Axios

Former FBI Director James Comey, a frequent critic of President Trump, has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for a second time.

The big picture: The charges involve a 2025 social media post by Comey featuring seashells arranged to display "86 47," which some Republicans at the time interpreted as a threat against Trump.

The Senate rejected an effort to advance legislation that would bar U.S. military action against Cuba without Congress' green light.

Why it matters: It's lawmakers' latest failed attempt to rein in Trump's use of military force overseas, underscoring the support he maintains from Republicans who control Capitol Hill.

OpenAI and Anthropic briefed House Homeland Security Committee staff on their new cyber-capable AI models and their implications for cybersecurity, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: This is one of the first briefings that lawmakers have had with the AI giants about the cyber threats posed by their new models, including to under-resourced critical infrastructure sectors.

President Trump and his congressional allies are adamant that building his sprawling ballroom — which would sit atop a massive subterranean complex — is a national security need after an alleged gunman derailed the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

The big picture: The $400 million project is one part of Trump's bid to reshape Washington in his image, which includes his proposed triumphal arch and putting his name on the Kennedy Center.

The Trump administration is reviving charges that federal officials covered up the origins of COVID-19 by indicting a former top adviser to Anthony Fauci.

Why it matters: The pandemic experience spawned distrust of public health officials that helped put President Trump back into office.

House Speaker Mike Johnson's "hell week" is already veering off course, with GOP infighting derailing his packed agenda.

Why it matters: Another GOP revolt is colliding with imminent deadlines to prevent a key surveillance tool, as well as money to pay Department of Homeland Security workers, from lapsing.

The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it's exiting OPEC after more than 50 years — a blow to the powerful alliance of big oil producers.

Why it matters: The UAE is the group's third-largest producer, and the departure will make it tougher for OPEC to control output and prices.

President Trump claimed Tuesday that Iran told the U.S. it is "in a state of collapse" and wants to open the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible."

The big picture: It's unclear what Trump is basing his comments on. Iran hasn't confirmed it is willing to reopen the strait.

Crude oil futures are at their highest levels in weeks amid the absence of a diplomatic endgame that frees up the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters: The soaring costs, combined with a spike in gasoline prices, mean further political pain for President Trump and Republicans.

A bipartisan Senate bill would put new restrictions on how kids can use AI chatbots, the latest effort from Congress to try to put safety guardrails on the technology.

Why it matters: Lawmakers are increasingly zeroing in on risks AI chatbots may pose to kids.

Bloomberg Philanthropies and Johns Hopkins are launching a Mayors AI Forum, a global coalition of 10 city leaders focused on AI policy and deployment.

The big picture: The forum gives local officials a direct role in shaping how AI is deployed in cities and communities.

Iran has more cards to play to avoid the U.S. blockade halting its oil output — at least for now, analysts say.

Why it matters: Oil is Iran's economic lifeblood, and President Trump hopes blocking exports — which eventually causes production to halt — will force concessions.

The Iran conflict has entered a Cold War-like phase of financial sanctions, gunboat interdictions and talks about having talks.

Why it matters: The tense stalemate has no immediate end in sight. So higher energy prices appear certain for months — and a hot war could break out at any moment.

The share of Americans who say their financial situation is getting worse is higher now than at any point in the past 25 years, per new Gallup data out Tuesday morning.

Why it matters: Americans are struggling after years of higher inflation and a recent surge in gas prices due to the Iran war — a major challenge for President Trump and Republicans as the midterm elections come into view.

The shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday has done little to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans in Congress on reopening the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters: Republicans have focused their response to the incident on arguing that Democrats should drop their demands to reform immigration enforcement and fund the entire department.