Axios

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) confirmed Friday that she will retire from Congress, just days after denying Axios' reporting that she had told allies she wouldn't seek another term.

Why it matters: The 83-year-old had been under considerable pressure not to run for reelection after missing weeks of House votes, as she recovered from a major eye surgery.

Progressive Democrats taking hardline positions against AI are getting louder.

Why it matters: Five influential progressives are shaping a confrontational Democratic message on AI, distinguishing themselves from party centrists by openly challenging data centers and AI-linked political money.

AI companies, the cryptocurrency industry and pro-Israel groups are spending like never before to sink their least favorite members of Congress and congressional candidates.

Why it matters: The volume cannot be ignored. It's the kind of spending that can kill careers and stop political movements in their tracks.