Axios

CNN, MS NOW, and Politico on Monday filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the White House, arguing the president and the administration violated their rights by blocking their access over the weekend.

Why it matters: Many presidents have had a contentious relationship with certain outlets, but none have gone so far as to unilaterally block them.

Americans are "connecting the dots" between climate and affordability strain, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said Monday at an Axios House event on the sidelines of Climate Week and the UN General Assembly.

Why it matters: But as pocketbook issues dominate a critical midterm race, Schatz says that doesn't mean the first thing he mentions to constituents is climate. Still, climate-tangent conversations — like utility prices and the data center boom — are looming over the polls.

Germany's ruling center-right party, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union, was shut out of a state parliament for the first time Sunday as the far-right Alternative for Germany scored its second victory this month.

Why it matters: The result marks the third state election AfD has won — and its second this month — underscoring its growing strength even as Germany's other major parties refuse to govern with it.