in US-brokered peace talks, despite senior officials hailing progress in winning more favorable terms for Kyiv.
+ German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a meeting in Geneva resolved “some issues”, but cast doubt on an initial Trump administration demand for Kyiv to cede territory and scale back its military.
+ Ukrainian and US officials said they had worked over details of a peace blueprint, narrowing it down to a new list of 19 proposals, with discussions to continue at the working level in the coming days.
Under pressure from Washington, Zelensky faces tough choices: Talks on the US plan began as Ukraine's domestic situation was deteriorating militarily, economically and politically. Weakened, the Ukrainian president is calling for unity to avoid an agreement that would jeopardize the country's sovereignty. Le Monde
For a weakened Zelensky, yielding to Trump is riskier than defiance: Most Ukrainians reject a surrender, and Zelensky courts crisis with his own military in case of major concessions to Russia. WSJ
US and Ukraine draft new 19-point peace plan but defer biggest decisions: The most politically sensitive elements are left for Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss. FT
Peace-plan negotiators leave thorniest issues to Trump and Zelensky to hash out: What happens to Ukrainian territory coveted by the Kremlin but not seized by Moscow’s troops is a major sticking point in any peace deal. WSJ
Ukraine has no choice but to engage with US peace plan: The American proposal is biased in favour of Russia. But it is not the final word. Gideon Rachman
The Trump team’s tortured path to a Ukraine peace plan: Washington’s mixed signals and shifting proposals unsettle allies as negotiations near a critical phase. FT
US, Ukraine move closer together on peace plan after lengthy talks: The document, which Europe and Ukraine said was too favorable to Russia, has been substantially changed, officials say. WP
As Ukraine sets ‘red lines,’ a US peace plan is slimmed down: Washington and Kyiv said that “highly productive” discussions over a proposal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine would continue. NYT
US seeks to reassure Ukraine and EU allies over Trump's plan: Le Monde reports the US secretary of state spoke of 'a tremendous amount of progress' during his talks on Sunday with Ukrainian and European officials. However, the counter-proposals from European capitals remained far removed from the plan put forward by the American president.
Putin’s win-win: Take a Russia-friendly peace deal, or fight on: The Kremlin’s leader is standing back as Ukraine and Europe scramble to negotiate changes to a US proposal to end the war. NYT
The wrong way to peace in Ukraine: It was revealed last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have been secretly negotiating a settlement to the war in Ukraine. But this “peace” plan, if implemented, would encourage Russia to continue waging war in Europe, undermine the international order, and increase the risk of nuclear war. Timothy Snyder
Russia must get no amnesty in any peace deal for Ukraine: Gyunduz Mamedov, a lawyer-turned-soldier, fears the West will acquiesce in the Kremlin’s bid to undermine justice. Economist
The death of the diplomat in Trump’s America: Sidelining the state department and relying on dealmakers will come at a cost. Alec Russell
China’s Xi calls Trump to discuss Taiwan, Ukraine: WSJ reports the two leaders spoke as Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow try to hammer out a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping hold first call since trade truce: FT reports conversation between US and Chinese presidents comes as Washington debates sale of more advanced AI chips.
Trump will visit China in April for meeting with Xi Jinping: NYT reports President Trump said he would visit Beijing for the first time since returning to office after holding a call with Mr. Xi, China’s leader.
Nikkei: Trump says he'll visit Beijing in April and host Xi for state visit next year
China’s Communist Party wants positive energy only, please: But enforced online optimism is no remedy for economic gloom. Economist
Can the Chinese economy match Aruba’s? Xi Jinping has lofty goals for 2035. But China faces a real problem. Economist
Japan’s new leader infuriated Beijing. She isn’t backing down. Workaholic Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is riding high despite the perils of a fight with Beijing. WSJ
Japan set to name AI, nuclear fusion among 6 strategic technology fields: Sectors to be eligible for increased tax benefits to attract private-sector funds. Nikkei
North Korean elite wear fur coats and luxury brands as poor freeze: The country’s small trading class is increasingly allowing itself conspicuous displays of wealth while the majority of citizens struggle for food and warmth. The Times
Europe risks going the way of imperial China: Once a proud power, Qing dynasty fell behind in technology to be exploited by the West — now the roles are reversing. William Hague
Chinese exporters charge Russia more for war supplies: FT reports price increases show that Western restrictions are limiting Moscow’s capabilities, Bank of Finland research finds.
AFP: France wants to bring voluntary military service back
France and Gabon seek ‘new beginning’ in relations: AFP reports French President Emmanuel Macron began a state visit to Gabon to renew diplomatic, military and economic ties with President Brice Oligui Nguema’s post-coup government. France has reduced its military presence but remains a key partner, backing projects like the Transgabonais railway renovation. Both leaders stressed a 'new beginning' in bilateral relations.
Macron cements ties with 'new Gabon' led by coup leader: Le Monde reports after the G20 summit in Johannesburg, the French president made a stop in Libreville on Sunday. His warm welcome from Brice Oligui Nguema stood in sharp contrast to the anti-French sentiment spreading across the continent.
South Africa salvages the reputation of a faltering G20 summit: Le Monde reports boycotted by the United States, the summit still managed to adopt a final declaration. 'The G20 may be reaching the end of a cycle,' Emmanuel Macron wondered.
Can the world move on without the US? G20 leaders gave it a shot. With the United States boycotting the summit, other nations sought to strike new deals, and some took a tougher tone with President Trump. NYT
Why ‘Henrys’ are turning their back on the Tories: The Conservative party has lost touch with affluence — and with the generation that would like to enjoy its benefits. Henry Hill
Bloomberg: Heathrow’s £49 billion third-runway project backed by ministers
A united Ireland referendum must not be ‘another Brexit’, analysts say: Two leading journalists from both sides of the border warn against another ‘vague, thumbs up-thumbs down’ vote. Guardian
Belgium faces nationwide disruption as unions strike: DW reports Belgium is set for a new phase of labor unrest as unions launch coordinated walkouts against the government's savings plans. The action, already affecting rail passengers, is set to widen to include schools and airports.
Saudi Arabia opens property sector to foreigners, as agents eye Asians: Nikkei reports new market cheaper than Dubai, where Indians, Pakistanis, and Chinese are top investors.
Sudan's RSF declares truce after army rejects US plan: AFP reports Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Monday announced a unilateral three-month ceasefire a day after the army dismissed a US truce proposal from international mediators.
Sudan's displaced and exhausted doctors treat fellow El-Fasher survivors: AFP reports overwhelmed health workers rushed from patient to patient in makeshift tents in Sudan, trying to help even though they too had barely escaped the fall of El-Fasher to paramilitary forces.
Several flights were cancelled after Hayli Gubbi, a volcano in northern Ethiopia, erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years.
Brazil is embracing its African roots: It is the country that imported by far the largest number of African slaves. Economist
Brazil's Supreme Court upholds Bolsonaro jailing after 'attempt to flee': Le Monde reports Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled Monday that the former president had 'willfully and consciously violated the electronic monitoring equipment,' as he appeals a 27-year sentence for plotting a failed coup.
Brazil defied Trump and won: President Trump tried to keep the former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, out of prison. He failed, and now he is moving on. WP
Trump’s tariffs are pushing Canada closer to China and India: WP reports Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to double non-US exports by 2035. That means making up with two of Canada’s greatest adversaries.
Trade chaos leads small businesses to rethink US relationships: From Sweden to Brazil, six small companies talk about how they are communicating with their US customers amid uncertainty over Trump’s changing tariffs. NYT
Global trade overdependent on US and China, WTO head says: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, head of the World Trade Organization, spoke to DW about the risks of global trade's "overdependence" on the US and China and the potential benefits of AI.
US deems Venezuela's 'Cartel de los Soles' as terror group: DW reports Donald Trump has not ruled out taking military action against Venezuela, which would be a major escalation of the monthslong operation that has included a military buildup in the Caribbean.
Top US military officer to visit Caribbean as Trump pressures Venezuela: NYT reports Gen. Dan Caine is making the trip as President Trump is said to have approved plans for covert action in Venezuela.
More Americans are getting their power shut off, as unpaid bills pile up: WP reports average electricity costs have risen 11 percent since January, more than three times the rate of inflation. “For the first time, we’re behind on all of our utilities," one Ohioan said.
Affordability is Trump’s problem now: Like every president, he will have to own the political consequences of rising prices. Rana Foroohar
WSJ: Comey and James cases dismissed in blow to DOJ
AP: Pentagon says it’s investigating Sen. Mark Kelly over video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’
Reuters: Trump seizes control of Republicans' 2026 election strategy with his presidency on the line
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit shows Trump still has a firm grip on his party: WSJ reports the Georgia congresswoman’s resignation after crossing the president on the Epstein files underscores his power to make or break careers.
Amid MAGA fight over AI, Trump allies urge focus on workers: WP reports a conservative initiative highlights GOP divisions over tech regulation, with some advocating for deregulation and others prioritizing worker protection.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao accused of facilitating payments to Hamas: FT reports crypto tycoon pardoned by Donald Trump faces US court complaint from families of victims of October 7 attack.
BBC launches hunt for new boss as Trump row rumbles on: AFP reports the BBC on Monday formally launched its search for a new chief following the resignation of Tim Davie over a misleading edit of Donald Trump that sparked a row with the US president.
Shares in Novo Nordisk fell by as much as 11% after it reported that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, failed to treat Alzheimer’s disease in late-stage trials.
BHP’s failed bids for Anglo lay bare mining group’s struggles to find growth: FT reports industry stunned after company makes fresh attempt to buy smaller rival then walks away just days later
Inside Marriott’s disastrous bet on short-term rental company Sonder: WSJ reports the investment added rooms for the hotel chain, but the apartment-rental firm collapsed under the high-cost leases. “Everything kind of went straight downhill,” said one manager.
The AI industry is built on a big unproven assumption: In addition to the projections about reaching artificial general intelligence and replacing millions of human workers, there’s the mundane matter of how long AI chips will last. Bloomberg
Fortune: ‘I’m deeply uncomfortable’: Anthropic CEO warns that a cadre of AI leaders, including himself, should not be in charge of the technology’s future
OpenAI, Intuit strike strategic partnership: WSJ reports Intuit sees the opportunity to expose its products, such as TurboxTax and QuickBooks, to a broader range of potential users on ChatGPT.
Bloomberg: Anthropic says its new AI model is better at coding and office work
Cracks are appearing in OpenAI’s dominant façade: A deal between Anthropic, Microsoft, and Nvidia makes AI more circular. Economist
Amazon says to invest $50 billion in US government AI infrastructure: Le Monde reports according to a statement, the initiative will give US agencies access to advanced AI services to develop software for missions ranging from cybersecurity to scientific research.
Amazon’s X-energy gets backing from Jane Street as investors bet big on nuclear: FT reports reactor developer closes fundraising round as markets expect atomic energy will power the AI boom.
AI delay may affect Europe's future, says ECB chief: AFP reports European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned Monday that a delay in embracing artificial intelligence could "jeopardise" the continent's future, urging barriers to its adoption to be swiftly lifted.
New AI model enhances diagnosis of rare diseases: FT reports PopEVE system outperformed rivals such as Google DeepMind’s AlphaMissense.
The state of AI: Don’t share your secrets with a chatbot: Tech companies are harnessing the language of relationships to harvest data. FT
Qatar pours millions into British investor in quantum start-ups: The Times reports venture capital firm Firgun raises $70 million from backers including the Qatar Investment Authority as it seeks to build funding for UK computing firms.
The droids taking over one of England’s strangest towns: Want to glimpse our robot-filled future? Just go to Milton Keynes. NY Mag
NASA and Boeing scale back Starliner missions after fumbled astronaut flight: WSJ reports the space vehicle will launch again, without astronauts, in April on a cargo mission to the International Space Station.
Who will win the trillion-dollar robotaxi race? It’s Waymo complicated than it looks. Economist
An auto holy grail: Motors that don’t rely on Chinese rare earths: Weary of being captive to geopolitics, car companies are looking for ways to replace powerful rare-earth magnets in electric motors. NYT
Italian fashion titan Zegna to hand over power: AFP reports Gildo Zegna, grandson of the eponymous fashion brand's founder Ermenegildo Zegna, will hand over the reins of the group to its finance director and the fourth generation of family leaders in January, the group announced Monday.
Being addicted to Bravo was a hobby. Now it’s a career. At BravoCon, podcasters, meme-makers and TikTok recappers are building careers off the TV network and rewriting what fandom looks like. WP
Social media is dead — none of my friends are posting any more: ‘Everyone is scared that something they share might attract the attention of social media’s angry hordes, always ready to accuse.’ Caitlin Moran
AFP: Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dead at 81
The standoff that brought the Big Ten’s $2.4 billion deal to a screeching halt: Despite pressure from commissioner Tony Petitti, Michigan regents pushed back on a private-investment pact worth at least $100 million to each school. WSJ
Shedeur Sanders’s first NFL test was a complete disaster. His next one flashed hope. Following his draft-day nosedive, the famous rookie for the Cleveland Browns flopped in his debut. But in his first career start, he flashed a glimpse of why evaluators were so intrigued by him. WSJ
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | November 24
Secret US-Russia talks led to plan that blindsided Ukraine: The controversial 28-point plan dropped suddenly by the Trump administration to Ukraine as a take-it-or-leave it proposition mere days ago was mostly the result of several weeks of negotiations behind the scenes between Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev that excluded not only Ukraine and its allies but even some key US officials. Bloomberg
Trump envoys issue ultimatum to Ukraine to sign peace deal by Thursday: FT reports hardline message over US-Russia plan at volatile meeting in Kyiv sparks alarm among European allies.
Russia stuck to its demands on Ukraine. Many are now in Trump’s peace plan. WSJ reports Moscow has repeated its desire to neutralize Kyiv’s military and stop the expansion of NATO through diplomacy—or on the battlefield.
Trump criticises ‘zero gratitude’ of Ukraine as European officials meet: The Times reports top advisers are meeting in Geneva to discuss the proposed 28-point peace plan, which has been criticised for ceding too much to Putin.
NYT: President calls Ukraine ungrateful as US officials push for peace deal
Donald Trump attacks Ukrainian and European leaders as peace talks start: FT reports meeting in Geneva comes as confusion mounts over US position on proposal to end war with Russia.
Ukraine, allies meet in Geneva to discuss contentious US peace plan: G+M reports Kyiv and its allies, including Canada, are pushing to revise the plan that is seen as favouring Moscow.
US, Ukrainian and European officials meet in Geneva for talks on peace plan: DW reports officials from the United States, Ukraine, and national security advisers from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are meeting in Geneva today to review Washington’s draft proposal to end the war in Ukraine.
Europeans push back on US plan during Geneva talks: DW reports a group of US lawmakers says Marco Rubio told them the Trump-backed peace plan is a Russian "wish list." Washington's top diplomat, however, insists it was US-authored.
US senators say Rubio told them Trump’s Ukraine peace plan is Russia's 'wish list': AP reports US senators critical of President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war said Saturday they spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who told them that the peace plan Trump is pushing Kyiv to accept is a “wish list” of the Russians and not the actual US plan.
+ A State Department spokesperson denied their account, calling it “blatantly false.”
Trump says Ukraine peace plan isn’t final after criticism it favors Russia: The proposal’s detractors are trying to convince the White House that the 28-point plan should be a starting point for Moscow-Kyiv talks. WSJ
Politico: Lawmakers say Rubio distanced US from peace plan
+ Members of Congress attending an international security forum said Secretary of State Marco Rubio called them to say the Americans did not instigate the proposal.
+ US lawmakers attempted Saturday to reverse days of confusion around a leaked peace plan for Ukraine, saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured them the document does not represent the Trump administration’s position.
+ Rubio called the bipartisan delegation to the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday afternoon, they said, while en route to Geneva for talks with Ukrainian officials. He described the plan as a Russian proposal, they said, and not a US initiative.
Trump issues an ultimatum to Ukraine: His latest peace offer fulfills Vladimir Putin’s wishes and leaves Kyiv with a terrible choice. WSJ-Editorial
Bloomberg: Ukraine seeks NATO-like shield from US, counter-plan says
+ Ukraine and its European allies will insist that discussions with Russia on any territorial swaps can only take place once the war ceases along the current line of contact.
+ Their response to the US plan asks for a security guarantee from Americans that mirrors NATO’s Article 5 mutual-defense clause and demands that frozen Russian assets be used to reconstruct and compensate Kyiv.
+ The European response rejects Moscow’s demands that Kyiv cede unoccupied territory in the east and proposes that other sanctions would be lifted in phases if Russia abides by the deal.
Zelensky may never have faced a more agonizing choice: US officials tell me Trump’s peace plan is flexible, but a painful decision lies at its core. David Ignatius
In his tightest corner yet, will Zelensky rise to the occasion? Over nearly four years of wartime leadership, analysts say the Ukrainian leader has repeatedly played weak hands wisely. A US peace plan may be his biggest test. NYT
Trump says Zelensky can agree to peace plan or ‘fight his little heart out’: The comment is part of a White House push to get Ukraine’s leaders to agree to a 28-point plan for ending the war that has drawn criticism, including from GOP lawmakers, for being favorable to Moscow. WP
War in Ukraine: Europe's race against time to try to rewrite Trump's plan: Officials from the United States, Ukraine, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are set to meet in Geneva on Sunday, November 23, to discuss a document drawn up by Washington that carries a November 27 deadline. Le Monde
Donald Trump’s peace plan would be bad for Ukraine, Europe, and America: It is a sad mix of naked opportunism and strategic myopia. Economist
Ukraine needs Russia’s frozen $200 billion immediately, Europe: With Trump seeking Kyiv’s capitulation to Russia, now is the moment for decisive European action. Max Boot
The walls are closing in on Zelensky: Ukraine faces a triple threat amid growing casualties, a corruption scandal, and a peace plan that amounts to capitulation. Colin Freeman
Fiona Hill, geopolitical strategist: 'The US is giving Russia tremendous influence over Europe': According to the former Trump adviser, 'This White House wants Ukraine to capitulate to Russian demands to end this war, without proper consideration of all the factors at play.' Le Monde
How Trump turned European diplomacy into a cycle of flattery and humiliation: To maintain a transatlantic relationship seen as essential, Europe has adapted to the US president's unpredictable demands, even at the risk of slipping into servility. Le Monde
Japan's pacifism put to test amid tensions with China: By emphasizing the dangers facing the archipelago, Japan's right wing seeks to stoke public anxiety in order to justify expanding the country's military capabilities. Philippe Pons
Japan confirmed that deployments of missiles near Taiwan were proceeding as scheduled.
China’s risky challenge to Japan — and the US: The diplomatic rift between Beijing and Tokyo is also a test of Washington’s appetite for engagement with the region. FT
The failed crusade to keep a rare-earths mine out of China’s hands: The failure of one Western company to build a China-free rare-earths supply shows how Beijing has come to dominate the supply. WSJ
Economist Philippe Aghion: ‘Macron’s legacy will be better than people think’: France’s new Nobel laureate on stimulating growth, the power of creative destruction — and why Karl Lagerfeld helped him with his homework. FT
How the US tried to undermine the G20 summit in South Africa: Washington is boycotting the event taking place in Johannesburg. Yet despite intimidation from Trump, South Africa has pushed ahead with its agenda. Mathilde Boussion
G20 adopts declaration despite US boycott: DW reports it is unusual for world leaders to adopt a declaration at the start of the G20. Officials from G20 summit host South Africa said Washington had pressured them not to adopt a declaration in its absence.
COP30 ends with a whimper: The climate conference acknowledged that more climate action is needed, then failed to provide it. Economist
Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro placed in preventive detention following an astonishing escape attempt: Le Monde reports under house arrest as he pursues his final appeals against a conviction for attempting a coup, the far-right former president tried to burn through his electronic ankle monitor. He has since been placed in isolation.
Trump’s tariffs hand Lula a political gift in Brazil: WSJ reports the Brazilian president defied Washington’s attempts to use tariffs to save Jair Bolsonaro, Trump’s right-wing ally, from jail—and the US relented.
We analyzed 5,000 calls to find out what CEOs really think about tariffs: Trump’s trade war is a pain, but less so than many executives expected. WSJ
White House considers leaflet drop to pressure Maduro on his birthday: WP reports the Trump administration has proposed a psychological operation to demoralize the Venezuelan leader and encourage him to flee the country, according to people familiar with planning.
What does US 'terrorist' designation for Venezuela mean? AFP reports Washington's designation of an alleged Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) takes effect on Monday, opening the door to new forms of US pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.
Brazil 'very concerned' about US naval build-up near Venezuela: AFP reports Brazil is "very concerned" about a US military build-up near Venezuela, fearing a conflict, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Sunday, adding he intended to speak with US counterpart Donald Trump about it.
Here’s how to make Argentina grow again: The country needs more from the US than a $20bn swap agreement. Laurence Kotlikoff
Milei (finally) divides to conquer: In his first two years in office, Milei united rather than divided the opposition. His all-out attack on “the caste” earned him many enemies and virtually no friends. But everyone likes a winner. Marcelo J. García
Milei puts military back in charge of defence after 42 years of civilian rule: BAT reports President Javier Milei names Lieutenant General Carlos Presti, current head of the Army, as Argentina’s new defence minister; Opposition criticises move as "step backwareds"; Since December 1983, when Raúl Alfonsín began his Presidency following the end of military dictatorship, all post-holders have been civilians.
The ambiguities of the 'Generation Z' movement in Mexico: Driven by a billionaire at odds with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government, a movement calling itself 'Generation Z' brought tens of thousands of people together for a protest against insecurity and corruption on November 15 in Mexico City, ending in violent clashes with the police. Le Monde
Canada, India renew talks for comprehensive trade deal: G+M reports Ottawa suspended talks after going public with RCMP allegations that the Indian government was behind the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No more feminist foreign policy, Carney says: G+M reports Prime Minister Carney, who made the comments at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, has placed less emphasis on feminist policies than the Trudeau government.
Export-Import Bank to spend $100bn to achieve US energy dominance: FT reports new chief floats deals in Egypt, Pakistan, and Europe as the agency backs away from renewables under Donald Trump.
Epstein is a failure of the 21st-century elites: What the story is really about is unloved girls, let down by parents and ‘the people who run things.’ Peggy Noonan
Epstein, Trump, and the era of elite impunity: Democrats don’t need to pick and choose among the administration’s many sins. They all tell the same grim story. TNR
Is Trump starting to correct his course? He’s made wise moves on the Epstein files and tariffs. What’s next? Healthcare. Karl Rove
Trump shows his power, and Greene reveals his weakness: As the president forced a onetime loyalist from Congress, her defiant departure signaled a coming debate over Republican identity in a post-Trump era. NYT
What Trump’s Mamdani praise — and MTG’s ouster — says about MAGA’s future: A whirlwind Friday is the freshest reminder that the MAGA movement has always been defined more by id than ideology. Politico
Everyone is talking about the ‘affordability crisis.’ It can’t be solved. President Trump and New York Mayor-elect Mamdani both campaigned on affordability, but the issue is amorphous and poorly defined. Greg Ip
Trump’s love-in with NYC mayor-elect has America asking ‘is Mamdani a Republican?’ The president and the democratic socialist were remarkably cordial in the White House. Was it a ploy to rock Mamdani’s standing among progressives? Katy Balls
Trump's odd day: Enthralled by Socialist Zohran Mamdani and abandoned by MAGA lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene: The US president lavished praise on New York City's mayor-elect during a White House visit on Friday. Almost simultaneously, one of his most fervent allies announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, formalizing her break with the Republican leader. Le Monde
The surprising issue driving a wedge between Trump and his MAGA base: President Donald Trump’s attempt to block states from regulating AI sparked pushback from Republicans concerned the tech will displace workers and harm kids. WP
Trump’s big problem is not Epstein — it’s the AI bubble: The US economy, and by extension the president’s fortunes, are becoming reliant on one new technology. What happens when the boom busts? Katy Balls
Why Republicans are fighting about the Nazis: Tensions over right-wing antisemitism have burst to the forefront of Republican politics, and show signs of becoming a fierce point of contention in the midterms and beyond. NYT
The MAGA world, divided over Trump's politics and eaten away by neo-Nazi movement: The Epstein case, tech billionaires, Venezuela, Israel: The movement that brought Donald Trump back to the White House now finds itself splintered on numerous fronts. An openly antisemitic, racist, and misogynistic current is gaining ground around Nick Fuentes. Le Monde
The president is losing control of himself: Donald Trump’s outbursts on social media this week were different than usual. Tom Nichols
Did Trump lead the GOP into a gerrymander trap? Texas’ redistrict prompts retaliation from California—and may be undone by a federal court ruling. Matthew Continetti
Congress Turns Chaotic as Lawmakers Target Each Other: WSJ reports House leaders want to change the rules to rein in censure votes after week of fighting.
In the House, censures proliferate, reflecting a poisonous climate: NYT reports formal reprimands, once rare, dominated the chamber’s agenda this week, prompting lawmakers in both parties to call for changes to the way the House handles such actions.
Patel under scrutiny for use of SWAT teams to protect his girlfriend: NYT reports the FBI's director’s travel on government jets has contributed to growing questions inside the administration about whether he is using taxpayer-funded resources inappropriately.
The case of a felon who paid lobbyists nearly $1 million to seek a Trump pardon: WSJ reports nursing home magnate Joseph Schwartz was sentenced in April to three years for defrauding the government of $38 million. Seven months later, Trump pardoned him, but the White House denies a lobbying tie.
Comey prosecution on the ropes after series of missteps: WSJ reports a rushed process and departure from protocol have hurt the case, former prosecutors say.
It’s called the ‘six-year itch.’ Democrats hope it favors them for the Senate. The sixth year of a presidency typically produces brutal results for his party in Senate races, but everything about Trump is unconventional. WP
How Rubio’s political fate is entangled with Maduro’s: The US move against Venezuela’s dictator is resonating in Florida, home to a key political constituency of the Secretary of State. Politico
AOC built her own political machine. Now she’s deciding her next move. Seven years after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leapt onto the national stage as an outsider, she’s learned an inside game and is considering a run for Senate or president. WP
‘The History of the Peloponnesian War’ review: Warrior and witness: The Athenian patrician Thucydides began writing the history of his city’s conflict with Sparta even as the war was beginning. WSJ
The Thucydides Trap is coming for America Lydia Polgreen
Best books of 2025: From our own stable: From political history to football fever, books by FT journalists and editors. FT
Best books of 2025: Politics: Gideon Rachman selects his must-read titles. FT
The owner of the Daily Mail agreed to buy the Telegraph, a rival British newspaper, for £500m ($654m).
Eli Lilly becomes first pharma group to join $1tn club: FT reports shares have soared almost 40% this year over strong demand for weight-loss and diabetes drugs.
Moderna is most shorted stock in S&P 500 as Americans skip jabs: FT reports maker of COVID-19 shots has slumped since pandemic as people turn against vaccines.
Taco Bell knows exactly what you want to eat at 2 am: Liz Matthews is considered the GOAT of new product ideas, testing hundreds to develop viral hits like Doritos Locos Tacos and Baja Blast. WSJ
Korean noodle makers ride K-pop boom to grow global share: Nongshim, Samyang build more factories and expand into new markets. Nikkei
‘The next China is China’: Estée Lauder chief doubles down in the east: Stéphane de La Faverie remains committed to country at centre of beauty group’s recent troubles. FT
BHP Group has made a fresh takeover approach to Anglo American Plc in a move to disrupt the London-listed miner’s combination with Canada’s Teck Resources Ltd., the latest twist in a wave of consolidation sweeping the industry.
AI investors want more making it and less faking it: The artificial-intelligence industry took Silicon Valley’s hustle mentality to an extreme—and investors are catching on. WSJ
Insurers retreat from AI cover as risk of multibillion-dollar claims mounts: AIG, Great American, and WR Berkley seek permission to limit liability from AI agents and chatbots. FT
Behind the AI bubble, another tech revolution could be brewing: Today’s eye-popping valuations are based on the assumption that LLMs are the only game in town. Gillian Tett
What OpenAI did when ChatGPT users lost touch with reality: In tweaking its chatbot to appeal to more people, OpenAI made it riskier for some of them. Now the company has made its chatbot safer. Will that undermine its quest for growth? NYT
How the internet rewired work—and what that tells us about AI’s likely impact: Pundits in the late 1990s offered all sorts of predictions about how the internet would affect jobs. For the most part, they were way off. WSJ
Don’t expect AI to disrupt Google’s monopoly on search: A judge said artificial intelligence would upend Google’s dominance, but two new books argue that monopolies rarely fix themselves. Bloomberg
Inside the world of AI song-making: Big hits and a 7-figure deal: At least 10 songs made with music-generating technology have charted recently. WSJ
Why are so many pop stars trying to win over country fans? Ask Shaboozey. For years, the country music star struggled to stake a claim to the version of himself that now seems inevitable. NYT
20 years of Spotify — who’s winning, losing, and making money? The streaming giant has revolutionised music and created a new generation of stars. But why are British artists struggling? We talk to its Swedish founder Daniel Ek and industry insiders. The Times
Robert Propst invented the cubicle. But don’t blame him if you hate it. The much-derided office workstation originally was designed to accomplish the opposite of what it became. WSJ
The Beatles Anthology — and why the band are in legacy overdrive: Their ‘end’ was declared long ago — so why are the Fab Four back with a new compilation album and documentary? FT
‘Wings’ review: Paul McCartney’s wandering star: For McCartney, post-Beatles life didn’t mean a retreat from the business of rock ’n’ roll. With a new band, he got on the bus. WSJ
Friendology: The science of friendship: Why do we like the people we like? Suzanne Degges-White
Real Madrid plots ownership shake-up to stay ahead of Premier League rivals: Member-owned Spanish club could bring in external investors as some fans voice opposition to idea of a stake sale. FT
Real Madrid presented plans to sell a 5% stake as part of a long-standing strategy to welcome external investors.
Lando Norris disqualified as Max Verstappen win blows title race wide open: The Times reports McLaren blunder causes Norris and Oscar Piastri to fail post-race car checks – with skid plank infringement of only 0.12mm for Norris — as Verstappen moves to within 24 points of lead.
Formula 1: Verstappen wins Las Vegas Grand Prix as McLarens are disqualified: Le Monde reports a fifth straight Formula 1 title is now within Max Verstappen's grasp after the disqualifications of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, which cut his deficit to Norris to just 24 points with two races left.
Ukraine-born Aonishiki wins sumo tournament, 1st from war-torn country: Nikkei reports the wrestler expected to receive promotion to ozeki, the 2nd-highest rank.
Imperious Shiffrin swoops to 103rd win at Gurgl: AFP reports American skier Mikaela Shiffrin picked up a record-extending 103rd World Cup victory when she posted the quickest time in both runs of the women's slalom at Gurgl on Sunday.
The Anglo-Australian drift: Two increasingly different countries are contesting the Ashes. Janan Ganesh
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | November 21
*** Ross Rant ***
The Turkish football scandal isn't about football
Turkey's football gambling crisis is unprecedented. 300 players banned, entire leagues suspended, and 150 referees implicated. This looks like a sports story, but it is an economic story.
It's actually a case study in institutional collapse under economic pressure. When inflation erodes purchasing power and trust in institutions weakens, informal economies flourish.
Turkish referees and lower-tier players weren't simply greedy. They were responding rationally to a cost-of-living crisis that made side income essential. The betting site at the center of the scandal, Misli, was itself a league sponsor controlled by associates of the football federation's former head.
This pattern extends beyond Turkey.
MLB pitchers now face charges for pitch manipulation tied to sports betting. US prediction markets have seen sports contracts surge past political and financial categories. The common thread: legalized gambling creates systemic vulnerabilities in institutions already strained by economic and political pressures.
For global companies, the lesson isn't about sports integrity, it's about recognizing when economic stress transforms institutional risk. When employees, contractors, or partners face financial pressure in markets with weak governance, compliance frameworks built for stable conditions fail predictably.
Executives should audit exposure in markets where three factors converge: high inflation, weakened institutions, and newly legalized vice industries.
The question isn't whether your sector faces gambling-specific risks. It's whether economic pressure is creating incentives for institutional participants to operate outside formal rules—and whether your compliance architecture can detect it before prosecutors do.
Moral crises are usually economic crises first.
—Marc
*** Caracal Daily ***
China can’t afford to ignore its army of gig workers: Pivoting to a tech-driven growth model after the collapse of the property sector is a sensible move for China. The strategy has helped Beijing win a trade truce with Washington. But it may take years for the country’s industrial giants to mature enough to create enough jobs. Juliana Liu
China is priming its people and the world for a new pressure campaign on Taiwan: Beijing’s strategy, known as ‘the pen and the gun,’ employs a domestic media campaign and aggressive rhetoric toward Taipei’s friends. WSJ
Fears grow Japan-China spat may spiral into worst crisis since 2012: Observers see parallels with freeze in relations over disputed Senkaku Islands. Nikkei
US ‘has Sanae Takaichi’s back’ in Japan’s escalating row with China: Ambassador offers Japanese PM ‘unshakeable’ support after Beijing imposes economic measures. FT
Bloomberg: US-China rivalry to persist despite trade truce, Singapore Says
+ Fierce competition between the US and China will continue, said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, despite a recent meeting between the two leaders that created an opportunity for the two economic superpowers to engage and de-escalate.
+ The guardrails will ensure the rivalry does not slide into a full decoupling, or worse confrontation and conflict, Wong said, and the US and China reached a detente at a summit in South Korea in October.
+ Singapore will engage "issue by issue" and through the lens of Singapore's national interest, Wong said, adding that the country does not have to choose between the two powers.
The Pentagon’s missing China strategy: Washington still lacks a credible military plan for deterring Beijing. Seth G. Jones
A Chinese firm bought an insurer for CIA agents - part of Beijing's trillion dollar spending spree BBC
Bloomberg: US accuses four of smuggling advanced Nvidia chips to China
North Korea forges closer ties with Russia, China in quest for new power bloc: A year after sending troops to Ukraine war, Pyongyang's reward seen as political, not economic. Nikkei
Axios: Zelensky agrees to negotiate on Trump's peace plan for Ukraine
Ukraine says it received 'draft plan' from the US to end war: Le Monde reports Washington officially presented a 'draft plan' to Volodymyr Zelensky, but neither side has divulged details of the proposal. Zelensky's office said he expected to discuss the points with Donald Trump in the coming days.
Ukraine fears a US pressure campaign to accept the peace plan drawn up with Russia: FT reports Trump pushes Kyiv to make major concessions on land, size of armed forces, and weapons.
US delivers peace plan for Ukraine, sparking fears of ‘capitulation’: WP reports Kyiv’s European partners said they should be involved in proposals for the security of Ukraine and Europe, indicating they hadn’t even been briefed on the plan.
White House’s Ukraine peace plan draws pushback: European officials expressed concerns about any proposal negotiated without Ukraine. WSJ
Ukraine and Europe chafe at being excluded from US-Russian peace plan: NYT reports some in Kyiv expressed confusion over the Trump administration’s multiple diplomatic tracks as Washington tries to revive negotiations.
A terrible American-Russian proposal to end the war in Ukraine: Steve Witkoff’s “peace deal” looks like a Russian wish list, and Ukraine is not biting. Economist
Ukraine peace plan: How seriously should we take the proposed deal? The 28-point plan, drawn up by officials in Russia and Steve Witkoff, the US envoy, would force the country to cede land to Moscow and has been widely criticised. The Times
Why Europe can’t go it alone on Ukraine: The continent cannot afford to fund Kyiv’s war effort. Owen Matthews
The surreal 45-day trek at the heart of NATO’s defence: Europe wrestles with crumbling bridges, narrow tunnels and red tape as it plans how to move an army eastward. FT
French general: We must be ready to ‘lose our children’ in war: Fabien Mandon, the new head of the armed forces, has caused an outcry by claiming his countrymen lacked the ‘strength of soul’ needed for conflict with Putin. The Times
Bloomberg: EU warns its ties to China hamper ability to punish Russia
+ The European Union's deep economic ties to China are constraining its ability to pressure Beijing over Russia's war in Ukraine, the bloc's top diplomat said.
+ The EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, said China "might also hurt you, and that's the problem" if the EU is not willing to pay the price that China is going to impose.
+ Kallas encouraged allies to confront China together, noting that the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and others are also affected by Beijing's actions.
Ukraine enlists civilians in its hunt for Russian drones: In response to an ever-evolving and increasingly large-scale aerial threat, Kyiv is building a complex air defense system, featuring innovative, low-cost surface-to-air solutions that can be operated by civilians. Le Monde
Ukraine's grain sector is facing increasing pressure due to war-related disruptions and adverse weather conditions, with power shortages, logistical challenges in wheat production, and significant harvesting delays straining corn supply chains nationwide.
European sulfur and sulfuric acid producers are facing an affordability crisis as sulfur feedstock costs surge, prompting some facilities to consider closures and a shift in regional trade patterns.
US sanctions loosen Russia’s grip on Serbia by forcing sale of oil company: WSJ reports the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is in talks to buy NIS after its energy imports were halted by Trump administration enforcement.
Indian conglomerate to stop Russian oil imports amid pressure from Trump: WP reports Thursday’s announcement by Reliance Industries that it had stopped importing crude oil from Russia was a seemingly significant concession to Washington.
How tiny details expose Putin’s location: President keeps identical offices across Russia to obscure movements - but small clues give him away. Telegraph
‘Too little, too late’: Damning report condemns UK’s COVID response: Report on handling of pandemic contains stinging criticism of ‘toxic and chaotic’ culture inside Boris Johnson’s No 10. Guardian
+ ‘Chaotic and indecisive’: Key findings of report on UK’s Covid response under Tories
+ Dominic Cummings ‘poisoned the atmosphere’ of Boris Johnson’s No 10, COVID inquiry finds
23,000 died because government COVID response ‘too little, too late’: The Times reports an excoriating report by the UK COVID-19 inquiry says Boris Johnson failed to appreciate the calamity facing the UK in early 2020.
Rachel Reeves’ gambit: A year after her last bombshell Budget, the chancellor is once again mired in political chaos. Could the fallout consume both her and Sir Keir Starmer? FT
Bloomberg: UK to create new fast-track residency path for high-earners
+ The UK government has unveiled a new fast-track path to residency for high-earners, with visa-holders earning more than £125,000 allowed to apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years.
+ The quicker route to residency would also be open to entrepreneurs who hold Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas, while those earning salaries between £50,000 and £125,000 would have to wait five years.
+ Applicants for indefinite leave to remain must have a clean criminal record, paid payroll tax contributions, owe no debt to the state, and proven English-language proficiency, with penalties added for certain offenses, such as claiming benefits.
Danish PM’s dismal polling shows limits of right-turn on migration: Mette Frederiksen’s gamble on tough asylum policy backfires as socially liberal urbanites and rural voters abandon her centrist party in local elections. The Times
How Spain is still wrestling with Franco’s legacy 50 years later: The dictator’s Valley of the Fallen, which contains the remains of thousands of soldiers, has returned to the heart of political debate. The Times
'The Nuremberg trials mark a seminal moment that put an end to the impunity of heads of state': On November 20, 1945, in the southern German city of Nuremberg, a historic trial began for around 20 top Nazi officials. Historian Sylvie Lindeperg recalls how the event became a major milestone for international justice. Le Monde
Bloomberg: Trump calls Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally in boost to MBS
US and Saudi Arabia reach deal for rare earths facility in Gulf kingdom: FT reports mining group MP Materials will share minority stake in joint venture with US government to build and operate facility.
BBC: UK will not tolerate Chinese spying, minister says after MI5 alert
Trump’s little British helpers: Nobody should be surprised that the US president has the BBC in his sights. Edward Luce
Unlocking Africa’s economic potential for faster long-term growth: Faster growth in Africa is needed to increase upward economic mobility opportunities for the continent’s rapidly expanding population.
S&P Global
Demographic discontent across Africa is a ticking time bomb: The continent’s young are losing faith in gerontocratic leadership. David Pilling
How South Africa’s underworld infiltrated its government: A televised inquiry probing the nexus of rogue police, officials, and gangsters has electrified the country. FT
South Africa claims US has had ‘change of mind’ on G20 boycott: FT reports Washington to send official to closing ceremony after Trump administration previously refused to take part in summit.
Trump’s total boycott of G20 casts shadow over its future: ‘It’s bleak,’ says senior European diplomat involved in preparations for summit. FT
Turkey will host COP31 in 2026 after reaching an agreement with Australia.
COP30 overshadowed by trade tensions: 'How to collaborate on decarbonization while protecting economic interests': The issue of international trade has taken on unprecedented importance in the global climate negotiations currently underway in Brazil. Disagreements center on the European carbon border adjustment mechanism. Le Monde
Lula at climate summit: US might not be gone for good: Politico reports Brazil's leader said he hopes “one day to convince the president of the United States that the climate crisis is serious” — and to join a phase-out of fossil fuels.
Jailhouse shock: Brazil coup monger Bolsonaro finally faces life behind bars: Guardian reports the former president’s far-right supporters have discovered a new interest in prison conditions as incarceration looms.
New US ambassador slams Chile’s president for criticizing Trump: Bloomberg reports Chilean President Gabriel Boric’s recent criticism of Donald Trump was “disappointing” and shows how far bilateral relations “have fallen,” the newly arrived US ambassador said at his first press conference.
+ US Ambassador to Chile Brandon Judd said Chilean President Gabriel Boric's criticism of Donald Trump was "disappointing" and shows how far bilateral relations "have fallen".
+ Judd stated that Boric's comments were unwarranted, given that the US is at "the forefront of dealing with environmental issues", and that they hurt the Chilean people in ongoing negotiations.
+ Judd expressed disapproval of Boric's attitude and views on Trump, saying that if Boric has concerns, he should "pick up the phone" and talk to US officials, rather than criticizing them publicly.
Cuba is heading for disaster, unless its regime changes drastically: An upheaval beckons in an increasingly miserable country. Economist
US ran a war game on ousting Maduro. Venezuela fell into chaos. An official US government exercise during President Trump’s first term forecast turmoil and potential violence in a post-Maduro Venezuela. NYT
Democrats raise concerns over allied curbs on intelligence sharing: NYT reports Britain’s limits on sharing information reflect growing unease among partner nations over the legality of the US strikes on boats purportedly carrying drugs.
Holiday hiring slows, frustrating job seekers: NYT reports retailers are adding fewer of the seasonal roles that many Americans rely on to make ends meet.
Dick Cheney and the fruits of regime change: He has largely proved right about Iraq and the broader Middle East. Barton Swaim
Cheney remembered as ‘highly disciplined mind’ at funeral: Former President George W. Bush and all living former VPs attended; Trump, Vance weren’t invited. WSJ
Cheney’s funeral draws Bush, mix of Democrats and Republicans. Not Trump. WP reports Dick Cheney, the former vice president and a consummate Washington insider across four decades, was remembered as a shrewd and steady tactician.
Cheney remembered for transforming national security and standing against Trump: As the former vice president is honored at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, many eyes are focused on who came — and who did not. NYT
Dick Cheney and the false nostalgia for the good Republican Ross Barkan
How Donald Trump is turning into Joe Biden: It’s about more than denying inflation. Economist
Is Donald Trump a game theorist? There may be method to his madness. Christopher Caldwell
Trump wanted to abolish FEMA. His own advisers disagree. NYT reports a panel convened by President Trump is said to have rejected the president’s idea that the agency should “go away.”
Trump officials unveil plan to drill for oil off California, sparking a fight: WP reports Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom declared the plan “dead on arrival” before it was released. The last federal oil lease sale in the Pacific was in 1984.
Trump plans to open more than a billion acres of US waters to drilling: WP reports the plan from the Interior Department is one of the president’s most significant steps yet to increase domestic fossil fuel production.
Trump calls for arrest of Democrats who urged troops to disobey illegal orders: WSJ reports: ‘You must refuse illegal orders,’ Democratic lawmakers said in video released this week.
Trump calls Democrats ‘traitors’ for telling military to refuse unlawful orders: WP reports the president said lawmakers who appeared in a video committed “seditious behavior” and should be arrested and put on trial for treason.
NYT: President calls Democrats’ video to military ‘punishable by death’
Donald Trump accuses Democrats of ‘seditious behaviour’ punishable by death over video: FT reports threat comes after lawmakers tell members of US military that they must refuse illegal orders.
Trump’s Toddler Response to the Epstein Saga: The president baits, deflects, and chews the scenery in a drama that just won’t die. Jonathan Chait
Welcome to Anything Goes America: Where the loosening of rules and tolerance of corruption will lead. Economist
The rise of the ‘Sex and the City Conservative’: What does it mean to be a MAGA woman in 2025? Elaine Godfrey
The MAGA world, divided over Trump's politics and eaten away by neo-Nazi movement: The Epstein case, tech billionaires, Venezuela, Israel: The movement that brought Donald Trump back to the White House now finds itself splintered on numerous fronts. An openly antisemitic, racist, and misogynistic current is gaining ground around Nick Fuentes. Le Monde
The GOP’s government enablers: Republican populists sound like Democrats as they vent their rage against Big Business. Kimberley A. Strassel
In America’s suburbs, frustrated middle-class voters are up for grabs: Wealthy districts voted Democratic on Tuesday, but middle-income voters could swing most House battlegrounds next year. WSJ
Why American-style polarisation is spreading across the West: New research shows how incentives in the modern media ecosystem help explain rising division and negativity. John Burn-Murdoch
As Trump plans backfire, Democrats are ahead in House redistricting fight: WP reports after early redistricting wins, Trump faces setbacks over maps for Texas, Indiana, and other Republican-led states, frustrating his allies.
Texas Republicans have gerrymandered their way into a corner: If the courts don’t stop them, Hispanic voters may punish them. Economist
In a Fox News Poll out Wednesday evening, voters said the White House is doing more harm than good on the economy: 46% said they've been hurt by the administration's economic policies, 15% say they've been helped and 39% said Trump has made no difference.
Today: New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet Trump in the Oval Office.
CNN: Democrats are debating how to approach the new Marjorie Taylor Greene
WP: Trump-Marjorie Taylor Greene breakup shakes MAGA: ‘Mom and Dad are separated’
Marjorie Taylor Greene: anti-Trump resistance hero? The left sees that she might be useful in their war to bring down Trump. Douglas Murray
Indicted Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida will step aside from her leadership position on a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee “while the matter is ongoing,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ office said Thursday morning. A federal grand jury indicted her on Wednesday on charges of embezzling $5 million in disaster funds.
‘Nations Apart’ review: The republic by region: The strongest divisions in our politics may have emerged from patterns of early American settlement. WSJ
‘I wanna blow this up’: How Bari Weiss is trying to overhaul CBS News: The new editor in chief is personally recruiting potential anchors, booking guests herself, and asking staff what they do. WSJ
Is a global housing bubble about to burst? It’s unlikely, according to a report by the Swiss bank UBS, but some markets are more vulnerable than others. NYT
WSJ: Stock-market rebound evaporates as AI fears resurface
He’s been right about AI for 40 years. Now he thinks everyone is wrong. Yann LeCun invented many fundamental components of modern AI. Now he’s convinced most in his field have been led astray by the siren song of large language models. WSJ
To meld AI with supercomputers, national labs are picking up the pace: AI has added urgency to the US national laboratories that have been sites of cutting-edge scientific research, leading to deals with tech giants like Nvidia to speed up. NYT
AI = "fearful and distrustful": Edelman this week released a flash update to its highly influential Trust Barometer, showing Americans are deeply fearful and distrustful of the Trump administration's top domestic fixation: accelerating AI. Big majorities are pessimistic about the technology broadly, and super-anxious that robots will eat their jobs.
+ "People might believe that AI is globalization 2.0 — that jobs will shift out of our country, and jobs will go to ... somebody younger or cheaper." -- Edelman CEO Richard Edelman
White House drafts order directing Justice Department to sue states that pass AI regulations: WP reports the proposal comes after Republicans failed to get a federal block on state AI legislation approved in Congress.
Donald Trump’s support for pro-AI proposal fuels MAGA backlash: US president endorses move to restrict regulation by states after lobbying from Silicon Valley. FT
A White House power grab on AI would be a huge mistake Dave Lee
Don’t let AI ruin the em dash: In defense of the newly controversial punctuation mark, which has become a target for those determined to root out AI writing. Joel Stein
Apple will need to move on from the Tim Cook gravy train: Tech group’s next chief must convince shareholders it is time to expand the scale of the company’s bets. Richard Waters
How do you replace a CEO like Tim Cook or Warren Buffett? Some shoes seem just too big to fill. Economist
GE HealthCare Technologies is buying Intelerad Medical Systems, a maker of medical imaging software, for $2.3 billion in cash to expand its efforts in cloud software and artificial intelligence.
Toyoda’s MAGA cosplay disguises Japan’s pain: The shrinking, ageing economy is in critical need of mechanisms to attract the world’s best. Leo Lewis
Walmart to shift listing to Nasdaq as retailer raises sales forecasts: FT reports US behemoth’s switch is the biggest by company market value between the exchanges.
Quince knows what you’re looking for. And it’s making it cheaper: Inside the California company’s quest to sell you everything from cashmere to caviar for less than the competition. WSJ
Gap reported stronger-than-expected sales, a sign that celebrity-fueled marketing, flashy collaborations, and a revamped inventory are luring in consumers.
Weed drinks that get you very, very high could be gone soon: Cannabis beverages with up to 100mg of THC are increasingly popular. A ban on hemp is threatening their survival. Bloomberg
7 of the most innovative cities in the world that push sustainable growth in 2025: From Zurich to Copenhagen, explore the cities redefining smart, green, and connected living in 2025. IE
Give Stellan Skarsgård an Oscar for Sentimental Value: Joachim Trier’s film shows us what compassion is. Germán Saucedo
+ MR: Sentimental Value is one of the top two films I have seen this year (the other is Hamnet, which in many ways has the same throughline as Sentimental Value) and will do exceptionally well this awards season. Stellan Skarsgård is a peak performance in this film.
‘Death by Lightning’ review: A president struck down on Netflix: Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen star as James Garfield and his crazed assassin in this gripping four-part series. WSJ
Meet the $50mn ‘experience designers’ for the 0.01 percent: House reveals, heli-skiing, and branded condoms are all in a day’s work for the professionals who curate billionaires’ lives. FT
Are we becoming post-literate? Audio-driven content is rendering reading and writing obsolete. Katherine Dee
After 167 years in New York, a priceless coin collection heads to Toledo: The doubloons, dollars, and denarii of the American Numismatic Society will leave their overlooked home in Manhattan for a more welcoming headquarters on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art. NYT
Guardian: Paramount to show most Champions League games in UK from 2027-31
+ US network made largest bid at this week’s auction
+ Amazon Prime will have first pick of Tuesday matches
Paramount makes surprise knockout bid for UK Champions League rights: US media group shocks sports rights market with European football push. FT
Scotland’s wild World Cup moment was built by collective will and individual brilliance: Steve Clarke’s history-making team have a ferocious work ethic that should typify what Scotland stands for. Ewan Murray
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal