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View / Trump’s AI agenda sails toward an iceberg of bipartisan populist fury
View / Why COP30 wasn’t as bad as it seemed
The World at a Glance
Updated 6:16am EST
1
Donald Trump pledged to pause migration from developing nations following the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, DC.
2Russian President Vladimir Putin was due to meet with Hungary’s leader and announced a trip to India next week.
3Authorities in Hong Kong called off rescue efforts after the worst fire there in decades.
4South African President Ramaphosa called Washington’s decision to exclude his nation from the G20 summit ‘regrettable.’
5Canada approved a new pipeline to expand the country’s Pacific oil exports and reduce its trade dependency on the US.
6Israeli authorities were investigating soldiers in the West Bank over the killing of two people who appeared to be surrendering.
Hong Kong high-rise fire fuels anger over housing crisis
The deadly inferno that engulfed a Hong Kong apartment complex has deepened public anger over the city’s lack of affordable housing.
Tyrone Siu/ReutersSouth Africa condemns Trump’s G20 ban as ‘punitive’
It’s the latest sign of fraying bilateral ties between Washington and Africa’s biggest economy.
US President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters.Trump’s AI, health care plans in limbo after leaks
Republicans are making no secret of being divided over the ideas.
Kevin Lamarque/ReutersGemini is most ‘empathetic’ AI model, test shows
AI journaling app Rosebud tested 25 models across mental health-related scenarios.
Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/ReutersAD
US envoy, Putin to discuss new Ukraine peace plan
US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Sputnik/Kristina Kormilitsyna/Pool via Reuters.Nigeria’s Dangote partners with Honeywell to double output
Dangote Group will work with the US company to expand its oil refinery in Lagos.
Marvellous Durowaiye/File Photo/ReutersSaudi Arabia to host Russia business forum
Fresh from the success of its investment summit in the US this month, Saudi Arabia is focusing on another key geopolitical ally.
Mohammed bin Salman and Vladimir Putin in 2018. Yuri Kadobnov/Pool via Reuters.
Politics
Nathan Howard/Reuters 
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
DC shooting deepens tensions over National Guard deployments
The man suspected of shooting two US National Guard members in Washington, DC, worked for a CIA-backed paramilitary force in Afghanistan, the agency said.
Nathan Howard/Reuters Trump’s AI agenda sails toward an iceberg of bipartisan populist fury
The AI industry’s new super PAC picked its first political target this month — and missed.
Brian Snyder/ReutersHouse aims for ‘worldwide threats’ hearing with Noem next month
If and when the committee finalizes the December date, there will be lots to talk about.
Evelyn Hockstein/ReutersTrump’s AI, health care plans in limbo after leaks
Republicans are making no secret of being divided over the ideas.
Trump orders probe into Democrat lawmaker Mark Kelly
Sen. Mark Kelly appeared in a video together with other Democrat lawmakers telling serving soldiers not to follow illegal orders.
New US government data to clarify murky economic picture
The Federal Reserve will mull several new data points as its members consider whether to cut interest rates.
Mark Kelly becomes Trump’s newest target
The Arizona Democrat appeared in a video discouraging national security members from following illegal orders.
Inside Congress’ reaction to Trump’s in-limbo ACA plan
Some Democrats see a path forward. It’s not clear whether Republicans do, too.
‘Florida is Full’: James Fishback’s running pitch for governor
The investment firm CEO with ties to Trump is taking a fierce MAGA approach in an attempt to beat Republican Rep. Byron Donalds in the race.
Trump, MBS, and Mamdani at the Predators’ Ball
As Trump’s American critics and admirers alike struggle to understand him, the writer Giuliano da Empoli offers a useful alternative.
Senate bill would punish foreign sabotage of undersea cables
The bipartisan measure also calls for the US to devote more resources to repairing and securing existing cables.
Business
The Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
How Saint-Gobain is getting US students to prize factory work
North America CEO Mark Rayfield says young Americans who visit its plants see that “it’s not your 1950s manufacturing job.”
The Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforHow Joe Preston got New Balance back in the race
The sneaker brand’s CEO says problem-solving “sprint” teams have been key to turning around its revenues and reputation.
China buying more US-made goods, Washington says
Beijing offered to increase imports of US commodities in order to lower tensions.
Russia’s oil and gas revenues expected to plummet
The country’s oil and gas revenues are expected to fall 35% this month, year-on-year.
‘Florida is Full’: James Fishback’s running pitch for governor
The investment firm CEO with ties to Trump is taking a fierce MAGA approach in an attempt to beat Republican Rep. Byron Donalds in the race.
TechnologyDado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/Reuters
Gemini is most ‘empathetic’ AI model, test shows
AI journaling app Rosebud tested 25 models across mental health-related scenarios.
Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/ReutersJigsaw CEO Yasmin Green on the power of AI in polling
Green told Semafor she believes her company has found a way to use AI to improve political discourse.
No AI is conscious yet, but future systems may be, new study finds
The research raises philosophical and moral questions about “seemingly conscious” machines.
Deloitte faces new scrutiny over suspected AI-generated mistakes
A Canadian province asked Deloitte to review a $1.6 million report it created for the Department of Health and Community Services, which contains inaccurate citations.
Nvidia’s strengths are not in its X posts
Nvidia’s post responding to a story about Meta acquiring Google chips seemed oddly defensive for a tech giant clearly playing offense.
Box CEO Aaron Levie on the paradoxes of AI
Levie spoke to Semafor Tech Editor Reed Albergotti about why the AI age is essentially paradoxical.
Energy
Wiring sits inside a Microsoft data center. Audrey Richardson/Reuters.
Stringer/File Photo/Reuters
Andreea Campeanu/Reuters
Schneider to fast-track electricians to meet data center demand
The French firm already trains 10,000 electricians a year globally and is looking to boost that figure, an executive told Semafor.
Wiring sits inside a Microsoft data center. Audrey Richardson/Reuters.Oil prices tip down on oversupply fears, Ukraine talks
Cheaper oil, and the effect of US and European sanctions, are expected to push Russia’s oil and gas revenue down 35%, Reuters reported.
Stringer/File Photo/ReutersSmall nuclear reactor startups set for wave of consolidation
X-energy, an SMR startup backed by Amazon, closed one of the largest-ever fundraising rounds for that technology on Monday.
Andreea Campeanu/ReutersGulf
“Submarine Cable Map,” via TeleGeography, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Qatar plans new data cable corridor to EU to reroute internet around Red Sea
The country’s biggest telecom company will invest more than $500 million in fiber running from Oman through Iraq and Türkiye into Europe.
“Submarine Cable Map,” via TeleGeography, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.FIFA signs $1B deal with Saudi Arabia fund to invest in stadium construction
The deal comes amid growing scrutiny of Gulf influence over global soccer.
IMF lauds Oman’s economic progress
The International Monetary Fund pointed to Oman’s low inflation, consistent fiscal and current account surpluses, and limited government debt.
UAE dodges EU censure over Sudan
The EU passed a resolution on the Sudan war that made no mention of Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the RSF militia, amid a reported lobbying blitz by the UAE.
Why oil price forecasts might be too bearish
There’s too much pessimism in oil markets these days, according to one prominent expert.
AfricaUS President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters. 
Patrick Meinhardt/AFP via Getty Images
South Africa condemns Trump’s G20 ban as ‘punitive’
It’s the latest sign of fraying bilateral ties between Washington and Africa’s biggest economy.
US President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters.General named new Guinea-Bissau leader after coup
General Horta N’Tam, previously head of the presidential guard, has been named the transitional president for a period of one year.
Patrick Meinhardt/AFP via Getty ImagesNigeria declares security emergency and names diplomats amid US tensions
The moves come after Washington threatened Abuja with sanctions over the treatment of the country’s Christians.
Nigeria’s Dangote partners with Honeywell to double output
Dangote Group will work with the US company to expand its oil refinery in Lagos.
US offers drone firm Zipline $150M to expand in Africa
The company pioneered the use of drones to deliver blood, drugs, and other health care products.
Kenya’s economic growth forecast rises
East Africa’s largest economy is now anticipated to grow on average by 4.9% between 2025 and 2027, up from an earlier projection of 4.5%.
Security
Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters
Ann Wang/ReutersUS Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Sputnik/Kristina Kormilitsyna/Pool via Reuters.
Maduro strikes defiant tone amid rising US tensions
“Failure is not an option at this crucial juncture,” a sword-brandishing Maduro said in a fiery address to supporters in Caracas.
Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/ReutersTaiwan pledges extra $40B for defense to counter China threat
Tensions have ramped up in the region after Japan’s leader said Tokyo may intervene militarily if Beijing sought to invade Taiwan.
Ann Wang/ReutersUS envoy, Putin to discuss new Ukraine peace plan
US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Sputnik/Kristina Kormilitsyna/Pool via Reuters.Media
Belinda Jiao/File Photo/Reuters
UK’s The Telegraph to be taken over by rival Daily Mail
The outlet has been for sale since its previous owners ran up unsupportable debts and were removed in 2023.
Belinda Jiao/File Photo/ReutersHow Trump is trying to remake American culture — starting with his favorite buddy-cop franchise
The president is offering some creative input on potential upcoming projects.
CNN drops out of Apple News feed, for now
The two companies are continuing to discuss a new deal that would restore CNN’s stories to Apple News.
Can the Supreme Court keep its secrets? With Jodi Kantor of the New York Times
New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor joins Mixed Signals to explain how she’s revealed the secrets of internal deliberations behind the ceremony and black robes of the US Supreme Court.
Derek Thompson on why everything is becoming television, and whether democracy can survive it
Derek Thompson explores why endless video feeds are commanding attention like never before, his book Abundance, his shift from The Atlantic, and the leap to independent work.
CEO SignalThe Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor 
Courtesy of New Balance/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
Courtesy of Four Seasons/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
How Saint-Gobain is getting US students to prize factory work
North America CEO Mark Rayfield says young Americans who visit its plants see that “it’s not your 1950s manufacturing job.”
The Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforHow Joe Preston got New Balance back in the race
The sneaker brand’s CEO says problem-solving “sprint” teams have been key to turning around its revenues and reputation.
Courtesy of New Balance/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforA man for Four Seasons: Alejandro Reynal’s ‘intentional growth’ plan
The luxury hotel brand’s CEO says knowing where his brand has the right to win is the key to its global expansion.
Courtesy of Four Seasons/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforAD