A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily froze federal rules allowing the teleprescribing and mailing of abortion drugs, which now account for more than 60% of all abortions in the health system.
Why it matters: The 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling marks a major win for the anti-abortion movement, which had been pressing the Trump administration to reinstate in-person dispensing requirements.
This week's Supreme Court ruling weakening the Voting Rights Act has nullified some of the Democratic resistance that kept many states from pursuing extreme gerrymanders this election cycle.
Why it matters: That new energy could put a fresh crop of blue and even purple states on the board as potential redistricting targets ahead of 2028, according to more than 20 federal and state Democratic lawmakers Axios spoke to.
The Defense Department estimates Iran has been denied nearly $5 billion in oil revenue because of the U.S. blockade in the Gulf of Oman, causing unprecedented pressure on Tehran's government.
Why it matters: The blockade is President Trump's most significant leverage tool to negotiate ending the war with Iran, and the Pentagon wants to emphasize its impact as peace talks stop and start.
Veteran Republican official Richard Walters is expected to join the Trump White House as a deputy chief of staff, Axios has learned.
Driving the news: Walters, a longtime former senior Republican National Committee official who played a major role on Trump's three campaigns, won't have a specific portfolio.
Several major airlines said Friday that they'll aid Spirit Airlines customers if the budget carrier suddenly goes out of business.
Why it matters: Spirit is said to be on the verge of ceasing operations after failing to land a government bailout during its second bankruptcy in less than a year.
President Trump has notified Congress that the hostilities the United States initiated against Iran on Feb. 28 have been "terminated," though he did not rule out future military action.
Why it matters: Under the War Powers Act, the president must seek congressional approval for military hostilities that last longer than 60 days.
Asian Americans report higher levels of anxiety than any other racial group in the U.S., a new survey finds.
Why it matters: As Washington hardens its policies on immigration, citizenship and its relationship with China, public attitudes toward Asian Americans are shifting in parallel.
State governments are rapidly embracing AI by launching low-risk pilot programs, but haven't yet figured out how to measure their impact, according to a new analysis from Code for America shared exclusively with Axios.
Why it matters: AI promises to make government more efficient and cut costs.
The Iran war threatens to disrupt summer travel as it sends oil prices surging — and flight and hotel bookings are already dipping, industry experts warn.
Senate Republicans are calling on the Trump administration to clarify how it is interpreting the 60-day clock under the War Powers Act in its military campaign against Iran.
Why it matters: The 60-day deadline, depending on who's counting, is arriving on requiring the president to seek authorization or wind down operations. The first strikes against Iran were on Feb. 28.
