1 big thing

The FBI has warned of armed protests planned at all 50 state capitols and in Washington, DC next week, leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. Now, officials in states like Michigan are increasing security measures and requesting the National Guard to keep their cities safe. Plus, how our digital lives feed mob mentalities. And, LA’s crucial week for COVID-19. Guests: Axios' Sara F...

As Congress moves forward with impeachment proceedings, corporate America is pulling the plug on political donations. First, it was Big Tech banning President Trump from social media sites. Now large companies like BP, Dow and Marriott International are cutting off political donations. Some like Dow and Marriott said they won’t donate to lawmakers who voted to object to the electoral college certi...

House Democrats are planning to move forward with a second impeachment of President Trump this week, citing his role in Wednesday's attack on the Capitol as "incitement of insurrection." But the strategy behind impeaching and removing Trump from office goes beyond his presidency. Plus, the danger of Iran’s nuclear escalation. And, NASA’s hunt for extraterrestrial life. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, B...

The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday was unlike anything the country has seen. Some members of Congress have called for President Trump's impeachment. Nine Trump Administration officials have resigned. Was this a major turning point in American politics? Plus, how QAnon fueled Wednesday’s riot. And, China's crackdown on democracy. Guests: Axios' Jim VandeHei, Dan Primack and Bethany Alle...

A mob incited by President Donald Trump overran the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday as lawmakers were planning to certify President-elect Joe Biden's election. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Alayna Treene and Jonathan Swan. Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Cara Shillenn, Nuria Marq...

Members of Congress will meet today in a joint session to officially count electoral votes for the presidential election. This happens every four years after every presidential election. This year, it's getting much more attention because of the dozens of senators and House Republicans, planning to object to the electoral results from battleground States like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia. P...

It's been about a month since the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved in the United States. The goal was to vaccinate 20 million Americans by the end of 2020, but less than a quarter of them have actually received their first dose. Some public health officials are suggesting that more people should receive first doses now even if that will delay the second. What does the science say about that?...

It's a busy first week of the year in American politics. On Wednesday, dozens of Republican members of Congress are planning to rebel against GOP leadership and refuse to certify Joe Biden's Electoral College victory in the presidential race. At the same time, protesters are converging on Washington, D.C. And: President Trump is still trying to change the outcome of the presidential election. Plus...

The coronavirus pandemic, the presidential election and the surge of Black Lives Matter protests were without a doubt the year's biggest stories. We dive into this unprecedented year and look ahead to what 2021 could bring. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev and Mike Allen. Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Carol Wu...

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' place in the White House alongside Joe Biden is a historic development for America. This episode is a special deep dive into the nation's understanding about identity — and how Harris' vice presidency could help change how we talk about race and ethnicity. Guests: Axios' Courtenay Brown, UC Riverside political scientist Karthick Ramakrishnan and Pew Research Cen...

In the 8 weeks since the presidential election, the vast majority of Republicans in Congress have remained loyal to President Trump - which means they've also spent almost two months ignoring the election results. Axios' Trump Loyalty Index shows this reaction to the president's behavior isn't a new thing. It's actually been a constant over the last four years. Plus, what loyalty to President Trum...

As we head into the holidays, more than 315,000 Americans have died, cases nationwide are nearing 18 million and over 600,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in the U.S. Doctors, nurses, and public health officials have seen this virus up close and have worked nonstop to fight it. Today, we revisit some of the people we talked to this year who are on the frontlines of the pandem...

Tesla’s stock has gone up almost 700%. That’s huge considering the average stock market return is around 10% per year. This week, Tesla started trading as part of the famous S&P 500. It’s a basket of some of the biggest publicly traded companies in America. Think Apple, Walmart or Johnson and Johnson. And because many Americans invest in funds that track the S&P, a whole lot more people now own a...

We've been talking about a second stimulus deal for months. Last night, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced both sides have finally come to an agreement. Plus, we could soon have self driving taxis. And, America’s somehow fitting, terrible end to 2020. Guests: Axios' Dan Primack, Joann Muller, and Mike Allen Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. Th...

We’re sharing the third episode of the Hard Truths podcast series. In this episode, we examine the role of both policy and the private sector in perpetuating segregated housing. We explore the legacy of housing segregation in Chicago, how housing segregation impacts wealth-building, and how it lays the foundation for other forms of segregation.  Guest: Natalie Moore, author of The South Side and W...

It's been a week since the FDA granted emergency authorization to Pfizer’s vaccine. The Moderna vaccine is expected to get that same go-ahead today. But, there is still a significant share of Americans who don't trust the vaccines. Top government and health officials have been doing their best to change those minds. That now includes Vice President Mike Pence who will receive the Pfizer vaccine on...

The entire country has been living the pandemic since March, but the realities between corporate America and working America are very different. According to a Washington Post analysis, 45 of America’s 50 biggest publicly traded companies have turned profits since March. Around the same time, almost million Americans have fallen into poverty. Plus, Google is in the antitrust crosshairs. And, the d...

This week, we're hearing about even more cabinet nominations for the Biden administration. Former South Bend mayor and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is one - and now, we have the scoop on who will fill the roles of Energy Secretary and the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, what’s standing in the way of COVID herd immunity. And, how virtual reality could help fight rac...

Tensions between President Trump and Attorney General William Barr have been running high for weeks. They came to a head on Monday when Trump tweeted that Barr will resign from his post before Christmas, moments after the Electoral College affirmed President-elect Joe Biden's election victory. Plus, could 2020 be the end of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong? And, what happens if the job you los...

Electors around the country are heading to their state capitol buildings today to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s election win. It’s normally a big ceremonial event, where guests and members of the public are welcome to watch the vote. But this year - masks, social distancing and police escorts will make it look a lot different. Plus, an explainer on Brexit’s latest delay. And, we take you i...

It's been a busy week for President-Elect Biden, who is in the middle of naming his cabinet picks. Marcia Fudge for Housing and Urban Development, Xavier Becerra for Health and Human Services, and retired general Lloyd Austin for Defense Secretary. But some of those announcements are getting a lot of backlash. Plus, enforcing who gets a COVID vaccine first. And, Jonathan Swan’s scoop on President...

On Wednesday, both the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of attorneys general from 48 States and territories filed lawsuits against Facebook. The two parallel sets of lawsuits accused the company of violating anti-trust laws by creating a monopoly on social media, using the company's vast amount of money and data to stifle competition. Plus, the investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. And,...

Congress is getting closer to passing a stimulus bill. The focus now is on an over $900 billion plan that will include more unemployment benefits, money for schools and aid for small businesses. Both Republicans and Democrats seem ready to compromise - but for many small businesses, it might be too little too late. Plus, American hospitals are in a covid crisis. And, the pandemic has expedited the...

For over a year, Axios has been investigating a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who cultivated extensive ties with local and national U.S. politicians, including a sitting congressman. Today, we present a special episode: the story of the alleged intelligence operation, which offers a rare glimpse into the lengths Beijing will go to access U.S. political circles. Guests: Axios' Bethany Al...

xThe past four years have been marked by hardline immigration policies. Now in his final days in office, President Donald Trump is trying to cement his legacy on immigration. Plus, the fate of the Senate hangs on Georgia. And, how power is shifting in philanthropy. Guests: Axios' Stef Kight, Mike Allen and Felix Salmon. Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The...