Key members of House leadership, as well as three Democrats, introduced new legislation Thursday to clarify the lanes of responsibility for regulatory oversight of digital assets.
Why it matters: While the cryptocurrency business is often described as a Wild West, longtime practitioners argue that the only reason they haven't been following rules is because the U.S. hasn't written rules for them to follow.
The Energy Department on Thursday authorized liquefied natural gas exports to major markets from the planned second phase of the Port Arthur LNG project in Texas.
Why it matters: These approvals are vital for companies and investors to move ahead with building multi-billion dollar export terminals.
The U.S. Court of International Trade on Wednesday ruled President Trump does not have the authority under economic emergency legislation to impose his global tariffs.
Why it matters: The court's decision could potentially derail Trump's trade war, but the Supreme Court could also still overturn the ruling. A federal appellate court already stayed it temporarily.
The big picture: DOGE-driven cuts wreaked havoc on federal workers, prompting a litany of lawsuits seeking to rein in Musk's chainsaw. As the billionaire departs, judges across the country could still unravel key parts of the effort for which he became the face.
Since it passed out of the Banking Committee in March, Sen. Bill Hagerty's legislation on issuing stablecoins now specifically has language addressing conflicts of interest and national security protections.
Why it matters: Stablecoin legislation in the Senate has addressed many of the Senate Democrats' most pressing concerns, but still carries one notable exception.
Companies that maintained their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion saw reputation scores rise in this year's Axios Harris Poll 100 reputation rankings.
Why it matters: Unclear corporate values or a lack of conviction — most recently seen through mass DEI walk-backs — can hinder reputation.
Steve Madden has gone viral for his recent, no-holds-barred interview on "The Cutting Room Floor" podcast — and in the days following, the footwear company's stock price has also gotten a bump.
Why it matters: Long-form interviews can be a risky public relations move, but when done right, they can attract new customers and generate business.
The Supreme Court unanimously decided Thursday to limit environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects in a case that has profound implications for President Trump's "energy dominance" agenda.
Why it matters: The justices' decision reduces the scope of reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act to focus only on immediate impacts.
U.S. CEO confidence recorded the largest quarterly decline in nearly 50 years of data, per a Conference Board report out Thursday.
Why it matters: CEOs seem to be losing their nerve just as consumers are starting to get more optimistic, amid the constant uncertainty of President Trump's trade war.
Bennett Richardson is departing Semafor to take the top communications and marketing job at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Axios first learned.
Why it matters: Richardson will be joined by former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development official Raffi Williams as NAR beefs up its communications operation.
South32's Hermosa project is the country's only advanced mine development designed to produce two minerals essential for powering the nation's energy future.
Businesses closed, canceled or downsized over $14 billion worth of U.S. low-carbon manufacturing and energy generation projects so far this year, per a new summary of tracking data from the nonprofit group E2.
Why it matters: The pullback comes amid "rising fears over the future of federal clean energy tax credits and policy," as budget legislation advances, the group said.
Chevron's young business to build gas-fired plants that directly supply data centers is "moving very quickly," and final agreements with hyperscalers could come soon, Chevron New Energies president Jeff Gustavson tells Axios.
Why it matters: Chevron's — and rival Exxon's — plunge into behind-the-meter power for data centers shows how the oil supermajors are moving to capitalize on AI's powerful energy thirst.
Airbnb is launching a new tier of exclusive curated experiences that include cultivated programming in Austin.
Why it matters: The company is increasingly going beyond what it is best-known for, arranging home rentals for travelers, to meet a growing hunger for in-person experiences.
More than 60% of U.S. corporate executives have been cutting costs, renegotiating with suppliers and making plans to pass tariff impacts onto customers, per a new PwC survey out Thursday.
Why it matters: They're all difficult signs for the economy, though they also pre-date a court blocking most of President Trump's tariffs Wednesday night.
An obscure federal court blew up the cornerstone of President Trump's economic agenda last night, unleashing more chaos on the global economy and all but wiping out his negotiating leverage with trading partners.
Why it matters: At least for now, it turns out the legal system — not the bond market, nor weak economic indicators — is the biggest restraint on Trump's trade agenda.
At a press conference Wednesday, President Trump had a very unhappy reaction to being asked about the "TACO trade" — a shorthand for Trump Always Chickens Out.
Why it matters: Traders have been using TACO to describe the belief that the president will back off on a big tariff threat if the markets sink in response.
Elon Musk pivoted to damage control in his final days as a "special government employee," publicly recommitting to Mars, cars and robots after a bruising year in the political limelight.
Why it matters: The billionaire CEO confirmed Wednesday he is departing the Trump administration, though he will remain one of President Trump's most influential outside advisers.
