What a crazy week of news for Good Diet’s inaugural newsletter—wow. First and foremost, thank you all for subscribing. I can’t tell you how grateful we are that you took the time to sign up and give us a chance to bring you a curated news experience.

Initially, we planned to make a big announcement, but our priority is getting the product right before sharing it broadly and welcoming others into this space. So, we’re soft launching to you—our friends and family—to ensure we’re building the best curated platform for our community. As I mentioned in my Welcome Letter, this idea was born out of conversations and group chats with many of you, so it’s important that we create something that truly helps all of us better understand the world around us.

Please let us know what you love, what you’d like to see more (or less) of, or any other suggestions you have. I’ll be reaching out to many of you for feedback and will likely pull together a survey as well. Don’t hold back with your constructive criticism—it’s invaluable! You can also always reach me directly at [email protected].

Best,

Rashad Drakeford

Co-Founder & Publisher, Good Diet

President Biden Sparks Debate Over Controversial Pardon of Son Hunter

President Joe Biden's decision to grant a sweeping pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, has drawn sharp criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Critics argue that the move undermines trust in the justice system, contradicts Biden’s previous stance on accountability, and sets a troubling precedent for future administrations. While some Democrats defend the decision as an act of mercy, others express concerns that it damages the president’s credibility and emboldens political opponents.

Scope of the Pardon: The pardon is unusually broad, covering any federal offenses Hunter Biden may have committed between January 2014 and December 2024, beyond the gun and tax charges for which he was convicted.

Democratic Criticism: Prominent Democrats, including Senators Gary Peters and Peter Welch, criticized the pardon as improper and damaging to public trust, highlighting concerns about special treatment for the politically connected.

Republican Reaction: Republicans accused Biden of hypocrisy and further eroding the justice system, comparing his actions to those they claim Biden has criticized in others, such as former President Donald Trump.

Defense of the Decision: Some Democrats, like former Attorney General Eric Holder, argue that the prosecution of Hunter Biden was politically motivated and that the pardon was warranted to correct perceived injustice.

Historical Context: The broad nature of the pardon draws comparisons to President Gerald Ford's controversial pardon of Richard Nixon, though questions remain about its implications for future presidential clemency powers.

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The Corporate Flattening Is Here

Corporate America's push to "flatten" organizational hierarchies has left middle managers in a precarious position. This trend, which prioritizes efficiency by reducing layers of supervision, has eliminated tens of thousands of supervisory jobs and dramatically reduced hiring for these roles. The Great Flattening isn’t just a temporary shift; it could signal a permanent reduction in the need for middle management.

While some companies are realizing the operational strain caused by fewer managers, the current job market is brutally competitive for experienced supervisors, many of whom are now applying for lower-level roles—only to face rejection for being "overqualified." The consequences of this trend are already affecting individual careers and broader economic stability.

What you need to know

• Middle Management Decline: Companies like Meta, Amazon, and UPS have drastically cut supervisory roles to "streamline" operations, with job postings for middle managers still down 42% from 2022.

• Job Market Reality: Experienced managers face a double hit: a surplus of candidates and limited openings, leading many to seek entry-level roles, often unsuccessfully.

• Efficiency vs. Burnout: Flattening has led to overworked supervisors, disengaged younger employees lacking mentors, and increased operational silos—indicating the strategy may backfire long-term.

• Impact on Gen X Professionals: This trend disproportionately affects workers in their late 40s to 50s, potentially disrupting retirement plans and financial stability.

• Future Outlook: While companies might eventually recognize the value of middle managers, the clock is ticking for those currently struggling to re-enter the workforce.

Dive Deeper

ChatGPT Is Two Years Old

Two years after its debut, ChatGPT has become a major player in generative AI, attracting 200 million weekly users and sparking a wave of competition from tools like Google’s Gemini, Meta’s Llama, and Amazon’s Claude. While AI tools are making strides in areas like coding, education, and healthcare, they’ve also raised concerns about job displacement, ethics, and safety.

ChatGPT’s rapid growth has forced tech giants into an arms race to innovate, with companies integrating AI into products like Siri, Alexa, and search engines. Despite mixed reactions, generative AI is transforming industries and redefining how we think about work, learning, and relationships. Generative AI may not have found its "killer app" yet, but it’s clear that the technology is here to stay, reshaping industries and sparking debates about its role in society.

What you need to know

• Sam Altman on AI’s Future: At the DealBook Summit on Wednesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could emerge as early as 2025, ushering in transformative changes across industries. He emphasized the disruptive potential of AI, defended OpenAI’s safety measures, and called for new economic models to fairly compensate creators while addressing ongoing ethical and legal challenges.

• AI Competition Heats Up: ChatGPT, with 200 million weekly users, dominates the generative AI market, but competition is fierce. Google’s Gemini is designed for real-time, multimodal tasks, while Meta’s Llama 3 offers open-source accessibility for developers. Anthropic’s Claude continues to emphasize safety, and Amazon’s $4 billion investment into Anthropic aims to make Alexa a more intuitive and conversational assistant. The global AI market is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2030, and this competition reflects how companies are racing to capture market share.

• Education Challenges: Generative AI is widely used by students but rarely integrated effectively by teachers, with schools struggling to balance fears of cheating and opportunities for responsible use.

• Healthcare Impact: AI tools like ChatGPT are outperforming doctors in diagnostic accuracy, but trust and regulation remain key hurdles to broader adoption in medical settings.

• Cultural Influence: Generative AI is shaping personal lives, from parenting tools to AI-assisted dating apps, but rising dependency, particularly among teens, raises concerns about social isolation.

• The Future of Work: AI could automate 30% of tasks in 60% of occupations by 2030, reshaping industries like software development and customer service while sparking fears of job losses.

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South Korea is in Turmoil: Martial Law Sparks a Political Crisis

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol plunged the country into political turmoil by declaring martial law late Tuesday night, citing threats from opposition parties and “anti-state” forces. The decree, which banned protests and deployed heavily armed troops to parliament, lasted only six hours before being unanimously overturned by lawmakers, including members of Yoon’s own party.

The fallout has led to impeachment proceedings against Yoon, who faces accusations of violating the constitution and abuse of power. With South Korea’s political landscape now in crisis, questions loom about the country’s governance and its future as a key U.S. ally in Asia.

What you need to know

• Martial Law Declaration: Yoon imposed martial law in response to opposition efforts to impeach his top officials, effectively suspending parliamentary activities and restricting political freedoms. This marked the first use of martial law in South Korea in over 40 years.

• Lawmakers Overturn Decree: In a dramatic late-night session, opposition lawmakers, joined by some ruling party members, pushed past military barricades to convene and unanimously vote to nullify the order, forcing Yoon to lift it by dawn.

• Impeachment Proceedings: Six opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach Yoon, citing constitutional violations. If the motion passes, Yoon would be suspended, and his fate would rest with the Constitutional Court.

• Global and Economic Impact: The U.S. expressed grave concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of democracy in the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Domestically, the crisis has shaken investor confidence, with stock markets falling and economic uncertainty mounting.

• Historical Context and Public Backlash: Martial law evokes painful memories in South Korea, particularly the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, when President Chun Doo-hwan declared martial law to suppress pro-democracy protests, resulting in a brutal military crackdown and hundreds of deaths. Prior to that, President Park Chung-hee declared martial law multiple times during his authoritarian rule in the 1960s and 1970s, including after his 1972 Yushin Constitution introduced sweeping presidential powers. South Korea transitioned to democracy in 1987 after widespread protests against Chun’s regime, and this is the first time martial law has been invoked since.

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The Uncertain Future of Google Search

A federal judge is considering whether Google’s dominance in search warrants drastic action, including forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser. This follows an August ruling that Google violated antitrust laws by using exclusive deals to secure its search monopoly. Proposed remedies from the Justice Department include banning exclusive search agreements, splitting up Google's businesses, and sharing search data with competitors. Google, defending its integrated ecosystem, has until December 20 to propose solutions. The judge's decision, expected next year, could reshape not only Google but the entire internet landscape.

What you need to know

• The Monopoly Ruling: Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google illegally maintained its search monopoly by paying companies like Apple and Samsung billions to be the default search engine on devices.

• Proposed Remedies: The Justice Department suggests drastic measures, including forcing Google to sell Chrome, banning exclusive search deals, and splitting off Android or other AI-related investments.

• Google's Response: Google must propose its own remedies by December 20. Early hints suggest the company may offer to stop exclusive search agreements but resist measures that harm its ecosystem.

• What’s at Stake: A breakup could hit Google’s $175 billion search revenue, weaken its ad business, and reduce its dominance in mobile through Android. Such a move could open doors for rivals and reshape the digital economy.

• The Bigger Picture: The decision could set a precedent for other antitrust cases, including ongoing litigation over Google’s alleged monopoly in ad technology. The ripple effects could reshape how we use the internet.

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NPR’s Top 50 Albums of 2024

The NPR list highlights an eclectic mix of genres and artists, ranging from global superstars to underground innovators. While the selections span hip-hop, pop, classical, and experimental music, the overarching theme is musical invention and impact. Notably, NPR focused on albums that showcased bold creativity and storytelling, with a few A-list stars and a strong representation of rising talents and veterans breaking new ground.

What you need to know

• Hip-Hop Reigns Supreme: Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX reaffirmed his status as a lyrical genius, blending searing social commentary with genre-defying production. Ice Spice’s Playground Princess showcased her evolution from viral sensation to a Gen Z icon with sharp hooks and confident storytelling. Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA was both introspective and whimsical, marrying carnival-like production with deeply personal lyrics about the challenges of adulthood. Rising star Teezo Touchdown wowed with Who’s Paying Attention?, a genre-blurring fusion of rap, rock, and soul that NPR called “a thrilling kaleidoscope of sound.”

• Pop and Beyond: Sabrina Carpenter’s Short ’N Sweet offered a refreshing take on modern relationships, with sharp wit and playful storytelling layered over slick pop production. Charli XCX’s Digital Tears redefined pop, combining club-ready anthems with deeply emotional themes of vulnerability and resilience.

• Global Sounds: Brazilian artist Luiza Brina’s Prece was a standout, described by NPR as “secular prayers in sound,” with lush arrangements that transcend cultural and musical boundaries. Afrobeats powerhouses Burna Boy and Ayra Starr delivered globally acclaimed albums, merging traditional African rhythms with cutting-edge innovation to define the genre’s future.

• Experimental Gems: Jessica Pratt’s latest album delved into ethereal, dreamlike soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of indie folk. Cassandra Jenkins’ introspective work combined haunting melodies with poetic lyrics, offering listeners a deeply personal and refreshing take on experimental music.

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Trump’s 2nd Term & The Economy

“Economist David Wessel talks about Trump's plans on tariffs and tax cuts, and the potential economic impact of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency.”

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In This House, We’re Angry When Government Fails

“This episode dives into the growing political divide over institutions, with Democrats defending them and Republicans distrusting or seeking to dismantle them. They explore how this polarization, heightened during the pandemic, has impacted government effectiveness, created blind spots in Democratic critiques, and opened the door for conservative attacks. The conversation also examines why institutional reform is needed and how a second Trump administration could complicate these efforts.”

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The Government’s Plan to Breakup Google

“The Verge's Lauren Feiner joins Nilay and David to talk about the US government's proposal in its search antitrust case against Google. They discuss the future of Chrome, what a white-label search engine might look like, and how a Trump administration might change the course of this case altogether. Then Nilay and David talk about the week in AI and gadget news, from the latest on Amazon's new Alexa to Google bailing on tablets all over again. Finally, in the lightning round, they discuss Comcast spinning off its cable channels and the latest in the Threads / Bluesky competition.”

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South Korean President Declares Martial Law

“Tommy and Ben discuss President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in South Korea, Trump’s approach to the Syrian civil war, and the controversial nomination of Kash Patel to lead the FBI. They cover Trump’s nepotism hires, tensions around BRICS tariffs, troubling news about Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, and a former Israeli defense minister’s claim of ethnic cleansing. Plus, protests in Georgia, elections in Romania and Ireland, and UNRWA’s closure of a key Gaza aid route. Finally, Tommy speaks with Natasha Hall to break down the complexities of the Syrian conflict.”

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Building Kith with Ronnie Feig

“Ronnie Fieg, founder and CEO of Kith, shares his journey from selling shoes at a New York store to becoming a cultural icon in fashion and footwear. They explore how his passion for products led to groundbreaking collaborations, including Kith's rise as a global brand known for its unique curation and iconic campaigns. This conversation is a masterclass in turning a lifelong passion into an influential career.”

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