Welcome back to your daily memorandum talking tech, business, AI, markets, and more. 🗞️

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

📬 Apple commits $500B to U.S. investment, adding 20,000 jobs amid tariff concerns.
🤖 Anthropic launches Claude 3.7 Sonnet and a new AI coding tool.
💾 Microsoft cancels major data center leases, reassessing AI infrastructure.
🏢 Starbucks to lay off 1,100 corporate employees in a cost-cutting move.
🌍 Trump and Macron discuss Ukraine ceasefire efforts at the White House.

TECH

• Apple Commits to $500 Billion U.S. Investment and 20,000 New Jobs

  • Apple announced a $500 billion investment in the U.S. economy over four years, adding 20,000 jobs.

  • The plan includes a new Houston facility to manufacture AI servers for future Apple devices.

  • The move is seen as a response to Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese imports.

• Anthropic Unveils Advanced AI Model 'Claude 3.7 Sonnet'

  • Anthropic introduced ‘Claude 3.7 Sonnet,’ a hybrid reasoning AI model optimized for complex problem-solving.

  • The model is available through the Claude app and API, maintaining the same cost structure as its predecessor.

  • Anthropic also launched 'Claude Code,' a new tool enhancing AI-assisted software development.

• Microsoft Cancels Data Center Leases Amid AI Demand Reassessment

  • Microsoft canceled several hundred megawatts of U.S. data center leases, signaling an AI demand reassessment.

  • The decision may be influenced by cost-effective AI solutions from competitors like China’s DeepSeek.

  • Despite the cuts, Microsoft still plans to invest $80 billion in infrastructure this year.

BUSINESS

• Starbucks to Lay Off 1,100 Corporate Workers Amid Turnaround

  • Starbucks is cutting 1,100 corporate jobs as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations.

  • The layoffs will not affect café employees or store-level workers.

  • CEO Laxman Narasimhan says the move aims to improve efficiency and position the company for future growth.

• Jamie Dimon Defends Leaked Town Hall Comments on RTO and DEI

  • JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon defended his stance on remote work, reaffirming a mandatory five-day office return.

  • He criticized ineffective DEI training and consulting but maintained JPMorgan's commitment to diversity efforts.

  • Dimon’s remarks sparked debate on corporate culture and leadership approaches to workplace policies.

• DoorDash to Pay $16.75M to Settle Deceptive Tip Practices Probe

  • DoorDash reached a $16.75 million settlement over past tipping practices that used tips to offset worker wages.

  • The funds will be distributed to about 60,000 delivery workers, with payments ranging from $10 to $14,000.

  • DoorDash ended the controversial pay model in 2019 and now allows workers to keep 100% of their tips.

CONTENT

• Acquired, Rolex

  • The Acquired podcast explores the paradoxes behind Rolex’s dominance in the luxury watch industry.

  • Rolex produces over one million watches annually despite exclusivity and high price tags.

  • The brand is fully owned by a charitable foundation, making it one of the most unique business structures in luxury goods.

• Uber CEO Says Musk Rejected Robotaxi Collaboration

  • Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that Elon Musk declined an offer to integrate Tesla’s robotaxis into Uber’s platform.

  • Instead, Tesla plans to launch its own self-driving service, competing directly with Uber and Waymo.

  • Khosrowshahi said Uber remains open to future partnerships and believes demand will drive industry collaboration.

• Ex-Googler Shares AI Startup Framework

  • Greg Isenberg outlines a step-by-step framework for building profitable AI startups.

  • The discussion emphasizes first principles thinking, product-market fit, and differentiation strategies.

  • The episode features insights from Jake Knapp, creator of the Design Sprint methodology.

WORLD

• Trump and Macron Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire Efforts

  • Trump hosted Macron at the White House to discuss ceasefire solutions on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

  • Macron emphasized a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the complexity of achieving peace in Ukraine.

  • Both leaders expressed a shared desire to build peace, though concrete strategies remain undecided.

• Elon Musk’s Engagement with Germany’s AfD Leader Sparks Debate

  • Elon Musk has drawn controversy after engaging in discussions with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party.

  • The interaction included disputed historical claims, raising concerns about tech figures influencing political discourse.

  • European authorities are closely monitoring Musk’s growing involvement in political affairs.

• Israel Demands Demilitarization of Southern Syria

  • Israel has warned Syria’s new leadership to keep military forces out of southern regions near its border.

  • The demand follows the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, reflecting Israeli security concerns.

  • Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in the region to ensure stability and prevent threats.

AND MORE…

• Chegg Sues Google Over AI Search Summaries

  • Chegg is suing Google, claiming its AI-generated search summaries are reducing traffic to educational content.

  • The lawsuit alleges Google’s AI overviews keep users on its platform, hurting publishers' revenue.

  • Google denies the claims, arguing that AI overviews enhance search results and benefit online discovery.

• Spotify's HiFi Streaming Could Finally Arrive This Year

  • Spotify is expected to launch its long-delayed HiFi streaming tier, branded as ‘Music Pro,’ in 2025.

  • The premium tier will offer lossless audio, early-access concert tickets, and DJ remixing tools.

  • Pricing is rumored to be an additional $5–$6 on top of a standard Spotify subscription.

• Grok 3 Appears to Be Driving Grok Usage to New Heights

  • xAI’s latest AI model, Grok 3, is driving record-high engagement and user adoption.

  • The model’s enhanced capabilities signal growing demand for more sophisticated AI systems.

  • Elon Musk's AI venture continues expanding, competing with OpenAI and Anthropic.

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