FT News Briefing

Apple employees are resisting the company's push to return to the office, highlighting the shift towards remote work flexibility. Meanwhile, severe droughts around the world are crippling agriculture and affecting transportation, particularly in China. The impact on economies is alarming, prompting urgent calls for water conservation. In sports, discussions arise around Sir Jim Ratcliffe's interest in buying Manchester United, as fan frustrations with the current ownership bubble to the surface amid questions about the club's future.

Dive into the wild world of cryptocurrency, where emotions run high amidst market volatility. Explore the dramatic rise and fall of Luna within the TerraLuna ecosystem, revealing the human costs of investing. Hear from a CEO who embraced Bitcoin amid financial woes and the intriguing resurgence of Dogecoin, once a joke, now a cultural phenomenon. The conversation critically examines the speculative nature of crypto, questioning its future as both an innovation and a risky investment.

Gillian Tett, a leading FT columnist with expertise in post-Soviet countries, discusses Ukraine's tech resilience amid war, spotlighting innovators like Roman Perimov who are building military tech hubs. She highlights the powerful ties between Ukraine and Silicon Valley that enhance defensive strategies. Meanwhile, Oliver Roeder, a senior data journalist and author of 'Seven Games: A Human History,' explores how AI is transforming chess, impacting gameplay and strategy, while advocating for new formats to keep the game exciting and accessible.

Middle Eastern nations are set to reap a massive $1.3 trillion windfall from oil revenues. Mixed quarterly earnings were reported from major U.S. retailers, with discount stores thriving amid inflation. Exciting breakthroughs in science promise to eliminate harmful 'forever chemicals.' In a fascinating discussion, the longlist for a prestigious business book award highlights works tackling crucial themes like climate change and economic history. The interplay between migration, climate, and supply chains also takes center stage.

Federal Reserve officials are holding interest rates steady in a fight against inflation, impacting the economy significantly. In the UK, borrowing costs have surged, raising recession fears. Tencent faces its first quarterly revenue drop, pointing to wider challenges in China's tech sector. The demise of Miss Fresh serves as a cautionary tale about operational mishaps in the tech landscape. Meanwhile, Japan encourages more alcohol consumption among youth to enhance tax revenue, reflecting shifting societal perspectives.

Amazon is in a heated battle with the FTC, accusing the agency of harassment over an antitrust investigation. Meanwhile, hedge fund Elliott Management has largely divested from SoftBank, signaling investor unease. In a twist, Adam Neumann, the controversial figure behind WeWork, is back in the spotlight with a new real estate venture called Flow, backed by Silicon Valley investors. Will he succeed this time? The discussion highlights the intersection of regulation and innovation in the tech world.

Kenya's election results face a challenge amidst political turmoil. Iran distances itself from the attack on Salman Rushdie, while navigating tense international relations. Meanwhile, China takes action to stimulate its economy with a significant lending rate cut. The private equity landscape is shifting, as once-competitive firms now collaborate on groundbreaking deals, even as they face potential regulatory hurdles in an evolving financial environment.

Saudi Arabia is boosting Pakistan's economy with a renewed $3 billion deposit, while Aramco celebrates record profits thanks to high energy prices. The discussion shifts to the complexities of stock buybacks, revealing they may not be significantly affected by upcoming tax changes. Meanwhile, Mexico's president is calling on beer makers in drought-stricken regions to reduce production, sparking debate on environmental responsibility. Tune in for fascinating insights into these economic dynamics!

Chef Mashama Bailey, a recent James Beard Outstanding Chef winner, discusses her journey of redefining American cuisine by reclaiming African-American food traditions at The Grey in Savannah. She shares insights on preserving historical recipes and the cultural significance of regional ingredients. Joined by Stephen Satterfield, founder of Whetstone Media, they explore the importance of recognizing Black culinary contributions and the role of food in healing historical wounds. Together, they highlight food's transformative power and its connection to legacy.

U.S. lawmakers are moving forward with a massive $700 billion spending bill amidst a crisis in the IPO market and a slowdown in European corporate bond activity. Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry's is embroiled in a heated legal battle with parent company Unilever over sales impacted by political tensions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This conflict highlights the clash between corporate ethics and financial pressures, as Ben & Jerry's advocates for social responsibility against Unilever's broader commercial interests.