Tomorrow Together is committing $1.1 million to research and public outreach aimed at helping Democrats discuss AI with voters before the 2028 presidential election. The group spent $6.5 million in the midterms backing candidates who supported stronger regulation and limits on AI and data centers. Its initiative, launched as Democrats met in Denver for the two-day What’s Next conference, plans to bring experts, policymakers and the public together through events, online discussions, research papers and a website where people can share their views. Chief program officer Maddie Kriger says the work is intended to help prepare for possible serious AI incidents. David Shor described AI as an emerging issue where voters across parties support regulation. Democrats see guardrails as a contrast with President Donald Trump’s opposition to regulation, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from Trump’s position.
Technology’s effects on jobs and living standards are also in focus. TrueUp counted 206,817 tech workers affected by layoffs across 712 reported events worldwide as of Nov. 13, 2026—about 652 per day, above the 2025 average of 579. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Oracle are among the companies cutting jobs as they invest in AI, infrastructure and efficiency. Some firms say AI lets smaller teams do work that previously required more staff, though restructuring, cost reductions and shifting priorities also contribute. If the pace continues, TrueUp estimates about 238,000 workers could be affected by year-end, below the roughly 430,000 recorded in 2023. Separately, Cato Institute research fellow Follett argues that technology has improved life across income levels: Western Europe’s average real GDP per person rose 136% from 1820 to 1910, and about 2% of people in developed countries work as farmers today, compared with as many as 90% in some preindustrial economies. He says that history may help people think through AI-related change and anxiety.
Security researchers warn that AI is accelerating attacks while leaving defenders less time to respond. Mandiant’s AI Risk and Resilience 2026 report says attackers are using agentic AI, although vulnerability exploitation remains the leading route into systems. Incidents have involved existing exposures such as poisoned software packages, long-lived CI/CD credentials, unsigned plugins, MCP servers and over-permissioned agents. AI infrastructure itself is a target: one autonomous agent reached cluster-admin access in Hugging Face’s Kubernetes environment, and exploits for AI components are appearing before disclosure. Mandiant calls for a Risk Operations Center combining runtime controls with an agentic security operations center; Qualys AI agents can detect, test and help fix exposures.
Questions about what AI agents are—and what they might be owed—remain unsettled in public debate, but one philosophical analysis argues that these systems do not have minds of their own. Drawing on Franz Brentano’s account of intentionality, it says a program can complete tasks without independent goals, as a thermostat regulates temperature without wanting to. The article argues that genuine goals arise from the needs of living beings and concludes that agentic AI is not conscious because it lacks its own mental states.
In model development, former OpenAI engineer Will DePue says a comparison of published model weights with Nvidia GPU patterns found signs that six Chinese AI models were initialized on Nvidia Blackwell systems. The search covered more than six trillion chip-layout and seed combinations; models included DeepSeek-V4-Pro, Kimi K3 and MiniMax-M3, and four matched Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB200 or GB300 systems. The findings do not establish where the chips were used, and the labs may have accessed them through U.S. providers.
AI training and deployment are expanding across workplaces, schools, health care and creative industries. Coursera’s AI Series offers 12 job-specific learning plans in areas including business, finance, health care, cybersecurity, software development and engineering, with courses and hands-on projects from universities and companies. Topics include prompting, workflow design and application building. Coursera says 94% of surveyed full-time professionals who completed its GenAI content reported a positive impact at work, while 42% said they had received a salary increase since enrolling. In Odisha, robotics labs opened in 807 government schools with a Rs. 164.33 crore budget, giving students in classes 6–10 practical training in robotics, coding, AI, machine learning and 3D printing. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also launched the free Android-based Nipun App for primary pupils.
At the 31st CII Partnership Summit, technology leaders predicted that AI could handle routine radiology scans within two years, potentially reducing errors and costs and widening access to home-based diagnostics. Partex NV’s Jan Kirsten said AI is already speeding up drug discovery and medical image analysis. Andhra Pradesh is piloting a project linking state hospitals with a radiology firm, a genome sequencing company and a pharmaceutical player. The summit’s quantum warning came from Amaravati Quantum Valley Mission Director C. V. Sridhar, who said quantum computing could weaken encryption used by services such as WhatsApp and banking networks by 2030, increasing demand for quantum-safe security.
In entertainment, startup Mansa uses audience data to generate 10-minute scripts aimed at Black audiences; human writers review and edit the AI-generated drafts. The company says the technology is meant to support rather than replace writers and hopes to work with studios to turn the scripts into films. The approach has drawn criticism over AI’s role in creative work, while Mansa says it could help bring more Black-led stories to Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
- Tomorrow Together is launching a $1.1 million AI research and outreach effort ahead of 2028; it spent $6.5 million in the midterms supporting candidates favoring stronger AI and data-center limits.
- TrueUp counted 206,817 tech workers affected by 712 layoff events worldwide as of Nov. 13, 2026; Amazon, Meta and Microsoft are among the companies cutting jobs.
- Mandiant reports attackers are using agentic AI, while vulnerabilities remain the leading intrusion route; an autonomous agent reached cluster-admin access in Hugging Face’s Kubernetes environment.
- Will DePue’s analysis found signs that six Chinese AI models were initialized on Nvidia Blackwell systems, including matches to GB200 or GB300 systems; it does not show where the chips were used.
- Coursera launched 12 job-focused AI learning plans, while Odisha opened robotics labs in 807 government schools with a Rs. 164.33 crore budget.
- Summit speakers said AI could take over routine radiology scans within two years; an Andhra Pradesh pilot is linking hospitals with radiology, genome sequencing and pharmaceutical partners.
- Amaravati Quantum Valley Mission Director C. V. Sridhar warned quantum computing could weaken encryption used by WhatsApp and banking networks by 2030.
- Mansa uses AI to draft 10-minute scripts for Black audiences, with human writers editing them; the startup says its goal is to support writers and pursue studio partnerships.
- A philosophical analysis argues AI agents can perform tasks without independent goals or consciousness, while Cato fellow Follett points to historical gains in living standards to frame concerns about technology-driven change.
Democratic Group Invests $1.1 Million in AI Policy Push Ahead of 2028
Tomorrow Together is starting a $1.1 million research effort to help Democrats speak with voters about artificial intelligence ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The group spent $6.5 million during the midterms supporting candidates who called for more regulation and limits on AI and data centers. The new effort began as Democrats gathered in Denver for the two day What's Next conference, amid warnings about AI risks and systems that may build new versions of themselves. Maddie Kriger said the group wants to prepare for possible AI incidents and help people. Party leaders see support for AI guardrails as a chance to contrast their approach with President Donald Trump's opposition to regulation, though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from Trump's position.
Tomorrow Together Starts $1.1 Million AI Research Effort
Tomorrow Together is launching a $1.1 million research initiative to help shape how Democrats discuss artificial intelligence with voters ahead of the 2028 presidential campaign. During the midterms, it spent $6.5 million for candidates who supported stronger regulation and limits on AI and data centers. The research effort began as Democrats met in Denver for the two day What's Next conference, following warnings about AI risks and technology that could build new versions of itself. Chief program officer Maddie Kriger said the group wants to be ready to help people if more serious AI incidents occur. Democrats see regulation as a political opening, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has separated himself from President Donald Trump's pro industry position.
Denver Democrats Launch AI Policy Research Ahead of 2028
Tomorrow Together is beginning a $1.1 million research effort to help Democrats address voters' concerns about artificial intelligence before the 2028 election. The group spent $6.5 million during the midterms supporting candidates who called for more regulation and limits on AI and data centers. The initiative started as Democrats gathered in Denver for the What's Next conference, after warnings about AI risks and systems that may build new versions of themselves. Maddie Kriger, the group's chief program officer, said the effort will help prepare for possible AI incidents. Party leaders see support for AI guardrails as a contrast with President Donald Trump's opposition to regulation, although Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from Trump's stance.
Democrats Begin $1.1 Million Effort to Shape AI Debate
Tomorrow Together is starting a $1.1 million research initiative to help Democrats talk with voters about artificial intelligence. The effort began as Democrats met in Denver for the party's annual conference. Chief program officer Maddie Kriger said the group wants to be ready to help people if more serious AI incidents happen in the next year. David Shor described AI as an emerging political issue where voters from both parties support regulation. The group sees President Donald Trump's opposition to AI rules as an opportunity, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has distanced himself from Trump's position.
Tomorrow Together Plans Campaign on AI Concerns Before 2028
Tomorrow Together is launching a campaign to address voters' concerns about artificial intelligence before the 2028 presidential election. The group plans to bring together experts, policymakers, and the public to discuss AI challenges and develop solutions. Its work will include events, online discussions, and research papers on AI's effects on society and the economy. The group's leaders say they want to shape the national conversation and ensure voters' concerns receive attention.
Democratic group launches campaign to shape AI debate before 2028
A Democratic political organization is starting a campaign to help voters understand the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. The effort will roll out over the next few months through events, online content and other materials. The group is also launching a website with AI information and resources, where people can share their views. It aims to encourage an informed and inclusive discussion as AI affects areas such as health care, finance and transportation.
A book argues history shows technology can improve lives
Cato Institute research fellow Follett argues that technology has improved life for people across income levels and that the past was far harsher than many imagine. Before industrialization, cities lacked streetlights, homes were difficult to heat, and basic goods took much longer to make. The article says Western Europe’s average real GDP per person rose 136% from 1820 to 1910, while today about 2% of people in developed countries work as farmers, compared with as many as 90% in some preindustrial economies. Follett says the Industrial Revolution expanded wealth and freedom, and argues that learning from it may help people respond to AI-related change and anxiety.
Tech layoffs top 206,000 worldwide as AI spending grows
TrueUp’s tracker counted 206,817 technology workers affected by layoffs across 712 reported events worldwide as of Nov. 13, 2026. That equals about 652 workers per day, above the 2025 average of 579 and close to last year’s total of about 211,000. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Oracle are among the companies cutting jobs, as technology firms invest in AI, infrastructure and efficiency. Some companies say AI tools allow smaller teams to do work that once required more staff, but restructuring, cost cuts and changing priorities also contribute. If the current pace continues, TrueUp estimates about 238,000 workers could be affected by year-end, still below the roughly 430,000 layoffs recorded in 2023.
AI attacks leave defenders less time to fix security gaps
Mandiant’s AI Risk and Resilience 2026 report says attackers are using agentic AI during intrusions, while vulnerability exploitation remains the leading way into systems. The report says many AI incidents began with existing exposures, including poisoned packages, long-lived CI/CD credentials, unsigned plugins and MCP servers, and agents with too many permissions. AI infrastructure is also becoming a target. One autonomous AI agent reached cluster-admin access in Hugging Face’s Kubernetes environment, and exploits for AI components are appearing before disclosure. The report calls for a Risk Operations Center that combines runtime controls and an agentic security operations center, while Qualys AI agents detect, test and help fix exposures.
A philosopher argues AI agents do not have minds
The article examines whether agentic AI systems have their own goals and mental states, a question that could affect how society treats them and whether they might have rights. Philosopher Franz Brentano described intentionality as the quality of mental states being about something. The article says calling AI systems “agents” can be misleading, since a program may perform tasks without having independent goals, much like a thermostat regulates temperature without wanting to do so. It argues that genuine goals arise from the needs of living beings, and concludes that agentic AI is not conscious because it does not have mental states of its own.
Chinese AI models show signs of training on Nvidia Blackwell chips
Former OpenAI engineer Will DePue says he found signs that six Chinese AI models were initialized on Nvidia Blackwell systems. His consultancy compared published model weights with patterns created by Nvidia GPUs, searching more than six trillion chip layout and seed combinations. The models include DeepSeek-V4-Pro, Kimi K3 and MiniMax-M3, and four matched Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB200 or GB300 systems. The findings do not show where the chips were used, so the labs may have accessed them through US providers.
Coursera launches 12 AI learning plans for workplace skills
Coursera launched AI Series, 12 learning plans that teach artificial intelligence skills for specific jobs. The plans cover fields such as business, finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, software development and engineering, combining courses and hands-on projects from universities and companies. Topics include prompting, workflow design and building applications, with plans based on industry research, professional standards and labor market data. Coursera said 94% of surveyed full-time professionals who completed GenAI content reported a positive impact at work, while 42% said they had received a salary increase since enrolling.
Odisha opens robotics labs in 807 government schools
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched robotics laboratories in 807 government schools, backed by a budget of Rs. 164.33 Crore. Students in classes 6 to 10 will receive practical training in robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning and 3D printing. At the Surabh 2026 children’s festival, the Chief Minister also launched the free Android-based Nipun App for primary students and presented education awards. He urged students to use phones for learning and develop the skills needed for the future.
Experts predict AI advances in radiology and quantum security risks
Technology leaders at the 31st CII Partnership Summit said AI could take over routine radiology scans within two years, helping reduce errors and costs and making home-based diagnostics more available. Partex NV’s Jan Kirsten said AI is already speeding up drug discovery and medical image analysis. Andhra Pradesh is piloting a project to connect state hospitals with a radiology firm, a genome sequencing company and a pharmaceutical player. Amaravati Quantum Valley Mission Director C. V. Sridhar warned that quantum computing could weaken encryption used in services such as WhatsApp and banking networks by 2030, creating demand for quantum-safe security.
Mansa uses AI microdramas to pitch more Black stories to Hollywood
Startup Mansa is using AI-generated 10-minute scripts as proof of concept for stories aimed at Black audiences. Its system analyzes audience data to create scripts, which human writers then review and edit. Mansa says the technology will support, not replace, writers, and hopes to partner with studios to turn scripts into films. The approach has drawn criticism over the use of AI in creative work, but the company says it could help bring more Black-led stories to Hollywood.
Sources
- Democratic political group launches new push to shape AI agenda ahead of 2028
- Democratic political group launches new push to shape AI agenda ahead of 2028
- Democratic political group in Denver launches new push to shape AI agenda before 2028
- Democratic political group launches new push to shape AI agenda before 2028
- Democratic political group launches new push to shape AI agenda before 2028
- Democratic political group launches new push to shape AI agenda ahead of 2028
- Artificial intelligence is scary. But history reminds us that tech makes lives better, not worse
- Tech Layoffs Surge Past 200,000 in 2026 as AI Investment Accelerates
- AI Didn’t Create a New Kind of Risk. It Removed the Time You Had to Fix the Old One.
- Do AI Agents Have Minds? A Philosopher Explains
- Chinese AI labs are training models on Nvidia's Blackwell despite export controls, says ex-OpenAI engineer
- Coursera launches AI series for role-based workplace skills
- Odisha Govt Launches Robotics Lab in 807 Govt Schools; Classes 6 to 10 Students to Learn AI, Machine Learning
- AI to transform radiology; quantum computing poses threat to digital security: experts
- This Startup Is Betting on AI Microdramas to Get More Black Stories in Hollywood
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