From Nero to Sunak, leaders have always put on a show for the public. Historian Mary Beard explores the notorious Roman emperors' fondness for acting and how the stage became a metaphor for power itself. Read by Sharon Bott.

The Guardian

‘We’re not the first generation to wonder how genuine our leaders are’: Mary Beard on politicians as performers

A growing coalition of autocratic governments is seeking to rewrite the rules of the global financial system—mainly in response to the common occurrence of U.S. sanctions. Christopher Sabatini reflects on how measures intended to punish autocrats are eroding the Western order they were meant to preserve. Read by Mark Deakins.

Foreign Policy

America’s love of sanctions will be its downfall

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter is presented by our host, Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Foreign firms face mounting scrutiny in China. First, The Wall Street Journal investigates Apple's latest China challenge - a crackdown on "unregistered foreign apps" in its App Store.

Then, the Financial Times reports on the pressure businesses face to "de-risk" and the challenges for manufacturers reliant on China-based suppliers with competitive prices.

Informed

Breaking ties with China: are businesses in too deep?

From consultancies to tech companies, foreign firms face mounting scrutiny in China. The Financial Times' Editorial Board reports that, as geopolitical tensions rise, businesses are pressured to "de-risk," but this is particularly challenging for manufacturers reliant on China-based suppliers offering competitive prices. Read by Emma Powell.

Financial Times

For business, breaking up with China is hard to do

A computer science degree has long been sold to students as among the safest paths to job security. But that was before the introduction of chatbots that could code. Kelli Maria Korducki reflects on why computer science is no longer the safe major in the age of AI. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

The Atlantic

So much for 'learn to code'

The invention of the atomic bomb and the computer can both be traced back to John von Neumann, considered by some to be the smartest man who ever lived, Adam Kirsch reflects. However, in Benjamín Labatut’s new novel, von Neumann becomes a scientific demon. Read by Mark Deakins.

The smartest man who ever lived

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter is presented by our host, Manish Verma.

In today's episode, we hear opinions from two prominent figures on how we should be tackling the climate crisis.

First, writing for The Guardian, former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls for public pressure and cooperation to break the deadlock on climate finance. As petrostates like Saudi Arabia and Norway have made staggering oil and gas profits, he argues that a simple levy could funnel money to the countries that need it

Then, Bill Gates says it’s ‘complete nonsense’ that planting trees can solve climate change. For Fast Company, Adele Peters outlines the many other benefits of reforestation.

Why the climate crisis needs revolutionary thinking

For centuries, the attempt to stop ageing was the preserve of charlatans touting the benefits of arsenic or assortments of pills, often to disastrous effect. Yet, after years of false starts, the idea of a genuine elixir of longevity is taking wing. The Economist reveals how efforts to slow human ageing are tantalising  scientists, billionaires, and everyone else.

The Economist

Living to 120 is becoming an imaginable prospect

After almost a year in power, critics of Italy’s PM say nobody should be fooled: those giving her plaudits have forgotten her past. 

Initially, a divisive figure known for her far-right views, she has softened her image and gained popularity. Angela Giuffrida reflects on Giorgia Meloni's political journey. 

Read by Emma Powell.

‘She plays the moderate but winks at those who are not’: the many faces of Giorgia Meloni

According to Bill Gates, planting trees is not a quick fix for climate change. But, surely there are plenty of benefits to reforestation?

Adele Peters looks at both sides of the argument - from experts arguing that planting trees could be used as a distraction from the need to reduce fossil fuel use to the science behind their carbon removal. 

Read by Marni Penning.

Fast Company

Bill Gates says it’s ‘complete nonsense’ that planting trees can solve climate change. Here’s why we should do it anyway

Petrostates like Saudi Arabia and Norway have made staggering oil and gas profits. A simple levy could funnel money to the countries that need it. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls for public pressure and cooperation to break the deadlock on climate finance, offering hope for crisis-torn countries and urging world leaders to act courageously. Read by Jonathan Booth.

How do we raise trillions of dollars to fight the climate crisis? The answer is staring us in the face 

A deal between Hollywood writers and studios, which still has to be ratified by members, could open the door to an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild. Joe Flint reflects on this significant development in this ongoing labour dispute. Read by Michael Satow.

The Wall Street Journal

Hollywood writers’ tentative labor deal shifts focus to actors

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

A deal between Hollywood writers and studios, which still has to be ratified by members, could open the door to an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild. The Wall Street Journal reflects on this significant development in this ongoing labour dispute.

Then, though the details are yet to be announced, onlookers can draw one conclusion from the tentative deal: Strikes work. New York Magazine reflects on how the movement offers an alternative vision to corporate power and highlights the importance of solidarity and fairness in the workforce.

Does Hollywood show that strikes are working?

Joe Biden promised to be a “bridge” to a new generation. Now, that bridge is stretching on much longer than expected. Mark Leibovich reflects on why the idea of Biden as a long-term proposition is wearing thin. Read by Karl Miller.

So much for Biden, the bridge President

Homeworking is not just a corporate issue; it's a chance to create a better society. Simon Kuper argues that corporate leaders' backlash against remote work is misguided. He questions the emphasis on economic efficiency and highlights the benefits of remote work, including cost savings and increased accessibility for disabled individuals. Read by Jonathan Booth.

Bosses won’t like it but WFH is a happier way to work

It’s easy to feel like there’s no escape from doomscrolling. The classical Chinese handscroll suggests otherwise. Samantha Culp delves into the history of scrolling, from its athletic and action-oriented origins to its current state as an endless, addictive, and profit-driven activity enabled by social media platforms. Read by Sarah Naughton.

WIRED

There’s an alternative to the infinite scroll

Though the details are yet to be announced, onlookers can draw one conclusion from the WGA's tentative deal: strikes work. Sarah Jones reflects on how the movement offers an alternative vision to corporate power and highlights the importance of solidarity and fairness in the workforce. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

New York Magazine

The strikes are working

As the Rolling Stones put out their first all-original album in 18 years, the band’s iconic frontman talks to Neil Shah about staying together, using Instagram and what he has in common with Taylor Swift. Read by Sean Crisden.

How Mick Jagger has kept the Rolling Stones in business for six decades

Anna Wintour has presided over the so-called fashion bible Vogue for 35 years. How did she get there? Laura Indvik sits down for lunch with the global editorial director; they discuss her rise to the top of the fashion world — and what she makes of her tough image. Read by Sharon Bott.

Anna Wintour: ‘I just have to make sure things are being done right’

Frequent-flier programs are a symptom of a much deeper rot in the American air travel industry. And although getting mad at airlines is perfectly reasonable, the blame ultimately lies with Congress, Ganesh Sitaraman argues. Read by Ron Butler.