Axios

General Motors' autonomous vehicle business, Cruise, disclosed it was being investigated by federal prosecutors and the SEC for its handling of an October 2023 pedestrian accident.

• Why it matters: The startup was once seen as a leader in self-driving technology, with bold plans to deploy robotaxis in more than a dozen cities this year, Axios' Joann Muller writes.

Driving the news: The disclosure was made in an independent report by a law firm hired by the company and released today.

Zoom in: In the wake of the investigations — it had previously disclosed probes from the California DMV, the California Public Utilities Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Cruise must now try to rebuild its damaged reputation by overcoming safety concerns and a lack of public trust.

U.S. median rent fell on a year-over-year basis in December for the eighth straight month as newly constructed apartments drive up supply.

Why it matters: Rent and home price increases had been a major source of inflation, Nathan writes.

By the numbers: Median rent declined 0.4% in December in the 50 largest metropolitan areas, compared with a year earlier, according to Rent.com:

• Studios: $1,437.
• One bedroom: $1,593.

Here's what's new on Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video and Hulu.

What we're watching: A new season of "Queer Eye" in NOLA, a new not-for-kids movie starring Snoop Dogg and a hardcore series about Colombian crime boss Griselda Blanco.

Forget the much-discussed prospect of a soft landing for the U.S. economy. In 2023, there was no landing at all.

Why it matters: Big economic rules broke last year. The latest data to confirm that is the new GDP report showing very strong economic growth to conclude 2023, even amid a big cooldown in inflation.

Another year, another Oscars controversy. Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were not nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of performance by an actress in a leading role and achievement in directing, respectively.

Fast food is getting bigger in 2024 with the return of McDonald's Double Big Mac.

Why it matters: Calorie-rich, indulgent foods and snacks continue to grow despite the rise of diabetes and weight management drugs like Ozempic.

Consumer health company Haleon is voluntarily recalling select lots of Robitussin honey cough syrups due to microbial contamination.

Why it matters: The recalled products "could potentially result in severe or life-threatening adverse events" if used by immunocompromised individuals, according to the recall notice posted on the Food & Drug Administration website.

The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.3% annualized pace in the final quarter of 2023, the Commerce Department said on Thursday.

Why it matters: It's much stronger growth than economists expected and caps a year of economic resilience as the nation avoided a projected recession.

One of the year's biggest debt market fights is taking shape.

Driving the news: Dish Network shareholders, and multiple warring factions of the company's bondholders, have become combatants in a clash that could turn into a battle royale.