TNB Tech Minute: Waymo Sets Its Sights on NYC, With a Twist - WSJ Tech News Briefing

Summary3 min read

WSJ Tech News Briefing: Waymo Sets Its Sights on NYC, With a Twist

Episode Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Victoria Craig
Podcast: WSJ Tech News Briefing

Waymo’s Return to New York City with a Hybrid Approach

Timestamp: [00:32]

Waymo is gearing up to reintroduce its autonomous vehicles to the bustling streets of New York City, marking its first return since 2021. The company's fleet, identifiable by their iconic white exteriors and equipped with advanced camera systems, will begin cruising the city once again. Unlike their previous ventures, this time Waymo will incorporate human drivers alongside the autonomous technology.

“Due to New York state law, fully autonomous vehicles aren’t permitted on our roads,” Craig explained. “That’s why we’re implementing a hybrid model where a specialist is present in the driver’s seat, ensuring safety and compliance while we advocate for regulatory changes.”

Waymo aims to secure a permit that would allow their vehicles to operate autonomously with a human onboard, signaling their commitment to navigating the complex regulatory landscape of New York. This strategic move not only adheres to current laws but also positions Waymo to influence future legislation favorable to self-driving technology.

Major Cyberattack Targets Iran’s Largest Cryptocurrency Exchange

Timestamp: [01:10]

In a significant cybersecurity breach, over $90 million was siphoned from Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. A pro-Israel hacking group has claimed responsibility for the attack, as reported by blockchain analysis firm Elliptic. The incident appears to be deeply rooted in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.

Craig noted, “The exchange’s website was inaccessible this morning, and despite multiple attempts, no representatives have commented for the Wall Street Journal.” Elliptic’s analysis suggested that the attack was not financially motivated. “In an unusual development, the funds taken from the exchange were rendered inaccessible,” Craig highlighted, indicating that the perpetrators might have had motives beyond mere financial gain, possibly aiming to destabilize or send a political message amidst the hostilities.

This breach underscores the growing vulnerabilities within the cryptocurrency infrastructure, especially in regions embroiled in geopolitical conflicts.

Texas Instruments to Bolster U.S. Chip Manufacturing with $60 Billion Investment

Timestamp: [02:05]

Texas Instruments is making a monumental investment of $60 billion across three manufacturing sites located in Texas and Utah. This substantial financial commitment is directed towards establishing seven new semiconductor fabrication plants, significantly expanding the United States' chip manufacturing capabilities.

“As we continue to see global demand surge, our goal is to produce hundreds of millions of American-made chips every day,” Craig reported. “This expansion will not only enhance our production capacity but also create over 60,000 jobs, reinforcing the U.S. position in the semiconductor industry.”

The initiative by Texas Instruments aims to mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduce reliance on overseas chip production. By investing in domestic manufacturing, the company is poised to meet the escalating demands of various tech sectors, from consumer electronics to automotive industries, ensuring a robust and self-sufficient supply chain.

Conclusion

Victoria Craig provided a comprehensive overview of key developments in the tech industry, from advancements in autonomous vehicles and significant cybersecurity threats to massive investments in semiconductor manufacturing. These stories highlight the dynamic and interconnected nature of technology, policy, and global affairs, shaping the future landscape of the tech world.

For a deeper exploration of these topics and more, listeners are encouraged to tune into the upcoming episodes of the WSJ Tech News Briefing.

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For Wednesday, June 18th. I'm Victoria Craig for the Wall Street Journal. Waymo is making its way back to the Big Apple. The white cars tricked out with cameras will cruise New York City streets for the first time since 2021, when Waymo mapped part of Manhattan and conducted tests. But the driverless car company will be putting humans in the driver's seat this time around. That's because New York state law doesn't allow autonomous vehicles on the road. Waymo said it's pushing for changes to the law and it's APPL for a New York City permit to allow the cars to drive themselves with a specialist behind the wheel. Elsewhere, more than $90 million was drained from Iran's biggest cryptocurrency exchange today. A pro Israel hacking group claimed responsibility, according to a blockchain analysis firm Elliptic, which said the attack appeared to be motivated by ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel. The exchange's website wasn't accessible this morning, and no one from the company returned a WSJ request for comment. Elliptic said that in an unusual move, the funds taken from Exchange were inaccessible, suggesting the attack was not financially motivated. And finally, Texas Instruments plans to invest $60 billion in three manufacturing sites in Texas and Utah. The chipmaker said the investments will go toward seven semiconductor fabrication plants, expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity. The company said the new sites will produce hundreds of millions of American made chips every day and support more than 60,000 jobs. Before we sign off, a quick programming note for you. We're off tomorrow for the Juneteenth holiday, so for a deeper dive into what's happening in tech, check out Friday's Tech News Briefing podcast.