MARKETS

Starbucks Brews Up a Leadership Revolution

In a move that sent ripples through the corporate world, Starbucks has tapped Chipotle's Brian Niccol as its new CEO. The coffee giant's stock surged 25%, proving that sometimes, all you need is a fresh blend at the top.

Niccol, known for his impressive track record at Chipotle, steps into a Starbucks facing its fair share of challenges. With same-store sales declining and customer grumbles over wait times and prices, the company is in need of a serious caffeine boost. Niccol's appointment comes with high expectations - can he transfer his fast-casual magic to the world of espresso shots and frappuccinos?

As Starbucks explores new territories like boba-inspired drinks and meal bundles, all eyes are on Niccol. The coffee giant is betting big that his recipe for success will translate from burritos to lattes. In the high-stakes world of corporate beverages, this could be the shot of espresso Starbucks needs to wake up its brand.

Forbes + 34 other sources

WORLD

Thailand's Political Landscape Gets a Reboot

In a plot twist worthy of a political thriller, Thailand's Move Forward Party has been dissolved by court order. But in true phoenix fashion, it's already risen from the ashes as the People's Party. Talk about a quick rebrand.

This political shake-up comes after Move Forward's landslide victory in recent elections, followed by their controversial proposal to amend the monarchy's defamation law. Now, with 143 MPs and a new leader in Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the People's Party aims to keep the reform flame burning.

As human rights groups raise eyebrows over the court's decision, former leader Pita Limjaroenrat remains in the game, albeit from the sidelines. The question on everyone's lips: Will this new iteration maintain its reformist edge, or has it been decaffeinated? Thailand's political drama is far from over.

The Guardian + 72 other sources 

POLITICS

AI Reading Your Health Through Your Tongue

In a fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge tech, researchers have developed an AI that diagnoses diseases by analyzing tongues. It's like having a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in your pocket, only with a 98% accuracy rate.

This isn't just another health gimmick - it's a potential revolution in early disease detection. The AI, birthed from a collaboration between Middle Technical University in Iraq and the University of South Australia, scrutinizes tongue color, shape, and thickness to identify a range of conditions from diabetes to COVID-19.

Trained on a dataset of over 5,000 tongue images, this AI could transform your smartphone into a personal health oracle. Just don't expect it to tell you your fortune - yet.

New York Post + 8 other sources