🪖 Axios PM: AI arms race

Plus: 2024's ballot measures | Thursday, October 24, 2024

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Walmart   Axios PM By Mike Allen · Oct 24, 2024 Good afternoon. Today's newsletter, edited by Sam Baker, is 443 words, a 2-min. read. Thanks to Sheryl Miller for copy editing.     1 big thing: Biden unleashes defense AI   Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios   The Biden administration today enshrined AI as a national security imperative, Axios Future of Defense author Colin Demarest reports. Although the administration established some guardrails for AI, its overall message was clear: The U.S. needs to move faster, not slower. In a long-awaited national security memo, the White House signaled a hands-off approach that urges the Pentagon, intelligence agencies and AI developers to quickly expand their use of AI. 🦾 Why it matters: If the U.S. fails to deploy AI faster and more extensively than its adversaries, its hard-won military advantages could vanish, national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned in a speech at National Defense University. "We could have the best team but lose because we didn't put it on the field," he said. 🌎 What they're saying: There are few "precedents for a document such as this one," said Gregory Allen, director of the Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS. It may ultimately prove just as significant as the documents that shaped Washington's approach in the Cold War — nuclear weapons included. What's next: Expect a flurry of new investments in defense-related AI applications, as well as the energy and support systems they'll require. Go deeper.     2. 🗳️ On the ballot   Data: Ballotpedia; Chart: Axios Visuals Voters in 41 states will consider a total of 159 ballot initiatives this year, Axios Denver's John Frank writes. ☑️ Ten states, including Arizona, Colorado and Florida, have abortion-related measures on the ballot, which Democrats hope will drive higher turnout. Five states and Washington, D.C., are considering overhauls to how elected leaders are picked, whether through changes to primary elections, ranked-choice voting or both. Three states — Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota — are weighing whether to legalize marijuana. Go deeper.     A message from Walmart This small business is revitalizing its hometown with Walmart's help     Proud Source Water became a Walmart supplier in 2021. Today, their team has grown 50%, and they're the largest employer in Mackay, Idaho. What this means: With Walmart, small businesses can grow — and support their communities. Learn how Walmart is helping create 750,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs.     3. Catch me up   Vice President Harris speaks to the media today in Philadelphia. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images 🐝 Beyoncé will appear with Vice President Harris at a rally in Houston tomorrow. Go deeper. ⚖️ Former President Trump indicated he'd consider pardoning Hunter Biden if he's reelected. Go deeper. 🚢 Russia provided targeting data that helped Houthi rebels in Yemen with their attacks on Western ships earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reports.     4. 🗽1 for the road   New York Liberty players celebrate their WNBA Championship during a parade in Manhattan today. Photo: Angela Weiss AFP via Getty Images The New York Liberty celebrated their WNBA championship today with a parade through Lower Manhattan's "Canyon of Heroes" and an event at City Hall. It's New York's first basketball championship since 1973. "[To] see how many people were in the crowd, smiling, celebrating the Liberty," star guard Sabrina Ionescu said. "It really puts into perspective what it means to bring a championship to this city and how it really takes everyone."     A message from Walmart Investing in American-made products to support U.S. manufacturing     More than two-thirds of Walmart's product spend is on products made, grown or assembled in America. The impact: Local businesses like Proud Source Water in Mackay, Idaho, are able to grow more, hire more and help their communities thrive. Explore the impact of Walmart's $350 billion investment.   Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Advertise with us. Axios, PO Box 101060, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. To stop receiving this newsletter, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: