Axios

The 2028 race for the White House will give new political clout to a long-overlooked constituency: Native American voters.

Driving the news: New Mexico now holds an influential early spot as one of the first states to vote in the Democratic primary — on Feb. 15, 2028. That's put Native Americans, who make up about 12% of the state, in position to wield more influence in the presidential race than ever before.

President Trump's proposal to send adult U.S. citizens $5,000 dividend checks would require congressional approval, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Sunday.

Why it matters: Trump and his top officials claim they can send the checks without Congress — even with the prospect of them costing upward of $1.3 trillion.

President Trump stood by his support for a united Ireland on Sunday after his remarks during a two-day visit sparked a backlash from unionist and British politicians and praise from Irish nationalists.

Why it matters: Trump broke with a longstanding U.S. presidential convention of not taking sides on whether Northern Ireland should ultimately be British or Irish.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Sunday that Congress won't lead the charge on regulating AI safety.

Why it matters: Calls for AI companies to adopt safety protocols reached a fever pitch this week, prompting the four biggest AI labs to endorse slowing their models' development.

In nine startling hours on Saturday, the four biggest AI labs — which rarely agree on anything — set aside years of feuds and competition to endorse a slower development pace for their models.

• Their new stance: Prioritize safety over growth, even at a cost.

The big picture: AI's unrelenting growth has hit an inflection point with the public, Washington and even the companies building it.

Americans are facing a rising tab as a multi-decade borrowing binge collides with a spike in energy prices caused by the Iran war.

The big picture: Long-term interest rates are surging, as are consumer prices.

• It's a toxic mix of near-term inflation pressures and years of fiscal imbalance.

America is shedding its status as the default choice for foreign governments to park money, buy weapons and send students.

Why it matters: Even modest shifts away from the U.S. could chip away at advantages that have helped sustain American economic and geopolitical power for decades.

Antisemitic threats have pushed the nationwide cost of protecting Jewish synagogues, schools and community centers past $1 billion a year, new estimates reveal as congregations prepare for big crowds during the High Holy Days, which began Friday with Rosh Hashanah.

Why it matters: Enhanced security has become a growing expense for Jewish communities, congregation leaders say, often taking up money that could pay for teachers, summer camps, elder care and other programs.