Good Morning, Builders.

Today, we look at how Altman and Musk are taking their rivalry to space, Netflix is cementing streaming’s takeover, and Instagram’s new “early access” feature. Let’s get to work.

Sam Altman and Elon Musk’s long-running rivalry is escalating beyond AI and social media and into space. OpenAI briefly explored a deal with reusable rocket startup Stoke Space, drawing attention after news that SpaceX is planning a massive share sale valuing the company around $800 billion, with an IPO potentially coming next year. The contrast highlighted the widening gap between Musk’s industrial scale and Altman’s ambitions, even as OpenAI faces a “code red” response to rising pressure from Google. From brain-computer interfaces to social platforms and now rockets, the rivalry between two of tech’s most powerful figures is spilling into nearly every frontier that matters. (Wall Street Journal)

Netflix has struck a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film studio and HBO’s streaming business, instantly concentrating decades of iconic franchises under one roof. The move cements Netflix as the dominant force in global entertainment, adding HBO’s roughly 128 million subscribers to its already massive base while raising questions about pricing, competition, and the future of theatrical releases. Regulators, rivals, and even the White House could still derail the deal, but the message is clear: streaming is no longer the disruptor, it’s the establishment, and Hollywood’s traditional power structure may be reaching its final chapter. (BBC)

Ben & Jerry’s long-running clash with Unilever is escalating just as the conglomerate spins off its Magnum ice cream business into a public company. The brand’s independent board chair, Anuradha Mittal, says she will not resign despite pressure tied to an internal audit that flagged governance issues at the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which she calls an attempt to undermine the board’s authority. At stake is more than one seat on a board: Unilever has repeatedly accused Ben & Jerry’s of crossing from brand activism into reputational risk, while the board argues it is simply protecting the social mission guaranteed in the original merger agreement. As Magnum prepares to list, investors are inheriting not just a major ice cream portfolio but a very public fight over who really controls the brand. (Reuters)

OpenAI says it has turned off recent ChatGPT app suggestions after paying users complained they felt like ads, despite the company insisting no advertising is live on the platform. The prompts, which referenced brands like Peloton and Target, were part of tests highlighting apps built on ChatGPT’s app platform and had “no financial component”, but chief research officer Mark Chen admitted the experience “fell short.” OpenAI says it’s now improving precision and adding better user controls, as executives reiterate that ads aren’t being tested, and that trust remains the priority. (TechCrunch)

Instagram is testing a new “Early Access” option that lets creators lock Reels so only followers can watch them before they go public. The Reels show a blurred preview and countdown timer, encouraging viewers to follow the creator to access the video immediately. It’s an extension of Instagram’s earlier lockable Reels feature and is clearly designed to turn exclusivity and FOMO into follower growth rather than monetization. The feature is currently being tested with a limited group of creators, but if it rolls out broadly, it could become another lever for creators to build hype, boost engagement signals, and convert casual viewers into followers. (Social Media Today)

Travel trends for 2026 show travelers want more value, fewer crowds, and experiences that remain special. Eastern Europe is surging as cities like Prague, Sofia, Krakow, Budapest, and Tirana attract budget-conscious travelers with lower airfares, rich history, and standout food scenes at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost. On the long-haul side, Christchurch, New Zealand is seeing a massive spike in interest thanks to relatively affordable flights and its role as a gateway to nature-heavy adventures. As airfare cools and overtourism fatigue sets in, lesser-known destinations are becoming the smart way to travel better without spending more. (Travel And Tour World)

To the Arena,
- Nathan

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