This is an L.A. Times Studios podcast.

Down in Texas, a stunning Republican runoff election could give Democrats an edge in the upcoming U.S. Senate race.

Tonight, we just made history.

Trump backed Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated longtime incumbent John Cornyn on Tuesday night.

The win marks a shocking fall for Cornyn, who has held the seat since 2002, making him the first Republican senator from Texas ever to lose a re-election primary.

Last week, President Trump endorsed Paxton, calling him a, quote,

true MAGA warrior.

It follows other primaries this month where the president backed Republican challengers

to incumbents that he saw as disloyal.

Paxton, a polarizing figure in Texas politics, has faced years of legal and ethical

controversies, but has still maintained strong GOP support.

Now Democrats see an opening.

State Representative James Talariko will face Paxton in November in a race that could

help Democrats retake control of the Senate. And Democrats are hopeful that Paxton in November in a race that could help Democrats retake control of the Senate.

And Democrats are hopeful that Paxton's scandals could help them win in a state that hasn't

elected a Democrat to statewide office in more than three decades.

Meanwhile, the risks of artificial intelligence are vast.

From job loss to climate change, it can take a chunk, or perhaps more, of our humanity.

Now, Pope Leo is speaking out about those risks and pushing for more significant regulations around AI.

Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed. The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable

of attracting attention, awakening consciences, and indicating paths forward for humanity.

That's from Pope Leo's presentation of his first encyclical.

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