Axios

States have enacted 128 bills targeting deepfakes, making AI-manipulated content the most legislated AI issue in the U.S., according to an Axios analysis of National Conference of State Legislatures data.

Why it matters: Deepfakes are among the AI issues that are easier for lawmakers to tackle, because existing laws around impersonation, deception and commercial rights provide a legal framework that can extend to AI.

The Department of Justice's statement of interest supporting OpenAI and Microsoft in the New York Times' copyright infringement lawsuit surprised critical agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Copyright Office, sources told Axios.

Why it matters: Statements of interest allow the government to declare an official position on a legal matter in private lawsuits. While not binding, they can hold significant weight and help persuade cases.

President Trump said late Friday the U.S. has struck a deal with Denmark that will give America "permanent control over security" in Greenland.

Why it matters: Control over Greenland has been a fixation of Trump's for years and a wedge in U.S. relations with Europe.

All 50 states are in line to get "most favored nation" prices for certain Medicaid drugs under an arrangement projected to save state governments $27.6 billion, President Trump announced on Friday.

Why it matters: It's the latest extension of Trump's drug pricing deals with major manufacturers, which the president is touting as one of his signature health care accomplishments ahead of the midterm elections.

The U.S. Postal Service has slowed down mail deliveries so much it's failing to meet even its lowered performance targets, a new report from the Government Accountability Office found.

Why it matters: The Postal Service is part of the connective tissue of American life: delivering prescription drugs and ballots, carrying government notices and bills, helping businesses reach customers across the country.

• Now its attempts to shore up its finances are disproportionately affecting rural communities.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is taking full advantage of the Supreme Court's ruling striking down limits on coordinated party spending, pumping $46.5 million into eight states, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Republican committees, which entered the campaign's final stretch with a financial edge over their Democratic counterparts, have aggressively embraced the new rules allowing parties to coordinate unlimited spending with their candidates.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a presumptive presidential candidate, is getting louder on AI, releasing an executive order amid the Washington stalemate.

Why it matters: Democrats with national profiles this week are seizing on AI alarm, making their positions clear and Newsom – despite some deference shown to other 2028 contender Kamala Harris – wasn't going to sit this one out.

The House Republican campaign arm raised $13.5 million in August, Axios has learned, widening its financial edge over Democrats heading into the final stretch of the midterms.

Why it matters: The National Republican Congressional Committee is entering the final weeks before Election Day with a $13 million cash advantage over its Democratic counterpart — the largest lead the committee has ever held at this point in the election cycle.

Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker thinks Abdul El-Sayed, the Michigan Democratic Senate nominee, is making a political "mistake" by distancing himself from Piker but also understands he has become a lightning rod in a tight election.

Why it matters: El-Sayed's past association with Piker has become a persistent and irritating issue for El-Sayed, who campaigned with the streamer during a contentious primary that he ultimately won.

House Republicans' top messenger has three pieces of advice for candidates trying to survive the midterms: Call Democrats "communists," don't gaslight voters on inflation — and trust your district if it tells you to deviate from President Trump.

Why it matters: Calling Democrats "socialists" isn't enough — at least according to House Republican Conference chair Lisa McClain.