Ukraine accepts ‘core terms’ of plan that could give peace a chance: Zelensky is inching closer to accepting the basis of an agreement. Trump is optimistic, but European leaders doubt Moscow’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire. The Times
Relief and uncertainty for Ukraine and Europe after Trump's plan is overhauled: Negotiations in Geneva led to the removal of the most problematic points for European Union countries and Ukraine from the US plan. But the revised 19-point plan is yet to be finalized and must still be presented to the Russians. Le Monde
Trump pushes Ukraine and Russia on peace deal, but key issues are unresolved: President Donald Trump declared optimism about progress, but Ukraine and Russia remain far apart about whether Kyiv should surrender additional territory to Moscow. WP
Russia strikes Ukraine and signals resistance to amended peace plan: The attack killed at least seven people in Kyiv, the authorities said, as Moscow suggested it would resist changes negotiated by Ukraine. NYT
+ Germany and Romania scrambled fighter jets after two Russian drones crossed into Romanian airspace from Ukraine.
How the US drafted a Russia-friendly peace plan for Ukraine: Crucial input from Kremlin confidant influenced document that for week roiled relations among the US, Ukraine and Europe. WSJ
Witkoff advised Russia on how to pitch Ukraine plan to Trump Bloomberg
+ US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff held a phone call with Yuri Ushakov, Putin's top foreign policy aide, to suggest working together on a peace plan for Ukraine.
+ Witkoff advised Ushakov on how Putin could broach the issue with Trump, including setting up a call before Volodymyr Zelenskiy's White House visit and using the Gaza agreement as a way in.
+ The conversation offers insight into Witkoff's tactics for negotiating with Russia and the genesis of the 28-point peace proposal that emerged earlier this month, which the US has pushed Ukraine to accept as the basis of a deal.
Trump sends Witkoff to Moscow in hopes of finalizing Ukraine deal: Le Monde reports the US president said Tuesday his plan to end the war in Ukraine has been 'fine-tuned' and he’s sending envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials. But European leaders remained skeptical, and Russian missiles continued to rain down on Kyiv.
Donald Trump sends top envoy to Russia to finalise US peace plan for Ukraine: FT reports president’s comments come as Moscow signals it could reject proposal that differs from Alaska talks.
Zelensky has clearly read ‘The Art of the Deal’: If Ukraine gets security assurances and Russia balks, Trump needs to punish Putin. WP-Editorial
The wrong sort of peace leads to the next war: Donald Trump’s approach to peacemaking ignores crucial lessons from history. Economist
Republicans fight with Trump’s team over Ukraine talks: Senator Mitch McConnell and several other lawmakers have accused President Trump’s team of appeasing the Kremlin, warning that doing so would not lead to lasting peace. NYT
Ukraine and the off-point peace plan: If the final peace plan is anything like the 28-point draft, Kyiv is in deep trouble. William A. Galston
Another attempt at peace in Ukraine: Despite Trump’s plan, the West lacks the unity of purpose to put pressure on Putin. Walter Russell Mead
Another Ukraine peace scare: It will take a lot more than what Donald Trump is doing to convince Putin that it’s in his best interest to stop. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.
Can Trump deliver Putin? The hysterics will get hysterical all over again when it turns out peace isn’t nigh. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.
Steve Witkoff’s been played by Putin. He has to go: Trump’s placeman at the negotiating table is out of his depth when it comes to peace in Ukraine. Roger Boyes
Dan Driscoll: Trump’s new man in the room with the Russians: After becoming the youngest army secretary in US history, the president’s ‘drone guy’ has been tasked with ending the war in Ukraine. The Times
Macron says that Russia has not shown any 'willingness to discuss' an amended version of US peace plan: Le Monde reports the French president's comments have come amid renewed attempts to broker an end to the nearly four-year war in Ukraine. He said 'continued pressure' would be put on Russia to negotiate, adding: 'We will continue to support Ukraine with force.'
Three people arrrested in Paris on suspicion of spying for Russia: The arrests of three suspects come amid increased fear of Russian interference across Europe. Le Monde
Russia's navy now has privileged access to the Gulf of Guinea: Le Monde reports according to the cooperation agreement between Russia and Togo, endorsed on November 19 during President Faure Gnassingbé's visit to Moscow, the two countries are now authorized to use each other's military ports.
Why China is reducing flights, upping retaliation against Japan: On today’s Big Take Asia podcast: Japan’s new prime minister recently raised the issue of support for Taiwan — and now China is retaliating economically. Bloomberg
Bloomberg: Japan-China spat clouds anime boom’s momentum in China
+ The China Film Administration has frozen approvals of new Japanese movie titles and postponed the release of at least six previously approved titles due to an escalating spat between Japan and China.
+ The spat, sparked by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan, has also led to the cancellation of more than 20 performances by Japanese musicians and a comedy group.
+ The restrictions on Japanese films and live events are weighing on Japanese companies' ambitions to expand in China, with the uncertainty making it difficult for them to predict when China's censors will impose further restrictions.
Bloomberg: Xi puts biggest US-China flashpoint back on agenda in Trump call
+ Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discussed a diplomatic row with Japan in a phone call, with Xi asserting China's sovereignty over Taiwan and framing it as part of the post-World War II international order.
+ Trump made no mention of Taiwan or Japan in his statement on the call, instead stressing progress on trade and calling relations with China "extremely strong!", but later briefed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the conversation.
+ The Taiwan issue is expected to feature more prominently ahead of Trump's visit to Beijing in April, with several developments, including a potential transit visit by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and US weapon sales to Taiwan, risking derailing US-China ties.
China and Japan are in a showdown, with Trump in the middle: With Japan’s new leader refusing to back down from China’s show of force and claims on Taiwan, Xi Jinping picks up the phone to try to pry the US-Japan alliance apart. NYT
Beijing, we have a problem … China grapples with risks of space race: As it hastily sends its Shenzhou-22 spacecraft as a lifeboat for the ‘Heavenly Palace’ Tiangong station, China learns orbiting the Earth is full of complications. The Times
North Korea’s relentless nuclear march revealed by new photos: The Times reports Kim Jong-un’s expanding weapons factory has the capabilities to fulfil its leader’s nuclear dream, yet Donald Trump had the chance to shut it down.
Taiwan’s president: I will boost defense spending to protect our democracy: An unprecedented military buildup by Beijing threatens peace and stability in the region. Lai Ching-te
Move aside Tokyo, the world has a new largest city: NBC News reports with an estimated population of nearly 42 million residents, Indonesian capital Jakarta soared from 33rd place to surpass Japan's Tokyo, according to a new United Nations report.
The fracturing of the world economy: Will the US or China abandon their current follies sooner? Martin Wolf
A shrinking world will turn our problems upside down: The political and economic priorities of a depopulating society could be very different from today’s. Sarah O’Connor
Britain’s most unpopular chancellor in decades faces another big test: Rachel Reeves, who has had a bruising tenure as the country’s top economic official, is set to announce tax and spending measures that risk stoking more discontent. NYT
Bloomberg: Reeves finally faces day of reckoning on her long-trailed budget
+ UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will announce her second budget, which she has drafted with bond-market investors and Labour Party backbenchers in mind.
+ Reeves needs to announce measures that will placate Labour MPs and gilt holders, and is expected to include a package of tax hikes, such as freezing income tax thresholds and imposing a mansion tax.
+ The budget will also focus on tackling the cost-of-living, with policies including hiking the national minimum wage and national living wage, freezing rail fares, and cutting energy bills.
Labour’s budget will probably focus on short-term survival: But it risks storing up greater economic problems for the future. Economist
How Ireland became the weak spot in Europe’s defences: With few ships and limited intelligence-sharing, some say the country cannot hope to protect itself or its infrastructure. FT
Bolsonaro to start serving 27-year sentence over coup plot: NYT reports Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a prison term for conspiring to remain in power after losing the last election.
Shorter days, signs of fatigue: Trump faces realities of aging in office: President Trump has always used his stamina and energy as a political strength. But that image is getting harder for him to sustain. NYT
What’s going on with Trump’s gold ‘Oval Office’ sign? Design experts read the writing on the White House wall. WP
Trump weighing the ouster of Kash Patel, according to sources: MS Now reports Patel has come under scrutiny for his stewardship of bureau resources, including his girlfriend’s security detail and use of a government jet.
Next Fed chair? White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is seen as the frontrunner to be the next Federal Reserve chair, according to people familiar with the matter.
Inside Atlanta’s first government-funded supermarket: Goal is for the store to become profitable without any government subsidy within three years. WSJ
‘Scraping for crumbs’: Americans squeezed by affordability crisis: Rising food, shelter, and healthcare costs are hitting hard in Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley. FT
Grim retail sales data fuels concerns about health of US economy: FT reports consumer confidence drops to second-lowest level since pandemic as inflation lingers.
Retail sales in America rose just 0.2% month on month in September, below expectations, while consumer confidence fell to its second-lowest level in five years.
Market volatility underscores epic buildup of global risk: Some experts see a dangerous combination of factors reminiscent of practices that led to previous financial crises. NYT
The self-driving taxi revolution is here: It’s Waymo complicated than it looks. Economist
The auto industry was warned: Battery recycling was poisoning people: Despite decades of evidence on the toxic effects of lead battery recycling, companies opted not to act and blocked efforts to clean up the industry. NYT
Manufacturers start to phase out production of ‘forever chemicals’: FT reports groups including BASF respond to increased risk of litigation over ‘PFAS’ substances and regulatory intervention.
Chinese pharma is on the cusp of going global: Its fast-moving, cut-price drugmakers stand to make more money abroad than at home. Economist
AI investors want more making it and less faking it: Lackluster responses to Nvidia results and the chip maker’s deal with Anthropic point to a worsening environment. James Mackintosh
AI trade splinters as Google challenges Nvidia’s dominance: WSJ reports Alphabet took another step toward $4 trillion in market value, rising more than 1% to extend a monthslong rally.
Google has pierced Nvidia’s aura of invulnerability: But the search giant’s custom chips may prove tricky for others to adopt. Economist
Bloomberg: Google, the sleeping giant in global AI race, now ‘fully awake’
+ Google has released new AI software and struck deals, such as a chip tie-up with Anthropic PBC, that have reassured investors the company won’t easily lose to ChatGPT creator OpenAI and other rivals.
+ The company's newest multipurpose model, Gemini 3, won immediate praise for its capabilities in reasoning and coding, as well as niche tasks that have tripped up AI chatbots.
+ There are signs of rising demand for Google’s specialized AI chips, one of the few viable alternatives to Nvidia Corp.’s dominant gear, with a report that Meta Platforms Inc is in talks to use Google’s chips sending shares of its parent Alphabet Inc climbing.
Meta is in talks to use Google’s chips in challenge to Nvidia: WSJ reports a deal to use Google’s TPUs for Meta’s AI models could be worth billions and eat into Nvidia’s dominant market share.
Dell Technologies raises outlook as AI server shipments increase: WSJ reports the company anticipates full-year revenue of $111.2 billion to $112.2 billion as AI server shipments more than double.
Walmart is exploring bringing ads to Sparky, its new AI shopping agent: WSJ reports the retailer is looking for revenue opportunities in the shift to chatbot-guided e-commerce.
What is Agentic AI, and would you trust it to book a flight? Companies are racing to develop artificial intelligence tools that can make reservations for flights, hotels, and more on your behalf. Here’s what to know. NYT
Is ChatGPT conscious? Many users feel they’re talking to a real person. Scientists say it’s time to consider whether they’re onto something. NY Mag
HP to cut up to 10% of workforce as part of AI push: WSJ reports the computer and printer maker expects the restructuring to affect about 4,000 to 6,000 employees.
Four top contenders at Apple to succeed Tim Cook: John Ternus, Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, and Greg ‘Joz’ Joswiak each oversee a different part of the company. WSJ
A ‘great unmasking’ on X is arming Americans with digital borders: The social media platform’s move to show users’ location is a great step toward online transparency. Sean Rad
Klarna launches stablecoin to cut cost of cross-border payments: FT reports digital token will aimed at merchants moving large sums and may also be offered to consumers.
Robinhood, Susquehanna to launch exchange to expand prediction markets offerings: WSJ reports the new exchange will help Robinhood offer additional prediction contracts tied to sports, elections, and other future events.
Bloomberg: Gambling, prediction markets create new credit risks, BofA warns
+ Bank of America is warning that the growth of prediction markets and sports gambling could lead consumers to take on too much debt and default on loans.
+ The bank's strategists point to the rising popularity of online betting and the creation of a new form of speculative engagement through platforms like Kalshi Inc. and Polymarket.
+ They warn that the negative financial effects of these wagers may be most pronounced for low-income consumers and especially for young men, and that firms like Bread Financial Holdings and OneMain Holdings are most exposed to these risks.
Pret A Manger’s recipe for a revival? Meal deals and £13 salads Bloomberg
The Vatican issued a new doctrinal note on marriage: “In Praise of Monogamy” describes marriage as an “indissoluble unity” between two people—a direct criticism of polygamy—and tells Catholics to marry only once.
Sir Richard Branson’s wife, Joan, dies aged 80: The Times reports Joan Templeman married the Virgin founder on his private island in 1989. He described her as ‘my rock’ as he announced her death
The 100 best comedy movies of all time Variety
With one movie and soundtrack, Jimmy Cliff changed reggae forever: The 1972 film “The Harder They Come” and its accompanying soundtrack brought the genre out of Jamaica and helped pave the way for future stars. NYT
France detains last suspected Louvre thief: WSJ reports authorities suspect he was the final member of a four-man team that made off with France’s crown jewels in broad daylight.
Forgotten Louvre security report highlighted specific balcony used by crown jewel thieves: Le Monde has learned that a 2018 security audit explicitly identified the balcony used by the thieves as a point of vulnerability, even noting the possibility that a freight lift could be used to access it.
TA: Elle Duncan is set to become the face of Netflix’s sports coverage: Sources
He’s college football’s most hated man—and he’s about to be the highest-paid coach of all time: Lane Kiffin has enraged more fanbases than any coach in recent history. It hasn’t stopped him from emerging as the most coveted candidate in college football’s craziest hiring cycle. WSJ
Lane Kiffin’s messed-up situation is a product of college football’s messed-up calendar TA
What’s eating the Eagles? Struggling Super Bowl champ is in a ‘funk’: Philadelphia remains atop the NFC East, but a stalled offense leads to a brutal collapse in Dallas. Jason Gay
The MLB manager who has never been anywhere near pro baseball: The San Francisco Giants are betting their future on a veteran college skipper with absolutely zero experience in the majors or minors. WSJ
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | November 25
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal