Axios

Palantir Technologies' sales of AI software to U.S. corporations surged in the second quarter, helping boost its quarterly profit and send the stock up in after-hours trading Monday.

Why it matters: Best known as a vendor of national security software to the U.S. government, Palantir has stressed that its AIP software platform — which helps corporations better embed AI into operations — would be another key driver for the business.

Elon Musk's galactic AI rocket-social media company faces two big tests this week: reporting its first financials as a public company and potentially coping with a flood of unlocked stock.

Why it matters: Investors aren't exactly eager to scoop up shares. Judging by the SpaceX stock price, Musk's power to drive investor excitement is already fading.

Top AI researchers continue to jump between leading AI labs as competition for elite talent intensifies.

Why it matters: Hiring elite AI researchers is hard. Keeping them — even after offering enormous pay, prestigious titles and vast computing resources — is proving almost as difficult.

Schools across the U.S. are cracking down on student cellphone use, but a new study finds the restrictions bring mixed results.

The big picture: Schools that require students to lock away their phones during class have seen phone use decline substantially, according to the study shared by the National Bureau of Economic Research in April.

The high-end, AI-powered private school Alpha Schools plans to grow from a dozen to roughly 50 campuses in the 2026 school year, its founder tells Axios.

Why it matters: While traditional schools navigate how to adopt AI, Alpha Schools has created an AI-dependent classroom model that the company claims reduces screen time and increases human interaction.

The advertising landscape has dramatically shifted in the AI era as brands and marketers adopt new systems and operate at previously unimaginable scale.

Why it matters: The rapid adoption has upended formats, shifted priorities and created new opportunities across the entire ad-driven economy.

Gaming ad infrastructure is starting to level up.

Why it matters: Gaming commands enormous attention, yet has been unable to turn that engagement into a mature ad market.

Brands are experimenting with short, serialized video series to make advertising feel more like entertainment that people choose to watch.

Why it matters: Marketers are aiming to build familiarity and loyalty and not just quick impressions on social media.

Product feeds are the engines behind digital advertising as shopping experiences become more native across search, social and streaming.

Why it matters: It's getting a lot easier to see something you like and buy it without leaving an app.

Ad tech, marketing tech and digital content deals are showing signs of a second-half rebound.

Why it matters: Geopolitical and macro uncertainty slowed dealmaking earlier this year, but recent market activity is bringing buyers back.