Caracal Daily | December 4
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 Wednesday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
UN warns of worsening refugee crises in 2025: AFP reports the United Nations warned Tuesday that already unprecedented levels of forced displacement are set to worsen in 2025 as conflicts and disasters push ever more people to flee their homes.
Bloomberg: South Korea’s Yoon to lift martial law decree that shook markets
WSJ: South Korea president to lift martial law after parliament rejects move
+ President Yoon Suk Yeol pulled the order hours after South Korea’s National Assembly voted to halt it. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Seoul, demanding that the president resign.
Martial law in South Korea—and then not. What comes next? A rash, unexpected move by Yoon Suk Yeol, the president, tests South Korean democracy. Economist
Martial law in South Korea tests Biden and a key US alliance: NYT reports the Biden administration has hailed South Korea as a model democracy and bolstered military ties as it relies on the country as a bulwark against North Korea, China, and Russia.
Politico: Ukraine peace plans galore: Lots of ideas to end the fighting but the sides remain far apart
+ More than 3 years of fighting and the arrival of Donald Trump is increasing pressure for a peace deal.
Zelensky signals he’s open to negotiating a peace deal: WSJ reports the Ukrainian president indicates he would accept a cease-fire with Russia if his country obtains NATO membership.
Zelensky pleads for Ukraine NATO membership, Europeans look for another solution: Le Monde repots Antonio Costa, the new president of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas, the new head of European diplomacy, visited Kyiv on Sunday, as soon as they took office. NATO foreign ministers are due to meet in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ukraine pushes for NATO membership, but it's complicated: Ukraine wants to join NATO immediately — at least the parts of the country that are not occupied by Russia. Kyiv says this will pave the way to peace. Can it be done? DW
NATO chief urges more weapons for Ukraine ahead of any peace talks: NYT reports Mark Rutte said it was up to Ukraine to decide when it was ready to begin negotiations with Russia — and that the West should help strengthen Kyiv’s position beforehand.
AFP: Ukraine pushes NATO for membership ahead of Trump presidency
The tainted legacy of the Merkel-Obama years: A failure to respond to Russian, Chinese, and Syrian aggression helped to create the unstable world of today. Gideon Rachman
Stoli Group USA, the renowned vodka producer, has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, citing an array of financial and operational pressures, including geopolitical disputes, a recent cyberattack, and shifting consumer habits that have created a perfect storm of challenges for the company’s US operations.
Keir Starmer could approve Elgin Marbles loan to Greece: The Times reports the statues may be returned in a ‘win-win’ agreement when parts of the British Museum close for refurbishment, but the PM refused to cede ownership to Athens.
Macron seeks new prime minister as Michel Barnier set to fall: The Times reports veteran conservative faces a confidence vote as early as Wednesday after forcing through his budget, but the president may struggle to find a replacement.
Macron is already looking for a new prime minister: Le Monde reports while some are calling for the French president to resign should the government collapse, his entourage is hoping that he can represent stability in the political crisis to come. But only if he quickly appoints a new prime minister.
Bloomberg: Macron says French government can survive no-confidence vote
Is France at risk of a government shutdown? The fall of the French government, which could happen on Wednesday, would bury the procedure for adopting the 2025 budget. But several scenarios are possible to avoid a French-style shutdown. Le Monde
Macron announces France-Saudi partnership to co-host conference on creating Palestinian state: Le Monde reports the French president said that the conference would take place in June 2025 and highlighted the need for diplomatic initiatives to achieve mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine.
Trump to attend Notre-Dame's reopening in a diplomatic coup for Macron: Le Monde reports the American president-elect chose France for his first trip abroad. He will be in Paris on Saturday, December 7.
Finnish authorities say new cable cuts accidental: Le Monde reports Nordic digital infrastructure provider GlobalConnect told AFP two land-based optic fiber cables connecting Finland and Sweden had been severed on Monday in Finland, causing a 'major outage,' with 6,000 households and around 100 companies affected.
Norway extends legal limit for abortion to 18 weeks: Le Monde reports currently, women in Norway can have an abortion after the 12th week but only with the approval of a medical committee.
Fortune: Ikea profits down nearly 50% as fears of Trump tariff threats spook the Swedish retailer
Germany can't quit chocolate, despite record-high prices: DW reports seasonal demand for chocolate in Germany has barely decreased in spite of skyrocketing prices. The cost of raw materials such as like cocoa beans has jumped 50%.
In Germany, economic decline is looming: Germany, the driving force behind Europe, is currently experiencing severe economic and political turbulence, enough to rekindle deep-seated identity anxieties. Le Monde
Volkswagen strikes across Germany draw nearly 100,000 workers: FC reports Volkswagen has threatened to close plants in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history to reduce costs and boost profit.
Namibia elects its first woman president: AFP reports Namibia's ruling SWAPO party was declared winner Tuesday of last week's disputed elections, ushering in the southern African country's first woman president after a disputed vote that the main opposition has already said it does not recognise.
Biden says 'US is all in on Africa' during Angola visit: DW reports Joe Biden arrived in Angola to promote the Lobito Corridor railway project, seeking to strengthen US ties in Africa. The trip is his last as US president before Donald Trump takes office in January 2025.
Google worried Israeli contract could enable human rights violations: NYT reports the tech giant, which has defended the deal to employees who oppose supplying Israel’s military with technology, feared the project might damage its reputation.
Bangladesh summons India envoy after consulate attack: DW reports tensions are high between India and Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government and her fleeing to India. Bangladeshis protested an attack on a consulate in India a day earlier, amid a Hindu leader's trial.
Millions of Indonesians fall into digital debt trap as spending power wanes: Many middle-income earners caught out by stratospheric interest rates. Nikkei
Apple to offer Indonesia $1bn in investment, minister says: Nikkei reports the move would be 10 times tech giant's previous bid to end iPhone 16 sales ban.
Chinese researchers analyzing seawater samples off Fukushima Daiichi plant: NHK reports China's foreign ministry says Chinese researchers are analyzing samples of seawater collected near Japan's damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
+ Japan and China have agreed that Beijing will gradually resume imports of Japanese seafood based on additional monitoring of the plant's treated and diluted water under the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
China bans rare mineral exports to the US: The move escalates supply chain warfare and comes a day after the Biden administration expanded curbs on the sale of advanced American technology to China. NYT
China blocks exports of chip materials gallium, germanium to US: Beijing says move is in response to Washington 'weaponizing' trade curbs. Nikkei
Bloomberg: Chinese hackers are lingering inside telecom firms, US says
+ US telecommunications companies are still working to kick out state-sponsored Chinese hackers who breached their networks as part of a spying campaign that dates back months, US officials said Tuesday.
8.4m: The number of Colombians that live in areas in which armed groups operate.
How Cuba fooled the US to get millions of dollars from Miami for its armed forces Miami Herald
Canada’s Trudeau says he addressed trade irritants with Trump: WSJ reports issues related to steel, aluminum, energy, and softwood were discussed.
Ontario’s ad campaign seeks to counter Trump tariffs threat: Canadian province is US’s third-biggest trade partner and its automotive industry is intertwined with that of its southern neighbour. FT
Trump vows to block Nippon Steel deal for US Steel: President-elect promises to revive American steelmaker via tax incentives and tariffs. Nikkei
How an American steel takeover became a political firestorm: A Japanese company’s plan to buy US Steel is challenging the country’s long-standing policy towards foreign investment. FT
Why America’s economy is soaring ahead of its rivals: The country’s outperformance is rooted in long-term productivity growth that is the envy of the developed world. Could Trump’s policies endanger its lead? FT
How painful will Trump’s tariffs be for American businesses? Their options range from hoarding goods and raising prices to rewiring supply chains. Economist
*** US Politics + Elections ***
Trump’s win shows us who we really are Aaron Hughey
+ "... congratulations to Trump for exposing the cold, hard truth about who we are. There is no American Exceptionalism; we are not immune from evil, anti-democratic authoritarian leaders with fascist tendencies. So let’s stop pretending we’re something we’re not."
Why Republicans might oppose Trump’s push to undo Biden’s triumphs: President Biden wants to make it more difficult for President-elect Donald J. Trump to repeal his signature legislation, which sent money flowing to Republican districts nationwide. NYT
‘Dr. Doom’ Nouriel Roubini believes a second Trump term could push inflation as high as 5% Fortune
Donald Trump is reportedly set to pick the crypto enthusiast Paul Atkins to lead the SEC: FC reports since 2017, Atkins has cochaired the Token Alliance, an industry-led initiative that represents crypto’s interests.
The man with a plan to upend government, and what it entails: OMB nominee has pledged to dismantle 'woke and weaponized government.' Roll Call
Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg seeks ‘active role’ in Donald Trump’s tech policies: Policy chief Nick Clegg says social media company ‘overdid it’ on content moderation, as it seeks to placate president-elect. FT
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
How close is AI to human-level intelligence? Large language models such as OpenAI’s o1 have electrified the debate over achieving artificial general intelligence, or AGI. But they are unlikely to reach this milestone on their own. Nature
An agenda to maximise AI’s benefits and minimise harms, by David Patterson: How technologists, researchers and policymakers can reassure people AI will serve the public good. Economist
AI, huge hacks leave consumers facing a perfect storm of privacy perils: Nearly unlimited highly personal info is available for anyone willing to pay. AI provides many ways to turn that into illicit profit or undermine national security. WP
A current Apple employee is suing the company, alleging it spies on employees’ private lives through their personal devices Fortune
‘Data brokers’ are selling your private information. This watchdog wants to fix that: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing strict regulations to protect Americans’ private information. FC
Wall Street’s AI-powered rally risks ‘correction’, Vanguard warns: FT reports asset manager’s chief economist Joe Davis says investors are overplaying the near-term potential of the technology.
AWS is betting on generative AI as it goes head-to-head with Microsoft: FT reports CEO Matt Garman says technology can be deployed in business applications and fuel new demand for cloud services.
Amazon launches AI models to challenge rivals: AFP reports Amazon on Tuesday unveiled a suite of artificial intelligence models in its boldest move yet to compete with tech giant rivals in the fast-growing generative AI sector.
Amazon announces a set of Nova AI models: FC reports the company’s Nova models can help power generative AI applications.
Amazon announces supercomputer, new server powered by homegrown AI chips: WSJ reports the company’s megacluster of chips for artificial-intelligence startup Anthropic will be among the world’s largest, it said, and its new giant server will lower the cost of AI as it seeks to build an alternative to Nvidia.
The furious contest to unseat Nvidia as king of AI chips: Amazon, Advanced Micro Devices, and several start-ups are beginning to offer credible alternatives to Nvidia’s chips, especially for a phase of AI development known as “inferencing.” NYT
We’re all suffering from qualitynesia now: Borne along on the tide of technology, it is far too easy to forget that some things really were better quality in the past. Sarah O’Connor
The world needs more electricity—but don’t blame AI, Microsoft president Brad Smith says Fortune
Sony and Honda prepare for tough US EV debut under Trump: Joint venture's Afeela to compete on software, but tariff and subsidy concerns loom. Nikkei
Why Detroit could be the biggest loser in Trump’s plan to gut auto emissions: GM, which has made substantial investments in electric vehicles, would suffer under Trump’s proposal to kill the EV subsidy. FC
Coca-Cola draws fire after watering down its environmental targets: FT reports US drinks maker will recycle less of its plastic and cut emissions more slowly than previously pledged.
What's really behind Walmart's DEI reversal: Robby Starbuck is taking credit for Walmart's decision to roll back its DEI efforts. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Beth Kowitt explains why it's not all about him. Bloomberg
Netflix star Ryan Serhant raises $45 million to disrupt the real estate brokerage business Fortune
*** Culture ***
Inside JD Vance’s Hollywood: What the incoming vice president’s favorite movies and TV shows reveal about his politics. Politico
Mexican cuisine spices things up in France: From tacos to citrus guacamole and peppers stuffed with cream cheese, a young generation of chefs is working hard to showcase Mexican cuisine, which is far more sophisticated than it seems. Le Monde
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins 2024 Turner Prize: AFP reports Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur won the prestigious Turner Prize on Tuesday, as the UK contemporary art award celebrated its 40th anniversary.
*** Sport ***
The billionaire, his mystery wife and college football’s wildest recruiting saga: Why did Larry Ellison—a man with no known ties to Michigan—help the Wolverines land the nation’s No. 1 quarterback? The answer lies with a 33-year-old woman named Keren Zhu. WSJ
WP: NFL suspends Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games for hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence
PGA Tour-LIV talks 'definitely moving' - Woods: AFP reports Tiger Woods expressed disappointment on Tuesday at the delay in finalizing a PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger but said "things are moving" in the bid to bridge the global divide in men's golf.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal
Caracal Daily | December 3
Caracal Daily | December 3
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 Tuesday.
Here’s today’s Caracal Daily:
*** Globalization + Geopolitics ***
World's top arms producers see revenues rise amid wars and regional tensions: Le Monde reports the United States, home to 41 of the world’s Top 100 arms manufacturers, dominates the global defense industry, accounting for half of all military-related sales, according to a report released Monday, December 2, by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Russia bombs Aleppo as Assad vows to crush rebels: The Times reports the Syrian president is backed by Moscow as the civil war reignites with the deadliest fighting the country has seen in years.
Russia + Iran emphasized their support for the government of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian dictator, as Russian and Syrian air forces intensified their attacks on Syrian rebels in Idlib.
Biden surges arms to Ukraine, fearing Trump will halt US aid: WP reports the directive has stirred debate, as some officials worry it will cut too deeply into American stockpiles and jeopardize the military’s needs elsewhere.
US sending $725 million in arms to Ukraine, including more land mines: NYT reports the package, the largest since April, comes amid deep concerns in Ukraine that the Trump administration may cut off aid. The president-elect has vowed to end the war quickly, but has not said how.
NATO chief warns Donald Trump of ‘dire threat’ to US if Ukraine pushed into bad peace deal: FT reports Mark Rutte says risks to America will increase if China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are empowered.
Huge anti-Russian protests in Tbilisi echo Ukraine’s Maidan: A turn away from the EU plunges Georgia into crisis. Economist
Biden visiting an African region critical to the US-China rivalry: WP reports the president arrived Monday in Angola, his first trip to Africa as president and one of his final foreign trips in office.
Taiwan's Lai kicks off Marshall Islands visit as China fumes: AFP reports Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrived in the Marshall Islands on Tuesday, after visiting the United States on the first stop of a Pacific tour that has angered Chinese leaders.
China calls US’s new restrictions on the Asian nation’s access to vital components for chips and AI are “economic coercion,” according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Inside the AI back-channel between China and the West: Computer scientists are reaching out across the geopolitical divide to try to stop an apocalypse. 1843 Magazine
FT: China’s renminbi hits lowest level in a year amid looming tariff threats
The red thread: Xi Jinping’s ideology of power. ABR - Neil Thomas
What changing US AI policy means to South Korea: Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election earlier this month, securing another four-year term as the leader of the world’s most powerful country, has sent shockwaves across the globe and through various sectors on a magnitude and scope not seen in many years. Yoo Choon-sik
+ While details of the US AI policy under a second Trump term, starting in late January 2025, remain unconfirmed, the Center for AI Policy recently predicted that he would likely “radically scale back” regulation and prioritize “promoting American competitiveness, particularly regarding China.”
Starmer vows to boost ties with US to counter ‘erratic’ Putin: The Times reports the prime minister uses first major foreign policy speech to say the UK’s relationship with the US is the ‘cornerstone of our security’
French government on brink as Michel Barnier set to be ousted as PM: The Times reports prime minister faces no-confidence vote this week after forcing through his budget, as both the left and the hard right say they will back the motion.
+ France’s minority government appears set to collapse, with a no-confidence vote expected as soon as Wednesday.
The slow twilight of Emmanuel Macron: Seeing his influence decline after his decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale on June 9, which led him to appoint a prime minister without a majority and over whom he has no control, the French president has lost track of his second term. Le Monde
France-Africa: Macron must measure the significance of a double slap in the face: Chad and Senegal's desire for France to end its military presence on their territory is a clear criticism of Emmanuel Macron's policy of small steps and lack of clarity on the African continent. France must assume a clearer and more coherent policy. Le Monde - Editorial
Trump to attend Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris: NYT reports the trip will be Donald J. Trump’s first foreign trip since last month’s election and offers a sign that global leaders are turning the page on the Biden presidency.
Norway stops planned seabed mining for a year: Le Monde reports as part of negotiations on the budget bill, the Socialist Left party obtained a temporary suspension on commercial-scale deep-sea mining. It's a victory for NGOs, who are now calling for a moratorium.
Javier Milei: “My contempt for the state is infinite”: Argentina’s president is idolised by the Trumpian right. They should get to know him better. Economist
Javier Milei, free-market revolutionary: Argentina’s president explains how he has overturned the old economic order. Economist
Argentina: The making of an economic miracle? Governing with economic prudence has revived growth, says Javier Milei, president of Argentina. Economist
Canada accuses Google of creating an Ad tech monopoly: NYT reports the case largely echoes an antitrust action in the United States and seeks to force Google to sell off sections of its online ad business.
Trump wastes no time in reigniting trade wars: Canada and Mexico look likely to suffer. Economist
Tariff threats will do harm, even if Donald Trump does not impose them: The risk of a trade war is uncomfortably high. Economist
*** US Politics + Elections ***
US government funding: Lawmakers are optimistic about avoiding a government shutdown after the Dec. 20 spending deadline. They’ll likely use another continuing resolution as a stopgap into next year.
Joe Biden’s parting insult: The president delivered a vote of no confidence in a justice system preparing for siege. Politico
Republicans say Biden is a ‘liar’ after he pardons Hunter, his son: Politico reports the president’s decision to absolve his son lit a firestorm among Republicans — and some Democrats.
How Biden changed his mind on pardoning hunter: ‘Time to end all of this’: The threat of a retribution-focused Trump administration and his son’s looming sentencings prompted the president to abandon a promise not to get involved in Hunter Biden’s legal problems. NYT
Unpacking the unusual Hunter Biden pardon: The president issued a blanket pardon to his son, covering any and all conduct dating to 2014. WSJ
Pete Hegseth’s secret history: A whistle-blower report and other documents suggest that Trump’s nominee to run the Pentagon was forced out of previous leadership positions for financial mismanagement, sexist behavior, and being repeatedly intoxicated on the job. New Yorker
Trump picked Patel for FBI after some aides warned it could backfire: WSJ reports president-elect seeks major changes to US law-enforcement agencies, pushes ahead despite some Republican unease.
Kash Patel would bring bravado and baggage to FBI role: NYT reports President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice to run the FBI has a record in and out of government that is likely to raise questions during his Senate confirmation hearings.
For UK ambassador, Trump picks billionaire who supported his rivals: NYT reports Warren Stephens, an investment banker, gave $2 million in 2016 to a group aiming to block Donald J. Trump’s political rise. More recently, he backed Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence and Nikki Haley before donating to the Trump campaign.
President-elect Donald Trump says Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Elon Musk: The ‘wild card’ in Trump’s dealings with China: Do the billionaire’s longstanding ties to Beijing represent a diplomatic opportunity or a clash of political and business interests? FT
CNBC: How Trump’s mass deportation plan can use AI to extend immigration crackdown
+ The Department of Homeland Security allocated $5 million in its 2025 budget to open an AI Office, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has called AI a “transformative technology.”
+ AI-aided surveillance towers, “Robodogs”, and facial recognition tools are all currently being used in homeland security in some capacity, and could be ramped up even further in the mass deportation plan floated by President-elect Donald Trump.
+ However, experts worry that increased use of AI by the DHS could lead to privacy and due process violations.
Elon Musk + Vivek Ramaswamy, tapped by Trump to lead an effort known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will meet with Republican House and Senate members Thursday.
Will Musk’s ‘algorithm’ reduce military inefficiency—or increase risk? It's good to question Pentagon requirements. But many exist for deadly serious reasons that may not be obvious in a hasty review. Defense One
US lawmakers back COVID Chinese lab leak theory after two-year probe: AFP reports US lawmakers concluded a two-year investigation Monday into the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans -- backing the theory that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory.
US House: Republicans will either control 217 or 218 seats in the opening months of 2025.
FL House seats: Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has already set special elections on April 1 for both the Gaetz and Waltz seats.
What the departing White House chief tech advisor has to say on AI: We discussed AI risks, immigration, the CHIPS Act, and eroding trust in science. James O'Donnell
Wisconsin judge strikes down limits on public sector unions: NYT reports the 2011 law stripped most government workers in the state of collective bargaining rights and set off protests that lasted weeks.
Cities are starting to ban AI software that landlords use to set rent prices, claiming that it creates "an unlawful information-sharing scheme."
Why they lost: The Harris-campaign leadership believes that the Democrats narrowed the gap on Trump that Biden left—but not by enough. Ronald Brownstein
‘People feel drained’: Anti-Trump Americans face temptation to tune out: The president-elect’s first term brought a wave of protest. This time, visitors to New York’s Washington Square Park are struggling for energy to resist. Guardian
*** Disruption + Innovation ***
The way we measure progress in AI is terrible: Many of the most popular benchmarks for AI models are outdated or poorly designed. Scott J Mulligan
Elon Musk filed an injunction to stop OpenAI from shifting away from its nonprofit structure.
Former Google, Stripe executives raise $56 million for AI agent startup: Bloomberg reports the company is looking to build an operating system to support a new crop of artificial intelligence products.
This website shows how much Google’s AI can glean from your photos: A photo-sharing startup founded by an ex-Google engineer found a clever way to turn Google’s tech against itself. Wired
Bloomberg: Apple readies more conversational Siri in bid to catch up in AI
+ Company is working on overhaul that employees call ‘LLM Siri’
+ Unveiling planned for next year, with rollout coming in 2026
Artists say they leaked OpenAI’s Sora video model in protest: “Artists are not your unpaid R&D,” their open letter reads. The Verge
Nvidia’s new AI audio model can synthesize sounds that have never existed: What does a screaming saxophone sound like? The Fugatto model has an answer. ARS Tech
How Indigenous engineers are using AI to preserve their culture: Indigenous languages are rapidly disappearing, and AI could help preserve them, according to Indigenous technologists. NBC News
Bloomberg: AI startup Helsing is now making attack drones for Europe
+ New weapon designed to hit targets without need for GPS
+ Startup’s software will also be in strike drones for Ukraine
Larry Ellison tech institute unveils Oxford university tie-up: FT reports the initial £100mn investment comes as UK tries to improve record on building tech companies.
Judge rejects Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package, despite shareholder vote: WP reports a Delaware judge denied the Tesla CEO’s record-setting pay package after shareholders voted to reinstate it earlier this year.
A USC sophomore died in a Northern California car crash last week when a Tesla Cybertruck struck a wall and was engulfed in flames. The student was Soren Dixon, a biological sciences major. Two of his high school classmates were also killed.
This electric mini-truck is the length of a Mini Cooper—but can carry as much as a bigger truck: Telo’s new EV can haul lumber or surfboards—and it starts at just $41,250. FC
Jaguar’s ‘Barbie pink’ electric car leaked online: Telegraph reports images appearing to show the concept vehicle draw comparisons with Thunderbirds and Pink Panther.
Jaguar’s new EV is as wild as its new logo: FC reports Jaguar’s new concept car, Type 00, comes after the British automaker’s controversial rebrand. The car could be just as polarizing.
China's BYD marks 30th year by chasing 4m car milestone: Nikkei reports the EV maker dominates home market but only sells about 10% of its vehicles abroad.
7-Eleven expands in Australia, drawing on Japan playbook: Nikkei reports the chain targets 1,000 stores by 2030, with emphasis on food and data.
SpaceX is in discussions to sell insider shares that could boost the value of Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company to around $350 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
Why companies are backing away from DEI programs Bloomberg
QOTD: "Before going into marketing, go make some sales." --Seth Godin
*** Culture ***
In traffic-weary Toronto, a battle breaks out over bike lanes: Ontario’s government has vowed to tear up newly installed cycling infrastructure, stoking tensions between the city and its suburbs over rider safety and congestion. Bloomberg
California is home to the most expensive ZIP code in the country: 94027. The tony Bay Area town of Atherton boasts a median home list price of $7.75 million.
*** Sport ***
Andrew Luck as Stanford's GM? What it means for the Cardinal and college football ESPN
Man City's era of dominance is fading right before our eyes ESPN
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal