FT News Briefing

World-renowned rock climber Leo Houlding shares jaw-dropping tales of scaling cliffs with his young kids, blending adventure with the daunting concept of mortality. The conversation shifts to the provocative topic of radical life extension. Together, they explore whether living to 150 or beyond is feasible and the ethical dilemmas it raises. Houlding emphasizes the value of discomfort in nature, while questioning what it truly means to thrive as we confront life’s limits. A thrilling dive into adventure, life, and our future.

Frustration with China's zero-Covid policy is driving many in the middle class to seek greener pastures abroad. Wall Street faced a staggering $9 trillion loss in early 2022, marking a historic slump. Meanwhile, rising interest rates have significantly impacted stock performance, raising concerns for central bankers. The ongoing lockdowns are taking a toll on daily life and reshaping perceptions of government accountability, fueling a desire for emigration among those feeling trapped.

Chinese stocks are soaring, marking their biggest monthly rise since 2020. Meanwhile, Meta is causing a stir by charging developers for VR apps. The beauty industry is witnessing a shift as Revlon's bankruptcy underscores the need for continuous innovation. Independent brands and online trends are reshaping the market, leaving Revlon struggling to keep pace while other firms thrive.

A former White House aide revealed dramatic testimony about Trump's actions on January 6. The UK faces pressure to regulate live facial recognition technology due to bias and privacy concerns. Environmentalists are alarmed by the Ukraine war disrupting the global timber trade. Meanwhile, demand for mail-order abortion pills has skyrocketed following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, igniting fierce legal battles across the U.S. as providers defy restrictive laws.

Russia is edging toward its first debt default in over two decades after missing significant interest payments. Meanwhile, Credit Suisse has been convicted of failing to prevent money laundering related to Bulgarian drug operations, raising serious questions about corporate ethics. In the UK, travel unions are gearing up for potential strikes this summer, driven by demands for better wages in light of post-pandemic challenges. There's a growing wave of public support for unions, highlighting the shifting labor dynamics in response to economic pressures.

NATO is set to enhance its defense strategies to counter threats from Russia in the Baltics. Meanwhile, the podcast tackles a listener’s query on whether the UK should reduce arts funding to prioritize science and tech. It dives into the economic impact of arts funding and highlights the value of creative industries, juxtaposing it with the financial benefits seen in STEM fields. The discussion questions the approach of cutting arts budgets and advocates for a balanced strategy that supports both sectors.

In this discussion, Michael R. Jackson, the visionary playwright behind the Tony-winning musical 'A Strange Loop,' dives into the complexities of identity and societal pressures faced by queer, black artists. He shares insight on his protagonist Usher's emotional journey of self-discovery and the critiques surrounding representation in theater. Meanwhile, journalist Imogen West-Knights reveals the troubling underbelly of Copenhagen's fine dining scene, exposing issues of exploitation and abuse that contradict the city's culinary reputation.

Ukraine has officially been recognized as a candidate for EU membership, a significant move amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Russian businessmen are increasingly turning to Iran for strategies to navigate US sanctions. The podcast also dives into turmoil within the porn industry, with MindGeek losing top executives amidst financial issues. Additionally, regulatory challenges are piling up for Juul, as federal authorities prohibit the sale of its e-cigarettes due to rising concerns about youth vaping.

US stocks hold steady as recession fears linger with insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Tensions rise with a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The discussion shifts to Africa, where nearly half the population lacks reliable electricity. It highlights the staggering need for $25 billion annually to achieve universal access by the decade's end, exploring the potential of renewable energy and natural gas to transform the continent's energy landscape.

The S&P 500's surprising 2.4% rise sparks debate among analysts, highlighting ongoing market volatility. Tensions surface as Russia threatens Lithuania over EU sanctions, showcasing the geopolitical stakes involved. The podcast dives into the pressing issue of rising food prices linked to the Ukrainian conflict, questioning the ethics of using crops for biofuels. Additionally, Kellogg announces plans to split into three companies, reflecting strategic shifts amid economic challenges that could reshape the food industry.