Caracal Daily | September 20
Caracal Daily is geopolitical business news + intelligence for comms pros.
Geopolitics is disrupting every business and industry. Caracal is here to help.
Always Be Communicating.
Happy Friday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister, said his country has entered a ‘new phase’ of war and will focus more resources fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel steps up airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon: WSJ reports the attack came as the militant group's leader said two days of pager and walkie-talkie explosions amounted to a declaration of war.
Hezbollah leader says device attacks are an ‘act of war,’ as Israeli warplanes fly over Beirut: WP reports in his first remarks since thousands of electronic devices exploded across Lebanon, Hasan Nasrallah said that Hezbollah suffered “a major blow,” but that his forces would not stop attacking Israel while the war in Gaza continued.
Israel’s northern gambit: Netanyahu shifts war focus to Hizbollah: Exploding devices and air strikes suggest strategy is to force Lebanese militants to rethink military support for Gaza. FT
Unanswered questions sparked by Hezbollah’s exploding pagers Politico
Pagers attack brings to life long-feared supply chain threat: Everyday electronics rigged to explode reflect the near-impossibility of securing modern, globalized electronics supply chains. WP
+ @qatarairways: Effective immediately: Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights. The ban applies to both checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo, and will be enforced until further notice.
Don’t fool yourself about the exploding pagers: Your phone is not a bomb. Ian Bogost
Volodymyr Zelensky said he has ‘fully prepared’ a plan to end the war in Ukraine. He will present it to Joe Biden at a UN meeting in New York next week.
Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit both New York and Washington next week for high-level meetings in his push to shore up Western support for his country’s war efforts against Russia.
Germany plans to deliver a package of weapons worth €1.4bn to Ukraine by the end of the year.
It’s time to let Ukraine join NATO Boris Johnson
Putin is under pressure to call up more troops for war of attrition: The Russian leader earlier this year rebuffed Defense Ministry officials who had tried to convince him they needed more soldiers. WSJ
Hungary says EU not doing enough to end Russian gas dependence: Reuters reports Csaba Marosvari, Hungary's deputy state secretary for energy security, told attendees at the Gastech conference in Houston that smaller, landlocked states, including Hungary, need more funding to cut reliance on Russian gas.
41.7% of South Koreans have favorable view of Japan, most ever in poll: Nikkei reports the rise is attributed to J-pop, President Yoon's rapprochement policies.
North Korea says it tested 'super-large' warhead missile: Nikkei reports Pyongyang says its military has trialed a new ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a 4.5-metric-ton warhead. It was also said to have tested a "strategic" cruise missile.
Kim Jong Un will have his October surprise: The North Korean dictator has a message for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and for the world. It may already be in the mail. Andreas Kluth
US and allies seize control of massive Chinese tech spying network: FBI director hails successful action but calls it “just one round in a much longer fight.” WP
The Chinese government is pushing back on a US probe of whether China is helping its neighbor Russia dodge a US ban on Russian uranium imports, saying Beijing has always opposed "illegal unilateral sanctions."
China’s AI firms are cleverly innovating around chip bans: Tweaks to software blunt the shortage of powerful hardware. Economist
Scientists again link covid pandemic origin to Wuhan market animals: Genetic evidence from a new report suggests the coronavirus pandemic most likely spilled over from animals in the Wuhan market. WP
Jamie Dimon says an ‘evil axis’ of countries are his top concern for the next 100 years Fortune
Asia has no hegemon: But US-Chinese bipolarity is good for America and the region Susannah Patton + Hervé Lemahieu
Inside the underwater arms race to build the best submarines: The US, China, and Russia are competing to develop the quietest and most capable vessels, using the melting seas around Norway as a proving ground. The Times
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5%.
Keir Starmer accepted free tickets to see Taylor Swift and seats in a hospitality box at Arsenal because it is ‘part of the job’, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said.
Bloomberg: Apple gets EU warning to open up iPhone operating system
+ EU announces efforts to pull Apple into compliance with rules
+ Apple previously said it would hold back future tech from EU
Meta to European Union: Your tech rules threaten to squelch the AI boom: Facebook parent, other companies warn in open letter that the bloc’s regulations risk hampering innovation and economic growth. WSJ
Mark Zuckerberg says Europe needs more consistent AI regulation—and even his privacy nemesis agrees Fortune
War of words between Serbia and Kosovo intensifies as EU talks stall: Politico reports Serbian President Vučić says he has “no relationship” to Kosovo leaders as EU-led talks fail to produce results.
Internal discontent is brewing at the Atlantic Council over the Washington think tank’s decision to honor Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at an upcoming gala in New York and invite controversial tech mogul Elon Musk to introduce her.
Elon Musk’s X circumvents court-ordered block in Brazil: Guardian reports the social media platform routes internet traffic outside of Brazil using a communications network update.
The current major US expansion in LNG exporting terminals and infrastructure will require an additional 400 vessels that can carry the supercooled gas to foreign buyers, according to a presentation at Gastech by Emily McClain, vice president of North America gas markets at research company Rystad Energy.
The US military’s true advantage against any adversary: It’s the NCOs who set the US military apart from the rest of the world. Garrett M. Graff
UN advisory body makes seven recommendations for governing AI: Reuters reports an artificial-intelligence advisory body at the United Nations on Thursday released its final report proposing seven recommendations to address AI-related risks and gaps in governance. The UN last year created a 39-member advisory body to address issues in the international governance of AI. The recommendations will be discussed during a UN summit held in September.
AI development is being hijacked by Big Tech and rich nations, UN report warns Fortune
*** US Politics + Elections ***
Pennsylvania has become the most important battleground in America’s presidential election: Economist reports buckets of money, vicious advertising, and consultants galore have left the race for the state a virtual tie.
The Harris-Walz campaign is seemingly hiding from the press. The Dem ticket has participated in only 7 interviews or press conferences, compared to Trump-Vance's 70 during the same time frame.
Donald Trump said he will visit Springfield, the Ohio city where he claimed Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs, ‘in the next two weeks.’
Trump acts as if he has time to waste: He attacks Harris but can’t bring himself to focus on anything of consequence. Karl Rove
How Opus Dei conquered DC: A new book shows just how much sway the mysterious right-wing Catholic group has — and might have over Trump’s next term. Nina Burleigh
Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor in North Carolina, vowed to stay in the race shortly before CNN published a report detailing offensive comments allegedly made by Robinson in online porn forums.
Email address belonging to Mark Robinson found on Ashley Madison: Politico reports an adviser to the North Carolina Republican confirmed the email address belongs to him.
There are more than 120 AI bills in Congress right now: US policymakers have an ‘everything everywhere all at once’ approach to regulating artificial intelligence, with bills that are as varied as the definitions of AI itself. Scott J Mulligan
Bloomberg: Gensler says AI risks heartbreak like Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Her’
+ SEC chair says too many brokers may rely on same models
+ Watchdog touts competition from new rules on stock pricing
More people are flocking to TikTok for news, per a Pew Research study. 52% of users say they regularly get news there, up from 43% last year and 22% in 2020.
Sales of existing homes in the US fell in August to a 10-month low on persistent affordability challenges ahead of a recent decline in mortgage rates.
California Governor’s desk overflows with AI bills as state leads the charge on regulation Fortune
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
Edelman’s 2024 AI landscape report: Generative AI is transforming marketing and communications – enterprises and professionals alike must either adapt or get left behind. Edelman
Generative AI is transforming Silicon Valley: The technology is forcing America’s disrupters-in-chief to think differently. Economist
Tech Jjobs have dried up—and aren’t coming back soon: Employment for software engineers has cooled as resources shift toward developing artificial intelligence. WSJ
YouTube is expanding shopping efforts in Asia in a deal with Shopee.
YouTube announced new generative AI tools for creators at its Made On YouTube event.
Apple Intelligence (the company's genAI tools) will also be available in English (India), English (Singapore), German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and "others."
CNBC: China’s Alibaba launches over 100 new open-source AI models, releases text-to-video generation tool
+ Alibaba on Thursday released more than 100 open-source artificial intelligence models and boosted the capabilities of its proprietary technology.
+ The Hangzhou-headquartered firm is looking to increase competition with domestic rivals such as Baidu and Huawei, as well as US titans like Microsoft and OpenAI.
+ Alibaba also launched a new text-to-video tool based on its AI models. This allows users to input a prompt and the AI will create a video based on it, similar to OpenAI’s Sora.
OpenAI has hired former Coursera Inc. executive Leah Belsky to be its first general manager of education, leading the artificial intelligence startup’s efforts to bring its products to more schools and classrooms.
LinkedIn plans to use your data to train its AI. Here’s how to stop it: Updates to LinkedIn’s user agreement will automatically opt users into sharing their data with its AI. Follow these steps to opt out. FC
CNBC: Amazon introduces Amelia, an AI assistant for third-party sellers
+ Amelia is an artificial intelligence tool designed to help third-party sellers quickly resolve issues with their accounts and fetch sales and inventory data.
+ Amazon said it’s launching the product in beta for select U.S. sellers, before introducing it more broadly later this year.
+ It’s the latest generative AI tool from Amazon, which is using the technology across its retail portfolio.
Amazon raised the pay of its warehouse workers.
AI hiring platform Mercor backed by Dorsey, Peter Thiel in $30 mln fundraise: Reuters reports the Series A funding round was led by venture capital firm Benchmark's Victor Lazarte and Bill Gurley, and also saw participation from Quora CEO Adam D'Angelo and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, both of whom are OpenAI board members.
AI wants to be free or at least very, very cheap. John Herrman
The breakthrough AI needs: A race is on to push artificial intelligence beyond today’s limits. Economist
AI has returned chipmaking to the heart of computer technology: And the technological challenges are bigger than the political ones, argues Shailesh Chitnis. Economist
Companies carry more liability for AI than they realize: Axios reports companies that make use of generative AI — whether they know it or not — could be taking on more legal liability than they realize. The legal discussion around genAI has largely focused on the liability of the companies developing the technology rather than those who use it. The 100-page article, published in NYU's Journal of Legislation and Public Policy, provides a detailed overview of the legal landscape in both the US and around the world in terms of existing and emerging law. Access the NYU article here.
China's foldable phones herald conquest of OLED screen market: Nikkei reports Samsung and LG see sales share sink as Beijing pushes supply chain localization.
Hackers extorted a record $75 million payment in a February cyberattack on drug distributor Cencora.
SpaceX signed a contract with United Airlines to add Starlink internet connectivity to ~2,500 airplanes.
Nike CEO John Donahoe stepping down: WSJ reports Nike said John Donahoe will retire as chief executive and from the board. Elliott Hill, who retired from the sneaker maker in 2020, will succeed him.
Netflix and thrill: The hunt for the next Squid Game in Southeast Asia: As Amazon and Disney step back, Netflix invests in “locally authentic” content to grab subscribers in the region. ROW
China sees investment rush in bendable solar panels: Nikkei reports perovskite startups look to conquer emerging market with huge new plants.
FT: Mercedes-Benz lowers full-year outlook on ‘deterioration’ in Chinese economy
Plunging electric car sales add to EU manufacturers’ gloom: The Times reports sales of battery electric models have collapsed by 44% as carmakers mothball plants and consider closures.
Toyota, Honda to set capex and R&D spending records amid EV pivot: Nikkei reports Japan automakers to boost total capital expenditures by 20% this fiscal year.
Breakthrough Volvo lidar safety system expected to be on 2025 EX90 SUV: DFP reports drivers of the 2025 Volvo EX90 electric SUV should never again be surprised by a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist emerging suddenly in front of them. That’s thanks to a first of its kind long-range sensor the automaker is expected to activate in 2025.
India's NTPC Green Energy filed draft papers for a 100 billion rupees ($1.19 billion) initial public offering on Wednesday, as it looks to cash in on the country's renewables expansion plans and a red-hot equities market.
Modern apologies Seth Godin
Want to achieve a big goal? You need to leverage dopamine: Dopamine is a natural result of accomplishment. And you can harness it for sustained success if you understand how it works, says this expert. FC
*** Culture ***
5 takeaways from the Tragically Hip's revealing new docuseries: This 4-part documentary gives fans a comprehensive look at the Canadian band's history. CBC
‘SNL’ turns 50. Now what? Lorne Michaels, Colin Jost, and Michael Che on election insanity, succession plans, and trying to make America funny again: The 'Weekend Update' anchors and the show’s legendary producer reveal how they'll skewer the craziest presidential contest in American history, why Republicans are less sensitive than Democrats and why Lorne walked back his retirement (again). THR
What, me? Retire? Just because I’m 80? Older workers are sticking around, and that is no bad thing. Pilita Clark
The 10 best hotels in North America, according to the Michelin Guide: In its first-ever full list, 412 hotels in the US, Mexico, and Canada earned “keys” much like its market-making restaurant stars. Bloomberg
*** Sport ***
‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’ review: Ryan Murphy’s risky FX series explores sexuality and head injuries: Josh Andrés Rivera stars as the troubled real-life sports figure destined to become the poster child for concussions and unspeakable crime. The Wrap
This billionaire bought a copy of the Declaration of Independence. A baseball team might be his wildest purchase yet. David Rubenstein built a storied career as an investor and philanthropist. None of it compares to being the rookie owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Gay
Major boost to Wimbledon expansion plans: The Times reports the All England Club’s proposal to build 39 tennis courts and a new show court on Wimbledon Park has been recommended for planning permission despite local opposition.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | September 19
Caracal Daily | September 19
Caracal Daily is geopolitical business news + intelligence for comms pros.
Geopolitics is disrupting every business and industry. Caracal is here to help.
Always Be Communicating.
Happy Thursday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
🚨Breaking...
+ Hezbollah was hit by another wave of exploding devices, as walkie-talkies used by the group blew up in homes, cars and in operatives' hands.
Hezbollah walkie-talkies blow up across Lebanon in second wave of attacks: WSJ reports initial assessment from Tuesday’s attack is that pagers detonated because an explosive device was planted in the models.
Reuters: Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode
Hundreds of Hezbollah Operatives’ Pagers Explode in Apparent Attack Across Lebanon: WSJ reports a number of casualties appears to top 1,000, according to a Hezbollah official.
Eight killed and thousands injured as Hizbollah pagers explode in Lebanon: FT reports the militant group blames Israel for what it describes as a ‘criminal attack’ and vows revenge.
Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani wounded in Hezbollah explosion - report: Jerusalem Post reports news of the envoy's injury comes amid panic across the streets of Lebanon as hundreds of members of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah were seriously wounded.
Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah, officials say: Small amounts of explosive were implanted in beepers that Hezbollah had ordered from a Taiwanese company, according to American and other officials briefed on the operation. NYT
+ @AP: BREAKING: The pagers that exploded in Lebanon and Syria were made by Budapest-based BAC Consulting KFT, according to a statement released by Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, whose branding appeared on the devices.
Israel says war's 'center of gravity' moving north as Lebanon hit by second wave of device explosions: Le Monde reports after Tuesday's deadly pager blasts, new explosions on other communication devices were reported on Wednesday, with 20 people killed and more than 450 injured. Israel has not directly commented on the attacks.
A key question behind Israeli attack on Hezbollah devices: Why now? Israel’s government is in turmoil and the United States is trying to head off a wider conflict in Lebanon, leaving officials to wonder about the timing of the attack. WP
How Israel built a modern-day Trojan horse: Exploding pagers: The Israeli government did not tamper with the Hezbollah phones that exploded, defense and intelligence officials say. It manufactured them as part of an elaborate ruse. NYT
Exploding Hezbollah pagers: How did it happen? Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode, but in the attack on pagers in Lebanon, the devices are more likely to have been hacked. DW
Zelensky to present Ukraine peace plan to Biden: The Times reports the announcement of plan comes as Ukrainian strikes hit a warehouse believed to contain guided missiles and shells deep in Russian territory.
Ukraine destroys huge Russian ammunition depot with groundbreaking missiles: Le Monde reports a night-time air attack by the Ukrainian army using new cruise missiles resulted in the destruction of a large warehouse filled with Russian long-range weapons.
Reuters: Russian nuclear test chief says Moscow is ready to resume testing 'at any moment'
After European governments slammed a planned trip by the International Monetary Fund to Russia, the IMF has indefinitely postponed the visit, according to Russian state-run media.
Romanian Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu said that Russia’s violations of her country’s territory are intensifying.
Analysis: 'Smash iron woks' -- a Great Leap Forward idiom returns to China: A buzz phrase telling people to sacrifice everything reflects nation's current plight. Nikkei
Xi unleashes a crisis for millions of China’s best-paid workers: China created a professional class in record time. Now, just as swiftly, many of their dreams are being crushed. Bloomberg
Chinese trade boss comes to Brussels on "don’t tax my car" tour: Politico reports the whistle-stop tour of European capitals by Wang Wentao could end in a tough gig when he meets EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis.
Bloomberg: UK peer slams Tory boycott of Hong Kong, urges thaw with China
+ Mandelson faults Conservatives for mismanaging ties with China
+ Britain’s China relationship deteriorated after ‘golden era’
FT: India overtakes China in world’s biggest investable stock benchmark
US and India to hold first dialogue on Indian Ocean this fall: Nikkei reports: 'This is the new frontier,' Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell tells Congress.
Asian NATO proposal by Japan's Ishiba seen as 'fantasy' in US: Nikkei reports: 'It's not what we're looking for,' Biden official says of LDP candidate's idea.
Busting the gangs not enough to stop boats, says new border chief: The Times reports Sir Keir Starmer should implement a strategy to deter migrants from crossing the Channel — as well as tackling people smugglers, according to Martin Hewitt.
Rwanda plan was un-British, says ex-PM John Major BBC
Westminster’s big two and the new race for political space: The UK’s duopoly of Labour and Conservatives has never looked more vulnerable. Robert Shrimsley
Britain and France plan new military agreement: The Times reports a new UK government launches charm offensive — including a reboot of the Lancaster House Agreement.
FT: Italian PM Meloni condemns EU’s green rules for struggling auto industry
EU picks tech enforcer who helped write its social-media rules: Bloomberg reports Henna Virkkunen, 52, has been tapped for the role of executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. If confirmed, she’d be in charge of enforcing the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, two rulebooks put in place to monitor how large tech companies control content and their impact on competition. She’ll also be responsible for fostering new European tech champions.
US Intel's factory delay adds to Germany's economic woes: DW reports US chipmaker Intel has announced it is postponing a $30 billion investment in Germany due to financial problems at the firm. But is the German government still committed to the investments?
The EU’s chips plan implodes as Intel pauses investments: Politico reports EU semiconductor struggles are a bad omen for industrial policy plans.
Sudan: The Biden administration is launching a new effort to revive deadlocked peace talks on Sudan at the upcoming UN General Assembly in an effort to tackle a conflict that spiraled into a geopolitical proxy war and the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
A hegemonic state takes shape in Venezuela: The consolidation of a totalitarian regime poses a dilemma to the opposition: continue the electoral strategy or find an elusive new approach. AQ
Bloomberg: Argentina recession deepened as Milei shock therapy stung
US to convene global AI safety summit in November: Reuters reports the Biden administration plans to convene a global safety summit on artificial intelligence, it said on Wednesday, as Congress continues to struggle with regulating the technology. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will host on Nov. 20-21 the first meeting of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes in San Francisco to "advance global cooperation toward the safe, secure, and trustworthy development of artificial intelligence."
*** US Politics + Elections ***
+ @MorningBrew: BREAKING: The Federal Reserve cuts rates by 50 BPS. Jerome Powell went big.
POTUS poll 1: A new Economist/YouGov poll finds Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump nationally among registered voters in a multi-candidate field, 49% to 45%.
POTUS poll 2: A new Fox News poll finds Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump nationally among likely voters, 50% to 48%.
Teamsters Union won’t endorse Trump or Harris: WSJ reports the labor group said it would stay neutral for the first time in nearly three decades.
Harris campaign says she will meet the press (on her terms): NYT reports the vice president, who has granted few interviews as the Democratic nominee, is now ramping things up. But she is likely to focus on local outlets and nontraditional venues where voters get their news.
Attorney General promises exhaustive probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt: WSJ reports top lawmakers signal willingness to grant cash infusion to Secret Service to bolster protective measures.
Second apparent assassination attempt on Trump prompts alarm abroad: NYT reports there is widespread concern that the November election will not end well and that American democracy has frayed to the breaking point.
How the Trump campaign ran with rumors about pet-eating migrants—After being told they weren’t true: Springfield, Ohio, city officials were contacted by Vance’s team and said the claims were baseless. It didn’t matter and now the town is in chaos. WSJ
Donald Trump says Fed’s half-point rate cut shows US economy is ‘very bad’: FT reports the former president adds that central bank could be ‘playing politics’ as it reduces interest rates ahead of election.
Inside Trump’s finances: Boasts, billions, and the price of losing: The White House hopeful and property tycoon claims anything he touches turns to gold. A new book, Lucky Loser, suggests otherwise. The Times
CNN: Iranian hackers sent stolen Trump campaign information to Biden campaign
Bloomberg: US faces a deficit of 6 million workers in less than a decade
+ Population seen growing at much faster pace than workforce
+ Mismatch between change in labor force and jobs in high demand
FT: US House votes down government funding package as shutdown looms
The man quietly rewriting American privacy law: Lobbyist Andrew Kingman has reshaped American policy on a key tech issue — without ever setting foot on Capitol Hill. Politico
The $8.5bn legal battle shaking the US fashion industry: Federal Trade Commission has sued to block the owner of Coach buying rival brand Michael Kors. FT
Washington sees AI everywhere: Politico reports from thier AI & Tech Summit, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) hinted once again that rather than one broad stroke, Congress’ approach to AI might look more like the efforts described by Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas within their agencies — studying the technology’s impact closely in any given area and then responding piece by piece accordingly.
Congress promised AI rules to protect elections. It’s not happening. Politico reports despite urgent warnings, Congress is on track to leave the fight against deepfakes and deception to states and agencies.
+ According to a by Public Citizen, 19 states have passed legislation about AI and elections in an attempt to fill the gap
Newsom says he’s concerned about ‘chilling effect’ of AI bill: Bloomberg reports California Governor Gavin Newsom said he is concerned about a potential “chilling effect” on the development of artificial intelligence posed by a bill to regulate the new technology passed by the state legislature. State lawmakers on Aug. 28 approved SB 1047, a bill that would hold artificial intelligence companies legally liable if they don’t take required safety measures and their technology later causes major harm. Newsom must now sign the legislation into law or veto it.
+ Governor says he’s worried about the impact on competitiveness
+ Newsom gave his strongest signal yet that he’s considering vetoing state Sen. Scott Wiener’s AI safety legislation.
+ Newsom signs other legislation to ban election AI deepfakes
Hollywood bucks Nancy Pelosi on this major California bill: Actors Mark Ruffalo, Sean Astin, and Rosie Perez are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a major AI safety bill that’s currently sitting on his desk. Politico
Gavin Newsom signs election ‘deepfake’ ban in rebuke to Elon Musk: Politico reports California now has the nation’s most aggressive law in place on AI-generated content before the November election.
Newsom signs laws to protect Hollywood from fake AI actors: Politico reports the move comes as celebrities from Mark Ruffalo to Rosie Perez speak out about risks of the evolving technology.
SFC: Mayor Breed says downtown SF is coming back to life. Her opponents say it’s still on life support
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
Ban warnings fly as users dare to probe the “thoughts” of OpenAI’s latest model: OpenAI does not want anyone to know what o1 is “thinking" under the hood. ArsTech
CNBC: Microsoft, BlackRock form group to raise $100 billion to invest in AI data centers and power
+ The Global Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Investment Partnership is initially looking to raise $30 billion for new and existing data centers.
+ The fundraising, which could total $100 billion, will also be used to invest in the energy infrastructure needed to power AI workloads.
+ Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the initiative brings “together financial and industry leaders to build the infrastructure of the future and power it in a sustainable way.”
BlackRock and Microsoft plan $30bn fund to invest in AI infrastructure: FT reports Nvidia and Abu Dhabi-backed MGX will join effort as energy-intensive tech strains power and data grids.
Microsoft’s hypocrisy on AI: Can artificial intelligence really enrich fossil-fuel companies and fight climate change at the same time? The tech giant says yes. Karen Hao
Google seeks authenticity in the age of AI with new content labeling system: ARS Tech reports the C2PA system aims to give context to search results, but trust problems run deeper than AI tech.
T-Mobile strikes deal with OpenAI: WSJ reports companies say new AI platform will harvest data on customer interactions to improve service.
AI-powered weed-killing robots threaten a $37 billion market: Bloomberg reports crop-chemical companies are rethinking business models as evolving tech promises to slash herbicide use.
Dell is cutting up to 26,000 jobs, potentially reducing its workforce to under 100,000. This makes it the largest layoff in the company's history. Driven by an AI-first restructuring strategy, more cuts are expected.
General Catalyst — the US-based venture capital firm that funded AI startups Mistral and Anduril — announced Tuesday it is stepping up its Washington influence game with the launch of a new global policy institute. Called the General Catalyst Institute and helmed by tech industry veteran Teresa Carlson.
Huawei trifold phones being flipped for $7,000 even before release: Nikkei reports the limited availability causes prices to soar on online marketplaces.
Reuters: Musk's Neuralink gets FDA's breakthrough device tag for 'Blindsight' implant
23andMe board resigns in new blow to DNA-testing company: WSJ reports all seven independent directors of DNA-testing company 23andMe resigned, following a protracted negotiation with CEO Anne Wojcicki over her plan to take the company private.
Hgen draws on lessons from Tesla and SpaceX to drive down the cost of hydrogen: TC reports hydrogen might be touted as a fuel of the future that stands ready to decarbonize shipping and industry, but for the 90 million metric tons used today in everything from fertilizer production to chemical manufacturing, 96% is derived directly from natural gas, oil, or coal. For instance, one of the most common ways is through steam reformation of methane, which basically cooks methane so the hydrogen falls off, releasing carbon dioxide in the process.
*** Culture ***
Vogue’s Anna Wintour? She has a fatal flaw: The legendary editor has stubbornly kept the same look for 40 years — so she’s never going to be great at spotting what’s new. Camilla Long
The first ever Lunch with the FT: Marco Pierre White: Back in 1994, the ‘rudest chef in London’ talked about hating taxi drivers, shooting pheasants and what it takes to win a Michelin star. FT
*** Sport ***
The surprise team marching all over the NFL: The New Orleans Saints are off to a historic start after destroying the Dallas Cowboys in a week highlighted by upsets and an improbable deep-passing barrage. WSJ
How Ferrari became genuine rival to McLaren (just in time for Hamilton): Italian team may decide where drivers title ends up this season, and are very much in contention for constructors’ championship themselves, which bodes well with British driver joining in 2025. The Times
Manchester City's 'trial of the century' opens in England: The Mancunian club is facing 115 charges before a Premier League committee for breaching UEFA's financial fair play rules between 2009 and 2018. Le Monde
England reportedly risks Euros football ban over regulator plans: Politico reports UEFA warned the UK government about “concerns” that a proposed independent football regulator could lead to “government interference” in the sport.
Starmer refuses to budge on football regulator despite UEFA threat: The Times reports the prime minister says his plans comply with the rules and ministers are in touch with the governing body, which suggested England could be banned from tournaments.
AFP: White Sox heading for worst season in MLB history
Rogers buys BCE’s stake in Maple Leaf Sports for $3.5 billion: Bloomberg reports Rogers Communications Inc. is buying BCE Inc.’s 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. for C$4.7 billion ($3.5 billion), giving the telecommunications giant a majority stake in the sports company whose most valuable assets include the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club and the Toronto Raptors.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal