Axios

The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner weekend is back and busier than ever this year, with new outlets, companies and political powerbrokers looking to make further inroads in Washington.

Why it matters: The dinner hasn't seen this much momentum since the Obama era.

The blockage to energy supplies through the Persian Gulf appears to have ended. If it holds, it takes a massive weight off the world economy.

Why it matters: The possibility of a prolonged disruption to the supply of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizer and other commodities looks to be off the table.

An effort to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through April 30 passed the Senate on Friday by voice vote.

Why it matters: The vote sends the measure to President Trump for his signature, giving Congress two more weeks to try to figure out a way to pass a longer renewal.

A pair of senators in the potential 2028 presidential class have opened up a commanding lead in the money game, according to their first quarterly FEC filings.

Why it matters: It's an early head start in the money game if they decide to run.

The U.S. and Iran are negotiating over a three-page plan to end the war, with one element under discussion being that the U.S. would release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in return for Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium, according to two U.S. officials and two additional sources briefed on the talks.

Why it matters: There has been steady progress in the talks this week, though significant gaps remain. A deal on these terms would bring the war to a close, while potentially generating backlash from Iran hawks.

The House voted overnight to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for two weeks after a bloc of 20 Republicans derailed a longer-term renewal.

Why it matters: The revolt is a significant setback for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House, who both pushed for a clean long-term extension of the surveillance authority.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is scheduled to walk into the West Wing on Friday for a meeting with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles — a breakthrough in his effort to resolve the company's bitter AI fight with the Pentagon.

Why it matters: The Trump administration recognizes the power of Anthropic's new Claude model, Mythos, and its highly sophisticated — and potentially dangerous — ability to breach cybersecurity defenses.

The CEO of French oil giant TotalEnergies is defending a rare — and controversial — deal he struck last month with the Trump administration ending the company's federal offshore wind leases.

Why it matters: The comments offer a window into a deal structure other companies could pursue as President Trump moves to dismantle the nascent U.S. offshore wind sector.

The Trump administration is discarding its shock-and-awe publicity tactics on immigration after mass deportations were met with mass backlash.

Why it matters: The White House has become allergic to the edgy memes, embedded camera crews and cosplaying officials that dominated former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's tenure.

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed.

Why it matters: Lyons has defended ICE's conduct in Congress and the courtroom as the agency faces scrutiny over President Trump's mass deportation drive.