The Navigator, Saturday, July 5, 2025
Princess treatment, Millennials' midlife crisis, ChatGPT's news challenge, the Megabill and your wallet, Ketangi Brown Jackson, philanthropy's mis-steps—and more
Happy 4th of July weekend!
One of our technology colleagues, the entrepreneur Asi Burak, calls this time “the upside down.” But he’s optimistic, too.
In a speech that’s now making the rounds on LinkedIn—one he gave recently to his colleagues at Games for Change, a nonprofit community of innovative game designers he’s co-led to create video games for social good—he lamented that our world today is:
“One in which the richest person on Earth waged war on systems meant to help the poorest;
“One in which the most powerful leader is targeting the defenseless, and
“One in which the post-World War II era of peace and prosperity—the very system built to prevent future atrocities—is unraveling.”
In his speech, given as he received an award for his contributions to the organization, Burak also quoted the writer, David Brooks, who wrote recently that “what is rising now is a kind of modern paganism: a culture obsessed with conquest, ego, dominance and fame.”
Yet while Burak said the world is headed into “dangerous waters,” he also said many of us “remain united by a common belief: that we can make the world a better place”—and that rather than sink into despair, we are motivated to act, to create, to “fix what is broken” and “help those in need.”
“…We can turn this ship around,” Burak said. “We can have a role in steering it. This is our moment to shine, even as it gets darker outside.”
Here at New Rules, we share his hope and optimism, and want to thank all of you, as subscribers, for your leadership, input, and efforts to make today’s world more inclusive, strategic and resilient.
As one of thousands of New Rules subscribers, you’ve become part of a very unique and growing global network of present and future collaborators. Funders of your next project. Partners who will help you test your new ideas and help you create new ways to reach your goals.
Your optimism, strength, curiosity and forward-thinking truly do mean the world— the kind of world we’re thrilled to be sharing with you.
Onward!
How Will Trump’s Megabill Affect Your Wallet? (The New York Times)
This interactive guide will help you learn more about the individual impacts of the “big beautiful bill” President Trump signed into law on the 4th of July.
Trump, Turbocharged (The Washington Post)
The high court has given the president immunity and protected him from nationwide injunctions. Congress is giving ground on spending and tariffs. It’s shaken up the federal government’s long-held system of checks and balances.
With American democracy under strain, students debate its resilience (The Washington Post)
Students at Johns Hopkins University debated political decisions playing out in the U.S. Their emotional discussions reveal how one generation sees democracy.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Declaration of Independence (The New Yorker)
The newest Justice is increasingly willing to condemn the actions of the conservative majority, even when that means breaking with her liberal colleagues.
Philanthropy Must Stand, Deliver, and Listen (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Any response to this moment must include careful reflection on philanthropy’s role in a democratic society.
Six months after LA wildfires, some adjust to new life in RVs (Reuters)
Many homeowners are crashing with friends and family, or renting during the rebuild, but others have chosen to live on their properties in RVs.
How We’ll Personally Feel the Loss of Federal Workers (Slate)
From national parks to national security, cuts will hit home.
Welcome to Midlife, Millennials. Are you in crisis? (NPR)
Many Millennials are either already in their 40's, or they're staring them down. Are they having a midlife crisis?
The ‘Princess Treatment’ — Does it Go Too Far? (The New York Times)
A recent slew of popular videos on social media have ignited a viral discussion on TikTok over gender roles and relationship expectations—and they’re getting millions of views by men and women, alike.
The Trouble with ChatGPT-delivered news (The Columbia Journalism Review)
Be careful. ChatGPT is not in the business of describing reality.
The U.S. faces a tourism decline this year (The Independent)
The U.S. is expected to lose tens of billions of dollars in tourist revenue this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, partly due to Trump policies and his “polarizing rhetoric.”
How to Avoid Flight Cancellations and Delays (The New York Times)
Planning to fly during the busy summer months? Here are some tips to help keep you on schedule.