10 Weekend Reads

The weekend is here! For extended weekend reads, prepare a mug of Danish Blend coffee and settle into an outdoor seat. Here are ten in-depth articles to explore:

1. Chinese frontier AI labs trained their latest models using Nvidia’s Blackwell-class GPUs, according to forensic analysis. These models allegedly incorporated chips previously restricted for export by the US.

2. The AI boom is driving a massive expansion in data center construction, potentially the largest peacetime investment in American history. A simulation based on the Federal Reserve’s macroeconomic model suggests the buildout will contribute only a negligible 0.3 percent increase to GDP, as most of the investment comes from imports.

3. The bond market is grappling with the challenge of data center debt. The sheer quantity of massive investments is straining the market, with limited options available to distribute risk effectively.

4. New knowledge artifacts are emerging as valuable byproducts of the AI economy. This article explores what these artifacts are and why they matter.

5. In his latest Oaktree memo, an anonymous author without a technical background in AI discusses the implications of artificial intelligence for investors. Despite claiming no above-average knowledge of the subject, the author contends AI represents the most significant development they have witnessed.

6. American scientific dominance, once fueled by young talent, is now facing a decline. This article examines the reasons behind the drop in new Ph.D. enrollments, reduced funding, and the reconsideration of careers by promising researchers.

7. The CIA operated secretly in Mexico with the help of a local partner, despite President Claudia Sheinbaum's firm stance against U.S. forces operating within Mexican territory.

8. Stephen Miller, known for his strong stance on presidential powers, is now tasked with questioning the president's decisions. The article explores how Miller's transformation from a strong advocate to a critical figure could prove challenging.

9. David Remnick recounts his friendship with author Philip Roth, a unique case in Remnick's approach to subjects. The article delves into Roth's evolution as a writer and the bond they formed over shared interests.

10. The article analyzes the behavior of Fox News, which seemingly contradicts its critical stance on various issues by praising the WNBA, despite its members never having watched a WNBA game.