Axios

Left-wing activists are demanding that prospective 2028 presidential contenders embrace a wealth tax — a move that many mainstream Democrats say is ill-advised.

Why it matters: On one side, potential White House hopefuls such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and California Rep. Ro Khanna have endorsed wealth taxes.

A new pro-AI political operation is jumping into this year's midterms with a plan to spend more than $100 million, the latest push by a big-money group to promote a deregulation agenda.

• The group, dubbed Innovation Council Action, has the blessing of tech mogul and Trump AI adviser David Sacks. It's distinct from other pro-industry groups in that it's focused on boosting President Trump's priorities.

Why it matters: The AI lobby is on course to be a colossal player in the 2026 elections — bankrolling allies who advocate for deregulation and punishing critics who support tighter rules.

More than 5 million voting-age Americans would have to drive an estimated hour or more to present their citizenship documents to register to vote, as would be required under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

Why it matters: President Trump is pushing the SAVE Act as necessary to secure future elections, but it could complicate voting for many American citizens.

Without a federal law, surrogacy in the U.S. is governed by a patchwork of state regulations/

Why it matters: Confusing, varied local rules can determine everything from whether agreements are legally binding to who is recognized as a parent at birth.

More Americans are turning to surrogacy to build their families, as the practice becomes more common and more publicly discussed.

Why it matters: As surrogacy becomes more visible and accessible, ethical, legal and cultural tensions become harder to ignore.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) shared insight into his relationships with some of the Democratic Party's biggest names in a new wide-ranging interview on "The Axios Show."

Why it matters: Newsom, a potential presidential candidate for 2028, bluntly shared conversations he's had with Democratic former presidents or presidential nominees of the last decade.

President Trump's signature is set to appear on U.S. currency — a first for a sitting president — as Americans use physical cash less than ever.

Why it matters: Cash still carries outsized symbolic power — even as its role in everyday payments shrinks.

Sharp differences between House and Senate GOP leaders burst into the open this afternoon, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune's (R-S.D.) two-step plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security and then ICE the first casualty.

Why it matters: The collapse was public — and painful. Blame flew freely, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump weighing in.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has emerged as a key figure in President Trump's push for peace talks with Tehran.

The big picture: Trump has pressed Iran to strike a peace deal as the war reaches its first month, but the regime has rebuffed and mocked the overtures. However, Ghalibaf has reportedly shown a willingness to engage.

A growing number of House Democrats are calling on Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) to resign after the House Ethics Committee found her guilty of dozens of charges, including serious financial misconduct.

Why it matters: Some of those lawmakers said they are at least open to voting to expel the Florida Democrat, creating substantial new pressure for her to be ousted from Congress by one means or another.