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Government shutdown could threaten U.S. credit rating

Furloughed federal workers and area elected officials hold a protest rally in Philadelphia. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Fitch Ratings warned it could re-evaluate the U.S.'s triple-A credit rating if the government shutdown continues until March 1 and leads to a debt ceiling breach, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: A credit downgrade would make it harder for the U.S. government to borrow money and raise borrowing costs. During the 2011 debt-ceiling crisis, Standard & Poor's cut the U.S.'s triple-A credit rating for the first time since 1941.

Go deeper

Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, author of China
1 hour ago - World

China and Russia vaccinate the world — for now

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

While the U.S. and Europe focus on vaccinating their own populations, China and Russia are sending millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries around the world.

Why it matters: China's double success in controlling its domestic outbreak and producing several viable vaccines has allowed it to focus on providing doses abroad — an effort that could help to save lives across several continents.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Ina Fried, author of Login
1 hour ago - Technology

Report: China will dominate AI unless U.S. invests more

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The U.S., which once had a dominant head start in artificial intelligence, now has just a few year's lead on China and risks being overtaken unless government steps in, according to a new report to Congress and the White House.

Why it matters: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who chaired the committee that issued the report, tells Axios that the U.S. risks dire consequences if it fails to both invest in key technologies and fully integrate AI into the military.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Stef W. Kight
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Americans agree about more issues than they realize

Data: Populace Inc.; Chart: Michelle McGhee/Axios

Many Americans assume the rest of the country doesn't share their political and policy priorities — but they're often wrong, according to new polling by Populace, first seen by Axios.

Why it matters: The polling reveals that despite growing political polarization, Americans share similar long-term goals and priorities for the country.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow