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.
The trade pactthat binds North America is quietly under the most strain since its inception, risking a break in one of the world's most integrated manufacturing economies.
Why it matters: A joint review of the signature Trump 1.0 trade agreement — the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, itself an update of the North American Free Trade Agreement — was expected to be a technical exercise. Instead, a war of words between U.S. and Canadian officials is pushing the deal to a potential breaking point.
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.
As the Iran war drags on, it's increasingly clear that there is likely no going back for the energy market.
Why it matters: Oil and gasprices will be higher for longer than investors expected, and the market dynamics are shifting — as countries and companies look for alternative sources of energy or oil and for new ways to move it around the world.
Nearly half of American families with young children live in a "child care desert" — a region with a shortage of licensed day care providers, according to an analysis from the liberal Center for American Progress out Wednesday morning.
Why it matters: Quality child care is a crucial benefit for parents with jobs — most parents, in other words — and shortages are a financial and logistical headache for families and a drag on the workforce and economy.
