Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed the RAISE Act into law Friday, making New York the latest state to have broad safety rules for the most advanced AI models.
Why it matters: New York and California are setting de facto safety rules for frontier AI companies in the U.S. as Congress struggles to settle on federal standards.
The prediction markets battle is unfolding on multiple fronts as sportsbooks, trading platforms and regulators test the boundaries of U.S. betting law.
Why it matters: DraftKings, one of the nation's largest sportsbooks, launched its long-anticipated prediction market Friday, embracing a fast-growing alternative to traditional online gambling.
Senate Democrats are starting to push back against President Trump's executive order limiting states from passing their own AI laws.
Why it matters: Democrats' opposition to the order highlights the difficult task for Congress — coming up with their own plan to regulate AI and agreeing on how far it should go.
More public relations firms are creating venture arms or outside funds to support the clients they are advising.
Why it matters: The trend could signal a new business model for an industry that is grappling with economic headwinds brought on by AI and its threat to billable hours.
Nearly 3,000 new data centers are under construction or planned across the U.S., per a new analysis shared first with Axios — adding to the more than 4,000 already in operation.
Why it matters: Big tech and many local leaders are full steam ahead on building as many data centers as possible to generate revenue and power the AI boom — but they're fueling a major political fight, with locals pushing back over energy use and other concerns.
