"Chapter 22" is a terrifying read for American companies, but multiple major businesses have ended up there in 2025 — and others could soon follow.
Why it matters: Joann, Rite Aid and Claire's have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a second time — colloquially called Chapter 22 — in 2025, and now Spirit Airlines is at risk of joining them.
New and expecting parents who work at Veterans Affairs are getting approved maternity and paternity leave canceled after their union contract was terminated by the White House, according to two internal memos viewed by Axios.
Why it matters: It's usually a scramble to stand up childcare options for new babies or figure out alternative arrangements on short notice.
Why it matters: It's a boost for the White House in their effort to radically shrink the agency, which is tasked with protecting consumers from being ripped off by big businesses.
It's been a week since President Trump issued an executive order to encourage 401(k) investment in private equity, and the biggest surprise so far is how quickly the rest of his administration has activated.
Why it matters: There will be a steep learning curve for all participants, but it can't really begin until the White House does its foundational work.
President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aren't heading to Alaska alone.
The big picture: Trump's entourage for the bilateral meeting features some of his closest allies as he looks to broker a potential ceasefire with Putin, who is bringing a small retinue of his own.
U.S. shoppers spent at a healthy pace in July, while June's spending was higher than initially thought as well, the Commerce Department said on Friday.
Why it matters: Despite concerns about the economy's health, consumer spending remained resilient, as summer sale events encouraged shopping.
Investors in emerging markets that have leaders who cast doubt on national economic data may have lessons for American traders, as President Trump continues to dispute official statistics.
Why it matters: The U.S. is by no means an emerging market or dictatorship. But looking at how markets around the world perform under authoritarian leadership holds some important lessons for domestic investors.
The West Wing has created a scorecard that rates 553 companies and trade associations on how hard they worked to support and promote President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," a senior White House official tells Axios.
Why it matters: Trump works transactionally, and companies have rushed to pay demonstrative homage. Now, senior aides will have data to consult when considering corporate requests.
Rich Americans are spending at a higher rate this year — everyone else is basically slowing their roll.
Why it matters: New data makes clear that while the good times continue for higher-income earners — strong wage growth, less debt — lower-income Americans are under increasing financial stress.
