Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) are demanding answers from major tech and AI companies over concerns that employees with ties to China could access cutting-edge U.S. AI systems.
Why it matters: Lawmakers are focusing on insider access — not just hacking — as a potential vulnerability, putting pressure on companies to demonstrate stronger safeguards.
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund is ending funding for LIV Golf after this season, according to multiple reports.
Why it matters: The Public Investment Fund's decision places the lucrative golf tour in serious jeopardy of dissolving four years after it launched as a well-capitalized competitor to the PGA Tour.
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that he will remain a central bank governor "for a period of time to be determined," citing attempted political interference.
Why it matters: It extends Powell's influence over monetary policy beyond the conclusion of his term as Fed chair on May 15. His term as one of seven Fed governors extends through January 2028.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates steady Wednesday in what was almost certainly Jerome Powell's final meeting as its leader, but there were the most internal dissents at a Fed meeting in 34 years.
The big picture: The surprising dissents show that Kevin Warsh, whose confirmation to lead the Fed is pending in the Senate, will face significant internal resistance to delivering the interest rate cuts that President Trump desires.
Why it matters:Drinks are becoming one of the most profitable and fastest-growing parts of the restaurant business, as consumers look for small, affordable treats.
Rocsys unveiled a robotic, multi-bay charging system Wednesday that can manage up to 10 robotaxis at once.
Why it matters: As robotaxis proliferate, infrastructure — including charging — could become a critical bottleneck for efficient large-scale fleet operations, making automation a no-brainer.
Robotaxis are hitting a very analog bottleneck: real estate. The next phase of autonomy isn't about better AI — it's about land, electricity and logistics to keep fleets on the road.
Why it matters: The race for autonomy is becoming an infrastructure battle, one that will demand billions for urban land, grid upgrades and high-throughput service hubs.
Uber unveiled its biggest push yet to become an "everything app" Wednesday, adding hotel bookings and new travel features.
Why it matters: The ride-hailing and delivery giant is trying to capture an even bigger slice of consumers' spending — bundling rides, food, shopping and now hotel bookings into one app.
Airline deal activity may heat up this summer, even if United has ended its pursuit of American Airlines.
The big picture: Global jet fuel prices are skyrocketing, and supply is dwindling, due to an Iran war that feels no closer to resolution today than it was several weeks ago.
Biohub, the nonprofit spearheaded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, is committing $500 million to help create better AI simulations of the human body, officials shared first with Axios.
Why it matters: The bet is that more data and compute will produce more useful models.
The White House is developing guidance that would allow agencies to get around Anthropic's supply chain risk designation and onboard new models including its most powerful yet, Mythos, according to sourcesfamiliar with the matter.
Why it matters: The Trump administration appears to be performing a 180 on a company it previously claimed was such a grave security risk that it had to be ripped out of the federal government.
