China Is Spending Billions to Become an A.I. Superpower

The U.S. government is stalling a deal to sell advanced Nvidia chips to the United Arab Emirates over fears that China might gain access to the sensitive technology. Some officials in the Biden administration are pushing back, arguing the chips could pose national-security risks if they end up in Chinese hands.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a business deal—it’s part of the bigger tug-of-war between the U.S. and China over tech dominance. Advanced chips power everything from AI to military systems, so keeping them out of rivals’ hands is a top priority. The hold-up shows how even allies like the UAE get caught in the crossfire of U.S. security concerns.

Nvidia and AMD are poised to gain more ground in China’s tech market after the U.S. loosened restrictions on exporting certain AI chips. Nvidia’s H20 processors and AMD’s MI308 chips—though not as powerful as their top-tier models—are now back on the table, giving Chinese AI firms some much-needed relief. Nvidia’s CEO even hinted at bringing more advanced chips to China down the line, despite current U.S. trade limits.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal for China’s AI industry, which has been scrambling for high-performance chips since U.S. export controls tightened. While these chips aren’t the latest and greatest, their availability eases pressure on local companies and keeps Nvidia and AMD competitive in a massive market. It also signals a slight thaw in tech trade tensions—but don’t expect the U.S. to fully open the floodgates anytime soon.

Anthropic, the AI company competing with OpenAI, is gearing up for another funding round—and whispers suggest it might hit a jaw-dropping $100 billion valuation. That’s not just big; it’s "tech giant" territory. Investors are clearly betting heavy on AI’s future, even as the industry races to out-innovate itself.

Editor’s Note: If this valuation holds, Anthropic isn’t just another startup—it’s a signal that the AI gold rush is far from over. A $100 billion price tag would put it in the same league as Meta or Tesla during their peaks, suggesting investors see Anthropic as a potential kingmaker in the AI arms race. For the rest of us? It’s a reminder that the tech reshaping our world is being built by a handful of well-funded players—for better or worse.

If you're stuck on today's Wordle puzzle (#1429), this article offers handy hints and the solution to get you unstuck—plus yesterday's answer if you missed it. Think of it as a friendly nudge when your brain hits a word wall.

Ever wondered if that fancy garlic press or avocado slicer is actually worth the drawer space? Five professional chefs weighed in on the kitchen gadgets they think are pointless—and what you should swap them for. Spoiler: a good knife and some elbow grease often beat single-use tools.

Editor’s Note: If your kitchen’s cluttered with gadgets you rarely use, this might help you declutter. Chefs know what actually saves time versus what’s just marketing hype—so their take could save you money and counter space. Plus, it’s a fun reality check for home cooks who’ve fallen for trendy tools.