The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by another three weeks, President Trump said after hosting the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in the Oval Office on Thursday.
Why it matters: The U.S. wants to extend the Lebanon ceasefire for two reasons: to advance direct Israel-Lebanon peace talks and to prevent renewed fighting from undermining the effort to reach a deal with Iran.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy laid more mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of the issue.
Why it matters: The military standoff in the world's most important oil chokepoint is escalating, with Iran laying mines and attacking commercial ships on one side and the U.S. tightening its naval blockade on the other.
Opposition to President Trump's potential Spirit Airlines bailout is mounting in Congress, including among his fellow Republicans.
Why it matters: Lawmakers from both parties are questioning whether taxpayers should rescue a repeat-bankrupt airline with an uncertain path to profitability.
The disappearances and deaths of at least 10 scientists, researchers and staffers who worked on nuclear and space programs are raising alarms on Capitol Hill.
The big picture: The cases date back to at least 2023, but national security concerns prompted a House Oversight Committee investigation.
President Trump on Thursday announced a drug pricing deal with Regeneron — the last of 17 manufacturers the administration pressured last year to commit to his "most favored nation" policy.
Why it matters: The deals with the other companies to lower certain drug prices are being touted as one of the administration's signature health accomplishments, though Democrats question whether the confidential arrangements are really helping consumers.
The Trump administration on Thursday accused China-backed actors of running "deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns" to distill and copy American frontier AI models.
Why it matters: The accusation pushes the U.S.-China AI rivalry into more confrontational territory — and could complicate President Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing.
A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to a minesweeping ship that's headed to the Strait of Hormuz was medically evacuated to his home port after he was scratched by an Asian monkey while ashore in Thailand, officials say.
Why it matters: The Navy reports that the incident did not delay the USS Chief's mission and that the sailor is OK, but officials say the attack is a reminder that military missions face unexpected troubles and disruptions that are hard to war-game for.
AI is no longer just a research tool in Washington, D.C. — it's starting to shape how policymakers form opinions, according to Penta Group data shared exclusively with Axios.
Why it matters: Policymakers are the latest to lean on AI for guidance, signaling its growing role in shaping decisions across markets,consumer behavior and now public policy.
President Trump's acting attorney general ordered the immediate reclassification of FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana as a less dangerous drug Thursday.
Why it matters: The move will make it easier to study medicinal applications of marijuana and could shore up support from influencers who support the research.
At the start of the war, stocks fell and oil prices rose on fears of the economic fallout from a historic energy shock — now that connection is fraying.
Why it matters: It highlights a key distinction between the stock market, which frequently seems to trade on vibes and memes, and commodities markets which ultimately are tethered to real physical goods.
Buyer's remorse is hitting House Republicans over their mid-cycle redistricting war — a strategy meant to protect their majority that's now deeply in danger of backfiring.
Why it matters: What began as an effort to create more GOP-controlled seats — and avoid a Democratic takeover that would weaken President Trump — now could be a wash, or even add to Democrats' edge.
China has stashed away far more oil than any other country, according to U.S. government data released this week.
Why it matters: The stockpile, which surged last year, is emerging as a strategic advantage as the world faces an oil shock with the Strait of Hormuz largely shut.
REDFORD, Texas — The Trump administration delivered a blunt message to angry landowners at a rare in-person meeting on Tuesday:
Work with us on the border wall,or we'll build it anyway.
Why it matters: The Trump administration's pressure to show progress on border wall mileage in west Texas is leading to rushed and sloppy work that's infuriating local residents, ranchers and the tourism industry.
Why it matters: Scott's death leaves the party down yet another vote at a high-stakes moment, some of his colleagues fumed on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly about the matter.
