Axios

Iran's military has taken a significant beating in the opening weeks of the U.S.-Israeli offensive — but Tehran continues to demonstrate a defiant disruptiveness.

The big picture: The U.S. is developing military operations for a "final blow," Axios' Barak Ravid reported, but some hypothetical next steps, like the use of ground forces, could risk intensifying the fight.

A growing number of House Democrats are calling on Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) to resign after the House Ethics Committee found her guilty of dozens of charges, including serious financial misconduct.

Why it matters: Some of those lawmakers said they are at least open to voting to expel the Florida Democrat, creating substantial new pressure for her to be ousted from Congress by one means or another.

Hardline House conservatives are threatening to sink a Senate-passed DHS funding bill, escalating a standoff that's already kept the agency shut down for more than five weeks.

Why it matters: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is staring down a messy path to funding the Department of Homeland Security with no easy off-ramp.