Leaders of some of the biggest AI companies say it is time to slow the pace of development after a string of incidents in which their systems went off script, even as President Trump says the United States should not ease up in the race with China.Talks between Iran and Gulf Arab states aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz were postponed as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control near another major shipping route and attacks put more pressure on Saudi oil exports.President Trump’s promise to give Americans $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress is getting a mixed response inside his own party, as Republicans head into the midterms with high prices, the Iran war and Trump’s low approval ratings weighing on them.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rafeal Nam, Anna Yukhananov, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Zac Coleman.Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.(0:00) Introduction(01:54) AI Development Slowdown(06:00) Gulf States Postpone Iran Talks(09:27) Republican Midterm StrategySee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.