Republicans hoping to be the next Senate GOP leader are seeking favor with Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake to boost their MAGA credentials, which is paying dividends for her campaign, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The two men currently vying to next lead Senate Republicans have checkered records with former President Trump and his allies, which could be a roadblock in their path to victory.
Columbia University has begun suspending some student protestors after school leadership told them to leave their pro-Palestinian encampment by 2 p.m. or face disciplinary action.
Why it matters: Tensions have escalated at universities across the country with Columbia under the spotlight since its leadership called the New York Police Department to break up pro-Palestinian protesters' encampments.
The International Criminal Court is being warned by members of Congress in both parties that arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials will be met with U.S. retaliation — and legislation to that effect is already in the works, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone so far as to urge President Biden to intervene to help prevent the warrants, Axios' Barak Ravid reported.
Why it matters: T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon violated the Communications Act when they sold customers' location data without their consent and continued the practice without sufficient safeguards after being informed of the violations, the FCC said.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) got a last-minute primary challenger for his seat as allies of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) look to exact revenge on the eight lawmakers who voted to oust the California Republican last fall.
Why it matters: McCarthy-aligned former naval aviator Aaron Dimmock filed to run against Gaetz on Friday, just ahead of the Sunshine State's deadline.
Top advisors for Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) are throwing a fundraiser Monday evening that has already brought in more than $100,000, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: It's a sizable chunk for a senator not currently up for re-election, and the co-hosts signal strong K Street support for Cotton's bid for the No. 3 Senate spot.
Most U.S. governors have opposed a proposal to incorporate parts of the Air National Guard into the Space Force, according to a letter sent to the Department of Defense on Monday.
Why it matters: The governors said in the letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that the proposal to absorb Air National Guard space operations into the Space Force "undermines over 100 years of precedent as well as national security and military readiness."
State health care plans must cover gender-affirming surgeries, a federal appeals court in Virginia ruled Monday.
Why it matters: The ruling marks a major victory for transgender rights at a time when many states have cracked down on gender-affirming care for children and adults.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Biden Sunday to help prevent the International Criminal Court from issuing arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials in connection with the war in Gaza, two Israeli officials told Axios.
Why it matters: Israeli officials have grown increasingly concerned over the last two weeks that the ICC is preparing to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Herzi Halevi.
Hunter Biden is threatening to sue Fox News for defamation, exploitation of his image and publication of hacked photographs, according to a letter obtained by Axios that was sent to the news channel last week.
Why it matters: It's the latest salvo in the president's son's more aggressive legal and press strategy over the past year amid criminal charges and tabloid coverage, and first big move after navigating the impeachment inquiry into his father.
A month-longcelebration of Arab American history and contributions that often get overlooked took on a resounding new meaning this year. Advocates say it will never be the same.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that while there have been improvements in the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza in recent weeks, Israel must do more to improve the situation in the enclave.
Why it matters: Blinken's push for more aid comes amid a widening split between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as the increasingly unpopularIsrael-Hamas war grinds on.
Columbia University's board is facing new pressure from a group of House Democrats to "act decisively" and end an ongoing pro-Palestinian encampment on its campus or resign, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Calls for Columbia officials to resign have largely been confined to the GOP, making this a major escalation in Democrats' rhetoric on the high-profile demonstration.
While constantly interviewing and covering others — and having the privilege of popping into your inbox 365 days a year — I've rarely exposed my own inner journey as I helped found three companies.
That was partly a defense mechanism, and partly a Darwinian effort to keep public attention on our team and our journalism.
This morning, I'm putting it out there. Jim VandeHei, Axios CEO and my best friend of 20+ years, is out with "Just the Good Stuff: No-BS Secrets to Success."
The big picture: The protests over the treatment of Palestinian citizens in the Israel-Hamas war spread after a demonstration at Columbia University drew international attention when the university's president requested that the protesters be removed.
