Mar 5, 2019

Axios PM

By Mike Allen
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Mike Allen

Situational awareness: Michael Bloomberg won't run for president.

D.C. readers: You're invited to Mind the Skills Gap this Thursday at 8 am. Join Axios' Kim Hart for a look into the role policy, business and education leaders play in offsetting the skills gap. 

  • The lineup: Kevin Hassett, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers; Rob Falzon, vice chair of Prudential Financial; and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. RSVP.
1 big thing: The new border crossing surge

Migrants stand in line for breakfast at a migrant hostel as they wait to apply for asylum. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A wave of asylum-seekers from central America has driven unauthorized border crossings back to Bush-era numbers while President Trump pushes his national emergency to free up funds for border fencing.

  • Border patrol officials picked up or turned away 76,325 immigrants at the southern border last month, Axios' Stef Kight reports.

The big picture: "For the fourth time in five months, the number of migrant families crossing the southwest border has broken records," per the NYT.

  • The total number of people apprehended since October has risen 90% over the same stretch last year, NPR notes.
  • Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan: “The system is well beyond capacity, and remains at the breaking point."

Why it matters: The majority of these immigrants are families or unaccompanied minors, many of whom are seeking asylum, Stef emails.

  • In the past, Mexico has been the most popular country of origin for immigrants coming across the border.
  • Now, 96% of apprehended family members so far in FY 2019 have come from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, as well as 83% of unaccompanied minors.
  • These immigrants are fleeing nations suffering from poverty, widespread violent crime and some of the highest murder rates in the world.

The bottom line: "The high number of families crossing the border suggest that President Trump’s policies aimed at deterring asylum seekers are not having their intended effect," the Times reports.

Chart du jour: What the kids aren't doing

America's teens are far less likely to engage in the risky behaviors of their parents, Stef reports.

Expand chart
Data: CDC; Chart: Naema Ahmed/Axios. Survey Questions: 1. Ever drank alcohol (at least one drink of alcohol, on at least 1 day during their life); 2. Ever had sexual intercourse; 3. Ever tried cigarette smoking (even one or two puffs); 4. Were offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property

Read more.

2. What you missed
  1. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is resigning, after spearheading a crackdown on electronic cigarettes and helping to lead the administration's response to the opioid epidemic. Go deeper.
  2. Long-term measles vaccine study shows no link with autism — again. Details.
  3. The U.S. deficit grew 77% in the first 4 months of the 2019 fiscal year. Go deeper.
  4. The first-ever all-female spacewalk is scheduled to take place on March 29 and will feature astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch, NASA confirmed today.
  5. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized "the extent" of House reprimands against fellow freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has been accused of using anti-Semitic stereotypes in her criticisms of Israel. Go deeper.
3. 1 $$$ car

Bugatti's newest car, the one-of-a-kind La Voiture Noire, ran $12.5 million before taxes, selling to an unnamed buyer, according to multiple media reports today.

  • Bloomberg: "[S]peculation points to former VW Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Ferdinand Piech as the new owner."

Why it matters: It's the most expensive car ever made.

See the car.

Mike Allen