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651
Should you be freaking out about the Delta vari...
Probably not if you’re fully vaccinated. But it could cause some problems down the road — especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. POLITICO’s David Lim reports. Plus, FEMA changes the rules for a Covid-19 funeral aid program, potentially giving thousands of people access to assistance. And the House approves a select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection.
11 min
652
The anatomy of a ransomware attack
It starts with a note saying your files are being held captive. It ends with a big payout or a lengthy investigation. POLITICO’s Sam Sabin breaks down how ransomware attacks go down — and what the U.S. is doing to prevent more of them. Plus, New Jersey’s attorney general will lead enforcement at the SEC. And the latest New York mayoral count is voided after ‘test’ ballots were included in the tally.
13 min
653
A Trump-DeSantis collision course
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is rising fast in popularity. That has him on a collision course with the most powerful man in the GOP ahead of 2024. POLITICO’s Matt Dixon reports. Plus, a federal court tosses out two antitrust suits seeking to break up Facebook. And Biden won’t attend the Tokyo Olympics.
12 min
654
Covid’s effect on women in the workforce
The pandemic drove millions of women out of the workforce. Experts say bold action is needed to help them come back. POLITICO’s Elizabeth Ralph reports. Plus, Arkansas’ governor says hospitalizations are up among the unvaccinated. And Sen. Romney criticizes Trump’s false claims about the election during a weekend rally.
14 min
655
The surprisingly un-Trumpy Supreme Court
Three of the court’s picks came from the former president. But you wouldn’t be able to guess it based on their recent decisions. POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein reports. Plus, Biden says he’ll only sign a bipartisan infrastructure deal if it’s delivered alongside a “human infrastructure” bill. And the Senate passes legislation to help farmers profit on climate action.
13 min
656
Where vaccinations are lagging and why
More than 60 percent of adults in the U.S. have gotten at least one vaccine dose, but when you look at the demographic breakdown, things don’t look too good. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, the FDA plans to add a warning about rare heart inflammation to Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines. And House Democrats propose a 14 percent funding budget boost for the IRS.
12 min
657
The cases for and against the filibuster
You hate it when you’re in charge, you love it when you’re not. POLITICO’s Rachael Bade reports on how the decades-old debate over the Senate procedure requiring 60 votes for most legislation to pass — and why it’s coming to a head. Plus, Sen. Warren stalls Biden’s pick to be the No. 3 official at the Education Department. And Biden taps a Russia expert to be the Pentagon's international security chief.
12 min
658
The Democratic shift on Israel
Netanyahu is out and the latest round of violence with Hamas is over, but progressives’ willingness to criticize Israel is here to stay. POLITICO’s Andrew Desiderio looks at the generational divide forming within the Democratic caucus. Plus, the U.S. imposes new sanctions on Belarus. And it’s Election Day in New York City.
11 min
659
The end of Big Tech’s glory days
There’s a new sheriff in town. Lina Khan, a staunch critic of Silicon Valley giants, has taken the reins at the FTC. POLITICO’s Leah Nylen looks at what Kahn’s ascension — and a new package of antitrust bills — could mean for Big Tech. Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders won’t back an infrastructure deal with more gas taxes or electric vehicle fees. And nearly two-third of Iowans are ready for Sen. Chuck Grassley to go.
13 min
660
How the Mormon Church learned to love medical m...
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent years opposing new cannabis laws in Utah. But in 2018, everything changed. POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig tells the unlikely story of how the Mormon Church helped broker a deal for medical cannabis legalization in Utah.
12 min
661
The year that broke America’s mayors
Covid, economic collapse, mass protests and unrest. 2020 was tough — especially for city leaders. POLITICO’s Lisa Kashensky explains why mayors across the country are calling it quits after a year like no other. Plus, Schumer says the Senate will vote to repeal the nearly two-decade-old authorization for the use of military force in Iraq. And the Justice Department watchdog says the U.S. Marshals Service has ‘inadequate’ resources to protect judges.
11 min
662
The mainstreamification of anti-vaxxers
Before the pandemic, anti-vaxxers were mostly fringe groups, falsely claiming that shots could cause autism in children. Now, Covid culture wars and red state laws to restrict vaccine mandates are reinvigorating the anti-vaccine movement nationwide — and that's a problem for ending the pandemic. POLITICO's Lauren Gardner reports. Plus, Biden nominates nine ambassadors. And progressive tech critic Lina Kahn is set to chair the FTC.
11 min
663
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
664
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
665
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
666
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
667
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
668
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
669
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
670
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
671
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
672
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
673
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
674
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
675
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