Here are 25 talking points for better conversation at cocktails from news of the past week.
1.30,000: The number of troops mobilized by Ukraine every month over the past year, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
2. King Charles + Queen Camilla are planning a Royal Tour of Canada in Spring 2026 before traveling to the United States.
3. Paris AI summit: The United States and the United Kingdom were the only nations out of 60 not to sign a joint agreement promoting ethics and safety in AI.
4. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, data centers already consume more than 4 percent of all US electricity.
5. QOTW: “The majority of the US GDP will be created or attributable to AI agents in the next decade. That’s my prediction.” -- George Sivulka, founder of Hebbia.
6. EU + AI: The European Commission commits €200 billion for AI investments in Europe.
7. FRA + AI: French President Emanuel Macron pledges €109B in investments for French AI in the coming years.
8. Elon Musk-led group makes a $97.4 billion bid to control OpenAI.
9. Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robotic form factors.
10. Apple expanded the TV+ video service to Android phones for the first time, aiming to boost its streaming subscribers.
11. 1.9 billion: The number of TikTok users worldwide.
12. There are about 582 million entrepreneurs on Earth.
13. According to the World Bank, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the world economy. SMEs account for 90% of global businesses and provide 50% of jobs worldwide.
14. NYSE launched NYSE Texas in Dallas.
15. According to Statista, the estimated number of companies worldwide will be approximately 358.7 million in 2024. This is a marginal increase from 2023 when there were 314.21 million.
16. An LA home destroyed in the Palisades Fire has drawn more than 60 offers. Until the January Palisades Fire, the house was valued at $2.7 million.
17. 140%: The increase in the average price of a dozen eggs in America from one year ago.
18. Gulf of Mexico: A new Marquette University poll found that 71% of respondents opposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico, with only 29% saying they favored the change.
19. Issa Rae canceled her event at the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump was announced as chairman.
20. Chili’s teams up with Lifetime for a made-for-TV holiday movie.
21. Joann is closing 500 fabric and craft stores in 49 states
22. Celtics City, a new HBO Original Documentary Series, premieres March 3 on Max.
23. The Jets have informed Aaron Rodgers that they will move in a different direction at quarterback.
24. Fox’s Super Bowl drew a record $800 million in advertising sales.
25. The 2025 MLS season kicks off with the MLS is Back weekend on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23.
Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.
-Marc
