Business

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are set to present Australia's final budget outcome, with attention fixed on the bottom line ahead of a possible Reserve Bank interest rate hike. A stronger-than-expected result could ease pressure on borrowing costs, while a weaker one could reinforce expectations the RBA will raise rates, making the fiscal figures a key input into the rate debate.

OpenAI is reportedly paying a broad network of social media influencers to promote ChatGPT and shape the perception that the company is 'good for the world'. According to Business Insider, the strategy spans sponsored posts, ads and creator partnerships on platforms like Instagram. Critics view the campaign as an effort to manage public opinion as the company faces growing scrutiny over its societal impact.

The US federal government's move to reschedule marijuana is set to change how medical marijuana businesses are taxed and run. Reclassification could ease the current tax burden that prevents cannabis companies from deducting normal business expenses, while also altering operational and banking rules. Business analysts say companies in the medical cannabis sector will need to adapt their finances and compliance practices as the new federal framework takes effect.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is scheduled to have dinner with President Trump. The meeting draws attention because Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company, has often clashed with the administration on AI regulation. Observers are watching for signals about the company's political positioning and possible shifts in White House policy toward the AI industry.

Milan is hosting an exhibition tracing the business and creative evolution of the Armani fashion house, one year after the death of its founder Giorgio Armani. The showcase highlights how the Italian luxury brand has developed its identity and operations, and it arrives at a moment of reflection on the company's future direction and legacy following the loss of its iconic designer.

Reports say Dario Amodei, chief executive of AI company Anthropic, is having a one-on-one dinner with Donald Trump. The meeting is drawing attention given Anthropic's safety-focused stance and past tensions between parts of the tech industry and the administration, with observers speculating about what it could mean for AI regulation and policy.

With more grandparents remaining in the workforce past retirement age, Japanese employers are beginning to offer 'grandchild leave', allowing older workers to take time off to help care for their grandchildren. The shift reflects both Japan's childcare shortage and the growing number of older people who want to keep their jobs while supporting working-age children.

The debate over data centers is drawing attention, with communities and policymakers weighing their economic benefits against concerns over energy consumption, water use, and strain on local power grids. Talk Business & Politics highlights the issue as data center expansion accelerates, prompting arguments over zoning, tax incentives, and infrastructure costs in the regions competing to host these facilities.

Saturday Night Live has aired a comedy sketch spoofing Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, portraying him with the line 'AI is the devil and I its maker.' The bit pokes fun at the contradictions of an AI executive publicly warning about the technology's dangers while building it, a tension that has drawn growing commentary as AI leaders continue to issue stark warnings about their own products.

MacKenzie Scott, the philanthropist and novelist who divorced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, has released her first novel since the split. A Business Insider reviewer who read it says the book left them with more questions than answers, reflecting curiosity about how much of her own life and marriage is woven into the fiction.

No. 7 Alabama defeated No. 21 Oklahoma in a college football matchup, with the Southeastern Conference highlighting the win with the phrase 'handles business.' The result matters for Alabama's standing in the rankings and its postseason positioning, while Oklahoma's ranked status takes a hit. Fans and sports outlets are reacting to how comfortably the Crimson Tide controlled the game against a ranked opponent.

Richard Manoogian, who led building-products maker Masco for decades as chairman and chief executive, has died at age 90. He was also a major patron of the Detroit Institute of Arts, where his family's support helped shape the museum's collections and funding. Business and civic leaders in Michigan are remembering him as one of Detroit's most influential industrialists and philanthropists.

Oregon defeated USC in a college football game, with Dylan Raiola leading the team after quarterback Dante Moore went down with an injury. The win is being framed as a statement that the Ducks can still take care of business even without their starter under center, keeping them firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation.

Regions Bank and Tenet Partners have made investments in the first companies to come out of the HVL venture studio. The move signals continued banking interest in early-stage venture building, with both institutions backing the studio's debut portfolio. The size of the investments and the names of the startups have not been disclosed.

Accent Furniture has been sold to a significantly larger company, according to business press reports. The acquisition brings the furniture maker under the umbrella of a bigger corporate owner, though details on the buyer, price and terms have not been made public in the initial coverage. Industry watchers are likely to follow what the deal means for the brand, its workforce and its product lines going forward.

Leaders and business owners in Seattle's Chinatown-International District say improving public safety is essential to the neighborhood's economic recovery. They argue that addressing crime and safety concerns is needed for shops and restaurants to regain their footing and draw visitors back. The statement reflects ongoing frustration among local merchants about conditions in the district.

Burlington's mayor has announced progress on the city's people-first housing strategy, according to Vermont Business Magazine. The update signals continued efforts by city officials to address housing needs in Vermont's largest city. No further details about specific programs, numbers of units, or timelines were included in the report, leaving the scope of the announced progress unclear.

A Spokane man has been arrested on allegations that he ran a cocaine distribution business out of local homes, selling thousands of packages of the drug. Reports say the arrest followed an investigation into the operation. Details about charges, other suspects, or the amount of cocaine involved have not been made public.

A man has been accused of holding a business owner at knife point during an attempted robbery in South City, according to local reporting. The attempted robbery targeted a business owner, and the suspect is facing accusations related to the incident. Details about the suspect's identity, the business involved, and whether an arrest has been made have not been released.

Colt Shelby, a candidate in the Arkansas gubernatorial race, appeared on Talk Business & Politics, joining columnist John Brummett for a discussion of the campaign. The segment covered Shelby's candidacy and the state of the governor's race, with Brummett offering political analysis alongside the candidate interview.