Resistance is fatal: another killing in Minneapolis
The Intelligence (Economist)AI Summary
→ WHAT IT COVERS Federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis result in two civilian deaths within two weeks, sparking controversy over disputed shooting circumstances. Public opinion shifts against ICE as video evidence contradicts official narratives. OpenAI faces financial sustainability questions despite revenue growth, burning through $17 billion annually while seeking $100 billion in new funding. → KEY INSIGHTS - **Immigration Enforcement Strategy:** Federal agents target Democratic-run cities like Minneapolis, which has relatively small immigrant populations compared to Texas or Florida, suggesting political motivations beyond immigration control. This approach aims to polarize voters by portraying Democratic cities as dangerous and soft on crime, potentially punishing sanctuary cities that oppose federal policy. - **Public Opinion Reversal:** YouGov polling shows 50% of Americans view the Minneapolis shooting as unjustified versus 20% justified, with disapproval rising to two-thirds among those who watched video evidence. Over 40% now support abolishing ICE compared to those favoring retention, marking a significant shift that threatens the administration's biggest policy success of closing the border. - **OpenAI Financial Burn Rate:** The company spends $17 billion in 2026, nearly double the previous year, with most costs going to computing power that grew from 200 megawatts in 2023 to 1,900 megawatts in 2025. Plans to increase capacity thirtyfold may cost over $1 trillion, with profitability not expected until decade's end despite twentyfold revenue growth. - **AI Competitive Landscape:** Google's Gemini model now outperforms OpenAI's GPT 5.1 on benchmarks, and Google secured the Apple Siri contract. Open source models from American and Chinese companies close the gap, threatening OpenAI's ability to charge premium prices. Venture capitalists call 2025 a make-or-break year as losses comparable to national government deficits raise sustainability concerns. - **Conservation Through Contraception:** The Red Squirrel Recovery Network deploys weight-activated feeders dispensing hazelnut butter contraceptive bait to grey squirrels over 450 grams, excluding smaller red squirrels. This addresses the 39,000 red versus 2.5 million grey squirrel disparity in England, where grey squirrels spread squirrel pox virus deadly to reds and strip bark from reforestation projects. → NOTABLE MOMENT The administration claims Alex Preddy attempted to massacre law enforcement officers, yet video evidence shows him standing between agents and a woman on the ground before being pepper sprayed and shot ten times. This contradiction creates unusual tension with the National Rifle Association, which recognizes the dangerous precedent that legally carrying a concealed firearm near police could justify lethal force. 💼 SPONSORS [{"name": "Schneider Electric", "url": "AI at Scale podcast"}, {"name": "Boost Mobile", "url": "not specified"}, {"name": "Jerry", "url": "jerry.ai/acast"}, {"name": "Experian", "url": "not specified"}] 🏷️ Immigration Enforcement, OpenAI Funding, AI Competition, Wildlife Conservation, Federal-State Relations