

1 big thing
Axios
Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes.About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2021 • 10min
Why immigration crises keep growing
Yesterday, President Biden got the latest numbers on migrant children crossing the border. This year it's expected to hit a record 117,000 children. This influx of child migrants is not the first - former presidents Trump and Obama faced similar crises. So we wanted to take a step back and look at why these surges happen.
Plus, the dire water situation in Jackson, Mississippi.
And, changes to how ads track you online.
Guests: Axios' Stef Kight and Sara Fischer and Mississippi Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Scoop: Biden briefing calls for 20,000 child migrant beds
Privacy laws push online ads beyond tracking

Mar 2, 2021 • 10min
Chinese and Russian vaccines in Latin America
Latin American countries battered by the pandemic have started to receive their first vaccine shipments from China, Russia and in some cases India.
Plus, why Americans are feeling more hopeful.
And, how people with disabilities could go to space.
Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler, Miriam Kramer, and David Nather.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Latin America turns to China and Russia for COVID-19 vaccines
The new "Right Stuff"
Axios-Ipsos poll: Americans' hopes rise after a year of COVID

Mar 1, 2021 • 10min
Preparing for the next disaster
The pandemic, the power grid failure in Texas, and many other catastrophic failures from the past year have made it clear that many of the systems we rely on are unprepared for the worst.
Plus, how former President Trump and NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be affecting Washington this week.
And, the mood in Minneapolis ahead of the trial over George Floyd's death.
Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon, Mike Allen and Torey Van Oot.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Protecting America against catastrophe
Cuomo scandal snares Dems on #MeToo
What we know about Minneapolis' security plans for Derek Chauvin's trial

Feb 26, 2021 • 11min
The House vote on the stimulus bill
We wrap up the week by catching you up on the expected House vote on the Covid-19 relief bill, and the next spending bill lawmakers are turning their attention to.
Plus, How your Fitbit might be the fastest way to detect covid.
And, a new look at the civil rights activism of Billie Holiday.
Guests: Axios' Alayna Treene, Ina Fried and Russell ContrerasCredits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Exclusive: Bernie ready to roll on roads
Fitbit CEO: Wearables can detect COVID and more
Endangered jazz history faces greater risk with the pandemic

Feb 25, 2021 • 11min
All eyes on Biden's border policies
More than 700 unaccompanied children were in Border Patrol custody as of Sunday morning, according to an internal Customs and Border Protection document obtained by Axios. It's another sign of President Biden's looming border crisis.
Plus, some good news with COVID and nursing homes.
And, a turning point in how cities select police chiefs.
Guests: Axios' Stef Kight, Sam Baker and Jennifer Kingson.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
New coronavirus cases fall by 20%
Nursing home COVID cases have drastically declined
The modern way to hire a big city police chief

Feb 24, 2021 • 11min
The minimum wage state of play
We’re in the longest period of time since the minimum wage has been created that it hasn’t been adjusted. You’ve probably heard the progressive and Congressional Democrats argument for a $15 an hour federal minimum wage. Now, some Republicans are responding with a proposal to raise it to $10 an hour by 2025.
Plus, what we’re just learning about security around the Jan. 6 insurrection.
And, how Home Depot is a proxy for the housing markets.
Guests: Axios' Sarah Mucha, Courtenay Brown and Glen Johnson.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
GOP senators unveil $10 minimum wage hike proposal
What Home Depot tells us about the country's housing boom
Ex-Capitol security chiefs say they didn't receive FBI memo warning of Jan. 6 "war"

Feb 23, 2021 • 11min
How memes drive misinformation
For years, there's been growing concern about deepfakes - doctored images and photos that could erode trust in the truth and further the spread of misinformation.But now, when we think about the anti-vaccine movement, the Capitol insurrection, even the recent GameStop uprising against Wall Street, it’s becoming clear that memes are what we really should be worried about.
Plus, how the census and Supreme Court are changing redistricting
And, the pandemic is causing even more of a push for better broadband.
Guests: Axios' Sara Fischer, Stef Kight and Kim Hart.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
How memes became a major vehicle for misinformation
Gerrymandering is about to get even more chaotic
Pandemic puts money, political muscle behind broadband
Watch and listen to Perseverance's first moments on Mars

Feb 22, 2021 • 11min
Fighting hate while facing hate
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, harassment and attacks against Asian Americans has grown. According to Stop AAPI Hate, more than 2,800 incidents of racism against Asian Americans were reported between March and December of 2020.While the recent attacks have put a spotlight on the issue, hate crimes have actually been rising long before the pandemic. And now, attorneys general across the country are trying to draw attention to this even as some find themselves also targeted.
Plus, Merrick Garland’s confirmation.
And, the United States is leading the world in vaccinations.
Guests: Axios' Russell Contreras, Mike Allen and Dave Lawler.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Attorneys general fight hate crimes while facing hate
America's vaccine rollout has been among the best in the world

Feb 19, 2021 • 11min
The political paralysis in Texas
We wrap up the week by catching you up on the fallout from winter storms in Texas, a spotlight on governors and the Perseverance rover landing on Mars.
Plus, how Black churches are stepping in to help their communities get vaccinated.
And, Texas water shortages.
Guests: Axios' Margaret Talev and Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, presiding bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Fifth District.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
Power restored to 2 million homes in Texas
Winter storm causes "widespread delays" of COVID vaccine shipments
Get Smart: Vaccines

Feb 18, 2021 • 11min
The future of criminal records
One in three Americans has a criminal record that will show up during routine background checks whether it's for a job or to rent a house. Now, states across the country are tackling this issue by making it easier to erase or expunge those crimes from their record. Michigan is the first state that will soon enact the country's most expansive expungement law.
Plus, Washington takes on Gamestop.
And, America’s new can't-do attitude.
Guests: Axios' Jennifer Kingson, Dan Primack and Mike AllenCredits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper:
States make it easier to clear up criminal records
America's can't-do spirit
What the House's GameStop hearing could mean for private markets


