1 big thing

The Vatican announced yesterday that Catholic priests will not bless same sex unions. Given Pope Francis’s welcoming stance on LGTBQ issues, many Catholics are confused about the church’s new decree. Plus, what’s behind European countries halting the Astra-Zeneca vaccine. And, coming back from maternity leave in a pandemic. Guests: National Catholic Reporter correspondent Christopher White, and Axios' David Lawler and Kim Hart.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, 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: Vatican: Priests can't bless gay unions because God "cannot bless sin" 1 big thing: What's happening with AstraZeneca's vaccine? "Returning" from maternity leave during the pandemic Senate confirms Deb Haaland as interior secretary in historic first

Most kids are finally making their way back to the classroom for in-person schooling. But for some low-income school districts, it's costing them a lot more. Plus, what we're watching for in Washington this week. And, March Madness is back. What's changed? Guests: Axios' David Nather, Jonathan Swan and Jeff TracyCredits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, 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: America's unequal return to classrooms Biden's conspicuous silence on the Cuomo scandal

We've spent this week talking about the one-year anniversary of the pandemic. Today, we look ahead to what we might expect from a post-pandemic future.Guests: Axios' Erica Pandey and Bryan Walsh and Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: Why we need to know COVID's origins The long road to putting America back to work

The NBA’s decision to shut down its season was for many Americans, a turning point. It was the clearest sign that life was about to change. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver takes us through the decision to suspend the season, one year ago today.Plus, state Republicans have introduced a record number of bills targeting transgender youth. Guests: NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Axios' Orion Rummler.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: NBA commissioner Adam Silver's 11th-hour choice on COVID suspension 2021 sees a record number of bills targeting trans youth

In the early weeks in March of last year, the auto industry was struggling. One of the biggest issues it faced was how to keep workers safe. Office workers from the Big Three were sent home in early March, but nearly 150,000 factory workers were required to stay on the line.Plus, how the latest royal family controversy reminds Brits of Brexit.Guests: Axios' Joann Muller and Felix Salmon.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Erica Pandey, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: Axios-Ipsos poll: America looks for the exits after a year of COVID New royals, new media

Today, a story about the power of words: How then-President Trump’s nickname for the coronavirus changed relations with China and the lives of Asian Americans.Plus, the final touches on the stimulus bill.Guests: Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian and Alayna Treene.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: The long history of racist attacks against Asian Americans Senate passes $1.9 trillion COVID relief package

Jury selection is set to begin today in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the death of George Floyd. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but those charges may change.Plus, we kick off our series, The Week America Changed - a look back at key decisions for schools and offices as the country started to shut down.Guests: Axios' Torey Van Oot, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Los Angeles schools superintendent Austin Beutner.Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Justin Kaufmann, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Amy Pedulla, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: Derek Chauvin trial tests consequences for police killings of Black Americans Seating a jury for the Chauvin trial

We’re sharing the fourth episode of the Hard Truths podcast series.In this episode, a conversation between two key Democratic lawmakers on their journey to Congress.Guest: Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) and Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY).Credits: "Axios Today" is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Carol Wu, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Dan Bobkoff, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alex Sugiura and Michele Salcedo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.

This week President Joe Biden said that there will be enough vaccines for every adult in the US by the end of May. For many, that can’t come soon enough. Some are even crossing state lines to get vaccinated. Plus, the generational divide over Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s behavior. And, robots are coming to a sidewalk near you. Guests: Axios' Marisa Fernandez, Alayna Treene 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, Alice Wilder, Naomi Shavin and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com.Go deeper: "Vaccine tourism" stretches states' supplies Lawmakers hide behind AG's investigation as Cuomo lingers Sidewalk robots get legal rights as "pedestrians"

The Biden administration has been making overtures to Iran as part of a way to negotiate a path back to the 2015 nuclear deal the Trump administration pulled out of. But the diplomatic dance the two countries have entered seems to be moving in circles. Plus, the Biden administration’s plan to fight domestic terrorism. And, how professional working parents are finally getting help from their employers. Guests: Axios' Barak Ravid, Glen Johnson and Erica PandeyCredits: "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: U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy is going nowhere fast House cancels Thursday session as FBI, Homeland Security warn of threat to Capitol The future of workplace benefits