Axios

Long before companies like Waymo, Tesla or Uber announce robotaxi deployments, they're competing behind the scenes to lock up the best sites for AV maintenance depots and charging hubs.

Why it matters: Deploying a fleet in a new city is the easy part. Building out the necessary infrastructure to support it can take three years or more, and requires plenty of capital.

Tesla's second-quarter earnings report will provide insights into the state of the core business — but it's the company's future that investors will be focused on more than ever.

Why it matters: After the SpaceX IPO, investors are watching closely for any signs that Elon Musk plans to merge Tesla with SpaceX or keep it independent.

• "The stock is increasingly being valued on robotaxi and humanoid developments rather than core auto fundamentals — with a potential SpaceX acquisition adding a premium to our valuation," wrote Tom Narayan, global autos lead equity analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

The Trump administration said Monday that it will impose an additional 50% tariff on certain Canadian goods — including hockey sticks, wine and cement — accusing Canada of discriminating against U.S. exports.

Why it matters: The move ratchets up tensions in an increasingly bitter trade dispute between two of the world's closest economic partners.

A tropical depression in the Gulf is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha and bring heavy rain to south Louisiana and Texas.

Why it matters: Residents in New Orleans shifted into storm prep mode Monday, filling sandbags and clearing street drains.

Drivers can expect pump shock déjà vu as the national average gas price again climbed over $4 per gallon Monday, as President Trump appears poised to escalate the war in Iran.

The big picture: Tanker traffic is once again being choked in the Strait of Hormuz after fighting between Iran and the U.S. reignited, with Washington reinstating a naval blockade that could dramatically escalate tensions.

Oil prices jumped above $90 per barrel Sunday in the first major trading since the deaths of three U.S. service members and escalating Middle East hostilities.

Why it matters: Higher oil prices could quickly translate into more expensive gasoline for consumers and diesel for freight carriers while increasing inflation risks worldwide.

Just when Republicans thought they'd caught a break on gas prices, the collapse of President Trump's Iran deal is derailing their best chance to change the inflation story before the midterms.

Why it matters: Falling gas prices are one of the most tangible ways to ease voter anger over inflation. Renewed combat — and the threat of escalation — has prices shooting back up.

President Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke that drifted from the country into the U.S., triggering health warnings and disrupting outdoor activities.

Why it matters: Dealing with Canadian wildfire smoke is becoming a semi-regular occurrence in the Midwest and Northeast.

Tim Pawlenty, the new head of the solar industry's lobbying group, sees his gig through lenses that are purple and green.

Why it matters: Minnesota's former GOP governor arrives at the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) at a time of huge political problems for renewables under Trump 2.0.

• But there are some tailwinds, too. Rising demand and AI put a premium on energy that can come online fast, and affordability is the political buzzword of the moment as electricity bills rise.

Ukraine's drone attacks on refineries have hammered Russia's oil infrastructure, creating an economic shock that is increasingly visible worldwide, including in the U.S.

Why it matters: The effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone campaign is helping drive up world energy prices already elevated by the Iran war.