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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🪙 Warren Buffett lays groundwork to donate his $150 billion fortune.
📊 Anthropic’s new protocol connects AI systems to data with zero custom code.
📱 Threads tests default feed selection to compete with Bluesky.
📍 Instagram launches live location sharing in DMs for real-time updates.
👀 Google are coming under fire from antitrust lawsuits.

TECH

• Anthropic Introduces Model Context Protocol

  • Anthropic launched MCP to link AI systems directly to various data sources.

  • The protocol removes the need for custom code, simplifying integrations.

  • Early adopters like Replit and Codeium are already enhancing AI tools with MCP.

• Threads Tests Default Feed Selection to Compete with Bluesky

  • Threads is testing default feed options, including For You and Following feeds.

  • The update aims to improve customization and attract users from Bluesky.

  • This change is part of a broader strategy to boost user engagement.

• Instagram Introduces Live Location Sharing in DMs

  • Instagram users can now share their live location in direct messages.

  • The feature, available in select regions, allows sharing for up to one hour.

  • Users can control privacy by activating or deactivating location sharing per chat.

BUSINESS

• Warren Buffett Lines Up Successors To Potentially Help Donate $150 Billion Fortune

  • Buffett has identified three people to potentially succeed his three children in their efforts to donate his $150 billion fortune.

  • He is donating more than $1 billion of his Berkshire stock to four Buffett family foundations.

  • The 94-year-old has committed to donate 99% of his wealth to charitable causes within his lifetime or shortly after his death.

• Macy's Says Employee Hid Up to $154 Million in Expenses, Delaying Q3 Earnings

  • Macy's found an employee hid $154 million in expenses since late 2021.

  • The discovery delayed their third-quarter earnings release this year.

  • The employee has left, and no further staff involvement was identified.

• Elon Musk Jokes About Buying MSNBC: 'How Much Does It Cost?'

  • Musk joked about buying MSNBC after Comcast announced a SpinCo spinoff.

  • Memes and tweets sparked speculation about Musk’s potential interest.

  • Figures like Joe Rogan humorously chimed in, requesting roles at the network.

CONTENT

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on AI Governance, Ethics, and Innovation

  • Sam Altman discusses AI's potential in science and its parallels with aviation safety.

  • Highlights challenges of ensuring AI equity, fairness, and regulation partnerships.

  • Explores AI's future role in work, relationships, and scientific discovery.

• Dr. Ethan Kross: How to Control Your Inner Voice & Increase Your Resilience

  • Dr. Kross explains the purpose of inner dialogue and its impact on emotions and motivation.

  • Offers tools like exercise, expressive writing, and mental distancing to combat negative chatter.

  • Discusses why venting is counterproductive and suggests actionable protocols for resilience.

• How AI Is Revolutionising Science

  • AI accelerates drug discovery, with tools like AlphaFold revolutionizing protein structure prediction.

  • Innovations include self-driving labs and breakthroughs in understanding animal communication.

  • Raises questions about scientific fraud, adoption barriers, and AI's long-term impact on research.

WORLD

• Newsom Threatens Intervention if Trump Axes EV Tax Credit

  • Newsom plans to reinstate California’s EV rebate program if Trump removes the $7,500 federal credit.

  • California’s original rebates supported 594,000 residents and saved over 456 million gallons of gasoline.

  • Funding could come from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to sustain eco-friendly initiatives.

• Israel and Lebanon Near Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal

  • Israel and Lebanon approach a U.S.-brokered deal for a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah.

  • Key terms include Israeli troop withdrawal and relocating Hezbollah weapons north of the Litani River.

  • A U.S.-led oversight committee will monitor compliance to ensure stability in the region.

• Russian Missile Strikes Kharkiv as Zelenskyy Urges Allies’ Support

  • Russian missiles hit Kharkiv, targeting residential areas and leaving several injured.

  • Zelenskyy called for unwavering support from allies to counter escalating attacks.

  • NATO nations pledged ongoing military aid despite intensifying Russian offensives.

AND MORE…

• Our Everyday Water Use Is Literally Tilting the Earth

  • Groundwater extraction shifted Earth's tilt by 80 centimeters between 1993 and 2010.

  • This water redistribution contributed to a 0.24-inch global sea-level rise.

  • Highlights the significant impact of human activity on Earth's physical dynamics.

• Google Under Siege Amid Antitrust Lawsuits

  • Google faces antitrust trials that could force changes like selling Chrome.

  • Additional lawsuits from the EU and Epic Games challenge its ad dominance.

  • Outcomes could reshape Google’s business operations and market power.

• iPhone 17 Slim Rumors Surface Despite Design Challenges

  • Engineers face hurdles with integrating SIM cards and batteries in slimmer designs.

  • The device could feature a center-mounted camera with a rectangular bump.

  • Apple may discontinue the Plus model in favor of this ultra-thin concept.