The Department of Homeland Security is calling Texas' immigration policies "cruel" and "inhumane" after three migrants drowned while trying to cross the U.S. southern border on Friday in an area near where the state has restricted Border Patrol agents from processing and aiding migrants.
Why it matters: It is a flashpoint in the growing battle between Texas and the Biden administration over Gov. Greg Abbott's aggressive border actions and a harrowing reminder of the life-and-death consequences carried by border decisions.
Voters across party lines are split over whether a functioning democracy or strong economy marks a bigger concern in the next few years, according to new polling.
Americans agree on at least one thing: A huge margin say their political leaders don't care about them, according to findings from the Axios Vibes survey by The Harris Poll.
Why it matters: This angry, irritated feeling cuts across all groups, without much hope for improvement with a potential Biden-Trump rematch looming in November.
The last year has felt "as close to normal" at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, since COVID-19 forced the store to close for 13 months in 2020-21, says Hunter Gillum, co-owner of the bookstore.
Why it matters: As the GOP presidential candidates make their last push to win the Iowa caucuses, all of them are arguing that Democratic policies have been poor for the economy.
The 2024 campaign for president will unfold amid a striking economic phenomenon: soaring growth rates and ultra-low levels of joblessness in the South and Mountain West, regions that include swing states and several that lean Republican.
Why it matters: The new regional booms help explain why many Americans say they're miserable about the national economy — but are decidedly more upbeat about how things seem closer to home.
President Biden will spend the next 1o months trying to convince voters to trust their wallets about the state of the economy — while acknowledging their persistent concerns about high prices.
Why it matters: Biden's bid for re-election could hinge on whether he can walk that tightrope.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) endorsed Nikki Haley on Sunday as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.
Why it matters: Hogan is the latest prominent GOP figure to back the former UN ambassador as she vies to be the No. 1 alternative to former President Trump heading into the Iowa caucuses.
Top House Republicans plan to press federal agencies to punish workers who participate in a planned walk out next week in protest of the Biden administration's support for Israel.
President Biden and other senior U.S. officials are becoming increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rejection of most of the administration's recent requests related to the war in Gaza, four U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the issue told Axios.
Why it matters: Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack 100 days ago, Biden has given Israel his full backing, with unprecedented military and diplomatic support, even while taking a political hit from part of his base in an election year. That support has largely continued publicly, but behind the scenes, there are growing signs that Biden is losing his patience, the U.S. officials said.
The Iowa caucuses' coveted top three spots have historically provided presidential campaign boosts. But if former President Trump's margin matches his current lead in polls, even the second-place spot might not matter much this year.
Why it matters: Trump's margin of victory during the pivotal first-in-nation contest could make or break the fight for the GOP presidential nomination.
The big picture: The release of the WalletHub ranking coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act as the nation's population and electorate become more diverse.
DES MOINES — Some Iowa Democrats and independents are planning to crash the state's Republican caucuses Monday night and become "Republicans for a day" to vote for Nikki Haley — but mostly, against former President Trump.
Why it matters: It's unclear how many will show up, but "crossover" voting is a low-key tradition in Iowa's caucuses — and it's one of the big unknowns heading into Monday, along with how the dangerously cold weather will affect things.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has edged ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the final poll of likely Iowa caucusgoers before Monday's vote.
Why it matters: Former President Trump is expected to win by a large margin on Monday, but DeSantis is staking much of his campaign on a second place finish in Iowa.
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