Axios

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson that, under a biblical interpretation, Israel could claim a right to territory spanning much of the Middle East.

Why it matters: The interview between Carlson and Huckabee comes amid a contentious saga between the two over their differing views on Israel.

The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's tariffs but was silent on whether that money must be refunded — leaving the $175 billion question to an obscure trade court.

Why it matters: If you're a business — or even a consumer — hoping for some kind of tariff refund, somehow, from somewhere, prepare to wait years for any decisions to be made.

The Motion Picture Association on Friday sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, alleging the Chinese tech giant has been involved in "pervasive and widespread infringement" of its members' intellectual property, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: It marks the first time the MPA, which represents all of the major Hollywood studios, has sent a cease-and-desist letter to a major AI firm.

Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) will oppose a War Powers Act resolution designed to restrain President Trump on Iran, the two lawmakers tell Axios.

Why it matters: Their opposition to a resolution from Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), expected to reach the House floor next week, will make it harder to pass.

The Supreme Court may finally decide the fate of President Trump's trade agenda as soon as Friday.

The big picture: Small businesses sued to block Trump's tariffs last spring. Analysts had initially expected a swift ruling from the highest court, but the uncertainty has dragged on for longer than expected.

The cost to fill up your car will probably climb soon — and the oil price spike over Iran tensions is only one reason.

Why it matters: Gasoline is the most visible energy expense for many people. That makes it politically important, too.

President Trump is directing his administration to begin releasing government documents related to aliens and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), he announced Thursday evening.

The big picture: Trump's comments on Truth Social came hours after he accused former President Obama of disclosing classified information for saying aliens are "real" in a podcast last week.

Barring a surprise, Congress and its elected leaders are on track to give President Trump the equivalent of a green light ahead of a potential major war in the Middle East.

Why it matters: War Powers Act resolutions, including one that Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) intends to force next week, are meant to restrain the president.

The inaugural meeting of the Trump-led Board of Peace included a $10 billion pledge from Trump and $7 billion in additional pledges for relief and reconstruction in Gaza.

Why it matters: The package of steps announced on Thursday, which also included plans to deploy thousands of soldiers and police for new security organizations in the enclave, appears to be the most ambitious U.S.-led security and humanitarian effort in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in at least a decade.

The global political elite reeled on Thursday after authorities arrested former Prince Andrew over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and sentenced ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for insurrection.

Why it matters: Dominoes keep falling for global leaders from the Epstein files and other hot-button situations while critics call for more accountability in the U.S.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, was released Thursday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, authorities said.

Why it matters: The second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II now becomes the most prominent associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to face criminal consequences for his dealings with the disgraced financier.

More than two dozen countries gathered Thursday for President Trump's first Board of Peace summit.

The big picture: Thursday's meeting offered the first concrete look at which countries will help shape Gaza's future — with more potentially joining.

President Trump on Thursday commemorated peace in the Middle East, while the U.S. inches closer to a potential strike on Iran that could ignite a major war.

Why it matters: The threats to Iran challenge Trump's branding as a global peacemaker.

President Trump said Thursday that he would decide in the next 10 or 15 days whether to continue diplomacy with Iran or order a military strike.

Why it matters: U.S. and Israeli officials tell Axios a military operation against Iran would likely be a massive, weeks-long campaign — and could begin within days.

A Border Patrol agent slipping on ice in Minneapolis wasn't just a meme. It became a symbol of how viral videos are reshaping public perceptions of ICE and Border Patrol.

Why it matters: The clips — agents falling on frozen pavement, failing to catch suspects and retreating in vehicles with flat tires as crowds jeer — are being used online to question the training, preparedness and legitimacy of federal immigration enforcement amid a mass deportation plan.

Oil prices jumped to their highest levels since last summer amid growing signs the U.S. is preparing a military strike against Iran.

Why it matters: The market sees risks to both Iranian exports but also a conflict that could threaten other supplies from the oil-producing region.

Four years after Russia's invasion, Europe has quietly replaced the United States as the engine of Ukraine's survival.

Why it matters: President Trump and his allies have long insisted that Europe — not Washington — should shoulder the cost of the continent's largest land war since World War II.