Axios

The Justice Department told Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) that it has never investigated her over allegations that she shared insider information about President Trump's vice presidential pick before it became public, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The DOJ's letter gives Luna ammunition in arguing she was never under criminal scrutiny over the allegations, a claim she is now using to justify legal threats against a news organization that repeated them.

Far eastern Aurora's residents see rooftops rising across their landscape, but many still feel stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Zoom in: A King Soopers planned near 56th Avenue and Picadilly Road could see dirt moving later this summer, and a November vote could bring a library and rec center to the area along E-470.

You're probably less than 600 days from Democrats having a true leader who can show and shape the party's direction.

Why it matters: Until Super Tuesday — that's March 7, 2028 — or well beyond, Democrats will be leaderless, and likely split between rising socialist energy and more traditional, establishment liberalism.

Nearly eight months after President Trump predicted U.S. companies would "rapidly rebuild Venezuela's dilapidated oil industry" to boost production, no new petroleum deals have been finalized there with American firms.

• The U.S. Department of Energy is largely to blame, a dozen oil industry professionals, senior U.S. officials and Venezuela insiders tell Axios.

Why it matters: The price of oil is climbing as the Iran war squeezes global supplies, spotlighting the absence of finalized deals in Venezuela — a nation with the highest estimated petroleum reserves on the planet.

Ohio GOP Rep. Max Miller said Sunday he will stay in his reelection race, using a livestream on X to deny allegations he abused his ex-wife and their young daughter.

• Shortly after his announcement, his ex-father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), denounced him as a "danger" to his daughter and unfit for office.

Why it matters: The extraordinary public split between two Trump-aligned Ohio Republicans comes days before the state's deadline to replace Miller on the ballot with a special election — and will only fuel the controversy attached to a seat Democrats are targeting.

Gavin Newsom is quietly banking a lot of goodwill among party organizers and elected officials in states — particularly in the South — that will be key in the midterms and the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.

• Newsom has raised more than $1.7 million for critical state parties and their legislative committees so far this two-year cycle, according to data reviewed by Axios.

Why it matters: State party leaders told Axios that the California governor has raised more for them than any other prominent Democrat and potential White House rival.

Jon Ossoff is having a moment. But some Democratic insiders are questioning whether he's the real deal — or if a few slickly produced videos are making him look like more of a political juggernaut than he is.

Why it matters: The Georgia senator, 39, has catapulted into the 2028 conversation by making liberals on social media swoon over his viral clips of high-energy rallies and sharp takedowns of President Trump and Republicans.

The Wall Street Journal opinion page tried to stop Donald Trump a decade ago and again in 2024. Now, the standard-bearer of traditional conservatism is making an early case against his presumed heir.

Why it matters: Vice President JD Vance has the inside track for Trump's endorsement. But there's a not-insignificant GOP faction that never embraced Trump's overhaul of the party — and is already arguing against handing the reins to Vance.

Six months after Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her Arizona home in the middle of the night, there are no suspects or major leads and the case seems to be stalled, a source close to the investigation tells me.

• "There is plenty of blame to go around, but there is growing pressure to solve this case," the source said. "This case has struck a chord — people are watching very closely. This can't go on for another six months."

President Trump doesn't much care if Republicans lose the House and/or the Senate in the midterms this fall.

• Yes, he'd prefer a big win, but he seems indifferent to the election and the possibility of endless Democratic investigations of his family, wealth and policies, his closest advisers tell us.
• A big reason: Trump knows he'll emerge just as strong, or even stronger, heading into his final two years, at least among Republicans.

Why it matters: Trump will enjoy a more pro-Trump Republican Congress, win or lose; gleefully play '28 kingmaker and further test the boundaries of presidential power beyond legislating, his preferred method anyway. He'll use pardons to protect his people, the advisers say.