1 big thing

The new Republican-led House will vote for a speaker today. But even after offering concessions, Rep. Kevin McCarthy still doesn't seem to have the support he needs from his fellow lawmakers to take the spot. Plus, the economic outlook for 2023. And, new state laws on wages and on marijuana. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin and Alayna Treene. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaul...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Washington D.C. on Wednesday for his first international trip since Russia invaded Ukraine over 300 days ago. Zelensky met with Biden and spoke to joint session of Congress. Plus, a look back at the year in tech. And, the story of a life-changing journey to Antarctica. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, Ina Fried and Margaret Talev. Credits: Axios Today...

Bad weather across much of the U.S. this week will mean a bumpy ride for many Americans traveling for the holidays. We talked to Axios local reporters about how they are preparing for treacherous travel conditions and the coldest temperatures in decades. Plus, the growth in anti-Semitic hate in the U.S. And, the public may soon see years of Trump’s tax returns. Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras, An...

The January 6 committee voted on Monday to refer former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. The panel accused Trump of committing four federal crimes. Plus, the health stories to watch as we head into the new year. Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene, Andrew Solender and Adriel Bettelheim. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexan...

From Amazon employees forming their first union in Staten Island this April, to Congress intervening to stop a railroad workers' strike just a few weeks ago, it's been quite a year for labor. Axios' Emily Peck takes a look back at the year that was and what’s to come. Plus, the surprising history of America’s favorite flowering Christmas plant. And, Lionel Messi finally gets his World Cup. Guests:...

As we wrap up 2022, we’re asking Axios’ Jonathan Swan for his big takeaways in politics and what he’s watching as we head into the new year. Guests: Axios' Jonathan Swan. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Amy Pedulla, Fonda Mwangi, Alex Sugiura and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can tex...

Maybe you’ve noticed the big jump in the price of vegetables lately – 38% in November compared to October, according to new government data. Arizona farmers provide most of our leafy greens from November to March - but this winter, production could get worse because of drought in the Colorado River. Plus, what that means for child hunger in the US. And, we’re making you smarter about Sunday’s Worl...

The Supreme Court's decision to end the constitutional right to abortion has had a negative effect on maternal health in the US, Biden administration officials said on Tuesday. Plus, the real relationship between high blood pressure and stress. And, President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Guests: Axios' Oriana Gonzalez and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by...

Pandemic gains in American wealth are melting away. American household net worth declined for the third consecutive quarter this year as stocks were hit hard by rising interest rates. Plus, fires prompt a movement to ban e-bikes. And, Utah becomes the latest state to partially ban TikTok. Guests: Axios' Matt Phillips and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Keh...

Imagine doing a full-scale fertility evaluation, from the privacy of your own home - that even includes an at-home transvaginal ultrasound. That's the idea behind one company that’s part of a new wave of startups hoping to modernize the fertility industry, making it more accessible and affordable to more people. Plus, Democratic party wins in rural America. And, understanding the "Greenland block"...

It's been a good few weeks for the president, capped off by a Democratic win in the Georgia Senate race, and WNBA star Brittney Griner's release from a Russian prison. Plus, protests, crackdowns and change in China and Iran. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen and Stanford University’s Larry Diamond. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Fonda Mw...

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday in an elections case that could have major consequences for 2024. At issue in the North Carolina case is how much control state legislatures have over things like voting laws and election maps. Plus, tech layoffs are hitting H1-B visa-holders hard. And, the AI generators sweeping social media. Guests: Axios' Hope King, Ina Fried and The National...

The Trump organization was found guilty by a Manhattan jury Tuesday on charges related to a criminal tax fraud scheme. Plus, Rafael Warnock's historic win in Georgia gives Democrats a 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate. And, the aftermath of an attack on power stations in North Carolina. Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols and Zachery Eanes. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani...

It's Election Day in Georgia and voters are determining who will head to the U.S. Senate, Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock or his Republican challenger Herschel Walker. Early voting has been record-breaking, with nearly 2 million votes cast as of Monday. But those votes haven’t all come easy. Plus, a same-sex versus religious rights case at the Supreme Court. And, a major moment for global oil m...

The stress of living through the pandemic aged adolescent brains by at least three or four years, according to a new study out of Stanford University. Plus, pressure mounts in Iran's protests. And, a supply and demand mismatch for remote jobs. Guests: Axios' Sabrina Moreno and The Washington Post's Miriam Berger. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti...

The week in politics saw new leadership in Congress, legislation on same-sex marriage and Senate passage of a bill to prevent a national rail strike. Axios' Margaret Talev rounds up the big politics news with our weekly State of Play. Plus, the UN warns of a global food crisis. And, the post-pandemic decline of Six Flags. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Michael Mooney and Gro Intelligence's Sara Me...

President Biden is holding his first state dinner Thursday night at the White House, to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron. But more than a time to wine and dine, the visit will be an opportunity for the two presidents to discuss a number of critical issues. Plus, promising results for a new Alzheimer’s drug. And, how Boomers are making inflation worse. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Neil Irwin...

Title 42 -- the Trump-era public health policy that allows the U.S. to turn migrants away at the border -- is set to end shortly before Christmas. Now, Axios has learned that the Biden administration is considering some drastic measures to replace it. Plus, Democrats could change which states go first in the 2024 presidential primaries. And, a big U.S. win at the World Cup. Guests: Axios' Stef Kig...

The United States will either win the World Cup game against Iran or go home on Tuesday afternoon. The stakes are high and so are tensions. Iran state media has called for the U.S. to be kicked out of the World Cup, after the U.S. changed the Iranian flag on its social media platforms to show support for protesters there. And the Iranian soccer team may be facing its own repercussions back home fo...

Protests are erupting across China, as public outrage grows over COVID lockdown restrictions. Chinese protesters are asking the government to lift its zero-COVID policy, and are calling for President Xi Jinping's resignation. Plus, what’s next for student loan forgiveness. And, early voting begins in Georgia’s runoff Senate race. Guests: Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian and The Washington Post's Da...

Thanksgiving is a time for us to stop and appreciate what's good. We know there's a lot of tough news in the world, which is why we think it's important to take some time to celebrate what we're grateful for. So as you're preparing your turkey, or traveling or just out for your regular morning walk, here's a special Axios Today episode and a little moment of gratitude for all of you this Thanksgiv...

A U.S. rail strike could hit as soon as December, and just about every part of the economy would feel it. An influential railroad worker union this week rejected a deal that President Biden had brokered back in September, making a strike once again look possible. And this time, it comes just as the holidays are upon us. And, student loan borrowers get another extension. Plus, reframing tomorrow as...

In the last week, hashtags like #RIPTwitter and #TwitterDown were trending on the platform. The app continues to experience technical glitches under Elon Musk’s new regime, and it looks like more users are fleeing the site because of security concerns. Plus, Americans plan their holidays as respiratory viruses surge. And, a World Cup team protest. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer and Adriel Bettelheim...

One welcome result of the Fed raising interest rates is that people are seeing higher income on their risk-free savings accounts. For some, that's helping counteract some of the worst aspects of inflation. Plus: the deadly shooting in Colorado Springs. And: a groundbreaking climate compensation fund for developing nations. Guests: Axios' Matt Phillips and Andrew Freedman. Credits: Axios Today is p...

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi yesterday announced she will be stepping away from her two-decade leadership tenure. She will continue to serve as a representative of California’s 12th district. We look back at her legacy and at what's ahead for Democrats. Plus, flooding causes a food crisis for millions of Africans. And, American credit card debt soars. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Ayurella H...