We often hearthe American Dream is dead. But whatever you think of immigration, every year people come here from around the world in pursuit of that dream.
Why it matters: People across borders and oceans still view the U.S. as the place to come to build a better life for their children.
Thousands of people rallied in support of abortion rights at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., on Saturday and more are expected to join for a march to the Supreme Court.
Why it matters: The demonstrations in D.C. and other cities are in response to a recently leaked draft opinion by the Supreme Court, which suggested that the conservative-majority court is prepared to overturn or significantly alter Roe v. Wade.
At least four Air Force Academy cadets may not graduate later this month because they have refused the COVID-19 vaccine, AP reports.
Why it matters: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made the vaccine mandatory for all service members last year. The cadets who refused the vaccine may also have to pay back tuition costs if they are not vaccinated by graduation, which is in two weeks.
Justice Clarence Thomas said Friday at an event in Dallas that the Supreme Court has been changed by the leak of a draft decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade earlier this month, calling it "tremendously bad," according to audio obtained by Reason Magazine.
Why it matters: Thomas, a conservative, said he believes the leak has damaged trust in the court and said that "we are in danger of destroying the institutions that are required for a free society."
Former President Trump endorsed Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano for governor on Saturday.
Why it matters: Mastriano, who was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has sought to undermine the 2020 election results and has proposed defying Pennsylvania's popular vote outcome in future elections.
The Jan. 6 committee may seek testimony from additional lawmakers as soon as next week, ahead of blockbuster TV hearings that kick off next month, Axios has learned.
Driving the news: Chiefs of staff and other aides to members of the House select committee were told Friday on their weekly call with committee staff to brace for more bombshells ahead of the June 9 start to public hearings, according to two sources on the call.
The briefers did not say which lawmakers will be contacted, or whether they intended to issue more subpoenas, the sources told Axios.
Members haven't said how they would enforce those subpoenas.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a member of the committee, told Axios on Thursday that “the fact-gathering process will continue through the hearings.”
What we're hearing: A U.S. Capitol Police security briefing for members and their chiefs of staff, to prepare for the June hearings, is scheduled for May 20.
Flashback: Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) teased a new tranche of requests last month for GOP members including senators, saying they would receive letters to voluntarily testify.
A federal judge blocked part of Alabama's new law that bans gender-affirming care for minors and makes it a felony for medical professionals to perform such medical treatments.
Why it matters: U.S. District Judge Liles Burke issued an injunction to allow challenges against the law to go forward, including the Department of Justice's complaint, which was filed last month.
Seventeen Republican attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday for letting California set its own vehicle emission standards.
Driving the news: The suit alleges that EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution's doctrine of equal sovereignty by giving California an exemption from the Clean Air Act and allowing the state to impose emissions limits that are stricter than the nationwide standard.
Two tech industry groups filed an emergency application Friday night asking the Supreme Court to block a lower court ruling that allowed Texas' controversial social media law to take effect.
Why it matters: The law allows users to sue a social media company if they are blocked from posting or have their posts removed. Civil liberties experts and tech advocates have said it would force companies to let problematic speech such as hate and misinformation stay up on their platforms.
Former President Trump is leaning strongly toward endorsing highly controversial Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano for governor, according to three sources familiar with his private deliberations.
Why it matters: Mastriano — who was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 — has gone beyond trying to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. He's proposed defying Pennsylvania's popular vote outcome and spoke at an event last month that promoted QAnon conspiracies.
Frank James, the man accused of carrying out a subway shooting in Brooklyn last month that injured at least 23 people, pleaded not guilty to terrorism and weapons charges during his arraignment Friday, according the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Driving the news: If James is convicted, he could face a maximum punishment of life in prison.
Outgoing White House press secretary Jen Psaki teared up during her last briefing on Friday, thanking President Biden for the opportunity to serve in the role. "I promised myself I wasn't going to get emotional," she said.
Driving the news: Psaki said her first conversation with Biden and first lady Jill Biden was after the presidential election in November 2020.
Kathy Barnette, a Republican Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, has a social media history packed with anti-Muslim and anti-LGBTQ sentiments, as well as conspiracy theories about former President Obama.
Why it matters: Barnette's social media posts have drawn scrutiny because she has garnered a lot of buzz in the closely watched Pennsylvania race, surprising — and frightening — many influential Republicans in Washington.
A Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state could resume investigating parents for child abuse if they seek gender-affirming care for transgender kids.
Why it matters: The decision reverses an injunction by a Texas appeals court in March that temporarily blocked such investigations.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke Friday with Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu in the leaders' first conversation since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Driving the news: Austin "urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication," Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement.
A Republican lawmaker in Louisiana on Thursday pulled a bill that would have allowed prosecutors to charge a person with homicide if they get an abortion — effectively ending the chance it would become law this legislative session.
Why it matters: The bill was different from most recent anti-abortion laws, which have focused on punishing abortion providers and people who help others obtain an abortion rather than the patient themselves.
Former Vice President Mike Pence will campaign for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on the eve of his May 24 primary against Trump-backed former Sen. David Perdue.
Why it matters: Pence's decision to back one of former President Trump's most prominent GOP targets puts the fractures inside the Republican Party, and between Trump and his former vice president, on stark display.
Donald Trump has found a new way to milk his ex-presidency — and test another — hitting the lucrative motivational speaking circuit with more fervor than any other active U.S. politician in history.
Why it matters: It's a way to build support for a possible 2024 presidential bid while potentially pocketing large speaking fees as many of his iconic properties are struggling.
Georgia swing voters in the latest Axios Engagious/Schlesinger focus groups strongly support abortion rights — but say the issue alone probably won't decide who they support in November's midterm elections.
Why it matters: This could limit the effectiveness of the Democrats' plans to convert public opposition to the Supreme Court's expected overturning of Roe v. Wade into a strategy to save their congressional majorities.
The Jan. 6 committee's decision to issue five major subpoenas Thursday — two targeting potential House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan — is likely to open a Pandora's box of retaliation.
Why it matters: The GOP was alreadyplottingrevenge, and now the minority feels more emboldened than ever, Republican lawmakers tell Axios. Prepare for committee removals, retaliatory subpoenas and even impeachments should the midterms go as polls — and history — predict.
