Top AI architects say their technology has arrived at a threshold once confined to science fiction: the singularity, or the moment machines begin accelerating their own evolution. Why it matters: If these moguls are right, we may be entering the most consequential technological transition in human history — the opening stages of an "intelligence explosion " that transforms civilization faster than humanity can understand or control. Driving the news: Google jolted the tech world Wednesday by announcing a sweeping rupture in the brain trust that built its modern AI empire, as its leaders signaled that artificial general intelligence (AGI ) is within reach. - DeepMind founder and CEO Demis Hassabis , who has declared we're "standing…
There’s been something in the air in D.C. this summer — namely wildfire smoke and frustration over Canada’s inability to keep it on its side of the border.
SEATTLE — Wildfire smoke blanketing this coastal city and much of the West is bringing an ominous reminder that the reach of destructive fires is growing. Why it matters: Climate scientists study how global warming increases the odds of wildfire. People living through it are confronting a more immediate question: where is truly safe anymore? The big picture: Wildfires intensified by climate change are like an unforgiving spotlight sweeping across the world. No one really knows where it will stop next. Driving the news: Right now, that spotlight is on Spokane, Washington, where a historic wildfire has destroyed neighborhoods and remains uncontrolled. Fires are also burning in the Bordeaux region in France, outside Madrid and in British…
A work slowdown by the Trump administration's immigration offices has exploded the backlog of applications for citizenship, green cards and work permits to an unprecedented 7.5 million people, according to the latest agency data. - Add the millions of immigrants waiting on decisions for asylum, work visas and permission to stay in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, and the total backlog soars to more than 12.1 million. Why it matters: The delays have put potentially millions of people in legal immigration limbo — vulnerable to being arrested by ICE agents and deported, even if they've followed the rules to try to stay in the U.S. - Officials say the delays are being driven by the administration's new focus on stricter vetting. A wave…
On a good day, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer can see a Democratic majority in 2027. Why it matters: On a bad one, he can see the caucus that comes with it. - Abdul El-Sayed's 48.5% to 47.5% victory over Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) exposed an uncomfortable reality for Schumer: Some of the Democrats most likely to deliver him a majority may also be the hardest to lead . - "If you're Chuck Schumer, I'm dangerous," El-Sayed said during the campaign . "If you're AIPAC, I'm dangerous. If you're a corporate PAC, I'm dangerous." Driving the news: Schumer was quick to endorse El-Sayed Wednesday, like he did after Graham Platner clobbered his preferred candidate in Maine. - "We look forward to working with Abdul and Democrats across…
TMZ is trading Hollywood gossip for Capitol Hill scoops with a new D.C. bureau, launched in April. The online tabloid's two-man crew has brought an unconventional reporting style to the Congress beat.
Democrats are ahead in polls, and voters typically punish the party that controls the White House during midterms. But Republicans have several paths to maintaining power.