1 big thing

In Texas on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk seemed to be open to overturning the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs involved in medication abortion. Plus, the tech industry implodes and advances all at once. Guests: Axios' Oriana González and Scott Rosenberg. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Naomi Shavin, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda...

President Biden signed a gun control executive order on Tuesday, with the main goal of strengthening background checks. But the move also highlights the limits of his power on this issue. Plus, the EPA proposes new limits for cancer-causing chemicals in our drinking water. And, a Russian jet collides with a U.S. drone over the Black Sea. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, The Guardian's Abené Clayton, En...

Homelessness increased nationwide in 2022. Nearly 600,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2022, according to a HUD assessment. All of this is having a big impact on local elections in Western cities. Plus, the markets react to the Silicon Valley Bank fallout. And, the Biden administration tries to balance energy and the environment in Alaska. Guests: Axios' John...

After a weekend of speculation and anxiety following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, federal banking regulators on Sunday night determined that FDIC insurance funds will be used to protect Silicon Valley Bank depositors from losing their money. Plus, China gets a major diplomatic win. And, atmospheric rivers bring more rain, snow and flooding to California. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin, Felix Sa...

President Biden presented an almost 7 trillion budget on Thursday with plans to tax the ultra rich to address a funding crisis with Medicare. Nearly 60 million senior citizens in the U.S. rely on Medicare for health insurance. Plus, a make-or-break year for the Academy Awards. And, spring flowers are popping up early all over America. Guests: Axios' Caitlin Owens, Hans Nichols and Tim Baysinger. C...

The Louisville Metro Police Department has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices that violate the U.S. Constitution, according to a new report released yesterday from the Department of Justice. Plus, local libraries find new ways to support communities. And, Arkansas loosens child labor laws. Guests: The Washington Post's David Nakamura and San Jose Public Library's Jill Bourne. Credits: Ax...

The cost of buying a house has been soaring for the past few years, and prices are finally starting to fall. But things aren't much easier for first-time buyers. Also, the kidnapping of Americans spotlights violence in Mexico. And, the NTSB investigates Norfolk Southern Railway. Plus, we want to hear how you use your local library. Guests: Axios' Emily Peck and Marina Franco. Credits: Axios Today...

The DEA has proposed new rules that would require doctors to see patients in person before they can prescribe medications like Oxytocin and Adderall. The rules would also impact medications like buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid addiction. Plus, San Francisco weighs a hefty reparations plan. Guests: Axios' Sabrina Moreno and Megan Rose Dickey. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala B...

Protests in Israel have intensified over the last nine weeks against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to reform the courts. This weekend, hundreds of thousands took to the streets. Meanwhile, Israel and the U.S. are looking ahead to two high-profile visits, adding urgency to the situation this week. Plus, an economic mystery for 2023. Guests: Axios' Barak Ravid and Neil Irwin. Credits: Ax...

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot this week became the first incumbent in the city to lose reelection in decades. Lightfoot’s failure to curb the city’s high crime was central to her loss, and this election looks to be an early Democratic test for 2024. Plus, fewer Americans are getting married. And, our surging credit card debt. Guests: Axios' Alexis McHammond and Javier E. David. Credits: Axios Today...

The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced on Wednesday that it’s slashing the price of insulin and capping out-of-pocket costs for patients at $35 a month at most retail pharmacies. Plus, the FAA investigates more near-collisions at U.S. airports. And, TikTok sets limits for its youngest users. Guests: Axios' Adriel Bettelheim and Alex Fitzpatrick. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Bo...

The federal government says the illegal use of child labor in the U.S. is on the rise. In the last fiscal year 835 companies employed more than 3,800 children illegally, according to the Labor Department. The department announced new crackdowns Monday following a New York Times investigation published over the weekend into child labor law violations involving migrant children. Plus, a test for Tru...

The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments about President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. If Biden’s plan is successful, more than 40 million borrowers could have up to $20,000 of their federal student loan debt canceled. Plus, the race to save fading Black history. And, all your Black artist recommendations for the end of Black History Month. Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras and The Wash...

The Department of Energy over the weekend concluded in a "low confidence" assessment that COVID-19 most likely originated from a laboratory in China. But government agencies remain largely split on where the pandemic came from. Plus, new data shows the rise in sexual violence against girls in America. And, Black artists you love in honor of Black History Month. Guests: Axios' Tina Reed and UPMC Ch...

It's been a year since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and roughly 13 million Ukrainians have been displaced as a result of the conflict. Around 113,000 Ukrainians have ended up in the United States. Plus, new data on the public health threats that Democrats and Republicans care about most. Guests: Axios' Stef Kight and Margaret Talev. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexa...

In the aftermath of the train derailment in Ohio earlier this month, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is calling on the rail industry to make take steps towards change. Plus, AI chatbots and the risk of misinformation. And, a coast-to-coast winter storm. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer and The Washington Post's Ian Duncan. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Naom...

We are almost at the one year milestone of Russia's war on Ukraine. And Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military have had a lot of missteps along the way. Axios' Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath examines Putin’s year of miscalculations in the war. Plus, Biden’s fiery message of freedom and democracy. And, fatter paychecks could be in your future. Guests: Axios' Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath and Emily...

President Biden made a surprise visit to the capital Kyiv on Monday. It was his first time there since the war began, and he promised continued U.S. support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Plus, another earthquake shakes an already devastated Turkey and Syria. And, high stakes for Big Tech at the Supreme Court. Guests: Axios' Barak Ravid and Ashley Gold. Credits: Axios Today is produced by...

Part of a grand jury report on former President Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election was released yesterday in Georgia. And portions say the grand jury believe one or more witnesses committed perjury during their probe. Plus, gender-affirming care is under attack nationwide — understanding what it means and where it’s being banned. Guests: Axios' Emma Hurt and Oriana Gonzalez. Cre...

The Thwaites Glacier in Antartica is known as the “doomsday glacier" -- that's because if it melts, it could raise sea levels by up to 10 feet. Now, new research is changing our understanding of this glacier. Plus, Tesla’s role in making electric vehicle chargers more available nationwide. Guests: Axios' Andrew Freedman and Joann Muller. Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra...

In 2022, more than 5 million prescriptions were written for diabetes drugs to be used for weight loss. The demand spiked because of social media influencers and celebrities touting the benefits. But widespread off-label use of diabetes drugs is raising concerns about cost and shortages. Plus, last week’s earthquake becomes Turkey's deadliest in 100 years. And, human intervention is keeping manatee...

On February 3rd, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, prompting an evacuation of local residents and questions about the safety of the area's water and air. Now some experts are worried residents don't have accurate information on health and safety risks. Plus, the GOP’s funding fight over China. And, why underwear tariffs are sexist. Guests: Axios' Jael Holzman a...

The U.S. shot down an unidentified object on Sunday over Lake Huron — at least the fourth flying object to be downed in U.S. airspace since the start of the month, including the surveillance balloon from China. We get a reality check on what's going on. Plus, the crushing cost of childcare. And, one of the Black artists you told us is inspiring you. Guests: Axios' Jennifer Kingson and Reuters' Idr...

The death toll from the earthquake and its aftershocks in Syria and Turkey has now surpassed 20,000. The scale of the destruction and the freezing temperatures are hampering rescue efforts. The first UN humanitarian aid convoy finally entered northwest Syria on Thursday. Plus, Biden takes control of the debt ceiling narrative. And, sports betting at the Super Bowl. Guests: Axios' Laurin-Whitney Go...

The White House says hotels make almost 3 billion dollars a year in resort fees. And the President wants to crack down on these kinds of "junk fees," not just at resorts but with credit cards and beyond. How did things get so bad, and what could reform look like? Plus, U.S. birth rates go up and buck a trend. And, we want to hear about Black artists you appreciate. Guests: Axios' Tina Reed and The...