Why it matters: The ask comes after the FBI revealed it received more than 4,500 tips about Kavanaugh when he was awaiting Senate confirmation amid sexual assault allegations. Only the most "relevant" of these tips were forwarded to the Trump White House.
Why it matters: Unrest and violence in Afghanistan have sharply increased since Biden announced military withdrawal from the country, which is now almost complete and has coincided with large territorial gains by the Taliban.
Florida's attorney general on Friday asked the Supreme Court to block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's protocols requiring cruise lines to meet specific conditions before setting sail again.
Why it matters: The legal battle comes as ships gear up to restart operations after halting service during the pandemic. The CDC imposed mandates involving ventilation, social distancing, "pervasive" testing and reporting requirements, among others.
The U.S. delegation that traveled to Haiti on Friday to attend the funeral for assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse arrived safely back in the United States after departing early amid reports of nearby gunfire and tear gas.
Why it matters: Widespread political unrest has engulfed the country in the two weeks since Moïse's assassination. Meanwhile, the investigation into what happened remains ongoing.
Real estate investor Tom Barrack paid a federal court a bond of $250 million to get out of jail on Friday while awaiting trial after he was arrested and charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates earlier this week, AP reports.
Driving the news: A federal judge also ordered Barrack, a longtime ally of former President Trump and chair of his inaugural committee, to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet at all times and barred him from transferring funds overseas.
The world is suffering from a shortage of silicon chips, making it harder to make and buy everything from cars to home appliances.
Axios Re:Cap talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about efforts to improve domestic manufacturing, why it’s taking so long to pass the CHIPS Act and what can be done to help in the short-term. Plus, an important message from Dan.
Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said Friday the state would resume advocating for vaccines after state Republicans pressured the health department into halting all of its vaccine outreach programs to minors, the Tennessean reports.
Why it matters: State lawmakers received nationwide criticism for preventing the health department from promoting the coronavirus vaccine to minors and called for the firing of its top vaccine official for promoting a state law that allows minors to seek medical care without their parent's permission.
A New Mexico lawmaker denied Communion by a bishop over his vote to advance abortion protections told Axios exclusively he won't be bullied and looks forward to receiving Communion with President Biden one day.
Why it matters: The example set by Sen. Joseph Cervantes, a Democrat, is drawing the attention of lawmakers around the country. Blue states are moving to protect abortion rights should the Supreme Court overturn or erode Roe v. Wade.
For Americans, the Tokyo Olympics that officially begin with today's opening ceremony will be a test of what patriotism looks like in 2021.
The big picture: Americans who disagree on everything else will still be rallying around the same team, as a new Axios/Momentive poll makes clear. But they're sharply divided over whether athletes should use the Olympic stage to protest, with young adults more likely than older adults to approve of protests and less likely to feel pride in the U.S. flag.
President Biden and the Democratic-controlled Senate have installed more federal judges during the first six months of his presidency than any administration since Richard Nixon's.
Why it matters: While Democrats may spend more time talking publicly about vaccines and infrastructure, the rapid pace of both nominations and confirmations shows judges are one of the party's most urgent priorities. President Trump pushed through his own slate of judges to boost conservatives for decades.
Senate Democrats are considering including about $10 billion in their $3.5-trillion budget reconciliation package for border security — focused on infrastructure at legal entry points, two sources familiar with their plans tell Axios.
Why it matters: Democrats already planned to include roughly $120 billion for pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and undocumented essential workers. The sources said there will be even more to address immigration — with more direct infrastructure ties.
California's gubernatorial recall election has become a casting call for wannabes seeking a giant earned-media opportunity.
Why it matters: Some possible challengers to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom are barely mounting a serious campaign. But politics as show business was a winning approach for Donald Trump, and marginal political aspirants appear to be following his lead.
