FT News Briefing

Countries are scrambling to handle the Omicron variant with new lockdowns and travel restrictions. The UK intends to block Meta’s $400 million acquisition of Giphy, raising questions about tech regulation. Meanwhile, the Iranian government faces increasing pressure as nuclear negotiations resume, revealing economic struggles among its citizens. The podcast also hints at the upcoming Ghislaine Maxwell trial, which promises to shed light on the Epstein case, adding another layer to a week packed with significant developments.

Tim Hayward, a longtime food critic for the Financial Times, dives deep into the evolution of British cuisine, urging locals to embrace their culinary identity. He discusses the rich history of traditional dishes like eels and pies in East London, showcasing the shift from embarrassment to pride. The conversation also features a visit to a historic pie shop and insights from mixologist Shannon Mustipher, who shares a holiday cocktail recipe while highlighting the contributions of bartenders of color to the seasonal drinking scene.

President Biden's decision to release 50 million barrels of oil aims to lower fuel prices, but it caused oil prices to rise unexpectedly. The podcast discusses the strategic and political implications of this move amid inflation concerns and OPEC's potential cuts. It also transitions into a fascinating documentary on how the music industry is adapting to new trends and technologies, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities for independent artists in today's digital landscape.

Discover how China's hypersonic technology is reshaping military dynamics, with breakthroughs that stunned Pentagon scientists. The discussion highlights a missile test that showcases unprecedented speed, raising alarms in the U.S. about its implications for national defense. Alongside this, President Biden's nomination of Jay Powell hints at continuity for the Federal Reserve amidst challenges like inflation and labor market recovery. Also, Uber's cannabis delivery service in Canada represents an intriguing pivot in its business model.

Peggy Hollinger, the Financial Times' International Business Editor, dives into the urgent issue of space junk. She discusses the alarming rise in debris, sparked by Russia's recent satellite destruction. Hollinger emphasizes the real threat of Kessler syndrome, where collisions create more debris, jeopardizing future space missions. The conversation highlights the critical need for regulations as the commercial space industry expands, likening the situation to the pollution challenges of industrialization. Her insights reveal the complexities of maintaining a sustainable orbit.

This discussion dives into the art of conversation, exploring what makes dialogue fulfilling through openness, curiosity, and active listening. An intriguing look at the often-ignored contributions of James Wilson to the U.S. Constitution challenges historical narratives. A celebrated interviewer shares her unique approach to connecting with celebrities, revealing the emotional toll from past interviews, including one with Bill Cosby. The podcast also reflects on navigating meaningful interactions in our chaotic, outrage-filled world, advocating for genuine human connections.

The podcast dives into the euro's decline against the dollar and its potential inflationary effects. It explores how car giants Ford and GM are teaming up with semiconductor manufacturers to tackle chip shortages. Further, discussions include Turkey's recent interest rate cuts and the resulting volatility of the lira amid economic turmoil. Political uncertainty looms as the country approaches elections, with investors weighing their options in the complex landscape.

US President Biden is pushing for an investigation into potential oil company misconduct as gas prices soar. The euro is hitting lows amid diverging central bank policies. Rivian's market cap is now greater than VW's, reflecting wild investor enthusiasm for electric vehicles. There's an ongoing discussion on the surreal valuations of EV startups compared to traditional automakers. Meanwhile, the Staples Center is officially rebranded as Crypto.com Arena, sparking amusing reactions in the community.

Tensions are rising as the U.S. and China prepare for talks to address nuclear arsenals. In Europe, Germany has paused the Nord Stream 2 pipeline certification, raising energy security concerns. Meanwhile, a significant trial unfolds in the Vatican, focusing on a cardinal accused of financial mismanagement linked to a luxury property investment. This unprecedented case highlights the need for accountability within the Catholic Church. Additionally, the challenges of regulating cryptocurrency advertising are explored, particularly regarding the meme coin Floki Inu.

Major brands are shifting away from 'virgin' plastics, with projections for a significant decline by 2025. U.S. coal prices have surged to their highest in over a decade, driven by post-pandemic energy needs and high natural gas costs. Shell is relocating its headquarters from the Netherlands to the UK, stirring mixed reactions as it navigates regulatory pressures. Meanwhile, Oatly faces challenges as its stock tumbles following some disappointing revenue forecasts. The energy sector continues to grapple with the balance between fossil fuels and sustainability.