POLITICO Tech

The POLITICO Tech podcast is your daily download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. From AI and the metaverse to disinformation and microchips, we explore how today’s technology is shaping our world — and driving the policy decisions, global rivalries and industries that will matter tomorrow.

Tech News
Politics
Daily News
551
Biden, Putin and the ‘airing of grievances’
The state of U.S.-Russia relations isn’t great. And Biden and Putin have a whole platter of issues to scold one another about. But as POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi reports, you shouldn’t expect much more than sharp words to come out of tomorrow's summit. Plus, McConnell says he’d block a Biden Supreme Court nominee in 2024. And Eric Adams tops a new poll of New York mayoral candidates.
12 min
552
A Biden-Macron bromance? And other takeaways fr...
The Trump drama is out, but are world leaders ready for America to completely return to its leadership role? It’s a little more complicated than the photo-ops might suggest. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar reports. Plus, Pelosi calls for Barr and Sessions to testify over seized data records of prominent Democrats. And voting begins in the New York City primary election.
12 min
553
Where Trump, Covid and armed militias collide
The Idaho State Capitol has become a reflection of GOP infighting in the age of Trump and Covid. POLITICO’s Ximena Bustillo reports on a messy gubernatorial race where a Republican governor is being challenged by his own lieutenant governor — and an anti-government militant. Plus, the Labor Department says new workplace safety rules apply to healthcare settings but aren't required for most other industries. And most colleges plan to offer in-person learning for international students this fall.
13 min
554
Bernie: "Are you stoned now?" (Bonus mini episode)
That one time Sen. Bernie Sanders asked POLITICO's cannabis reporter if she was stoned.
1 min
555
Hot vax summer, but who's invited?
Covid is receding in the U.S. But globally the pandemic is on track to be worse this year than in 2020 — and world health leaders are calling on wealthy nations to step up their game. POLITICO’s Carmen Paun looks at whether anything could come out of this week’s G7 summit. Plus, a new study says the top 1 percent will bear the brunt of Biden’s proposed tax hikes. And the White House plans new sanctions on Belarus.
11 min
556
Can Boris and Biden put Brexit behind them?
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Biden are hoping to reaffirm their transatlantic alliance when they meet in Britain tomorrow. But as POLITICO Europe’s Esther Webber reports, lingering disagreements over Brexit could haunt them. Plus, Schumer says Democrats are somewhat open to changes on their sweeping elections bill. And the IRS opens an investigation into a report saying ultra-rich Americans paid little-to-no taxes.
13 min
557
You’ve been Manchined.
Sen. Joe Manchin’s name has become synonymous with the act of upending Democrats’ ambitious legislative goals. His latest victim? A massive bill aimed at combating voter suppression. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down what exactly is in the measure — and why the moderate Democrat decided to tank it. Plus, federal investigators recover more than half of Colonial Pipeline’s ransom payment. And 51 percent of Americans support Facebook’s decision to ban Trump for two years.
14 min
558
Why the N.Y.C. mayor’s race is a hot mess
Eight candidates. A handful of scandals. And a new, complicated way of tallying votes. POLITICO’s Erin Durkin breaks down everything you need to know about the messy, confusing race to become mayor of America’s biggest city. Plus, the White House briefing room is returning to full capacity. And Sen. Joe Manchin says he has “all the confidence in the world” that there will be a bipartisan infrastructure deal.
12 min
559
Will the GOP lose this Texas stronghold?
Fort Worth is one of the few major cities run by the GOP. But that could change this weekend. POLITICO’s Maya King reports on the mayoral race that has Republicans on the edge of their seats. Plus, the Biden administration announces where it's donating vaccines. And the DOJ is investigating Postmaster General Louis DeJoy over campaign contributions from his former employees.
12 min
560
Are to-go margaritas here to stay?
The pandemic sucked. But to-go cocktails? Not too bad. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg looks at whether pandemic perks, from liquor laws to telehealth regulations, will stick around after emergency orders are lifted. Plus, Senate Democrats call on Google to conduct a racial equity audit. And the White House announces new incentives to bump up vaccination rates.
12 min
561
Biden’s big bet on a bipartisan infrastructure ...
Democrats and Republicans remain worlds apart on infrastructure. But Biden is holding out hope for a breakthrough in negotiations, even as Senate Democrats pave the way to pass legislation along party lines. POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago breaks down why Biden is betting big on bipartisanship (or at least the appearance of it). Plus, the White House announces new housing and business programs to tackle the racial wealth gap. And the ransomware attack on the world’s largest meat processing company likely came from Russia.
12 min
562
Can Bitcoin go legit?
It's big. But Wall Street wants it to be even bigger. POLITICO's Kellie Mejdrich reports on an effort to open up access to Bitcoin investment — and explains why its facing opposition in Washington. Plus, the TSA reports its highest number of travelers since the pandemic hit. And Biden visits Oklahoma to remember the Tulsa race massacre.
13 min
563
Why the lab leak theory is unlikely
A lab leak can’t be ruled out yet, but experts still say Covid most likely came from an animal. POLITICO’s Lauren Morello explains why. Plus, California is handing out $116.5 million in vaccine incentives. And Senate Democrats pan Republicans’ latest infrastructure counteroffer.
13 min
564
How to make transit more equitable and efficient
When the country shut down, transit ridership plummeted. Now, as things go back to normal, transit officials have an opportunity to reshape their systems to be more efficient and equitable. POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder reports. Plus, Facebook lifts its ban on posts claiming Covid-19 was man-made as Biden orders a closer review of the virus’ origins. And the ACLU sues West Virginia over its new transgender sports law.
12 min
565
Inside Lukashenko’s ‘state-sponsored hijacking’
Ryanair 4978 started like any flight. But everything changed when the plane was forced to land in Minsk at the behest of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to arrest a dissident journalist. POLITICO Europe’s David M. Herszenhorn gives an inside look at the flight that shook the world — and breaks down why the EU and the US might have to rethink their responses to the incident. Plus, McCarthy condemns Rep. Greene's Holocaust rhetoric as "appalling." And Senate Republicans plan to present the White House with another infrastructure counteroffer.
12 min
566
Where Prince lived and George Floyd died: One y...
A year ago, Minneapolis councilwoman Andrea Jenkins — the first African American openly trans woman elected to office in the U.S. — called for defunding the police in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Now, activists occupying the intersection where Floyd was killed are calling her a traitor. POLITICO’s Renu Rayasam talks with Jenkins about the tightrope of reforming law enforcement and protecting residents — and why George Floyd Square has become a source of heartbreak for her. Plus, National Guard troops will leave the Capitol this week. And Biden and Putin are poised to hold their first summit in Geneva.
13 min
567
A legal shield for nursing homes
Families of people who died in nursing homes during the pandemic are filing lawsuits across the country. But nursing homes are using Trump-era liability protections to fight them. POLITICO’s Susannah Luthi reports. Plus, the U.S. condemns Belarus for forcing down a plane to arrest a dissident. And Sen. Susan Collins says she supports a commission to investigate the Capitol insurrection.
13 min
568
Microchips are becoming a macro-problem
They're in basically every piece of technology you use. And they're in short supply. POLITICO's Steven Overly breaks down why a microchip shortage is causing headaches in the auto industry and beyond. Plus, Biden signs anti-Asian hate crimes legislation into law. And the White House proposes doubling the size of the IRS.
12 min
569
Will free beer and a chance at $1M save us from...
Probably not, but it certainly won’t hurt. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg breaks down the state of vaccinations across the country — and some of the creative ways states are trying to curb sinking vaccination rates. Plus, the U.K. launches a new study on vaccine boosters. And the EU is set to allow vaccinated travelers to return.
11 min
570
Another GOP loyalty test
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is urging his party to oppose a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection. But a rebellion within his party is growing ahead of today’s vote. POLITICO’s Melanie Zanona reports on how the commission has become another litmus test for loyalty to former President Trump. Plus, Democrats abandon a push to delay the Biden administration’s latest arms sale to Israel. And TikTok refuses to appear before Congress.
12 min
571
Inside the GOP strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade
This moment has been decades in the making. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein reports on how Republican lawmakers have been intentionally passing strict abortion laws for years that will spark lawsuits in an effort to get a case challenging Roe v. Wade before the high court. Plus, the U.S. will send 20 million more vaccine doses abroad. And the Education Department plans to launch a Title IX hearing in June.
11 min
572
How to not wear a mask (but also maybe still we...
The CDC says you don’t need a mask in most situations if you’re fully vaccinated. But some states — and businesses — aren’t fully onboard yet. POLITICO’s Adam Canryn looks at the sticky situations arising in the aftermath of the new guidance. Plus, Cheney continues to question the future of the GOP. And a group of Senators tout their effort to combat sexual assault in military as a template for bipartisanship.
12 min
573
Don’t freak out about inflation … yet.
Sure, prices are up. But it makes sense, given all the excitement about reopening. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why you shouldn’t worry too much about inflation — at least not yet. Plus, masks are off at the White House. And a government watchdog says HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge violated the Hatch Act earlier this year.
12 min
574
Is the U.S. failing in the global Covid fight?
We’re giving more money than any nation to the global vaccination program. But doses are better than dollars — and critics say we’re not giving enough. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, a CDC panel endorses the use of Pfizer's vaccine in young teens. And Republicans draw a ‘red line’ on infrastructure.
13 min
575
Why the Big Four meeting will be a Big Disappoi...
What happens when you get Washington's four most powerful lawmakers in the same room with the President? Not much. POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris breaks down why you shouldn’t expect any major movement on infrastructure negotiations at today’s White House meeting between Biden, Schumer, Pelosi, McConnell and McCarthy. Plus, former Trump officials testify about the Jan. 6 insurrection. And federal agencies move to boost gasoline availability after the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack.
12 min