Tech#TRENDING

Big Tech, AI Firms Pour Money Into State AG Races

Corporate donations are flowing into attorney-general races before the midterms, reflecting how much power those officials hold over business regulation and enforcement; the bill is surprisingly affordable.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock on #Trending
Published 1:26 AM ET, Sunday, October 18, 2026

▶ As it aired · Tech

Watch it as it aired: Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock on this story, from #Trending at 1:26 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Newsmax's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by Newsmax: “Big Tech, AI Firms Pour Money Into State AG Races”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1:26 AM ET on #Trending, by Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock.
Topics: AI.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

NewsmaxBig Tech, AI Firms Pour Money Into State AG Races

What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentCorporate money is pouring into state attorney-general races ahead of the November midterms, and Big Tech and AI firms are in the mix, the Financial Times reported Saturday.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWonderful. Companies taking an interest in their local communities, and in who might be suing them next.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRight, and the attorney general is the official who can actually take them to court over business rules.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo it's like paying for the app and then also funding the person who reviews it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCivic engagement, Kenji. These firms simply want a seat at the table, where the lawsuits get handed out.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentAnd it's the cheap seat. A state race costs way less than a federal one.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt's basically a pre-settlement gift to whoever wins the race.

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