Axios

Republicans want the upcoming surface transportation bill to require EV buyers to pay more. Democrats want it to address climate change. And businesses see it as a way to overhaul how federal permits are awarded.

Why it matters: With that many competing interests, there's a higher risk that Congress won't be able to pass a bill quickly — and a lapse could create funding gaps or uncertainties for fixing roads and other projects.

Even with rising costs, power is a small slice of what Big Tech spends on data centers.

Why it matters: This is why deep-pocketed tech companies are voluntarily offering up pledges to pay for their own power. To them, it's just not that much money.

Millions of dollars are pouring into state and federal races specifically around AI, targeting and supporting lawmakers in both parties.

Why it matters: Tech money in elections is nothing new. But AI is now a potent campaign issue, driving big spending from rival camps.

The top U.S. military commander in the Middle East briefed President Trump on Thursday about the options for military action against Iran, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of the meeting.

Why it matters: This was the first time the commander of the U.S. military Central Command Adm. Brad Cooper briefed Trump since the beginning of the crisis with Iran last December.

Democratic senators — and at least one Republican — are urging the Pentagon to withdraw its ultimatum to Anthropic, insisting Congress must participate in the debate over military use of artificial intelligence.

Why it matters: The unprecedented showdown between the Department of Defense and Anthropic has largely been a two-party contest. Now Congress wants to enter the fray.

More than 32 million people watched President Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night, down from the roughly 36 million that tuned in to last year's address to a joint session of Congress.

Reality check: It's also down significantly from the 45 million that tuned in to his address in 2018 during the second year of his first term.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified that she has no new information regarding Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday.

Why it matters: Bill and Hillary Clinton's depositions on Thursday and Friday mark the first time a former first couple has appeared before a congressional panel under subpoena.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had what he called a "productive" meeting with President Trump on Thursday, charming the president with a mocked-up tabloid newspaper featuring his likeness.

Why it matters: Mamdani and Trump have developed an unexpected, made-for-TV relationship despite their vast political differences.

Transgender Kansans learned this week their driver's licenses and amended birth certificates became invalid Thursday after lawmakers overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's veto and a new state law took effect.

Why it matters: The abrupt rule change is sending residents scrambling to the DMV and forcing people to pay for replacement documents to keep driving and voting.

Surgeon general pick Casey Means stood by her past claims that birth control has "horrifying health risks" and softened her tone during a confirmation hearing Wednesday.

The big picture: Some pro-life activists have turned their sights on birth control after successfully overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022.