Glenn Youngkin has flipped Virginia red in an upset for Republicans. But as POLITICO’s Scott Bland reports, students of history should have seen the GOP comeback coming. Plus, Biden says he’ll announce his Fed nominees “fairly quickly.” And Sen. Josh Hawley blocks the confirmation of several State Department nominees.

The state’s gubernatorial race is neck and neck — and the results could be a bellwether of the midterms. POLITICO’s Steve Shepard reports. Plus, Supreme Court hears arguments over Texas’ abortion law. And the White House releases new guidance for federal contractors subject to President Biden’s vaccine mandate.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for Covid. That’s galvanized other countries to confront diet issues. But not the U.S. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich reports. Plus, the G20 agrees to take action to limit global warming. And the Biden administration will ease tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union.

Major movement on climate initiatives will require the countries to put aside broader diplomatic tensions. POLITICO’s Phelim Kine reports. Plus, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis follows through on his threat to sue Biden over vaccine mandates. And the Justice Department changes its policies to crack down on white-collar crime.

“Somebody’s gotta do it. It might as well be me.” So says Ivan Adler, the “lobbyist hunter” who plucks D.C.’s most idealistic Hill staffers and turns them into K Street top dogs. In this special presentation of Playbook Deep Dive, POLITICO’s Hailey Fuchs and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza pry open the revolving door between the Hill and K Street — one of the most controversial but everlasting features of Washington’s underbelly.

In a potential preview of the 2022 midterms, Republican Glenn Youngkin is trying to harness parental frustration in his bid to become governor of Virginia. POLITICO’s Michael Stratford reports. Plus, the FCC votes to halt China Telecom operations in America. And the U.S. plans to defer 33 million Covid vaccine doses to Africa.

Facebook is fighting bitterly to save its image. But as POLITICO’s Emily Birnbaum reports, the company isn’t up against your average whistleblower. Plus, the Biden administration rolls out new rules for international travelers. And the U.S. Education Department aims to ‘stop’ Florida from pulling federal aid over school mask mandates.

Democrats hope to have a deal on their spending plan by the end of the week. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna breaks down which provisions are facing the chopping block as the party tries to win over moderates. Plus, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expects inflation to linger into next year. And the CDC’s Rochelle Walensky says you can trick-or-treat.

Ever wonder what it’s like to moderate a debate? POLITICO New York’s Sally Goldenberg shares her experience putting questions to Democratic frontrunner Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa in their first one-on-one matchup. Plus, the Fed cracks down on trading by top officials. And Gov. DeSantis calls for a special session to fight Biden’s vaccine mandate.

From mixing and matching to what age groups are approved, POLITICO’s Lauren Gardner breaks down the latest on boosters. Plus, the director of the NIH decries unproven Covid origin theories. And California Gov. Newsom signs an order to ease supply chain issues.

The governor’s mansion isn’t the only thing on the line in November. Republicans could also take back control of the State House. POLITICO’s Liz Crampton reports. Plus, Facebook will pay up to $14.3M to settle claims it discriminated against U.S. workers. And DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tests positive for Covid.

Federal regulators are letting the cryptocurrency move one step closer to legitimacy. POLITICO's Kellie Mejdrich reports. Plus, the State Department's Inspector General launches investigations into the end of diplomatic operations in Afghanistan. And Trump sues the Jan. 6 committee.

Infrastructure, reconciliation and debt ... oh my! POLITICO's Congress editor Elana Schor breaks down the latest from the Hill. Plus, Transportation Secretary Buttigieg warns some supply chain problems will persist into 2022. And Dr. Fauci tamps down concerns about the Covid booster review process.

President Biden is trying to ease supply chain issues as Republicans latch onto looming shortages ahead of the holidays. POLITICO’s Steven Overly reports. Plus, the FDA’s vaccine panel endorses Moderna’s booster shot for elderly people and others at high risk. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vows to sue the Biden administration over vaccine mandates.

President Biden's vaccine mandate is inching its way closer to reality. POLITICO's Rebecca Rainey looks at what'll happen when it takes effect. Plus, the Department of Justice opens a civil rights probe into youth correctional facilities in Texas. And the Education Department settles a union lawsuit over debt forgiveness.

West Virginia has three incumbent members of Congress. But it’s losing a seat to redistricting. POLITICO’s Ally Mutnick reports. Plus, Southwest and American airlines say their workers will have to get vaccinated despite Gov. Abbott’s order banning vaccine mandates. And a divided Supreme Court considers who can defend abortion restrictions.

Facebook has been in hot water before. But this time could be different. POLITICO’s Alexandra LeVine reports. Plus, 24 countries plan to join a pledge led by the U.S. and E.U. to reduce methane emissions. And Merck asks the FDA for emergency use approval of experimental Covid pill.

Congressional Democrats’ blockbuster spending bill could include some historic health reforms, but major political hurdles remain. POLITICO reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein joins the health policy podcast Tradeoffs to discuss the tough health policy compromises facing Democratic lawmakers. Guest: Alice Miranda Ollstein, health care reporter, POLITICO This episode was hosted by Dan Gorenstein, produced by Leslie Walker and mixed by Andrew Parrella.

The US and China are locked in a power competition. POLITICO’s Alex Ward breaks down what he learned from conversations with lawmakers and experts about where the feud is headed. Plus, a new POLITICO-Harvard poll shows most Americans support vaccine mandates for schoolkids. And the Senate confirms three of Biden's Education Department nominees.

The White House has announced a new investment in at-home Covid testing. POLITICO’s David Lim breaks down everything you should know about rapid tests — and how much of a game changer the new push could be. Plus, Biden closes in on a pick to lead the FDA. And the former No. 2 of Trump’s Justice Department sits for an interview with the Jan. 7 committee.

Sure, congressional elections are important. But 36 states will also decide who becomes governor in 2022. POLITICO's Zach Montellaro reports. Plus, the chair of the SEC warns that defaulting on the national debt would shock markets. And a federal appeals court blocks a California law limiting private jails.

The House effort to unearth Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 secrets has shifted into overdrive. POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney reports. Plus, a top State Department adviser resigns. And Sen. Warren calls the SEC to probe the Fed on insider trading.

A year of violence and fear has reshaped the way Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders look at themselves and politics. POLITICO’s Rishika Dugyala breaks down the key takeaways from a new POLITICO/Morning Consult poll. Plus, Fauci sees hope in Merck’s new Covid drug. And Trump says he’d beat DeSantis in a potential GOP primary.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is promising big reforms in the aftermath of Andrew Cuomo’s resignation. But in Albany, change is easier said than done. POLITICO New York’s Anna Gronewold reports. Plus, two top privacy staffers resign from the FTC. And the House Judiciary Committee approves a sweeping marijuana legalization bill.

Holidays and cold weather are coming. That could be bad for the Covid situation. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, the CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated. And top privacy lawmakers demand help from Biden administration.