
New narratives take shape for GOP candidates
Republican presidential candidates are starting to distinguish themselves in the week following the first debate. And this week it was all about Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley. For our politics State of Play, we check the status of the GOP presidential primary contenders. Plus, testing the resilience of our oceans. And, ransomware hackers on the prowl over Labor Day weekend. Go deeper (7 min. read) Guests: Axios' Mike Allen, Alison Snyder and Sam Sabin. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Sep 202311min

Another scary freeze for McConnell and the GOP
Senator Mitch McConnell once again seemed to freeze up during a press conference yesterday, for the second time since late July. This time, he was in his home state of Kentucky and the incident sent ripples of worry through the Republican Party in Washington. Plus, the rise of the apocalyptic seed vault. And, hate crimes are still increasing in the U.S. Guests: Axios' Hans Nichols, Russell Contreras and Ayurella Horn-Muller. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Robin Linn and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 Aug 202311min

WVU language cuts stoke fears nationwide
West Virginia University announced this month it would eliminate 32 of 338 majors, or about 9% of its course catalog. While WVU is staring down a 45 million budget deficit, some of the biggest proposed cuts are to the languages program. And humanities scholars and others are worried this could be a blueprint for attacks on higher education. Plus, the new business boom. And, the latest on Hurricane Idalia. Guests: Axios' Jennifer Kingson and Hope King. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Lydia McMullen-Laird and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 Aug 202311min

DOT slaps American Airlines with a record-breaking fine
The Department of Transportation is fining American Airlines $4.1 million for tarmac delays, the largest ever fine of its kind against an airline. The big picture: Between 2018 and 2021, American Airlines kept 43 domestic flights stuck on the ground for at least three hours, without giving passengers a chance to exit the plane. As summer comes to an end , we take a look at airline travel. Summer reading recommendations from Rebecca Makkai: Madonna in a Fur Coat Loot: A Novel Romantic Comedy Guests: Axios' Alex Thompson, Alex Fitzpatrick and Erin Doherty; Author Rebecca Makkai. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 Aug 202311min

A reality check on inflation and the economy
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium in Wyoming on Friday that inflation remains too high. He added that the central bank is prepared to raise interest rates further in the coming months. The big picture: Mortgage rates are already at a two-decade high and so far this year has had a record number of media layoffs. Why does this strong economy feel so weak in some areas? Plus, a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville leaves three dead. Tropical Storm Idalia eyes Florida. Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin and Ina Fried. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 Aug 202311min

Trump surrenders in Georgia
Former President Donald Trump turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail on Thursday evening. Trump was booked on 13 state felony charges for his interference in the 2020 election. The big picture: All this is happening on the backdrop of the 2024 presidential election. Even though former President Trump wasn't at the first GOP primary debate on Wednesday night, he certainly dominated the conversation. We take a look the state of play for the GOP presidential nominees. Plus, the rise of right-wing pop music. Guests: Axios' Erin Doherty and The Atlanta-Journal Constitution's Tamar Hallerman. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn, Lydia McMullen-Laird and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 Aug 202311min

Russian mercenary chief Prigozhin listed aboard deadly plane crash
Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 passengers according to Russian authorities. The big picture: In June, Prigozhin led a rebellion against the Russian military leadership. It was seen as the biggest challenge to President Vladimir Putin's rule since he came to power more than two decades ago. We take a deeper look at the plane crash and what it means for Russian forces. Plus, India becomes the latest to land on the moon. And, the FCC's attempt to regulate the cost of prison phone calls. Guests: Axios' Miriam Kramer and Maria Curi; The Washington Post's Missy Ryan. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn, Lydia McMullen-Laird and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 Aug 202311min

How much will the first GOP debate matter
The first Republican presidential primary debate is Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Fox News is moderating the event and eight candidates will hit the stage at 9 p.m. ET. But, former president Trump isn't one of them. The big picture: Trump said on his Truth Social on Sunday he will "not be doing the debates." Which begs the question – do debates even matter anymore? We take a deeper look at the answer to that question. Plus, new apartment construction on the West Coast is plummeting - what that means for housing. And, ticket sales for college football are through the roof. Guests: Axios' David Lindsey, Analis Bailey and Andrew Keatts. Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi, Robin Linn and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 Aug 202311min