A Taliban offensive was expected. But nobody knew it would be like this. POLITICO’s Alex Ward explains how the Taliban was able to overtake Afghanistan’s capital as the U.S. evacuated its embassy. Plus, opponents of the White House’s eviction ban ask a federal court to block the policy. And the director of the NIH says undocumented immigrants are not causing the surge in Covid cases.

The Senate passed Biden’s long-awaited bipartisan infrastructure bill earlier this week. But it’s fate is tied to a massive Democratic spending plan — and things are looking a little shaky. POLITICO’s Caitlin Emma reports. Plus, the nation’s largest teachers union backs vaccine mandates. And top Biden advisor Anita Dunn leaves the White House.

A record number of children are being hospitalized with Covid — and experts expect it to get worse. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg reports. Plus, Sen. Elizabeth Warren drops her opposition to Biden’s pick for the No. 3 spot at the Education Department. And a bipartisan group of senators introduces legislation targeting Apple and Google’s app stores.

He doesn’t have star power, and he’s facing attacks from Republicans and Democrats. But Gov. Greg Abbott has held onto power in Texas for seven years — and he plans to do it again in 2022. POLITICO’s Renuka Rayasam reports. Plus, a Democratic Rep. Ron Kind plans to retire from his competitive Wisconsin seat. And the White House taps a progressive for the No. 2 policy position at the Pentagon.

Impeachment is impending and his inner circle is collapsing, but Cuomo remains indignant. POLITICO’s Anna Gronewold reports on why the New York governor won’t step down in the wake of an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. Plus, the Pentagon wants to mandate vaccines for all 1.4 million of its troops. And Canada reopens its border to vaccinated American travelers.

Millions of Americans have to work under the sun or in poorly ventilated spaces. And as climate change makes extremely high temperatures more frequent, these working conditions are becoming increasingly life-threatening. Today, POLITICO’s Zack Colman and E&E News’ Ariel Wittenberg explain the risks, and why it’s so hard for the government to take action.

Covid hospitalizations are surging in Florida. But that isn’t stopping Gov. Ron DeSantis from taking a hard line against public health restrictions. POLITICO’s David Kihara breaks down the political strategy behind it all. Plus, Texas’ governor calls a second special session to push GOP changes to election laws. And the Justice Department opens a probe into the Phoenix Police Department.

Scared or confused by the Delta variant? Wondering when you might need a booster shot? POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle has you covered. Plus, Biden’s approval falls. And Psaki blames Republicans holding up the White House’s ATF nominee.

The Biden administration changed course on Tuesday and issued a new eviction ban despite legal questions, putting the White House on a collision course with the Supreme Court. POLITICO’s Katy O’Donnell reports. Plus, Biden calls for New York Gov. Cuomo to resign, and tells Florida Gov. DeSantis to “get out of the way” as Covid surges in the state.

GETTR was supposed to be a Trump world alternative to Twitter. But it’s being inundated with extremist content, including beheading videos and terrorist propaganda. POLITICO’s Mark Scott reports. Plus, Florida shatters its Covid hospitalization record. And the Biden administration hits its vaccination goal … a month late.

The futures of both the Democratic Party and the GOP will be put to the test in a pair of Congressional primaries tomorrow. POLITICO’s Scott Bland reports. Plus, Dr. Fauci says he doesn’t think the country will need more lockdowns. And new filings show that Trump political groups have more than $100 million in the bank.

Over the last few months, First Nations groups across Canada announced the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves on or close to residential schools where Native children were forcibly sent. The discoveries forced long-overdue conversations across Canada about its ignored history, but they also forced similar introspection in the United States, where Native kids were also sent to boarding schools to "kill the Indian, and save the man." Today, Cowessess First Nation member Chasity Delorme talks about Canada's journey to reconciliation, and Dr. Katrina Phillips of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe speaks of America's boarding schools and their impact on Native peoples across the country.

They’re back! Well, kinda. POLITICO’s Erin Banco breaks down what you need to know about the CDC’s new guidance. Plus, vaccinated travelers from the U.S. won't need to quarantine anymore when visiting the U.K. And the chair of the Fed isn’t too worried about the Delta variant hurting the economy.

A new poll from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows that 47 percent of likely California voters are in favor of replacing Gov. Gavin Newsom. POLITICO’s Jeremy White reports. Plus, Democrats press Biden to extend the eviction ban. And Senators reach a deal to provide funding for the Capitol Police and National Guard.

Lawmakers and experts are sounding the alarm. So why is the central bank still pumping cash into the economy? POLITICO’s Victoria Guida reports. Plus, longtime Trump ally Tom Barrack pleads not guilty to charges that he acted as a foreign agent. And the Biden administration says long Covid can be considered a disability under law.

Biden announced a deal more than a month ago. So why's it taking so long for Senators to agree on a bill funding roads, bridges and broadband? POLITICO's Kate Irby reports. Plus, Arkansas' governor says vaccine hesitancy is hardening in parts of the state. And French moves closer to approving a vaccine passport.

The national debt is a ticking timebomb. Can Congress raise the limit before we default on our loans? POLITICO’s Jennifer Scholtes reports. Plus, the Capitol physician considers recommending masks again due to the Delta variant. And the NFL says Covid outbreaks could mean forfeits.

Millions lost jobs during the pandemic and are still unemployed or left the workforce. POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan talked with a panel of experts about what’s next. Plus, Biden taps a telecom executive to be his ambassador to Canada. And Harris plans to meet with DACA recipients.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has chosen his five GOP appointees for the Democrat-led select committee probing the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers breaks down who they are and what they could mean for the investigation. Plus, Biden taps a progressive favorite for a DOJ antitrust post. And Trump adviser Tom Barrack is arrested on foreign-agent charges.

Biden is withdrawing all U.S. troops from Afghanistan in favor of a new diplomatic strategy, but recent military gains by the Taliban are complicating peace negotiations. POLITICO’s Alex Ward reports. Plus, Canada will open its borders to vaccinated Americans next month. And a judge hands down the first felony sentence tied to the Capitol riot.

Biden’s vaccine campaign is sputtering. Juvenile, the rapper who made waves with his 1999 hit 'Back That Azz Up,' thinks he can help. POLITICO Playbook’s Eugene Daniels reports. Plus, new polling finds that unvaccinated Americans are least concerned about the Delta variant. And German PM Angela Merkel pledges a stronger focus on climate after devastating floods.

The West is seeing record-breaking temperatures. For some workers, the effects are deadly. POLITICO’s Ximena Bustillo reports. Plus, Biden says monthly child tax credits will be among the administration’s top achievements. And Facebook blocks an Iran-linked hacking campaign.

No spectators, no problem — right? If only it were that simple. POLITICO’s Ryan Heath reports. Plus, Psaki says Biden still opposes marijuana legalization. And the GAO says the health costs of gun violence exceed $1 billion a year.

The White House had hoped to keep its distance. But after thousands of Cubans took to the streets in historic protests this weekend, the communist-run island nation is becoming an unavoidable foreign policy issue. POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez reports. Plus, Biden nominates Jeff Flake as ambassador to Turkey. And the Senate narrowly confirms Julie Su as deputy Labor secretary.

The 'Free Britney' movement has a new fan base on Capitol Hill. But how much can Congress actually do to crack down on what critics call toxic guardianships? POLITICO’s Marianne LeVine reports. Plus, top U.S. officials see booster shots as inevitable. And the Senate confirms Jen Easterly as head of CISA.