Apple, Amazon Leo, And Globalstar — April 14, 2026

Locator: 50526AMAZON.

Link here. 

Link here. 

Apple has a deep, multibillion-dollar partnership with Globalstar, initiated in 2022 to power the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhones. Through significant investments and prepayments exceeding $1.5 billion, Apple secured 85% of Globalstar's network capacity, utilizing it for satellite messaging and emergency services.

Key Details of the Partnership: 

• Infrastructure Investment: Apple's funding allows Globalstar to expand its ground infrastructure and upgrade its satellite constellation. 
• Capacity Control: Under the agreement, 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity is reserved for Apple services. 
• Financial Support: Apple has provided over $1.5 billion in payments, including funding for new satellites and supporting Globalstar’s operational costs. 
• Service Scope: The partnership enables iPhone 14 and newer models to connect directly to satellites to send emergency texts and location data in areas without cellular coverage. 
• Recent Developments: In November 2024, Globalstar announced a $1.7 billion investment from Apple to launch a new, enhanced constellation. 
• Ownership Stake: Apple holds a 20% stake in Globalstar, strengthening the long-term partnership.  

Amazon-Globalstar Merger (April 2026): As of April 2026, Amazon is set to acquire Globalstar for $11.6 billion. Despite this merger, reports indicate the Apple-Globalstar agreement remains intact, and Apple will continue to use the network for its satellite services. 

Other Collaborations: While Globalstar is the primary partner, Apple has also explored, or currently works with, other providers for satellite technology to expand beyond emergency-only services, though Globalstar remains central to their current strategy. 

Amazon Leo:

Amazon Leo is Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network, formerly known as Project Kuiper, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to households, businesses, and governments worldwide. Utilizing over 3,000 satellites, it aims to connect underserved areas, with service options planned for in-flight Wi-Fi and direct-to-device connectivity.

 

Richest Eight Families In Forth Worth, Texas -- April 14, 2026

Locator: 50525FORTWORTH.

Several of the individuals mentioned live in suburbs of Ft Worth, including Westlake and Colleyville, Texas. Colleyville is where our youngest granddaughter, Sophia, attends middle school. We live at the intersection of Colleyville, Grapevine, and Euless.  

Link here. 

CAT Acquires Self-Driving Electric Tractor Startup Monarch -- April 14, 2026

Locator: 50524CAT.

Talk about a coincidence. 

Yesterday I mentioned CAT (and UNP).

Today, there's a huge CAT story.

Link here. 

Meanwhile, Deere:

US Markets -- April 14, 2026

Locator: 50523MUSIC.

US markets:

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Broadcom

 

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Music 

Just the links right now:

Willie Nelson. 

Linda Ronstadt. 

Hank Williams and Anita Carter. 

Anita Carter was the wife of June Carter, and thus, the sister-in-law of Johnny Cash.  

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Flashback

Re-posting from July 13, 2023. Link here.

Olivia turned 17 years old while taking flying lessons "with the USAF" this past summer (summer of 2023).

She logged exactly 15 hours, as per "the contract" she signed with the USAF.

At 14.1 hours, she was told that she would continue to fly -- there were still about two days left in the training schedule, but even if she went over 15 hours, she could only log 15 hours due to "contract language."

Her instructor signed her off at "first opportunity" to solo but she asked for one more flight with instructor before her solo flight.

She soloed on/about her 14th hour of flight time. 

US Crude Oil Inventories Continue To Soar -- April 14, 2026

Locator: 50522B.

US crude oil inventories: continue to boom, despite global shortage fears. 

• API today:
• non-SPR inventories rose 6.10 million bbls last week
• forecast: analysts had expected a 1.3-million-bbl draw 
• EIA data here. 
• SPR: the US continues to draw down the SPR
• stands at 409 million bbls
• maximum capacity: 725 million bbls.

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Back to the Bakken

CAPEX: no evidence operators are increasing CAPEX or rig count in the Bakken; will let their profits run. 

WTI: $91.28. Holy mackerel, down from $105 at the beginning of the week. One year ago WTI was running $60 - $65 / bbl.

Active rigs: 20 -- a new recent low.

Three new permits, #42840 - #42842 --  

• Operators: EOG, Iron Oil Operating, Enerplus
• Fields: Parshall (Mountrail County) (2); Tyrone (Williams County)
• Comments:
• three different operators, two with permits for wells in the Parshall oil field and one with a permit for a well in Tyrone oil field;
• 42840: EOG, Parshall 441, lot 3, section 2-152-90, 
• to be sited 834 FNL and 1339 FWL;
• 42841: Iron Oil, Sickle 1, NENW 23-153-89, 
• to be sited 251 FNL and 2302 FWL;
• 42842: Enerplus, Orcas State 5601, lot 2, section 4-156-101, 
• to be sited 457 FNL and 2382 FEL;