Dwayne | Reading desk

Axios10 OctArticle

JD Vance says he won't watch livestream execution of Fort Hood shooter

Vice President JD Vance said Friday he won't watch a potential livestream of the convicted Fort Hood shooter's execution, which President Trump told reporters he had approved. Why it matters: Vance questioned whether the execution would actually be public but joined a small chorus of Republicans opposed to watching the execution, which is set to be conducted by a firing squad in December. What they're saying: "Whatever the controversy is about the method of the execution, I hope that people don't forget that this is a guy who brutally murdered a lot of innocent people," Vance told reporters on Friday. "Now that said, I mean, look, if it's all through livestream, I'm not going to be watching it." Yes, but: Trump's comments came during a separate press gaggle on Friday, where he was asked if he had authorized or approved the livestream of the execution. "Did I approve? Absolutely, I approve." Driving the news: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in an interview Thursday that Americans would be able to watch the execution of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 shooting. "We'll make sure that people are able to watch it. ... People need to understand that there's serious consequences for these types of things," he said. AP later reported that the execution would be livestreamed. If it goes forward, Hasan's execution will be the first public one in 90 years, and the first military execution since 1961. Zoom in: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) condemned plans to make the execution public in a Thursday night X post . "Hasan should face the death penalty, but

Axios9 OctArticle

Exclusive: Zelensky tells Axios Trump's diesel deal with Putin "not fair and not honest"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Axios in a phone interview on Friday that President Trump's decision to unilaterally lift sanctions on Russia and allow it to export diesel was "not fair and not honest." "You know, it looks like a happy birthday present for Putin. It looks absolutely terrible," Zelensky said in frustration, referring to the Russian president's birthday earlier this week. Why it matters: Trump's announcement, which came after a call with Putin, shocked Ukraine and many European governments and created a new crisis between the U.S. and its Western allies. During the 15-minute interview, Zelensky sounded exasperated and dismayed and even expressed a sense of betrayal by the news of the diesel deal. Trump was asked several times by reporters on Friday about Zelensky's criticism but declined to comment and said he was happy about the deal with Putin. Driving the news: Trump announced the deal with Putin as his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were meeting in Miami with the Ukrainian negotiating team along with senior diplomats from Germany, France, the U.K., the EU and NATO to discuss new U.S. ideas for ending the war. Zelensky said he spoke several days ago with Witkoff about the need to continue efforts to reach a diplomatic breakthrough before winter and the midterm elections. "Steve proposed to meet in Florida. And of course I accepted to go there and speak about the possibilities of negotiations. The Americans said they have some ideas and we agreed to come to discuss," Zelensky said. At no point during his talks with Witkoff and Kushner di

Barak Ravidtop

Axios9 OctArticle

Katie Zacharia tapped as next White House press secretary

Katie Zacharia, a former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, will be the next White House press secretary, President Trump said Friday. The big picture: Zacharia will take over the podium from Karoline Leavitt, a Trump loyalist who announced her departure from the administration in August. What they're saying: "It is my Great Honor to have just appointed, as Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She has an unblemished record of support, and has been a loyal and brilliant supporter, right from the beginning. She is, likewise, a devoted fan and member of MAGA!" "I am confident that Katie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next White House Press Secretary, as she has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, the Media, the American People, and my Administration." Zoom in: Zacharia thanked Trump for the appointment in a Friday post on X. "Serving President Trump and the American people at this critical 250-year mark is the honor of a lifetime. President Trump has shown America that we can be great again, and he works to effectuate that greatness every single day," she wrote. "I look forward to working with the White House press corps, and with reporters across the country, to get that record out. Following the fabulous Karoline Leavitt is a high standard, and one worth meeting." Catch up quick: Zacharia is a conservative lawyer and commentator who works as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates Truth Social. She also served for about six weeks as the Department of Homeland Sec

Josephine Walkertop

Axios9 OctArticle

Chuck Schumer has a 2028 problem that's not even in New York

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is going to have his hands full next Congress, even without a threat to his leadership or a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Why it matters: Schumer (D-N.Y.) will have to grapple with the presidential ambitions of up to eight of his senators who may care more about winning the White House than following their leader. Roughly one in six Democratic senators eyeing the campaign trail would add a degree of difficulty to a job that rarely lacks challenges, as former President Obama acknowledged this week. "Being the head of the Democratic Party is a pain in the butt, because you've got people from every walk of life," Obama said of Schumer at a fundraiser Wednesday. Flashback: This year's ICE funding fights gave Schumer a taste of how presidential ambitions can complicate governing. Potential 2028 contenders competed to take the toughest stance against ICE funding, even at the risk of a government shutdown. Zoom in: The tension between individual ambition and party unity could surface early in Schumer's tenure if he becomes majority leader. Democrats are promising to lower costs and govern responsibly, while insisting they'll challenge and investigate the Trump administration at every turn. Schumer and President Trump have a long, complicated relationship — and each other's cell numbers. Between the lines: Democrats could control majorities in both chambers, giving them immense power against Trump. But majority power is dependent on members being present and unified. Presidential contenders have incentives to spe

Stef W. Kighttop

Axios9 OctArticle

Trump announces major diesel deal with Putin, infuriating Ukraine

President Trump announced Friday that he's reached a deal with Russia to increase the supply of diesel to the U.S. and global markets — angering Ukraine, which called it a gift to Vladimir Putin in the midst of their war. Why it matters: The announcement, which includes a waiver on some U.S. energy sanctions against Russia, took place as Ukrainian and European diplomats arrived in Miami for talks on ending the war with Russia. What he's saying: "I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump added that Russia will deliver," within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel." Combine with oil coming out of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump wrote, "Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!" "Today, at President Trump's direction, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is immediately issuing a temporary general license to allow the supply of Russian diesel to the global market," the Treasury Department said in a statement. Friction point: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded angrily to Trump's announcement, writing on X that any sanctions relief for Russia outside of a "lasting de-escalation agreement ... is an obvious weakness." "Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civil

Barak Ravidtop

Axios9 OctArticle

DHS faces blowback over its attack on a Democratic House candidate

The Department of Homeland Security is coming under fire for publicly attacking Democratic congressional candidate Janelle Stelson less than a month before the midterm election . Why it matters: The Stelson campaign is threatening a lawsuit over the allegations, while a watchdog group is seeking an investigation into whether an ICE official violated restrictions on partisan political activity by federal employees. "We are likely to take legal action to combat the blatant lies and coordinated misinformation campaign," Stelson campaign manager Alma Baker said in a statement to Axios. The campaign said Friday it has sent out cease and desist letters, viewed by Axios, to several news outlets that reported DHS's claims as fact. The race between Stelson and Republican Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania's 10th district is one of the most competitive and expensive House elections in the country, attracting more than $26 million in spending, according to AdImpact. Driving the news: DHS published a press release on Wednesday announcing the arrest of what it said was an "illegal alien from Nigeria who exposed himself in public while working for congressional campaign in Pennsylvania." The migrant, Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe, was arrested by ICE on Oct. 1 after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct last month, according to the press release. The release included a statement from ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall saying: "It's unbelievable that Janelle Stelson would employ an illegal alien to work on a Congressional campaign, let alone a pervert who exposed himself in public." Stelson her

Andrew Solendertop

Axios9 OctArticle

The surprising post-pandemic drop in income inequality

Data: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios Middle- and lower-earners' inflation-adjusted incomes rose during the Biden years — but high earners saw their incomes fall. That's a surprising finding from one of the most thorough datasets on American household finances , released Friday morning by the Federal Reserve. Why it matters: The data sheds granular new information on a much-contested question: What happened to Americans' real incomes during the post-pandemic period? It featured an exceptionally tight job market and the highest inflation in decades, followed by aggressive Fed rate hikes. The median American family's income rose 7% in inflation-adjusted terms between 2021 and 2024. But that masked significant differences among income brackets. The average real income of families in the top 10% of earners fell 14%, to $652,000 from $757,000 (both figures are 2025 dollars). That implies, contrary to a common narrative about the K-shaped economy, that income inequality fell during the post-pandemic period. Yes, but: The story for wealth is very different. Families that were already wealthy — and tend to own stocks, houses and other assets — became much richer from 2022 to 2025. Among families in the top 10% of income, median net worth rose a whopping 31% from 2022 to 2025, compared with a 2% rise in net worth for the median family. Families in the bottom 40% of income actually saw their net worth decline slightly in that span. The intrigue: The data, from the Survey of Consumer Finances, is collected and released every three years. Friday mor

Neil Irwintop

Axios9 OctArticle

Cook Political Report tilts 18 House races toward Democrats

House races in Iowa , Pennsylvania, Washington , Michigan and more are shifting in Democrats' direction, according to a Friday update from the closely watched Cook Political Report. Why it matters: The GOP's midterm outlook was already bleak , anchored by an unpopular war and high fuel prices. But staving off a blue resurgence, despite heavy spending , is looking increasingly complicated as Election Day approaches. Driving the news: Cook's new moves put the likely midterm outcome at Democrats picking up nine to 19 seats, a range of 224 to 234. The shifts include: Five seats — in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Washington — moving from toss ups to leaning toward Democrats, including Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' (R-Iowa) tough rematch race against Democrat ⁠Christina Bohannan. Cook also nudged four races — in Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia — from leaning toward Republicans to toss-ups. That's good news for Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), whose district was warped by mid-decade redistricting. Republicans' hold on other races in Kentucky, Maine, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Indiana slipped, shifting them to Lean R or Likely R. Meanwhile, Democrats' hold on Nevada, New York and Nebraska races tightened. What they're saying: "House races are won in the districts, one by one, with battle-tested candidates and messages that work," NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said in a statement provided to Axios. "Pundits in D.C. can keep guessing, but voters on the ground have a clear contrast between common sense and crazy," he said, adding that "in November, we're going to win." Friction point: P

Avery Lotztop

Axios9 OctArticle

Navi Pillay, advocate for international law, wins Nobel Peace Prize

Navi Pillay, an outspoken supporter of international law who has served as a judge on multiple global courts and as the UN's top human rights official, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. Why it matters: President Trump once again did not win the prize he has openly coveted . Pillay, among other posts, previously served on the International Criminal Court — a body Trump sanctioned and last month called " rogue " and "evil." What they're saying: " The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 goes to a person who with exceptional courage and integrity has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order," the prize committee said in a social media post. "This year's laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted." Background: Besides the ICC and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Pillay also served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and as chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Pillay , 85 and a native of South Africa, began practicing law in the late 1960s and served on her country's high court before her international appointments. Zoom out: Pillay stands for many of the ideas and institutions Trump has condemned. Besides sanctioning the ICC, he withdrew the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council last year. He's also made a target of South Africa and its Black government, promising asylum to white South African farmers. The AP reported that Pillay, reacting to the news, said world leaders have a "legal obligation to protect hum

Ben Berkowitztop

Axios9 OctArticle

How the permitting bill could collapse

Congress has its best chance in years to pass sweeping permitting legislation, but a series of political and policy obstacles could derail the bipartisan Senate plan. Why it matters: Cutting hurdles for energy projects is a top priority for fossil fuels and renewables sectors, and major business groups more broadly. Here are five risks to a lame-duck deal: 👱‍♂️ President Trump himself. The White House says it supports the bill, but Trump is mercurial, so nothing is final until it's final. His administration's willingness — or not — to loosen the screws on wind and solar projects it's restricting could also sway the lame-duck politics and complicate efforts to win Democratic support. Flashback: Co-author Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) last month cited "unresolved" questions about Trump officials returning to "regular order" for renewables, but credited their "very reasonable" proposal. 🗳️ A big blue wave. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), a senior House Democrat, has been arguing that Democrats will have more leverage next year. For now, there's little evidence that view is gaining traction among Democrats. The few definitive statements on the bill from lawmakers in both parties are supportive. But a strong Democratic showing in November could change that calculation. The big arguments against waiting: Dems won't have 60 votes even if they take the Senate, and Trump still needs to sign anything, limiting the prospects for a better deal next year. 🟩 Environmentalists. Groups with close ties to Dems — such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters

Ben Gemantop

Axios9 OctArticle

AI vs. the rest of the economy

Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, FactSet; Chart: Axios/Matt Phillips; Note: Data center construction includes construction costs, such as labor, materials, profits of contractors, architectural and engineering work and miscellaneous overhead, interest and taxes. Does not include servers, racks, chips or memory. More and more, it seems as if there's the AI economy — and everything else. Why it matters: The growing chasm between the breakneck growth of the AI world and the slower pace of the economy where most Americans work and live has huge implications, especially for the markets. Zoom in: The most recent numbers on U.S. construction spending through August — shown above — paint the picture remarkably clearly. Zoom out: The same divide is an important theme in the markets as well. In corporate bonds, AI-related offerings accounted for more than half of net investment grade issuance for the year through the end of August, according to data from Apollo and Bloomberg. Data: Apollo, Bloomberg; Chart: Axios/Matt Phillips And of course, excitement over all things related to AI has supercharged the market values of Nvidia, the hyperscalers and other AI-related tech stocks. Stunning stat: The weighting of the S&P 500 technology sector in terms of market capitalization is now roughly 40%. That's higher than during the peak of the dot-com bubble. But that actually underplays the impact of AI. If you throw in the hyperscalers Meta and Amazon, which S&P doesn't include in the tech sector, the share of the AI-pilled part of the blue-chip index climbs closer to 50%. Data: FactSet,

Matt Phillipstop

Axios9 OctArticle

Scoop: AI companies plot "day after" scenarios for public revolt

Top executives at Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI companies are privately gaming out scenarios for a public and political revolt after a catastrophic AI event . Why it matters: These officials anticipate a large-scale event, most likely a cyberattack, that shuts down access to financial services, internet connectivity, or even power and water. The first example of significant real-world harm caused by unsafe AI would turn an already wary public further against the technology and its leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, as well as President Trump for his reluctance to regulate it. Threat level: While scenario planning is common within many companies and national security settings — the Pentagon has been running war games for decades — the difference is that many top AI researchers and executives believe a major incident is inevitable . "OpenAI conducts preparedness exercises where teams discuss and work through a range of potential scenarios," a company spokesperson said. "These scenarios are not treated as inevitable, but are meant to help us prepare for a variety of circumstances." Anthropic declined to comment. Zoom in: The blame game will start whether a rogue-agent swarm breaks containment from an internal testing environment or a bad actor finds unexpected ways to use available models. A recent campaign targeting South Korean financial organizations — including reported breaches at two banks — shows the damage one person can do. A hacker from China allegedly used AI tools from China-developed models, including DeepSeek, to steal data

Maria Curitop

Axios9 OctArticle

Immigration split screen: Microsoft gets a crackdown and a medal

The Trump administration said Thursday that it was suspending Microsoft from a key program used to sponsor employees for green cards. Later that day , the administration honored the tech giant's CEO with a medal for innovation. Why it matters: The split-screen day highlights the tension between the administration's championing of Big Tech and its immigration policies, which constrain an industry that has long relied on hiring foreign-born workers. Tech leaders have said that restrictions on hiring hamper the country's ability to compete — especially at a moment when the U.S. is in a race with China on AI. Driving the news: The administration's move Thursday also targeted Adobe and six IT services firms over the Permanent Employment Program, or Perm. It's typically the first major government approval step in employers sponsoring workers, often H-1B holders, for employment-based green cards . The administration accused these companies of hiring foreign workers and paying them less, at U.S. workers' expense. State of play: President Trump awarded Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the White House's New Golden Age Summit Thursday night. Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and CEO of AMD Lisa Su — like Nadella, all immigrants to the U.S. — were awarded the National Medal of Science. At the event, Trump called the honorees " national treasure s." What they're saying: Vice President Vance addressed the apparent contradiction at a press conference earlier Thursday, saying: "Our message to Microsoft is no

Emily Pecktop

Axios9 OctArticle

"Not a fetish, not a taboo": Democrats weigh another Trump impeachment

Democrats believe President Trump has committed impeachable offenses. But they're divided over whether they should try to impeach him if they win control of the House. Why it matters: If Democrats win the House, as expected, their 2027 decision on whether to try to impeach Trump could have major consequences for the 2028 presidential race. Zoom in: Theoretically, impeaching Trump would be easy for a unified, Democrat-controlled House. Many top Democrats note that Trump survived a record two impeachments in his first term — and that he'd be unlikely to be removed from office. That would require a two-thirds, bipartisan vote in a Senate that's likely to be closely divided. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said Trump has "already committed numerous impeachable offenses " in his second term, including usurping congressional authority. In 2021, Raskin led the second Trump impeachment, following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Raskin said top Democrats are "very sober about what that two-thirds requirement means on the Senate side. If anything, Donald Trump has tightened his control over the Republican Party since the last round. He's gotten rid of the senators that he viewed as not sufficiently loyal and sycophantic." Zoom out: Other Democrats also are cautioning against an impeachment campaign if their party takes control of the House in January. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a potential presidential candidate, told NBC's "Meet the Press" last Sunday that he supports investigations, not impeachment, "because it's not going anywhere and it's going to be a food fight." Sen. Tammy Duckwort

Alex Thompsontop

Axios9 OctArticle

California threatens to worsen House Democrats' 2027 headaches

More than half a dozen U.S. House districts in California will send a Democrat to Capitol Hill next year no matter what. Party leadership still has a lot riding on the outcome. Why it matters: Most of these Democrat vs. Democrat runoffs — a quirk of California's election system — are between an establishment candidate and an outsider vowing to make leadership's life hell. Democratic Reps. Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui and Jimmy Gomez are all facing well-funded challenges from younger, less establishment-aligned Democrats. There are also several Northern California races that feature a pro-leadership Democrat facing off against a more left-leaning rival. Sought for comment on this story, Justin Chermol, a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), told Axios: "Stop wasting our time with your irrelevant stories that have nothing to do with taking back control of the House of Representatives." 4th District: Rep. Mike Thompson vs. Eric Jones Thompson , a 75-year-old first elected in 1998, faces a challenge from 35-year-old former venture capitalist Eric Jones. "I don't think anyone in Democratic leadership today is really doing their job well," Jones said in an interview with Axios. Asked if he would vote for Jeffries as speaker, Jones replied: "As of today, I wouldn't vote for any member." Jones is trying to cobble together a populist, anti-establishment coalition consisting of both progressives and Republicans. He said he does not identify as progressive, telling Axios he prefers "no labels." He said that, if elected, he will "have the benefit of independe

Andrew Solendertop

Axios8 OctArticle

Kushner, Witkoff to pitch "new ideas" to end Russia-Ukraine war

Presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet with Ukrainian negotiators and European officials in Miami on Friday to present "new ideas and proposals" to break the stalemate in the Russia -Ukraine war, U.S. and Ukrainian officials say. Why it matters: The Trump administration is hoping to reach a diplomatic breakthrough ahead of the midterm elections and before brutal winter weather grips Ukraine. One of the ideas is a partial ceasefire that halts attacks on energy infrastructure and grain shipments. While Ukraine has said it's willing to take that step, Russia has shown little willingness. "They are all nervous about the winter. It will be a tough winter if the war does not stop. So the U.S. is trying to mediate with the sides, with the goal of creating a unified proposal," a U.S. source said. Driving the news: Witkoff and Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv in early September. Since then, they've been working with the Russians and Ukrainians on an updated peace initiative. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference in Lisbon Thursday that the war is at a "stalemate." He stressed that the U.S. wants to prevent further escalation of fighting in the coming month and find a way to end the war. Behind the scenes: Witkoff and Kushner met with President Trump Thursday to present the latest U.S. proposal and receive his input ahead of the talks in Miami, which are expected to last two days, a U.S. official said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and deputy national security adviser Mike Needham also attended the meeting. Zoom in: President Volodymyr Zel

Barak Ravidtop

Axios8 OctArticle

Pete Hegseth says the public can watch Fort Hood shooter's execution

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the public will be able to watch the execution of the Fort Hood shooter by firing squad. Why it matters: The U.S. hasn't held a public execution in 90 years , and Hegseth's remarks raise questions about how the military would allow people to watch. Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 shooting , is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, near Killeen, Texas. What they're saying: Hegseth told Real America's Voice Thursday that Hasan is "gonna get a firing squad of soldiers. As it should be." "We'll make sure that people are able to watch it. That it's public. Because people need to understand that there's serious consequences for these types of things." The latest: The Pentagon says the execution will be livestreamed, AP reports, but did not name where specifically the stream will be hosted. The Pentagon currently posts speeches and videos on X and YouTube . State of play: The Department of Defense declined to comment on Hegseth's remarks, leaving questions about how the public could watch the execution. The Army has not shared how it intends to conduct the execution, AP reports. It's unclear if Hegseth's remarks mean the execution will be open to public spectators, broadcast on streaming or TV, or made available to select individuals. Zoom out: This would be the first U.S. military execution since 1961 . The last U.S. military execution by firing squad was in 1945, when Pvt. Eddie Slovik was shot for desertion in France, according to NPR . Firing-squad executions are rare i

Avery Lotztop

Axios8 OctArticle

The staggering cost of winning a Senate seat in 2026

Source: AdImpact, Census.gov Note: AdImpact data includes dollars spent on video advertisements on broadcast, cable and social media as well as spending estimates on streaming platforms. Chart: Stef Kight/Axios Every voting-age Mainer could get a $167 voucher for home heating oil with what Democrats and Republicans are spending on ads in the Senate race, according to an analysis of AdImpact data. Why it matters: Every senator gets one vote, but Senate seats aren't created equal — and they don't cost the same. Zoom in: Like two years ago , the less-populated states have a dramatically higher dollar-per-voter ratio in 2026. Maine is in first place, followed by Alaska, which is scheduled to be hit with $76 million in ads — enough to suck up most of the state's inventory. Between the lines: Ohio is only in fifth place on the dollar-per-voter metric, but it's on track to host the most expensive Senate race in the country — for the second cycle in a row . Sherrod Brown's comeback bid is proving more expensive than his 2024 race, when he was ousted by now-Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). And in New Hampshire, where Democratic Senate nominee Chris Pappas has been warning that his race is actually quite close, both parties are spending heavily to reach the state's voters. Data: AdImpact Note: AdImpact data includes dollars spent on video advertisements on broadcast, cable and social media as well as spending estimates on streaming platforms. Chart: Stef Kight/Axios The big picture: Both chambers are likely to come down to a handful of races. All year, Republicans warned that Texas would

Hans Nicholstop

Axios8 OctArticle

Exclusive: Anthropic's plan to protect critical infrastructure

Anthropic is launching a new cybersecurity initiative designed to bring its most powerful AI models and engineers to companies protecting power grids, water utilities and other critical infrastructure, the company first shared with Axios. Why it matters: Critical infrastructure operators are struggling to secure aging, complex systems as AI threatens to make cyberattacks faster and cheaper to execute. Driving the news: Under its new Critical Infrastructure Defense Program, Anthropic will provide its frontier AI models, onsite engineers and threat research to companies already responsible for securing critical infrastructure systems. Participating companies will use these resources to identify and fix vulnerabilities in their customers' systems. The program's founding partners include Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, CrowdStrike, Deloitte, Dragos, Hitachi, Insane Cyber, Nozomi Networks, Palo Alto Networks, PwC and Rockwell Automation. Anthropic said several partners are already using Claude to fix vulnerabilities and help customers do the same. Zoom in: Anthropic is also launching a free AI-powered vulnerability scanning service for open-source software projects, called OSS Scanner. Participating projects will receive periodic scans from Claude, along with automated reports detailing vulnerabilities, how they could be exploited and suggested fixes. The reports won't undergo human review before being sent to software maintainers, meaning some findings could be inaccurate. The big picture: Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI developers are looking for ways to put their most powerful

Sam Sabintop

Axios8 OctArticle

Trump: Anyone saying "AI" is "THE ENEMY!" The White House uses it

President Trump on Thursday called anyone who uses "Artificial Intelligence" instead of "Super Intelligence" "THE ENEMY!" — even as the White House continues using the term "AI." Why it matters: Trump's push to rebrand AI as "super intelligence" clashes with established terminology in the technology industry. Trump's branding blurs the distinction between AI and super intelligence , a hypothetical version of AI more advanced than human intelligence. What they're saying: "The White House considers anyone that uses the term, 'Artificial Intelligence,' as opposed to the highly accepted new and more accurate term, 'Super Intelligence,' THE ENEMY!" Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday. Zoom out: Trump's executive order from September doubled down on using "SI" over "AI," though it did not offer a penalty for using the term. The order specifically defines "Super Intelligence" using the existing federal legal definition of AI. The order calls on federal agencies to change how they describe AI in official communications. The State Department already ordered diplomats to use the term after Trump's United Nations speech on Sept. 22. Yes, but: T he White House still uses "AI" as a term, including on the Office of Science and Technology Policy website, which makes reference to "artificial intelligence." On Thursday, the White House updated its AI.gov website to read "SI.gov" in a massive font. The URL is still "AI.gov," though, with "SI.gov" leading to an error page. When an Axios reporter asked the America.gov chatbot about AI, the bot responded: "The executive branch uses Super Intel

Herb Scribnertop