Axios

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Pope Leo sets Catholics on collision course with AI
Pope Leo XIV is expected to sign his first encyclical as soon as Friday, positioning artificial intelligence as the defining moral and labor challenge of a new industrial revolution. Why it matters: The document, reportedly titled Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), would become the Catholic Church's clearest attempt yet to place human dignity, labor rights and ethics at the center of the AI race. Catholic and European outlets are reporting that Leo is poised to sign the AI encyclical on the anniversary of Rerum Novarum (1891), Pope Leo XIII's foundational industrial-era labor encycl
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The SpaceX IPO is already upending the stock market
Elon Musk's $1 trillion-plus SpaceX isn't a public company yet, but its size and ambitions are already upending the stock market and sparking questions over the power and influence wielded by such behemoths. Why it matters: The IPO, expected next month, would signal the start of a new AI era for the public markets, potentially valuing SpaceX as much as $2 trillion. The big picture: OpenAI and Anthropic are also expected to IPO this year — possibly translating into $5 trillion in value in the markets, estimates venture capitalist and MIT research fellow Paul Kedrosky. The new stocks will hit th
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Trump's killer quote exposes his bind on Iran and inflation
President Trump's remark this week that "I don't think about Americans' financial situation" as he weighs his next moves in Iran may have inadvertently captured the fundamental bind he's in: how to pressure Iran without spooking markets and sending oil prices soaring. Why it matters: Trump currently has no clear way to square his desire to end the war on his terms with the need to rein in inflation and keep the stock market humming in an election year. Between the lines: What Trump appeared to mean in Tuesday's remark is that domestic economic concerns won't deter him from whatever steps he fe
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The energy squeeze behind the Iran war and AI boom
Energy — whether it be oil for cars or power for data centers — is suddenly the world's biggest constraint. Why it matters: Energy is becoming the singular driver of both global stability and economic growth. Oil shocks from the Iran war are rippling through inflation and geopolitics. The AI boom is triggering a global race for electricity that grids aren't ready for. The big picture: Energy is the thing we all need but don't notice until it's gone or expensive. We're confronting both unprecedented scarcity and demand for energy on a timeline that's considered remarkably sudden for the usually
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Democrats get a last-minute reprieve on 2026 redistricting
Republicans are slowing down a feared redistricting blitz across the Deep South, giving several longtime Black lawmakers a temporary reprieve. Why it matters: Democrats had been grappling with the imminent collapse of Black political representation in the South after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in late April. As many as 19 Congressional Black Caucus members could be affected in a maximized national redistricting scenario, Black Caucus chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) told NBC News on Tuesday. But Mississippi, Georgia and Louisiana have stepped back from the most aggressive red
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Exclusive: Dr. Oz announces health coalition to streamline prior authorizations
A coalition of 29 major health care players is coming together to simplify the prior authorization process for medical treatments, Mehmet Oz , the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced at Axios' Future of Health Summit Wednesday. The big picture: Last summer, several top health insurers voluntary pledged to streamline and improve the prior authorization process across all health insurance markets. Driving the news: " The payers, the insurance companies, have been playing ball. Guess who's not been playing ball until today? The providers," Oz told Axios' Cai
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Exclusive: Sen. Welch would back Trump's most favored nation drug policy plan
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Wednesday he'd back President Trump's push to pursue a " most-favored nation " drug policy at Axios Future of Health summit. Why it matters: Bipartisan support will be necessary for Congress to codify Trump's plan into law at a time when a majority of Americans are at least somewhat worried about being able to afford prescription drugs. Trump's proposal would bring America's drug prices more in line with what other developed nations pay. What they're saying: Asked by Axios' Peter Sullivan if he'd vote for Trump's plan, Welch said he would "not only vote for it, I
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Independent Rep. Kiley moves to force vote to ban midcycle redistricting
Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.) introduced a discharge petition Tuesday to force a House vote on his bill banning midcycle redistricting , Axios has learned. Why it matters: Discharge petitions are one of the few tools rank-and-file lawmakers can use to bypass House leadership and force legislation onto the floor. Six petitions have reached the required threshold in this Congress. Kiley has spent months warning that midcycle redistricting could become a recurring partisan weapon if left unchecked. California's new map reshaped his once Republican-leaning district, pushing him into more Democratic
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Pharma leaders hope next FDA head calms waters
The CEO of the main pharmaceutical company trade group on Wednesday called for the next Food and Drug Administration commissioner to "calm the waters" and ensure stability as drug companies develop new treatments. Why it matters: The FDA has faced a tumultuous several months leading up to commissioner Marty Makary's resignation Tuesday, with staff layoffs and top leaders heading out the door. What they're saying: "What we really need from the next leader of the FDA is to calm the waters and reestablish that certainty and predictability," PhRMA CEO Steve Ubl said at Axios' Future of Health Summ
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Kevin Warsh confirmed to lead Federal Reserve
Kevin Warsh has been confirmed as the 17th leader of the Federal Reserve , becoming America's economist-in-chief at a moment of resurgent inflation, public discontent with the economy and unprecedented attacks on the Fed's independence. Driving the news: Warsh was confirmed to a four-year term as Fed chair Wednesday by a 54-to-45 Senate vote. He received unanimous support from Republicans but only one "aye" vote from a Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Warsh takes the helm of the central bank after Jerome Powell's term ends Friday. The big picture: Warsh has promised sweeping change at
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WATCH: Axios' Future of Health Summit 2026
Axios Live is hosting our second annual Future of Health Summit, convening conversations to unpack how our changing landscape is redefining the high-stakes world of health care. Speakers: Cynthia Bailey, model and Bravo personality Caryn Seidman Becker, chairman and CEO of CLEAR Chris Boerner, board chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb and board chair-elect of PhRMA Emily Capodilupo, senior vice president of data science and research at WHOOP Felicia DellaFortuna, chief financial officer of Weight Watchers Tom Engels, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration David Gol
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House Democrats bypass Mike Johnson on Ukraine aid bill with Republican help
House Democrats on Wednesday secured the necessary signatures to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and force a vote on a package of Russia sanctions and billions of dollars in Ukraine aid. Why it matters: This is the eighth time in the last three years that a discharge petition has been used by some combination of Democrats and Republicans to do an end-run around GOP leadership. Just in the 119th Congress, lawmakers have succeeded in garnering the necessary 218 signatures to force votes on a half dozen bills covering everything from proxy voting in the House to releasing the Epstein files to
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Scoop: Rep. Chuck Edwards aide feared retaliation over unwanted attention
Rep. Chuck Edwards told a 20-something female staffer it was "disappointing to feel something that used to be easy has gotten complicated" after she did not want to have dinner with him in May 2025, according to a text exchange reviewed by Axios. Why it matters: The female staffer complained about Edwards' behavior and was worried about retaliation from the congressman. In addition to text messages, Axios reviewed photographs and interviewed four sources familiar with the interactions. The sources requested anonymity to protect against retaliation. The messages add to a pattern of alleged beha
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The U.S. inflation problem is getting worse
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios America's inflation problem is getting worse, not better, as 2026 progresses. New wholesale price data — on the heels of Tuesday's consumer price report — confirm it. Why it matters: The evidence of continued price pressures stretches far beyond the energy price spike that occurred following the Iran war, and suggests ongoing pressures across a range of goods and services. It is getting harder and harder to chalk up the inflationary impulse evident in a wide range of data solely to the one-time effects of tariffs and the blockade of the
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Republicans are sweating about the White House ballroom project
The billion-dollar request for the Secret Service isn't dead. But it is in doubt. Why it matters: Senate Republicans are struggling to get comfortable with providing $220 million to "harden" security at the White House complex — including President Trump's new East Wing ballroom . Zoom in: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and the White House face a long week to learn if 50 Republicans — and the Senate parliamentarian — will sign off on the new funding as part of the $72 billion ICE and Border Patrol reconciliation package. GOP senators were unmoved by a line-item lobbying effort from
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Louisiana advances congressional map with reduced Black representation
Louisiana senators voted early Wednesday to advance a congressional map that eliminates one of the state's majority-Black districts. Why it matters: The proposed map pits U.S. Rep. Troy Carter against U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields for their seats, which are currently in two different districts, writes Piper Hutchinson of the Louisiana Illuminator . The latest: Senate committee members stayed up overnight to hear hours of testimony from residents about the proposals. The nearly 10-hour meeting ended around 4:30am Wednesday, Hutchinson writes. The full Senate is expected to vote Thursday on the bill, be
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Axios interview: Reimagining government + business + AI
Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, fears the rising risk of unpopular AI and told us the solution might be a reorg of government and business. He offered two megapoints in a conversation Tuesday at OpenAI's new office in Washington: The AI companies and government are so interdependent — the companies need light regs, contracts; government needs AI systems — that it might require a new public-private hybrid to manage them. The AI companies could get crushed by bad politics if they don't find ways to share any wealth they create, much like Alaska shares oil & gas revenue with
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Drills, deals and doubts in the Pacific as Trump visits China
The first half of May is foreshadowing the future of Indo-Pacific security. Why it matters: Long-term competition between the U.S., China and their friends — on AI, chips, cybersecurity, freedom of navigation, narrative influence, supply chains and more — is reshaping the world. In just two weeks: The U.S. and Japan, participating in Balikatan drills, fired a Tomahawk missile with a Typhon launcher and ship-sinking Type 88 missiles from the Philippines — a first and, from Beijing's view, a provocation. Japan inked a defense cooperation agreement with Indonesia, hot on the heels of loosened arm
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Makary's exit creates new uncertainty at FDA
Marty Makary's departure from the Food and Drug Administration may remove one of the Trump administration's lightning rods for controversy. But it won't solve the organizational upheaval and political jockeying that marked much of his 13-month tenure. Why it matters: There's lots of uncertainty around how the Senate will find the bandwidth to confirm another FDA commissioner while it considers President Trump's nominees for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director and surgeon general . The FDA itself is also facing other key internal vacancies, including for directors of the centers
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AI executive action stalled by White House infighting
Disagreement among administration officials and a time crunch with President Trump's China summit are holding up efforts to launch a federal response to the next frontier of AI. Why it matters: There's not yet any new federal AI regulation weeks after Mythos — Anthropic's most advanced model yet — threw Washington for a loop. Early talk of federal safety reviews of new AI models has slowed down as Trump administration comments have made it clear they aren't on the same page just yet. Leaders across the government are spooked by the capabilities of leading AI labs' latest models, but the realit
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Trump shrugs off rising inflation as war deepens economic spiral
President Trump flew to Beijing on Tuesday under some of the darkest economic clouds of his political career, leaving behind a country reeling from the cost of everyday life. Why it matters: The bottom is falling out on Trump's economic credibility — the central promise of his return to power. The inflation crisis that doomed his predecessor suggests he may not recover. A new CNN poll found that 70% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy — a benchmark that never crossed 50% in his first term, even during the pandemic. 77% of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, s
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Nobody's socializing with their neighbors anymore
Reproducted from AEI ; Chart: Axios Visuals Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors — especially young Americans , who are increasingly unlikely to socialize with those living feet away. Why it matters: Without casual conversations with neighbors — who are often from other races, or have different religions and political ideologies — people risk becoming more isolated and more dependent on superficial, algorithm-driven digital communities. By the numbers: In 2012, 51% of young Americans regularly engaged with neighbors, according to a new AEI
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Thomas Massie's ex accuses him of hush money offer
A former girlfriend of Rep. Thomas Massie accused him this week of offering her $5,000 to drop a wrongful termination complaint against his close ally, Rep. Victoria Spartz. Why it matters: Cynthia West's accusation surfaced a week before Massie's May 19 primary. President Trump is targeting the Kentucky Republican in what has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history. West said she did not coordinate or communicate in any way with Trump's political operation and the campaign of Massie's primary opponent, Ed Gallrein. West said Massie's offer involved cash that he had previously
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Sam Altman rejects Musk's "stolen charity" claims in court showdown
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's first turn on the witness stand Tuesday sharpened the central fight in Elon Musk's lawsuit: whether either man can be trusted to put AI safety ahead of money and control . Why it matters: The testimony showed how hard it is for any AI leader to claim the moral high ground. Driving the news : Altman rejected Musk's central claim that OpenAI and Microsoft had effectively tried to "steal a charity." "It feels difficult to even wrap my head around that framing," Altman said. He argued that shifting to a for-profit structure was the only way to raise the amount of money need
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Democratic calls grow for GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans to resign
U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) is facing growing calls from Democrats to resign over what they say is her agreement with a radio host's derogatory comments about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Why it matters: The firestorm comes as Kiggans, who has denied any wrongdoing, is running for reelection in one of the most hotly contested battleground districts in the country. More than a dozen House Democrats — including Jeffries' top two lieutenants — had called for Kiggans to resign as of Tuesday afternoon, with others vowing to unseat her in November either way. Kiggans said in a p
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Trump faces barrage of Democratic counter-proposals on gas tax
With President Trump's proposal to suspend the gas tax facing headwinds on Capitol Hill, some Democratic lawmakers are offering alternative approaches to get fuel costs under control. Why it matters: This goes beyond a simple debate about gas prices and taps into fundamental disagreements between the two parties about which parts of society should shoulder the costs of war and inflation. Trump wants to relieve consumers' tax burden by cutting revenue to the federal government. Democrats want to redistribute any corporate profits made off the conflict in Iran. A bill set to be introduced by Rep
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Trump officials sue Catholic diocese in bid to seize land for border wall
A holy site home to a 29-foot-tall limestone statue of Jesus Christ is in the crosshairs of President Trump's border wall construction plans. Why it matters: The Trump administration is now suing a Catholic diocese to seize church land at the base of the holy site at Mount Cristo Rey, New Mexico, making it the latest hot spot of local resistance to border wall construction. Driving the news: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin initiated the lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, according to a complaint filed last week and first reported by Bloomberg. The Trump administra
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Nonprofits say they are in a crisis
The country's nonprofit sector — organizations from food banks and homeless shelters to immigrant aid groups — is facing a crisis in the wake of federal funding cuts , advocates say. Why it matters: The nation's most vulnerable people rely on these groups for help — and demand for services has increased over the past year amid higher inflation and cuts to federal programs like SNAP , or food stamps . Driving the news: Data on the sector as a whole is hard to come by, but a new survey out Tuesday offers a look at the situation. By the numbers: 66% of the nonprofits surveyed in February by the C
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Marty Makary out as FDA chief
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary is stepping down after a turbulent 13-month term marked by organizational upheaval, controversies over drug approvals and tensions with the White House. Kyle Diamantas, the agency's deputy commissioner for food, will serve as acting commissioner, President Trump posted on Truth Social. Why it matters: Under Makary, FDA became the unexpected source of drama and a lightning rod for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broader efforts to upend health policy. His departure means the Trump administration will be seeking to fill three Senate
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Trump's China trip collides with AI security fears
As the U.S. and China barrel ahead in their quest for AI supremacy , their race could come at the expense of global cybersecurity. Why it matters: The U.S. and China both have an interest in preventing each other from weaponizing AI tools against them or letting rogue systems into the wild. But it remains to be seen whether they can hold a productive dialogue around AI security norms or trust the other to abide by them. Driving the news : President Trump is expected to discuss AI guardrails with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, U.S. officials told reporters Sunday. "We want t
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Exclusive: How the White House is justifying its $1B East Wing ask
The White House will offer line-by-line detail on its $1 billion plan for its East Wing renovation project during a Senate Republican lunch on Tuesday afternoon, Axios has learned. Why it matters: The administration is making the case that the project isn't simply about funding a new White House ballroom , as Democrats have claimed , but rather that it will also fund a broad array of new security measures. Secret Service Director Sean Curran will deliver the presentation. The $1 billion would be included in a budget reconciliation package that would also fund ICE and Border Patrol. By the numb
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Key House Republican faces calls from Democrats to resign over radio interview
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) is facing calls to resign from Democratic colleagues who say she expressed agreement with a radio host's remark that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) should get his "cotton-picking hands off of Virginia." Why it matters: Kiggans, who denied agreeing with or condoning the language, is facing one of the most hotly contested reelection battles in the country. "First they gutted the Voting Rights Act. Now they are using brazenly racist language to attack Black leaders," House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) said in a post on X , calling for Kiggans to
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Trump faces uphill climb on suspending gas tax
President Trump's endorsement of suspending federal gas taxes pushes the idea higher on the political radar, but it still faces long odds. Why it matters: Some Republicans rushed to introduce bills, and a few Democrats have already endorsed the idea — but there are still serious obstacles that could keep Trump's comments from becoming reality. The federal tax is 18.3 cents for gasoline and 24.3 cents for diesel (with another .1 cent fee for addressing leaking underground tanks). A few dynamics to watch following Trump's comments to CBS News ... 📜 Capitol Hill. Trump needs Congress to act, and
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Student loan debt is delaying life milestones for young Americans
Data: Gallup Alumni Survey; Chart: Avery Lotz/Axios Some two-thirds of Gen Z borrowers have pushed off one more life milestones because of their student loan debt, a new report out Tuesday found. The big picture: Student loan debt in the U.S. tops $1 trillion and is central to Americans' affordability pains, now coupled with the possibility of wage garnishment for those in default after a pandemic-era pause ended last year. Threat level: That debt burden has led more than half of borrowers to delay life events, according to research from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation, which released two new
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America is scaling sin in real time. We're all paying for it.
Las Vegas has long been known as Sin City for its 24/7 access to all kinds of indecencies. America is quickly becoming Sin Nation. Or, as President Trump put it while discussing prediction markets in the Oval Office last month: "The whole world, unfortunately, has become somewhat of a casino." Why it matters: Once-forbidden vices — weed, gambling and porn — are no longer confined to back alleys or the desert. They're ubiquitous, digital and spreading at a pace that has outstripped the country's social and regulatory guardrails. Governments didn't turn a blind eye to most of this behavior. They
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Health program cuts hit home, fueling blame game
Sweeping changes that congressional Republicans made to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid are starting to take effect, fueling an election-year blame game over coverage losses. Why it matters: A rise in the uninsured rate will put more stress on the health system and ratchet up concerns about health costs in an election year where affordability is voters' biggest concern. Driving the news: The changes are hitting home, with about 1.2 million fewer people signed up for ACA coverage compared with a year ago, following Congress' refusal to extend enhanced subsidies. Nebraska this month also be
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Trump weighs military action against Iran with ceasefire "on life support"
President Trump is meeting with his national security team Monday to discuss the way forward in the Iran war, including possibly resuming military action, after negotiations with the country deadlocked Sunday, three U.S. officials said. Why it matters: U.S. officials say Trump wants a deal to end the war, but Iran's rejection of many of his demands and refusal to make meaningful concessions on its nuclear program puts the military option back on the table. Trump publicly threatened several times in recent days to bomb infrastructure in Iran if diplomacy failed. Driving the news: The U.S. waite
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Republicans turn ballroom fight into referendum on Trump's safety
Senate Republican leaders plan to turn the political fight over the $1 billion request for security upgrades tied to the new White House ballroom into a referendum on President Trump's safety. Why it matters: Democrats think the $1 billion figure gives them a simple, bumper-sticker attack against Republicans for voters who are concerned about the cost of living. But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the funding is intended to secure the new facility and ensure the Secret Service has the resources needed to protect the president. "It's a security-related measure," Thune told repor
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Byron Allen strikes deal to buy controlling stake in BuzzFeed and become CEO
Correction: Time range was corrected to reflect BuzzFeed's time as a public company. Data: Financial Modeling Prep ; Chart: Christine Wang/Axios Byron Allen , a media entrepreneur known for aggressively trying to roll up various media assets, on Monday announced a deal to buy a majority stake in BuzzFeed. Why it matters: The deal gives the 20-year-old digital publisher a much-needed lifeline. Without a buyer, the company likely would've been forced to file for bankruptcy . BuzzFeed's stock has been trading under $1, and the company was warned earlier this year it is at risk of being delisted f
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Trump's and Rubio's escalating rhetoric show a Cuban invasion could be imminent
President Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba's government, elevating concerns that his continued threats to invade the Caribbean island could become reality. Why it matters: A U.S. invasion of Cuba would mark the most dramatic confrontation between Washington and Havana since the 1962 missile crisis — and the boldest test yet of Trump's campaign to expand America's influence in the Western Hemisphere under his version of the Monroe Doctrine . State of play: U.S. surveillance and reconnaissance flights have surged off Cuba's coast since February, according to a CNN review of flight data publi
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Supreme Court extends freeze on abortion pill restrictions
The Supreme Court on Monday extended a freeze on new restrictions on mifepristone, allowing the widely used abortion pill to continue being prescribed by mail. Why it matters: The extension, which runs through 5pm ET Thursday, provides a reprieve for pharmacies, telehealth companies and clinicians caught up in the latest legal tussle over accessing the pill. Driving the news: Justice Samuel Alito extended a stay he granted last week after drugmakers Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro asked the court to restore access to mifepristone through telehealth prescriptions and mail delivery. Anti-aborti
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Trump backs federal gas tax suspension
President Trump endorsed suspension of the federal gasoline tax in an interview with CBS News Monday. Why it matters: It marks a reversal for the White House as Republicans face political blowback over high gasoline prices. Last week the White House told Axios that a suspension was not "currently under consideration." Driving the news: "[W]e're going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we'll let it phase back in," he told CBS. Reality check: Suspending the 18.4 cent-per-gallon tax would require Congress. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) posted on X that he'll introduc
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Johnson to address Senate Republicans amid escalating tensions
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will seek to heal growing friction with his Senate counterparts in remarks emphasizing unity during Senate Republicans' weekly lunch Tuesday, Axios has learned. Why it matters: House and Senate Republicans have spent months clashing over virtually every major priority, despite their control of Congress and the White House. The disputes have ranged from ICE and Border Patrol funding to the SAVE Act and a long-term extension of FISA . Johnson is expected to emphasize the need for open lines of communication as Republicans gear up for reconciliation packages 2.0
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Inside the wild $25 million fight to oust top GOP Trump critic Thomas Massie
The fight between Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and President Trump -backed rival Ed Gallrein is now the most expensive U.S. House primary in history — and it's one of the nastiest, too. Why it matters: The race has turned into an all-out war of inflammatory accusations, savage insults and AI deepfakes. One pro-Gallrein super PAC ad features an AI-generated Massie dining and holding hands with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), accusing him of being in a "throuple" and "cheating with 'The Squad' on the America First movement." Pro-Massie groups have attempted to bru
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FDA cliffhanger: Will Marty Makary stay or go?
The Food and Drug Administration was supposed to be the dull and predictable part of President Trump's health bureaucracy. Instead, it's become the soap opera whose cliffhangers leave entire industries in suspense — most recently Friday's drama over reports that commissioner Marty Makary was about to be booted out. Why it matters: The FDA regulates about one-fifth of the U.S. economy, so organizational disarray , surprise policy moves and political interference can cause real disruption. State of play: The Johns Hopkins physician and researcher appeared to have been spared late last week after
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Iran, China and AI collide in Trump's legacy-defining week
Three generational forces will converge this week — first in Washington, then in Beijing — in what could prove a hugely consequential stretch of Donald Trump's presidency. Why it matters: The coming days carry stakes measured in decades: war and peace in the Middle East, the trajectory of the U.S.-China relationship, and the rules governing the AI revolution . State of play: Trump's China summit was once seen as a de facto deadline for stabilizing the Iran war. But with Air Force One set to land in Beijing on Wednesday evening, the conflict remains unresolved. On Sunday, the U.S. finally recei
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Bumble plans a reset to lure Gen Z back
Whitney Wolfe Herd changed the way millions of people around the world found love when she created Bumble in 2014. Now, she says the novelty of online dating has worn off and Bumble needs a major overhaul to survive. Why it matters: Gen Z is burned out from online dating, but still eager to find connection. Herd thinks AI can bridge that gap. Zoom in: Speaking to Axios last week in Los Angeles, Herd said Bumble is in the midst of a major reinvention, one that will fundamentally change the way users engage with the app. "It's time for a new interaction model," she said. "The revolutionary compo
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Jensen Huang to college grads: "Run. Don't walk" toward AI
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang told graduates at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh yesterday that demand for AI infrastructure is creating a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to reindustrialize America and restore the nation's capacity to build." Why it matters: With many college grads fearing AI could obliterate their career dreams, Huang pointed to boundless opportunity as a "new industry is being born. A new era of science and discovery is beginning ... I cannot imagine a more exciting time to begin your life's work." Nvidia, which makes AI chips, is the world's most valuable co
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Suburban poverty traps America's senior citizens
More older Americans are falling into poverty in suburbs built for middle-class stability. Why it matters: Suburbs lack the transit, housing and services that help cushion poverty in cities, leaving millions of seniors at risk of isolation in the neighborhoods they helped build. An Axios analysis of U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) data shows millions of older Americans are aging into poverty or near-poverty outside major city cores. Suburban-heavy counties in Arizona, California, Florida and New York already report large populations aged 65+ that are below the poverty line. By the
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America's job market optimism gap is the worst in the world
Data: Gallup; Chart: Avery Lotz/Axios Young Americans have a gloomier outlook on their job prospects than their older colleagues, creating a wider optimism gap than any other country surveyed by Gallup. The big picture: The very existence of that chasm between pessimistic younger Americans and more positive older people is itself an outlier, with double-digit gaps present only in five other places of the 141 polled. Elsewhere, younger people are more positive, or the generations' sentiments are more aligned. When President Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping meet this week to discuss the world
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Trump to Axios: "I don't like" Iran's peace plan response
President Trump told Axios in a short phone call on Sunday that he would reject Iran's response to the latest draft agreement to end the war. Why it matters: The U.S. waited 10 days for the Iranian response, which came on Sunday. The White House hoped Iran's positions would show further progress toward a deal, but Trump's initial reaction signals the opposite. What he's saying: "I don't like their letter. It's inappropriate. I don't like their response," Trump said, declining to go into further details about what was in the response. "They have been tapping along many nations for 47 years," he
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Scoop: Josh Shapiro quietly tries to derail AOC-backed progressive House candidate
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is quietly trying to derail a left-wing congressional candidate championed by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , Axios has learned. Why it matters: The May 19 primary is shaping up as an early test of strength for the two potential 2028 presidential campaign rivals. The contest is also a microcosm of the nationwide civil war between the Democratic Party's liberal and centrist wings. Driving the news: Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Chris Rabb, a progressive firebrand state lawmaker from Philadelphia who's running for a U.S. House seat in a competitive, three-way
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California's ugly succession war hangs over Gavin Newsom
The day that launched Gavin Newsom as a presidential frontrunner also brought an unwelcome surprise that could haunt the California governor's potential 2028 campaign. Why it matters: Sen. Alex Padilla caught Newsom off guard Nov. 4 by declaring he wouldn't run for governor — depriving Newsom of his preferred successor on the same day the governor triumphed in a statewide redistricting referendum. The governor has resisted endorsing any other potential successor ahead of the June 2 primary. There's no clear Democratic frontrunner , and he wants to have a good relationship with whoever wins. Th
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Biden to fight DOJ's release of ghostwriter tapes
Former President Biden is preparing to ask a court to stop the Trump administration from releasing his conversations with his ghostwriter, tapes that played a central role in a classified-documents investigation . Why it matters: The tapes go to the heart of Special Counsel Robert Hur's damaging conclusions: that Biden read classified notebook passages aloud to ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer and that the former president's memory lapses would make it harder to prove he acted willfully. For the record: Biden has denied sharing classified information. Driving the news: In a joint status report filed
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Trump official opens door to gas tax suspension
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday the Trump administration is "open" to suspending the federal gasoline tax amid high pump prices. Why it matters: His remarks slightly soften the White House stance on the idea of halting the federal gas tax of 18.3 cents per gallon. Polling shows President Trump faces political blowback from prices at their highest levels in four years. The average U.S. price for regular gas hit $4.52 per gallon Sunday, per AAA, up from just under $3 when the war began. Driving the news: Wright, asked about a gas tax suspension on NBC's "Meet the Press," said "we're op
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America's pastor pipeline is collapsing
Fewer Americans want to become pastors , accelerating a leadership vacuum inside one of the country's oldest civic institutions. Why it matters: As the pastor role becomes lower-paid, higher-risk and less trusted, the U.S. isn't just losing clergy — it's losing a key layer of local leadership, especially in rural and Black communities. By the numbers: U.S. Master of Divinity enrollment at accredited schools under the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) fell 14% from 2020 to 2024. Graduate-level and college-level enrollment at Catholic seminaries were down significantly in the 2024-2025 ac
Axios4d
Violent crime rates plunge in America's big cities
Data: Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) ; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios Violent crime fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike. Why it matters: Data from 67 major U.S. law enforcement agencies show violent crime fell across major categories during the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025. The declines show up across every major region, suggesting a systemic, nationwide trend. The quarterly reports collected by the Major Cities Chiefs Association have been a good measure of trends
Axios4d
Congress' biggest reckoning since #MeToo
Congress is going through its biggest reckoning over sexual misconduct since the #MeToo movement rocked Capitol Hill in 2017 and 2018. Why it matters: Nearly a decade after lawmakers instituted reforms around sexual harassment, new allegations are exposing what members and staffers say remains an open secret: a culture of bad behavior on the Hill. "It's complete bullsh*t," one House Republican told Axios. "Like you have all these guys sleeping with their employees, and nothing happens, and everybody knows what's going on." Driving the news: The renewed scrutiny intensified after two lawmakers
Axios4d
Scoop: Rubio and Witkoff meet Qatari mediator in Miami on Iran deal
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff met on Saturday in Miami with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani as part of the efforts to reach a deal to end the war in Iran , according to two sources with knowledge. Why it matters: The U.S. and Iran are negotiating over a one-page memo to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed negotiations. The Qataris are playing a key role in mediating between the sides. As of early afternoon on Saturday, the U.S. was still awaiting Iran's latest response. Between the lines: While Pakistan has been t
Axios5d
The Trump administration's claim of "zero" border crossings is falling apart
The Trump administration's flat-out claim that no one is illegally crossing the southern border is starting to fall apart. Why it matters: The rush of migrants seeking asylum has stopped. But smugglers and cartels are working as hard as ever. "We're still seeing the groups cross in the very difficult terrain to work, head-to-toe camouflage, large backpacks, things like that," says Capt. Timothy Williams of the Sheriff's Office of Cochise County, Arizona. He designed and runs the Southeastern Arizona Border Region Enforcement (SABRE) program that uses cameras to track illegal border crossings f
Axios5d
"Momflation" is changing how we celebrate Mother's Day
Americans are still showing up for mom this Mother's Day — but with more budgeting, bargain hunting and strategic splurging as "momflation" pushes up the cost of flowers , brunch and gifts. Why it matters: Mother's Day is becoming a snapshot of the modern U.S. consumer economy : Even as shoppers complain about inflation and rising prices , many are still willing to spend on special occasions — just more selectively. Americans appear increasingly willing to trade down, not opt out. By the numbers: Consumer spending on Mother's Day is expected to hit a record $38 billion this year, according to
Axios5d
Trump's ruthless midterm power play
President Trump is flexing his dominance over the Republican Party to stamp out primaries that would bleed party coffers and fracture the GOP ahead of a treacherous midterm election. Why it matters: If the party defies expectations and keeps control of Congress this fall, Trump's ruthless maneuvers to sideline some candidates while forcefully backing others will be a big reason. By the numbers: Trump has picked favorites in more primaries than any other president in history. He endorsed 95% of the 217-member House GOP Conference, including 43 candidates running in the Cook Political Report's 6
Axios5d
Panicked Democrats scramble to offset back-to-back-to-back redistricting blows
Republican chances of keeping the House are surging, as panicked Democrats scramble to offset back-to-back-to-back redistricting blows. Why it matters: Democrats feel good about their midterms affordability message . But they're nervous about the math for retaking the House now that Republicans appear (for now) to have won this year's redistricting wars. And they are wondering why the party spent $65 million on a losing effort. "F*****ck!!" one House Democrat texted Axios' Andrew Solender after Virginia's Supreme Court invalidated the state's new congressional maps. House Minority Leader Hakee
Axios5d
Vance meets Qatari mediator as U.S. awaits peace plan response
As the U.S. awaits the Iranian response to the draft agreement to end the war, Vice President Vance met Friday with one of the key mediators, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani. Why it matters: While Pakistan has been the official mediator between the U.S. and Iran since the beginning of the war, the Qataris have continued working behind the scenes. The White House views them as especially effective in negotiations with Iran, U.S. officials say. The Qatari prime minister traveled to Washington solely for his meeting with Vance on Friday morning. He left Washington
Axios6d
Canvas outage delays college finals across the country
Universities across the country are rescheduling or canceling finals after a cyberattack shut down a learning platform used by thousands of schools for course information and assignments. The big picture: The attack comes at a critical moment for college students who are cramming for finals — and underscores education's growing reliance on singular technology platforms. Driving the news: With caps and gowns already purchased at campuses across the country, several universities announced that the shutdown forced them to reorganize or scratch finals. Penn State announced that Thursday night and
Axios6d
After a year of whiplash, U.S. jobs market is stabilizing
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios The U.S. labor market has found its footing: A yearlong pattern of whipsawing between job gains and losses is finally breaking, a sign that stabilization is taking hold. Why it matters: The labor market is holding up despite a wall of headwinds, including an energy shock stemming from the Iran war and the uncertainty that comes with the conflict. So far, the damage that was expected to ripple through hiring simply hasn't shown up. But this isn't the gangbusters hiring environment of 2022. It's something steadier and possibly more fragil
Axios6d
Democrats' disaster scenario: Lawmakers despondent over "sickening" Virginia ruling
House Democrats fell into a state of anguish on Friday after the Virginia Supreme Court struck down a congressional map that would have netted them as many as four seats in the 2026 midterm elections. Why it matters: The decision is a huge boost to Republicans' chances of keeping the House in November, with even some Democrats acknowledging they basically need to run the table in November to win now. "Damn, California and Virginia were supposed to be our bigger ones," one House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid getting out ahead of their leadership, said in a phone inte
Axios6d
Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results
The Virginia Supreme Court overturned the results of the state's redistricting referendum, which voters narrowly approved last month . Why it matters: The 4-3 ruling upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country. It follows months of legal challenges over whether the referendum was unconstitutional. The big picture: The Friday decision says the amendment process pushed by Democrats violated the state constitution, effectively blocking the effort to redraw congressional maps mid-decade. That's after the state spent $5.2 million to pay for the special election, and o
Axios6d
Trade court strikes down Trump 10% universal tariffs
The Court of International Trade on Thursday ruled that President Trump's newest round of tariffs were illegal — but the duties will keep collecting for most importers while the administration appeals. Why it matters: It is yet another legal setback for the White House's trade policy — this time ruling against the suite of tariffs that officials imposed to replace those struck down by the Supreme Court . State of play: Trump turned to Section 122 — a never-before-used provision of the Trade Act of 1974 — the same day the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of his tariffs in Febr
Axios6d
What's behind Washington's AI safety pivot
The Trump administration appears poised to reshape the U.S. approach to AI security ahead of President Trump's trip to China next week. Why it matters: What happens next could be the turning point for how the Trump White House handles the proliferation of the most advanced AI models in the world. And there are new reports of possible coordination between the two countries that are fiercely competing on AI development — a signal that neither side wants a dangerous arms race. Driving the news: A fire-alarm moment is happening: The pro-AI growth administration is realizing it may need more guardr
Axios6d
California dysfunction puts backlash on the ballot
LOS ANGELES — The two most consequential races in California have devolved into twin spectacles, with years of visible dysfunction hollowing out Democrats' case for competent leadership. Why it matters: California is the ultimate paradox of Democratic rule. A state of immense wealth , innovation and cultural power is increasingly unable to deliver the basics of housing, public safety and disaster response. The big picture: Those failures have been building for years. But COVID and last year's catastrophic fires have transformed long-simmering frustration with California governance into a visce
Axios6d
Hey Dad! We built an app: How college students with no coding experience pulled it off
James VandeHei Jr., 21, is a rising senior at High Point University and a Division I soccer player. He brings us the backstory of an app that launched Thursday (and is moving up the news chart): My dad's letter on AI , which dropped in Axios Finish Line in January, came right as I was starting to go deep into the technology myself. Along with two buddies — Charlie Stallmer at Holy Cross and Chris Brophy at the University of Denver, also college juniors — I was already thinking about building an app . The idea: After a summer on the Hill, the three of us had the same realization. Voting records
Axios6d
The Democratic civil war is just getting started for Chuck Schumer
Chuck Schumer's headaches may only just be getting started after the Senate minority leader's handpicked candidate to take down Sen. Susan Collins was forced to drop out early in Maine's Democratic primary. Why it matters: Progressive candidates are mounting serious, well-funded campaigns against more traditional Democrats in Senate primaries across the country. 🧳 Moderate Democrats are worried that progressive candidates, especially those with baggage , will hurt their chances of flipping key Senate seats if nominated. 🍪 Progressives argue that party leaders are relying on an outdated, cook
Axios5/7/2026
OpenAI makes its rival to Anthropic's Mythos more widely available to cyber defenders
OpenAI is rolling out a more permissible version of GPT-5.5 — aka "Spud" — to vetted cyber defenders, the company said Thursday. Why it matters : Recent security testing suggests that GPT-5.5 model is nearly as good at finding and exploiting software bugs as Anthropic's Mythos Preview . The capabilities of the new models have sparked an urgent debate in Silicon Valley and the White House about how to keep them out of the hands of bad actors. Driving the news: OpenAI is opening a limited preview of GPT-5.5-Cyber to vetted cyber defenders who are "responsible for securing critical infrastructure
Axios5/7/2026
Trump upends Democrats' strategy on Iran war powers
President Trump's declaration that hostilities with Iran are "terminated" has thrown Democrats' strategy around congressional war powers into turmoil, Axios has learned. Why it matters: House Democrats, led by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, had been planning to force a war powers vote every day . It is now unclear whether that will — or even can — happen. Lawmakers involved in the war powers effort have been quietly reassessing how to approach the matter when Congress returns next week, according to multiple aides and lawmakers familiar with the matter. "There's a lot to happen between
Axios5/7/2026
Iran and U.S. exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. and Iran both conducted attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, with Iran firing missiles and drones at three U.S. naval vessels and the U.S. striking a range of Iranian targets. Why it matters: A U.S. official told Axios the exchange did not constitute a resumption of the war, but the Iranian military described the U.S. strikes as a ceasefire violation and threatened retaliation. President Trump told ABC News they were "just a love tap." He later posted on Truth Social that the U.S. had sunk "numerous small boats" in response to Iran firing on three U.S. destroyers transiting th
Axios5/7/2026
Rubio announces new Cuba sanctions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions Thursday on Cuba's military-industrial enterprise, its leader and a state-owned natural resources company. Why it matters: The new sanctions show the Trump administration is pushing forward for regime change in Cuba , a long-held goal of Rubio and President Trump. Zoom in: Rubio imposed the sanctions under Trump's May 1 executive order targeting "Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy." Those sanctioned include: Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. Known as GAESA,
Axios5/7/2026
Why the hantavirus outbreak is different from the COVID-19 pandemic
The outbreak of a deadly virus aboard a cruise ship may sound like a familiar story — but while it's a serious scenario, public health figures aren't anticipating the next global pandemic. The big picture: The hantavirus has left travelers isolating in their rooms, sparked a diplomatic debate about where the ship should port and launched a contact-tracing scramble. The Andes strain of the virus, which health authorities have identified as the culprit on the cruise, is the only one known to be capable of transmission between humans. Three deaths have been reported and several others have fallen
Axios5/7/2026
ICE targets Plan B after backlash to mega-jails plan
ICE is in talks to buy turnkey immigration detention facilities from its biggest vendors as local backlash derails its plan to rapidly renovate warehouses into large-scale detention spaces . Why it matters: The Department of Homeland Security wants to own its detention spaces, a pivot from the mostly leased network of beds that held a peak a population of more than 70,000 detainees earlier this year. Zoom in: "The broader vision is to develop a nationwide network that consolidates populations in relatively larger facilities that allows them to be able to service the needs of the entire country
Axios5/7/2026
Bumble CEO reveals it's killing off the swipe on "The Axios Show"
Bumble's swipe feature — responsible for countless connections , breakups and everything in between — will soon be no more, founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced Wednesday on "The Axios Show." Why it matters: Wolfe Herd, who returned to the dating app as CEO last year, is making a big bet: ditching core features to pivot toward AI-driven matchmaking and attract new users ahead of a relaunch this year. It's a ripe time for a product overhaul as Bumble deals with a sagging business, Gen Z dating app fatigue and stiff competition from Tinder and Hinge. Driving the news: "We are going to be
Axios5/7/2026
Behind the Curtain: Intelligence explosion
Anthropic , the AI lab whose identity is wrapped around warning the world about AI risk, is claiming "early signs" of AI not just coding its own products but building itself. Why it matters: Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark predicted this week that there's a 60%+ chance of an AI model fully training its successor by the end of 2028. "What I'm looking at is a technological trend where, if anything, the speed will accelerate further," Clark told us. In the new research agenda for The Anthropic Institute — first shared with us, and out Thursday — the company says it's seeing signs of "AI contribut
Axios5/7/2026
Gas prices won't return to pre-war levels any time soon
If a U.S.-Iran peace deal actually happens this time — and that's still a big if — consumers have a long road ahead before filling up returns all the way to the good old days of early 2026. Why it matters: Even if the Strait of Hormuz opened right away, pump prices will likely remain higher — maybe a lot higher — than pre-war levels at least through the midterm elections. U.S. retail prices are tethered to global oil markets that will be in turmoil for a while. The average U.S. price for regular gasoline was $4.54 per gallon on Wednesday, compared to just under $3 pre-war, per AAA data. What w
Axios5/7/2026
How Elon grew to love Anthropic
Elon Musk's surprise Anthropic deal allows him to accomplish two things at once: turn unused compute into revenue before an expected SpaceX IPO next month — and stick it to his archrival, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Why it matters: Musk went from calling Anthropic "evil" to doing business with it in three months, showing how quickly competition can give way to strategic necessity in the AI race. The big picture: The deal helps Anthropic address one of its most pressing problems — a severe compute deficit. The company saw "80x growth per year in revenue and usage" for the first quarter of 2026, CEO
Axios5/7/2026
Epstein's purported suicide note released by judge
A federal judge unsealed a purported Jeffrey Epstein suicide note on Wednesday. The big picture: The convicted sex offender was found dead in his New York City prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Online influencers pushed conspiracy theories about Epstein's death after it was ruled a suicide, but the Justice Department and FBI — now headed by one of those influencers, Kash Patel — concluded last July that he had in fact died by suicide. Driving the news: Judge Kenneth Karas released the unverified and undated note to the court's docket , in regards to a case re
Axios5/6/2026
Trump's redistricting revenge tour heads down South
President Trump's revenge tour didn't just draw blood in Indiana. It put Republican holdouts across the South on notice. Why it matters: Republicans are being squeezed to approve last-minute new maps that give House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) a shot at saving his majority in November. Tennessee Republicans are expected to vote as soon as tomorrow to draw out Rep. Steve Cohen, the state's last House Democrat. "This is insane," Cohen said today on X about the new map. The South Carolina House has started a redraw debate that could threaten Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, who warned last week of "
Axios5/6/2026
Trump's mandatory ICE detention policy struck down in appeals court
A federal appeals court struck down the Trump administration's mandatory detention policy on Wednesday. Why it matters: The Miami, Florida-based 11th Circuit ruling is the latest case to weigh the administration's controversial policy to hold people in immigration detention with the possibility for bond. Now, two federal appeals courts have ruled against the government, while two others have supported the policy . One deadlocked . Driving the news: The case stems from the government's reinterpretation of a 1996 policy governing which migrants had to be held in detention and who was eligible fo
Axios5/6/2026
Trump's student loan limits could rock the health care industry
The Trump administration's new federal student loan limits could force aspiring health care workers to abandon their degrees or turn to private lenders. Why it matters: America's aging population means the nation needs more health care workers, but the borrowing cap could exacerbate the industry's worker shortage , which is already marked by medical care deserts and longer wait times . "The health care workforce is not a faucet that you can turn on and off," Adrienne Thomas of the American Hospital Association tells Axios. "We're really concerned that this rule will discourage students from en
Axios5/6/2026
Corporate America shrugging off economic uncertainty as earnings deliver
Corporate America is delivering the goods this earnings season , dampening fears about the economy, even as rising energy prices threaten to undermine the momentum. Why it matters: Economic uncertainty tied to the Iran war — alongside stubborn inflation and souring consumer sentiment — don't seem to have derailed earnings in Q1. Zoom in: Wednesday's winners included: Uber: After reporting a 25% rise in bookings, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told CNBC : "The consumers are spending, they're spending locally, and we don't see any signs of that weakening at this point." Disney: The company recorded bette
Axios5/6/2026
Trump optimistic as U.S. awaits Iran's response to peace framework
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. and Iran have had "good talks over the last 24 hours," and expressed confidence that a deal is possible in the coming days. Why it matters: The White House is waiting for Iran's response to a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, as Axios first reported . U.S. officials said they expect a response from Tehran in the next 24-48 hours. "We are not far, but there is no deal yet," one U.S. official said. Yes, but: Other U.S. officials are more skeptical a deal will come toge
Axios5/6/2026
AI makes a mess of private equity
It's no secret that AI has become a splitting headache for private equity, or at least for funds that bought big into enterprise software. But this isn't just a backward-looking problem, which can be temporarily stemmed by Q1 equity markdowns and maturing debt renegotiations. Almost every industry big that spoke to Axios at the Milken Global Conference this week said that AI has created massive modeling challenges for new deals, almost regardless of sector. Private equity is a long-term asset class , typically holding portfolio companies for a minimum of three or four years. For context, it's
Axios5/6/2026
Poll: Even Trump voters reject his Jesus post
President Trump 's own voters overwhelmingly rejected his social media post depicting himself as Jesus — a rare break in today's tribal politics, a new poll finds. Why it matters: The backlash underscores limits to how far culture-war politics can stretch inside his own coalition. A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll finds that Trump's religious messaging, especially his Jesus post, is overwhelmingly rejected by Americans. The poll was first reported by the Washington Post . By the numbers: 80% of 2024 Trump voters and 79% of Republicans reacted negatively to Trump posting an image depict
Axios5/6/2026
Axios interview: Scale AI CEO Jason Droege pushes "reliability" reality
Scale AI CEO Jason Droege tells Axios that AI is often too unreliable for mission-critical use by business, military and government. "The cost of mistakes in these environments can be high," Droege, 47, said in an interview from San Francisco, where Scale — which celebrated its 10th anniversary this week — is based. Why it matters: Droege — who succeeded founder Alexandr Wang last June when the wunderkind became Meta's first chief AI officer, and Meta took a 49% stake in Scale — wants to signal that it isn't merely a data annotation company, but has long been an AI infrastructure and deploymen
Axios5/6/2026
Doctors' growing AI deepfakes problem
AI is helping make doctors the unwitting stars of deepfake videos that hawk questionable products or spread misinformation, prompting calls from clinicians for more privacy and transparency laws. Why it matters: The profusion of AI content on social media platforms could further erode public trust in the medical establishment. It could also be used to fuel insurance fraud, steal data and put patients at risk. Driving the news: The American Medical Association called on federal and state lawmakers last week to close legal gaps and modernize identity protections to address what its CEO John Whyt
Axios5/6/2026
RFK Jr. out for revenge against skeptical senator
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA movement are out for payback, setting their sights on unseating a fierce adversary — Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy — in next week's Louisiana primary. Why it matters: Kennedy and his supporters view the physician-turned-senator as an avatar for the medical establishment they're determined to upend. The big picture: Cassidy, who chairs the Senate HELP Committee, has been openly skeptical of Kennedy's bid to reform health policy. After providing a pivotal vote to confirm Kennedy, Cassidy has pushed back on Kennedy's efforts to scale back vaccine
Axios5/6/2026
Assaults against U.S. Jews reach 46-year high
Data: Anti-Defamation League annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents ; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios Physical assaults against Jewish people in the U.S. last year reached the highest levels since 1979, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced Wednesday. Why it matters: An overall decline in anti-Jewish harassment and vandalism didn't extend to a reduction in violence. ADL counted 6,274 antisemitic incidents in 2025, down 33% from 2024, but still the third-highest year on record. Last year saw 203 anti-Jewish assaults, up from 196 in 2024. 32 of those assaults involved deadly weapons, up from
Axios5/6/2026
Exclusive: U.S. and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, officials say
The White House believes it's getting close to an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, according to two U.S. officials and two other sources briefed on the issue. The big picture: The U.S. expects Iranian responses on several key points in the next 48 hours. Nothing has been agreed yet, but the sources said this was the closest the parties had been to an agreement since the war began. Among other provisions, the deal would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the U.S. a
Axios5/6/2026
Trump revenge tour steamrolls Indiana holdouts
President Trump exacted retribution Tuesday on a group of Indiana Republican state legislators who blocked his push to redraw the state's congressional map. Trump's political operation targeted eight GOP state senators for defeat in their primaries. By late Tuesday, six of those legislators were defeated, one survived and one was locked in a race that was too close to call. Why it matters: The outcome represented a major win for Trump's political team, which is aggressively going after Republicans who defy the president. Trump is also backing primary challengers to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie
Axios5/6/2026
Stop overthinking AI. Simplify with 3 questions only you can answer.
The simplest AI playbook we know doesn't involve a single model. It's three questions, asked by YOU to YOU. They work for any size company, any seniority level: What are the three things, in order of importance, you must do to meet or exceed expectations in your gig? What are three things you think you're supposed to be doing that make no sense, could be done better or not at all ? What are three things AI could do better than you to 10x your output? That's it. Nine answers per person. Worst case: You force clarity and alignment with your boss. Everyone walks out knowing what actually matters.
Axios5/6/2026
Senate Dems eager to force Republicans to vote on Trump's ballroom
Senate Democrats are salivating at the chance to force every Republican to vote on $1 billion for security upgrades tied to President Trump's new White House ballroom. Why it matters: A billion-dollar, Trump-branded gilded ballroom — which the president insisted would be privately funded — is the kind of affordability contrast Democrats have dreamed about for the 2026 midterms. "It's an outrageous betrayal of hardworking families who want lower costs, not a golden ballroom," said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Republicans are ignoring mid
Axios5/6/2026
Trump suspends Hormuz operation, claims progress on Iran deal
President Trump said Tuesday he's suspending the new U.S. military operation in the Strait of Hormuz due to progress in the negotiations with Iran on an agreement to end the war. Why it matters: The operation to "guide" ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which was launched Monday, led to an exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran and to Iranian missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates for the first time since the ceasefire was announced a month ago. What he's saying: "Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries ... and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made t
Axios5/5/2026