A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from dismantling the Department of Education while a lawsuit challenging the move proceeds.

Why it matters: The judge's preliminary injunction said that President Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon don't have the power to shutter the agency — and that its closure runs contrary to federal laws.

• U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun of Massachusetts also ordered the administration to reinstate the jobs of terminated Education Department employees.
• "Defendants have not pointed to any case that indicates that the Secretary's effective dismantling of the Department is within her reorganization powers," Joun wrote.
• The Trump administration will challenge Joun's ruling "on an emergency basis," Education Department spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a statement.

Zoom in: The judge said the administration didn't provide research to support why certain employees were terminated, why certain offices were reduced or eliminated, or how those changes further the "purported goals of efficiency or effectiveness of the Department."

• He added that students with disabilities would be particularly harmed by reductions at the agency.

The other side: "President Trump and the Senate-confirmed Secretary of Education clearly have the authority to make decisions about agency reorganization efforts, not an unelected Judge with a political axe to grind," Biedermann said.

• She said Joun "dramatically overstepped his authority."

Catch up quick: Trump in March signed an executive order to dismantle the Education Department, but shuttering a federal department requires congressional action.

• Also in March, nearly 50% of the department's workforce was slashed.

Go deeper: Education Department cuts threaten to deepen local schools' woes

Editor's note: This story has been updated with details throughout and an Education Department statement.

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were identified Thursday as the two people killed in a shooting Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

The big picture: The suspect, who authorities believe acted alone, was arrested by a museum security guard after he entered the building following the shooting. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino called the shooting an "act of targeted violence" in a post to X.

• The Metropolitan Police Department identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago.
• Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a press briefing that Rodriguez chanted "free, free Palestine" while being arrested.

State of play: Lischinsky, 30, and Milgrim, 26, both worked for the Israeli Embassy, the Israel Foreign Ministry said in a statement shared to X.

• The pair met while working at the Embassy and were soon to be engaged, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter said at a press briefing.
• Lischinsky and Milgrim were set to travel to Israel on Sunday, Milgrim's father, Robert Milgrim, told the New York Times. While there, she was going to meet his family for the first time and Lischinsky had planned to propose, he said.

Here's what we know about the victims so far:

Yaron Lischinsky

Lischinsky was a research assistant at the Israeli Embassy in D.C. since September 2022, according to his LinkedIn.

• He was previously a desk officer at the Population and Immigration Authority in Jerusalem.

Lischinsky received a Bachelor's degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he studied international relations and Asian affairs.

• He also received a Master's degree in government, diplomacy and strategy from Reichman University with a focus on diplomacy and conflict studies.

Zoom out: Originally from Germany, Lischinsky moved to Israel at 16, per the New York Times.

• The German Embassy did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters Lischinsky was an Israeli diplomat and held German citizenship.
• He grew up with a Jewish father and a Christian mother and was a practicing Christian, the New York Times reported.

Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to Germany, called Lischinsky "bright, curious, engaged" in a post to X.

• Prosor said he had taught Lischinsky when he was a student at Reichman University and also worked with him as a diplomat.
• "He was a Christian, a true lover of Israel, served in the IDF, and chose to dedicate his life to the State of Israel and the Zionist cause," Prosor wrote.

Nissim Otmazgin, the Dean of Humanities at Hebrew University, told CNN that Lischinsky's "dream was to become a diplomat."

• "In many ways, I think for me, he symbolizes the hope of Israel," Otmazgin said, adding that he was "idealistic" and "trying to do good for their country."
• "So in this sense, it is not only a personal tragedy, it's also kind of public tragedy," he said.

Sarah Lynn Milgrim

Milgrim had been working at the embassy since November 2023 in its Department of Public Diplomacy, according to her LinkedIn.

• She previously worked at Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv, where she focused on "the role of friendships in the Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding process," per LinkedIn.
• She obtained a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas. Her LinkedIn also showed two Master's degrees — one from the University for Peace and the other from American University.

KU Hillel, a Jewish student group at Kansas University, said in a statement that Milgrim's "bright spirit and passion for the Jewish community touched everyone fortunate enough to know her."

• "Those closest to her describe her as 'the definition of the best person," the statement continued.

Zoom in: Her father said he saw news alerts for the shooting Wednesday night and his wife checked their daughter's location, only to see it at the crime scene.

• "I pretty much already knew," he told the New York Times. "I was hoping to be wrong."

Go deeper: 2 Israeli Embassy staff killed near Capital Jewish Museum in D.C., officials say

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.

Three elder House members died in office this year, during the 119th Congress — most recently Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who died Wednesday morning at 75 years old after battling esophageal cancer.

The big picture: The health of the country's oldest lawmakers regularly reignites concern over America's aging leaders and their fitness to serve.

Driving the news: Connolly is the third House Democrat to die since March, following Reps. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) at 70 years old and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) at 77 years old.

• The 119th Congress is the third oldest since 1789, according to a January NBC News analysis.
• The House and Senate were both the third oldest in each chamber's history, as of January.

By the numbers: At that point, the average age of the Senate was 63.8 years, and the average age of the House was 57.7 years.

• Between both chambers, 20 members were 80 or older, per NBC.

State of play: America's political gerontocracy has been a focus across government branches in recent years, with voters worried about lawmakers' fitness for office.

• The country's two most recent presidents — former President Biden and President Trump — are the oldest in U.S. history.
• Meanwhile, Americans have indicated that they'd support age limits for Supreme Court justices and elected officials.

Read more about the oldest lawmakers in Congress:

Who are the oldest House members?

What we're watching: Many of the oldest House Democrats are running for reelection in 2026, sparking internal party tensions.

• The 10 oldest U.S. representatives are:

Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.): 87 years old

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.): 86 years old

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.): 85 years old

Rep. Nancy Pelosi: (D-Calif.) 85 years old

• Pelosi in 2022 was among top House Democrats who stepped aside from leadership to make room for a new generation of leaders.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.): 84 years old

Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.): 83 years old

Rep. John Carter (R-Texas): 83 years old

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.): 82 years old

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.): 82 years old

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.): 81 years old

Who are the oldest Senators?

Between the lines: The Senate reversed its aging trend with the 119th Congress after the death or retirement of some of its oldest members, according to Pew Research.

• The 10 oldest U.S. senators are:

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): 91 years old

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.): 83 years old

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): 83 years old

• McConnell said in February that he won't seek re-election in 2026.
• The longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history, he stepped down from leadership in 2024.

Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho): 82 years old

Sen. Angus King (I-Me.): 81 years old

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.): 80 years old

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.): 79 years old

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.): 78 years old

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii): 77 years old

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.): 78 years old

Go deeper: Scoop: Democrats' oldest lawmakers are mostly running again

The U.S. accepted Qatar's gift of a Boeing 747 to serve as the new Air Force One, the Pentagon said Wednesday, despite the ethical quandaries and potential constitutional violations it entails.

Why it matters: President Trump has brushed off any concerns about the appearance of accepting the $400 million gift despite objections from Democrats and some Republicans.

• Trump scoffed at the criticism, saying it would be "stupid" to turn down a new Air Force One.

The latest: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the 747 "in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.

• "The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States."

The big picture: The jet is worth 100 times more than every other presidential gift from a foreign nation combined since 2001.

• The Constitution prohibits anyone holding government office from receiving a personal gift from a foreign head of state without the consent of Congress.
• Trump argued the gift was not being made to him personally but rather to the Department of Defense. It will later be transferred to Trump's presidential library when he leaves office.
• News of the jet was reported ahead of Trump's trip to the Persian Gulf earlier this month.

The latest: The jet has become a punch line among world leaders.

• "I'm sorry I don't have a plane to give you," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said to Trump on Wednesday.
• "I wish you did," Trump responded. "If your country offered the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it."

Go deeper:

• Backstory: How Trump got a free "palace in the sky"
• Air Force One gift would smash presidential records

Editor's note: This story has been updated with details throughout.

President Trump spent several days brawling online with America's biggest pop stars, re-litigating their support for then-Vice President Harris in the 2024 election, bashing their talent and demanding they be investigated.

Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly used the power of the federal government to probe political enemies and target the Democrats' fundraising arm.

Driving the news: "How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president?" Trump wrote on Truth Social early Monday.

• "Isn't that a major and illegal campaign contribution? What about Beyoncé?" he added. "And how much went to Oprah and Bono??? I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter."

Reality check: Celebrities' teams shut down rumors during the election that they were paid millions for their appearances with Harris

Taylor Swift

Context: Trump's post spree began Friday, when he said the pop star is no longer "hot."

• "Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'" the president wrote Friday on Truth Social.

The latest: "He is speaking about Taylor Swift's political views and how perhaps it has impacted the support of the American public for her work," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about the comments Monday. "And I will leave it at that."

• Swift just wrapped up her Eras Tour, which took in more than $2 billion, the highest grossing tour ever, according to estimates.

Bruce Springsteen

State of play: Springsteen, during his European tour, criticized the Trump administration, calling its policies and rhetoric dangerous.

• "In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent," he said during a Manchester show. "This is happening now."
• "In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world's poorest children to sickness and death. This is happening now."

The other side: "I see that highly overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a foreign country to speak badly about the president of the United States," Trump wrote on Friday.

• "Never liked him, never liked his music, or his radical left politics."
• Springsteen has clashed with Republican presidents going back to Ronald Reagan, who tried to use the singer's Vietnam War anthem "Born in the U.S.A" as a celebration of American patriotism.

Beyoncé

Flashback: Beyoncé spoke at a Houston campaign rally for Harris in the final stretch of the election.

• "I'm not here as a celebrity. I'm not here as a politician. I'm here as a mother," Beyoncé, whose 35 grammy wins are the most by any female artist, said during her endorsement.

Trump slammed Beyoncé repeatedly for her appearance.

• Days after her appearance, he told an audience: "We don't need Beyoncé, we don't need anybody... all you got is me, and I don't have a guitar," per Billboard. The audience booed mention of her name.

Zoom out: Beyoncé also gave Harris permission to use her 2016 song "Freedom" as its campaign song.

• Her record label and music publisher sent a cease-and-desist to the Trump campaign for using the song on a social media post.

Go deeper:

• Trump takes shot at Taylor Swift, reigniting their feud
• Trump wants probe into Harris' endorsements from Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey

President Trump has invited newly inaugurated Pope Leo to the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.

Why it matters: If accepted, the visit would mark the first time a pope has visited the White House since Pope Francis visited then-President Obama in 2015.

• Vice President JD Vance gave Leo a letter containing the president and first lady Melania Trump's "warm wishes" and an invitation to the White House as soon as he could visit, Leavitt said.
• A visit from Leo, the first American-born pope, would mark the fourth visit to the White House by a pontiff. Pope John Paul II visited then-President Jimmy Carter in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI visited then-President George W. Bush in 2008.

Catch up quick: In a recording, Leo was heard responding "at some point" when Vance gave him the letter, per AP.

• Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other world leaders, attended Leo's inauguration Mass on Sunday. Vance led the U.S. delegation.
• Vance gave Leo a copy of two of St. Augustine's most seminal works and a Chicago Bears T-shirt with Leo's name on it, per AP. Leo gave Vance a bronze sculpture and a coffee table book featuring photos of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.

Zoom out: Leo is uniquely positioned to help ease divisions between Catholics in the U.S., Axios' Russell Contreras previously reported.

• He has been an outspoken defender of migrant rights, which could put him at odds with the Trump administration's deportation and anti-immigrant policies.

Go deeper: In photos: World leaders gather for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass

A Mexican Navy ship struck New York's Brooklyn Bridge Saturday, killing a sailor and a naval cadet and injuring others.

The big picture: Two people died following the crash, NTSB member Michael Graham said during a news conference on Monday, citing local authorities.

• Nineteen were injured, two of whom were in critical condition as of Sunday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams previously said.
• The ship had a crew of 277.

The latest: Inspections to the Brooklyn Bridge were ongoing, but there were no signs of structural damage as of Monday afternoon, per the NYC Department of Transportation.

• The ship's speed suddenly increased before the crash, Brian Young, National Transportation Safety Board investigator, said during a news conference on Monday. The ship was meant to sail south down the East River but went backward toward the bridge.
• A radio call requested assistance from tugboats in the Brooklyn Bridge area. Two requests followed before the masts hit the bridge.
• An engine failure may have caused the strike, Young said, but the investigation is still ongoing.

What's next: The NTSB will interview the tugboat pilot, the harbor pilot, the captain of the ship and other crew members, Graham said.

Zoom in: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters Sunday that a cadet and a sailor died following the accident.

• Rocío Nahle, the governor of Veracruz, identified one of the victims as cadet América Yamilet Sánchez in a social media post.

Driving the news: The Cuauhtémoc was on a goodwill tour heading to Iceland, according to officials.

• The iconic bridge sustained no damage when the ship lost power and slammed into it, Adams said.

What they're saying: NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had recently departed a Manhattan pier and was supposed to be heading out to sea when it drifted toward the bridge.

• The New York City Fire Department was alerted that the crash had occurred around 8:20pm ET Saturday, the department said in a statement.

The masts, where a "couple of sailors" were positioned, struck the bridge, Wilson said at a press briefing. Those sailors were injured.

• The Mexican Navy said in a statement shared on X that the crash will prevent the training ship's cruise for the time being.
• The steel-hulled three-masted barque is nearly 300 feet long with almost 160-foot-tall masts.

No one on the bridge was reported injured, according to the Associated Press.

Catch up quick: Eyewitness video shared by ABC News showed the moment the ship, apparently moving backward, struck the bridge and continued to float down the East River.

• Video of the moment captured traffic on the bridge as the masts snapped against it.

Go deeper: Misinformation runs rampant after Baltimore bridge collapse

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.

President Trump on Friday accused former FBI director James Comey of calling for his assassination in a social media post with a photo of "8647" written by seashells in the sand.

Why it matters: The Trump administration and the president's MAGA allies online seized on the post as evidence Comey was advocating for political violence. Comey has since deleted the post and said the "political message" was not intended as a call for violence.

• "He's calling for the assassination of the president," Trump said during a Fox News interview on Friday.
• The president's comments come a day after his administration said it was investigating the matter as a threat.

Zoom in: "A child knows what that meant," he said. "If you're the FBI director and you don't know what that meant, that meant assassination, and it says it loud and clear."

• "Now, he wasn't very competent but he was competent enough to know what that meant, and he did it for a reason."
• Calling Comey a "dirty cop," Trump said the next steps are up to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Catch up quick: "8647" has circulated online and at some demonstrations as a silent protest of Trump.

• 86 is a slang term generally meaning to nix or get rid of, and 47 references Trump, the 47th president.

Flashback: MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec tweeted "86 46" about then-President Biden in 2022.

Go deeper:

• What to know about "8647" after James Comey's Instagram post
• Former FBI director Comey blasted over cryptic post on Trump

An anti-Trump protest online featuring the numbers "8647" is now at the heart of a federal investigation after former FBI director James Comey shared it in a social media post.

The big picture: Comey's since-deleted post stirred outrage among prominent MAGA voices online, who accused him of calling for violence against Trump. Comey later said he didn't realize the "political message" could be interpreted in that way.

State of play: "86" generally means to throw out or nix. "47" refers to Trump — the 47th president.

• "8647" was meant to be a silent protest to signal opposition to Trump, online publication Distractify reported in March. The numbers also circulated in posts on TikTok.
• "It's not a call for impeachment necessarily, or even an endorsement of some other candidate," per Distractify. "It's just a signal of opposition."
• A Reddit user shared a photo of a demonstrator at a Hands Off! protest in April that included the numbers.

Driving the news: Comey's Instagram post showed shells arranged on a beach in the shape of the numbers.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday evening that Comey's post was being investigated as a threat.
• Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. said Comey's post called for the president to be murdered.

Catch up quick: Eighty-six is a slang term meaning to "throw out" or "get rid of," according to Merriam-Webster.

• It traces back to 1930s soda counter slang to indicate an item was sold out and later was commonly used to mean "to refuse to serve a customer."
• "There is varying anecdotal evidence about why the term eighty-six was used, but the most common theory is that it is rhyming slang for nix," according to the dictionary.

Yes, but: Using 86 to mean "kill" is a newer and less common usage, per Merriam-Webster.

Zoom out: Merch with the combination of numbers is sold on Amazon, Etsy, Redbubble and eBay on shirts, hats, pins and stickers.

• "The "86" is a classic term meaning "to get rid of" or "eject," and "47" represents Donald J Trump," one Etsy vendor's description said.

Go deeper: Former FBI director Comey blasted over cryptic post on Trump

Wisconsin circuit Judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that she helped an undocumented man evade arrest, multiple outlets reported.

Why it matters: The Trump administration has said Dugan's case is meant to send a message to other judges not to interfere with its immigration crackdown.

• She could face up to six years in prison if she is convicted on both counts, per AP.
• A couple hundred protesters demonstrated outside the courthouse against Dugan's arrest and the Trump administration's immigration policies, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Driving the news: A federal grand jury indicted Dugan on Tuesday on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of proceedings.

• She was arrested by the FBI last month for trying to help an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom avoid arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

What's next: Her next hearing is scheduled for July 9, and her trial is set for July 21.

Zoom out: The Wisconsin Supreme Court essentially suspended Dugan, saying it was in the public interest for her to be "temporarily relieved of her official duties."

• She has served nearly a decade on the court.

State of play: The Trump administration has intensified its battle with the judicial branch, particularly regarding efforts to enforce its immigration agenda. Federal judges have ruled against the administration in several cases, from ordering the return of an erroneously deported man to preventing the deportation of several foreign students and green card holders.

• Attorney General Pam Bondi said Dugan's arrest sent a "strong message" to other judges.
• Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into Dugan's arrest, saying that Trump used federal law enforcement to further his agenda.

The latest: Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) spoke outside of the courthouse on Thursday, saying Dugan's indictment is "trial by social media" and being spearheaded by Trump.

• Larson added that it's the "latest in his attempt to move America towards authoritarianism by activating the Justice Department to serve his political goals and bully his political enemies."

Go deeper: Wisconsin judge indicted on charges of helping immigrant avoid arrest

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional context.

Harvard President Alan Garber said the Trump administration is acting unlawfully in a Monday letter that also acknowledged the university and government share a priority in squashing antisemitism.

Why it matters: The Ivy League school continues to defend itself in the back-and-forth with Education Secretary Linda McMahon over federal funding and control over the institution.

• "Harvard's efforts to achieve these goals are undermined and threatened by the federal government's overreach into the constitutional freedoms of private universities and its continuing disregard of Harvard's compliance with the law," he wrote.

Context: Garber's letter comes in response to the Trump administration saying it would pause all new federal grant funding for the university.

• McMahon accused the university of violating federal law, amid other allegations.
• Harvard has sued, arguing the government's demands violate the school's constitutional rights.

Driving the news: "I must refute your claim that Harvard is a partisan institution," Garber wrote on Monday. "It is neither Republican nor Democratic. It is not an arm of any other political party or movement. Nor will it ever be."

• He said the university would not surrender its "core principles" over fear of retaliation.

Zoom in: Garber laid out the ways the university is combatting antisemitism and other bigotry and promoting intellectual diversity.

• He also wrote that Harvard students and faculty are selected based on merit, not for quotas.

Read the full letter:

Go deeper:

• Harvard warns faculty of funding cuts ahead
• Trump admin to halt new grant funding to Harvard

President Trump said the "European Union is, in many ways, nastier than China," during a news conference on Monday.

Why it matters: The stakes of a prolonged U.S.-EU standoff over Trump's tariffs are high. With nearly a trillion dollars worth of trade last year, U.S. companies exported more than twice to the EU what they sent to China.

Driving the news: During the news conference, Trump announced an executive order aimed at cutting prescription drugs and pharmaceutical prices.

• He said that Europeans should have to pay more for health care and take on financial burdens.
• Trump said the U.S. has "all the cards" in trade deals with the EU.

What he's saying: "The health care companies should make pretty much the same money," Trump said. "I really don't believe they should be affected very much because it's just a redistribution of wealth."

• "Europe's going to have to pay a little bit more. The rest of the world is going to have to pay a little bit more," he added. "And America is going to pay a lot less."
• He said the U.S. has been "subsidizing" Europeans' health care.

By the numbers: Trump, in his remarks Monday, insisted Europe sells the U.S. 13 million cars a year and the U.S. sells none in return.

• The European Automobile Manufacturers Association has said it's not quite that stark, according to a March fact sheet.
• About 750,000 cars were exported from the EU to the U.S. last year, against about 170,000 cars exported from the U.S. to Europe.

Our thought bubble, from Axios' Ben Berkowitz: Trump's tough talk with Europe may go farther than it did with China, which responded to his tariffs almost instantly with their own tit-for-tat retaliation.

• The EU, on the other hand, recently launched a public review of a proposed list of $100 billion in possible tariff targets, which will last a month and be followed by more political negotiations, before any possible implementation in mid-summer.
• Any trade talks may also be colored by the administration's well-known skepticism about America's relationship with Europe.

Go deeper: EU rolls out $100 billion U.S. tariff list for public comment

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details from the press conference.

Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released Monday.

Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season.

• "Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they're taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home," AAA said in a statement.

By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26.

• That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year and surpasses the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005.

Zoom in: 87% of Memorial Day travelers, or 39.4 million people, are choosing to take road trips this year, per AAA.

• Air travel will increase 2% over last year at 3.61 million air passengers but isn't predicted to set a new record.
• 2.08 million people are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise over the holiday weekend.

Our thought bubble, from Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick: Americans keep breaking travel records in the post-pandemic period, either to keep making up for lost time during COVID or, now, to get ahead of potential rising prices over the next few months.

What we're watching: Summertime airfare costs are currently down.

• Average flight prices dropped 7% year-over-year across more than 100 cities, according to a Tuesday Kayak report.
• For the fourth year in a row, U.S. summer travel to Europe is expected to increase, per a Wednesday Allianz report.

Go deeper: Foreign visits into the U.S. fell off a cliff in March

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor urged hundreds of lawyers Thursday night to stand up in the face of threats, multiple outlets reported.

Why it matters: President Trump's administration has targeted law firms and even federal judges, in what observers say has raised the possibility of a constitutional crisis.

• She's the latest Supreme Court justice to speak out against attacks on the legal profession and federal judiciary.

Driving the news: "If you're not used to fighting, and losing battles, then don't become a lawyer," Sotomayor said at an American Bar Association event. "Our job is to stand up for people who can't do it themselves."

• "Right now, we can't lose the battles we are facing," she added.

State of play: President Trump has retaliated against prominent law firms with executive orders, stripping security clearances and discouraging federal officials from interacting with the firms.

• He announced five deals with law firms last month, securing a combined $940 million in pro bono legal services for conservative causes.

Zoom in: "We need trained and passionate and committed lawyers to fight this fight," Sotomayor said on Thursday. "For me, being here with you is an act of solidarity."

• American Bar Association president William R. Bay in March said he rejected "efforts to undermine the courts and the profession."

Zoom out: Sotomayor has previously been outspoken about the role of courts in a challenging political climate.

• In March, she urged for "fearlessly independent" courts at a Georgetown Law event.
• "The fact that some of our public leaders are lawyers advocating or making statements challenging the rule of law tells me that fundamentally our law schools are failing," she said at the time.

Go deeper: As Big Law folds to Trump, some D.C. firms are fighting

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter died in his New Hampshire home on Thursday at 85, the Supreme Court said on Friday.

The big picture: Souter, appointed by former President George H.W. Bush in 1990, served until 2009. Though he was a appointed by a Republican, he often sided with the court's liberal bloc.

• "Justice David Souter served our Court with great distinction for nearly twenty years. He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement.
• His retirement gave then-President Obama his first opportunity to fill a vacancy on the high court, which was filled by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Flashback: When nominating him, Bush said Souter was "a remarkable judge of keen intellect and the highest ability, one whose scholarly commitment to the law and whose wealth of experience mark him of first rank."

Background: Souter graduated from Harvard in 1961, majoring in philosophy.

• In 1963, he received a degree from Magdalen College at the University of Oxford, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. He earned his law degree from Harvard in 1966.
• He became an assistant attorney general of New Hampshire two years after graduating from law school after a brief stint in private practice.
• He later served as New Hampshire's attorney general and on the state's Supreme Court.

When he was confirmed to the Supreme Court, he was "relatively unknown" and "lacked a clear record on controversial issues," according to Justia, a legal resources website.

• "Souter was expected to be a staunch conservative when he was appointed, but this prediction proved inaccurate. Almost from the outset, he took a moderate or even left-leaning stance on several key issues," a biography said.
• He declined to erase the right to abortion by limiting, rather than overturning, Roe v. Wade.
• He would have permitted a recount in the 2000 presidential election to continue, unlike the majority in Bush v. Gor.e.

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional details and background.

Pope Leo XIV was named on Thursday as the first pontiff from the United States.

Why it matters: The surprising choice is now the second consecutive pope from the Americas.

• He's also the Catholic Church's first Augustinian pope.

Zoom out: The majority of popes have been from a version of what is now modern-day Italy.

• Pope Francis, who hailed from Argentina, was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
• Newly selected Robert Prevost is a Chicago native.

France is the second-most common location for papal ancestry, according to PopeHistory.com.

• Three popes have come from the African continent, all of whom were associated with the Roman Empire, per the World Population Review.

Between the lines: Ahead of the conclave, scholars said a U.S.-born pope would be unlikely, Axios' Carrie Shepherd previously reported.

• An American pope could give the U.S. more world influence than it already has, Loyola University scholar Michael Canaris said.
• With surging Catholicism in Asia and Africa, Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle and Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson were on the radar as gateways to the regions, Axios' Russell Contreras previously reported.

Behind the scenes: Betting markets previously predicted the next pope would be Pietro Parolin from Italy (37% probability), Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines (26%) or Pierbattista Pizzaballa from Italy (10%).

• Prediction markets did not forecast Prevost's selection.

Go deeper:

• Papal conclave ends on second day, in line with two centuries of tradition
• In photos: First American pope, Robert Prevost, named in Vatican

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

The 2025 conclave ended Thursday on its second day when white smoke over the Vatican signaled that the Catholic Church has a new pope.

The big picture: While Catholic cardinals have previously taken up to half a year to elect a new pope, no conclave has lasted longer than four days in nearly two centuries. 2025's was no exception.

Driving the news: The conclave began on Wednesday, and no pope was selected on the first ballot.

• The newly elected pope has not yet been publicly named.

Context: Pope Francis died on April 21 at 88 years old, ending a papacy focused on advocating for marginalized groups.

• He was elected on the second day of the 2013 conclave.

State of play: Francis elevated 80% of the cardinals picking his successor.

• To become pontiff, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote of cardinal electors.

Go deeper: Here's how the Catholic Church will choose a new pope

The Trump administration's ban on transgender troops in the military can go into effect after the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled enforcement could start.

The big picture: The emergency ruling green lights the ban, which is part of President Trump's wider attacks on transgender people, while challenges move forward in courts.

• The court's three liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented.

Context: Trump signed an executive order in January stating that the federal government will only recognize male and female as sexes. He also revoked an executive order from former President Biden that allowed trans people to serve openly.

• Trump called on the Pentagon to formulate a policy that would target transgender service members.
• A federal judge in March said the restrictions were a violation of transgender people's constitutional rights and blocked the administration's efforts.

Flashback: Trump also banned military service by transgender people during his first administration, affecting up to 15,000 service members.

• In January 2019, the Supreme Court let this ban proceed in a 5-4 vote before Biden later repealed it by executive order.

Catch up quick: The individual plaintiffs in the case are seven current transgender service members and one transgender person who would like to join the military, per SCOTUSblog.

• Trump's executive order targets people with "gender dysphoria," saying that they can't reach the military's medical and mental standards.

By the numbers: Between May 2016 and May 2021, the Department of Defense provided gender-affirming care to 1,892 active duty service members, per the Congressional Research Service.

• Major medical organizations consider gender-affirming care to be medically necessary and lifesaving.

Zoom out: The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked the rights of transgender people in its policies.

• In addition to trans service members, Trump has threatened trans youth, trans athletes and gender affirming care.

Go deeper: U.S. moves to remove transgender troops from military, Pentagon memo shows

Editor's note: This story has been updated with details throughout.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney privately asked President Trump to stop referring to the country as the 51st U.S. state, the prime minister said after their meeting Tuesday.

Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly threatened Canadian sovereignty, but Carney's Liberal Party staged a political comeback by rallying against Trump's annexation threats.

• Carney told Trump during their meeting that Canada "is not for sale," nor will it be.
• "Never say never," Trump responded, to which Carney repeatedly said: "Never."

Zoom in: During the leaders' first meeting, Trump said he still believed Canada should be the 51st state, but that it "takes two to tango."

• "I do feel it's much better for Canada, but we're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it," Trump said.
• "It would really be a wonderful marriage," he added.

What he's saying: Carney told reporters after the meeting that he privately asked Trump to stop referring to Canada as the 51st state.

• Asked how Trump responded, Carney said, "I don't know. He's the president. He's his own person. ... I've been very clear."
• Trump understands, Carney added, that "we're having a negotiation between sovereign nations and that we will only pursue and accept a deal that's in the best interest of Canada."

What we're watching: Trump said nothing Carney offered on Tuesday would prompt him to lift tariffs on Canada.

• "That's just the way it is," Trump said.
• "This is a bigger discussion," Carney responded. "There are much bigger forces involved, and this will take some time and some discussions, and that's why we're here, to have those discussions."

Our thought bubble, from Axios' Ben Berkowitz: Trump made clear over the weekend that his tariffs were a long-term proposition, particularly as a stick to force manufacturers to return to the U.S.

• When Trump said to Carney, in an Oval Office full of reporters, that he didn't want cars to be made in Canada, the unspoken half of the thought was that a stiff tariff theoretically accomplishes that goal.

Catch up quick: Carney's Liberal Party rose in popularity during the Canadian election, largely in response to Trump's threats to the country's sovereignty.

• Carney repeatedly rejected the notion that Canada could become part of the U.S.

Between the lines: Ahead of the meeting, Trump criticized Canada-U.S. relations on Truth Social. During the meeting, though, he said, "regardless of anything, we're gonna be friends with Canada."

• "Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?" he wrote prior to meeting with Carney.
• "We don't need their Cars, we don't need their Energy, we don't need their Lumber, we don't need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain."

Go deeper: Tariffs, trolling and the "51st state": A timeline of Trump's Canada aggression

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting

President Trump's legally dubious threat to strip Harvard's tax-exempt status could cost the university hundreds of millions a year, and other nonprofits fear they could be next.

Why it matters: Trump has waged an unprecedented assault on the independence of universities, law firms, and nonprofit media, using the power of the government to punish his perceived political enemies.

By the numbers: Harvard's property tax benefits totaled at least $456 million in 2023, per a Bloomberg News analysis.

• Taxes on its endowment could total $800 million annually, per the Chronicle of Higher Education.
• Losing its tax-exempt status, also means donations to Harvard would no longer be tax deductible, and the bonds it sells to fund improvements wouldn't be tax free.

Threat level: Harvard's president, Alan Garber, told the Wall Street Journal Friday that Trump's threats are "highly illegal, unless there is some reasoning that we have not been exposed to that would justify this dramatic move."

• Other nonprofits warn that Trump's threats set a worrying precedent.
• "If the Trump Administration can silence universities today, who will be next?" Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, said. "This is not just an isolated policy; it's an existential threat to the entire nonprofit sector.
• "Weaponizing the IRS and the tax code to attack the president's ideological opponents is a dangerous precedent," Tyler Coward, lead counsel for government affairs for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said.
• The Trump administration did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Zoom out: Trump's threats could very well be illegal because tax law prohibits the president and other senior government officials from asking the IRS to investigate an individual taxpayer.

• The IRS has previously revoked nonprofits' tax-exempt status when audits have found that political or commercial activities violated the terms of eligibility, per the New York Times.
• The IRS has challenged some schools under both Republican and Democratic administrations, but it has rarely revoked their tax-exempt status.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and three other Democratic senators on Friday urged the acting U.S. inspector general to open an investigation into Trump's tax threats against Harvard, which they called "illegal and unconstitutional."
• In their letter, the senators warned that Trump could also target churches, synagogues, nonprofit hospitals and clinics, and charter and private schools.

The bottom line: "The message that it sends to the educational community would be a very dire one," Garber said Friday, "which suggests that political disagreements could be used as a basis to pose what might be an existential threat to so many educational institutions."

Go deeper:

• Trump threatens Harvard's tax-exempt status — again
• Trump's not alone in wanting Harvard to pay taxes