May 22, 2018 - Technology

Worries grow over self-driving cars

A Bosch development vehicle driverless car. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images

Seventy-three percent of Americans are afraid to drive in self-driving cars, according to a new American Automobile Association survey.

Why it matters: This is a 10% jump from last year, which could be attributed to two fatal crashes involving a self-driving Uber and a Tesla Model X. Per AAA's survey, millennials were "the most impacted by these incidents," with a 15% jump (from 49% to 64%) in how many fear riding in autonomous vehicles — more than any other generation surveyed.

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Barak Ravid, author of from Tel Aviv
3 mins ago - World

Israel's secret embassy in Bahrain

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

This story is from Barak Ravid's new weekly newsletter, Axios from Tel Aviv, which launches today. Sign up here.

Israel has been conducting undercover diplomacy in Bahrain for more than a decade through a front company listed as a commercial consulting firm.

Why it matters: The existence of the covert diplomatic mission in the Bahraini capital Manama shows the depth of a secret relationship that came out into the open with a White House ceremony last month.

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Stef W. Kight, Sara Fischer
17 mins ago - Politics & Policy

QAnon conspiracy theory explodes ahead of the election

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The QAnon conspiracy theory is growing — and being weaponized to boost President Trump ahead of the election.

Why it matters: What began as a single conspiracy theory linking Hillary Clinton to child trafficking four years ago is now part of a convoluted web of falsehoods being spread to undermine Joe Biden.

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Caitlin Owens, author of Vitals
33 mins ago - Health

The overwhelming aftershocks of the pandemic

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

The coronavirus pandemic will wreak havoc on the U.S. health care system long after it ends — whenever that may be.

Why it matters: The pre-pandemic health care system was already full of holes, many of which have been exposed and exacerbated over the past several months, and many Americans will be stuck with that system as they grapple with the long-term consequences of the pandemic.

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