The southwestern border prepares for an influx

This week, a number of democratic governors announced that their states are dropping their mask mandates and ending some COVID restrictions. And at the same time, CDC guidance continues to recommend indoor masking. So what’s driving the governors‘ decisions— politics or science? Plus, the inflation dilemma: be patient or cause a recession? And, the federal government rethinks facial recognition Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, Neil Irwin and Ina Fried. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Margaret Talev, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. 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.

10 Feb 202211min

This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for what critics are calling the “Don't Say Gay” bill. It could restrict LGBTQ discussion in elementary schools and allow parents to sue in some cases. Plus, cryptocurrency spends big to reach 100 million people. And, why a failed, vague agreement holds promise in the Ukraine-Russia crisis. Guests: Axios' Selene San Felice, Dan Primack, and Zach Basu. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Margaret Talev, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. 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.

9 Feb 202211min

Nearly one in five health care workers quit their jobs since the start of the pandemic according to a poll in recent months by Morning Consult. So what’s being done to keep health care workers on the job? Plus, President Biden’s plan to reshape migrant detention And, why GoFundMe is ensnared in a free speech fight Guests: Dr. Vineet Arora, Dean of Medical Education at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and Axios' Stef Kight and Hope King. Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Margaret Talev, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Julia Redpath, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. 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.

8 Feb 202211min

Power within the Republican party changed with lightening speed over the past several years. Axios' Jonathan Swan spoke with more than a dozen top GOP consultants - from the Trumpians to the most institutional - about what this shift means for the party. Plus, a record low in housing supply keeps driving prices up. And, Olympics corporate sponsors stay silent on human rights issues. Guests: Axios' Jonathan Swan, Hope King and Matt Phillips. 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, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. 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.

7 Feb 202211min

Democrats are down a crucial vote in the Senate after New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján suffered a stroke. While the 49-year old senator is expected to make a full recovery, his absence means a shift in the balance of power in the Senate. For now, Republicans have a 50-49 working majority until Luján's return in 4 to 6 weeks. Plus, hundreds of thousands of U.S. bridges are in need of major repair. And, how Americans really feel about the 2022 Winter Olympics. Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev, Jennifer Kingson and David Nather. 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, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Alex Sugiura, and Ben O'Brien. 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: Senator's stroke catches Democrats by surprise Exclusive poll: Why Americans are turned off by the Olympics America's bridges are falling apart faster than expected

4 Feb 202211min

In January, nearly 9 million people missed work because they were sick with COVID or taking care of someone. That's why many, including President Biden, are bracing for disappointing January job numbers, which are released Friday morning. Plus, are we past the latest covid surge? And, roads that charge your electric car while you’re driving on it. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin, Sam Baker and Joann Muller. 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, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, 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.

3 Feb 202210min

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that the U.S. was trying to pull Russia into a conflict it does not want with Ukraine. Meanwhile, we’ve heard mixed messages from the Ukraine government about the U.S.’s stance. Plus, trying to solve the affordable housing crisis in fast-growing cities. And, football’s huge news day. Guests: Axios' Zach Basu, Danielle Chemtob, and Jeff Tracy. 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, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, 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.

2 Feb 202211min

In this tight labor market, more companies are trying to lure and keep employees by providing fertility benefits like egg freezing or in vitro fertilization. Plus, China’s "closed loop" system for the winter Olympics. And, new laws are changing how educators can teach Black History Month. Guests: Axios' Erica Pandey, Tina Reed, and Russell Contreras. 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, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, 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.

1 Feb 202211min