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.

President Biden’s top trustbuster is making enemies in Washington. POLITICO’s Leah Nylen reports. Plus, the CDC says side effects from third doses of Covid-19 shots are mild. And health groups urge the FDA to step up its e-cigarette regulation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a troubling track record when it comes to human rights. But Biden needs him to counter China. POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, polls have Democrat Terry McAuliffe ahead in the Virginia gubernatorial election. And California becomes a permanent vote-by-mail state.

Playbook’s Rachael Bade talks with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Joni Ernst about their bipartisan effort to overhaul the way the military handles sexual assault. Plus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott defends his state’s audit of the 2020 election. And Pfizer’s CEO argues that first shots and boosters can be distributed simultaneously.

On this special presentation of POLITICO's new podcast Global Insider, host Ryan Heath sits down with Colombia’s leader Iván Duque.

Federal regulators are ordering millions of e-cigarette products off the market. POLITICO’s Katherine Foley breaks down how the move is reshaping the vaping industry. Plus, Biden picks up the tab for Florida school leaders fined by Gov. DeSantis. And the House sinks an effort to pull troops from Syria.

The HHS Secretary is staying out of the spotlight and away from major Covid decisions. POLITICO’s Adam Canryn reports. Plus, the Fed signals that it plans to pull back economic support. And Biden commits to communication with France.

Bipartisanship? POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez explains why both sides of the aisle are mad at Biden for his handling of the Southern Border. Plus, Rep. Adam Schiff says the panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection is preparing to issue subpoenas. And the Justice Department plus several states sue to block a joint venture between American Airlines and JetBlue.

Earlier this year, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative party was poised to hold onto power even after its leader stepped down. But now, the uncharismatic head of the rival Social Democrats is on track to win an upcoming national election. POLITICO’s Chief Europe Correspondent Matt Karnitschnig reports. Plus, manufacturers urge the Biden administration to drop its push to waive intellectual property protections for Covid vaccines. And the White House buys at least 60 million over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits.

POLITICO’s Lauren Gardner gives an inside look at the contentious debate among federal health officials over booster shots. Plus, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves argues against Biden’s vaccine mandate. And French President Macron is set to speak with Biden in the ‘next few days’ amid diplomatic tensions.

It’s a three-way race between the US, China and the EU — and the final result could reshape our lives. Global Insider host Ryan Heath reports. Plus, a judge blocks Biden from using a Trump-era public health order to expel migrant families. And Obama endorses Trudeau (again).

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis isn't anti-vaccine. But he has started standing beside those who are. POLITICO’s Gary Fineout reports. Plus, Moderna says new data supports its booster shot. And Sen. Klobuchar says she’s confident Congress can pass legislation targeting tech giants.

A group of progressive lawmakers is calling for President Biden to ditch Jerome Powell and nominate a new Federal Reserve Chair. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida reports. Plus, the Treasury plans to release more rental assistance funds to prevent evictions. And the Justice Department announces a ban on no-knock entries and chokeholds.

Las Vegas tried to reopen without widespread vaccination, but those plans crashed into reality. Will things be different this time? POLITICO’s Megan Cassella reports. Plus, Homeland Security chief of staff Karen Olick abruptly resigns. And Secretary of State Antony Blinken defends Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal before Congress.

Polling shows California Gov. Gavin Newsom coming out on top in tomorrow’s recall election. But that doesn’t mean his political future will go unscathed. POLITICO’s Kevin Yamamura reports. Plus, six Capitol Police officers are being disciplined for their conduct on Jan. 6. And Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer defends himself against calls to step down.