State of Play: One month out from midterms

President Joe Biden announced Thursday he will pardon everyone convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law — and he’s urging governors to do the same. More than 6,500 people were convicted of simple possession between 1992 and 2021 under federal law, and thousands more under District of Columbia code. It’s a big move by Biden a month ahead of the midterms — what does it mean for messaging for Democrats and Republicans?

• Plus, a devastating attack rocks Thailand.
• And, the U.S. imposes more sanctions on Iran as protests continue.

Guests: Axios’ Josh Kraushaar and Mike Allen.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go Deeper:

• Biden to pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession
• U.S. issues more sanctions against officials in Iran as government crackdown persists
• At least 37 killed in mass shooting at Thailand child care center