Axios PM

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.

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

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.
Long-term measles vaccine study shows no link with autism — again. Details.
The U.S. deficit grew 77% in the first 4 months of the 2019 fiscal year. Go deeper.
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.
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