1 big thing

People who have health insurance but get sick with diseases that require out-of-network care can face staggering costs. Plus, the future of at-home COVID testing. And, Florida’s special legislative session against mask and vaccine mandates. Guests: Axios' Bob Herman, Kia Kokalitcheva and Selene San Felice. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

House Democrats continue to push for a vote of that nearly two trillion dollar Build Back Better spending bill. After months of wrangling, no date has been set and passage of President Biden’s massive agenda remains in question. So one question we’re asking this morning is: Is all the momentum lost? Plus, IBM’s quantum computing ambitions. And, Conclusions after the global climate summit. Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols, Ina Fried and Ben Geman. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Progressives fearful as Biden plan pushed into December Exclusive: IBM achieves quantum computing breakthrough COP26 climate deal calls for historic shift from fossil fuels

President Biden last August announced the end of America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan. But for the 800,000 American service members who participated in America’s longest war, the devastating psychological and physical effects can last for decades. On this Veterans Day, we're bringing you veterans' stories from a new podcast called Third Squad. Guests: Elliott Woods, veteran and host of the podcast Third Squad Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Yesterday we talked about American pessimism around the economy. But as our latest Axios-Ipsos poll shows, we are optimistic about some things like the state of the pandemic. According to our poll, Americans are more likely to think that going back to normal life is now a low to moderate risk. That same poll found that most Americans are happy with how their kids’ schools are handling Covid precautions and student safety. Plus, Meta says it will block some ad targeting on Facebook. And, how cities are staying resilient in the face of climate change. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev and Sara Fischer. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The October jobs report showed that job creation is roaring back. 531,000 jobs were added last month and unemployment fell to 4.6% - a pandemic low. This was good news for economists and experts who have been tracking our recovery but for the average American, these data points are getting lost in what Felix Salmon calls “economic pessimism.” Plus, negotiations at the UN climate summit are about to get tougher. And, what google searches can tell us about key voter issues. Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon, Andrew Freedman, and Stef Kight. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Over the weekend, a federal appeals court temporarily suspended enforcement of President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private employers. This came shortly after the Biden administration set January 4th as the deadline for companies with more than 100 workers to get their employees vaccinated or start regular testing. Plus, Houston authorities investigate that deadly surge at the Astroworld music festival. And, the infrastructure bill spends billions on broadband. Guests: The Houston Chronicle's Joey Guerra, Axios' Tina Reed and Margaret Harding McGill. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Jayk Cherry. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Yesterday, we talked about President Biden's plans on prescription drug prices and what that could mean for all of us. Another key platform the president campaigned on was taxing the rich, but that's complicated. Plus, behind the scenes of the UN Climate Conference. And, more reasons working moms feel like throwing in the towel. Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon, Dave Lawler and Erica Pandey. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Motor vehicle crash fatalities spiked in the first six months of this year. In fact it’s the biggest half-year rise on record. That’s according to new data from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it's something Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is calling “a crisis.” Plus, inside New Jersey’s nail-biter election. And, Democrats' plan for drug prices. Guests: Nancy Solomon, Managing Editor for New Jersey Public Radio and WNYC; and Axios' Bryan Walsh and Caitlin Owens. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The Republican Party saw some key wins in yesterday’s elections, particularly in Virginia where candidate Glenn Youngkin was elected governor. Is this a warning to Democrats for 2022? Plus, Minneapolis rejects a ballot measure to overhaul the city’s police. And, global climate commitments so far at Cop26. Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, Torey Van Oot, and Ben Geman. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases challenging the Texas law that allows private citizens to sue to enforce the state’s six-week abortion ban. One of the cases was brought on by Whole Women’s Health, an abortion provider in Texas; the other by the Department of Justice. Plus, the county at the heart of the Virginia governor’s race. And, what Zuckerberg’s virtual metaverse means for our real-life bodies. Guests: Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center and Axios' Cuneyt Dil and Scott Rosenberg Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

COP 26, the annual UN Climate Conference, began yesterday in Glasgow Scotland. We got a preview of how things might go after the G20 Summit in Rome - and well, not great news. World leaders set a target of reaching carbon neutrality around mid-century. But - they left Rome with few concrete targets or commitments on climate change. Plus, President Biden’s approval rating hits a new low. And, another terrible COVID milestone for the world. Guests: Axios' Ben Geman and Mike Allen. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The rollout for the Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids ages 5 through 11 could begin as early as next week. We answer some of your questions. Plus, high stakes for the new Biden social spending framework. And, oil and gas executives face a grilling on the Hill. Guests: Axios' Tina Reed, Hans Nichols, and Andrew Freedman. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

President Biden is heading to Rome today for the G20 summit. It will be the first time most of the world's largest economies will meet in person since the pandemic began. Plus, a new law makes it harder to hide money in art. And, debate over the right-to-die movement in Latin America. Guests: Axios' Zach Basu and Kate Marino; Telemundo News reporter Marina Franco. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

After what’s felt like a long, long wait, an FDA advisory panel yesterday voted to recommend the Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11. Plus: understanding who is eligible for a covid booster, and who has access to one. Plus, what the Sudanese coup says about democracy worldwide. And, meatless meals make it into public school lunches. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

From Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples to Catholic churches and Muslim mosques, houses of worship are this year experiencing high levels of vandalism, arson and other property damage. According to early numbers, 2021 is on track to be a record year for hate crimes in the U.S., and many of those are linked to religious bigotry. Plus, global leaders prepare for the climate summit in Glasgow. And, your future home could be 3D-printed. Guests: Professor Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State University; Axios' Andrew Freedman and Joann Muller. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Attacks against houses of worship are on the rise What we’re watching during the final countdown to COP26 3D-printed houses poised to go mainstream

It’s the final week of the governor’s race in Virginia between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin. It’s a huge test for Democrats as they try to hold onto this must-have state. Plus, the Supreme Court decides to hear three abortion cases this term. And, new FBI data shows how border towns are safer than other American cities. Guests: Axios' Fadel Allassan, Oriana Gonzalez and Russell Contreras. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

It’s Friday, when we usually talk about the week in politics, which this week has included the House voting to hold Steven Bannon in contempt of Congress, Attorney General Merrick Garland’s first testimony before the Judicial Committee and President Biden trying to promote his economic agenda. Plus, the scene in Georgia during the first week of the trial for Ahmaud Arbery’s murder. And, a thrifting renaissance courtesy of Gen Z Guests: Axios' Glen Johnson, Erica Pandey and Emma Hurt; Ruby Arbery and Lynn Whitlfield in Brunswick, GA. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Across the country, workers are angry -- demanding better pay and conditions. Since last week, some 10,000 John Deere workers have been on strike in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado and Georgia after rejecting a pay raise that didn’t go above 6 percent. It’s the largest strike of the pandemic - but not the only one. Plus, Netflix workers stand up for the trans community. And, Biden’s plans for vaccinating kids against covid. Guests: Axios' Courtenay Brown, Ina Fried and Marisa Fernandez. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

America’s economic edge in tech used to be because of hardware, like computers, and software, or programming -- think companies like Facebook or Google. But now we’re at a tipping point in the shift to an information economy that focuses on creators, content and data. Plus, Halloween is roaring back in 2021. And, how COVID has affected organized sports for kids. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer, Jennifer Kingson and Tyler Buchanan. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

China tested a hypersonic missile last August, according to new reporting from the Financial Times. China says it wasn't a nuclear-capable missile, but a routine spacecraft check. So how worried should we be? Plus, more tension between the Joes: Biden and Manchin. And, remembering former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Guests: Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian and Hans Nichols. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: A different kind of cold war Scoop: Manchin's red lines Obama says Powell exemplified what America "can and should be"

There was lots of news over the weekend about West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin’s opposition to a crucial piece of President Biden's proposed climate agenda. That piece would encourage wind, solar, and other zero carbon sources of clean electricity. Axios' Ben Geman has a reality check. Plus, how the U.S. Secretary of Education says he’s tackling crises in our public schools. And, the history of American newspapers promoting lynching. Guests: Axios' Ben Geman and Jonathan Swan; DeNeen Brown, associate professor at the University of Maryland and Washington Post reporter. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

On our latest installment of our Hard Truths series, we look at how faulty technology is making its way into the U.S. immigration system. Guests: Chaz Arnett, law professor at the University of Maryland and Miguel. Credits: "Axios Today" is brought to you by Axios and Pushkin Industries. This episode was produced by Nuria Marquez Martinez and edited by Alexandra Botti. Jeanne Montalvo is our sound engineer. Dan Bobkoff is our executive producer. Special thanks to editor-in-chief Sara Kehaulani Goo, executive editor Aja Whitacker-Moore and managing editor for technology Scott Rosenberg.

The global energy crisis is causing a whole series of economic headaches, not the least of which is inflation. The Consumer Price Index, the best American measure of inflation, jumped 5.4% in September, compared to last year. That's according to new data out this week. Plus, the fallout of bigotry in the NFL. And, celebrating Latino ingenuity to close Hispanic Heritage Month. Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon, Kendall Baker, and Marino Franco. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

New data from the National Institutes of Health shows that people who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine might benefit from getting a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot. But J&J has asked the FDA to approve a second shot for its own vaccine. Plus, Miya Marcano, and new attention on missing and murdered women of color. And, Snapchat is trying to get its users to run for office. Guests: Axios' Caitlin Owens and Alexi McCammond, and attorney Marlon Hill. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: J&J booster confusion ahead Miya Marcano Memorial Fund Snapchat young candidate project gets buzz

A recent survey of more than 13,000 workers found that 58% of restaurant and hotel employees plan to quit their jobs by the end of this year. And more than a third of them are citing difficult customers as the driving force. What are the knock-on economic effects? Plus, LinkedIn’s censorship of some Chinese profiles. And, charities take a page from government cash assistance. Guests: Axios' Hope King, Bryan Walsh and Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Senators at Facebook’s hearing last week used an analogy we’ve heard before -- that Big Tech is having its Big Tobacco moment. But: It took decades to enact meaningful regulations with Big Tobacco, and we could see the same happen with tech companies. Plus, the challenges of permanent housing for Afghan refugees. And, the abysmal rate of female biographies on Wikipedia. Guests: Axios' Ina Fried and Linh Ta and Women in Red founder Roger Bamkin. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, Lydia McMullen Laird, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Over the weekend, Southwest Airlines cancelled nearly 2,000 of their flights citing weather and air traffic control issues. And while the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed staffing shortages in air traffic control, they also said it was likely that the airline was experiencing their own staffing problems. This is likely a preview of what the holiday travel season will look like. Plus, women’s heart health in a pandemic. And, why retailers are side-stepping the Columbus Day sales. Guests: Axios' Joann Muller, Marisa Fernandez, and Jennifer Kingson. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

After days of will-they, won’t-they on the Hill, Senate Democrats and Republicans came to an agreement yesterday to extend the debt ceiling through early December. This came less than two weeks ahead of a deadline that would have seen the U.S. default on its debt for the first time. Plus, the U.S. races to catch up on at-home COVID testing. And, COVID deaths in America are on the decline. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Marisa Fernandez, and Sam Baker. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, David Toledo, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Washington D.C. is now piloting a first-of-its-kind program that’s offering one-year leases to unhoused residents in the city. It could offer a solution for the more than half a million people experiencing homelessness in this community. Plus, how South Dakota became a tax haven. And, a game-changing new malaria vaccine. Guests: Axios' Chelsea Cirruzzo, Felix Salmon and Bryan Walsh. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, David Toledo, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The price of gasoline at U.S. pumps is up by about 50% in the last year, as energy prices climb around the world. Axios’ Kate Marino says it could affect our post-pandemic economic recovery. Plus, Latina entrepreneurs show resilience despite the pandemic. And, manatees are dying in droves off the Florida coast. Guests: Axios' Kate Marino and Ben Montgomery and Telemundo's Marina Franco. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, David Toledo, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Yesterday, Facebook faced a major outage that knocked out all of its apps -- Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp -- for hours, across the globe. This came on the heels of revelations by whistleblower Francis Haugen, a former Facebook employee who leaked thousands of documents showing the way Facebook prioritizes profits over people. Plus, the scramble to contain one of the largest oil spills in California’s history. And, dating apps get political in Texas. Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer, Andrew Freedman, and Michael Mooney. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, David Toledo, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Facebook whistleblower's moment California oil spill may close beaches for months Texas-based dating apps get political

Axios’ Jonathan Swan spoke with Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States, Adela Raz, for the latest episode of “Axios on HBO.” It was her first TV interview since the fall of Kabul. Plus, the Supreme Court takes up some of our nation’s biggest issues. And, Mike Allen on the Pandora Papers. Guests: Jeffery Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center; Axios' Jonathan Swan and Mike Allen. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Exclusive: Afghan ambassador decries country's "betrayal"

We started this week talking about the possibility of a government shutdown, raising the debt ceiling and passing an ambitious new economic agenda for President Biden. By late Thursday, a government shut down had been averted -- but pretty much everything else was still on the table. Plus, the pandemic backlog of cases. And, a historic arts performance in New York City. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Alayna Treene, and Russell Contreras. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Congress passes short-term government funding bill, averting shutdown COVID-era criminals go free: Prosecutors dismiss cases as backlog mounts

YouTube announced yesterday that it’s cracking down on anti-vaccination information on the site, beyond content just related to the COVID vaccine. The platform has been a major source of misinformation about vaccines since well before the pandemic. Plus, Congressional reconciliation, explained. And, why President Biden rejected a meeting with the Palestinian president. Guests: Axios' Margaret Harding McGill, Alayna Treene, and Barak Ravid. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Yesterday, 175 healthcare workers at a North Carolina hospital system were fired because they wouldn’t get the COVID vaccine. It’s one of the biggest mass firings because of vaccine mandates to date, in the U.S. But this is not just an issue playing out in healthcare. More and more companies are adding vaccine requirements to their job postings -- across industries. Plus, restaurant staff speak out about abuse they’re facing. And, the billions invested into anti-aging research. Guests: Axios' Erica Pandey and Bryan Walsh; Axios Today listeners Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Ford Motor Company is making a big bet on electric vehicles in Kentucky and Tennessee, through a new assembly plant and new battery factories. This comes as debate continues over President Biden's ambitious spending plan, which could transform the transportation sector when it comes to electric cars. Plus, why it took decades to convict R. Kelly. And, the debt ceiling, explained. Guests: Axios' Joann Muller and Alayna Treene; Jim DeRogatis, journalist and author of Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly; Koa Beck, journalist and author of White Feminism. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

President Biden’s economic agenda will be put to the test this week as the Senate votes on their bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and tries to stitch together Biden’s larger $3.5 trillion spending package. It’s been weeks of back and forth negotiations, but behind all the political drama is legislation that will have an impact on our day-to-day lives. Plus, Germany -- and Europe -- without Angela Merkel. And, cautious optimism for the coming COVID winter. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Zach Basu and Sam Baker. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

President Biden struck an optimistic note when addressing the UN this week, emphasizing that the America First doctrines of the Trump administration are in the past. But whether it's the Afghanistan withdrawal or a new nuclear deal with Australia and the UK, many Western allies are unhappy with the U.S. Plus, what’s behind Puerto Rico’s high vaccination rate. And, the crisis in daycares across the country. Guests: Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi, Axios' Margaret Talev and Katie Peralta Soloff. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Thousands of Haitian migrants are living in a temporary encampment at the Southern border in Del Rio, Texas. A lot has happened this week since the Biden administration announced they were going to start deporting many of these people back to Haiti. Plus, AirBnB’s hopes of housing Afghan refugees. And, Democrats plan to tax the rich. Guests: U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Axios' Stef Kight and Mike Allen. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

On Monday, the Biden administration said it would lift travel restrictions starting in November, for travelers from 33 countries who are fully vaccinated. That means that the U.S. will let in people who have received vaccines that aren’t yet authorized here in the U.S. by the FDA, like the AstraZeneca vaccine. But for international students who are coming here to study, that may not be the case. Plus, a test of the global financial system from China. And, why vinyl record sales keep exploding. Guests: Reuters' Ahmed Aboulenein, The Johns Hopkins News-Letter's Michelle Limpe, Axios' Felix Salmon and Erica Pandey. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

About a quarter of Americans describe themselves as evangelical protestants, according to the Pew Research Center. But lately a movement of so-called “exvangelicals” is moving away from the evangelical church in the U.S. Plus, new steps to protect U.S. workers from extreme heat. And, some of you share how you’ve managed parenting young kids during the pandemic. Guests: Axios' Stef Kight and Andrew Freedman; Axios Today listeners. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

From French diplomacy to Haitian deportations at the Southern border, international headlines dominated the weekend. Axios' Dave Lawler catches us up. Plus, a looming battle with Chicago city workers over vaccine mandates. And, why companies want cool stock symbols. Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Monica Eng, and Courtenay Brown. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Michael Hanf, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Australian prime minister says France knew of "grave" concerns over submarine fleet U.S. begins deportation flights to Haiti from Del Rio Axios Chicago Game of tickers: The heated race to reserve unique stock symbols

On our latest installment of our Hard Truths series, how the federal government is tackling environmental justice, and what it will take to make real change in vulnerable communities. Guests: Henry Herrera, EPA administrator Michael Regan, and Dr. Robert Bullard, distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern University. Credits: “Axios Today” is brought to you by Axios and Pushkin Industries. This episode was produced by Nuria Marquez Martinez and edited by Alexandra Botti. Jeanne Montalvo is our sound engineer. Dan Bobkoff is our executive producer. Special thanks to executive editor Sara Kehaulani Goo, Hard Truths editor Michele Salcedo, managing editor for business Aja Whitacker-Moore, climate and energy reporters Ben Geman and Andrew Freedman and race and justice reporter Russell Contreras.

California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom survived a Republican-led effort to recall him from office, this week. Axios' Margaret Talev says new polling points to some GOP voters pushing back on the party in a few places. Plus, research into kids and long COVID. And, crab cakes are the latest supply chain headache. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Tina Reed, and Michael Graff. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Alex Sugiura, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: Judge agrees to consider temporarily blocking Texas abortion ban NIH launches massive project to study long COVID Crab cake sticker shock: A crabmeat shortage hits Charlotte restaurants

Did General Mark Milley go too far? That’s the question in Washington today after newly released excerpts of the latest work from Bob Woodward and Robert Costa are calling into question Milley’s role during the Trump administration. Plus, how teen mental health is affected by the pandemic. And, survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse call out the FBI. Guests: Axios' Jonathan Swan and Penn State University's Paul Harris. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

With COVID-19 cases in children surging across the country, doctors are seeing more kids in their offices and in hospitals. Two pediatricians share what they’re seeing and what they want parents to know. Plus, California’s recall election and lies about voter fraud. And, what do you want to know about teenage mental health during the pandemic? Guests: Pediatrician Bryan Kornreich, Michigan Medicine's Marisa Louie and Axios' Sara Fischer. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The number of COVID cases in kids has skyrocketed with the Delta variant. For the week ending September 9th, children made up 28.9% of reported weekly cases, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. But contracting Covid is far from the only risk for young people during this pandemic. With the new school year upon us, and more data coming out all the time, we’re looking over the next few days at some of the ways covid has affected kids: from language development to mental health from toddlers to teens. Plus, the group trying to get more Black Democrats elected to Washington. And, getting to the bottom of hate crimes data. Guests: Elizabeth Spencer Norton, assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University and Axios' Alexi McCammond and Worth Sparkman. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The new vaccine mandates that President Biden announced last week will affect about 100 million Americans. And while it seems many Americans agree with the President, there’s also been significant backlash, with some GOP governors vowing legal action, and other top Republicans calling for a public uprising. Plus, a September sprint in the U.S. Senate. And, the latest fight between Facebook and regulators. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Alayna Treene, and Sara Fischer. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: America's civil war of 2021 Congress' September sprint Facebook admits "trust deficit" as it looks to launch digital wallet

Before the 9/11 memorial in New York City was even built, there were plans to build an Islamic community center and mosque a few blocks away. Eleven years ago, the Anti-Defamation League opposed the building of the center in that place. But this week, the ADL’s National Director apologized for that stance. He talks to Axios Today about coming together to combat hate and terror. Plus, how threats to the U.S. have changed over two decades. And, COVID today, by the numbers. Guests: The Anti-Defamation League's Jonathan Greenblatt, Axios' Bryan Walsh and Mike Allen. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Michael Hanf, Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

The Taliban yesterday announced the first members of a new temporary Afghan government. And as Axios’ national security reporter Zach Basu writes, the interim cabinet is made up of mostly “old-guard Taliban officials.” Plus, disappointing jobs numbers with some glimmers of hope. And, actor Simu Liu on turning a movie into a movement. Guests: Axios' Zachary Basu, Kate Marino, and Hope King. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Sabeena Singhani, and Michael Hanf. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Go deeper: BONUS AUDIO: Simu Liu talks to Hope King about 'Shang-Chi's' success and what's next Taliban announce formation of caretaker Afghan government Deconstructing August's disappointing jobs report