Nvidia’s AI chips remain crucial to China’s AI race despite U.S. export curbs, with firms reportedly finding ways to access them abroad or through smuggling. Chinese alternatives are improving, but still lag Nvidia.

A Black Kite review of 18,160 AI companies found widespread supplier security gaps that could expose enterprise systems and data. One-third had critical unpatched flaws, while researchers flagged serious risks in AI-connected tools and components.

AI software revenue is forecast to top $200 billion in 2026, doubling its 2024 level as generative and agentic AI spread across business. Web traffic is surging for recruiting, assistants, chatbots and research, while several specialist tools lag.

The Trump administration proposes tightening SNAP eligibility, a move USDA says could cut 6.3 million people from benefits by 2029 and save over $50 billion in five years. Critics warn families and children would bear the cost; the public has 30 days to comment.

Republicans spent about $400 million on anti-trans ads in 2026, but the strategy failed to deliver expected gains as voters focused on costs, Iran and corruption. Democrats won big, though several anti-trans ballot measures passed.

Chuck Schumer welcomed 11 new Democratic senators after the party flipped both chambers, with historic firsts among the incoming class. Democrats are projected to hold 54 Senate seats, possibly 56, as two races remain undecided.

Democrats have secured control of Congress, but uncalled races could expand their gains. Tight contests in Alaska, Kansas and Mississippi could lift them to 56 Senate seats and 30 governorships.

The 2026 midterms delivered a sharp rebuke to Trump-era anti-DEI policies, as voters elected a record-setting slate of diverse leaders. Democrats also won 12 of 15 redrawn districts, though a divided government may limit policy reversals.

A new study warns that wheat, apples and carrots may contain about half the nutrients they did 60 years ago. Researchers point to climate change, degraded soil and breeding for higher yields—and say the decline could worsen nutrient deficiencies.

Democrats now control more state legislatures than Republicans for the first time in over a decade, leading in 24 states to 22. The gains could reshape policy, election rules and future redistricting.