Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signaled in an interview with Axios that he would put America's housing affordability crisis at the center of his campaign if he ran for president in 2028.
Why it matters: It's the latest sign that Beshear, who just kicked off a national book tour, is moving closer to a bid for the White House.
Many of those who know Kamala Harris best think she ultimately won't run for the White House in 2028.
Why it matters: What the former vice president decides to do is one of the biggest X factors in the next presidential contest: Early polls suggest Harris is the frontrunner to be the Democratic nominee, and if she opted out, it would scramble the primary.
Democrats are increasingly planning to vote in person in November's midterm elections amid President Trump's attacks on mail-in voting, according to a new NBC News poll.
Why it matters: Democrats have relied heavily on mail voting in recent elections, but the poll points to a shift toward casting ballots early in person.
Three Republican power players walk into a bar for a freewheeling conversation. They unwittingly sit next to a liberal comic. She then skewers them in an Instagram post recounting their chat.
Why it matters: It became no laughing matter for one of the Republicans —oilman Harry Sargeant — who's trying to improve his uneasy relations with the Trump administration, partly related to his business dealings in Venezuela.
President Trump said Sunday morning his proposed "triumphal arch" in Washington, D.C., will become a dual-use facility housing snipers, drones and ammunition storage.
Why it matters: The president is now framing construction of the arch as a national security issue — much like he did with the East Wing ballroom/military complex at the White House.
President Trump announced Saturday he is creating an "AI Force" modeled on the Space Force and will soon name a new AI czar, doubling down on his push to accelerate artificial intelligence development with limited regulation.
Why it matters: The White House isn't backing down from its laissez-faire approach to AI, even as the industry's biggest leaders call for stronger safety rules and as public concern about AI intensifies.
Data: National Conference of State Legislatures; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals
States have enacted 128 bills targeting deepfakes, making AI-manipulated content the most legislated AI issue in the U.S., according to an Axios analysis of National Conference of State Legislatures data.
Why it matters: Deepfakes are among the AI issues that are easier for lawmakers to tackle, because existing laws around impersonation, deception and commercial rights provide a legal framework that can extend to AI.
The Department of Justice's statement of interest supporting OpenAI and Microsoft in the New York Times' copyright infringement lawsuit surprised critical agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Copyright Office, sources told Axios.
Why it matters: Statements of interest allow the government to declare an official position on a legal matter in private lawsuits. While not binding, they can hold significant weight and help persuade cases.
President Trump said Friday he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House "effective immediately," escalating his long-running battles with news organizations.
Early Saturday morning, Politico, CNN and MS NOW said their journalists were denied access to White House grounds.
Why it matters: Trump is seeking to use White House access against news outlets whose coverage he objects to, while threatening to target additional organizations.
Data: Axios research. Note: Some countries use a quota system for gasoline. Malaysia's figure reflects the unsubsidized market rate. Chart: Noah Bressner/Axios
The Iran war is driving fuel prices higher worldwide, leading to angry protests around the globe and straining the economies of countries that have nothing to do with the war.
Why it matters: It's not just driving up prices in the U.S. The war is causing problems around the world — in some cases far worse than anything Americans are experiencing.
Republicans scrambling for midterm momentum are making a massive bet on football, pouring millions into advertising during the country's biggest NFL and college games.
Why it matters: Across the country, Republicans are trying to hold onto male voters — football's core audience and a critical part of President Trump's 2024 coalition.
