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While analysts speculate whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will launch a Senate or presidential bid, she's planning another part of her future: having kids. The big picture: Few prospective parents are weighing a White House bid, but Ocasio-Cortez is among a growing number of people freezing their eggs to preserve the possibility of having children later. Context: Jessica Ryniec, a Boston-based OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, tells Axios she sees "m

Reproduced from NOAA ; Chart: Axios Visuals July was the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., per new federal data dating back to 1895. By the numbers: Last month's average temperature was 76.89°F, topping the 76.77°F mark set in July 1936. That's 3.3°F warmer than the 1901-2000 average. What they're saying: "Above-average temperatures covered the entire [contiguous U.S.], with all states ranking in the warmest third of their July temperature records and none ranking near or below av

Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier and producer of finished food products in North America, is engulfed in a food safety crisis that's ensnaring some of the biggest consumer brands in the U.S. Why it matters: The company — a critical supplier to stores like Walmart and Target and restaurants like Chipotle and Taco Bell — is connected to FDA investigations into multiple pathogens that have sickened thousands of people. Catch up quick: Taylor Farms is recalling finished food products containin

A U.S. Appeals Court said Monday that thousands of lawsuits targeting Meta Platforms , ByteDance's TikTok and other social media outlets can proceed. The big picture: The lawsuits argue that the platforms are addictive and harmful to young people, and have prompted several tech companies to attempt to stamp them out in a years-long process. Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Go deeper: Scoop: Meta removes ads for social media addiction litigation

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will soon remove nuclear material stored at a clandestine site in Syria after the Trump administration reached understandings with Syria and Israel, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. Why it matters: The Trump administration and IAEA scrambled to reach a diplomatic agreement to secure the material and prevent an escalation involving Israel, Syria and possibly even Turkey over the sensitive site. U.S. officials say the episode validates Presiden

President Trump issued an executive order Monday calling for fewer childhood vaccinations, splitting the childhood MMR vaccine into three shots and delivering vaccines at separate medical visits. Why it matters: Controversial vaccine policy changes appear to be roaring back ahead of the midterms . The executive order states that "the combined MMR vaccine should be administered in three separate single-disease shots once such products are domestically available and that, to the maximum extent fea

White House staff secretary Will Scharf will take over as White House counsel on Sept. 1, President Trump announced Sunday. Why it matters: Scharf begins his job just two months before the midterms, when a possible Democratic House could put him at the center of fights over subpoenas, testimony and executive privilege. The big picture: Scharf is the latest of Trump's former personal lawyers to land a powerful legal job in the administration. Todd Blanche, another former Trump lawyer, was confirm

New revelations about "rogue" AI agents have exposed a dystopian hazard: Give an agent a goal, and it may decide that hacking, deception or rule-breaking is worth the payoff. Why it matters: Billions of AI agents could soon be acting on behalf of humans across the real world, multiplying the consequences of every loophole, incentive and boundary they learn to exploit. Zoom in: The potential dangers of agentic overreach were laid bare over the weekend with Australia's first known autonomous AI ha

When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted a video Saturday giving herself a shot in preparation to freeze her eggs, she instantly injected issues of fertility, family and feminism into political discourse. And some of the online backlash from the conservative right is making Republicans, including some in the White House, a little nervous. Why it matters: The New York Democrat's Instagram announcement — "Don't be weird about this, even though I know all of you will be," she said — dominated soci

Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED ; Chart: Emily Peck/Axios Memory chip prices are skyrocketing, thanks to AI demand, and there's no end in sight. Why it matters: "Chipflation" is pushing up the prices for electronic goods like smartphones and laptops, as well as the costs for cloud storage and hardware — it also helps explain the eye-popping ascents in semiconductor stock prices. While the overall effect on inflation may not be huge — other kinds of products get more weight in the

The congressional town hall is becoming an endangered species. Why it matters: August recess once meant lawmakers returning home to face constituents — sometimes friendly, sometimes furious. After a wave of explosive confrontations last year, many lawmakers have stopped them altogether. Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) is among the dwindling number of lawmakers who still regularly subject themselves to the traditional, open town hall. "You've got to show up in the town square and answer the questions. I

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg released a full-throated defense of AI on Monday morning: a 6,500-word manifesto arguing that the most common concerns are overblown and fail to account for all the positives it can achieve. In his vision of AI , the biggest risk instead is that one government or entity has too much power over the technology. Why it matters: Zuckerberg's flag in the ground, with a utopian vision of a highly personal AI that fuels individual achievement, comes as policymakers debate how m

Move over, data centers. AI's climate impact may extend well beyond the electricity it consumes. Why it matters: A new peer-reviewed study finds AI could help produce more oil and natural gas — and produce a climate impact the authors argue could far outweigh the technology's benefits for renewable energy. Driving the news: The research, just published in a Nature journal, concludes AI's role in boosting oil and gas production would outweigh its climate benefits from accelerating renewable energ

Data: Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) ; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios Violent crime kept falling across many of the nation's largest cities through June, with homicides down 17.2% from the first half of 2025, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios. Why it matters: The decline now spans two presidencies — it began falling under President Biden after the pandemic-era surge, and has kept dropping under President Trump . Trump came into office casting America as being overrun by cri

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is urging leading AI CEOs to pause AI development, warning that lawmakers will step in if no action is taken. Why it matters: Sanders is upping the ante on the AI industry ahead of the elections, building on his progressive playbook that is shaping how some candidates message around the issue. What they're saying: "Mr. Altman, Mr. Amodei and Mr. Zuckerberg: In the interest of humanity, stand by your words. Pause AI development. It is not too late to avoid disaster. St

Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh is attempting a high-wire act: He's trying to fundamentally rethink the central bank's approach to guiding the economy, while also using its standard policy toolkit to bring down stubbornly persistent inflation. A market blowup late last month showed the perils of trying both at the same time. The big picture: Markets sold off and the economic commentariat was sharply critical of a Warsh press conference on July 29, in which he was vague about the possibility

LA CROSSE, Wis . — Progressive insurgents Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed want to shake up the next race for the White House — a notion that will likely petrify many top Democrats. Why it matters: They aren't running for president — they're vying for statewide office this year in presidential battlegrounds, and their campaigns are closely watched tests of the Bernie Sanders–style populism they want their party to embrace in 2028 . It's a question that has haunted Democrats for a decade: Is Ame

A liberal group working to elect scientists to public office has a 2028 message for Arizona Sen. — and former astronaut — Mark Kelly : Run, Kelly, run. Why it matters: 314 Action Fund has raised its profile this cycle, elevating candidates with STEM backgrounds who've pitched themselves as a bulwark against public health cuts and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The organization said it raised more than $100 million over the past decade — including $25 million during the

President Trump signaled on Sunday that he's prepared to allow economic pressure on Iran to mount — as opposed to ordering a new military offensive — even as the country continues to defy the U.S. Why it matters: Only a week ago, Trump was on the verge of ordering a return to major combat operations. But in an interview with Axios, he did not make any new military threats. Trump also didn't express any anger or frustration about the fact that Iran has been holding up an announcement on a deal wi

OpenAI is introducing a more cyber-permissive version of GPT-5.6 Sol to vetted defenders as it prepares companies for autonomous cyberattacks . Why it matters: The move comes just days after OpenAI said it was delaying the release of its forthcoming model, Astra, after it reached critical hacking abilities during safety testing. The big picture: OpenAI is unveiling GPT-5.6-Cyber while also expanding Daybreak , its program that gives cybersecurity defenders access to the company's cyber models an

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) left the door open Sunday to either running for president in 2028 or challenging fellow New Yorker and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. Why it matters: Ocasio-Cortez is emerging as a leading potential heir to the movement built by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and whichever path she chooses could reshape the future of Democratic politics. Driving the news: ABC's Jonathan Karl asked Ocasio-Cortez on "This Week" whether she would run for president, afte

Rep. Max Miller appeared to let a crucial Saturday withdrawal cutoff pass in Ohio's 7th Congressional District, effectively closing Republicans' last practical window to replace the embattled incumbent on the November ballot. Why it matters: A district that favors Republicans has suddenly become a potential Democratic pickup as the GOP fights to preserve its narrow House majority, and Ohio law gave party leaders no room to replace Miller without his cooperation. The latest: Miller's campaign spo

The Senate passed a stopgap spending bill early Saturday that would keep the government funded through Dec. 11, moving Washington closer to avoiding another shutdown before the November midterms. Why it matters: The bipartisan 90-6 vote would push the next government funding deadline past Election Day while offering some checks on the Trump administration. State of play: The measure, which now goes to the House, generally maintains funding levels after the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, with a few n

Nothing has improved my work and life more than my new operating philosophy: Simplify . I've seen such a dramatic improvement at Axios, and in my personal life, that I co-wrote a new book explaining step by step how it works. It's called " Simplify : Do 50% More with 50% Less." Why it matters: Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Roy Schwartz and I dig deep into real-world experience and science to show you why most people waste years of their lives doing needless stuff out of habit or inertia. You'l

The slightest hint of generative AI usage is fast becoming a kiss of death in creative circles. Why it matters: It's turning into a purity test that has the potential to blow up careers and derail massive deals almost overnight — and there's no desire for nuance or ability to clear your name. Whether you choose disclosure or denial, both can fail to protect you in a climate where using a chatbot as a tool to guide one's thought process is viewed the same as generating creative work wholesale. Dr

Synagogues across the U.S. are having congregants train to be volunteer security teams as antisemitic assaults hit record levels and Jewish gathering places face increasing threats. Driving the news: The front doorways of many synagogues are becoming both a place of welcome and a security checkpoint — a sign of how antisemitism is reshaping Jewish life in America. The traditional practice of hiring a guard for High Holy Days services, installing cameras and calling police if something happens, i

The Senate voted to confirm Todd Blanche as the next attorney general early Saturday, capping a tumultuous path to office for President Trump's former personal attorney. The big picture: Blanche's appointment is a win for the Trump administration, especially after a journey that saw some Republicans hold out at multiple stages of the process. At one point Trump threatened to keep him as acting attorney general for months, after two GOP senators withheld their votes to advance him from the Senate

The Trump administration has launched a new effort to remove Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook , notifying her that President Trump is considering her removal and giving her 21 days to respond to mortgage fraud allegations in a letter obtained by Axios. Why it matters: The Supreme Court this year blocked Trump's first attempt to remove Cook, finding that the Fed official was not given notice or a chance to respond. The new letter seeks to satisfy those requirements in what remains an unprecedented

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics ; Chart: Courtenay Brown/Axios America's labor market appeared to be gaining momentum this spring. The latest data makes that rebound look much less convincing. Why it matters: The report isn't as bad as the headline suggests, but the broader picture is still one of a labor market that is less robust than it seemed. If the trend continues, U.S. workers might find themselves squeezed on two fronts — a weakening job market and high inflation from an uncertain geopo

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) announced Friday that he will vote for Todd Blanche's for attorney general , boosting his prospects for confirmation before the Senate leaves for its August recess. Why it matters: Cassidy's vote keeps Blanche's nomination alive despite previous opposition from Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). Given the continued absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Blanche could afford to lose only two GOP votes if Democrats do as expected and vote along

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) will vote against Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general , becoming the second known Republican to oppose him. Why it matters: Murkowski's opposition puts Blanche's confirmation in jeopardy . With Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) still absent from the Senate, Blanche cannot afford to lose any more GOP support. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has already announced her opposition , and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has yet to announce his position. What they are saying:

Read the polls, watch economic indicators and talk to President Trump's inner circle in private, and the verdict on his second term seems clear: Even some longtime insiders fear he's trapped by a war he shouldn't have waged, tariffs he shouldn't have levied, monuments he shouldn't be obsessed with. Why it matters: These three topics chew up much of Trump's time and attention. All three are widely unpopular in polls. And it's almost impossible to see the public suddenly warming to war, tariffs or

Republicans plan to use their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas next month to mount a sweeping, made-for-prime-time case that Democrats have become captive to their activist left, Axios has learned. Why it matters: With President Trump's approval rating in the 30s and his war in Iran weighing on the economy, Republicans don't want the Nov. 3 midterms to be just a referendum on his presidency. They're essentially planning a "But they're worse" campaign targeting the ascendant Democratic lef

Data: NCSL ; Map: Sara Wise/Axios Americans across the country could have very different experiences with AI deepfakes leading up to Election Day , thanks to a patchwork of state rules. Why it matters: AI-generated attack ads and campaign content are rampant leading up to the midterms as candidates across the political spectrum use the technology. State of play: Twenty-nine states have AI election deepfake laws in effect, while two others — California and Hawaii — have had their laws permanently

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is waging an unprecedented economic war on Cuba — and wants to make sure the island's communist leaders know it's going to get worse. "What we're trying to teach them is there are no escape valves," Rubio told Axios. Why it matters: Cuba's economy is in a state of slow-motion collapse because of crushing U.S. sanctions and communist mismanagement of the island, which prides itself as the hemisphere's chief foe of the superpower 90 miles to its north. President Trum

Denounced on social media and by fellow Republicans, Ohio Rep. Max Miller is telling allies he's not quitting for a simple reason: It would be tantamount to admitting he beat his ex-wife and their child, which he denies. Why it matters: The Washington summer scandal is a case study in whether Miller — one of Donald Trump's understudies — can successfully employ the president's playbook of never backing down and never quitting. Trump has publicly expressed sympathy for Miller but privately expres

Senate Republicans are racing toward the August recess with a legislative to-do list worthy of a Joe Rogan podcast: crypto, college sports and hemp. Why it matters: They likely won't get to all of it, but the White House wants the Senate to get caught trying. First, senators want to get way ahead of any government shutdown fight. Just as important — an NIL rights bill, with ESPN's first College GameDay set for Sept. 5. "I've kind of stacked these things: funding the government, the [Todd] Blanch

Suspected Iran-linked cyberattacks are exposing long-standing vulnerabilities in fragmented U.S. drinking water systems facing aging infrastructure and intensifying climate threats. Why it matters: Drinking water systems disruptions can threaten public health and essential services, while many utilities—especially smaller ones—lack the staff and resources to strengthen their defenses.. Kevin Morley, federal relations manager for the American Water Works Association (AWWA), tells Axios utilities

The author of the Democratic National Committee's 2024 election "autopsy" confirmed an Axios report that he concluded the war in Gaza hurt Kamala Harris politically — and that he'd privately shared that assessment with a pro-Palestinian group. He said he drafted that finding late last year but never submitted it to party leadership . Why it matters: Democrats have spent months debating whether the Biden administration's support for Israel during its war on Hamas contributed to Harris ' defeat. M

A Senate panel voted Thursday to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt for repeatedly declining to answer questions last week from lawmakers investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Why it matters: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has said he will refer the contempt resolution to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution. That could set up a legal clash, since former President Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci before leaving office. The big picture: The 8-5 vote by the Senate Homeland Securit

A Stanford-led research team has used generative AI to design a synthetic virus — the first time artificial intelligence has been harnessed to create an organism that has never been seen in nature. Why it matters: What could go wrong? The big picture: It could be the first step toward the nightmare scenario AI experts have already warned about: deadly pathogens that can't be stopped, because they've been created too quickly for our current surveillance systems to stop them. The research could al

The FCC on Thursday voted 2-1 to eliminate the national TV ownership cap rule that bars a single broadcaster from owning stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. TV households. Why it matters : The party-line vote clears the way for local broadcasters to merge, giving single broadcast ownership groups far more reach than they previously could have. FCC chairman Brendan Carr has long argued that the cap was outdated and limits the ability of broadcasters to consolidate to compete with tech firms

President Trump signed two executive orders Thursday seeking to narrow birthright citizenship in several circumstances and intensify the federal crackdown on commercial "birth tourism." Trump also is seeking to deny birthright citizenship for children born of some foreign diplomatic staff in the U.S. and, potentially, U.S. territories in the future. Why it matters: It's Trump's second attempt to curb birthright citizenship in the U.S. and is sure to be challenged in court as a violation of the 1