It turns out that OpenAI's status as a nonprofit might've been the most artificial thing about it.
Why it matters: A potential plan to move the generative-AI pioneer into the control of a fully independent for-profit outfit would remove any uncertainty over whether financial motivations are at the core of the ChatGPT maker's ambitions.
X on Thursday suspended independent journalist Ken Klippenstein's account after Klippenstein shared Sen. JD Vance's vetting document from the alleged Iranian hack of Donald Trump's campaign.
The big picture: The 271-page document includes research on Vance that the Trump campaign compiled to vet him as a potential running mate.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy expects the company to remain the world's largest renewable energy-buying company for "several years to come," he said Thursday.
Why it matters: His comments signal that tech's outsized influence on green energy adoption will remain intact as AI reshapes demand for electricity and resources.
Longtime NBC anchor Hoda Kotb announced on-air Thursday that she would be departing the "Today" show in early 2025 after 17 years with the franchise.
Why it matters: Kotb was named co-anchor of "Today" alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2017 after the ouster of Matt Lauer. She brought stability to the show during a turbulent time.
Former President Trump is promoting a new watch collection with watches selling for as much as $100,000 each.
Why it matters: The GOP presidential nominee has promoted the sale of everything from $59.99 Bibles, $299 sneakers and $99 "Victory47" cologne in recent months.
ESG has long been misunderstood and thus weaponized. As one corporate affairs leader said at a Climate Week lunch, "If we're using acronyms, we're losing."
Why it matters: In response, communication teams are finessing how these commitments are messaged and shared.
Throughout my conversations at Axios House and in various meetings with chief communications and corporate affairs officers this week, not once did the words "press release," "media relations" or "social media" come up.
Instead we discussed public policy decisions, looming regulatory hurdles, amicus briefs, stakeholder management, corporate impact, sustainability and DEI strategies.
Why it matters: These conversations show where most communicators are spending their time, energy and resources.
The idea that big brands are going silent is misleading, communication experts tell Axios.
Instead, they are communicating about environmental and social issues in a smarter way.
Why it matters: This mirrors what we've been covering here week after week. Communicators are increasingly being asked to help modern CEOs, companies and brands navigate this complex moment in time.
The overall value of announced mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. year-to-date reached just over $1 trillion, up 20% compared to the same 2023 period, according to LSEG data.
Why it matters: The data shows that executive confidence is strengthening, along with financing markets.
Mindful of increasing risks from extreme weather events such as hurricanes, Zillow will combine climate risk scores, interactive maps and insurance information on its home listings, the company announced this morning.
Why it matters: This step gives prospective buyers their first combined look at climate risk information with home insurance recommendations.
About a year ago, advocates warned that the U.S. was about to fall off a "child care cliff," when pandemic-era funding ran out.
Why it matters: So far the situation doesn't look quite as dire as predicted, but it's deteriorating, according to a new report from the Century Foundation, a progressive think tank.
A chemical leak from a train car in Whitewater Township, near Cincinnati, prompted Ohio officials to issue evacuation orders on Tuesday due to concerns about a potential explosion.
The latest: Hamilton County officials said Wednesday evening that evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were lifted after the leaking train car was removed from the scene.
The United States Postal Service said it intends to hike the price of stamps five times through 2027 after punting on an increase that would've gone into effect in January.
Why it matters: A record price hike could be in play for July 2025 when stamp prices are next slated to increase.
