POLITICO Tech

What’s behind Trump’s new Tech Force

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The Trump administration launched the U.S. Tech Force this week, aiming to recruit 1,000 fellows with backgrounds in AI, cybersecurity and other high-tech fields into federal agencies. It’s the latest attempt to solve the government’s long-standing recruitment problem. But will this time be different? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, a longtime tech investor, to discuss the new initiative, the impact of DOGE cuts and why the government must embrace AI.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Why Trump is fighting states over AI

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social this week that he will sign an executive order aimed at banning state AI laws. The move will almost certainly appease Silicon Valley executives and anger some of his fellow Republicans — not to mention ignite a legal battle with state governments concerned about federal overreach. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down the latest developments surrounding the closely watched and intensely debated AI moratorium with the help of POLITICO technology reporters Gabby Miller and Brendan Bordelon.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

This episode has been updated to correct a mischaracterization of Andreessen Horowitz's policy position.

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Craig Newmark sees an AI bubble. It may not be a bust.

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Craig Newmark is best known for shaping our digital past. As the founder of Craigslist, he was a pioneer in online classified advertising and lived the Silicon Valley dot-com bubble firsthand. These days, Newmark is donating his vast wealth to fight disinformation and cyber scams. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sat down with Newmark to discuss whether he sees an AI bubble forming today, and why he’s hopeful the fast-moving technology will make us more secure online (even if it has some problems still to be worked out).

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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How AI is driving Trump’s energy agenda

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Meeting the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies is one of the big challenges facing the Trump administration. And Dario Gil, the undersecretary for science at the Energy Department, is one of the key officials searching for solutions — including yet-unrealized power sources like fusion. For POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly spoke with Gil on stage at the Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington about the administration’s energy priorities, competition with China, and the future of federal research.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Rebroadcast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on AI, Hollywood and owning your ‘digital self’

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been called a “Luddite” and “anti-tech,” but the actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur insists he’s actually dazzled by artificial intelligence. He just has qualms with the tech companies building it, and how they’re compensating people for their work and data. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly met up with Gordon-Levitt on the sidelines of an Aspen Digital event in Washington, D.C. to discuss AI’s consequences for creatives, and what he wants from the tech industry and from policymakers.

This episode originally published on June 19, 2025.

⁠Steven Overly⁠ is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

⁠Nirmal Mulaikal⁠ is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Why energy bills could be AI’s new political problem

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Democrats logged big election wins this week in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City. And in some races, artificial intelligence — and specifically the energy data centers will consume — was a key issue for voters. As the tech industry spends billions of dollars to build out AI infrastructure, Tuesday’s outcome suggests there could be new political roadblocks ahead. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Ian Stevenson from POLITICO's E&E News to delve into the election in Virginia and why this issue could emerge in next year’s midterms, too.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Ian Stevenson is an energy and public lands reporter at POLITICO’s E&E News.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The business case for governing AI

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Tech companies are spending billions of dollars to build out their AI ambitions — with little clarity about how they’ll recoup their investments. Miriam Vogel, the CEO of the nonprofit EqualAI and former chair of the National AI Advisory Council, says the industry’s profitability depends in part on setting ground rules for the technology. On POLITICO Tech, Vogel joins host Steven Overly to discuss the new book she’s co-authored, entitled “Governing the Machine,” and what steps are needed to build public trust in the AI future.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Signal’s Meredith Whittaker on AI hype and the end of privacy

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Even if you don’t use Signal, you certainly remember Signalgate. That was the scandal in March when senior U.S. officials used a private messaging app to communicate about a military strike in Yemen — and included a journalist in the chat. It thrust Signal and Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker into the spotlight. But she’s made headlines before as a Google employee turned vocal tech critic. On this week’s episode of POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Whittaker to discuss the future of Big Tech, privacy risks in an AI world and how Silicon Valley is shaping politics.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Why the latest U.S.-China tech fight may be the biggest yet

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Tensions between the U.S. and China are inflamed yet again — with the tech sector in the crossfire. In the latest move, Beijing has threatened to restrict the trade of rare earth magnets and metals, which are critical for making high-tech products, from microchips to smartphones to electric vehicles. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Liza Tobin, a geopolitical risk adviser and former China director on the National Security Council, to discuss the shaky state of the U.S.-China relationship and why the coming weeks will prove pivotal.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Meet Silicon Valley’s AI-obsessed mayor

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A growing number of city governments are adopting artificial intelligence — and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan wants to outpace all the rest. The former tech entrepreneur is pushing employees across Silicon Valley’s largest city to adopt the technology as a way of streamlining everything from bus routes to business permits. On POLITICO Tech, Mahan joins host Steven Overly to discuss the AI-enabled city he’s trying to build, as well as California’s new AI safety law, the risk of overregulating technology and his recent criticism of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Coming to city near you: AI-powered government

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The concept of "smart cities" — local governments that are digitized and automated — has been around for decades, but that bold vision hasn't quite materialized yet. Still, many cities are making a run at the idea, and they’re increasingly turning to artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with James Anderson of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation program to talk about how cities are adopting AI and the real-world hurdles they face along the way.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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AI, China, and the fight over free speech: Takeaways from POLITICO’s Tech Summit

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

POLITICO’s AI & Tech Summit this week tackled major policy debates: the partisan fight over online speech after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, along with Washington’s efforts to fend off China — and California — in the U.S. quest for AI dominance. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with technology reporters Brendan Bordelon and Anthony Adragna to analyze the most notable moments from the event, including comments from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas), White House senior AI adviser Sriram Krishnan and others.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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What Anthropic’s big payout means for AI and copyright

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion to authors whose pirated books the company used to train its AI model, an eye-popping amount and one of the first big settlements of its kind. With so many copyright cases hanging out in the courts, could this be the first of many big payouts to come? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly put that question and others to Keith Kupferschmid, the CEO of the Copyright Alliance.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Why AI companies are cutting Trump a deal

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The federal government is buying artificial intelligence technology at deeply discounted rates — part of an effort to bring agencies into modern times. And for companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, it’s a chance to get the government hooked on their products. On POLITICO Tech, Box CEO Aaron Levie joins host Steven Overly to discuss his own bargain for the Trump administration, why these deals are happening now and what an AI-powered government could look like.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The next president’s AI problem

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

With mounting concerns about AI leading to job losses, policymakers are grappling with how to prepare workers for major changes ahead — and the disruption that has already begun. Bharat Ramamurti was the deputy director of the National Economic Council under President Joe Biden and, in a recent opinion piece, he called AI-driven unemployment “the biggest economic issue no one is talking about.” On POLITICO Tech, Ramamurti joins host Steven Overly to delve into the AI-driven economic fears that could dominate the next election cycle.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.

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An exit interview with Trump’s AI policy adviser

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

As a senior policy adviser in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dean Ball helped write President Donald Trump’s recently released AI Action Plan. This week, Ball left the administration and plans to continue shaping AI policy from outside the White House. On POLITICO Tech, Ball joins host Steven Overly to discuss the government’s role in regulating artificial intelligence, Trump allowing China to buy American microchips, and whether the rush of AI investment will lead to a market bubble.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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Data will soon be less secure. What can Washington do?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) was a tech adviser to President Barack Obama back when Washington was first grappling with artificial intelligence. Now, he’s introducing legislation this week with Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.) that aims to prepare the federal government for quantum computing, and how hackers could tap its speed and power to steal sensitive data. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Subramanyam about the cybersecurity risks that await in a post-quantum world. Plus, how he’s sizing up President Donald Trump’s new AI Action Plan.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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Silicon Valley enters the space race

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin may garner lots of attention, but there are a growing number of tech companies now chasing commercial and defense opportunities in space. And they’re ratcheting up the competition for longtime contractors who sell to the federal government. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Rob Geckle, the CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, to discuss Silicon Valley breaking into the defense business, the U.S. space race with China and looming federal budget cuts.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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Trump’s AI plan is a gift to Silicon Valley — with a catch

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump unveiled his AI Action Plan, which effectively outlines his strategy for keeping the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence. And for the most part, it’s a gift to Silicon Valley — slashing AI regulation at the federal level and trying to halt it in the states. But, one part of the plan will drag tech further into Trump’s war on wokeness. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down key provisions of the plan and how they could be implemented with Neil Chilson, the head of AI policy at the libertarian Abundance Institute.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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The Vatican’s AI battle

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly warned that artificial intelligence poses a danger to humanity. And as the U.S. and other governments turn away from regulating AI, the Catholic Church is emerging as a vocal skeptic on the world stage. One of the influential voices shaping those calls is Father Paolo Benanti, a professor and author who acts as the Vatican’s de facto adviser on AI. On POLITICO Tech, Benanti joins host Steven Overly to discuss ethical concerns surrounding AI and why he thinks regulators have a duty to make tough decisions.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Do Americans need digital IDs?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

There’s a power struggle between humanity and technology. And Vilas Dhar, president and trustee of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, argues humanity coming out on top depends not just on regulation, but on people regaining agency vis-à-vis technology and a voice in how it is created. On POLITICO Tech, Dhar joins host Steven Overly to discuss how humans can reclaim their power, and why he thinks an initial step should be creating a national digital identification system.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

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Apple’s China dilemma

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Patrick McGee has written the definitive book on how Apple supercharged China’s development into a global manufacturing colossus and leveraged its relationship with Beijing to become one of the most iconic consumer tech brands in history. Now, the author of “Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company” joins POLITICO Tech guest host Phelim Kine to break down how Apple’s reliance on China has become a toxic codependency that has trapped the company at the center of U.S.-China trade tensions that have upended a decades-old business model hinged on a “Made in China” export production model.

Phelim Kine is POLITICO’s DC-based China and Indo-Pacific Affairs correspondent.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The Trumpification of the FCC

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Federal Communications Commission will meet today with a new Republican majority after the confirmation of former Capitol Hill staffer Olivia Trusty. That’s likely to boost Chair Brendan Carr’s Trump-approved agenda as he ramps up scrutiny of TV broadcasters and social media platforms over perceived conservative bias. On POLITICO Tech, reporter John Hendel joins host Steven Overly to explain the political makeup of the nation’s chief communications regulator and what to expect in the months ahead.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt on AI, Hollywood and owning your ‘digital self’

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Can the South win the AI race?

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Mississippi is trying to position itself as the “Digital Delta” — a hub in the American South for artificial intelligence development and data centers. It’s one of many states that largely missed out on the internet boom and are now looking for AI to boost their local economy. On POLITICO Tech, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves joins host Steven Overly to discuss how his state is trying to seize the AI moment, from energy production to workforce training. Plus, they discuss how policy being set in Washington, from the proposed moratorium on state AI laws to the crackdown on international student visas, could impact his state.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The Republican case against Trump’s research cuts

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) is big on investing in research in cutting-edge technologies, especially artificial intelligence and biotechnology. But lately, that’s put him in a position of pushing back against the leader of his own party, President Donald Trump, who has imposed steep and swift cuts to federal research funding at agencies and universities. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Young for a live interview at the AI+ Expo in Washington to talk about that tension and more.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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Trump’s crypto conflicts, explained

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Vice President JD Vance told a crypto conference this week that the industry “finally has a champion and an ally in the White House.” And, he’s right. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has largely reversed the industry’s fortunes in Washington. But the industry’s fortunes are now Trump’s fortunes, as the president and his family plunge deeper into the digital currency business. That’s starting to concern some Republicans and crypto lobbyists pushing the industry’s agenda. On POLITICO Tech, POLITICO capital markets reporter Declan Harty joins host Steven Overly to explain why.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.

Declan Harty covers U.S. capital markets and regulation of Wall Street for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The ‘big, beautiful bill' to ban state AI laws

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:56:00 -0000

House Republicans narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” reconciliation bill, including a provision that would block states from enforcing new AI regulations for a decade. The proposal, which now heads to the Senate, has backing from industry but faces fierce opposition from state attorneys general and AI safety hawks. Even some opponents of tech regulation worry the moratorium is too broad and too long. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly unpacks the proposal with Sam Hammond, the chief economist at the Foundation for American Innovation.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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‘Compute, not crude’: How American AI is defining the new Middle East

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

A large contingent of Silicon Valley CEOs followed President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia this week, where a number of them announced billions of dollars in AI-related investments and business partnerships. Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, says this is the new Middle East — where the relationship with the U.S. is driven by tech and innovation, not just oil and security. On POLITICO Tech, Soliman tells host Steven Overly how this new arrangement benefits tech companies and Gulf nations — and why it’s necessary if the U.S. hopes to stay ahead of China.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

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OpenAI reversed its restructuring plans. Critics aren’t cheering.

Thu, 08 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The saga over control of OpenAI took yet another turn this week when the ChatGPT maker announced it will no longer try to splinter off from the nonprofit that controls it. But critics of that plan, including former OpenAI employee Page Hedley, aren’t exactly taking a victory lap. On POLITICO Tech, Hedley joins host Steven Overly to explain why the latest news still leaves some doubt about OpenAI’s commitment to its founding mission of building artificial intelligence that’s good for humanity.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of POLITICO Tech.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.

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Trump's rocky start with Silicon Valley

Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump was sworn into office just over 100 days ago. And ever since Inauguration Day, tech industry leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have been a regular presence at the White House. But the start of Trump’s term — from tariffs to antitrust trials to DOGE cuts — has been rocky for Silicon Valley. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Brendan Bordelon joins host Steven Overly for a debrief on Trump’s first 100 days in office, and a look at what’s to come in the next 100.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.

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Mark Zuckerberg’s big week in court

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent hours in a Washington courtroom this week answering questions about his decision to buy Instagram and WhatsApp more than a decade ago — and whether the social media empire he now oversees is a monopoly. Losing the high-stakes lawsuit, which was brought by the Federal Trade Commission, could ultimately lead to Meta being broken up. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly unpacks Meta’s week in court with former Republican FTC Chair Bill Kovacic.

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Roblox’s CEO on tariffs, TikTok and keeping kids safe online

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Washington is looking to regulate how kids use the internet with legislation that could alter how online platforms collect data, monitor content and design features. Roblox has a lot at stake in that debate — with some 90 million daily users, many of them young kids, who flock to the platform to play games and socialize. On POLITICO Tech, Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki joins host Steven Overly to discuss how the company aims to stay ahead of regulation. Plus, his take on the recent tariff turmoil and his bid to buy TikTok.

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‘Gloves off’: A former Trump trade official on his China fight

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

After days of stock market mayhem, President Donald Trump pulled back most of the tariffs he slapped on U.S. trade partners. But not China. Trump upped his tariffs on China to 125 percent — the latest shot in a rapidly escalating trade war. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to Nazak Nikakhtar, a former Commerce Department official during Trump’s first term and law partner at Wiley, about the ways in which the tech industry is vulnerable to Beijing’s retaliation, and why she thinks the economic pain from these sky-high tariffs is necessary.

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What Elon Musk’s pending exit means for Washington

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

What’s Washington without Elon Musk? That’s a question many Republicans are hoping to answer in the weeks ahead after President Donald Trump told allies that Musk’s time in the White House is soon coming to an end. But getting the world’s richest man and designated small-government crusader to move on will be complicated, even if Musk does have a slumping business empire to run. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly is joined by POLITICO Capitol Bureau Chief Rachael Bade and POLITICO contributor Issie Lapowsky to break down the political and business pressure Musk is under, and why he’ll stick around as a political power player long after leaving D.C.

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Will Trump’s tariffs ‘liberate’ Silicon Valley?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

“Liberation Day” arrived at the White House and President Donald Trump, as promised, slapped sweeping tariffs on the world. But what comes next may be less predictable — especially for tech. From the TikTok sale to digital services taxes, tech issues are now a bargaining chip as countries negotiate with the Trump administration to ease tariffs. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly chats with Michael Froman, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. trade representative, about what Liberation Day could mean for Silicon Valley.

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The great tech race heading toward Greenland

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Greenland’s “Great Race” isn’t just a dog sled competition. It’s increasingly a hunt for critical minerals and AI data centers — two national security priorities for President Donald Trump and a business opportunity being pursued by some in his orbit. On POLITICO Tech, E&E News reporter Hannah Northey joins host Steven Overly in the wake of Vice President JD Vance’s controversial visit to explain why Greenland could help address major tech challenges facing the U.S.

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Why you shouldn’t share ‘war plans’ on Signal

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Were the messages “war plans” or “attack plans”? Was the information classified, sensitive or something in between? If you put aside the spin around Signalgate, security experts warn secret military operations shouldn’t be shared on commercial messaging apps like Signal in the first place. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses the tech implications of this week’s White House fiasco with Graham Brookie, the Atlantic Council’s vice president of technology programs and a former National Security Council adviser.

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‘Nothing is off the table’: The U.S.-UK tech talks are underway

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump has many U.S. allies on edge, but you wouldn’t know it from talking to Peter Kyle, the UK’s secretary of state for science, innovation and technology. He’s a relentless believer that the UK and U.S. will join forces on artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. But his rosy vision faces real obstacles, like the Trump administration’s criticism of the UK’s digital taxes, and its free speech record. Plus, Elon Musk's very vocal disdain for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly called up Secretary Kyle at the end of his recent West Coast visit to discuss.

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‘American Dynamism’ meets ‘America First’

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Silicon Valley’s bet that a Trump administration would be friendly to tech has a big payoff: Vice President JD Vance. At the American Dynamism Summit this week, Vance spoke at length about bolstering U.S. innovation and manufacturing, and bridging the divide between so-called “populists” and “techno-optimists.” The summit was hosted by venture capital firm Andreesen Horowitz, which became the tech-for-Trump poster child during the election. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Katherine Boyle, the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism practice.

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How a tech CEO and board game master sizes up DOGE

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This Elon Musk-made moment of government upheaval has some business executives seeing dollar signs, and that includes Matt Calkins, the CEO of software company Appian. Calkins contends there are billions of dollars to be saved in how the government buys stuff, but reforming that process requires “the most powerful digital worker ever invented” — artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, Calkins tells host Steven Overly how he thinks AI can tackle the government’s waste problem, and why Musk and Washington must find a way to get along.

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‘We’re not like some small country you can push around’

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, says America’s northern neighbor is “not like some small country that you can push around.” That’s why Champagne is in Washington today with other Canadian officials seeking an economic reset after a week of tariff-fueled tensions with the U.S. On POLITICO Tech, Champagne joins host Steven Overly to discuss President Donald Trump’s trade war and the potential impact of Canada’s new prime minister.

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This Bachelor-turned-podcaster has a lesson for Washington

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Nick Viall became famous after appearing on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette — but used podcasting to turn reality TV stardom into lasting relevance. So last week, YouTube brought The Viall Files host to Washington to teach political staffers how to tap online creators to spread their message. Coming off of last year’s “podcast election,” Viall says the medium has gained new levels of media credibility and that candidates need to win over listeners like his in order to win votes. On POLITICO Tech, Viall joins host Steven Overly to discuss podcasting’s breakout moment and why not every politician is cut out for it.

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Trump’s tariffs are threatening California’s cash cow

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week, President Donald Trump put tariffs in place — again. He then walked most of them back — again. The administration’s erratic trade policy is also causing a great deal of anxiety in California, where the state budget depends on ample tax revenue from the tech industry. On POLITICO Tech, California tech reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio joins host Steven Overly to explain why lawmakers and economists from Sacramento to Silicon Valley are so nervous.

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The future of war? Cheaper, faster tech

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Three Army brigades have been trying to prove that the future of war can be cheaper — even before Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency came in demanding budget cuts. The brigades are part of a program that outfits soldiers with off-the-shelf tech that doesn’t take years to build or cost billions of dollars to buy. On POLITICO Tech, Gen. Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, discusses plans to expand the effort and hurdles to overcome.

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Is venture capital eating the world?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

It’s been said that software is “eating the world.” But Catherine Bracy, the founder and CEO of TechEquity, says tech investors are actually reshaping the economy. And she explains why that’s a problem in a new book, “World Eaters: How Venture Capital is Cannibalizing the Economy.” But the influence of venture capital now reaches into our politics and government. On POLITICO Tech, Bracy tells host Steven Overly why she thinks venture capital is eating the world… and Washington.

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The new Gilded Age could be bad for Republicans — and Big Tech

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Joshua Zeitz is a historian and best-selling author who thinks America is living through a second Gilded Age. A period that is reminiscent of the late 1800s, when railroad and banking magnates held enormous sway over the economy and government. Except today, those moguls build social media sites and rocketships and electric vehicles. On POLITICO Tech, Zeitz outlines the parallels between then and now — and explains why the outcome isn’t great for Republicans if history truly repeats itself.

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Why DOGE led one government tech official to quit

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Anne Marshall resigned from her role as director of engineering and data science at the U.S. Digital Service last month. The decision followed staffing cuts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. “This is not the mission I came to serve,” Marshall wrote on LinkedIn at the time. On POLITICO Tech, Marshall tells host Steven Overly about her decision to leave and what she thinks everyone is missing about DOGE.

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The U.S. and UK will broker a tech deal. Here’s what to watch.

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The U.S. and UK will negotiate “a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday at the White House. The details of the arrangement remain an open question, but President Donald Trump added it could get done quickly. On POLITICO Tech, London-based trade and technology deputy editor Joseph Bambridge joins host Steven Overly to talk about potential sticking points.

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This Biden official wants to root out waste. She says DOGE is doing it all wrong.

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Ann Lewis has seen the government waste a lot of money on bad technology. As director of Technology Transformation Services under President Joe Biden, her office was tasked with revamping and updating government technology. Lewis says there’s a version of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency that could have been bipartisan (and less controversial). On POLITICO Tech, Lewis tells host Steven Overly how she thinks Musk should do things differently.

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Is Big Tech getting an antitrust reset? Not quite yet.

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Big Tech is hoping President Donald Trump will lighten up on antitrust enforcement after four years of heavy scrutiny under the Biden administration. But so far, there are few signs of a change. In fact, recent policy announcements from the Federal Trade Commission suggest internet and social media platforms will remain under the microscope. On POLITICO Tech, Cato Institute senior fellow Jennifer Huddleston joins host Steven Overly to discuss tension among Republicans over antitrust and dissect some of the early action in Trump’s second term

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What the German election tells us about Elon Musk’s influence

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The most striking outcome of this weekend’s German election wasn’t the actual winner. It’s that one in five voters backed the far-right party, Alternative for Germany. Elon Musk heavily promoted the AfD in the lead up to Election Day, and the party leaned on AI-generated content to amplify its nationalist message. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly chats with reporter Emily Schultheis in Berlin about Musk’s influence and what the results mean for transatlantic relations.

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The latest tech talk on Capitol Hill

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Since taking office last month, President Donald Trump has been driving the tech agenda in Washington. Now, Congress is slowly starting to get back in the game. But the politics around Big Tech are shifting — and some once-vocal critics are softening up. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Anthony Adragna gives host Steven Overly the download on what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

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Is Elon Musk’s AI hoovering up DOGE data?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk’s army of government reformers are making sweeping cuts across federal agencies, and the changes often start with getting ahold of the data. That has raised questions and legal complaints about whether the Department of Government Efficiency is mishandling all the sensitive data it’s now accessing. POLITICO reporter Adam Wren wanted to find out whether the data could be funneled into Musk’s businesses. On POLITICO Tech, he tells host Steven Overly what he found.

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Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and the podcaster’s paradox

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

When it comes to online political culture, few personalities are as influential as Joe Rogan, host of the popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast. And if you tune into the show these days, Rogan is a breathless defender of Elon Musk and his controversial role reshaping government. POLITICO’s Calder McHugh reports that’s driving away some of Rogan’s long-time listeners — the fans who made him so impactful in the last election. On POLITICO Tech, McHugh joins host Steven Overly to explain Rogan’s predicament and why other online personalities face a similar challenge.

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The tech agenda to watch from Lutnick and co.

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as the next commerce secretary, meaning the former Wall Street CEO will soon be shaping President Donald Trump’s second-term tech agenda. During Trump’s first stint in the White House, Satya Thallam was a senior counselor in the Office of Management and Budget. And he’s now shaping tech policy through roles at Americans for Responsible Innovation and the Foundation for American Innovation. On POLITICO Tech, Thallam joins host Steven Overly to dish on what he expects from Lutnick and other tech players in Trump’s orbit.

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Will Trump’s antitrust pick be a reset for Big Tech?

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump’s nominees are trudging through the Senate confirmation process, including Gail Slater, his pick to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Slater is a well-known entity in Washington tech circles. But she could soon have a pivotal role in shaping Trump’s antitrust response to tech’s market power — a sore spot for the industry’s big players. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Mohar Chatterjee joins host Steven Overly to break down Slater’s antitrust approach.

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A skeptical take on Vance’s AI agenda

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Vice President JD Vance laid out an “America First” vision for artificial intelligence at the AI Action Summit in Paris earlier this week. He told world leaders and tech executives that the Trump administration will focus on building AI, not “handwringing” over safety. And he warned Europe and China not to stand in the way of U.S. tech dominance. Alondra Nelson, a professor who co-authored President Joe Biden’s AI Bill of Rights, attended Vance’s big speech. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly called Nelson in Paris to get her reaction.

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Silicon Valley elites used to be an ATM for Democrats — and they want it back

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

We’ve talked a lot lately about tech leaders cozying up to President Donald Trump. Well, Democrats are now fighting to reclaim their place as the party of Silicon Valley elites. Or at least, trying to stop more rich tech dudes from drifting to the right. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with national political reporter Elena Schneider about House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries trying to woo Silicon Valley donors, and how hard the party still needs to work to win over skeptics.

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A futurist’s take on institutional power in a ‘post-human world’

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Samantha Radocchia, known more widely as Sam Rad, is an anthropologist and tech entrepreneur who thinks a lot about the future, and has advised organizations like the United Nations and Federal Reserve on how to prepare for it. Society is moving toward a decentralized “operating system,” she says, one that will scramble existing institutions of power. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Sam Rad about her new book “Radical Next,” and the role she sees for tech and government in the “post-human world.”

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Trump’s quiet cuts at a key cybersecurity agency

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

As Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency pursue sweeping cuts across federal agencies, the Trump administration is also scaling back efforts to confront election disinformation. Several officials in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a political target of Republicans since the 2020 election, were recently put on leave. On POLITICO Tech, cybersecurity reporter Maggie Miller joins host Steven Overly to detail the quiet cuts and why others at the agency are worried about their futures.

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An AI safety expert’s plea in Paris

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

World leaders and tech luminaries will be flocking to Paris in the days ahead for the AI Action Summit. These global gatherings started over a year ago, but since then, the international AI agenda has shifted dramatically. The focus on mitigating the technology’s risks is now all about rolling it out fast. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to AI pioneer and professor Yoshua Bengio about the state of the AI safety debate, and why he’s urging leaders not to give up on it.

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Trump’s (latest) tech war with China begins

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump may have hit pause on tariffs against Mexico and Canada, but his trade penalties on China are still in place. That includes a 10 percent tariffs on all Chinese imports, including consumer electronics and other tech products. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, about the implications for tech companies and online retailers in both the U.S. and China.

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This expert says DOGE is a privacy nightmare. Here's why

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk is moving fast to dismantle and downsize federal agencies. But his Department of Government Efficiency is drawing scrutiny from privacy and cybersecurity advocates, not to mention Democrats, who fear its employees may be mishandling government data. On POLITICO Tech, Alan Butler, president and executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, breaks down his concerns about DOGE and whether it could be breaking privacy laws.

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How should states regulate AI? Andreessen Horowitz weighs in.

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

DeepSeek has stoked fresh concerns in Washington about America’s standing in the AI race. But the real policy action is happening in the states, where legislatures are moving faster than Congress to regulate. Andreessen Horowitz, the Silicon Valley investment firm with ties to the Trump administration, is now warning against a medley of AI laws — and wants the federal government to preempt states when it comes to regulating the technology’s development. On POLITICO Tech, the firm’s head of AI policy, Matt Perault, joins host Steven Overly to explain.

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Why gun safety groups are turning to AI

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Everytown for Gun Safety is deploying artificial intelligence in the divisive debate over gun control. And its newly launched chatbot, “Ask Everytown,” will answer questions about gun violence prevention. But research shows AI not only has the power to inform people, but to persuade them — even people with entrenched political views. On POLITICO Tech, Everytown’s senior vice president of law and policy, Nick Suplina, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the advocacy group’s AI ambitions.

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How Trump's AI ambitions are at odds with a wonky energy agency

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In order to satisfy AI's big energy demands, President Donald Trump wants data centers to connect directly to power plants. But his plan could face problems because of a wonky federal energy regulatory agency: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. On POLITICO Tech, guest host Nirmal Mulaikal and POLITICO energy reporter Catherine Morehouse discuss why Trump could have trouble getting regulators on board with his plan and what’s at stake in the global AI race.

Catherine Morehouse is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the author of Morning Energy.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.

Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.

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Trump’s real trade fight with China: tech dominance

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump is expected to begin his global trade war as soon as Saturday, and the tech industry will surely find itself in the crossfire. His promise to slap new tariffs on China, in particular, could leave some tech companies vulnerable to retaliation from Beijing. On POLITICO Tech, longtime journalist and POLITICO contributor Bob Davis joins host Steven Overly to discuss how U.S.-China tech competition will be a defining dynamic in Trump’s coming trade war.

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U.S. vs. China: Japan’s big tech investor picks a side

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Three tech executives stood beside President Donald Trump at the White House last week and pledged to spend $500 billion to build AI data centers. Two of them are household names in the U.S. The third isn’t as well known: Masayoshi Son, the chairman and CEO of SoftBank. But Son has long been a global power player in tech and, when it comes to Trump, a shrewd political player as well. On POLITICO Tech, journalist Lionel Barber, who wrote a biography about Son called “Gambling Man,” joins host Steven Overly to share more of Son’s story, and explain why his latest embrace of Trump sends a message to both Washington and Beijing.

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Why everyone is talking about China's DeepSeek

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Over the weekend, Silicon Valley had a collective freakout. A Chinese company called DeepSeek released a new artificial intelligence model on par with American rivals, and appeared to do so at a fraction of the cost. For Washington and Wall Street, it’s a major wake up call that China’s AI ambitions haven’t been stifled. On POLITICO Tech, Center for a New American Security fellow Bill Drexel joins host Steven Overly to break down the significance of DeepSeek — starting with whether it’s a sign that China is winning the AI race.

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Former Rep. Will Hurd on Trump’s tech agenda

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump’s first week in office was a fire hose of tech policy news, from executive orders to AI initiatives. To help break down Trump’s tech agenda so far, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly called up former Congressman Will Hurd. The Texas Republican was at the forefront of tech and cyber issues in Congress, and he’s now the chief strategy officer at a defense tech firm. Though Hurd wasn’t supportive of Trump’s return — and even ran against him — he explains why he sees a lot of common ground on tech.

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Elon Musk has a lot to say. We picked 199 quotes.

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

A lot has been written about billionaire Elon Musk and his business empire. But his wealth and influence is now greater than ever as he entered the White House this week with President Donald Trump. POLITICO senior staff writer Michael Kruse set out to understand Musk through 199 of his own quotes, words that offer insight into his upbringing, his career and his outlook. On POLITICO Tech, Kruse joins host Steven Overly to lay out what he learned.

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All about Stargate, the AI project splitting Musk and Trump

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump brought the leaders of OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank to the White House this week, and announced they will spend $500 billion to build AI data centers. But Trump’s photo-op moment was quickly dissed online… by his Silicon Valley confidante, Elon Musk. On POLITICO Tech, E&E News energy technology editor Christa Marshall joins host Steven Overly to discuss the new AI initiative, called Stargate.

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A big pivot from ‘techlash’ to Trump

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

President Donald Trump kicked off his return to the White House with a spate of executive orders aimed at the tech sector — and marked a new era for tech in Washington. But the industry’s big show at the inauguration doesn’t mean the next four years will be easy. On POLITICO Tech, the president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Rob Atkinson, joins host Steven Overly to discuss Trump’s initial actions and why the industry should still have its guard up.

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Tech is the belle of Trump’s ball

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In Washington, seating charts are not left to chance. And yesterday’s inauguration sent a message that Big Tech not only has a seat at President Donald Trump’s table — but a really good one. And that industry leaders are more than happy to have it. Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson joins host Steven Overly to discuss Trump’s brand of digital populism, and why his campaign rhetoric and embrace of wealthy technocrats may not be as incongruent as it seems.

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What Trump can do about TikTok

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump officially becomes president today and he’s pledged to save TikTok upon taking office. The app is now technically banned in the U.S., though after much turmoil this weekend, users can still log into their accounts. Trump said he not only wants to delay the ban, but work out a deal that would make the U.S. a partial owner in TikTok. On POLITICO Tech, law professor and former DOJ attorney Alan Rozenshtein returns to break down what could happen next in this saga.

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Big Tech is throwing the party for Trump. Will it last?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Inauguration festivities get underway in Washington this weekend — and tech executives will be making a splash. They’re hosting lavish balls and intimate receptions, and sitting behind President-elect Donald Trump as he gets sworn into office on Monday. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly and POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns delve into Silicon Valley’s brazen efforts to court the incoming administration, and whether the party can last as Trump gets back to governing.

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Sen. Ron Wyden on tech, tariffs and Trump

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

In his new book, “It Takes Chutzpah,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) reflects on his 44-year career in Washington, including a pivotal law he co-authored that gave rise to the modern internet. And as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, Wyden says he’s still mustering chutzpah. On POLITICO Tech, Wyden joins host Steven Overly to discuss the incoming administration’s plans for sweeping tariffs, Elon Musk’s growing influence and Silicon Valley’s alignment with Trump.

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Wildfires, AI and California’s complicated water politics

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The devastating wildfires burning across Los Angeles have prompted plenty of finger pointing — and artificial intelligence is catching some of the blame. Data centers consume large amounts of water and electricity, and critics have been quick to pounce on the industry’s environmental footprint. Now, California lawmakers are looking for ways to make AI more sustainable. POLITICO’s California tech reporter Tyler Katzenberger joins host Steven Overly to discuss.

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‘We’re just getting started’: Inside crypto’s plan to remake Washington

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Just a couple years ago, the crypto industry was a pariah among politicians. Now, it’s poised to have a big year in Washington. And how it got here is no fluke. Industry leaders shelled out massive sums of money to elect crypto-friendly candidates, and the result is a Congress and incoming administration primed to carry out their policy goals. On POLITICO Tech, Coinbase president and chief operating officer Emilie Choi joins host Steven Overly to break down crypto’s political strategy and what it now wants in return.

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A former fact checker on Meta’s big changes

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg offered a sharp critique of the fact checkers on his social media platforms last week, saying he will no longer use them because they were too politically biased and undermined public trust. That didn’t sit well with Alexios Mantzarlis at Cornell Tech. Mantzarlis is the former founding director of the International Fact-Checking Network, where years ago he helped set up Meta’s fact-checking program. On POLITICO Tech, Mantzarlis joins host Steven Overly to offer a rebuttal to Zuckerberg.

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It’s TikTok day at the Supreme Court

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

TikTok is set to be banned in the U.S. in just nine days. Today, the company will try to convince the Supreme Court to strike the ban down — or at least put it on ice. And President-elect Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court punt the ban until after he’s taken office and can try to broker some sort of solution. Still, TikTok has some long odds. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and former lawyer in the Justice Department, about what to watch for during today’s arguments.

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Mark Zuckerberg's big overture to Trump

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced major changes this week to how his company will moderate posts on Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s current fact-checking system resulted in political bias and censorship, Zuckerberg said, so the company is moving to a looser model — just as President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Cato Institute scholar and Meta Oversight Board member John Samples joins host Steven Overly to explain why he thinks the changes are necessary, if imperfect, and why more are likely to come.

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Silicon Valley vs. MAGA: Why immigration is splitting Trump's camp

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Tech companies have long struggled to hire enough Americans with technical expertise, and to fill that shortfall, they’ve often hired immigrants with green cards or H-1B visas. Now, Silicon Valley leaders — with Elon Musk at the helm — see an opportunity to recruit even more foreign-born workers. But that doesn’t sit well with the immigration restrictionists in Trump’s camp, which amounts to a political showdown for Republicans, especially as Congress looks to tackle immigration when Trump takes office. Steven Overly sits down with POLITICO tech reporter Brendan Bordelon to break it all down.

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How to break up with your smartphone

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Policymakers around the world are debating how to regulate our use of technology, from addictive algorithms to harmful content. But often missing from the conversation is the control that everyday people wield over how much technology is let into our lives. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly calls up digital minimalism advocate Jose Briones to talk about breaking up with smartphones and social media, and embracing a low-tech lifestyle.

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The tech tensions you should watch in 2025

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The new year may have just begun, but policy divisions have already emerged — with tech leaders at the center. Elon Musk tanked a bipartisan spending agreement in the House, causing Congress to scramble to avoid a government shutdown. And Trump’s Silicon Valley supporters faced off against his longtime MAGA base over visas for highly skilled immigrants. On POLITICO Tech, Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson joins host Steven Overly to discuss the personalities driving the policy and the tensions to watch in 2025.

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Sen. Rounds lays out his 2025 tech agenda

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is already an influential voice on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity on Capitol Hill. And his power will only grow in the new year with Republicans taking control of the Senate. On POLITICO Tech, Rounds tells host Steven Overly how he expects Congress to tackle both issues once President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

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Talking gig workers and robot drivers with Lyft’s CEO

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Tech companies are laying out their wish lists for President-elect Donald Trump. And the ride-sharing company Lyft has two big asks: nationwide benefits for gig workers and national standards for autonomous vehicles. Lyft CEO David Risher says he’s optimistic about the incoming Trump administration and its deregulation agenda. On POLITICO Tech, Risher tells host Steven Overly why Washington should embrace both the gig economy and robot drivers.

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How Canada’s innovation minister is bracing for a U.S. trade war

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President-elect Donald Trump’s return is making waves in Canada. This week, tensions over how Ottawa should fight a looming trade war with the U.S. prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s deputy to resign. But Canada has been responding to Trump’s tariff threats by making the case that the two countries have intertwined economies, especially in key areas like critical minerals, artificial intelligence and energy. On POLITICO Tech, François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the turmoil on both sides of the border.

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Silicon Valley’s hottest club: Mar-a-Lago

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Lately, the guest book at Mar-a-Lago reads like a Silicon Valley roll call — from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Apple CEO Tim Cook — as tech leaders visit President-elect Donald Trump for private dinners and closed-door conversations. Some are also cutting big checks for his inauguration fund. Their goal is clear: win Trump’s favor in hopes his administration will be kind. On POLITICO Tech, Morning Tech author Gabby Miller joins host Steven Overly to break down Big Tech’s charm offensive.

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Police raids, fleeing TikTokers and Romania’s cancelled election

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

A far-right candidate was expected to win Romania’s presidential race and then the election was abruptly cancelled — amid concerns that Russia was paying TikTok influencers to boost his campaign. And would you believe it, things only get crazier from there. POLITICO host Steven Overly dives into the latest in Bucharest with Andrei Popoviciu, a Romanian freelance investigative journalist who has been covering this story for POLITICO.

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‘The FCC has no business threatening to take away broadcast licenses’

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President-elect Donald Trump has lashed out at TV broadcasters and tech companies, accusing them of unfair news coverage or censoring conservative speech. And soon, his Federal Communications Commission may try to penalize them. Outgoing FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat, fears the agency’s independence could be in jeopardy. On POLITICO Tech, Rosenworcel joins host Steven Overly to discuss her tenure atop the agency and its future in the next administration.

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Meet the American implementing Australia’s social media ban

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

While U.S. lawmakers debate kids’ online safety legislation, elected officials in Australia have already taken bold action — banning minors under age 16 from social media altogether. Now, Australian officials will spend the next year figuring out how to implement the law. Among them is eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, an American and former tech executive who oversees online safety regulation in Australia. On POLITICO Tech, Inman Grant tells host Steven Overly about Australia’s new social media experiment and why the whole world is watching.

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Google’s query: How many inventors use AI?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Patent lawyers at Google had a question: How many of the company’s big, new ideas were developed using artificial intelligence? The patent world has been grappling for years with whether or not AI can be considered an inventor, and Google needed to know how the technology is being used today. On POLITICO Tech, Google’s head of patent policy, Laura Sheridan, joins host Steven Overly to explain the findings and why the company doesn’t think AI counts as an inventor.

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The new laws trying to kill after-work emails

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Technology has made it so that we’re always connected. And for many of us, that means the boss can text or email anytime. But several countries are cracking down on after-work communication by enacting so-called “right-to-disconnect" laws. So far, two states in the U.S. have introduced such bills — with more expected to follow. But the Society of Human Resource Management argues the government shouldn’t be dictating work-life balance. On the show today, the association’s head of government affairs, Emily Dickens, joins host Steven Overly to explain the opposition to right-to-disconnect laws.

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A jolt of life for the kids online safety bill

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

It was looking like Congress had few plans to take up tech bills before the end of the year. But in Washington, one weekend and a couple of tweets can make a world of difference. Senators struck a deal to pony up money for key tech and telecom programs. And a major kids online safety bill may have gotten a much-needed boost from Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. On POLITICO Tech, health tech reporter Ruth Reader joins to discuss whether Trump world support can get that bill over the finish line.

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The legal battle over the TikTok ban, explained

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The government’s plan to potentially ban TikTok next month is still on schedule, at least for now. A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that Congress can legally force its parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app or be shut down because of concerns about its ties to China. On POLITICO Tech, national security attorney Carrie Cordero from the Center for a New American Security joins host Steven Overly to parse through the ruling, and discuss what comes next as TikTok looks to the Supreme Court and President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

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Chinese hackers got Trump’s data in a major breach — and possible yours

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Chinese hackers have infiltrated major telecommunications networks, gaining access to the call logs and data of millions of Americans, including President-elect Donald Trump. But while the breach was first detected back in the spring, U.S. officials acknowledged this week that they’ve not yet been able to stop it. On POLITICO Tech, cybersecurity reporter Maggie Miller joins host Steven Overly to explain why the attack has been so hard to contain and how people can protect their information.

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TikTok’s reckoning in Romania

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Romanians head to the polls for a final round of voting on Sunday and European tech regulators will be watching. The candidate expected to win is a far-right politician named Călin Georgescu, who catapulted himself to the top in part due to his popularity on TikTok. But some regulators and researchers question whether Georgescu has gotten a boost from fake accounts and paid influencers — allegations that have put TikTok in the hot seat. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Pieter Haeck gives host Steven Overly the download on the drama unfolding from Bucharest to Brussels.

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Marc Andreesen bet on Trump. How it could pay off.

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Silicon Valley investor Marc Andreessen made headlines for backing Donald Trump in the 2024 election, and now stands to gain new levels of influence with Trump’s return to the White House. In a recent interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Andreesen outlined his views on the changing political and media landscape, as well as his outlook for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. On POLITICO Tech, Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson joins host Steven Overly to talk through the big takeaways and what they reveal about tech’s likely influence in Trump’s Washington.

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The liberal X-odus from Elon Musk’s social network

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump’s election victory has liberals torn over whether or not to ditch X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and owned by Trump’s billionaire benefactor Elon Musk. They say it’s become a hotbed of disinformation and accuse Musk of using it to push a political agenda. POLITICO contributing writer and long-time tech journalist Nancy Scola spoke to a dozen Democratic lawmakers and activists who defended their decision to stay or leave. She joins host Steven Overly to discuss.

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The billionaire who wants to buy TikTok for the people

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Billionaire Frank McCourt wants to create a more decentralized internet, one where big tech companies don’t hold all the power and individuals control their own data. But McCourt believes people need to see that version of the internet to believe it is possible, so he is leading a coalition trying to purchase TikTok — assuming President-elect Donald Trump will still force it to be sold. On POLITICO Tech, McCourt sat down with host Steven Overly at a recent Project Liberty summit to discuss his vision for the internet’s future.

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What OpenAI wants from Trump

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Two years on from the release of ChatGPT, OpenAI has been beefing up its efforts to shape the way governments manage artificial intelligence. And earlier this year, the company tapped Democratic political veteran Chris Lehane to oversee global affairs. Now, Lehane is laying out proposals for how the U.S. government should invest in data, energy and chips to stay competitive with China. On POLITICO Tech, Lehane joins host Steven Overly to explain the company’s agenda and expectations for the incoming Trump administration.

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Rep. Ro Khanna wants Elon Musk to work with government, not against it

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Silicon Valley voted en masse for Vice President Kamala Harris, but Democratic support there did decline, just as it did in many other parts of the country. Host Steven Overly called up Rep. Ro Khanna to talk about how Democrats win back voters -- both in Silicon Valley and the heartland – which he says will require Democrats to embrace tech as a force for rebuilding the country and the economy. Plus, Khanna weighs in on Elon Musk’s plans to cut government spending under the incoming Trump administration.

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Gina Raimondo is working weekends to protect her Commerce legacy

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Secretary Gina Raimondo has morphed the Commerce Department over the past four years into an agency focused on national security — enacting a massive, high-tech industrial policy aimed at beating China. And with two months left in her tenure, she is now racing to cement that legacy. On POLITICO Tech, Raimondo joins host Steven Overly to talk about her plans to dole out all microchip subsidies, today’s global summit on AI safety and why she thinks her work will withstand a Republican-controlled Washington.

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Biden and Xi had a breakthrough on AI nukes. Enter Trump.

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President Joe Biden held the final meeting of his term with Chinese leader Xi Jinping over the weekend, and the pair walked away with an agreement not to allow artificial intelligence to control nuclear weapons. But their joint statement amounts to a handshake deal — just as President-elect Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House. On POLITICO Tech, Gregory Allen from the Center for Strategic and International Studies joins host Steven Overly to explain why the deal matters and what doubts about AI-powered weapons remain.

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The new tech power players in Trump’s Washington

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In Washington, the people animate the policy. And that means new power players in the incoming Trump administration and Congress will shape everything from artificial intelligence to telecom regulations. On POLITICO Tech, reporter John Hendel joins host Steven Overly to discuss the newly elected leadership in the Senate, as well as Trump’s attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz and his pick for Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr.

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This tech CEO backed Harris, but says Dems should embrace Elon Musk

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Box CEO Aaron Levie backed Vice President Kamala Harris in last week’s presidential election. But now that former President Donald Trump is returning to the White House, Levie says he’s getting on board with Trump’s deregulation agenda. A big reason for that support? His Silicon Valley compatriot, Elon Musk. On POLITICO Tech, Levie tells host Steven Overly why he thinks Democrats need to give Musk and his new government efficiency commission a chance.

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Tech beat Trump's tariffs once. Can it happen again?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President-elect Donald Trump has promised sweeping tariffs on all U.S. trading partners, including a whopping 60 percent tariffs on goods from China. And Trump’s allies are already plotting how to get them implemented. But tech lobbyists are preparing to fight back, with arguments about how tariffs will harm companies and worsen inflation. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly chats with Ed Brzytwa of the Consumer Technology Association about the industry’s plans for the tariff war ahead.

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Defense startups’ new hope in D.C.: Donald Trump and Elon Musk

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Defense Department shelled out more than $400 billion in contracts last fiscal year, but only a sliver of that money went to defense startups. Now, those companies hoping the incoming Trump administration will funnel more federal dollars their way, especially with Elon Musk advocating on their behalf. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Christine Mui joins host Steven Overly to explain what defense startups want from the next administration and what hurdles they will need to overcome.

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The overlooked factor that shapes how people vote

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

After every major election, the losing side faces a dreaded question: Where did it all go wrong? But journalist Steven Waldman, the co-founder and president of Rebuild Local News and Report for America, argues that pollsters and reporters are overlooking a key factor when debating that question after last week’s outcome. On POLITICO Tech, Waldman explains why the place where voters get their news and information — legacy media or social media — likely influenced which candidate they support.

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Congress is back with a long tech to-do list

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Congress returns to Washington tomorrow with the results of last week’s election hanging overhead. But the weeks ahead could be a busy time for tech. Congress has let legislation languish on issues like artificial intelligence, spectrum authorization and kids online safety — and some lawmakers are now eager to get them done. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly and reporter Brendan Bordelon break down expectations for the lame duck session.

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Public praise and shared foes: Tech's Trump 2.0 strategy

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Silicon Valley executives lauded President-elect Donald Trump after his big win Tuesday night. And while buttering up the president-to-be is typical, the flattery may be especially strategic in Trump’s case, argues Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich. On POLITICO Tech, Kovacevich tells host Steven Overly how he expects companies to handle Trump’s “personal grievance agenda” this time around, and what his return means for AI, antitrust and other tech policy issues.

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Washington, get ready for a lot more Elon Musk

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Former President Donald Trump wasn’t the only big winner on Tuesday night. Elon Musk made a big bet on Trump during the election, becoming his billionaire benefactor and social media hype man. And now that Trump is returning to the White House, Musk stands to cash in both politically and financially. On POLITICO Tech, national political correspondent Meridith McGraw and Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson join host Steven Overly to break down Musk’s new power and influence.

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Republicans won the Senate. Here’s what that means for tech.

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:53:00 -0000

Donald Trump will be the next president. But so much in tech policy depends on which party controls Congress. And last night, Republicans also took control of the Senate. That has big implications for policy debates over issues like artificial intelligence, data privacy and cryptocurrency. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly and reporter Brendan Bordelon discuss what this new balance of power in Washington means for Silicon Valley.

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Tonight’s election returns will be a tech spectacle

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

There will be many races to watch as election results pour in tonight. That includes the competition among news outlets to one-up each other with splashy new technology. After all, it’s an Election Night tradition. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly chats with CNN senior product director Manav Tanneeru about the network’s “Magic Wall” app, and then Aspen Digital executive director Vivian Schiller explains why journalists should keep it simple.

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Inside Microsoft’s ‘situation room’ for Election Day

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Election Day is nearly upon us. (Finally!) But any uncertainty over the outcome is sure to turbocharge disinformation from foreign adversaries and fellow Americans alike. Ginny Badanes leads the Democracy Forward program at Microsoft, which aims to defend campaigns and election administrators against operations from Russia, China and Iran. On POLITICO Tech, Badanes tells host Steven Overly how Microsoft is bracing for the critical days ahead.

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From AI to influencers, one election official’s call for more tech transparency

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Federal Election Commission faced a big question this election cycle: Should political candidates be banned from making AI-generated deepfakes of their opponents? POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly attended the GovAI Summit this week for a live interview with Democratic FEC Commissioner Shana Broussard to discuss the agency’s recent decision, as well as AI disclaimers, social media influencers and the Elon Musk “smell test.”

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How the NATO Innovation Fund is trying to change the future of war

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The nature of war is changing. $10 million tanks in Ukraine are being disabled by $10,000 drones — and many cutting-edge battlefield technologies today come from private companies rather than governments.

Few people know more about harnessing commercial tech for the military than Raj Shah, who led the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit before founding his own venture capital firm. Now he’s on the board of the NATO Innovation Fund. On the show today, he speaks with POLITICO deputy tech editor Daniella Cheslow to talk about how to translate leading technology to the battlefield.

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Who's likely to support political violence? Check the data.

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Data firms are hoovering up all sorts of information about us, and then selling it to political campaigns and advocacy groups. But one of these data collectors is using that information to extrapolate whether voters might believe QAnon conspiracies or support Jan. 6 insurrectionists — raising concerns about more than just privacy. POLITICO reporter Alfred Ng joins host Steven Overly to talk about the controversial voter database.

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An election lawyer unpacks the legal scrutiny on Elon Musk’s voter sweepstakes

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk’s $1 million giveaways for swing-state voters have drawn scrutiny from federal and state law enforcement, though Musk denies the money is intended to drive voter registration. On POLITICO Tech, David Becker from the Center for Election Innovation and Research tells host Steven Overly why he thinks Musk is flouting the law, and how his political engagement both fits the mold and breaks new ground when it comes to billionaires on the campaign trail.

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The waning days of Biden's AI policy

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Election Day is (inescapably) just over a week away. But in its waning months, the Biden administration is still cranking out policy. In particular, President Biden put out guidelines late last week detailing how national security agencies should handle artificial intelligence, and stay ahead of China in the global race for the AI future. On today's show, POLITICO tech reporter Mohar Chatterjee breaks down what exactly Biden's new memo calls for, and what challenges it creates for the next president.

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‘Atomic Advocate’ — The Italian influencer making nuclear power cool again

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The combination of rising energy demands and fears about climate change is fueling fresh interest in nuclear energy, and the movement is getting a boost from Big Tech. But the return to nuclear power is not just a U.S. phenomenon. In Italy, a new generation of climate conscious young people is shaking up the debate — spurred in part by an unlikely social media influencer. On POLITICO Tech, climate reporter Federica Di Sario joins host Steven Overly to introduce the Atomic Advocate.

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AI’s in the HR department. What are the risks?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

When you apply for a job, AI is often part of the process whether you know it or not. With technology making more employment decisions, there are real questions about discrimination happening faster and more frequently, and who is to blame when it does. Keith Sonderling, who spent the past four years as a Republican commissioner from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission tells host Steven Overly that the answers actually lie in existing employment laws, the ones written some 60 years ago.

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What is ‘sovereign AI’ anyway?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The term “sovereign AI” gets thrown around a lot in tech circles these days, but there’s no one set definition for what it means. Ultimately, it comes down to a race among countries to build and own the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence models. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly interviews Tech Policy Solutions founder Pablo Chavez at the Meridian Summit in Washington, D.C., about the tensions this global competition is creating and what may determine the winner.

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How one doctor-turned-lawmaker wants to regulate AI

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

A House task force is expected to roll out a bipartisan wish list for AI regulations by year’s end and Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) is one of the lawmakers shaping that agenda. A physician prior to entering Congress, Bera is particularly focused on questions that AI raises about the future of health care. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly sat down with Bera on the sidelines of the Meridian Summit to discuss where new rules are needed most and whether the election outcome will impact how Congress acts.

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‘The center of the storm’: Arizona’s election chief prepares for a 2020 repeat

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Arizona was an epicenter for election disinformation four years ago. A hotbed for false claims about election rigging and for politicians who still deny the results. It’s Adrian Fontes’ job to combat that — he’s Arizona’s Democratic secretary of state. Fontes joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to talk about how his office is preparing for Election Day, and why he thinks the long battle against election disinformation will eventually be won.

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Why the ‘religion’ of tech needs a reformation

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Greg Epstein is the humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, and he has spent the past several years examining the rising power of tech through the lens of faith. An atheist, Epstein came away with the belief that tech is now “the world’s most powerful religion” — and all of us, its unwitting congregants. On POLITICO Tech, Epstein joins host Steven Overly to talk about his new book, “Tech Agnostic,” and why he sees the need for a tech “reformation.”

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The broadband program that’s become a political fight

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Government internet programs aren’t usually at the center of political attacks. But the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, or BEAD, has become a Republican target amid Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign for president. On POLITICO Tech, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson, who heads the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the agency’s latest broadband investments in Florida and Alabama, and to refute GOP critics who say the program is behind schedule.

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How the crypto industry became a big election spender

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The crypto industry is spending millions of dollars this election cycle in a bid to reshape Congress, including pivotal Senate races in Ohio, Michigan and Arizona. But ads the industry is funding focus on issues like the economy, immigration and reproductive freedom — with no mention of crypto. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Jessica Piper joins host Steven Overly to explain why this little industry is spending big, and the tactics it’s using to send more crypto-friendly candidates to Washington.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech.

Jessica Piper is a reporter at POLITICO.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Afra Abdullah is the producer of POLITICO Tech.

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The hurricanes may be over — but disinformation persists

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Over the last month, the Southeastern United States has been hammered by back-to-back hurricanes. But weather aside, experts are pointing to another big storm – the swirl of storm and recovery-related disinformation online. One of the experts tracking all this is Danielle Lee Tomson, who works as the research manager at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public. She talked to host Steven Overly about how these fake claims are being amplified, and why there’s likely more disinformation coming even if these hurricanes have passed.

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Can Elon Musk turn out the ‘bro vote’ for Trump?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Tech billionaire Elon Musk wants to leverage his starpower to put former President Donald Trump back in the White House. But will Musk’s deep pockets and large online following make a difference in the swing states where Trump needs him most? POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly sits down with national political reporter Alex Isenstadt and Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson to discuss Musk’s deepening political involvement and whether he can truly turn out the “bro vote” for Trump come Election Day.

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How AI-generated ads can 'backfire' on politicians

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

A recent experiment involving two fake political ads tested voter reactions to seeing AI disclaimers — with surprising results. The study’s lead researcher Scott Babwah Brennen, the director of the Center on Technology Policy at NYU, joins Steven Overly to break down the findings.

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Cohere’s CEO wants to build a ‘boring but profound’ AI future

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence may not be as smart as humans — at least not yet — but the technology is progressing faster than Aidan Gomez ever imagined. Now, the Cohere CEO says the trick is convincing people and companies to embrace it. On POLITICO Tech, Gomez sits down with host Steven Overly to talk about what that will take and how fast it can happen.

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How the Israel-Hamas war changed conflict online

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

This week marks one year since the Hamas attack that left about 1,200 Israelis dead. Since then, tens of thousands of people have been killed -- the majority of them Palestinians living in Gaza. And many, many more have had their lives profoundly disrupted. But an online war has also raged over the past year. Social media has been flooded with disinformation and propaganda, part of an all-out effort to distort the conflict and how it's viewed around the world. Host Steven Overly called up Atlantic Council senior fellow Mark Scott to talk about the watershed moment for warfare in the digital age.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech.

Mark Scott is a Senior Fellow for the Atlantic Council.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Afra Abdullah is a POLITICO audio producer.

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“What’s at stake is the world”

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa wants to scare some sense into us. The U.S. election is just a month away,and she says the outcome is a tipping point in the fight for democracy over autocracy. Maria founded the news site Rappler in the Philippines back in 2012 and faced relentless persecution for her journalism under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Host Steven Overly sat down with Ressa to talk about the state of journalism, big tech, and disinformation as she sees it today.

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The tech issues voters care most about

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

A recent poll conducted by a policy research firm called the Rainey Center asked people about the tech issues that matter most to them. Today, host Steven Overly digs into voters top-of-mind tech issues with Katie Harbath, the chief global affairs officer at Duco Experts.

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A Senator faked an ad - here’s what happened next

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

There’s a Republican attack ad in Indiana that in recent days has gotten a lot of attention — a digitally altered image that Sen. Mike Braun’s campaign put out, before slapping a required disclosure label on it, and highlighting it as a prime example of complying with a new Indiana law about deepfakes. Host Steven Overly talks with national political reporter Adam Wren about the unfolding ad drama, and the potential legal battle it could trigger.

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How will Kamala Harris handle Big Tech?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Ever since it became clear that Kamala Harris would be the Democratic nominee, there’s been speculation about whether she will continue the Biden administration’s crackdown on big tech companies. In particular, questions about how she will handle ongoing antitrust investigations and lawsuits. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Josh Sisco joins host Steven Overly to discuss the Harris antitrust agenda and why it has both the tech industry’s friends and critics on edge.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech.

Joshua Sisco is an antitrust reporter for POLITICO.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Afra Abdullah is the producer for POLITICO Tech.

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Inside Gavin Newsom's veto

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking California. Specifically, Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of California’s sweeping AI bill that was meant to impose safety vetting requirements for powerful AI models.

California reporters Lara Korte and Jeremy White chat with Annie Rees about what happened and what’s ahead.

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The future of AI warfare

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

What does the future of war look like? That’s a big question — and one that POLITICO reporter Mohar Chatterjee asked Pentagon’s AI chief Radha Plumb. She spoke to Mohar about the Pentagon's massive backend AI overhaul, how the agency’s innovation approach stacks up against China’s, and the ethics of using AI in battle.

Mohar Chatterjee is an technology reporter for POLITICO.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

Afra Abdullah is a POLITICO audio producer.

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Electric vehicles are transforming Georgia. But voters don’t like or want them.

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Electric vehicles are transforming Georgia’s economy with billions of dollars in clean tech investments and jobs, but local voters aren’t interested in buying the new vehicles. That presents a unique political problem for Democrats and Republicans this election season and prompts questions about Americans’ attitudes toward new climate technologies. On POLITICO Tech, David Ferris from POLITICO’s E&E News breaks down Georgia’s EV identity crisis and what that means for the 2024 presidential race.

David Ferris covers the intersection of transportation and the electric grid for POLITICO’s E&E News.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Annie Rees is the managing producer for audio at POLITICO.

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How the tech decoupling with China is going

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

How does the Biden administration break up with certain Chinese tech supply chains without severing trade ties with China? That's a question we're watching play out right now. Jon Bateman, the co-director of the Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote a report in 2022 that remains a key document in unpacking the challenges of technological decoupling with China — and in today's episode of POLITICO Tech, he talks with POLITICO's D.C.-based China correspondent —and author of the twice-weekly China Watcher newsletter — Phelim Kine.

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The AI and tech voices influencing Donald Trump

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

When Donald Trump was first elected to the White House, he tapped a young and relatively unknown guy named Michael Kratsios to be the nation’s chief technology officer. Today, Kratsios is back outside politics, working as the managing director at the company Scale AI. At Politico’s AI and Tech Summit last week, he spoke with POLITCO’s global tech editor Steve Heuser. They talked about what Trump’s tech policy might look like in a second term, and why he thinks Vance will be a champion for “little tech.”

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How Silicon Valley pulled off a ‘tech coup’

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Marietje Schaake thinks Silicon Valley has pulled off a major power grab, taking on decisions that were once made by elected leaders and democratic governments. A former EU parliamentarian now at Stanford, Schaake outlines the problems posed by tech’s growing influence over our daily lives in a new book, “The Tech Coup.” On POLITICO Tech, Schaake joins host Steven Overly to explain what governments can do to take back their power.

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Bremmer: How to keep AI from breaking up the globe

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

There’s growing concern among global leaders that artificial intelligence will be controlled only by the wealthiest nations — the same nations that control most of the technology today. Eurasia Group founder and president Ian Bremmer serves on the UN’s AI advisory body and co-authored a report outlining ideas for making AI more equitable. On POLITICO Tech, Bremmer tells host Steven Overly what he thinks a new international AI order should look like and why it’s key to addressing one of the biggest geopolitical risks today.

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Google makes its AI case to the UN

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The UN General Assembly kicks off this weekend and world leaders are expected to have tech top of mind. Google CEO Sundar Pichai will be there, making a rare, high-profile speech where he’s expected to urge world leaders to work together. Ahead of his address, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly talked with Karan Bhatia, Google’s global head of government affairs and public policy, about Google’s AI message to the world, the regulations it can live with and whether its antitrust trials are hampering its AI ambitions.

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The election's coming up — but deepfake AI legislation isn't

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

POLITICO held its AI and Tech Summit earlier this week, where host Steven Overly sat down with Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. On today’s episode, we air that conversation. Klobuchar is one of the Senate’s leading Democratic voices warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence this election cycle; and as Senate Rules Committee chair, she introduced legislation that would ban AI deepfakes of candidates and require disclaimers for political ads made with AI. But with the election now weeks away, those rules still aren’t on the books — and it’s not likely there will be any movement before election day.

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Obernolte: Sorry, California. DC will set the AI agenda.

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) is helping set the House’s artificial intelligence agenda as co-chair of a bipartisan task force in the House. That includes more than a dozen AI-related bills he thinks the lower chamber can pass this year. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sat down with Obernolte at POLITICO’s AI & Tech Summit this week for a live taping of the podcast.

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Ready to vote? There could be an app for that.

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Bradley Tusk started his career in government before making big bucks in tech and venture capital. He’s now pouring millions of dollars into building and testing technology that would allow people to cast votes from a smartphone. On POLITICO Tech, Tusk joins host Steven Overly to discuss his new book, “Vote With Your Phone,” and lay out his case for why mobile voting can save democracy.

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Breaking the Silicon Valley hype machine

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

False promises of a high-tech future that’s good for humanity have allowed Silicon Valley to hoodwink policymakers and the public, argues cognitive scientist and tech critic Gary Marcus. And with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Marcus says it’s more urgent than ever for governments to rein the industry in. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Marcus joins host Steven Overly to discuss ideas for how to do that from his new book, “Taming Silicon Valley.”

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The AI pioneer with a warning for Gov. Gavin Newsom

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Washington isn’t poised to pass major AI legislation. Ottawa isn’t either. So Canadian computer scientist Yoshua Bengio, one of the “godfathers” of artificial intelligence, is looking to Sacramento. He’s urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign an AI safety bill by month’s end — and facing off against influential tech executives who want it killed. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Bengio explains why he thinks California needs to regulate now.

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REBROADCAST: The challenges with creating cellphone-free schools

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Students in Florida, Indiana and Ohio returned to the classroom this fall with new restrictions on cellphones. It's part of a crackdown on screen time and social media by school administrators and political leaders who fear the technology is harmful to students' learning and mental health. On POLITICO Tech, Stanford professor and former schoolteacher Antero Garcia joins host Steven Overly to explain why he thinks such bans are bad policy — and bound to fail.

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Elon Musk as government reformer? A watchdog’s ‘nightmarish’ take.

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Former President Donald Trump plans to tap tech billionaire Elon Musk to lead a new government efficiency commission if elected in November. But it’s a post that would raise conflicts of interest with Musk’s day jobs running Tesla, SpaceX and X, formerly known as Twitter. On POLITICO Tech, Danielle Brian from the Project on Government Oversight joins host Steven Overly to discuss the ethical concerns at play.

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AI is now writing up arrests. But tracking it is a problem.

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Police officers routinely write reports after traffic stops, robberies and other daily encounters. And increasingly, they’re using artificial intelligence software from police technology company Axon to do it. But POLITICO reporter Alfred Ng found department policies for labeling which reports are AI generated are inconsistent. On POLITICO Tech, Ng breaks down some of the legal and ethical questions the criminal justice system has to sort out as a result.

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Russia’s latest election interference target: U.S. influencers

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Russia’s latest effort to meddle in American politics involved a scheme centered on conservative internet influencers in the U.S., the Justice Department revealed recently. It’s yet another sign that the interplay between foreign and domestic disinformation campaigns is as tight as ever. On POLITICO Tech, Bret Schafer from the Alliance for Securing Democracy joins host Steven Overly to break down how that complicates tech companies’ efforts to fight back.

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Newsom’s AI dilemma: To sign or not to sign?

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The California legislature passed a sweeping AI safety bill over the opposition of tech industry lobbyists. Now, whether it actually becomes law will depend on Gov. Gavin Newsom. And he has until month’s end to sign or veto it. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Jeremy White joins host Steven Overly to explain who has the most influence on Newsom’s decisions and why it could affect AI regulation in Washington.

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This lawmaker uses AI to speak. She sees tech differently now.

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) stepped onto the House floor in July and became the first person to address Congress using artificial intelligence. Wexton was diagnosed last year with an aggressive and incurable brain disease called progressive supranuclear palsy that, among other symptoms, has made her natural speaking voice weaker and less clear. So she turned to an AI replica. On POLITICO Tech, Wexton joins host Steven Overly to talk about using an AI-generated voice, and how her experience has shaped her views on tech regulation and accessibility.

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'Follow the eyeballs': The GOP's long-game strategy on campaign tech

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

An investment fund for tech startups helping Republicans to win elections has put less money into fewer companies than its Democratic rival. (We talked to them a few episodes back, go give it a listen.) But Eric Wilson, the managing partner at Startup Caucus, contends that doesn’t mean the GOP is behind. On POLITICO Tech, Wilson tells host Steven Overly why Republican campaigns are less reliant on technology than Democrats, at least for now, and how that’s going to change.

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How to avoid the election disinformation trap

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:18:00 -0000

With the presidential election just two months away, this is prime disinformation season. The period immediately before and after Election Day is when administrators worry most about campaigns to deceive voters. On POLITICO Tech, Darrell West from the Brookings Institution joins host Steven Overly to discuss the new book “Lies That Kill” and how people can protect themselves from online disinformation.

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Tech4Kamala wants to rep Silicon Valley (not just the billionaires)

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The tech industry may not be the voting bloc that will matter most come November, but the grassroots group Tech4Kamala is hoping to drown out the billionaire executives backing former President Donald Trump with a groundswell of support from entrepreneurs and workers. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Tech4Kamala co-founder Shannon Nash at the Democratic National Convention to talk about the Silicon Valley divide and why she sees Harris as the most tech-friendly candidate.

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Can AI help propel Democrats to victory?

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Political campaigns are increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, using the technology for behind-the-scenes tasks like writing fundraising emails or social media posts. And in tight races, the best technology (used the right way) can make a big difference. That idea motivated Betsy Hoover and other Democratic campaign veterans to start Higher Ground Labs, a venture fund for left-leaning startups. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly spoke with Hoover on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention about how AI is transforming campaigns and why she thinks technology will help Democrats wins in November.

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The TikTok convention: Creators show out at the DNC

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Content creators are all over the Democratic National Convention — from the main stage to the “blue carpet” — as the Harris campaign looks to reach young voters through their social media channels. On today’s POLITICO Tech podcast, Steven talks to influencer Olivia Julianna and creator economy expert Lia Haberman about how this new corps of creators are reshaping the way people engage with political news and information online.

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How Trump could finish his Big Tech fight

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

As a former Trump administration official, Adam Candeub was deeply involved in the conservative fight with tech companies over online speech. And since leaving Washington, Candeub has continued that fight at the state level. On POLITICO Tech, Candeub joins host Steven Overly to explain why he thinks returning former President Donald Trump to the White House is vital to free speech and what he should tackle first.

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The DOJ beat Google in court. Now what?

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Justice Department has been taking victory laps ever since a judge ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly in online search. Now, the legal battle enters a new phase as the court figures out what to do about it. Doha Mekki, the DOJ’s principal deputy assistant attorney general for antitrust, has been a central player in building the case against Google. On POLITICO Tech, she joins host Steven Overly and reporter Josh Sisco to discuss the latest ruling and what it means going forward.

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Why America is banking on new-wave nuclear reactor tech

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration, Congress and American companies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into small nuclear reactors, which are considered more compact, cheaper and potentially safer than larger traditional nuclear plants. The hope is that these new plants could help reenergize America’s nuclear fleet, but so far, not a single small nuclear reactor plant is operational in the country. Today, guest host Josh Siegel sits down with Jake DeWitte, the CEO of Oklo, a Silicon Valley-based startup that’s racing to build its first small nuclear reactor plant by 2027. They chat about why small nuclear reactor technology is so unique, if the US nuclear revival is truly underway, and the challenges ahead for the industry.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.

Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.

Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of trade and technology.

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The narc parked in your driveway

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Many car companies collect data about your habits behind the wheel. But selling it? That's a new problem. In a lawsuit earlier this week, Texas accused General Motors of selling that information to third parties, including insurance companies, all while deceiving millions of drivers about how their information was collected and used. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Alfred Ng tells host Steven Overly why the case in Texas may be a harbinger of more legal fights to come.

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How come political campaigns keep getting hacked?

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Hackers infiltrated the Trump campaign and made off with sensitive documents, a major breach that is now under investigation by the FBI. The ordeal is reminiscent of the 2016 election, when Russian hackers hit the campaign of then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Michael Kaiser is the CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, a nonpartisan organization that provides campaigns with cybersecurity software. On POLITICO Tech, Kaiser tells host Steven Overly why these risks persist even as campaigns get savvier about cybersecurity.

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Meet the man archiving Biden’s presidency

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The transition from one presidential administration to the next is generally thought to start around Election Day and end with the inauguration. But for the Internet Archive, it’s already underway. The nonprofit leads a coalition of libraries and universities that works to preserve the government’s digital history and to protect it from partisan tampering during administration changes. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses what it takes to archive a president with the Internet Archive’s Mark Graham.

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‘He's flailing right now’: An ex-Twitter researcher on Elon Musk’s political influence

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk has made a lot of headlines in the last week — for clashing with government officials, amplifying misinformation and suing advertisers on X, formerly known as Twitter. And he could make more when he sits down with former President Donald Trump tonight. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly interviews UCLA professor Sarah Roberts about Musk’s control of X and the state of his influence in politics.

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DEI efforts are under attack. What that means for tech's next generation.

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Conservatives have mounted an attack on diversity and inclusion programs over the last couple of years. And as a result, a number of tech companies have scaled back initiatives aimed at diversifying their workforce. That dynamic is posing new challenges for organizations like The Hidden Genius Project, which teaches young Black men about tech and entrepreneurship. On POLITICO Tech, CEO Brandon Nicholson tells host Steven Overly how his national nonprofit is navigating this new political reality.

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The campaign for a crypto candidate, explained

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Cryptocurrency has gotten outsized attention on the campaign trail. Former President Donald Trump has tried to position himself as the crypto candidate. Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance is less clear. But POLITICO reporter Jasper Goodman says digital currency companies have fought back from major scandals — with the help of deep-pocketed donors — to be part of the policy conversation. He joins POLITICO Tech to explain.

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Google, Nvidia and the battle to tame Big Tech’s market power

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Google recently lost an antitrust lawsuit against its online search business. Nvidia’s latest acquisition of an artificial intelligence company is under review. The scrutiny of Big Tech’s market dominance is not slowing down. But some in Silicon Valley are hopeful the November election will bring a reset. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Josh Sisco breaks down the latest antitrust rulings and investigations, and whether a change in administration will make a big difference.

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'Digitally invisible' in the AI age

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The term “digital divide” has been around for decades. It’s been used to describe the gap between people who have access to modern technology and people who don’t — but Nicol Turner Lee wants to reframe that. She prefers the term “digitally invisible,” which is also the title of her new book out today. Turner Lee is the director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, and joined Steven Overly to talk about how to close the technology gap.

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Silicon Valley’s political rifts are going viral

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Silicon Valley appears to be pulling apart at the seams over the 2024 presidential race. Tech executives and investors are breaking into camps for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump — and fighting over their political leanings on social media. Box CEO Aaron Levie joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to talk about the political climate in Silicon Valley and the candidate who has his vote.

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Energy hog or climate savior? Nvidia aims to shape the sustainable AI debate

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The artificial intelligence explosion has brought big profits to Nvidia — and greater scrutiny over the technology’s energy consumption. As AI's environmental impact becomes increasingly political, Nvidia is aiming to make the case that the technology is not only efficient but necessary for solving the climate crisis. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly questions the company’s stance that AI will be an energy saver with Josh Parker, Nvidia's senior director of corporate sustainability.

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How Kamala Harris talks about AI, from a civil rights leader in the room

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Kamala Harris and her record are under the microscope now that she’s the presumptive Democratic nominee. And as vice president, Harris took some of her cues on artificial intelligence from civil rights and labor groups. Maya Wiley, the CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, is among those who conferred with Harris. On POLITICO Tech, Wiley joins host Steven Overly to discuss how Harris could tackle AI and other tech issues if elected president.

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The Senate votes to regulate social media but the fight isn’t over

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate has taken its biggest swing yet at regulating social media and how it’s used by children. On Tuesday, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act. But the legislation has been the subject of a major lobbying campaign, and those advocates from the tech industry, parents’ groups and civil society will now bear down on the House. POLITICO reporter Ruth Reader joins host Steven Overly to explain the latest.

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‘Cautious yet optimistic’: Commerce Dept. weighs in on open AI models

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

There’s an ongoing debate over powerful AI models: open v. closed. The Biden administration has been grappling for months with where it stands on this issue and, in a report released on Tuesday, came out in support of open models — at least for now. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Assistant Commerce Secretary Alan Davidson, the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to discuss the new position and why the government still worries about risks.

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Coconut trees and ‘brat’ behavior: A TikTok influencer’s take on Kamala Harris’s social media surge

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

It all started with a coconut tree. Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has become a sudden social media phenomenon, generating a flurry of funny videos and sassy tweets. But can Harris meme her way to the White House? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses her new online fandom and whether she can get them to the polls with TikTok influencer and political analyst Quentin Jiles.

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It’s a big deadline day for Biden’s AI executive order

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

It’s been 270 days since President Joe Biden signed an executive order on artificial intelligence. That makes today a key deadline for the administration to release recommendations for how to make AI more safe and secure, including new guidelines the Commerce Department put out this morning. On POLITICO Tech, Elizabeth Kelly, the inaugural director of the U.S. AI Safety Institute, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the proposed guidelines and her office’s future.

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Looking back at the AI speech that left Brits upset with Kamala Harris

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Last November, Vice President Kamala Harris outlined the Biden administration’s vision for artificial intelligence regulation in a speech at the U.S. embassy in London. But the policy address, delivered on the eve of a major U.K. AI summit, left some British officials feeling upstaged. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Vincent Manancourt revisits the incident in light of Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

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How France is preparing for its global AI moment

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The French are planning a major global gathering — and we’re not talking about the Olympics. The AI Action Summit may still be months out, but planning is already well underway. And it’s an opportunity for President Emmanuel Macron’s government to flex its artificial intelligence ambitions. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Mohar Chatterjee sits down with Anne Bouverot, the French AI envoy tasked with organizing the event.

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Would Kamala Harris offer Silicon Valley a do-over with Democrats?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Vice President Kamala Harris has raised a lot of money from Silicon Valley over the years. From her campaigns for California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, to her first run at the White House, she’s been backed by executives from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Apple. Now that Harris is more or less the presumptive Democratic nominee, will tech support her again? Adam Kovacevich, the founder and CEO of the tech industry group Chamber of Progress, is making the case for it. He explains on today’s POLITICO Tech.

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What’s next for EU tech policy? Less regulation, more competition.

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as president of the European Commission late last week. But another five years with her at the helm doesn’t necessarily mean more of the same tech policy. On POLITICO Tech, senior tech reporter Clothilde Goujard joins from Brussels to explain von der Leyen’s shifting focus from regulation to European competitiveness, and why it could put the European Union and U.S. on a collision course.

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Conspiracies followed Trump’s assassination attempt. Russia took note.

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, social media platforms lit up with conspiracies. Speculation about whether it was all a political ploy. Or an inside job. But it wasn’t just happening in the U.S. Emerson Brooking has been tracking Russian propaganda all week as the director of strategy at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab. On POLITICO Tech, he joins host Steven Overly to talk about how the Kremlin spun the shooting and what that could mean for Russia’s disinformation playbook between now and Election Day.

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Your field report from a lite-on-tech RNC

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Republican National Convention wraps up tonight and, it turns out, tech wasn’t high up on the GOP’s agenda in Milwaukee. But POLITICO reporter Brendan Bordelon nevertheless tracked down the chatter about social media, TikTok, AI and more. He joins POLITICO Tech from Milwaukee to give us the grist on the ground.

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The tech billionaire fueling JD Vance’s political rise

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In just over a decade, Republican J.D. Vance has risen from law school graduate to best-selling author to U.S. senator to vice presidential nominee. And fueling the ascent has been tech billionaire Peter Thiel. On POLITICO Tech, Brookings Institution senior fellow Darrell West joins host Steven Overly to explain this fortuitous relationship, and the impact it could have on Election Day and beyond.

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How Trump’s rally shooting played out on social media

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Almost immediately after a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally over the weekend, leaving the former president with minor injuries, partisan misinformation and conspiracies flooded social media feeds. Chris Krebs has been tracking the attack and how the internet has responded — from U.S. lawmakers to Russian operatives — for cybersecurity firm SentinelOne. You may recognize Krebs’ name: He was the head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency until Trump fired him in 2020 for refuting claims the election was stolen. On POLITICO Tech, Krebs joins host Steven Overly to talk takeaways from the shooting’s social media aftermath.

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‘I do think that is helping’: Oklahoma governor on Biden’s clean tech perks

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The 2024 Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee, and we're sure to hear about ways that the GOP plans to dismantle President Joe Biden's legacy on the tech front. On today's POLITICO Tech, Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt joins host Steven Overly to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act money he's leveraged to bring more clean tech manufacturing to his state — and why he wants incentives to continue. Plus, Stitt’s plans to replace state employees with artificial intelligence.

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Dude, is THAT my flying car? (Part Two)

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

From the Jetsons to Blade Runner, flying cars have long been part of our vision for the future. They’re also closer than ever to becoming a reality. On this two-part episode of POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly explores why this fascination has persisted for over a century, and whether the sky-bound vehicles being built today are all that sci-fi promised they would be. On today's episode, Steven talks with the head of the Federal Aviation Administration — Michael Whitaker — who explains the government’s plan to make these things safe. And after that, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny who is in the business of convincing people his Model A isn’t just science fiction (and worth the $300,000 price tag).

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Dude, where’s my flying car? (Part One)

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

From the Jetsons to Blade Runner, flying cars have long been part of our vision for the future. They’re also closer than ever to becoming a reality. On this two-part episode of POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly explores why this fascination has persisted for over a century, and whether the sky-bound vehicles being built today are all that sci-fi promised they would be. Today's show features Jeremy White, WIRED senior innovation editor, and Sheryl Connelly, the former futurist for Ford Motor Company. Tomorrow's episode features Michael Whitaker, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, who actually worked at a flying car company before heading up the FAA, and Jim Dukhovny, the founder and CEO of Alef Aeronatics, who is trying to bring flying cars to the mainstream…for $300,000 a pop.

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SCOTUS kicked online speech back to the courts — so what does the future look like?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Supreme Court dropped a major decision affecting the future of online speech last week. But the ruling was not exactly decisive. And the legal battle isn’t over yet. On POLITICO Tech, Matt Wood from the advocacy group Free Press joins host Steven Overly to break down what comes next in the fight over laws in Texas and Florida that aim to prevent social media platforms from moderating political speech.

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What the election means for AI policy

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The next administration will play a pivotal role in shaping artificial intelligence, but how much would that differ under Joe Biden or Donald Trump? On today’s POLITICO Tech, Dr. Alondra Nelson tackles that question. Nelson served as the head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy before leaving the administration last year and played a central role in shaping Biden’s early AI policy.

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How smarter use of data could bring down opioid deaths

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The number of Americans dying from an opioid overdose soared during the Covid pandemic. One theory for how to bring those numbers down? Better data. A recent multi-year study from the National Institutes of Health tried to find out if county health departments could make progress against America’s horrifying opioid epidemic if they had much more robust data, with mixed results. On the show today, POLITICO healthcare reporter Ruth Reader talks with Steven Overly about the findings in the NIH study.

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The "invisible rulers" shaping politics

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Today, host Steven Overly talks with Renée DiResta, a former technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, about her book "Invisible Rulers" on online influencers' power. DiResta's work on political advocates versus profit-driven disinformation spreaders sparked controversy after the 2020 election, leading to Stanford dismantling its Internet Observatory and raising concerns about disinformation research ahead of the 2024 election.

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Breaking down the Supreme Court's Murthy v. Missouri decision

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration in Missouri v. Biden, a case about government influence on social media content moderation. Guest host Rebecca Kern called Alex Abdo at the Knight First Amendment Institute to discuss the court's 6-3 decision and its potential implications for online speech as we approach the 2024 election.

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“Too big to govern”: Assessing the geopolitical risks around tech

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Eurasia Group games out political risk. And when it comes to tech, Vice Chair Gerald Butts sees a lot of them. A former adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Butts joins POLITICO Tech to talk about the global competition around AI and tech tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

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How the church of AI made Nvidia a profit

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Nvidia has rapidly become one of the world’s most valuable companies, propelled by the global rush to develop artificial intelligence. But the company’s success was not actually all that sudden — and it’s not guaranteed to last. On POLITICO Tech, market analyst Dylan Patel of SemiAnalysis joins host Steven Overly to break down Nvidia’s humble start and the potential challenges ahead, from competition to regulation.

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The challenges with creating cellphone-free schools

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Los Angeles will soon ban cell phones and social media in schools, becoming the latest school district to crack down on tech in the classroom. California at large could be next. On POLITICO Tech, Stanford professor and former schoolteacher Antero Garcia joins host Steven Overly to explain why he thinks such bans are bad policy — and bound to fail.

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The rocky road ahead for New York’s new social media law

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Children’s advocates often compare social media to cigarettes, arguing platforms like YouTube and TikTok are addictive and harmful. That’s led to an increasing number of states passing laws aimed at curtailing their influence on young users. On Thursday, New York became the latest. But signing the law doesn’t actually make it a done deal. POLITICO tech reporter Rebecca Kern joins host Steven Overly to break down the latest.

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How much energy does AI use? A lot, actually

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence consumes a lot of energy. Exactly how much is hard to say, because AI companies keep much of that information hidden – a practice that some policymakers and activists are trying to change. On today's episode of Politico Tech, Steven Overly called up Jesse Dodge to better understand the energy and climate cost behind generative AI. Dodge is a senior research scientist at the Allen Institute for AI in Seattle, who not only develops large language models, he also studies their electricity usage and CO2 emissions.

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Elon Musk wants to end electronic voting machines. Is that even possible?

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Elon Musk sparked much debate with a post on X saying the U.S. “should eliminate electronic voting machines.” But is that even possible? Pamela Smith, the president and CEO of election integrity nonprofit Verified Voting, says it isn’t. Technology now permeates our elections far more than people realize, she says — though paper still matters, too. Smith joins POLITICO Tech to explain.

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Why Silicon Valley’s Trump backers should worry Democrats

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

A small but growing number of tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and crypto enthusiasts are throwing their 2024 support behind former President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden. And Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a progressive who represents a swath of Silicon Valley, warns Democrats shouldn’t take the liberal stronghold for granted. On POLITICO Tech, Khanna tells host Steven Overly why the Democratic defectors have him worried and how Biden should borrow from former President Barack Obama’s pro-tech playbook.

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Ex-Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer thinks numbers will save us

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Steve Ballmer has made his fortune as the former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the LA Clippers. But his nonprofit USAFacts is trying to make government data more consumable, a mission driven by the belief that numbers are the antidote to political disinformation and partisan policymaking. On POLITICO Tech, Ballmer talks with host Steven Overly about his latest effort to convince politicians to follow the facts, as well as artificial intelligence, the election and why he's not donating to campaigns.

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Four U.S. and Canadian tech execs talk AI

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

POLITICO Tech went to Toronto for the U.S.-Canada Summit, hosted by BMO Financial Group and Eurasia Group. Host Steven Overly moderated a discussion on how the neighbors are competing and cooperating when it comes to artificial intelligence, with Cohere COO Martin Kon, OpenAI vice president of government affairs Anna Makanju, IBM chief privacy and trust officer Christina Montgomery and Radical Ventures co-founder and managing partner Jordan Jacobs. On the show today, key takeaways from that conversation.

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REBROADCAST: Why one ‘godfather of AI’ warns humans must exert control

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Host Steven Overly is in Canada this week for The US-Canada Summit, hosted by BMO Financial Group and Eurasia Group — and it got him thinking about another Canadian who's been on the podcast before: Canadian computer scientist Yoshua Bengio. Bengio has been dubbed one of the “godfathers of AI,” although he’s not exactly thrilled about the title. Still, Bengio devoted most of his professional life to making AI smarter. But now, he wants to prevent AI from destroying humanity. On POLITICO Tech, Bengio tells host Steven Overly about his professional pivot and what policy changes he’s pushing for around the world.

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The EU election results — and what they mean for tech policy

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

After the EU elections over the weekend, the continent’s politics seems to be shifting. So what does that mean for tech? Host Steven Overly talked with Politico EU tech reporter Clothilde Goujard to break down the results and decode what to watch for next.

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Trump is blowing up on TikTok. Will Republicans soon join him?

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Former President Donald Trump is in his second week on TikTok, and already soaring past President Joe Biden in both followers and views. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's having more influence. Or that other Republicans will rush to join TikTok, a platform many have called a national security threat. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly called up Republican digital strategist Eric Wilson to make sense of it all.

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Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s big bet on climate tech

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey says climate tech is all opportunity, no hype. That’s why she wants to pour $1 billion into the sector over the next decade, along with as much federal money as she can get from President Joe Biden’s climate legislation. On POLITICO Tech, Healey joins host Steven Overly after speaking at The ClimaTech Conference this week to defend her bet on climate tech and explain why she fears former President Donald Trump could undermine it all.

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Whose voice is it anyway? When AI comes for the rich and famous

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

What do Scarlett Johansson, Bette Midler and Johnny Carson have in common? All three have been at the center of controversies over the impersonation of famous people — and tested the limits of what U.S. will allow. On POLITICO Tech, George Mason University Law School professor Sandra Aistars breaks down the legal precedent on celebrity impersonation, and what that means in an AI world.

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'The death of truth' — and how to save it

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Disinformation and conspiracies that run rampant online, and the business models that fund them, have created a world in which people no longer agree on a shared set of facts. That was the impetus behind, “The Death of Truth,” a new book written by NewsGuard co-CEO Steven Brill. On POLITICO Tech, Brill tells host Steven Overly how he thinks the truth can be saved.

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Inside India’s big, long, AI-filled election

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

India’s election finally came to a close last night. But the long campaign brought out some of the most novel and bizarre examples yet of generative artificial intelligence in politics, from personalized robocalls to deepfakes of deceased politicians. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to Oxford University scholar Amogh Dhar Sharma about India’s unique political culture and whether it offers a lesson for future elections.

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Why a top European official went to Silicon Valley on the eve of a major election

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová has been on the road talking about disinformation and foreign interference ahead of the European Union elections later this week. And that “Democracy Tour” took Jourová to California last week for meetings with tech CEOs about their role in the fight. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Jourová explains what she learned during her Silicon Valley visit and whether she’s feeling confident as voters head to the polls.

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The Silicon Valley agitator now setting his sights on Washington

Fri, 31 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Garry Tan, the CEO of startup accelerator YCombinator, has made waves in San Francisco politics, helping to oust the city’s most liberal politicians in favor of more centrist Democrats. Now, the tech-entrepreneur-turned-political-changemaker is turning his attention to Washington. On today's Politico Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Tan about exactly what he wants out of Washington.

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Schools are dealing with a wave of AI-generated fake nudes

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Schools across the country are grappling with a new kind of harassment: generative artificial intelligence being used to create sexually explicit images and videos of students and teachers. States have passed a patchwork of laws to deal with the issue, but so far federal lawmakers have yet to act. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Dana Nickel and host Steven Overly break down the uneven legal landscape and discuss the victims who suffer as a result.

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How AI could rewrite history in documentaries

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence can do more than shape the future; it could also rewrite the past. AI-generated images and videos are now finding their way into documentary films, and the recently formed Archival Producers Alliance wants to set some ground rules. On POLITICO Tech, archival producers Rachel Antell and Stephanie Jenkins join host Steven Overly to discuss their concerns with AI muddying the historical record.

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The secret government program getting billions in CHIPS money

Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Congress allocated $39 billion to subsidize microchip manufacturing, part of President Joe Biden pledge to revive a dormant U.S. industry. Then, a backroom deal led to a chunk of that money being funneled into a furtive government program â€”- one quietly backed by national security agencies and a major technology company. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Christine Mui tells us all about “Secure Enclave.”

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Internet blackouts are increasing — here's why

Fri, 24 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Dozens of governments around the globe cut their citizens off from the internet in 2023 — the worst year for such internet shutdowns since digital rights group Access Now began tracking them. It’s a trend that could have major consequences in 2024 as many countries hold elections, and as wars persist in Ukraine and Gaza. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to Access Now Executive Director Brett Solomon about the reasons for these shutdowns and why he thinks they violate a “superhuman right” to internet access.

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How did Colorado pass an AI law? We asked the guy who wrote it.

Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Colorado is the first state in the nation with major artificial intelligence regulations on the books. Starting in 2026, consumers will be notified when "high-risk” models are used to make important decisions about them. Colorado’s Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez — the guy who pushed the bill through — tells POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly how the law got over the finish line and why there’s still a fight ahead.

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Biden, Trump and the battle to be tough on China

Wed, 22 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

President Joe Biden just ramped up tariffs on electric vehicles, solar cells and other products made in China. It marks Biden’s latest move in an ongoing tech and trade war with Beijing, as well as his newest attempt to show voters he’s tougher on China than 2024 challenger Donald Trump. On POLITICO Tech, former White House senior director of international economics, Jen Harris, joins host Steven Overly to break down Biden’s trade approach to China and how she thinks he should be selling it on the campaign trail.

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So what is Sam Altman's 'universal basic compute' anyway?

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman floated a radical idea recently: What if everyone got to own a piece of artificial intelligence? He called it “universal basic compute.” And while it may never become actual social policy, it reveals how the nation’s most influential tech brains are thinking about the AI future. POLITICO Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson joins host Steven Overly to discuss.

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‘It does feel like a disappointment’: An AI expert blasts the Senate’s new policy roadmap

Mon, 20 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Senate spent months consulting dozens of experts when crafting its new AI “policy roadmap.” One of them, computer science professor and former White House adviser Suresh Venkatasubramanian, is now blasting the final plan for being too favorable to the tech industry and failing to address risks like bias and deception. Venkatasubramanian joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to explain where he thinks the roadmap comes up short.

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Sen. Todd Young delves into the new AI roadmap

Fri, 17 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The roll out this week of the Senate’s artificial intelligence policy roadmap was about as close to bipartisanship as Washington gets these days. But can it last? Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), one of the roadmap’s four co-authors, joins host Steven Overly to discuss what’s next as lawmakers look to pass actual legislation, and political divisions begin to emerge.

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Two unlikely states tried to rein in AI. Then came the tech lobbyists

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Colorado and Connecticut attempted to become the first states to regulate artificial intelligence but faced significant pushback from the tech industry. In Connecticut, the governor then threatened to veto the legislation. And in Colorado, the governor is under pressure to do the same. Mallory Culhane, author of POLITICO's Morning Tech newsletter, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the fate of Colorado's AI legislation and whether other states will follow similar approaches to AI regulation.

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Chuck Schumer just fired the Senate’s AI starting gun

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s AI policy roadmap is out this morning. The bipartisan report, co-authored with Sens. Martin Heinrich, Todd Young and Mike Rounds, calls for big bucks for AI research, and legislation in areas like workforce training. It’s expected to kick off a flurry of legislative action in the Senate, even as the election rapidly approaches. Reggie Babin, an attorney and lobbyist at Akin, worked as Schumer’s chief counsel until 2022. He joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to break down the impact of the new AI roadmap.

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What Biden’s ‘next chapter’ of AI looks like

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

When President Joe Biden talks about artificial intelligence, he’ll often refer to the technology’s “promise and peril.” Yet much of his AI agenda to date has focused on the latter. Now, the White House is shifting focus to the “aspirational” uses of AI -- a change in tone that could be complicated by the perils that remain. On POLITICO Tech, Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar tells Steven Overly about Biden’s plan to “start shaping the next chapter” of AI focused on its upsides.

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Big dreams, small budget. NSF's director on funding AI research

Mon, 13 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

President Biden’s signature CHIPS and Science Act promised the National Science Foundation a budget boost of $81 billion over five years. But so far, Congress hasn’t come through with the money. That has Sethuraman Panchanathan, the director of the NSF, persuading lawmakers to loosen the national purse strings, while in the meantime, cobbling together money from the NSF’s shrinking budget and the private sector to fund AI research projects. Steven Overly talked with "Panch" for today's episode of Politico Tech.

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How the US beats China on AI

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The relationship between Washington and the tech industry has gone through no shortage of ups and downs over the years, but things were all smiles earlier this week at an AI expo hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project. The CEO of that group, Ylli Bajraktari, talked to host Steven Overly about the Washington-Silicon Valley divide and why collaboration between industry and government is the only way he sees the U.S. beating China on AI.

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Van Jones and Arun Gupta on the new AI civilization

Thu, 09 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

CNN contributor and Dream Machine founder Van Jones met NobleReach Foundation CEO Arun Gupta at a tech festival. It turned out they’re both AI optimists, and think all the doom and gloom about the technology belies its larger benefits. On a live taping of POLITICO Tech, they join host Steven Overly to make the case for more communities to embrace — not fear — AI and for tech workers to enter public service.

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How TikTok’s algorithm really handled the Israel-Gaza war

Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

TikTok has long faced criticism for suspected ties to the Chinese government. But since the start of the war, U.S. officials have also accused the app of amplifying posts that are sympathetic to Hamas and damaging to Israel. But data from the app tells a more complex story. POLITICO reporter Mark Scott worked with Northeastern University researcher Laura Edelson to analyze some 350,000 TikTok posts about the war, and on today’s show, Mark explains their findings to host Steven Overly — and what the analysis reveals about TikTok’s response to a growing political crisis.

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How AI will upend non-elite universities, according to Coursera’s CEO

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda says AI is transforming education -- both how it’s delivered and what people are studying. On today's Politico Tech, Jeff’s case to host Steven Overly for why higher education needs an AI overhaul, and how he uses AI to help decide Coursera’s business strategy.

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What losing TikTok could mean for online culture

Mon, 06 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

There’s a legal battle brewing between TikTok and the federal government. But how anxious are US companies about losing one of the newest and frankly most exciting social media outlets in years? Rachel Karten had that question, too. She’s a social media consultant for brands like Cava and West Elm, and author of a Substack called Link in Bio, a newsletter about the business of social media. She spoke with host Steven Overly to talk about what she's hearing from brands and what losing TikTok could mean for online culture and commerce.

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R U there? Plz donate 2 my campaign ASAP

Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Right now, there’s probably a political candidate in your inbox asking for donations. Online fundraising has taken off in recent election cycles, and it’s now how many Washington hopefuls raise big bucks. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Jessica Piper joins host Steven Overly to talk about how digital platforms have changed the fundraising game.

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One-on-one with Anthropic cofounder Jack Clark

Thu, 02 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark says building a safe AI model — named Claude — will differentiate the company from its competitors. And he’s in Washington pushing for safety testing and product standards. Will that ultimately help established companies like his? He joined host Steven Overly to discuss.

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What TikTok’s Washington nemesis is targeting next

Wed, 01 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Jacob Helberg was influential in pushing for the law that forces the sale of TikTok. Now, he wants Congress to prepare for a future conflict with China, one that has artificial intelligence at the center. Helberg, who is a senior policy adviser at Palantir Technologies and sits on the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, joins host Steven Overly to talk about the next frontier in U.S. tech competition with China.

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What worries consumer advocates about state AI bills

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

States are considering a slew of bills to regulate artificial intelligence, including whether companies must disclose that they’re using the technology to make decisions in areas like employment and housing. Consumer Reports policy analyst Grace Gedye joins POLITICO Tech to discuss loopholes that the advocacy group argues state lawmakers must close before passing new laws.

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The untold story of how computers forever changed election night

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

In 1952, TV news producers needed an edge on election night. And they found it in new "fearsome contraptions" called computers. On POLITICO Tech, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ira Chinoy joins host Steven Overly to talk about his new book, “Predicting the Winner: The Untold Story of Election Night 1952 and the Dawn of Computer Forecasting.” They go inside that pivotal election night, and what it tells us about political journalism and technology today.

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Inside the parties AI is crashing during Washington’s big weekend

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Washington’s fascination with AI has permeated its social life — from salon dinners to embassy receptions to networking nights. That includes festivities surrounding this weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. On POLITICO Tech, media maven Tammy Haddad joins host Steven Overly to talk about her Washington AI Network and how AI is shaping D.C.’s social scene.

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How many chips does $29 billion buy?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Micron Technology is getting $6.14 billion from the Biden administration to build microchip facilities in the U.S., becoming the fourth and final maker of leading-edge semiconductors to get government subsidies. On POLITICO Tech, Michael Schmidt, the director of the Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program Office, breaks down the deals and explains what comes next.

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Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai on net neutrality’s return — and why he hates it

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Federal Communications Commission will vote tomorrow to re-impose net neutrality, controversial regulations that require internet service providers to treat all websites equally. Ajit Pai is the former Republican FCC chair who took them away back in 2017. And he joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to challenge Democrats’ reasons for bringing the rules back -- even as he says most Americans have moved on.

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Montana's Attorney General on the state's battle to ban TikTok

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

All eyes are on the Senate this week, where lawmakers are taking up a bill that forces TikTok to find a new owner. Now, Congress can be an unpredictable place. But things have never looked worse for the popular app. So, what happens next? It seems clear that TikTok would take the U.S. government to court, likely arguing that forcing a sale, and potentially imposing a ban, violates the constitutional rights of TikTok’s investors and users. Right now, TikTok is locked in a lawsuit with the state of Montana over a ban passed last year. On today's Politico Tech, Steven Overly talks with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the man at the center of the state's proposed ban, about what he expects from TikTok’s coming legal fight.

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One-on-one with the UAE's AI minister

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The United Arab Emirates has produced some of the world’s biggest open-source AI models. And that was before Microsoft put big money into one of its AI companies last week — part of the U.S. effort to pull the Gulf nation away from China’s influence. At an Atlantic Council event, the country’s AI minister, His Excellency Omar Al Olama, spoke with host Steven Overly about AI alliances, global rulemaking and more.

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Inside the Chinese embassy’s quiet lobbying on TikTok

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Officials from the Chinese embassy have been making the rounds on Capitol Hill as U.S. lawmakers weigh a forced sale of the video-sharing app TikTok. Reporter Hailey Fuchs joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to explain what happened inside the meetings and how they could complicate TikTok’s own lobbying efforts.

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Ciao. Adios. Au revoir. Will AI squash European languages?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Our language is fundamental to our cultural identity. And many European countries worry artificial intelligence will erase those languages and the cultures that come with them. But could those fears really be code for falling behind in the AI race? POLITICO reporter Gian Volpicelli joins host Steven Overly to discuss.

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‘Godzilla vs. Kong: AI Edition’: Talking net neutrality with a former FCC chair

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Federal Communications Commission will vote next week to restore regulations that require internet service providers to treat websites equally, otherwise known as net neutrality. Tom Wheeler was the chair of the FCC the last time those rules were put in place. He joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to talk about how artificial intelligence gives new life to this old policy battle.

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The White House defends contentious foreign surveillance law

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The future of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act now lies in the Senate, following a contentious path to reauthorization in the House last week. Behind the scenes, the Biden administration has been pressing both chambers to extend the law -- and successfully pushing back on some proposed reforms. On POLITICO Tech, National Security Council legal adviser Joshua Geltzer defends the need for government spy programs amid simmering global conflicts.

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This tax day, how AI is changing up the IRS

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking taxes. Stanford law professor Dan Ho has been working with the IRS to figure out how machine learning and artificial intelligence can improve the agency -- including a study he led last year that found evidence of racial bias in its audits. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Ho about using AI to root our human bias, and how the technology is changing up Tax Day.

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The controversy around FISA, a key foreign surveillance law, explained

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The House is expected to vote on a key foreign surveillance law set to expire next week. The fight over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, has pit national security hawks who defend the government surveillance program against lawmakers who say it's been used to unlawfully spy on American citizens. Host Steven Overly unpacks the criticisms with Elizabeth Goitein, a former Capitol Hill attorney who now leads the Liberty and National Security Program at NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice.

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‘Picture your MAGA auntie's Twitter account’: Why a Chinese disinformation group started imitating Americans

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Chinese disinformation network known as Spamouflage has never gotten much traction on social media. Then, a small number of accounts started pretending to be American. On POLITICO Tech, senior analyst Elise Thomas from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue explains why pro-Trump and anti-Biden tweets from a group with ties to the Chinese Communist Party may signal deeper concerns about 2024 election interference.

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A skeptic's guide to the new data privacy bill

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

There’s a new data privacy bill floating around Capitol Hill this week -- backed by the chairs of two powerful committees. And at first glance, it seems to have a lot of potential. But POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly and privacy reporter Alfred Ng discuss the sticking points that could cause the legislation to stall.

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One critic's case for why artificial intelligence is actually dumb

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Gary Marcus is a cognitive scientist and serial entrepreneur who is an AI critic, and not shy about it. He’s one of the tech experts pushing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and others in Washington to pass sweeping and stringent legislation to rein in AI -- technology that he doesn’t actually think is very smart. Gary has written a piece for POLITICO magazine, out tomorrow, arguing what all should be included in a big AI bill. And he talked with Steven Overly to make his case.

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Millions of kids use Roblox. Now, it wants Washington’s attention.

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

If you haven’t heard of Roblox, your kids certainly have. It’s an online platform for games and other virtual experiences, and most of its users are under 17 years old. As Congress weighs kids’ online safety legislation, Roblox is dispatching its CEO and other executives to D.C. this week. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly caught up with Roblox policy chief Nicky Jackson Colaco to discuss.

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How the U.S. is becoming more like China on tech

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration is in the midst of its latest attempt at a diplomatic reset with China, its chief geopolitical rival on all things tech. Council on Foreign Relations President Mike Froman — who served as U.S. trade representative during President Barack Obama’s second term — joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to discuss the Biden administration’s protectionist economic policies, and why becoming “more like China” may be necessary.

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What Trump’s return would mean for trans-atlantic tech relations

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

U.S. and European officials will meet in Belgium today and tomorrow for the latest gathering of the Trade and Technology Council, a body meant to mend the trans-atlantic relationship following four years of President Donald Trump. But the TTC is now weighing its next act — and what it means if Trump returns to power. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly and POLITICO tech correspondent Mark Scott discuss.

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This organization could decide how AI is regulated in health care

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

AI is coming to health systems — in fact, it's already here. As it rolls out, the government is taking a light approach to regulation, issuing guidance, but no binding rules. The Coalition for Health AI is working to develop standards for vetting health care AI via assurance labs. Politico reporter Ruth Reader talks with host Steven Overly and then Dr. Brian Anderson, the CEO of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), about how to create safeguards around these new technologies.

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What a U.S.-UK AI alliance really means

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The U.S. and UK have inked a memorandum of understanding that will see the allies join forces on AI safety research and testing. But what will that mean in reality? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with UK tech secretary Michelle Donelan.

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How surging tech demand will stress America’s power grid

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Electricity demand in the United States is projected to skyrocket over the next decade, partly because of the rising power needs of data centers and electric vehicles. That poses big challenges for the power grid. Today, host Catherine Morehouse sits down with Rob Gramlich, founder and president of consulting firm Grid Strategies, to discuss whether the grid can handle this surge in power demand — and what happens if it can’t.

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The author of 'Broad Band' on what you didn't know about tech’s hidden heroines

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Claire Evans, the author of "Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet," joins guest host and Deputy Tech Editor Daniella Cheslow to talk about frequently overlooked female tech pioneers.

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The author of ‘Chip War’ on the state of the fight

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Chris Miller wrote the definitive book on microchips. Now, the author of “Chip War” joins guest host Phelim Kine to break down the U.S. strategy for becoming a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and the implications for the country’s ever-complicated relationship with China.

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Connecticut is looking to be a first mover on AI regulation

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The state level is really where the tech action is at right now. On today’s Politico Tech, Morning Tech author Mallory Culhane sits in for Steven Overly to talk with Connecticut State Senator James Maroney, who helped get the state’s data privacy law across the finish line in 2022, and who now has shifted gears to artificial intelligence. They discuss S.B. 2, a comprehensive tech bill, and Maroney’s hopes for Connecticut in AI regulation.

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Mozilla took on Big Web. Now, it’s taking on Big AI.

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Tensions between large and small tech companies over the rules for artificial intelligence are already palpable. On POLITICO Tech, Linda Griffin from Mozilla tells host Steven Overly why Mozilla sees competition as key to minimizing the risks of AI -- and is looking to global regulators to level the playing field.

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Chinese hackers and the Rubik’s Cube: One-on-one with CISA Director Jen Easterly

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, also known as CISA, is tasked with tackling two of Washington’s biggest and most politically fraught challenges: confronting Chinese hackers and securing U.S. elections. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Maggie Miller sits down with CISA Director Jen Easterly to discuss the agency’s plans for both this year.

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My mom's Facebook got hacked. Here's what happened next

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Social media hacking and the scams that come with it affect thousands of people each year -- including host Steven Overly’s mom. It can be a major inconvenience for those cut off from friends and loved ones, and a serious financial and emotional burden for those who lose money in the process. John Breyault from the National Consumers League joins POLITICO Tech to talk social media scams.

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Intel lobbied hard for chips money — and got a big payout

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration announced Wednesday it will provide Intel with subsidies, grants and tax credits in exchange for building new manufacturing and research facilities in the U.S. Combined, Intel’s haul could be worth as much as $44.5 billion. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Brendan Bordelon explains how the company lobbied its way to a big payday, and why President Joe Biden sees the deal as a political winner on the campaign trail.

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Why states are losing the fight to protect voters from doxxing

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The names and addresses of millions of Americans can be found online through voter registration records. And some states argue that’s a privacy concern as voters are targeted with doxxing and harassment. But their efforts to change public disclosure laws have garnered pushback from conservative election transparency advocates. POLITICO reporter Alfred Ng joins host Steven Overly to dissect the tensions.

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SEC chair Gensler on AI's threat to Wall Street: "I don't want everybody to drive off the cliff"

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler warns on today’s episode of POLITICO Tech that Wall Street’s headlong rush to embrace artificial intelligence could create new weaknesses in the U.S. financial system. The solution, Gensler says, requires Washington regulators to band together in a new way.

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SCOTUS to tackle online disinformation today

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Should the government be telling social media companies what misinformation to remove? That’s the central question in a major tech case being heard at the Supreme Court today. On POLITICO Tech, Nina Jankowicz from the Centre for Information Resilience delves into the chilling effect the lawsuit has had on efforts to combat online disinformation ahead of the 2024 election.

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The AI doctor will see you now

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence has begun to transform health care. But how do you separate the promise from the hype? And will only the rich actually benefit? Host Steven Overly asked those questions at the POLITICO Live Heath Care Summit this week, including during a live interview with Dr. Andrew Trister from Google’s life sciences company, Verily.

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What’s next in TikTok’s Washington drama

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to force a sale, and perhaps eventually a ban, of the video sharing app TikTok. But many hurdles remain before that becomes a reality. And the drama surrounding the legislation reveals just how convoluted TikTok politics have become. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down what will likely happen next with national security lawyer and former Commerce Department official Nazak Nikakhtar.

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Why the U.S. Army is recruiting at South By Southwest

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

South By Southwest took over Austin. The annual tech and entertainment festival attracts an eccentric crowd, which this year includes a strong contingent of Washington policymakers and U.S. defense officials. Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson joins POLITICO Tech from Texas to explain how AI and politics have made a splash at the gathering.

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A new political playbook for countering disinformation

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The rise in online disinformation has forced political campaigns to develop a new playbook. Journalist Sasha Issenberg tackles that subject in his new book, “The Lie Detectives.” He joins POLITICO Tech to break down lessons from the front lines of the 2020 election and how campaigns are applying them this time around.

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Put down your pencil. The SAT has officially gone digital

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, has long been a rite of passage for students applying to college in the U.S. Now, the test has undergone a digital transformation that became official over the weekend. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks through the technological challenges posed by an electronic test and how its administrator has tried to overcome them with the College Board’s Priscilla Rodriguez.

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Why AI could be the death and rebirth of high school English

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Generative artificial intelligence is transforming the way students learn to read and write. To understand how, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly called up California high school teacher Daniel Herman. Herman’s students are using AI today -- and he believes the technology will fundamentally change English class as we know it.

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What tech to put on your State of the Union bingo card

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President Joe Biden will deliver the State of the Union address tonight. And while tech probably won’t dominate the speech, Biden could mention issues like AI, microchips and competition with China. MIT fellow R. David Edelman contributed to State of the Union speeches during his time as a tech adviser to President Barack Obama. On POLITICO Tech, Edelman tells host Steven Overly what goes into the big address and what Biden might say.

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The AI behind Israel’s strikes on Gaza

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Israel is using artificial intelligence to identify strike targets in Gaza as it goes after Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks. Critics are now pressing for details on the technology as the death toll surpasses 30,000 Palestinians. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Joseph Gedeon joins host Steven Overly to explain how AI is being used today and how defense officials expect it to remain a fixture of conflicts to come.

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What a 2024 campaign looks like online

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

It’s Super Tuesday — and President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are expected to be the big winners. But the digital campaign is not exactly a 2020 rematch. On POLITICO Tech, Republican digital strategist Eric Wilson dives into how the 2024 cycle looks different online and who seems to be coming out ahead with host Steven Overly.

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The White House's AI guy on the data Biden doesn’t want China to get

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration escalated its tech war with China last week, taking a pair of actions aimed at cracking down on Beijing’s access to data on Americans. Ben Buchanan, the White House special adviser on artificial intelligence, tells host Steven Overly why these latest actions are necessary and how they fit into the president’s AI agenda.

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How Russia outmaneuvers U.S. tech restrictions

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In the two years since the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has tried to cut off Russia’s access to microchips and other technology that helps its war effort. But Moscow has proven resilient — and continues to circumvent trade restrictions with the help of its neighbors. On POLITICO Tech, Max Bergmann from the Center for Strategic and International Studies explains how Russia is pulling it off and what more the Biden administration can do.

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‘It's a tug-of-war’: Public vs. expert opinions on AI

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

A new report out today shows that tech experts and the general public don’t see eye to eye on some of the biggest risks posed by artificial intelligence. Lee Rainie from Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center tells host Steven Overly how that disconnect could complicate Washington’s efforts to regulate the fast-moving technology.

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'Any nightmare use for data you can think of will probably happen'

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Steven Overly interviews journalist Byron Tau about his newly published book, “Means of Control,” which details how he came to learn that a trove of personal information was being peddled to federal agencies by an opaque network of government contractors.

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Inside the Brussels spyware crisis

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

At least two lawmakers in the European Parliament have found spyware on their phones. This is a major breach, especially since both members sit on the defense subcommittee. And it shows serious cybersecurity risks as the EU prepares for elections in June. On the show today, Steven talks with POLITICO EU colleague Antoaneta Roussi — who broke this story in a rather unusual way — about the reckoning it’s causing in Brussels.

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The social media content moderation laws before SCOTUS today

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in two lawsuits today -- the outcomes of which could shape the way governments regulate social media. At issue are laws in Texas and Florida that put restrictions on how platforms like Facebook, YouTube and X police online material. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks to Carl Szabo, the general counsel at NetChoice, a tech association challenging the social media laws in Texas and Florida.

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How AI is changing Homeland Security from the inside out

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Department of Homeland Security has an enormous footprint. Everything from policing the southern border to processing visas for high skilled immigrants, Investigations into child sexual material online, domestic security threats, and election security. So how DHS brings AI to bear is going to have an outsized impact on the American people, And behind those decisions at DHS is Eric Hysen. On today's episode, Mohar Chatterjee talks with Eric Hysen, chief AI officer at the Department of Homeland Security.

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How federal agencies are fighting deepfakes

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Washington is in the midst of its first real crackdown on AI-generated deepfakes, as federal agencies take action to combat robocalls, election misinformation and fraud. But will it be enough? Public Citizen CEO Robert Weissman tackles that question with host Steven Overly on today’s POLITICO Tech.

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Biden's chips problem in Michigan

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

A Michigan company called Hemlock Semiconductor got the red carpet treatment from President Joe Biden back in 2022. As Biden stood outside the White House, he pledged the CHIPS and Science Act would support Hemlock and other suppliers. But things haven’t fully panned out that way for Hemlock. Other companies similarly argue that Biden’s landmark CHIPS and Science Act should provide more money for microchip suppliers -- otherwise, it risks falling short on his national security goals, ultimately complicating his re-election effort. Host Steven Overly talks with reporter Christine Mui about the tensions over chips money.

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Parler’s ousted CEO is trying for a second act

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

John Matze is the former CEO of Parler. You might recall, that’s the social media app that became a favorite for far-right personalities spreading conspiracies during the 2020 election. And he was fired in the wake of the Jan. 6th insurrection, an attack he said at the time was not Parler’s fault. Now, John is trying for a second act with a new app that’s part social media, part news aggregator. On POLITICO Tech, John tells host Steven Overly what he learned from his handling of the last election and how exactly he plans to do things differently this time.

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Tech layoffs are 'the new normal'

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Tech companies worldwide have laid off nearly 35,000 workers so far this year, adding to the worst stretch of job cuts the industry has seen in decades. In the U.S., cities dependent on the tech sector like Seattle and San Francisco are among the hardest hit. On POLITICO Tech, University of Washington professor Jeff Shulman joins host Steven Overly to explore the economic and political impact of tech’s big layoffs.

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The U.S. president is on TikTok. Now what?

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

President Joe Biden officially joined TikTok this week -- a surprise that may have delighted no one more than TikTok itself. The video sharing app has been sharply criticized in Washington over supposed ties to China, and the Biden campaign’s decision to sign up marks a political win. But how should Biden actually use the platform? On POLITICO Tech, reporters Hailey Fuchs and Rachel Janfaza help us take a scroll through Biden’s TikTok.

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The UK’s new crypto minister comes to Washington

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The U.K.’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Bim Afolami, is making a swing through the U.S. and Canada this week, pitching his home country as a hub for crypto and fintech. Afolami sat down with POLITICO Tech ahead of meetings in Washington to discuss transatlantic crypto regulation, and told host Steven Overly that he doesn’t expect the U.K. and U.S. to see eye-to-eye on rules. In fact, he expects to compete over them.

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AI in elections? A former Facebook exec says it's time to ‘panic responsibly’

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

A series of recent headlines about politicians using AI-generated deepfakes of themselves got us thinking the gray areas in how artificial intelligence can be used on the campaign trail. In Indonesia, the front runner for president is a military general using an AI-generated cartoon as his campaign image. And in Pakistan, the former prime minister used an AI-generated video to declare victory — from prison. On the show today, Katie Harbath, who spent a decade on Facebook’s public policy team managing elections and is now the chief global affairs officer at Duco Experts, talks with Steven Overly about the rise in candidates deep faking themselves.

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When is an AI invention still manmade?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence alone cannot be considered as an inventor, but the humans who use it can be. That’s according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office guidelines put out this morning. On POLITICO Tech, the agency’s director, Kathi Vidal, joins host Steven Overly to discuss the new rules and the role for human creation in an AI world.

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Breaking down the debate around border security tech

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Senate’s bipartisan border deal met a rapid demise this week, But tucked inside the proposal was hundreds of millions of dollars for new technology along the U.S. southern border. Border security technology is increasingly sophisticated, and also increasingly contentious. On POLITICO Tech, Theresa Cardinal Brown from the Bipartisan Policy Center delves into the state of border technology and its partisan politics.

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Why one ‘godfather of AI’ warns humans must exert control

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Canadian computer scientist Yoshua Bengio has been dubbed one of the “godfathers of AI,” but he’s not exactly thrilled about the title. Bengio devoted most of his professional life to making AI smarter. But now, he wants to prevent AI from destroying humanity. On POLITICO Tech, Bengio tells host Steven Overly about his professional pivot and what policy changes he’s pushing for around the world.

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The news brought to you by bots

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

More newsrooms are embracing generative artificial intelligence, even as it raises troubling questions about journalism’s future. On POLITICO Tech, the Knight Foundation’s Marc Lavallee tells host Steven Overly how bots are likely disrupt the news business and what that means for news consumers like you.

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How partisan politics is disrupting US cybersecurity efforts

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency became a conservative target in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. Now, those same politician tensions are causing some private sector experts to retreat from a key program meant to defend U.S. infrastructure against hackers. On POLITICO Tech, reporter John Sakellariadis delves into the partisan politics that is undermining U.S. cybersecurity.

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How AI is complicating the fight against child porn

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

There’s a new front in the fight against online child sexual abuse: AI-generated child porn. Emily Slifer is the policy director at Thorn, a nonprofit that develops technology to detect and remove such content. And she warns policymakers and tech companies must act now before the problem explodes. On POLITICO Tech, Slifer and host Steven Overly discuss who shoulders the burden, and the blame, for combating AI-generated child porn.

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Got clicks? Why social media is at the center of a food industry fight

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

For decades, U.S. agriculture industries have advertised products through quasi-government programs. (Think “Got Milk?” and “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.”) Now, those marketing campaigns are getting a revamp for the social media era -- and that’s causing tension among American farmers and advocates. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Marcia Brown breaks down an atypical tech story about the controversial rise of the new food influencer.

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One-on-one with the EU’s chief tech regulator

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s top tech regulator, is busier than ever — contending with antitrust cases, internet regulations and, soon, artificial intelligence rules. And yet, her tenure is almost up. Unless she’s chosen for a third term, Vestager will leave the European Commission later this year just as its most consequential tech laws are getting started. On POLITICO Tech, Vestager delves into the EU’s AI ambitions, her Silicon Valley crackdown and her hopes to stay around longer.

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5 tech CEOs face a grilling on the Hill

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The CEOs of five major social media platforms are being hauled up to Capitol Hill today, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and X's Linda Yaccarino. They'll face a grilling from the Senate Judiciary Committee over their handling of child pornography and other harmful content on their platforms. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Rebecca Kern breaks down what to expect from the hearing — and which lawmakers will be looking to seize a moment.

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Will Hurd on his time at Open AI and what regulation it needs

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Former Republican Congressman Will Hurd spent two years on the board of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, and is out in a new Op-Ed in Politico magazine warning that AI is too powerful to be left in the hands of a few Silicon Valley players. On POLITICO Tech, Hurd tells host Steven Overly what can be done.

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Sen. Ben Ray Luján on the Capitol Hill fight over internet subsidies

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Key government programs that subsidize internet access for low-income and rural communities are in jeopardy. And Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), who chairs the Senate’s broadband subcommittee, has been entrenched in the Capitol Hill debate to save them. On POLITICO Tech, Luján tells host Steven Overly what to expect from the bipartisan working group pursuing a solution and why the next several weeks will be crucial.

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Scammers made a Biden deepfake. Here's why it wasn't very good.

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

A robocall mimicking the voice of President Joe Biden earlier this week is the latest instance of AI-generated deepfakes invading the campaign trail. But Pindrop CEO Vijay Balasubramaniyan warns these audio dupes could soon erode trust in just about every facet of our lives. On POLITICO Tech, Balasubramaniyan argues voice analysis technology can spot the fakes and makes the case for policymakers to act now.

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The geopolitical storm surrounding Dutch tech giant ASML

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

One of the biggest tech companies at the center of the microchip war between the U.S. and China is actually Dutch. ASML manufactures equipment used by the world’s biggest semiconductor companies, making it the target of U.S. export controls aimed at curtailing Beijing’s tech ambitions. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Pieter Haeck joins host Steven Overly to detail ASML’s geopolitical predicament and the CEO’s message during a recent interview.

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The UN’s tech envoy on the need for global AI rules

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

At a time when global institutions are under strain, United Nations tech envoy Amandeep Gill says AI has the potential to be an “area of collaboration.” But making sure some nations aren’t left behind will require a new set of incentives for wealthy countries and tech companies. On POLITICO Tech, Gill delves into some of the existential threats around AI and what can be done about them.

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How Arizona State came to fully embrace AI

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Arizona State is the first university to ink a partnership with OpenAI, bringing a business-grade version of ChatGPT into classrooms and research labs. It marks a major embrace of artificial intelligence at a time when many universities are trepidatious about what it means for the future of learning. On POLITICO Tech, ASU’s enterprise chief information officer, Lev Gonick, tells host Steven Overly why AI will be transformational.

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Inside the opaque court that hears spying complaints

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration created a court to hear complaints from European citizens who accuse the U.S. government of unfairly spying on them. It was part of a deal with the European Union that allows companies to freely move customer data across the Atlantic. But privacy advocates are planning to sue -- saying the court is too opaque and fails to uphold EU privacy rights. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Alfred Ng takes us inside Biden’s secret surveillance court.

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The streets in Davos are lined with AI

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The World Economic Forum has been happening in Davos Switzerland this week – a gathering of the world’s muckety mucks, world leaders and billionaires. The setting is posh, the ski slopes are freshly powdered and the champagne is (presumably) ice cold. New this year? The streets are lined with AI. Stuart Russell, a leading academic in the field of artificial intelligence and at Davos this week, talks with host Steven Overly.

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An exit interview with Europe’s most powerful privacy regulator

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Helen Dixon is Europe’s most powerful privacy regulator. As the head of Ireland’s data privacy watchdog, she has overseen the largest investigations to date into tech companies for violations of the EU’s landmark General Data Protection Regulation. But next month, she is leaving the role after nearly a decade. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Clothilde Goujard talks with Dixon on her way out the door.

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The hot commodity behind AI-powered tech: spectrum

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The growing number of connected devices, many of them now equipped with AI, is putting new demands on the U.S. supply of spectrum. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is implementing a new strategy to prevent a potential crunch. On POLITICO Tech, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson tells host Steven Overly how NTIA is tackling issues related to spectrum and AI accountability.

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The weird and wild gadgets at CES

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

CES is something of a gadget pageant, where companies show off out-there technologies in over-the-top displays. But last week’s annual tech gathering in Las Vegas also offers insight into where consumer technology is headed. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down some of the weird and wonderful tech trends at CES with Wired’s senior reviews editor, Julian Chokkattu.

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BFFs and bitter rivals: Global tech tensions show at CES

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

At CES, no foreign country is better represented than China. It’s second only to the U.S. in the number of companies on display — many of them looking to expand in the U.S. market. Meanwhile, American skepticism of Chinese-made technologies has hit an all-time high. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks U.S. tech competition with Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson, deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger, and Siemens U.S. CEO Barbara Humpton.

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A leading psychologist’s take on tech and humans

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The complex relationship between technology and mental health has captured increased attention in recent years, especially among regulators, amid rising concerns about the negative effects of social media, video games and artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, the CEO of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Arthur Evans, tells host Steven Overly how to make tech work better for humans.

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Talking AI and the future of work at CES

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

If there’s a unifying theme to this year’s CES, it’s that artificial intelligence is everywhere. But the anxiety about what AI means for the future of work has been on display, too. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses how those concerns are being addressed at the world’s largest employer with Walmart executive vice president Dan Bartlett, as well as the labor movement’s outspoken skepticism with Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

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Tech and podcasting in Las Vegas

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Greetings from Las Vegas! POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly travels to CES this week to explore how the annual gadget pageant reflects many of the big tech debates around privacy, safety and artificial intelligence. On the show today, he gets the download on what to expect from this year’s CES from Consumer Technology Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro and Digital Future Daily author Derek Robertson.

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Key court cases in the year to come

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

There are multiple court cases and legal tests that could influence tech regulation for years. The action is everywhere — in state courts, being looked at by federal judges – and of course at the Supreme Court, which is slated to hear two cases with major implications for online speech. Steven Overly talks with Alexandra Reeve Givens, a First Amendment scholar and the president and chief executive officer of the Center for Democracy and Technology, a DC-based nonprofit that advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression. And has filed legal briefs in a number of this year’s big cases.

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Rise of the AI psychbots

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

What if generative AI could let you chat with doppelgangers of brilliant people, in their words, at any time? POLITICO’s Mohar Chatterjee digs into unnerving experiments from Beijing to Venice Beach to create AI-generated replicas of living human psychologists. Her story shows a policy vacuum around digital consent - and possibly, a new way for experts to imagine influence and legacy in the age of AI.

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Why millions may soon lose their affordable internet

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

There are 22 million households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, each receiving a subsidy from the federal government for their monthly internet bill. But unless Congress acts, the program will soon run out of money. On POLITICO Tech, reporter John Hendel tells host Steven Overly why partisan politics could effectively kill the program, and what that would mean for closing the digital divide.

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What to expect on tech from Washington in 2024

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Little federal policymaking is likely to get done in an election year. But that doesn’t mean tech policy will be totally dead in Washington. On POLITICO Tech, Darrell West from the Brookings Institution explains what Congress could actually get done if lawmakers set aside their differences -- again, in an election year.

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Forecast 2024: States will drive the tech agenda

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

States passed dozens of new tech laws last year on issues like AI, data privacy and kids’ online safety. Congress… talked about a lot of laws. The University of North Carolina’s Matt Perault expects that dynamic to continue in 2024. On POLITICO Tech, Perault shares predictions for state-level tech policy in the year to come with host Steven Overly.

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Rebroadcast: IBM’s CEO on AI layoffs, lawsuits and what comes next

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna is both making artificial intelligence and grappling with its effects. In this rebroadcast, Krishna tells host Steven Overly why AI makes must be held accountable and why he’s not exactly worried about AI displacing a bunch of human workers. Politico Tech will be taking a break for the rest of the year and will be back in your feeds on January 2nd, 2024.

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Rebroadcast: Sen. Mark Warner’s big AI idea is to think small

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has been through his share of tech battles on Capitol Hill — and seen lawmakers fail to implement legislation time and again. Warner outlined his ideas for where Congress should start with AI regulation — ideas that will be worth watching for in the new year.

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150 ways House lawmakers want to take on China

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

House lawmakers have laid out a lengthy plan for confronting Beijing’s rising tech ambitions. The recommendations come from a bipartisan committee that has spending much of the past year examining fractures in the U.S.-China relationship, and weighing how the U.S. should prepare for a potential future conflict. On POLITICO Tech, the committee’s ranking member, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), tells host Steven Overly what Congress should do next.

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The case for a new tech cop

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The U.S. Congress is still figuring out how to rein in Big Tech companies. Mark MacCarthy from the Brookings Institution and Georgetown University has a bold idea: create an entirely new tech regulator. It’s a tall ask considering Congress hasn’t passed major tech legislation to date, but on POLITICO Tech, MacCarthy tells host Steven Overly why he thinks it’s necessary.

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Flying cars, political brawls and poking fun at tech politics

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Bradley Tusk is a man with many hats: political consultant, venture capitalist, author. His new book, “Obvious in Hindsight,” is a satire about politics and tech, but it's not hard to see the fact through the fiction. On POLITICO Tech, Tusk tells host Steven Overly more about the book, and weighs in on tech fights happening both on and off the page.

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Meet Biden’s carbon capture salesman

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Brad Crabtree is the assistant secretary for fossil energy and carbon management at the Energy Department -- a position that puts him at the center of the U.S. efforts to promote carbon capture technology. On POLITICO Tech, Crabtree explains the administration’s case for capturing more carbon, despite criticisms from climate activists that it favors the fossil fuel industry.

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Why the world is split over carbon capture technology

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The push for technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere – carbon capture – has been driving a new wedge in the climate fight. And those tensions were on display at COP28 over the past two weeks. On POLITICO Tech, POLITICO energy reporter Zack Colman joins from Dubai to discuss how the geopolitics of climate tech are playing out.

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Inside the EU’s tense AI negotiations

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The European Union reached a political agreement to regulate artificial intelligence -- a comprehensive law that will set a new global standard. EU parliamentarian Dragos Tudorache returns to POLITICO Tech to take host Steven Overly inside the tense negotiations and explain what the EU AI Act will actually change.

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'Humans are not some peak of cognitive ability': The existential risks of AI

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Malo Bourgon doesn’t know exactly what existential threats AI poses, but he says we should be preparing for them anyway. Bourgon is the CEO of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and among those who fear AI could go deeply awry if it falls into the wrong hands. On today’s show, Bourgon tells host Steven Overly what tech restrictions he wants to see in place.

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Fear not Spot the robot

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Spot the robot dog has drawn public backlash for its use by law enforcement. But Robert Playter, the CEO of Spot’s creator, Boston Dynamics, says notions of robots taking over the world are fantasies fueled by fear. On POLITICO Tech, he tells host Steven Overly what the robot future will really look like.

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Afraid of AI ‘doomsday’? Why today might be the real problem

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The doomsday scenarios about AI run amok garner a lot of attention, but would policymakers be better off focusing on its problems here and now? That’s the case Janet Haven, executive director at Data & Society, makes on today’s POLITICO Tech with host Steven Overly.

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A big AI battle is coming soon in California

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

There's an AI firestorm coming next year — and it won’t be in Washington. Look instead to Sacramento. On POLITICO Tech, California politics reporter Jeremy White tells host Steven Overly about the wave of AI legislation coming to the Golden State.

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What the public really thinks about AI

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Plenty of people have opinions on artificial intelligence -- especially its potential risks and what to do about them. Daniel Colson’s AI Policy Institute has set out to measure those public attitudes through polls. On POLITICO Tech, Colson tells host Steven Overly that there’s bipartisan fear about AI’s destructive potential and argues those results ought to spur regulators into action.

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Why lawmakers fear Biden is giving China a tech boost

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have criticized the Biden administration’s digital trade agenda, going so far as to say recent policy decisions are giving China a leg up in the global tech race. On POLITICO Tech, Reps. Darin Lahood (R-Ill.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) argue U.S. trade officials must change course in a conversation with host Steven Overly.

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Promise vs. propaganda: Can tech fix the climate crisis?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The big U.N. Climate Change Conference -- COP28 -- is underway in Dubai and the role of emerging technologies in the fight against global warming is likely to be a recurring theme. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly asks Marcene Mitchell of the World Wildlife Fund to expound on the promise and the hype behind these technologies.

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Period trackers are more popular than ever. Is that a privacy concern?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Abortion access has changed dramatically since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. And the landscape for data privacy protections is changing, too. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly examines the current state of privacy concerns over period-tracking apps and other health data with POLITICO reporter Ruth Reader.

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How China is beating the U.S. at AI

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The conventional wisdom is that the U.S. and China are battling it out for AI dominance, and that the US has an upper hand when it comes to developing the technology. On POLITICO Tech, Bill Drexel and Hannah Kelley from the Center for a New American Security tell host Steven Overly that China is ahead in one key area: exporting AI around the world.

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What the FEC can (and can't) do about deepfakes

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The Federal Election Commission is often politically gridlocked. Now, there’s growing pressure on the agency to consider rules for political ads that contain AI-generated deepfakes. On POLITICO Tech, Democratic FEC Chair Dara Lindenbaum tells host Steven Overly why those calls for action face a bigger obstacle than partisanship.

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Is the OpenAI saga a wakeup call for AI safety?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was abruptly ousted by the company’s board — until he was brought back days later. The Silicon Valley melodrama revealed tensions over how to manage the future of AI. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly discusses the fallout with Dewey Murdick, executive director at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

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Why fighting deepfakes in the 2024 election is…complicated

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

AI-generated deepfakes are expected to disrupt the 2024 election cycle. But Matt Perault and Scott Babwah Brennen at the University of North Carolina’s Center on Technology Policy say some fears are overblown. On POLITICO Tech, they talk with host Steven Overly about the potential problems with and policy fixes for political deepfakes.

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Rebroadcast: Rep. Ted Lieu on what he wants to see from Congress AI regulation

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Ca) is one of the few members of Congress with a background in computer science. But in this rebroadcast from September, he tells Steven Overly why he believes lawmakers don’t need tech expertise to regulate AI.

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Rebroadcast: This tech exec has a plan to rein in AI

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Former President Barack Obama recently published a short list of articles, podcasts and books that have shaped his views on AI. And among them is a book that was published in September called, “The Coming Wave,” written by Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of Google DeepMind and current CEO of Inflection AI. In this rebroadcast from September, Steven Overly talks with Mustafa Suleyman, the chief executive of Inflection AI and a co-founder of Google DeepMind, who argues there are 10 steps that governments and companies should take to mitigate the most destructive threats posed by artificial intelligence.

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Rebroadcast: Justine Bateman says the AI apocalypse is coming for Hollywood

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The writers and actor's strikes may be over, but many of the issues at the center of the strike — including AI — remain ongoing. In this rebroadcast from August, Steven Overly talks with filmmaker Justine Bateman, who predicts expects artificial intelligence will be the harbinger of the end of movies and television as we know it.

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One public affairs firm rides the AI ‘roller coaster’

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the world’s power centers, from how governments operate to how industry and advocates wield influence. On POLITICO Tech, Penta Group partner Andrea Christianson tells host Steven Overly why the public affairs firm is fully embracing generative AI — and what restrictions it’s had to put in place.

Steven Overly is the host of the POLITICO Tech podcast.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Kara Tabor is an audio producer for POLITICO.

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K Street is taking AI lobbying to the bank

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Lobbying on AI is booming on K Street, with influencers around Washington selling themselves as AI experts who can help companies navigate how Congress and the Biden administration will tackle the hot topic in town. Hailey Fuchs talks with host Steven Overly.

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Inside Michelle Donelan’s British tech invasion

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

U.K. tech secretary Michelle Donelan makes a return visit to POLITICO Tech, this time during a U.S. visit that includes stops in Washington, Seattle and San Francisco. She tells host Steven Overly how the U.S. and U.K. will join forces to combat the risks of artificial intelligence, and offers advice for U.S. policymakers on both AI and online safety.

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The tech issues that matter as Biden, Xi prepare to meet

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

President Biden is slated to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday in San Francisco. It’s their first face-to-face meeting in a year, and comes amid ever-escalating tensions over tech issues like AI and microchips. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly asks Xiaomeng Lu of the Eurasia Group to outline expectations for the meeting -- and whether major resolutions are likely.

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Google’s general counsel on AI and legal liability

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Google sued on Monday to stop unidentified scammers from using a fake version of its AI chatbot to spread malware. The company sees the case as an example of how it protects consumers. But the liability that Google will assume? That’s another matter. On POLITICO Tech, Google general counsel Halimah DeLaine Prado joins host Steven Overly to talk about AI and legal responsibility.

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How hackers are exploiting the Israel-Hamas war

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In the hours after Hamas waged its deadly Oct. 7th assault on Israel, the country came under a different type of attack: cyber attacks. On POLITICO Tech, Atlantic Council security research fellow Ruslan Trad explains why the barrage of hackers targeting Israel is different from past conflicts -- and what they seem to really want.

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Meta's second whistleblower tells us why he came forward

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

There’s been a lot of attention this week on Arturo Béjar, the latest whistleblower to come forward with concerns about how Meta handles online content aimed at children. He testified before the Senate earlier this week, and he’s been cooperating with investigations brought by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. On Politico Tech today, he talks with Rebecca Kern and Steven Overly about why now was the right time to come forward.

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What Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn took away from the Meta whistleblower’s testimony

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) face an uphill battle to get their Kids Online Safety Act to the president’s desk. On POLITICO Tech, the lawmakers discuss Tuesday’s testimony from the Meta whistleblower and whether his revelations will put fresh momentum behind their legislation.

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Frances Haugen on the new Meta whistleblower

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The Senate will hear from a former Meta executive today who says the company is not adequately addressing how social media content harms children. But he’s not the first to come forward. On POLITICO Tech, Meta’s original whistleblower, Frances Haugen, weighs in on the latest accusations against Meta.

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NOLA banned, then embraced, facial recognition. Here’s what happened next.

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Facing a wave of violent crime in 2022, New Orleans decided to lift a ban on facial recognition technology and allow police to use it to identify certain suspects. But police were required to track how often the technology is used and whether it actually works. On POLITICO Tech, privacy reporter Alfred Ng and host Steven Overly discuss what the data show a year later.

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Meet the election betting upstart suing the government

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The fledgling industry for betting on U.S. election outcomes — through regulated exchanges, not black markets — has been subject to immense regulatory scrutiny. Now, start-up company Kalshi is suing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for blocking its plan to create one of these political markets. On POLITICO Tech, Kalshi co-founder Tarek Mansour argues these exchanges are not only legal, but good for democracy.

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In the battle for AI leadership: U.S. vs. U.K.?

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The U.K. has brought together world leaders for a much-hyped summit on AI safety this week. And just before it got underway, the Biden administration unveiled a sweeping AI executive order, followed by a policy address from Vice President Kamala Harris. On POLITICO Tech, Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels joins host Steven Overly to discuss the political jockeying to be the world’s AI leader.

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What it means to lose the internet during war

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Internet access has been significantly disrupted in Gaza since the start of its ongoing war with Israel, including a recent blackout that lasted more than 30 hours. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly speaks with Palestinian community activist Nour Swirki and an internet watchdog — NetBlocks director Alp Toker — about what it means to be disconnected from friends, family and the world.

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The TL;DR on Biden’s AI EO

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration’s much-anticipated executive order aims to send a message that the U.S. will both create and regulate AI. The audience? Washington, Silicon Valley and the world. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly speaks with one of the order’s architects, White House Special Adviser on AI Ben Buchanan.

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Influencers are complicating Biden’s student loan message

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Student loan borrowers must soon resume payments for the first time in three years -- and many are flocking to social media for answers about their options. POLITICO education reporter Bianca Quilantan tells host Steven Overly that they are finding questionable advice and misinformation that is drowning out the Biden administration’s own message.

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How SCOTUS could change speech on social media

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Supreme Court will hear a case brought by two Republican attorneys general accusing the Biden administration of coercing social media companies to remove conservative posts. Setting the politics aside, the ruling could have major implications for online speech. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly asks Alex Abdo from the Knight First Amendment Institute to break it down.

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What the NAACP wants Washington to do about AI

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The NAACP has made the regulation of artificial intelligence a cornerstone of its advocacy in recent years, as the technology has the potential to exacerbate existing barriers to justice and equity — and create new ones. On POLITICO Tech, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson tells host Steven Overly why Washington must force tech companies to put people over profits.

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Taking Meta to court over kids’ privacy

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

More than 30 states filed a sweeping lawsuit against Meta on Tuesday — accusing the company of violating children’s privacy and misrepresenting the platform’s harms. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Rebecca Kern and host Steven Overly break down the accusations and what the case potentially means for Facebook and Instagram.

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Google DeepMind talks AI risks

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Global regulators face no shortage of open questions about how to assess the risks of artificial intelligence — and who should bear responsibility for addressing them. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Google DeepMind general counsel Tom Lue tells host Steven Overly how the company is answering those questions.

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Inside the latest move in Biden’s China tech war

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

A year ago, the Biden administration took a direct hit at China’s tech ambitions when it slapped trade restrictions on microchips and the equipment needed to make them. Just last week, U.S. officials tightened the screws further by expanding those restrictions -- what the government calls export controls -- to cover certain sophisticated chips that are necessary to develop artificial intelligence. On today's show, Steven Overly talks with Thea Rozman Kendler, the Commerce Department official behind the latest rules.

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The 'effective altruists' influencing Washington on AI

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

There's a contingent of "effective altruists" pouring millions of dollars into Washington to influence the policy debate around artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, reporter Brendan Bordelon and host Steven Overly discuss the motives and ethics of one of the movement's biggest players in town.

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What's behind the U.K.'s AI blitz

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The British ambassador opened her residence to techies from around Washington this week, part of a promotional blitz for the UK's upcoming AI safety summit. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly's live interview from that gathering with Emran Mian, one of the U.K.'s top tech civil servants.

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The AI Bill of Rights co-author on what should come next

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

One year ago, the White House published an AI Bill of Rights. On POLITICO Tech, the co-author of that blueprint, Suresh Venkatasubramian, tells Steven Overly how the Biden administration should build on it with a forthcoming executive order that gives federal agencies directions for buying and using artificial intelligence.

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How the U.K. wants to steer the AI debate

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The U.K. aims to be at the forefront of the global conversation about artificial intelligence. The cornerstone of that effort is a safety summit it will be hosting in two weeks that British tech officials are very eager to talk about. On today's show, Michelle Donelan, the U.K.’s secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, talks with host Steven Overly about the summit and where the U.K. wants to position itself in the AI conversation.

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Nathaniel Fick is America’s first tech ambassador. It’s a tricky job.

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Nathaniel Fick has a complex mandate as the first U.S. ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy. He was recently in Kyoto, Japan, to finalize an artificial intelligence pact with G-7 countries. At that same time, Hamas launched an attack on Israel that shocked the world and set off a deadly war. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Fick explains to host Steven Overly how tech diplomacy factors into both.

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Intel’s microchip push and pull between the US and China

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Intel's plans to invest billions in U.S. semiconductor production have made it a White House darling. But the Biden administration's crackdown on China's access to chips could still sting the company's business there. On POLITICO Tech, Intel's Bruce Andrews tells Steven Overly why the company wants to see a less restrictive approach.

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Technology was supposed to prevent the Hamas attack. What happened?

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The border between Israel and Gaza was supposed to be fortified with some of the world’s most sophisticated security technology. But Hamas fighters managed to breach it anyway, and carried out a brutal attack. On POLITICO Tech, deputy tech editor Daniella Cheslow explains what the attack reveals about Israel’s world-class border technology, and the glaring tech disparities between people living in Israel and Gaza.

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How Hamas used social media to amplify its attack on Israel

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Social media was a key tool of Hamas militants as they waged their brutal attack on Israel over the weekend. On POLITICO Tech, the Atlantic Council’s Graham Brookie tells Steven Overly how the group leaned on platforms with loose rules against terrorism propaganda and misinformation to sow fear and misinformation.

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IBM’s CEO on AI layoffs, lawsuits and what comes next

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna is both making artificial intelligence and grappling with its effects. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Krishna tells host Steven Overly why AI makes must be held accountable and why he’s not exactly worried about AI displacing a bunch of human workers.

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One year ago, Biden took a bite at China's chips. Here's how it's going.

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

It’s been a year since the Biden administration imposed trade restrictions on American companies selling microchips and equipment to China. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Steven Overly breaks down what loopholes still exist and how Washington might try to plug them with Gregory Allen from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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There’s an election ‘megacycle’ coming. The world isn’t ready.

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Next year will mark the first time the U.S., U.K. and EU each have major elections at the same time. That will be a big test for democracies already battered by disinformation. On today’s POLITICO Tech, reporter Mark Scott and Steven Overly explore this unique political moment and the consequences of how it plays out online.

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Why PepsiCo is powering your snacks with AI

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Using AI to improve Cheetos? That's something PepsiCo has experimented with. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Athina Kanioura, chief strategy and transformation officer for PepsiCo, tells Steven Overly that using AI to make employees faster and more efficient hasn’t led PepsiCo to replace human workers as many fear. And why the company has determined that in some jobs the technology is simply off limits.

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Rep. Yvette Clarke’s plan to fix AI bias

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As Congress eyes new rules for artificial intelligence, Democratic Rep. Yvette Clarke argues there’s a fundamental element of the technology that should not overlook: the humans behind it. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Clarke tells Steven Overly that Congress faces a critical moment for addressing human bias in AI systems -- but it remains to be seen whether bills she’s re-introduced can gain traction this time around.

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The EU’s AI guy has some advice for Congress

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

EU officials are holding negotiations over new artificial intelligence rules with hopes of having them in place by year’s end. On today’s POLITICO Tech, one of the leaders behind that effort, EU parliamentarian Dragos Tudorache, tells Steven Overly what advice he’s given U.S. lawmakers as they embark on their on regulatory process.

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Biden’s tech adviser on the risks and rewards of AI

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Biden administration is crafting an executive order to capture the good and minimize the bad from AI. And it’s working to get other countries aligned on AI and cyber risks. In a live taping of POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly gets an update on those efforts from Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging tech.

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Sen. Mark Warner’s big AI idea is to think small

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has been through his share of tech battles on Capitol Hill — and seen lawmakers fail to implement legislation time and again. On today’s POLITICO Tech, he argues Congress needs to take a different approach to regulating artificial intelligence and even cracking down on Chinese tech. His pitch: Be less ambitious.

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What a former FTC chair thinks about the Amazon lawsuit

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Yesterday the Federal Trade Commission dropped its long-awaited case against Amazon. In a massive legal complaint, federal antitrust officials outlined exactly why they believe Amazon is a monopoly, and how it has used its market power to kneecap its competitors. Former FTC chair Bill Kovacic gives host Steven Overly his download on the case.

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Here’s why writing global AI rules will be so hard

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The U.N. General Assembly displayed just how focused world leaders are on artificial intelligence. The gathering also raised real questions about whether existing global institutions are equipped to handle it. On today’s POLITICO Tech, former Ambassador Karen Kornbluh breaks down obstacles to creating global AI rules and argues a new global body is part of the solution.

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How the FTC is reinventing itself for the digital age

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

On the show today, Mohar Chatterjee talks with Sam Levine, director of the FTC’s bureau of consumer protection and one of the key people on the front-lines of defining market practices for big tech.

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Confessions of Congress's former tech crusader

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Former Rep. David Cicilline formed an unlikely alliance with Republican Ken Buck in a failed bid to break up big tech companies. Though he has since left Congress, Cicilline’s distrust of the industry hasn’t diminished. On POLITICO Tech, he reflects on what he and Buck started, and the rising pressure on his former colleagues to curb tech’s power.

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The Hugging Face case for open AI

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Clem Delangue says open-source AI was vital to starting his company, Hugging Face. Now, he finds himself defending open AI models as Washington considers new regulations. On POLITICO Tech, Delangue explains why he views open-source AI as not only safe, but necessary to prevent big tech companies from gaining more market power.

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Inside U.K. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Silicon Valley-sized ambitions

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

U.K. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has a goal to make the U.K. become a tech hub on par with San Francisco. And he sees the country’s bench of artificial intelligence companies and researchers as key to helping it get there. Host Steven Overly talked with Hunt as he kicks off a multi-day visit to the West Coast… a charm offensive he hopes will draw U.S. firms closer to the U.K.

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The EU's tech rules are here. But how strict will enforcers be?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The European Union has been ahead of most of the world when it comes to regulating the tech industry - but writing the rules is not the same as enforcing them. POLITICO’s Clothilde Goujard joins Steven Overly to discuss what’s at stake for companies and regulators alike as the EU’s much-anticipated laws come into effect.

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How to confront the 'AI dilemma'

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin have been pushing for changes to social media companies' business models for years. Now, they're doing the same with AI. On POLITICO Tech, the co-founders of the Center for Humane Technology tell Steven Overly why Washington will need to speed up if it hopes to effectively keep AI's risks in check.

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How tech fits into Rep. Mike Gallagher’s China wargames

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What would war with China be like? Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) has put that question to defense and finance experts. Now, he says it would be “useful” to game out that scenario with tech companies as well. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Gallagher argues that imposing tougher restrictions on business with China’s tech sector today would make a difference should conflict ever become reality.

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AI can now create art and write books. Copyright law is trying to keep up.

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The number of creators seeking legal protections for AI-generated work is rising — and that’s vexing copyright officials. Exactly how much human creativity must art and literature contain under the law? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly takes that question and others to Shira Perlmutter, the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.

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What Microsoft’s Brad Smith wants from Schumer on AI

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Microsoft President Brad Smith is among the tech leaders joining the Senate's big AI forum today. On POLITICO Tech, Smith tells Steven Overly what new AI rules Microsoft is calling on Congress to impose -- and why he thinks others in the regulation-averse tech industry should get on board.

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Google’s legal saga is only just beginning

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The largest tech antitrust case in nearly 25 years begins today as the Justice Department takes on Google over the dominance of its search business. POLITICO’s Josh Sisco joins today’s episode to tell Steven Overly what to expect from the multi-month saga and why it’s just the start of a longer legal war with Big Tech.

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The House is back — what's on its tech agenda?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, POLITICO reporters Rebecca Kern and Brendan Bordelon join Steven Overly to break down what to expect from the House this fall on AI, quantum computing, online safety, TikTok and more.

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Labor unions see an upside to AI — under the right conditions

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Workers are increasingly anxious about how companies use artificial intelligence -- just look at the actors and writers striking in Hollywood. But the labor movement isn’t actually against the emerging technology. On POLITICO Tech, the AFL-CIO’s Amanda Ballantyne tells Steven Overly that policies just need to be in place to ensure AI isn’t against workers.

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Rep. Ted Lieu on what he wants to see from Congress AI regulation

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Ca) is one of the few members of Congress with a background in computer science. But lawmakers don’t need tech expertise to regulate AI, he tells Steven Overly.

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This tech exec has a plan to rein in AI

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Mustafa Suleyman, the chief executive of Inflection AI and a co-founder of Google DeepMind, argues there are 10 steps that governments and companies should take to mitigate the most destructive threats posed by artificial intelligence.

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The Senate's back — here's what's on its tech agenda

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

There will be a lot of chatter about artificial intelligence in the Senate this fall. But will that lead to any action? On today's episode, POLITICO reporters Rebecca Kern and Brendan Bordelon join Steven Overly to break down what to expect from the Senate this fall on AI, online safety, TikTok and more.

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'I thought somebody had shown me an alien' - Comedy writer Simon Rich warns there’s a secret side of AI

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Simon Rich did not believe artificial intelligence could ever take his job as a screenwriter, humorist and novelist. Then, a friend at OpenAI showed him an AI model that stunned him — one that was more creative and more problematic than ChatGPT. On POLITICO Tech, Rich tells Steven Overly why he now feels a need to alert others about the possible future AI will wrought.

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California on a collision course over autonomous vehicles

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

California has become the epicenter of a political fight over the future of self-driving cars. Tensions between labor unions and industry groups over the technology are running high in San Francisco and Sacramento. On POLITICO Tech, Steven Overly talks with California politics reporter Jeremy White about where this tussle is headed and why the state's tech-friendly governor has entered the mix.

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Education’s AI future has schools shook

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Generative AI programs like ChatGPT have rocked schools across the country and given rise to a new wave of cheating scandals. But as teachers return to the classroom, some see reason to embrace the technology as a new learning tool. On POLITICO Tech, we talk to Principal Kip Glazer about navigating that tricky balance at a high school in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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What Google wants from Washington on AI

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Google’s Kent Walker was among the tech executives who signed last month’s White House AI safety pledge. On POLITICO Tech, he tells Steven Overly why he wants to see it become a global model, and why some of AI’s legal risks are still unclear.

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One tech's bold idea: AI is the new atomic energy. Nationalize it.

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Charles Jennings ran software companies for decades. The last one developed AI-powered facial recognition technology. But now he argues the most sophisticated artificial intelligence systems are too powerful to be left in private hands. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Jennings tells Steven Overly why the government should take over.

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Meet the anti-hate group agitating Elon Musk and Jim Jordan

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Center for Countering Digital Hate tracks hate speech and harmful content across social media platforms like TikTok and X. And in recent weeks, the tiny organization has drawn heat from Elon Musk and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan for its work. On today’s POLITICO Tech, CEO Imran Ahmed tells Steven Overly how his organization is now responding by “setting a few” fires of its own.

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Washington asked for hackers’ help. What happens now?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

DC went all out for a major hacking convention this week. On today’s POLITICO Tech, Steven Overly and Mohar Chatterjee discuss the unconventional but necessary alliance between the federal government and the hacking community, and what to expect next.

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This Republican fought tech market power and lost. He hasn't given up.

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Republican Congressman Ken Buck pushed for legislation to challenge the market dominance of companies like Google and Amazon. Many of those bills fell short. On today's POLITICO Tech, Buck tells Steven Overly how he is “laying the groundwork” for a future fight while shifting focus to more viable issues, including artificial intelligence.

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Inside Trudeau’s standoff with Big Tech

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Canada’s Liberal government picked a fight with two U.S. tech giants by passing legislation forcing Meta and Google to pay news publishers for content. But the battle hasn’t gone quite as expected. Steven Overly talks with Politico Canada reporter Kyle Duggan about Canada's stalemate with Meta and Google.

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Affirmative action critics come for the tech industry

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action has prompted conservatives to target corporate diversity programs. On their list are the biggest companies in tech, an industry that has long struggled to hire a diverse workforce. On today's POLITICO Tech, Steven Overly talks with Brookings Institution expert Nicol Turner Lee about the potential consequences — for the companies and for their users.

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The hackers backed by the White House

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

A major gathering of “white hat” hackers will attack popular AI systems this weekend in an attempt to uncover security flaws. The so-called “red-teaming” exercise has attracted the support of the White House amid questions about the security of these powerful technologies. POLITICO tech reporter Mohar Chatterjee talks to one of the event’s organizers, SeedAI founder Austin Carson.

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Why 2024 will be the deepfake election

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

The 2024 campaign cycle is expected to unleash a torrent of AI-generated “deepfake” videos and images capable of deceiving voters. The Federal Election Commission is scheduled to vote today on a petition, initiated by advocacy group Public Citizen, that calls for banning political campaigns from distributing fake audio, video and images of their opponents. But the measure has failed before and early attempts to address the issue in Washington have hit political headwinds. On today's episode, Steven Overly talks with Public Citizen President Robert Weissman about the threats these forgeries present for politicians and voters alike.

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Meet the Commerce official about to dole out billions on microchips

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Biden authorized $52 billion to rebuild the U.S. semiconductor industry one year ago today. Mike Schmidt is the guy charged with doling out the money. As director of the Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program Office, he manages the national security and finance experts picking the projects that will get a boost from taxpayers. On today’s episode, Schmidt lays out the agency’s vetting process — even as some questions remain unanswered, like how the U.S. and its allies will prevent a subsidies war.

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The EU diplomat wooing and warning Silicon Valley

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Gerard de Graaf opened the European Union’s first San Francisco office nearly a year ago, making him the bloc’s de facto ambassador to the U.S. tech industry. His position is part cop, part counselor, part hype man. De Graaf speaks with Steven Overly about the EU’s ambitions in Silicon Valley and what has surprised him most about the place, including CEOs who are more comfortable with regulation than their lobbyists suggest.

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Inside the tech 'embassies' of Silicon Valley

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

First came Denmark. Then the U.K. and, more recently, the EU. A growing list of governments are setting up de facto embassies in Silicon Valley, largely to develop closer relationships with tech companies. POLITICO’s Steven Overly and Brendan Bordelon break down the purpose of these outposts, what they’re really like on the inside, and what they signal about the political and commercial pull of the U.S.’s largest tech hub.

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Justine Bateman says the AI apocalypse is coming for Hollywood

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

On Friday, writers and studios are slated to hold the first talks they will have had in three months. Steven Overly talks with filmmaker Justine Bateman, who predicts expects artificial intelligence will be the harbinger of the end of movies and television as we know it.

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One GOP senator's case against a big AI bill

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Republican Todd Young is one of four senators charting the chamber’s path forward on artificial intelligence — a path he doesn’t expect will lead to sweeping AI legislation. In this episode, Steven Overly talks with Young about his vision for regulating this fast-moving technology and why the solution to concerns about bias, national security and even "doomsday scenarios" lies outside Congress.

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Biden's microchip man says goodbye

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Ronnie Chatterji — one of President Biden's key players on microchips — is leaving the White House this week, Politico exclusively reports. Chatterji joined the Commerce Department during the height of the supply chain crisis and quickly focused his attention on chips. Steven Overly talks with Chatterji about what’s left to do on chips, how well global competition is being managed, and what to watch for next.

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Introducing POLITICO Tech!

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:41:37 -0000

Starting Wednesday, 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.

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The person behind the keyboard

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Want a personal insight into some of the world's most notorious cybercriminals through a neutral party? We interviewed a malware librarian to find out how the geopolitics surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war actually played out in the cybercriminal underground and the complex motivations of the people launching dangerous malware attacks against critical computing systems.

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How Europeans police the darknet

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

This episode, we're setting our gaze on the other side of the Atlantic. Laurens Cerulus, our Politico colleague in Brussels, joins us to talk about how European diplomacy has evolved to take on the cross-borders challenge of investigating and prosecuting cybercrime. We talk about the Budapest Convention, an international legal framework governing cybercrime investigations. We take the pulse on how Europol really feels about coordinating with their American counterparts on darknet cybercrime investigations and tracking cryptocurrency flows.

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The secret weapon for fighting cybercrime: Congress

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

There are numerous agencies in the federal government involved in investigating and taking down cybercriminals. But Congress passes regulations that can improve that fight. We talk to Congressman Jim Himes (D-Ct.), chair of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy. Rep. Himes is of the few people who can tell elaborate on how crypto comes into play with lawmaking to combat cybercrime on the darknet.

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The darknet prosecution puzzle

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

We kick off the second week of this limited series by taking you behind the scenes on the interdepartmental and intercontinental effort to successfully prosecute darknet cybercrimes. Across federal agencies, we find that a few digitally savvy investigators and prosecutors are leading the charge on revamping the law enforcement strategy for taking on cybercriminals. We talk to Zia Faruqui — a federal magistrate judge in DC and a former federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice in the DC Attorney General’s office — to highlight the out-of-the box thinking needed to bust cybercriminal enterprises.

P.S. we also have a story to accompany the podcast! Read it here: Shadowboxing and geopolitics on the dark web

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The prime target for cybercrime

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Now at the halfway point of the series, we talk to a former military cyber-intelligence officer about the feedback loop between the defense community and the private sector and unpack the domestic threats posed by nation-state actors in the cybercriminal underground.

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The intelligence blindspot

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Funded by the Secret Service, the National Computer Forensics Institute is tasked with training law enforcement officers across the country in the tools they need to combat crime in an increasingly digital world. In this episode of our series on darknet forums, we dig into the top-down information-sharing model between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. We see how jurisdictional issues can slow investigations into an increasingly interconnected global cybercriminal network, and talk with experts from the NCFI about how they’re trying to improve the playbook agencies use to fight cybercrime in the twenty-first century.

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A law enforcement window into the dark web

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

In the third episode of our series on darknet marketplaces, we’ll meet investigators who spent their careers examining these dark corners of the internet with a magnifying glass. We learn how to follow the money with the woman who pioneered what would eventually become the DEA’s Cyber Support Section. We talk to an ex-FBI agent who brought down global hacking collectives and darknet forums. N matter how advanced the technology gets, enterprising agents turn to traditional investigative techniques to get the job done. But it’s far from a perfect process.

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The who's who of darknet forums

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

In the second episode of our series on darknet marketplaces, we look at the personalities that helped build popular darknet forums and learn about the communication technologies and cryptocurrencies their members rely on. We also dig into how the geopolitics of the Russia-Ukraine war changed the nature of cooperation amongst cyber criminals on the dark net.

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The darkest parts of the internet: Introducing POLITICO Tech

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to POLITICO Tech. We’re kicking off with a limited series exploring darknet marketplaces, some of the least regulated parts of the world wide web. As malware and cybercrime attacks become increasingly frequent, regulators and law enforcement agencies work different angles to shut these platforms down, but new, often more unassailable, marketplaces pop up. We’ll trace the latest evolution of a global network of cybercriminal actors and the people tasked with catching them. In this series premiere, we’ll talk with ransomware experts and discuss the tradecraft of cybercrime collectives and the challenges inherent in monitoring them online.

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Indiana abortion shines light on post-Roe chaos

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The account of a 10-year-old Ohio girl seeking an abortion in Indiana has garnered international attention amid the fall of Roe v. Wade. Indiana's Attorney General is threatening criminal charges against the doctor who performed the abortion. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

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The 'small, lonely girls club' of former aides fighting Trump

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

As the January 6 hearings progress, a cadre of young, female, former Trump aides have created an informal network to support each other. Meridith McGraw reports.

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FDA weighs first-ever OTC birth control pill

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a first-of-its-kind application from HRA Pharma for Opill. If green-lit by the agency, Opill would become the first daily, hormonal birth control pill sold without a prescription. The submission of the application follows more than six years of studies the company has run. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

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What, exactly, is Biden getting from his Middle East trip?

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Biden administration argues that the president's upcoming visits to Israel and Saudi Arabia are of great strategic importance. But possible images of him glad-handing with the Saudi crown prince threatens to be the defining moment. Alex Ward reports.

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Did Minnesota accidentally legalize weed? Kinda, sorta, it’s complicated.

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Earlier this month, a Minnesota law took effect that allows adults to purchase edibles or beverages with up to 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC per serving. But some key state lawmakers were confused when they realized they had made those THC products legal. Paul Demko reports.

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Boris Johnson’s downfall was his own making

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Boris Johnson resigned Thursday after fighting all week to hang on to his post as the U.K.'s Prime Minister, surviving lashings in the press, investigations and a narrow confidence vote last month. Even as the walls closed in around him, he remained defiant. Ryan Heath on how it could have been even messier.

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Battered FDA hopes new advisers will solve PR problems

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Stung by messaging missteps over the coronavirus crisis, baby formula shortage and abortion access, the Food and Drug Administration is planning to hire Vin Gupta and other senior-level advisers to shore up the agency’s communications. Adam Cancryn reports.

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Seven states have 60 days to divide a key water source

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Climate change and worsening drought have driven water stores to dangerous lows. Now states have to figure out who has to live with less. Lara Korte reports.

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Tech surveillance in a post-Roe world

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Our digital footprints can easily reveal who’s providing abortion care, who’s seeking an abortion and who’s protesting. Sam Sabin reports on digital privacy after Roe.

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SCOTUS handcuffs Biden on climate

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Supreme Court delivered a major setback to President Biden’s ambitious climate change goals in Thursday's West Virginia v. EPA ruling. The 6-3 ruling is an obstacle for Biden’s hopes of dealing with global warming through executive order, barely six months after a Senate stalemate shut down his hopes for Congress's biggest-ever climate bill. Alex Guillén reports.

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We watched 34 primaries so you didn't have to. Here's what we learned.

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

More than half of the states in the U.S. have held primary elections ahead of the midterms. As Trump looms over the GOP and Democrats attempt to limit losses, politics editor Scott Bland shares five takeaways and a report card on the state of the race.

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States are shaping the future of abortion. Here are the places to watch

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

For decades, state lawmakers had limited avenues to control abortion. Now, the power to decide when — and whether — abortion should be legal is squarely in their hands. Megan Messerly looks at the states and people re-shaping abortion policies in 2022 and 2023.

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Biden's got global problems. The G-7 won't solve them

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The coziest club on the global summit circuit is back together, but its inability to solve inflation, Russia's war in Ukraine, and climate change is raising questions about whether G-7 leaders need to spend more time out of their democratic comfort zone. Ryan Heath reports.

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Republicans brace for the impact of reversing Roe

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Everything was going right for Republicans in the midterm campaign. Then the Supreme Court decision came down. David Siders reports.

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Inside the wild world of D.C.'s matchmakers

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

D.C.’s single power players are enlisting an expensive, awkward, and sometimes even romantic method to find love: matchmakers. Jessica Goldstein reports.

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Patients with opioid addiction could soon lose their virtual care

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Federal regulations that have allowed practitioners the flexibility to virtually prescribe buprenorphine, an opioid withdrawal treatment drug, are due to expire along with the Covid-19 public health emergency — even as opioid deaths reach record levels. Krista Mahr reports.

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Election administrators go to Washington

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Election workers from across the country are flying into the nation’s capital to beg Washington for two things that have vexed officials since the last election: security and funding. Zach Montellaro reports.

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Georgia, Proud Boys and more: Jan. 6 hearings head to the second half

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Today, the Jan. 6 committee looks at Trump’s role in the plan to replace electors at the state level to overturn election results. But tensions are growing between members of the committee and the DOJ, who want access to full interview transcripts to aid in their own investigations. Kyle Cheney reports.

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The cannabis gold rush that wasn't

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The nation’s marijuana industry boomed during the pandemic. Weed sales hit $27 billion in 2021, nearly doubling figures from just two years earlier — and revenues are projected to double again over the next six years. But the still-green industry is mired in a financial funk: Stock prices have plummeted. Capital raises have crashed. And marijuana prices have slumped. Paul Demko reports.

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Global abortion-rights advocates worry their countries are next if Roe falls

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Activists said they spoke to officials not only about their fears of the international impact if Roe v. Wade were to fall, but also proposed changes to U.S. policy that has long restricted funding for abortions abroad. Daniel Payne reports.

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Saudi Arabia, ‘pariah’ to potential partner

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden will travel to the Middle East next month, making stops in Israel, the West Bank and then Saudi Arabia, where he’ll seek to rebuild relations after vowing to make the kingdom a “pariah.” Nahal Toosi reports.

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Recession vibes are swirling

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

We are in a paradoxical economic moment. The economy is hot by certain metrics — unemployment, job openings, consumer demand — but inflation is way up, and soaring gas and grocery prices are driving the narrative. Victoria Guida reports.

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How Elon Musk’s Starlink changed the war in Ukraine

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

From artillery strikes to Zoom calls, the tech billionaire’s satellite internet service has become a lifeline in the war with Russia. Christopher Miller reports.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: He defied Trump and still survived a GOP primary

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

This week in the GOP primary for South Dakota’s at-large district, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) defeated a challenger from his right who claimed he wasn’t aligned closely enough with former President Donald Trump, even though Johnson agrees with Trump on many policies. Johnson’s vote for a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attacks and his support for Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) to remain in House Leadership was cited as proof he is not an ally of the former president. Johnson also faced more than $500,000 in spending against him from Drain the DC Swamp PAC. He tells Ryan Lizza that South Dakotans like Trump – but they also like Dusty Johnson. Find out how he overcame the challenges faced from defying Trump and how he survived to win the Republican nomination on this week’s episode of Playbook Deep Dive.

Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Rep. Dusty Johnson is the congressman at-large for South Dakota.
Afra Abdullah is an associate producer for POLITICO audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Brook Hayes is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Adam Allington is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is executive producer for POLITICO audio.

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The January 6 hearings are (finally) here

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The House committee, after nearly a year investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, introduces its findings tonight to a prime-time TV audience. Kyle Cheney explains the challenges ahead.

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The newest research into long Covid

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

There is no test for long Covid, and the CDC and the medical community have no official definition. But health care workers across the country are diagnosing patients who have previously contracted Covid-19 based on a wide-ranging set of symptoms. A CDC study released May 27 said that one in five adults in the U.S. may develop the condition — but there are still more questions than answers. Erin Banco reports.

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The frustrations inside the West Wing

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Soaring global inflation. Rising fuel prices. A deadlocked Congress unable to tackle sweeping gun safety legislation. President Biden and his aides are frustrated by a cascade of challenges — and the window for a political revival is closing. Jonathan Lemire reports.

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Can wind save oil country?

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Gulf Coast's long reign as a hub for oil and gas production could help it secure a lead role in generating energy from wind and green hydrogen, but it will face some big obstacles. Kelsey Tamborrino reports.

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Warning signs cloud tech industry’s SCOTUS victory

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The 5-4 decision blocking Texas’ social media law was closer than expected, and Justice Samuel Alito’s dissent suggests conservative judges may be shifting on the free speech rights of tech platforms. Brendan Bordelon reports.

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Vax injury compensation programs were already stressed. Then came Covid

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A pair of federal programs compensating people who suffer injuries from vaccines and pandemic treatments are now facing so many claims that thousands of people may not receive payment for their injuries any time soon. Covid has only made it more complicated. Lauren Gardner reports.

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Rick Caruso's $pricey$ LA primary

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Even by the cash-flush standards of modern politics, Rick Caruso’s run for mayor of Los Angeles has been a shock-and-awe campaign of financial bombardment. Elena Schneider reports.

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Anita Dunn’s return brings Amazon ties under scrutiny

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

As the White House this month weighed how hard to engage Amazon founder Jeff Bezos over his criticism of its economic policies, it brought back senior advisor Anita Dunn, whose former firm does work for Amazon. Hailey Fuchs reports.

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Inside FEMA’s biased flood program

Fri, 27 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A new investigation from Politico’s E&E News has pulled back the curtain on FEMA’s unfair flood grant programs, which for years have favored wealthy and white areas. Tom Frank reports.

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How big of a threat is monkeypox?

Thu, 26 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Governments warn against panicking, but they are planning for the worst outcome. Carmen Paun reports.

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How 'Made in America' worsened the formula crisis

Wed, 25 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Due to a combination of Food and Drug Administration regulations and trade policy, 98% of the infant formula consumed in the United States is made here. But the current nationwide shortage of infant formula is proving a cautionary tale. Doug Palmer reports.

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The big midterm questions answered today

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

What’s next for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp? Will the national fight over abortion lead to Rep. Henry Cuellar’s (D-Texas) defeat in the primary? Scott Bland shares his burning questions ahead of tonight's primaries.

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McConnell takes on MAGA over Ukraine aid

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is determined to stamp out an isolationist, pro-Trump wing of his party that has pushed back on $40 billion in aid to Ukraine — and U.S. support more broadly. Andrew Desiderio reports.

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Kamala Harris wants to get out of D.C.

Fri, 20 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Vice President has cast more tie-breaking votes than all but two predecessors. It’s starting to frustrate some staff. Eugene Daniels reports.

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How Fetterman could shake up cannabis policy on Capitol Hill

Thu, 19 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Legalizing weed isn’t the top priority for most voters, but Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman — who clinched the Dem nom for Senate — is betting that it could help draw people to the polls. Natalie Fertig reports.

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Ghana finally has enough Covid shots. But many still won't take it

Wed, 18 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

When friends and family got sick last year, people across Ghana scrambled to get shots. But there weren’t enough. Now, many say they don’t want the jab. Local volunteers are struggling to change their minds. Erin Banco reports.

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Is this the end for Madison Cawthorn?

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Today, primary voters in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District will decide whether their representative has become more trouble than he's worth. Once a rising conservative star, Cawthorn is now mired in controversy, facing the very real possibility his electoral career might end as quickly as it began. Michael Kruse reports.

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The millions of tons of grain stuck in Ukraine

Mon, 16 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A growing number of U.S. lawmakers are pressing the Biden administration to establish a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea, to help transport millions of tons of grain from Ukraine to the world food supply. But doing so is complicated — and could provoke retaliation from Russia. Meredith Lee reports.

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Biden pilots new rural resources program

Fri, 13 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden and Democrats have pushed through billions of dollars in new funding for rural development. But now comes the hard part — working through a federal bureaucracy that makes it almost impossible for local leaders in the smallest, poorest areas to figure out how to get the money. Ximena Bustillo reports on a new system that hopes to solve the problem.

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Post Roe, what's next for birth control?

Thu, 12 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Blue-state governors and lawmakers from California to New York are vowing to turn their states into sanctuaries for people seeking abortions. Plus, the years-long push for over-the-counter birth control is ramping up inside the FDA in the wake of a potential Supreme Court decision rolling back abortion rights. Lauren Gardner reports.

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Bitcoin's drop renews risk concerns

Wed, 11 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The debate over Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies took on a new dimension last month when Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest asset managers, announced that it would soon allow participants in its 401(k) plans to invest some of their retirement savings in Bitcoin. Last Wednesday, that led Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Tina Smith, D-Minn., to send Fidelity a letter challenging the decision. Ben Schreckinger reports.

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'RINO' versus 'political prostitute' in West Virginia

Tue, 10 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A bitter GOP primary in West Virginia has turned into one of the most hard-fought Republican primaries of the midterms, testing everything from Trump’s influence and the potency of ideological purity to small government to whether a GOP congressman can sell his primary voters on the merits of a bipartisan compromise in a hyper-polarized climate. Ally Mutnick reports.

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Leaked Ukraine intelligence complicate US involvement

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Last week, speculation spread that the U.S. provided intelligence to Ukraine that helped target Russian generals and Russia’s Moskva warship. Alex Ward explains why these leaks created such a firestorm.

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Lifting the curtain on SCOTUS with a POLITICO reporter who broke the Roe story

Fri, 06 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: This week on Playbook Deep Dive, POLITICO’s Peter Canellos talks with our own Josh Gerstein, who broke this week’s massive news that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority has drafted an opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. Peter and Josh nerd out on everything from the history of the court, to potential implications of the draft opinion — both for the country and the judiciary itself.

Peter Canellos is POLITICO's managing editor for enterprise.
Josh Gerstein is POLITICO's senior legal affairs reporter.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Brook Hayes is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Adam Allington is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is executive producer for POLITICO audio.

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The push to modernize clinical trials

Thu, 05 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Clinical trials have long been plagued by inefficiency, lack of diversity and the inability to leverage data. The pandemic increased the need to modernize trials, which pushed many trials to lean on technology to conduct trials remotely. Ben Leonard explains why money is pouring into the space and why many clinical trials are still stuck in the previous century.

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How repealing Roe would rewind Michigan abortion law to 1931

Wed, 04 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

According to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito circulated inside the court and obtained by POLITICO, the Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, kicking abortion policy to the states. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a lawsuit last month challenging her state’s 1931 law banning abortion, which would go into effect when Roe is struck down. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

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Why the U.S. is worried about the Solomon Islands

Tue, 03 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Biden administration is scrambling to counter China’s new security pact with the Solomon Islands and a possible military base in the South Pacific nation. Phelim Kine reports.

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FDA warned about infant formula plant months before deaths

Mon, 02 May 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Months before two infants died and another was hospitalized from bacterial infections, a whistleblower alerted senior FDA officials to what he said were "lax practices, including regulatory violations" at an Abbott Nutrition infant formula plant last October. But it was still months before the FDA investigated and formula was recalled. Helena Bottemiller-Evich reports.

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Beltway, stars want an invite: How Tammy throws brunch

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is back for the first time since 2019. Journalists, A-list celebrities and Washington’s power players will pack the cavernous ballroom at the Washington Hilton. That means brunch is back too. On this week’s episode, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza gets a tour from Tammy Haddad at the site of her annual garden brunch, one of the most sought after invites of the weekend. Plus, insights from comedian and WHCD alum Elayne Boosler and Ed Solomon of Anthony's Tuxedos in Georgetown.

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FDA poised to ban menthol cigs

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The FDA may propose a rule banning menthol cigarettes as early as today, a decision 10 years in the making. Katherine Foley reports.

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Elon Musk’s collision course with D.C.

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The world’s richest man has a lot of experience getting his way in Washington. But doing it as Twitter's owner may be different. Rebecca Kern reports.

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Why you should care about the spectrum fight

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Federal regulators are just beginning to tackle a technical flaw that threatens to hold back the United States’ next giant leap in communications: Many of our radios suck. John Hendel reports.

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'Modern day slavery' for some farmworkers in Georgia

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

An alleged human trafficking ring in Georgia highlights many of the loopholes found in the H-2A agricultural visa program, renewing calls for an overhaul. Ximena Bustillo reports.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: 'You only win if you fight': Will Gallego unseat Sinema?

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 10:30:00 -0000

This week Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza is in Arizona to dig into a few big plotlines ahead of this year’s elections. Trump narrowly lost the state in 2020, Senator Mark Kelly – the Democratic incumbent – is one of the most vulnerable senators up for reelection this year and strategists are already looking at the 2024 Senate election to see who will run against Kyrsten Sinema. On this week’s Playbook Deep Dive Episode, Ryan joins Rep. Ruben Gallego for a long dinner and a few drinks. They discuss Gallego’s fraught history with Sinema, a potential campaign against her in 2024, the political environment in Arizona ahead of midterms and his deployment in the Iraq war.

Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Rep. Ruben Gallego is the congressman for Arizona's 7th district.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Brook Hayes is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is executive producer for POLITICO audio.

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Biden admin to roll back another Trump-era health rule

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

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No one in D.C. wants to talk to the Russian ambassador

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Russia’s ambassador to the United States can’t get meetings with senior officials at the White House or the State Department. He can’t convince U.S. lawmakers to see him, and it's rare to find an American think tanker who’s willing to admit to having any contact with the envoy. Senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi discusses her conversation with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. and D.C.'s loneliest man, Anatoly Antonov.

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POLITICO’s midterm election forecast

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

We're six and a half months out from the the midterms, and to keep track of the almost 500 seats up for grabs, POLITICO has launched an election forecaster. Steve Shepard, the man behind the tracker, breaks down his 2022 election predictions and which races to keep an eye on.

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House Dems’ super PAC sparks Latino backlash in Oregon

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A newly drawn House district offered the prospect of electing Oregon’s first Latina to Congress. Then a top super PAC unexpectedly swooped in. Sabrina Rodriguez reports.

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The changing demographics of the 'Chocolate City'

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Gentrification has dramatically transformed Washington, D.C. — as a result, the city now has a smaller Black population. That decline mirrors a nationwide trend, nine of the 10 cities with the largest Black populations have also seen decreases in Black residents. Delece Smith-Barrow reports on the latest installment of The Recast’s Next Great Migration series: Washington, D.C.

Read the full piece here.

Read other Next Great Migration work at politico.com/greatmigration

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Why does insulin cost so much?

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Insulin is what economists would call a super inelastic product — no matter what the cost is, people will pay for it because it's a life-saving medication. Two bills currently in Congress hope to drive down costs. Katherine Foley reports.

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Why your burger is so expensive

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

American consumers are seeing food prices rise at the fastest rate since 1981. Supply chain snarls, labor shortages and climate challenges — plus the conflict in Ukraine — share the blame. Steven Overly reports.

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Oligarchs can still stash money in real estate — for now

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

As political pressure grows to crack down on Russian oligarchs, U.S. policymakers are taking a deeper look at an industry that has long avoided anti-money-laundering rules: real estate. POLITICO's Katy O'Donnell discusses the push in Congress to close foreign money loopholes.

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The FDA's food failure

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A POLITICO investigation based on more than 50 interviews finds the FDA is failing to meet American consumers' expectations on food safety and nutrition. POLITICO's Helena Bottemiller Evich reports on the agency's structural flaws and the risks posed to Americans.

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The untold story of Afghanistan's female elite soldiers

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Trained by the U.S. Army, a group of trailblazing Afghan women became a formidable military force during the war in Afghanistan. They now live scattered around the U.S., stuck in immigration limbo. Amanda Ripley reports.

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Tribes left behind by America's weed laws

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Federal protections for state and territorial cannabis markets don't apply to Native American tribes. Natalie Fertig reports.

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5 key takeaways from U.N. climate report

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

On Monday, the U.N. offered a familiarly stark report card on the world’s progress on cutting emissions from the IPCC, which has been monitoring climate change since 1988. Despite the panel's regular reports about the consequences of burning fossil fuels, between 1990 and 2019 global emissions rose 54 percent and they are still rising. POLITICO's Karl Mathiesen reports.

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Amazon's telehealth gold rush

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Amazon has been pushing into health care for years, starting with wearable health devices and pharmacy services. But the nationwide expansion of its “Amazon Care” service is its biggest move in the rapidly growing telehealth industry, which could grow to a $20 billion sector over the next five years. Emily Birnbaum reports.

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NYC mayor Eric Adams takes on the 'gotcha' press

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

In a copy of a Zoom recording provided to POLITICO, New York City Mayor Eric Adams instructed administration staff that every single communication from a city agency, down to notices about cherry blossoms in bloom, must be approved by City Hall — warning that anyone violating his “discipline of message” would be fired. Julia Marsh reports.

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Biden turned the Russian ruble into rubble. How’d it bounce back?

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A raft of punishing sanctions sent Russia’s currency crashing after its invasion of Ukraine. A month later, the ruble has staged a dramatic recovery — putting pressure on the Biden administration and allies to deploy even tougher measures. But officials say the ruble's recovery is not necessarily a sign of improvement in the Russian economy or Putin’s position. Kate Davidson reports.

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Why haven't more hospitals used N95s?

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

POLITICO reporter Rachael Levy broke the story that some hospitals have been asking patients to remove their N95 masks — even though they offer better protection. Rachael’s reporting changed a national policy in a matter of days — but the question remains why policymakers in the US are behind on mask guidance. Rachael Levy reports.

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How a lawsuit spurred Florida GOP to pass ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Florida’s fight over contentious LGBTQ legislation — the "Parental Rights in Education Bill," dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents — had its genesis nearly two years ago, not in the halls of the state Legislature but in a September conversation between a Tallahassee mother and her 13-year-old teen. Gary Fineout reports.

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Biden's wealth tax on the uber rich

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

On Monday, President Joe Biden released his administration’s new budget proposal. It includes increases in domestic investments and a big boost in military funding. To pay for it, Biden proposed increasing taxes on corporations and the rich — including a new minimum tax on Americans with incomes of $100 million or more. Brian Faler reports.

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How to prepare for cyberattacks

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Biden administration has issued ominous warnings about looming Russian cyberattacks. The energy and finance industries are of particular focus, but one of the President's top cyber aides said last week that "We should consider every sector vulnerable." Maggie Miller reports.

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How Russia will impact the future of trade

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Days after a 424-8 vote to revoke normal trade relations with Russia, the bill's path through the Senate is complicated. Senate Republicans are demanding the legislation be paired with a separate House-passed measure banning Russian oil imports, and Rand Paul has voiced opposition to expanding the Magnitsky Act. Gavin Bade reports.

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Chip lobby gets warm welcome, but no money

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

A microchip lobbying blitz is happening on Capitol Hill today, and D.C. has pledged to pour billions of dollars into coaxing chip manufacturers back to the U.S. The problem? The money's held up in Congress. Brendan Bordelon reports.

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Hackers come for your health data

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. had their sensitive health data breached in 2021, a threefold increase in three years, according to a POLITICO analysis of the latest HHS data. Ben Leonard reports.

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The global food crisis will only get worse

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Russia and Ukraine combined provide about 30 percent of the world’s supply of wheat and Ukraine alone provides about 15 percent of the world's corn. Russia's invasion into Ukraine is setting off a global food crisis that might be unprecedented. Meredith Lee reports.

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Will Biden (really) cancel student debt?

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Ahead of the midterms, Democrats fret that Biden’s inaction on student debt could burn him with younger voters. Michael Stratford reports.

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The state battle to criminalize trans care

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The furor surrounding transgender youth has been playing out in Texas, but it's not the only state proposing criminalizing gender-affirming care despite opposition from medical experts. Republican lawmakers and conservative groups are increasingly using transition-related medical care as a wedge issue heading into the midterms. Juan Perez reports.

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The Covid funding blame game

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The White House asked for $22.5 billion for covid response funds. Last week, Congress put together a bipartisan $15 billion plan. But so far, exactly zero dollars have actually been agreed upon. And even as the administration warns it may need to cancel new orders of Covid-19 drugs as soon as next week and wind down access to testing soon after that, there appears to be no clear strategy from either the White House or Capitol Hill to secure the funds. Adam Cancryn reports.

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How Liz Cheney wins re-election

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Liz Cheney faces a primary with Trump-endorsed candidate Harriet Hageman. Wyoming political strategists say the only viable path to victory for Liz Cheney is with the help of Democrats and Independents who register as Republicans to vote in the primary. Tara Palmeri reports.

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A firefighter shortage

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

The Forest Service has long struggled with staffing shortages, but the challenges have intensified amid a hyper-competitive labor market and cost-of-living concerns. Ximena Bustillo reports.

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Biden's strategy: help Ukraine without provoking Russia

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:30:00 -0000

Over the weekend, Russia intensified its airstrikes on western Ukraine, hitting targets just miles from the Polish border. Pentagon and NATO officials reiterated on Sunday that they do not intend to directly confront Russian forces within Ukraine. But they are sending military supplies, and Russia has warned that it regards those convoys as legitimate targets. Alex Ward reports.

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Russia sanctions put crypto under the spotlight

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

As more banks and payment systems cut off service to Russians, digital asset firms are navigating the same reputational minefields as traditional financial institutions. Sam Sutton reports.

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One vax patient's rare journey

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

An adverse allergic reaction to a covid vaccine is rare, but just how rare remains to be seen. On Wednesday, the National Institutes of Health announced a new study to try to understand the number of people experiencing moderate allergic reaction to mRNA vaccines, and why. Joanne Kenen — who had an allergic reaction to her first Pfizer dose — reports.

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China’s Russia problem

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The Chinese government has made clear it will remain a strategic ally of Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. But the West wants China's help in cutting off Russia. Phelim Kine reports.

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Will Biden ban oil from Russia?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The White House is considering a ban on Russian oil imports — even as U.S. gas prices soar and Biden takes hits on inflation. Meanwhile, CERAWeek, the nation's most important oil and gas industry conference, convenes in Houston. Ben Lefebvre reports.

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Poland and the U.S. weigh fighter jet deal

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Last week, when Poland considered sending warplanes to aid Ukraine, Warsaw asked the White House to guarantee it would replace the outgoing planes with U.S.-made fighter jets. On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the two countries were in talks. Paul McLeary reports.

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Jan. 6 committee alleges "criminal conspiracy"

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

As the January 6 Committee prepares for its first public hearing — likely next month — some of their evidence is starting to come into shape. In a major release of its findings, filed in federal court late Wednesday, the committee suggested that its evidence supported findings that Trump himself violated multiple laws by attempting to prevent Congress from certifying his defeat. Nicholas Wu reports.

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Biden admin announces new Covid plan. Will it work?

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The White House has been reluctant to declare the end of the pandemic — especially after optimism last summer was made moot by the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants. But administration officials have pointed to vaccine and test availability — and hope that revised CDC guidance and a new 96-page plan from the Biden administration will ease political pressure and a path out of the pandemic.

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New York City's voter experiment

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

A national movement to give voting rights to legal noncitizens has found its way to New York City. Pending court battles, it will soon give 800,000 people the chance to shape local elections. Erin Durkin reports.

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What will the sanctions on Russia really do?

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Sanctions on banking, tech, weapons and more were rolled out against Russia over the weekend — arguably historic in size and scope. But the big question remains, will they have an effect on Putin's war against Ukraine? Nahal Toosi reports.

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What you should know about Ketanji Brown Jackson

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden selected D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to succeed retiring Justice Stephen Breyer on Friday, making history by nominating a Black woman for the nation’s highest court. Josh Gertstein reports on what you need to know about the judge and her looming confirmation battle.

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Biden’s red lines in Ukraine

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Sanctions are a long-term solution to a short-term problem. They’re the lever that the United States and allies have chosen to use to punish Russia for its brazen invasion of Ukraine. But Biden made clear that any sanctions policy that hurts Americans, such as oil and gas sanctions, would be off-the-table, for now. Alex Ward reports.

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The FDA's 4-month recall gap

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The FDA first received reports of a foodborne illness suspected to be linked to infant formula back in September 2021. Last week, it issued a sweeping recall of three major brands after four babies were hospitalized and one died. Helena Bottemiller Evich reports.

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350.org faces next challenge: itself

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

It was the group that brought down the Keystone XL pipeline — a once-upstart environmental advocacy group that changed the face of America’s climate activism. But 350.org, founded by legendary activist Bill McKibben, now faces a budget crunch, equity fights and union strife. Zack Colman reports.

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Putin escalates crisis

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

In a televised address on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine as independent, amounting to a dramatic escalation of a crisis that Western leaders have warned is a pretext for a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alex Ward reports.

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Josh Mandel and the crowded Ohio primary

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

In a Ohio Senate GOP primary that holds five candidates, Josh Mandel has broken through as an early front-runner with brazen tweets and campaign trail provocations. But what makes him stand out is the length of his political arc: he's ubiquitous in Ohio politics and has been working on becoming a Senator for the past two decades — before turning 45. Michael Kruse reports.

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A $30 billion price tag for continued Covid funding

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told congressional appropriators in charge of supplemental pandemic funding that at least $30 billion is needed to keep Covid-19 response work going, arguing that while the Biden administration may have enough vaccines and therapeutics to ride out the Omicron surge, it doesn’t currently have enough money to respond to another variant. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

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On the front lines in Ukraine

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Journalist Kenneth Rosen visited front lines across the Donbas region to witness Putin’s digital war with Ukraine, and questions whether the West is prepared for cyberattacks and the future of warfare.

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The court battles over mail-in voting

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

A pair of looming state court cases in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin could significantly curtail mail voting ahead of the midterms — one of Republicans’ major goals since former President Donald Trump went to war against the practice in 2020. Zach Montellaro reports.

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Biden's stalled climate agenda

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Joe Biden entered the White House last year with the most ambitious climate agenda in history, but he's struggling to logmajor wins and setbacks keep mounting. Josh Siegel reports.

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Capitol Hill's instagram revolution

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

An anonymously run Instagram account known as “Dear White Staffers” has exploded in popularity, spilling tea and dragging longstanding workplace issues on the Hill into the light. It has also accelerated congressional staffers’ talk of unionizing. The problem? Well, it's complicated. Katherine Tully-McManus reports.

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The next big health crisis?

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

When the pandemic began, Congress barred states from kicking people off Medicaid in exchange for additional federal funding, Enrollment surged nearly 20 percent over the next 16 months to 76.7 million, an all-time high. But state audits that will be triggered when the health crisis is declared "over" could lead to as many as 15 million people, including 6 million children, losing their health insurance. Megan Messerly reports.

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Inside the resignation of Eric Lander

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

An internal White House investigation recently concluded that President Joe Biden’s top science adviser, Eric Lander, bullied and demeaned his subordinates and violated the White House’s workplace policy. On Monday, Lander resigned. Reporter Alex Thompson — who had the original scoop — shares the story.

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Trucker protests take over Canada’s capital

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

With trucks and protesters occupying streets around Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, Ottawa's mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency. The “Freedom Convoy” — a collection of semis and other large trucks — began as a rallying point for Canadians opposed to vaccine mandates. But it has snowballed into an increasingly organized fight against Covid-19 public health measures and Trudeau himself. Andy Blatchford reports.

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Tensions mount, and mount, and mount

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Russia now has an estimated 70% of the forces it needs for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in place, according to Biden administration officials. A group of bipartisan Senators continue to work on a sanctions bill, and Europe and the U.S. are on alert. Alex Ward reports.

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The uncomfortable Winter Olympics

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

China's human rights abuses — leading to diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing 2022 Games by the US, UK, Australia and more — have put athletes in a difficult spot. Phelim Kine reports

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A shot for the youngest kids is in sight

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

On Tuesday, Pfizer and BioNTech announced they’re seeking authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for the first two doses of a planned three-dose Covid-19 vaccine regimen for children under 5 — the last age bracket remaining witout a Covid-19 vaccine. The agency said that it would convene its independent panel of vaccine experts on Feb. 15 to consider the data. While many welcomed the new development, some pediatricians raised concerns that the companies were moving too quickly. Lauren Gardner reports.

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The hot economy is about to be put on ice

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden delivered a massive economic stimulus that sparked historic job growth — but is also a factor in why inflation is the highest it's been since the 80s. Now, he’s counting on the Federal Reserve to come to the rescue as inflation eats up people’s paychecks and feeds anxiety about the future. Victoria Guida reports.

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The Jan. 6 panel is at an inflection point

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Investigators for the Jan. 6 select committee have won a string of victories in court, obtaining testimony and records from Trump World. Now, they're preparing for their next battle, making those findings tangible — and understandable — to the public. Kyle Cheney reports.

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The short list to replace Breyer

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Last week, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, setting off a flurry of anticipation about who his successor would be and how the confirmation process would play out. Josh Gerstein reports.

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The battle to save Waikiki

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Climate change is eroding Hawaii’s most popular attraction. But, even in a deep-blue state, no one can agree on how to save it. Melanie Warner reports.

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Monoclonal antibodies and the midterms

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Republicans are accusing the Biden administration of racism — against white people. The FDA recommended that race and ethnicity be considered when deciding who gets the limited supply of monoclonal antibody treatments — including the only antibody treatment to effectively work against the Omicron variant. But, it's now become the latest political talking point for Republicans, looking to energize their base ahead of the midterm elections. Megan Messerly reports.

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Vax wars head to California

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

For the third time in 10 years, California is in the middle of the national vaccine wars. On Monday, State Sen. Richard Pan unveiled legislation to eliminate the personal belief exemption for the impending Covid-19 vaccine mandate for K-12 students in California.California Playbook co-author Jeremy B. White reports.

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The standoff over Ukraine

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Two weeks ago, the first round of diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia took place. Last week, another round of diplomatic talks took place. And now, Russia has mobilized about 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine. Alex Ward reports on the U.S.'s strategy to contain Russian aggression and possible outcomes.

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What's next for Dems in Congress

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

After failures to advance two high profile bills — the Build Back Better spending plan and voting rights — Democrats return to the drawing board. Anthony Adragna reports.

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Breaking up big meat

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Four big companies dominate the meat processing market — but the Biden administration has considered breaking them up for a long time. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has been on a multi-state tour talking about new cash programs from the Biden administration and strengthening local meat supply chains — but it could take billions of dollars and years of building up for smaller producers to reach a scale that would threaten the larger companies. Ximena Bustillo reports.

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CovidTests.gov is live — but is it ready?

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

After more than a month of surging case numbers due to the Omicron variant, the Biden administration is responding with more testing and masking. On Wednesday, it launched covidtests.gov, a website that allows users to request four free at-home covid test and this week also unveiled a plan to distribute hundreds of millions of free N-95 masks through pharmacies and community sites. Adam Cancryn reports.

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Airlines face their next challenge: 5G

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

5G, more like 5 o-m-g! Amid concerns that AT&T's and Verizon's 5G rollout could cause thousands of flight cancellations and disruptions, the wireless companies agreed to heed the warnings of the aviation industry and scale back their rollout. How'd this get to be such a mess in the first place? Oriana Pawlyk reports.

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Voting rights legislation: deterred or dead?

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Last week, voting rights legislation hit a brick wall when Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) announced they would not support changing Senate rules to get around a potential filibuster. Today, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer still plans to allow debate on voting rights — despite its almost certain failure. Playbook’s Eugene Daniels looks at what's next for the Biden administration.

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Oregon's black market for cannabis

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

There’s a saying that Southern Oregon has more trees than people, but recently, the area has been overrun by international cartels and gun-toting outlaw farmers. What’s happening there represents one of the paradoxes of the legalized marijuana movement: states with large legal markets are also dealing with rampant illegal production. Natalie Fertig reports.

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The CDC's messaging problem that won't go away

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

As we round into the third year of Covid-19 and a surging wave of cases, Democrats and Republicans alike raised sharp questions and complaints on the state of the pandemic response in the most recent oversight hearing in Congress. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

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What happened in Chicago schools

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

On Monday night, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Union reached a deal to bring students back to the classroom after a five-day standoff. But even after coming to an agreement, the relationship between the union and Mayor remains strained. Illinois Playbook author Shia Kapos explains how it unfolded and what this says about the future of schools in the Covid-19 era.

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What happens when your doctor has Covid?

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Hospitals and long-term care facilities are so short-staffed, many are relying on new CDC guidance to bring asymptomatic doctors and nurses back to work — even as the U.S. is poised to break a record 142,000 covid-19 hospitalizations. Reporter Rachael Levy on the no-win situation that hospitals now face.

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New year, same problems

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The Senate is back in session this week — covid numbers are rising and Joe Manchin has voiced his opposition to President Biden's social spending plan. So where do Senate Democrats go from here? Marianne LeVine on where things stand in Congress right now.

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Can solar power the future of manufacturing?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The best example of the Biden administration's industrial policy goals might be at Hanwha Q Cells, a solar panel factory in Georgia which employs 700 people and manufactures more than 10,000 solar panels a day. Trade reporter Gavin Bade reports with a dispatch from Hanwha.

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The CDC’s rough week

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

This week, the CDC doubled down on its Dec. 29 guidance that asymptomatic Covid-19 patients can leave isolation after five days without a negative test. Erin Banco reports on the policy and politics behind that decision.

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Schools ride (another) Covid-19 wave

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The message from Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is that schools should do what they can to remain open for in-person learning. But with Omicron cases surging among students and school staff, plus a possible teacher shortage, how will schools adjust? Juan Perez reports.

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Amazon and Google face off against Congress

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

The latest product launch from Google and Amazon? Being the underdog against Congress. Emily Birnbaum on the surprising ways Amazon and Google are mobilizing to counter regulatory efforts.

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New Jan. 6 polls show partisan rift

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 10:30:00 -0000

Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection. As that date approaches, a slew of new polls out highlight the splintering effect the attack has with voters — and on Donald Trump's influence on the Republican party. David Siders reports.

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Presenting Weedcast: The Mormon playbook for medical marijuana

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

On an episode of Weedcast from June 17, POLITICO's Natalie Fertig breaks down how the Mormon church was able to help get medical marijuana green lit in deeply red Utah.

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Rebroadcast: Lessons from Las Vegas’ reopening

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

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.

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Presenting POLITICO Energy: What’s the Civilian Climate Corps?

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In the middle of the Great Depression, President Roosevelt founded the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group responsible for hiring hundreds of thousands of white men to develop trails and build infrastructure that is still standing today. Now, Democrats want to create a similar, but more divers, group to build a new Corps to help the economy recover from the pandemic and fight climate change at once. POLITICO’s Anthony Adragna has the details on the plan for a Civilian Climate Corps.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: “Meet DC’s “Lobbyist Hunter”

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

“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. 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.

Ryan Lizza is a co-author of POLITICO Playbook.
Hailey Fuchs is a reporter at POLITICO covering money & influence in D.C.
Ivan Adler is 'The Lobbyist Hunter' and an executive recruiter.
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read Hailey's full story: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/15/lobbyist-hunter-ivan-adler-516069

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Rebroadcast: Your ulti-mutt guide to pets in the White House

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

On today's special episode of Dogs-patch — er, Dispatch: a brief history of presidential pets at 1600 Pennsylvania, featuring the Kennedy's dog Pushinka (who might have helped avert nuclear war), Teddy Roosevelt's badger (really more questions than answers here) and Nixon's dog Checkers (who sadly passed before he could rescue his owner from Watergate). Andrew Hager, the historian-in-residence at the Presidential Pet Museum, provides biting commentary on the furry residents of the White House.

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What grade would you give the year in education?

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

"It's been brutal." POLITICO's Juan Perez on the biggest issues schools have faced in 2021 and the fights that are yet to come.

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And the award goes to…

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Consider this your politics-year-in-review, high school superlatives style. Ryan Lizza breaks it down.

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Italy's succession dilemma

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

At least 65% of Italians agree on one thing: Prime Minister Mario Draghi is doing a good job. So good a job he's a good candidate for president — in addition to Prime Minister. The problem? Those jobs are mutually exclusive. Hannah Roberts reports.

Hannah Roberts is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Getting to know Biden FDA pick Robert Califf

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Robert Califf sailed through his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, despite some opposition from Democrats ranging from Bernie Sanders to Joe Manchin. A confirmation vote in January would give the agency a permanent political leader for the first time during the Biden presidency. Adam Cancryn reports.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The 36 Governor elections happening next year

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In the land of beignets and Jazz, the Democratic Governors Association had its winter meeting to discuss reversing nationwide trends at the polls after losses last month in Virginia and New Jersey. If next year’s races are going to be any different, Democratic governors say the party needs to do a better job of hearing voters’ concerns about a frustratingly persistent pandemic. Zach Montellaro reports.

Zach Montellaro is a reporter covering state politics for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Georgia on the (political) mind

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

After a wave of blue wins in 2020 in Georgia, the GOP-led state legislature is taking steps toward dismantling the Atlanta-area engine that turned Georgia blue. Maya King reports.

Maya King is a national politics reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The tea leaves on Friday's SCOTUS ruling

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

The Supreme Court’s S.B. 8 ruling on Friday was mixed. It allows for some cases brought by opponents of the restrictive law to proceed — but closed major avenues for legal challenges, including one that has been sought by the Biden administration. Josh Gerstein reports.

Josh Gerstein is a senior legal affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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What the diplomatic boycott says about US-China relations

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

While athletes prepare to travel to Beijing this February for the Winter Olympics, Canada, Australia and the U.K. joined the United States this week in announcing diplomatic boycotts of the Chinese Olympic games. Phelim Kine reports.

Phelim Kine is a DC-based China correspondent for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Congress looks at prescription drug prices (for real this time)

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

President Biden on Monday nudged members of his party in Congress push through his signature Build Back Better plan, which includes health provisions to change prescription drug pricing. Democrats’ ability to meaningfully impact drug prices, however, depends heavily on Congress passing the party’s $1.7 trillion social spending bill in the coming weeks. Alice Miranda Ollstein reports.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The new memo shaking up Capitol Hill

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In a 36-page memo to the Jan. 6 committee, Col. Earl Matthews slams the Pentagon's inspector general for what he calls an error-ridden report. Plus, Marc Short, former chief of staff to Mike Pence, is cooperating with the Capitol riot committee. Meridith McGraw reports.

Meridith McGraw is a national political correspondent for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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How the pandemic ends

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

What will it take to declare victory over Covid? POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle reports.

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The future of the Democratic South

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In North Carolina, the race for the Senate reveals the party’s internal conflict over race and the best strategy to win a crucial seat. POLITICO's Michael Kruse reports.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: The Biden family's secrets

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

After seven Senate terms and three runs for president, Joe Biden has mastered his folksy image. But behind "the Delaware way" are secrets in Joe's family tree and son Hunter's foreign deals. National political correspondent Ben Schreckinger tells Playbook's Ryan Lizza about what he uncovered while investigating his book, “The Bidens: Inside The First Family’s Fifty-Year Rise to Power.”

Ryan Lizza is a co-author of POLITICO Playbook.
Ben Schreckinger is a national political correspondent for POLITICO and the author of "The Bidens: Inside The First Family’s Fifty-Year Rise to Power."
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read an excerpt of Ben's book in Politico Magazine here: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/09/14/how-joe-biden-became-irish-511637

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How Operation Warp Speed left the world waiting for a vaccine

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

U.S. officials bet on Novavax to provide a shot that could easily be shipped overseas. But its manufacturing problems have left global distributors without enough shots for poor and middle-income countries. POLITICO's Erin Banco reports.

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Presenting Global Insider: Belarus’ opposition leader on fighting the Lukashenko regime from exile

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was a former teacher and self-described housewife catapulted to run for president of Belarus when her candidate husband was arrested in 2020. Even in exile after the disputed election, she’s the biggest threat against strongman Alexander Lukashenko’s hold over Belarus. She has captivated Belarusians with her campaign for democracy and been nominated for the Nobel Prize. POLITICO’s Ryan Heath asks Tsikhanouskaya about how she plans to corral the international community for tighter sanctions and about how she’s working with informants within the Lukashenko regime to bring it down.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is an opposition leader, fighting to bring Democracy to Belarus.
Ryan Heath is the host of the "Global Insider" podcast and authors the newsletter.
Olivia Reingold produces “Global Insider.”
Irene Noguchi edits “Global Insider” and is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

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The edge of legalization, part two: Ripe for corruption

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states have unintentionally created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism. POLITICO's Mona Zhang reports. This episode is the second in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.

This episode originally aired in May 2021.

Mona Zhang is POLITICO's states cannabis policy reporter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The edge of legalization, part one: Border weed

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Welcome to Ontario, Oregon, home of the tater tot — and now, a massive marijuana market for customers crossing the Idaho border. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how the tiny town border town of 11,000 people became one of America's cannabis capitals — and what it means for other towns as weed legalization spreads. This episode is the first in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.

This episode originally aired in May 2021.

Natalie Fertig is POLITICO's federal cannabis policy reporter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: Kiss your swing districts goodbye

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Gerrymandering: Depending on where you stand, it’s either the cause of, or solution to, many of America’s political problems. Here’s what that fight looks like — from the outside looking in, and from the inside looking out. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza dives into the subject with GOP strategist (and former gerrymanderer) Jeff Timmer, Common Cause North Carolina executive director Bob Phillips and Politico’s Ally Mutnick.

Jeff Timmer is a senior advisor for the Lincoln Project.
Bob Phillips is the executive director of Common Cause North Carolina.
Ally Mutnick covers House campaigns and redistricting for POLITICO.
Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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A dreadful December of deadlines

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Funding the federal government. Preventing a default on the national debt. Voting on Build Back Better. Congress has a lot to do in one month. POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu reports. Plus, the Biden administration asks a court to lift an order halting its vaccine-or-test mandate for private employers. And a bipartisan group of senators asks for cannabis banking provisions in the defense spending bill.

Nicholas Wu is a Congress reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Covid’s comeback

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Covid cases are once again rising, and holidays are just around the corner. POLITICO’s Dan Goldberg reports. Plus, the White House says about 95 percent of federal workers have complied with their vaccine mandate. And a congressional committee investigating the Trump administration’s Covid response wants to question former FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn.

Dan Goldberg is a deputy health editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The decision Biden can’t make

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden has been wrestling for weeks with whether to reappoint the current chair of the Federal Reserve or pick someone new. But he just can’t seem to pull the trigger. POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire reports. Plus, White House adviser Brian Deese says he’s optimistic the Senate will pass President Biden's social spending legislation. And Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says federal vaccine mandates will not impact holiday travel.

Jonathan Lemire is POLITICO's White House Bureau Chief.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden has a major economic decision to make and he can’t seem to pull the trigger

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: Cat and Mouse

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It’s one of the most demanding jobs in Washington journalism: tracking down a lawmaker who’s in the news but doesn’t necessarily want to talk. For the Congress press corps, scoring that story-making quote might mean standing on a marble staircase for hours — if the senator or representative decides to talk at all. Playbook co-author Rachael Bade takes us inside the Capitol Hill media “scrum” — as reporters like CNN’s Manu Raju reveal their tricks of the trade… and former Senator Jeff Flake discloses all the times he pretended to talk on his phone while walking past reporters.

Rachael Bade is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeff Flake is former Republican Senator from Arizona and current Ambassador-designate to Turkey.
Manu Raju is CNN's chief congressional correspondent.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Special thanks to Nicholas Wu, Kyle Cheney, Oriana Pawlyk, Nolan McCaskill, Juliegrace Brufke, Paul Kane who were also featured reporters in this episode.

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You get a booster! You get a booster!

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Federal officials are preparing to expand access to extra shots. And some states are already moving ahead. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, Republicans overtake Democrats in voter registration in Florida. And the Pentagon rushes to combat rising housing and food costs for troops.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Why gas prices are up

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Republicans are pinning the price at the pump on Biden. But as POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre reports, it’s a bit more complicated. Plus, Pfizer asks the FDA for emergency use authorization of its Covid pill. And the Senate confirms a key USDA climate official.

Ben Lefebvre is an energy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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From BIF to BIL

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

The bipartisan infrastructure framework is now the bipartisan infrastructure law. POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder breaks down what the new funding will and won’t do. Plus, the CBO plans to score Biden’s social spending bill by Friday. And Florida moves forward with a rule banning school mask mandates and quarantine requirements.

Tanya Snyder is a transportation reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The fallout from COP26

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Nearly 200 countries are endorsing a new agreement to lower emissions. But a last-minute push by China and India weakened the deal and could hurt poorer nations. POLITICO's Lorraine Woellert reports. Plus, Treasury Secretary Yellen says Covid will determine when inflation eases. And Rep. Schiff says he thinks Steve Bannon’s indictment will lead others to comply with the Jan. 6 panel.

Lorraine Woellert manages POLITICO's sustainability coverage.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Sign up for POLITICO's 2021 Sustainability Summit

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: The strategists who made the “Youngkin Republican”

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

For the first time in 12 years, a Republican won the governorship in Virginia. And it wasn’t just any victory — to claim the seat, Glenn Youngkin had to beat Terry McAuliffe, former governor and Democratic royalty. In this special presentation of Playbook Deep Dive, Ryan Lizza digs into the narrow win with Youngkin campaign strategists Jeff Roe and Kristin Davison, and the mistakes they think McAuliffe’s campaign made. Plus, senior politics editor Charlie Mahtesian on the significant places Youngkin gained the most votes.

Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Charlie Mahtesian is senior politics editor for POLITICO.
Kristin Davison was a campaign strategist for Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin.
Jeff Roe was a campaign strategist for Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Vaccine mandates? Meet reality.

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

From legal challenges to murky data on vaccination rates, federal mandates are facing turbulence. POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki reports. Plus, a virtual summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is tentatively set for Nov. 15. And New Jersey’s most powerful state lawmaker concedes his reelection loss to a little-known Republican.

Natasha Korecki is a White House Correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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A conversation with whistleblower Frances Haugen

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

“The platform is out of control, and they haven’t invested in safety.” Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen sits down with POLITICO’s Mark Scott to talk about what it was like blowing the whistle on the tech giant. Plus, a government watchdog says 13 Trump officials violated the Hatch Act during the 2020 campaign. And the CBO says a score for Dems’ social spending bill could take weeks.

Mark Scott is POLITICO's Chief Technology Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to POLITICO's EU Confidential podcast to hear the full interview with Frances Haugen.

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Soooo.. this is an economic recovery?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Jobs numbers are great, and the economy is strengthening. But there’s also inflation. And supply chain problems. Oh, and a worker shortage. So what does all that add up to? POLITICO’s Megan Cassella reports. Plus, the Jan. 6 committee subpoenas several Trump allies. And the U.S. targets ransomware hackers with arrests, sanctions and payment seizures.

Megan Cassella is an economic policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘Back into gear’: Solid jobs report boosts Biden’s case for recovery

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Democrats in … array?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:30:00 -0000

They did it. The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed, and Dems’ massive spending plan is one step closer to reality. POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu reports. Plus, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says President Biden might tap into U.S. oil reserves amid rising prices. And Surgeon General Vivek Murthy defends the White House’s vaccine mandate.

Nicholas Wu is a Congress reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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What happened in New Jersey?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Democratic Governor Phil Murphy just barely won reelection, and a relatively unknown truck driver ousted the second most powerful lawmaker in the state. POLITICO New Jersey's Sam Sutton reports. Plus, Eric Adams plans to convert his first paychecks as mayor into Bitcoin. And the U.S. and the U.K. lead a pledge to end overseas oil and gas financing, but with big caveats.

Sam Sutton is a reporter for POLITICO New Jersey.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Murphy reelected New Jersey governor by razor-thin margin
This truck driver just defeated New Jersey’s most powerful lawmaker

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Get vaccinated or go home

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Some of the largest school districts in California are requiring kids to get vaccinated if they want to come in the classroom. POLITICO’s Mackenzie Mays reports. Plus, the Fed plans to start pulling the plug on its massive economic aid. And the DOJ seeks its toughest Jan. 6 sentence yet.

Mackenzie Mays is an education reporter for POLITICO California.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: California schools: Get Covid shots or go back to distance learning

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Why Virginia shouldn’t surprise you

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Scott Bland is a politics editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Youngkin wins, flipping Virginia red

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Virginia votes

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Steve Shepard is POLITICO’s senior campaign and elections editor and chief polling analyst.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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How the U.S. fell short on addressing obesity and Covid

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Helena Bottemiller Evich is a is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: The U.S.-China COP26 cliffhanger

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COP26 Preview: A test for the US and China

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Phelim Kine is POLITICO's China Correspondent and author of the China Watch newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: The U.S.-China COP26 cliffhanger

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: Meet D.C.'s 'Lobbyist Hunter'

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

“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.

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Could angry parents decide Virginia?

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Michael Stratford is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Youngkin tries to harness Virginia parent anger in possible '22 GOP preview

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Facebook fights back

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Emily Birnbaum is a tech lobbying and influence reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The chopping block

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Anthony Adragna is a Congress reporter and author of Congress Minutes.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in Congress Minutes.

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Inside New York’s mayoral debate

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sally Goldenberg is the City Hall bureau chief for POLITICO New York.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Eric Adams is nearly mayor of New York. But first he has to beat this guy.

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An unofficial guide to boosters

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Lauren Gardner is an FDA reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Sign up for the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Could Dems lose it all in Virginia?

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Liz Crampton is a state policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more reporting from The Fifty.

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Bitcoin's big week

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Kellie Mejdrich is a financial services reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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WTH is happening in Congress?

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Elana Schor is POLITICO's Congress editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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A Christmas crisis?

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Steven Overly cover global trade for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: White House scrambles to address looming Christmas crisis

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What to expect when the vax mandate drops

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Rebecca Rainey is a labor reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Where Biden’s vaccine mandate will hit and miss

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‘Hunger Games’-meets-musical chairs in West Virginia

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Ally Mutnick is a campaigns reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: 3 members, 2 seats: West Virginia Republicans gird for redistricting showdown

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The ‘tip of the iceberg’ for Facebook

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Alexandra LeVine is a tech reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Presenting Tradeoffs: Can Democrats Reconcile Their Health Policy Differences?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

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An international struggle for power

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Alex Ward is a national security reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the National Security Daily newsletter.

Take part in our 2021 podcast survey.

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What to know about at-home testing

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

David Lim is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Sign up for the Prescription Pulse and POLITICO Pulse newsletters.

Tune into POLITICO's 2021 Defense Forum.

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The most important elections you're not thinking about

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Zach Montellaro covers voting rights and state politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The biggest week yet for the Jan. 6 probe

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Kyle Cheney is a legal affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Jan. 6 investigation accelerates as it turns toward Trump

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How trauma and Trump mobilized AAPI voters

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Rishika Dugyala is a digital strategy editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trauma and Trump make Asian American voters a more cohesive bloc, new poll reveals

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The ghost of Cuomo remains in Albany

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Anna Gronewold co-authors POLITICO's New York Playbook.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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A crucial moment in the pandemic

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Erin Banco is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The knives are out for Lina Khan

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Leah Nylen is an antitrust report for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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A 'problematic' alliance with India

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Nahal Toosi is a senior foreign affairs correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden needs India to counter China, but it comes with a cost

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Two senators on their fight against military sexual assault

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Rachael Bade is a co-author of POLITICO Playbook.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Women Rule: Ending Sexual Assault in the Military

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Presenting Global Insider: Colombian President Iván Duque on protests, vaccines & Bezos

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 12:35:36 -0000

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

Subscribe to Global Insider

Ryan Heath is the author of Global Insider, POLITICO’s global newsletter and podcast, and previously authored POLITICO’s U.N. Playbook, Brussels Playbook, and Davos Playbook. Ryan moderated the first presidential debate of the 2019 EU election, as part of a five-year stint in the POLITICO’s European leadership team. He appears on CNN, NBC and BBC and is the author of two books on politics. Prior to POLITICO, Ryan wrote for the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia, and worked for the European Commission in Brussels as a presidential speechwriter and later as the Commission’s spokesperson for digital issues.

Olivia Reingold is the producer of Global Insider.

Irene Noguchi is the Executive Producer of POLITICO Audio and edits Global Insider.

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FDA cracks down on vaping

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Katherine Foley covers the FDA and tobacco products for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Vape makers struggle to stay in business after FDA bans flavored e-cigs

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Where is Xavier Becerra?

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Read more: Becerra takes a back seat while others steer Covid response

Women Rule: Ending Sexual Assault in the Military

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Ds and Rs agree: We hate Biden’s migration policy

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sabrina Rodriguez is a national political correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: It’s not just Republicans. Everyone’s mad at Biden over migration.

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The unlikely story of Germany’s election

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Matt Karnitschnig is POLITICO's Chief Europe Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: SPD in pole position as German campaign enters final week

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Battle of the boosters

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Lauren Gardner is an FDA reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Confusion over Biden's booster plan riles governors

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Inside the global race to dominate tech

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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).

Ryan Heath is the host of POLITICO's Global Insider podcast.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Ron DeSantis’ flirtation with anti-vaxxers

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Gary Fineout is a reporter for POLITICO Florida.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: DeSantis flirts with the anti-vaccine crowd

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A kick in the Fed

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump shattered tradition on Fed chair. Some Dems want Biden to do the same.

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Lessons from Las Vegas’ reopening

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Megan Cassella is an economic policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Vaccine Mandates Crash Into America’s ‘Don’t Tell Me What To Do’ State

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Newsom’s judgment day

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Kevin Yamamura is POLITICO's California editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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‘It was a mistake’: The 9/11 response reconsidered

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

After 20 years to think it over, many of the architects of the post-9/11 world would have done some things differently. POLITICO’s Daniel Lippman explains what he learned from conversations with the officials behind America’s response, including former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and former Deputy Director of the CIA John McLaughlin. Plus, the DOJ sues Texas over its restrictive abortion law. And the FDA says more than 5 million electronic cigarettes must be taken off the market.

Daniel Lippman covers the White House and Washington for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Covid, hunger and a surprising statistic

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

As Covid destroyed the economy, the percentage of American households facing food insecurity remained stagnant — likely due to unprecedented government spending. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich explains how pandemic programs could provide a path for ending hunger in the U.S. Plus, a Florida judge blocks DeSantis’ attempt to halt a mask mandate ruling. And Obama stars in Newsom ads ahead of the California recall election.

Helena Bottemiller Evich is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more from POLITICO's Recovery Lab series.

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: These Republicans are going...big government?

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

For today's episode of POLITICO Dispatch, we're featuring the most recent episode of Playbook Deep Dive. Check it out — and subscribe below!

There's an intra-party fight on the right — and it's not (all) about Trump! For decades, conservatives have called for the government to take a hands-off approach to the economy. But now, a group of self-styled “common good capitalists” — like Sen. Marco Rubio — want to change that. And, they’re gaining power. It’s a divide not only over what policy approach is best, but what the most effective political strategy is for the GOP in the 21st century. Playbook co-author Tara Palmeri talks with an influential voice in this new economic counterculture — Oren Cass, head of American Compass and Mitt Romney's former campaign advisor, as well as Eliana Johnson, POLITICO Magazine contributor and editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon, about this policy divide and where the 2024 GOP hopefuls land on this spectrum.

Subscribe to Playbook Deep Dive: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playbook-deep-dive/id1111319839

Tara Palmeri is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Eliana Johnson is a contributing editor for POLITICO Magazine and editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon.
Oren Cass is Mitt Romney's former campaign advisor and executive director of American Compass.
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Rebroadcast: A genocide recognized

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

For more than a century the U.S. has not formally recognized the killing of more than a million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI as genocide. This year, that changed. POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian explains what it means for Armenian Americans. Plus, the U.S. pledges aid to India amid a Covid surge. And a group of Senators Biden to push for Medicare expansion.

This episode originally aired on April 26, 2021.

Charlie Mahtesian is the senior politics editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Why Biden’s Armenian Genocide Declaration Really Is a Big Deal
'Of course it’s genocide': How Biden fulfilled a promise to Armenians that Obama wouldn’t

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Your ulti-mutt guide to pets in the White House

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Annie Rees is an audio producer at POLITICO.
Andrew Hager is the historian-in-residence at the Presidential Pet Museum.
Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Presenting POLITICO Energy: Humanity’s code red

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The UN’s top climate panel has released a milestone report on the status of climate change, and according to scientists, it’s very unlikely the world will meet the most ambitious target of limiting global climate change rising 1.5 degrees Celsius. But POLITICO’s Zack Colman says things could still get much worse if bold action isn’t taken.

This episode originally aired on POLITICO Energy on August 10, 2021.

Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO.
Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy.
Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio.
Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Billionaires are in space. Is Washington ready?

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson have kicked off what's on track to be a commercial space boom in the coming years. POLITICO's Bryan Bender reports on how prepared Washington is to regulate it all.

Bryan Bender is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Space newsletter.

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How much is your immunity waning?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

We know that the effectiveness of vaccines appears to be dipping. But we don't know how much yet — or when it will become a big problem. POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle reports. Plus, a group of progressive lawmakers call for Biden to Dump Jerome Powell as Fed chair. And the US is dropped from the EU's safe travel list.

Sarah Owermohle is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Boston's big choice

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Boston has an historically diverse field of mayoral candidates. But voters are having a hard time figuring out who to support. POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky reports. Plus, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he expects the Taliban won’t seal off Afghanistan after Aug. 31. And Dr. Fauci says the Biden administration is "sticking with" its booster shot recommendations.

Lisa Kashinsky authors POLITICO's Massachusetts Playbook newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Breakthrough mayor’s race creates tough choice for Boston

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‘The ultimate test of Trudeau’s Teflon’

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held onto power despite a series of scandals. But a flash election is putting his popularity to the test. POLITICO Canada’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey reports.Plus, Biden vows retaliation after 12 U.S. troops were killed in ISIS attacks in Kabul. And the USDA projects record agricultural exports over the next year.

Nick Taylor-Vaisey is a reporter for POLITICO Canada.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Ottawa Playbook newsletter.

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A shortage of health workers

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Hospitalizations are up. But some areas don’t have enough health workers to handle the influx of patients. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein reports. Plus, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces 12,000 deaths will be added to the state's Covid tally. And Pfizer and BioNTech ask the FDA to approve their booster shot.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Health worker crunch pressures state battling Delta variant

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The gun issue we don’t talk about

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives hasn’t had a permanent director since 2015. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar breaks down why the post has become virtually unfillable amid fierce debate over gun laws. Plus, the House advances Democrats’ $3.5T budget. And new CDC studies point to waning immunity from vaccines.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Inside Greece’s ‘unprecedented’ wildfires

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Greece is reeling from a brutal heat wave and devastating wildfires that couldn’t have come at a worse moment. POLITICO Europe’s Nektaria Stamouli reports. Plus, Biden presses businesses to mandate vaccines. And the Capitol Police has cleared the officer who fatally shot someone during the Jan. 6 insurrection of wrongdoing.

Nektaria Stamouli covers Greece for POLITICO Europe.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Greeks fret as crises mount: Will this time be different?

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A growing college gap

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Colleges are reopening their gates this fall. But experts worry the most vulnerable students are still turning their back to higher education. POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan reports. Plus, polls show Biden’s approval slipping to new lows. And Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says states can’t block federal funds for districts that mandate masks.

Bianca Quilantan is an education reporter for POLITICO and author of the Weekly Education newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: College advisers scramble to catch the most vulnerable students

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What to know about boosters

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The Biden administration says we need them. The WHO says we should wait for the rest of the world. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn breaks down everything you need to know about vaccine boosters. Plus, the FTC files a new antitrust suit against Facebook. And the Biden administration plans to cancel the federal student loans of Americans who have severe disabilities.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO and co-author of POLITICO Pulse.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Troubling CDC vaccine data convinced Biden team to back booster shots
The U.S. plans to offer booster shots next month. Some health experts are wary.

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Investigation: America’s Covid-reporting breakdown

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Crashing computers, three-week delays tracking infections, lab results delivered by snail mail. Health officials couldn’t keep up with Covid’s spread. Americans paid the price. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, Israeli PM Naftali Bennett will visit the White House later this month. And the Treasury moves to prevent the Taliban from receiving IMF aid.

Erin Banco is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside America’s Covid-reporting breakdown

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Haiti’s time of torment

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Haiti was already on the brink of political collapse following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Then a catastrophic earthquake hit. POLITICO’s John Yearwood reports. Plus, the nation’s top election officials are calling for more stringent guidelines for post-election audits. And Twitter tests a new feature allowing users to report misinformation directly to the company.

John Yearwood is a global news editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: U.S. sends aid to Haiti after quake but much more needed

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'The worst moment' of Biden’s presidency

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Biden campaigned on his foreign policy expertise. But the crisis in Afghanistan is destroying that image. POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki reports. Plus, American newspapers call on the White House to evacuate journalists from Kabul. And the Biden administration makes a record increase to food stamp benefits.

Natasha Korecki is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: 'I stand squarely behind my decision': Biden holds firm on Afghanistan drawdown

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How Kabul fell to the Taliban

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Alex Ward is a national security reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Read more:
Taliban seize power amid chaos in Kabul
‘I Believed in the U.S. But That Turned Out to Be Such a Big Mistake’

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Turbulence ahead for infrastructure

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Caitlin Emma is a budget and appropriations reporter for POLITICO
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Senate adopts budget that paves way for $3.5T spending plan

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Why more kids are getting Covid

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Dan Goldberg is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Children's hospitals are swamped with Covid patients — and it may only get worse

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How Greg Abbott has kept his grip on Texas

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Renuka Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Why Cuomo isn’t resigning

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Anna Gronewold co-authors POLITICO's New York Playbook newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to New York Playbook.

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When climate change is a workplace hazard

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Ariel Wittenberg covers public health for E&E News.
Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO.
Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer.
Raghu Manavalan is an editor for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Why DeSantis won’t back down

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

David Kihara is a senior editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Vaccines, variants and boosters: Your questions answered

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sarah Owermohle is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: FDA targets early September for approving Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine

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What to know about the new eviction ban

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Katy O'Donnell covers housing for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more:
CDC announces new eviction ban, despite Supreme Court threat
Cori Bush steers progressives to win on eviction crisis
State, local aid bottlenecks leave renters exposed

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How a pro-Trump platform became an extremist haven

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Mark Scott is POLITICO's Chief Technology Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Jihadists flood pro-Trump social network with propaganda

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All eyes on Ohio

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Scott Bland is the politics editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The dark history of America's Native boarding schools

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Déjà mask

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Erin Banco covers the CDC for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

CDC map of Covid transmission by county

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Could Newsom really get kicked out of office?

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Jeremy B. White co-writes the California Playbook for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Poll: Newsom 'in jeopardy' of being recalled if Democrats remain apathetic

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Is the Fed fueling a financial bubble?

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Fed weighs curbing cash machine as critics warn of housing, stock bubble

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So where's the bipartisan infrastructure bill?

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Kate Irby is POLITICO's deputy Congress editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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The countdown to debt doomsday

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Jennifer Scholtes is a budget and appropriations reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Democrats slam McConnell over debt limit timebomb

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How to get Americans back to work

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Katherine Landergan is POLITICO's New Jersey bureau chief.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Welcome to Recovery Lab: Work
Policy Hackathon: How to get more Americans back to work
The future of work has arrived, and it’s messy

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What to expect from the Jan. 6 committee

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Olivia Beavers is a Congress reporter for POLITICO,
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: McCarthy makes his 5 GOP picks for Jan. 6 select committee

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Biden's Taliban problem

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Alex Ward is a national security reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the National Security Daily newsletter.

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'Vax That Thang Up'

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Eugene Daniels is a White House reporter and Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden’s Covid vaccine campaign is sputtering. Juvenile thinks he can help.

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When you can’t escape the heat

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Ximena Bustillo is an agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How to pull off the Olympics in a pandemic

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Ryan Heath authors the Global Translations newsletter and hosts the Global Translations podcast.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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For Cuba, 'this moment is different'

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sabrina Rodriguez is an immigration correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘The White House is finally paying attention’: Cuba’s protests force Biden’s hand

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Can Congress free Britney?

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Marianne LeVine covers the Senate for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘This is freaking ridiculous’: Britney Spears inspires lawmakers to tackle toxic conservatorships

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$12,000 to move to West Virginia? It's complicated.

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

With disappearing jobs and a fleeing population, West Virginia is trying to entice white-collar workers to move in from out of state. But the plan isn't sitting right with some residents. POLITICO's Mackenzie Mays reports. Plus, Americans are almost evenly divided on vaccine requirements. And Democrats want a 41 percent increase in education funding.

Mackenzie Mays is a reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: West Virginia is Trading Trump for Tech Workers

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The Senate is pretty old. That could change.

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

This Senate is the oldest in American history. But a surge of Millennial candidates could change that after the 2022 midterms. POLITICO’s James Arkin reports. Plus, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra says his vaccine comments are being taken “wildly out of context.” And Harris announces a $25 million expansion of the DNC’s voting campaign.

James Arkin is a campaigns reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: The geriatric Senate confronts a youth movement

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Guns, vaccines and barbershops

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

As vaccination rates slow, the White House is turning to a hyper-local strategy. But so far it’s not taking off in communities where people are more concerned about gun violence than the pandemic. POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki reports from a barbershop in Chicago. Plus, the remaining metal fencing around the Capitol is coming down. And 36 states and D.C. sue Google.

Natasha Korecki is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden’s Covid vaccine push crashes into reality

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Playbook Deep Dive: The drama-filled race for 'America's mayor'

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Eric Adams has narrowly won the New York City mayoral primary. In this special episode of Playbook Deep Dive, New York’s Sally Goldenberg and Playbook co-author Tara Palmeri unpack the wild ride leading up to Election Day.

Tara Palmeri is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Sally Goldenberg is City Hall bureau chief at POLITICO New York.
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Special thanks to producer Olivia Reingold.

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The legal battle over banning transgender athletes

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

A slate of transgender athlete restrictions taking hold in conservative states has snowballed into the highest-profile LGBTQ rights battle of the year. POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan reports. Plus, Dr. Fauci laments “avoidable” deaths among the unvaccinated. And Britain plans to lift its Covid restrictions.

Bianca Quilantan is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘This isn't the Olympics’: GOP transgender laws head to court

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Decriminalizing prostitution and the fight against sex trafficking

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

This week, Maine’s governor vetoed a bill partially decriminalizing prostitution in the state. Advocates said it would have been a big win in the fight against sex trafficking, but critics said it could entice more people into the underground trade. POLITICO’s Liz Crampton reports. Plus, the CBO says the federal budget gap will widen to $3 trillion this year. And D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine has subpoenaed Facebook for records related to the platform’s handling of coronavirus misinformation.

Liz Crampton covers state policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Maine governor vetoes bill partially decriminalizing prostitution

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Should you be freaking out about the Delta variant?

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

David Lim is a health care reporter for POLITICO and authors the Prescription Pulse newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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The anatomy of a ransomware attack

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sam Sabin is a cybersecurity reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Weekly Cybersecurity newsletter.

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A Trump-DeSantis collision course

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Matt Dixon is the bureau chief for POLITICO Florida.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: DeSantis ‘very wary’ of upsetting Trump

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Covid’s effect on women in the workforce

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Elizabeth Ralph is deputy editor POLITICO Magazine and editor of Women Rule.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Women Rule newsletter.

Watch: The Women Reopening America

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The surprisingly un-Trumpy Supreme Court

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Josh Gerstein is the senior legal affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more:
‘Alito was just pissed’: Trump’s Supreme Court breaks down along surprising lines
Supreme Court rules in favor of athletes in NCAA compensation case

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Where vaccinations are lagging and why

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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The cases for and against the filibuster

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Rachael Bade is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Playbook newsletter.

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The Democratic shift on Israel

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Andrew Desiderio is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Progressives count their foreign policy wins with Omar flap in rear view

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The end of Big Tech’s glory days

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Leah Nylen covers antitrust for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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How the Mormon Church learned to love medical marijuana

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Natalie Fertig is POLITICO's federal cannabis policy reporter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: How the Mormon church unlocked medical pot for deep red states

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The year that broke America’s mayors

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Lisa Kashinsky is the author of POLITICO's Massachusetts Playbook.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘It was exhaustion, it was sadness, it was fatigue’: America’s mayors call it quits

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The mainstreamification of anti-vaxxers

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Lauren Gardner is an FDA reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: Anti-vax groups rack up victories against Covid-19 push

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Biden, Putin and the ‘airing of grievances’

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Read more: U.S. officials worry about Russia’s growing links to China

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A Biden-Macron bromance? And other takeaways from the G-7 summit

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

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Where Trump, Covid and armed militias collide

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Ximena Bustillo is an agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to the Weekly Agriculture newsletter.

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Bernie: "Are you stoned now?" (Bonus mini episode)

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 23:05:11 -0000

That one time Sen. Bernie Sanders asked POLITICO's cannabis reporter if she was stoned.

Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Listen to POLITICO Dispatch's two-part series "The edge of legalization":

The edge of legalization, part one: Border weed
The edge of legalization, part two: Ripe for corruption

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Hot vax summer, but who's invited?

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Carmen Paun is a global health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Global Pulse newsletter.

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Can Boris and Biden put Brexit behind them?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Esther Webber is the senior U.K. correspondent for POLITICO Europe.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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You’ve been Manchined.

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Zach Montellaro cover voting rights and state politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: What’s in the massive Democratic bill Joe Manchin just tanked

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Why the N.Y.C. mayor’s race is a hot mess

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Erin Durkin is a reporter for POLITICO New York.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the New York Playbook newsletter.

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Will the GOP lose this Texas stronghold?

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Maya King covers race and politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Are to-go margaritas here to stay?

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Dan Goldberg is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Why Covid rules on liquor, pot and telemedicine might last past the pandemic

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Biden’s big bet on a bipartisan infrastructure deal

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Christopher Cadelago a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden clings to the possibility of a bipartisan infrastructure breakthrough

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Can Bitcoin go legit?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Kellie Mejdrich is a financial services reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Wall Street struggles to sell Washington on Bitcoin for the masses

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Why the lab leak theory is unlikely

Fri, 28 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Lauren Morello is a deputy health care editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Dems back growing calls for Congress to probe Covid lab leak theory

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How to make transit more equitable and efficient

Thu, 27 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Tanya Snyder is a transportation reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

This story was reported as part of POLITICO's Recovery Lab series.

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Inside Lukashenko’s ‘state-sponsored hijacking’

Wed, 26 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

David M. Herszenhorn is the Chief Brussels Correspondent for POLITICO Europe.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Aboard the ‘hijacked’ plane to Minsk
Mired in Minsk: EU summit hijacked by Belarus

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Where Prince lived and George Floyd died: One year later

Tue, 25 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Renuka Rayasam writes the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Where Prince lived and George Floyd died, hope, history and heartache

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A legal shield for nursing homes

Mon, 24 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Susannah Luthi is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Nursing homes invoke Trump-era protections to fight lawsuits over Covid deaths

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Microchips are becoming a macro-problem

Fri, 21 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Steven Overly covers global trade, economics and technology for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Will free beer and a chance at $1M save us from Covid?

Thu, 20 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Dan Goldberg is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Another GOP loyalty test

Wed, 19 May 2021 09:21:02 -0000

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.

Melanie Zanona is a Congress reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: McCarthy races to contain GOP defections on Jan. 6 commission

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Inside the GOP strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade

Tue, 18 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health feporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Supreme Court will hear direct challenge to Roe v. Wade

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How to not wear a mask (but also maybe still wear a mask?)

Mon, 17 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Don’t freak out about inflation … yet.

Fri, 14 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Is the U.S. failing in the global Covid fight?

Thu, 13 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Erin Banco is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Why the Big Four meeting will be a Big Disappointment

Wed, 12 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

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.

Sarah Ferris is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on the latest congressional news in POLITICO's Huddle newsletter.

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Why Biden can't escape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Tue, 11 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The Biden administration has de-emphasized the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But tensions in the region are making it hard to ignore. POLITICO's Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, the FDA authorizes Pfizer's vaccine for kids 12 to 15 years old. And California has a staggering $75.7B budget surplus.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Critics urge Biden to step up as violence spreads in Israel

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Why the GOP turned on Cheney

Mon, 10 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Earlier this year, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stood by Rep. Liz Cheney’s side as she faced an unsuccessful attempt to strip her of her leadership position after voting to impeach Trump. Now, months later, McCarthy and his allies say she’s gotta go. What changed? POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers reports. Plus, Biden plans to appoint former union official Thea Lee to a key Labor Department post. And the White House’s Covid response chief has no regrets on the Johnson & Johnson pause.

Olivia Beavers is a Congress reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Huddle newsletter.

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The Black correspondents at the White House

Fri, 07 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

White House reporters have access to the highest seat in the country — and they’re a small group. An even smaller group? Reporters of color. On Dispatch, we're featuring a special episode of Playbook Deep Dive. POLITICO's Eugene Daniels gets honest with fellow Black White House correspondents April Ryan (TheGrio) and Ayesha Rascoe (NPR) about everything from microaggressions to death threats. “Covering the White House from Bill Clinton to now, race touches everything,” says Ryan. “Everything.” Plus, a look at the first Black female White House reporter Alice Dunnigan and her faceoffs with Eisenhower — who refused to take her questions for two years.

Eugene Daniels is a co-author of POLITICO Playbook.
Carol McCabe Booker is a former journalist and attorney who edited Alice Dunnigan's autobiography "Alone atop the Hill."
April Ryan is White House Correspondent at TheGrio.
Ayesha Rascoe is White House Correspondent for NPR and part of the NPR Politics Podcast.
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to "Playbook Deep Dive" wherever you listen. Thanks!

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Your health data is for sale

Thu, 06 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

There’s an app for everything. There’s also data on everyone. POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath breaks down how companies are slyly buying and selling the information we share with health apps — and explains why that data isn’t protected like medical records.

This episode originally aired January 28, 2021.

Mohana Ravindranath is an eHealth reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The next disaster after Covid

Wed, 05 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Catastrophic earthquakes. Solar flares that bring down the entire power grid. The global rise of white supremacy. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff breaks down the other looming threats after the coronavirus pandemic.

This episode originally aired May 8, 2020.

Garrett Graff is a journalist, director of cyber initiatives at The Aspen Institute, and author of multiple books, including The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Experts Knew a Pandemic Was Coming. Here’s What They’re Worried About Next.

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The edge of legalization, part two: Ripe for corruption

Tue, 04 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states have unintentionally created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism. POLITICO's Mona Zhang reports. This episode is the second in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.

Mona Zhang is POLITICO's states cannabis policy reporter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How state marijuana legalization became a boon for corruption

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The edge of legalization, part one: Border weed

Mon, 03 May 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Welcome to Ontario, Oregon, home of the tater tot — and now, a massive marijuana market for customers crossing the Idaho border. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how the tiny town border town of 11,000 people became one of America's cannabis capitals — and what it means for other towns as weed legalization spreads. This episode is the first in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws.

Natalie Fertig is POLITICO's federal cannabis policy reporter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Border weed: How the hometown of tater tots became a cannabis capital

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Not another 'Biden's first 100 days' show

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

We’re sick of it, too. So on today’s show, we’re not looking back at the past couple months of the Biden presidency — we’re looking forward to the next 100 days with POLITICO’s Anita Kumar. Plus, cruise lines could start operating again as soon as mid-July. And de Blasio wants a “full reopening” for New York City on July 1.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The unlikely vaccines that could play a huge role

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

It might feel like Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are the center of the vaccine world, but there’s a lot more out there. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down everything you need to know about different vaccines in use globally. Plus, Biden is expected to invite lawmakers to the White House next week to discuss his big spending packages. And the Feds raid Rudy Giuliani’s home.

Sarah Owermohle is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Miami’s Republican mayor on the future of his party

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Florida politics are complicated. So is the future of the GOP. POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez talks with Miami’s Republican mayor Francis Suarez about where Florida fits into that future — and the possibility of stepping onto the national stage in 2024. Plus, there will be no designated survivor for Biden’s joint address tonight. And the Capitol rioter who posed inside Pelosi’s office is released from D.C. jail.

Sabrina Rodriguez is an immigration correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: The Trump-rejecting Florida Republican who has a plan to fix the GOP

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Three freshman lawmakers on their first year in Congress

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

It’s the most diverse freshman class in the history of Congress. It’s also a group of lawmakers whose time in Washington has been marked by insurrection and hyper-polarization. POLITICO’s Eugene Daniels walks through conversations he had with three representatives from across the aisle: Byron Donalds, Nikema Williams and Ritchie Torres. Plus, the process of redrawing America’s political maps has begun. And the Justice Department launches a probe over Breonna Taylor's death.

Eugene Daniels is a White House reporter and Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: They're coming in hot: The best quotes from our interviews with Congress' most diverse freshman class

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A genocide recognized

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

For more than a century the U.S. has not formally recognized the killing of more than a million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during WWI as genocide. Over the weekend, that changed. POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian explains what it means for Armenian Americans. Plus, the U.S. pledges aid to India amid a Covid surge. And a group of Senators Biden to push for Medicare expansion.

Charlie Mahtesian is the senior politics editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Why Biden’s Armenian Genocide Declaration Really Is a Big Deal
'Of course it’s genocide': How Biden fulfilled a promise to Armenians that Obama wouldn’t

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Presenting Playbook Deep Dive: The senators at the center of the 50-50 split

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

“If we miss this opportunity, God help us.” Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski. Two moderate senators smack in the middle — and on either side — of a split 50-50 Senate. On the first episode of Playbook Deep Dive, a new POLITICO podcast, the two friends open up in a rare interview with POLITICO’s Burgess Everett. They get personal: about reconciliation, frustration over the Senate’s hurdles — even why Murkowski hogs the best fishing holes. And Manchin reveals a major endorsement, heard first on this show.

Rachael Bade is a co-author of POLITICO Playbook.
Burgess Everett is co-congressional bureau chief at POLITICO.
Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to Playbook Deep Dive.

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A senator’s quest to avoid ‘failure’ on gun control

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The NRA is decimated and the GOP is out of power. For Sen. Chris Murphy, it’s an opportunity to do what’s been undoable for the past two decades. But as POLITICO’s Nicholas Wu reports, partisan gridlock might be unavoidable when it comes to gun legislation. Plus, Senate Democrats reject Republicans’ counterproposal to Biden’s infrastructure package. And 200 million Americans now have received vaccinations.

Nicholas Wu covers Congress for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What’s next after the Chauvin verdict

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Guilty on all three counts. But is it justice? POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down why activists say yesterday’s verdict is only the beginning. Plus, GOP senators float a $600-800 billion infrastructure counteroffer. And the U.S. considers more weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Brakkton Booker is a national correspondent and author of The Recast newsletter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Chauvin is guilty. Now comes the hard road ahead.
Is the Chauvin Verdict an Outlier — or a Sign of Transformation?
Celebration is laced with warnings after Derek Chauvin conviction

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Inside Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

For nearly two decades, U.S. presidents have followed the advice of top military leaders and kept troops in Afghanistan. But last week President Biden ovverode the brass and announced a complete withdrawal. POLITICO’s Lara Seligman gives the inside story of how Biden’s team "sidelined’’ the Pentagon. Plus, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cracks down on debt collectors evicting tenants. And Yellen’s pick for the Treasury’s climate czar sparks backlash on the left.

Lara Seligman is a Pentagon reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How Biden’s team overrode the brass on Afghanistan
Pentagon expects Afghanistan withdrawal orders 'ASAP' as fears of Taliban attacks grow

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How to get back a school year lost to the pandemic

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Kids aren’t just months behind in their classes, they’ve also been cut off from a key support system during the pandemic. POLITICO’s Delece Smith-Barrow — who sat down with a group of education leaders from across the nation to talk about bold, new ideas for post-pandemic schooling — breaks down how we can get schoolkids back on track. Plus, half of U.S. adults have now received a Covid shot. And Biden’s national security adviser warns “there will be consequences” for Russia if Navalny dies. This episode was produced as part of Recovery Lab, a new project from POLITICO on how to recover from the pandemic.

Delece Smith-Barrow is POLITICO's education editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How to get schoolkids back on track
Online school. Poor technology. Declining enrollments.
Covid-19 changed education in America — permanently

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Why Democrats are split on John Fetterman

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

With tattoos and the looks of a WWE body double, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman isn’t your average politician. He says that will help win over working class Trump voters in his bid to flip an open Senate seat in 2022, but he’s facing resistance from fellow Democrats who think the party should pick the most progressive candidate possible — not another white man with Rust Belt appeal. POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein reports on how the race has become an inflection point in the party. Plus, Speaker Pelosi says she won’t bring progressive “court packing” legislation to the floor. And House Minority Leader McCarthy meets with scandal-ridden Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Holly Otterbein is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The future of Covid testing

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Sure, vaccines are the talk of the town. But Covid testing will still play a massive role in the return to some semblance of normalcy. POLITICO's David Lim reports on what's next for Covid tests — in schools and at home. Plus, prosecutors will not charge the U.S. Capitol Police officer who fatally shot a rioter on Jan. 6. And the White House Correspondents' Association cancels its 2021 dinner.

David Lim is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to the Prescription Pulse newsletter.

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Everything you need to know about the Johnson & Johnson scare

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle is one of more than 6 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine before regulators pressed the pause button over fears of extremely rare blood clotting events. Owermohle joins Dispatch to break down regulators’ decision to halt the J&J shots — and what it could mean for vaccine hesitancy. Plus, new data shows that 80 percent of student loan borrowers would have their debt completely erased if Biden agrees to a progressive proposal. And HUD moves to restore fair housing rules weakened under Trump.

Sarah Owermohle is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden officials bracing for possibility of weekslong disruption to J&J vaccine supply

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How a fake reporter infiltrated the White House press corps

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Who is “Kacey Montagu”? POLITICO’s Christopher Cadelago tells the wild and weird story of how a fictitious correspondent rose from the depths of internet role playing to the White House briefing room. Plus, Biden plans to nominate Pentagon veteran Christine Wormuth to be the first female Army secretary. And Secretary of State Blinken names Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the department’s newly created chief diversity and inclusion officer.

Christopher Cadelago is a White House reporter for POLITICO (seriously).
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How an online ‘Lego’ gamer infiltrated the White House press corps

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A conversation with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Almost a year ago, the Navajo Nation had the worst Covid infection rate in America. Now, it's vaccinated more of its population than any state. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez talks with Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel about how the nation fought back against the virus. Plus, Secretary of State Blinken says China has been forthright on the virus. And some Republican leaders aren’t pleased with Trump’s fiery Mar-a-Lago speech over the weekend.

Jonathan Nez is the President of the Navajo Nation.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What Biden’s executive orders on guns really do

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

In the aftermath of mass shootings in Georgia and Colorado, President Biden signed several executive orders on Thursday aimed at reducing gun violence. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar digs into what they really do — and why they’re set to face obstacles in the courts and in red states. Plus, Florida sues the Biden administration over cruise restrictions. And senators are set to question two top health nominees next week.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden lays out executive orders to curb ‘international embarrassment’ of gun violence

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How we lost 15 million Covid vaccines

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

15 million doses. Gone. All because a plant accidentally mixed ingredients. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle looks at how such a big mistake happened. Plus, Virginia’s legislature votes to speed up marijuana legalization. And a Cuomo accuser says the New York governor urged her to stay silent.

Sarah Owermohle is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
J&J vaccine-maker’s troubles started months ago
U.S. searches for new AstraZeneca vaccine producer after Emergent mix-up
Senior Trump and Biden officials knew for months about problems at vaccine plant

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Three key moments from the Chauvin trial

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

The nation is on trial. And race is front and center in the courtroom. POLITICO’s Brakkton Booker breaks down three key moments from the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer charged with murdering George Floyd. Plus, the State Department says it isn't considering a joint boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. And California aims to “fully reopen” its economy by June 15.

Brakkton Booker is a national correspondent and author of The Recast newsletter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in The Recast newsletter.

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Big business gets ‘woke’ in Georgia

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

From Coca Cola to the MLB to Delta, big companies are criticizing a Georgia law that advocates say infringes on voting rights. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down what’s in the legislation — and looks at what the corporate backlash could mean for Republican efforts to change voting rules in other states. Plus, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoes a ban on youth transgender care. And former Rep. Katie Hill says Rep. Matt Gaetz should resign if allegations of sexual misconduct prove true.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: McConnell: Big Business acting like 'woke parallel government'

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A one-on-one with Dr. Fauci

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, joins Dispatch to discuss rising Covid cases, vaccine passports, the timeline for returning to normal and — not joking — Lord of the Rings. Plus, the Derek Chauvin trial enters its second week. And Buttigieg defends Biden’s infrastructure plan amid Republican criticism of the price tag.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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All aboard the $2 trillion infrastructure train!

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Expanded rail systems. Funding for crumbling roads and bridges. A new fleet of electric vehicles.. There’s a lot in Biden’s new infrastructure proposal. There’s also a big price tag. POLITICO’s Sam Mintz and Dispatch’s Jeremy Siegel hop aboard the ‘$2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan Express’ for a quick tour of Biden’s goals — and look at whether they have any chance of making it through Congress. Plus, Democrats are poised to reintroduce legislation that aims to reshape college sports. And a group of unions are demanding the Biden administration forgive student loans for public service workers.

Sam Mintz is a transportation reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for POLITICO's Weekly Transportation newsletter.

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Another ‘oh sh*t’ moment in the pandemic

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0000

We’re on the verge of a fourth Covid surge. And that has health officials freaked out about a nightmare scenario where cases outpace vaccinations, more new variants emerge and things … get really bad. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, the Democrat who lost a House race in Iowa last year by only six votes is dropping her challenge to Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. And European regulators say there’s no evidence to support restricting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Erin Banco covers the coronavirus pandemic and the CDC for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden wants to give the nation hope. But a jump in Covid cases is complicating things.

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The Supreme Court gets a case of March Madness

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Right now, college basketball players are competing in a tournament that generates billions of dollars, but they're not the ones raking in cash. Today, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case that could shift the way the NCAA regulates compensation for those athletes. POLITICO’s Juan Perez reports. Plus, Biden signs a bill extending the deadline for small business loans. And Asian American advocates praise some new White House actions to counter rising anti-Asian violence.

Juan Perez Jr. is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A small town in Alabama vs. the richest man on earth

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Workers at an Amazon warehouse in the town of Bessemer have submitted their votes in an election that could shape the fate of Amazon — and the future of the labor movement in the U.S. POLITICO’s Rebecca Rainey gives an on-the-ground look at the facility and its employees during the final days of the union drive. Plus, Biden urges states to pause reopening. And another woman accuses New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment.

Rebecca Rainey is a labor reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: For union battling Amazon, victory could bring a stalemate

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The fight for Black farmers comes to Washington

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

In 1920, Black farmers owned 14 percent of all farms in the U.S. Today, they own just 1.6 percent. POLITICO’s Ximena Bustillo breaks down the century of discrimination that led to that decline — and looks at newly invigorated efforts to undo the damage. Plus, Rep. Judy Chu says she’s concerned the Atlanta shootings suspect won’t be charged with a hate crime. And Sen. Susan Collins avoids censure from her state party.

Ximena Bustillo is a legislative reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Black farmers look to Congress, Biden to dismantle ‘culture of discrimination’

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We waited 65 days for that?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

After more than two months in office, President Biden gave his first press conference on Thursday. Spoiler: It wasn’t that exciting. POLITICO’s Emily Cadei breaks down why the most notable moments came in the questions that Biden didn’t answer — and the questions that the press didn’t ask. Plus, the FEC says members of Congress can use campaign cash to hire bodyguards. And Pelosi urges California Democrats not to run in the Gov. Newsom recall.

Emily Cadei is POLITICO's deputy White House editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden meets the press and the pandemic disappears

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AstraZeneca’s no good very bad week

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

There are PR disasters … and then there’s whatever the heck happened with AstraZeneca this week. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down how and why the drug maker got into a public spat with U.S. health officials over the efficacy of its Covid vaccine. Plus, Biden makes Harris the point person on immigration issues. And Virginia bans the death penalty.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Biden’s do-over on gun reforms

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, President Obama tapped then-Vice President Biden to help push through gun reforms, but they ended up going nowhere in the Senate. Now, in the aftermath of two mass shootings in less than a week, Biden’s hoping to avoid a repeat — and activists are wondering why he isn’t doing more. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar reports. Plus, Biden extends the special enrollment season for Obamacare. And the Government Accountability Office launches an investigation into Biden's freeze on border wall funding.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden wants quick action on gun violence, even as he moves slowly

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48 hours of grief in Atlanta

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

In the aftermath of last week’s mass shooting in Georgia that killed eight people — six of them women of Asian descent — activists, political leaders and the Asian American community are grieving and calling for justice. POLITICO’s Maya King and Catherine Kim report from a rally and a prayer service held in Atlanta over the weekend. Plus, Biden taps a prominent tech industry critic to join the FTC. And the U.S. and some allies announce sanctions on China.

Catherine Kim is a reporter for POLITICO.
Maya King covers race and politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in The Recast newsletter.

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An icy showdown in Alaska

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

U.S. and Chinese officials met in Alaska for their first in-person talks under the Biden administration last week and things ... got pretty testy. POLITICO’s Stuart Lau gives the play-by-play for a meeting he says “was as frosty as the weather suggests.” Plus, lawmakers condemn violence against Asians and Asian Americans. And Republican Julia Letlow wins a special election to replace her late husband in Congress.

Stuart Lau is POLITICO Europe's China correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the China Direct newsletter.

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The reality at the border

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez looks at how and why migration is surging — and explains why we should pay more attention to the stories of asylum seekers. Plus, Sen. Coons considers calling for testimony from Facebook and Twitter’s CEOs. And more New Yorkers want Cuomo gone, just not immediately.

Sabrina Rodriguez is an immigration correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden administration lacks a system for tracking Covid at the southern border
Mayorkas defends Biden administration's handling of border situation
Republicans take Trump's playbook to the border

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The Great European Vaccine Panic

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

More than half of the countries in the EU have paused AstraZeneca vaccinations amid panic that the shot could cause blood clots — despite lack of evidence. POLITICO Europe’s Sarah Wheaton breaks down the three reasons why Europe freaked out. Plus, the White House defends a controversial measure in the Democratic Covid package. And the IRS pushes back Tax Day.

Sarah Wheaton is POLITICO Europe's chief policy correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Politics threaten to cloud EU countries’ pause of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine
More countries pause Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against EU regulator’s advice

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The California recall just got real

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

2020 sucked for all of us. But it was really bad for California Gov. Gavin Newsom. POLITICO’s Kevin Yamamura reports on an effort to get him kicked out of office that could go to voters this year. Plus, Biden will hold his first news conference later this month. And intelligence officials say Russia tried to interfere in the November election.

Kevin Yamamura is POLITICO's California editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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‘A swing and a miss’: How the U.S. let Google dominate

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

New documents obtained by POLITICO shed light on the FTC’s decision not to file an antitrust suit against Google in 2013, allowing the company to grow into the giant that it is today. Leah Nylen reports on how regulators appear to have misread the evidence in front of their eyes. Plus, Rep. Deb Haaland becomes first-ever Native American in a presidential Cabinet. And the FAA plans to extend its unruly passengers policy.

Leah Nylen covers antitrust for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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‘Just targeted randomly and killed’

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:30:00 -0000

An 84-year-old man body-slammed in a driveway. A 27-year-old Air Force veteran jumped and called racial slurs in LA's Chinatown. POLITICO’s Irene Noguchi reports on the rise in anti-Asian attacks. Plus, Dr. Fauci warns that pulling back safety measures could delay Biden’s goal for a semi-normal Fourth of July. And Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defends Biden’s stimulus package.

Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read about how race and identity are shaping politics, policy and power in The Recast newsletter.

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An 'atmosphere of awkwardness': Biden's Ukraine problem

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

From Trump's first impeachment trial to campaign trail attacks against Biden, Ukraine has been at the center of partisan warfare for years. That's making things a bit awkward for Biden as he navigates his foreign policy with the country. POLITICO's Natasha Bertrand reports. Plus, Biden orders states to make vaccines available to all adults by May. And Armed Services leaders call for a 'drawdown' of Capitol Guard troops.

Natasha Bertrand is a White House correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The case for and against vaccine passports

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

China’s doing them. Europe’s considering them. But they could amplify global inequities. POLITICO’s Carmen Paun breaks down the pros and cons of vaccine passports. Plus, Biden plans to sign his $1.9 trillion Covid relief package tomorrow. And McConnell calls enhanced Capitol security measures an ‘overreaction.’

Carmen Paun is a global health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Global Pulse newsletter.

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She holds the fate of New York politics in her hands

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

A year ago, New York Attorney General Letitia "Tish" James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo were allies in a tit-for-tat with then-President Trump. Now, Tish holds Cuomo’s future in her hands as her office oversees an investigation into mounting claims of sexual harassment. POLITICO’s Anna Gronewold reports. Plus, a Trump appointee charged in the Capitol insurrection will remain in jail. And Florida considers banning voting drop boxes.

Anna Gronewold co-authors POLITICO's New York Playbook newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘It’s a Kill Shot’: How Tish James Holds Cuomo’s Future In Her Hands

Subscribe to POLITICO's New York Playbook and New York Playbook PM newsletters.

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Buying a house? Good luck.

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Sure, the pandemic shut down basically everything. But the housing market? It’s kept on chugging along. In fact, prices are soaring. POLITICO’s Katy O’Donnell explains why that could be a big problem. Plus, the Biden administration grants Venezuelans temporary protected status. And the RNC brushes back a 'cease-and-desist' demand from Trump’s attorneys.

Katy O'Donnell covers housing and consumer finance for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The longest vote in Senate history

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It wasn’t easy and it sure wasn’t pretty, but after a marathon session that included the longest vote in Senate history, Democrats finally passed their $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package over the weekend. POLITICO’s Marianne LeVine reports. Plus, New York Gov. Cuomo faces growing calls to step down. And Biden signs an order to promote more voting access.

Marianne LeVine covers the Senate for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Senate approves Biden's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief plan
Schumer leads Dems to messy but major win on Covid aid
Biden rides a Keep It Simple, Stupid strategy to early success

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Three hours and 19 minutes: What went wrong on Jan. 6

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

1:49pm — The chief of the Capitol Police makes an urgent plea for help from the National Guard. 5:08pm — Final approval from the Pentagon comes through. What happened in the hours between? POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney reports. Plus, Alabama’s GOP governor extends the state’s mask mandate. And a new poll says most New Yorkers don’t want Gov. Cuomo to resign.

Kyle Cheney is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Capitol riot probe zeroes in on Pentagon delay in sending troops

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Hello … it’s me. Normal-ish life.

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Three working vaccines. Ramped-up production. Falling hospitalizations. “Normal life” feels within reach … But actually, it’s still gonna be a bit. POLITICO’s Erin Banco reports. Plus, New York Gov. Cuomo says he will not resign amid allegations of sexual harassment. And Facebook lifts its political ad ban.

Erin Banco covers the coronavirus pandemic and the CDC for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: CDC's draft guidelines for vaccinated Americans call for small steps toward normal life

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Infrastructure: The Great White Whale

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Obama tried to do it. So did Trump. But neither could make the elusive infrastructure overhaul happen. Will President Biden finally be able to pass a massive infrastructure package to rebuild the nation’s crumbling roads, bridges and broadband — or will he suffer the same fate as his predecessors? POLITICO’s Tanya Snyder reports. Plus, Biden says there will be enough vaccines for every adult in the US by April. And a federal watchdog calls for mandatory coronavirus workplace safety standards.

Tanya Snyder is a transportation reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The trial of George Floyd's killer

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, killing the man who allegedly used a counterfeit $20. Chauvin will be tried for murder this month. Many officers have been indicted for the deaths of Black people, but not convicted. POLITICO's Nolan McCaskill reports on whether this case will be different, and what long-term impact Floyd's death has had on the movement for police reform.

Nolan McCaskill is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Erica Morrison is a host-producer at POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is a senior producer at POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer at POLITICO Audio.

Subscribe to POLITICO's newsletter The Recast, which looks at how race and identity are shaping politics, policy and power.

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'Make your voice heard': Biden breaks his silence on Amazon's union fight

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000

After weeks of silence on the biggest union fight in the country, President Biden released a video last night urging workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama to vote on organizing. POLITICO's Rebecca Rainey breaks down what the President's statement means for the union push — and for Amazon. Plus, a CDC advisory panel recommends Jonson & Johnson’s vaccine. And Virginia votes to legalize marijuana.

Rebecca Rainey is a labor reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden backs right of Amazon workers to attempt to organize

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Biden’s lose-lose-lose immigration situation

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Progressives say he isn’t going far enough. Moderates in border districts worry he’s going too far. And Republicans see a clear line of attack. When it comes to immigration policy, President Biden can't win. POLITICO’s Sabrina Rodriguez reports. Plus, an FDA panel discusses the safety of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. And Jennifer Granholm is confirmed as Energy Secretary.

Sabrina Rodriguez is an immigration correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
‘Recipe for disaster’: Dem fears mount over immigration overhaul
Biden reverses Trump visa ban on legal immigration
Federal judge deals Biden another blow on 100-day deportation ban

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Let the global vaccine brawl begin

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In the scramble to get the entire world vaccinated, countries like China and Russia are trying to use vaccine sales and donations to lift their standings on the global stage. POLITICO’s Ryan Heath breaks down the tricky world of vaccine diplomacy. Plus, Joe Manchin says he supports Deb Haaland’s nomination to lead the Interior Department. And embattled postmaster general Louis DeJoy tells Congress to “get used to me.”

Ryan Heath authors the Global Translations newsletter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: China winning vaccine diplomacy battle, but will lose the war

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Why Neera Tanden’s nomination fell apart

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Sexism. Double-standards. White male privilege. Those are some of the charges activists and Democrats are lobbing as Neera Tanden’s nomination to the Office of Management and Budget slips away over divisive tweets. POLITICO’s Laura Barrón-López reports on how Tanden's nomination as the first Asian American to lead the OMB fell apart. Plus, four board members of Texas’ power grid operator are resigning amid outrage over last week’s blackouts. And McConnell says he’ll support Merrick Garland’s nomination as Attorney General.

Laura Barrón-López is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘A double standard going on’: Democrats accuse GOP and Manchin of bias on Biden nominations

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Let’s talk about the Capitol’s diversity problem

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

The 117th Congress has a record number of women and people of color. But when it comes to the congressional staff working behind the scenes at the Capitol, diversity is still a huge problem. POLITICO’s Maya King reports. Plus, Xavier Becerra faces his first of two confirmation hearings. And the FDA says vaccine boosters will require less extensive trials.

Maya King covers race and politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: This Congress is the most diverse ever. But Hill staffers remain overwhelmingly white.

Subscribe to The Recast newsletter.

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Welcome to Covid Court

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Are you confused about what you can and can’t do during the pandemic? Have you had a dispute with a family member or a coworker about Covid safety? You’re not alone. Welcome to Covid Court, where POLITICO’s Renu Rayasam issues rulings on how to get through the pandemic without losing your mind. Plus, Merrick Garland gets his second chance. And Boris Johnson says all British adults will get a first vaccine dose by the end of July.

Renuka Rayasam covers the coronavirus pandemic for POLITICO and writes the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in POLITICO Nightly.

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The curse of the third term

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It’s a curse that’s hung over New York politics for the last 50 years: No Governor since Nelson Rockefeller has made it past the third term in office. A few weeks ago, it looked like Andrew Cuomo was on track to break the curse. But now, roiled in a scandal involving Covid deaths at nursing homes, Cuomo’s political future is looking less certain. POLITICO’s Terry Golway reports. Plus, the heads of Facebook, Google and Twitter agree to testify before lawmakers again. And the Biden administration says it won’t share vaccines with poor countries until most Americans are vaccinated.

Terry Golway is the Albany editor for POLITICO New York.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Republican senators push to investigate Cuomo over New York nursing home deaths
New York assemblymember: Cuomo 'berated me,' asked me to lie about alleged cover-up
Cuomo makes frenemies with fellow Democrats amid crisis

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How to get everyone vaccinated

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Right now, the problem is not enough vaccines. But in a few months, when we have a bigger supply, we could be looking at a scenario where there aren’t enough people willing to take the vaccines we have. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down what she learned from conversations with nine state and local health officials about how to avoid that situation. Plus, Biden picks Obama-veteran Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to head the agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid. And a judge orders two of the most notorious Capitol insurrection suspects to remain in jail.

This story is part of POLITICO's Recovery Lab series that looks at the smartest new ideas for combating the pandemic.

Read more:
Policy hackathon: How to fix vaccination
9 states getting it right
How Covid-19 could make Americans healthier

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The President and the Prince

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

He’s not King yet, but Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman is the leader of Saudi Arabia in all but name. He’s also one of the biggest thorns in the side of Biden’s Middle East policy plans. POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi reports. Plus, Trump attacks McConnell in a fiery statement. And NASA looks at whether it might have to delay a trip to the moon.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
To speak or not to speak: Saudi Arabia poses a princely dilemma for Biden
Attack in Iraq highlights Biden's Saudi problem

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Biden made big Covid promises. Can he keep them?

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Biden promised to “follow the science” throughout his campaign. But a month into his presidency, he’s learning the hard way that — from school reopenings to wearing masks — politics and science don’t always mesh. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, Pelosi says an independent commission will investigate the Capitol insurrection. And the WHO grants emergency approval for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden’s follow-the-science mantra on school meets political reality
White House tiptoes around governors relaxing coronavirus rules

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Nikki Haley’s conundrum

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Nikki Haley is no stranger to political tightropes. During her time in the Trump administration, she enjoyed the MAGA glow while avoiding Trump's brash brand of politics. But in the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection, that position is becoming less and less tenable — especially as a leading 2024 presidential contender. POLITICO's Tim Alberta reports. Plus, the White House secures 200 million more vaccine doses. And Biden moves to dismantle Trump’s Medicaid work rules.

Tim Alberta is POLITICO's chief political correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Nikki Haley’s Time for Choosing

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How Europe fell behind on vaccines

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Sure, the vaccine rollout in the U.S. hasn’t been smooth. But … it could be worse. Just look at Europe. POLITICO Europe’s Jillian Deutsch tells the complicated story of how the EU fell behind on vaccines. Plus, the Biden administration asks the Supreme Court to uphold Obamacare. And the South Africa variant is discovered in California.

Jillian Deutsch is a health reporter for POLITICO Europe.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How Europe fell behind on vaccines
Production snags likely to leave EU lagging in vaccinations for months to come

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WTH did Trump tell Putin

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Donald Trump talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone at least a dozen times during his presidency — sometimes for hours — but transcripts were never released. Now, President Biden’s team is trying to piece together whether those conversations could come back to haunt them. POLITICO’s Natasha Bertrand reports. Plus, Biden’s most controversial cabinet nominee faces a second day of hearings. And Trudeau says Canadians returning from the U.S. by land will need to show negative Covid tests.

Natasha Bertrand is a White House correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What the impeachment trial is really about

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It's virtually impossible for Democrats to get the votes they need to convict Donald Trump. So what's the point of this week's trial? Playbook's Rachael Bade says it's more about convincing the American public — not lawmakers — that Trump should never be able to hold office again. Plus, the final race of the 2020 election cycle finally ends. And the Biden administration drops a Trump-era lawsuit over California's net neutrality law.

Rachael Bade is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Playbook newsletter.

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Ohio: The next center of the political universe

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

In Ohio, it’s already 2022. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are jockeying for a shot at the Senate after Republican Sen. Rob Portman’s announcement last month that he won’t seek reelection, giving Democrats an unlikely opening. POLITICO’s James Arkin breaks down why the race will be a bellwether of Rust Belt politics in the post-Trump era. Plus, South Africa suspends its AstraZeneca vaccine plans. And Rep. Liz Cheney still has no plans to resign.

James Arkin is a campaigns reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Democrats seek a reset button in Ohio

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Can McCarthy keep the GOP together?

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

This week is only the beginning. The Republican party is bitterly divided, and the fringe views embodied by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green aren’t going anywhere. POLITICO’s Melanie Zanona reports on how House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is trying to keep it all together. Plus, Johnson & Johnson files for emergency use authorization. And Trump won’t testify at his impeachment trial.

Melanie Zanona is a Congress reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How Kevin McCarthy fought off a party revolt
House strips Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee posts

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The battle over reopening schools

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

The CDC says vaccinations aren't a necessity for safely reopening schools. But many teachers unions aren't backing down. POLITICO's Mackenzie Mays reports on the fight over reopening schools in California — and how it could pose a major problem for President Biden. Plus, Democrats move to strip freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments. And the House adopts a budget resolution to expedite Biden’s $1.9T pandemic plan.

Mackenzie Mays is a POLITICO education reporter based in California.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
One of Biden’s biggest problems in his first 100 days comes from an unlikely place
Newsom: California schools won't reopen 'if we wait for the perfect'

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Biden’s big bet on executive orders

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Go big. Go fast. And, if need be, go without the GOP. That’s been President Biden’s credo while signing a record number of executive actions during his first days in office. POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki looks at the strategy behind the effort — and whether Biden is muffling his own message of bipartisanship and unity. Plus, Defense Secretary Austin roots out Trump appointees at the Pentagon. And Neera Tanden, Biden’s pick for budget director, is slated for a confirmation grilling next week.

Natasha Korecki is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘Let them take you to court’: Biden dares GOP to obstruct him

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Biden’s first international crisis

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to promote democracy and fight authoritarianism across the globe. Now, he’s facing a foreign policy crisis that puts those promises to the test: A military coup in Myanmar. POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi breaks down how the White House plans to respond — and how the situation could escalate tensions with China. Plus, the Senate will vote on confirming two cabinet positions. And Robinhood’s CEO is expected to testify before a House panel on GameStop later this month.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: An inconvenient insurrection tests Biden on China, democracy support

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How to save the coronavirus economy

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:30:00 -0000

President Biden wants $1.9 trillion. Republicans want a lot less. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down what would really save the Covid economy — and why we shouldn’t care too much about the price tag … for now. Plus, Blinken condemns Russia for arresting protestors. And a new CDC rule requiring travelers to wear face masks takes effect later today.

Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden agrees to meeting with GOP senators on Covid relief
Wall Street shrugs at Washington’s debt pileup

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Biden’s plan to be boring

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Every day has a theme. Every day has a briefing. Every day has some executive orders. The first full week of the Biden administration has certainly followed a pattern. POLITICO’s Sam Stein breaks down the strategy behind the blandness — and explains why boring isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Plus, Rep. Jim Jordan won’t run for Senate next year. And Novavax says early data from a U.K. trial shows its vaccine is more than 89 percent effective.

Sam Stein is POLITICO's White House editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside the Biden plan to be boring

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Your health data is for sale

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

There’s an app for everything. There’s also data on everyone. POLITICO’s Mohana Ravindranath breaks down how companies are slyly buying and selling the information we share with health apps — and explains why that data isn’t protected like medical records. Plus, spending on food stamps jumped by nearly 50 percent in 2020. And DHS warns of continued violence by domestic extremists.

Mohana Ravindranath is an eHealth reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

This story was co-reported with POLITICO's Katy Murphy.

Read more in the Future Pulse newsletter.

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The variants and the vaccines

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

We’re in a race against the clock. New variants are popping up around the world, and slowing the spread is essential. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down what sort of progress the U.S. is making in its vaccination efforts — and whether we’ll be able to take on the new strains. Plus, Trump’s conviction is looking unlikely after nearly every GOP Senator voted against holding a trial. And a federal judge blocks President Biden’s 100-day deportation moratorium.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
New virus variants threaten Biden’s pandemic plans
Biden administration to buy 200 million more doses of Covid vaccine
States taking back Covid shots unused by nursing homes

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Biden’s immigration challenge

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

President Biden made some big immigration promises. And he’s already delivered on some of them, signing executive orders to repeal the so-called “Muslim travel ban” and halt construction of the border wall. But the centerpiece of his plan — a bill providing a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants — faces a steep uphill battle in Congress. POLITICO’s Laura Barrón-López reports. Plus, Biden set his sights on 1.5 million vaccines a day. And banks say a technical glitch is preventing small businesses from getting relief.

Laura Barrón-López is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden open to breaking his immigration bill into pieces

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A Republican push to restrict voting

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

If you can’t win, change the rules of the game. That appears to be the rule state Republicans are following across the country in the aftermath of Trump’s loss, as they push for new voting restriction laws. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro reports on how Georgia is leading the effort. Plus, Biden health officials are hopeful vaccine supply problems will ease in March. And the Kremlin criticizes the U.S. for expressing support for Russian protesters.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: State Republicans push new voting restrictions after Trump’s loss

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Where does labor go from here?

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:04:12 -0000

The global economy is still fighting the pandemic and digging itself out of a recession, while jobs and training will surely change going forward. What other actions need to be taken by government, business, education and other institutions to ensure that people have access to the resources necessary for good jobs? Hosts Ryan Heath and Luiza Savage talk with leaders in job training and tech about the big, structural changes that need to happen.

Ryan Heath is the host of "Global Translations".
Luiza Savage is a host of "Global Translations".
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Zoë Baird is the CEO and president of the Markle Foundation.

Constantijn van Oranje is the envoy for Techleap.nl.

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The most important duo in Washington

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Democrats have control of the House, the Senate and the White House. But if they want to get anything done, like a massive Covid bill, they're gonna have to work across the aisle. POLITICO's Alex Thompson reports on how President Biden's decades-long relationship with Mitch McConnell could take center stage. Plus, Senate Democrats file an ethics complaint against Hawley and Cruz over their election challenge. And Sam Cornale is tapped to be DNC executive director.

Alex Thompson is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Enemies, a Love Story: Inside the 36-year Biden and McConnell Relationship

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And the pandemic rages on

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

President Joe Biden is promising a complete reversal of the problems that plagued the Trump administration. But one is sure to stick around: the coronavirus pandemic. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein breaks down the details of Biden’s plan to beat Covid — and looks at whether he’ll be able to get vaccine rollout back on track. Plus, Democrats officially take control of the Senate. And stocks hit record highs.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden pledges, once more, to lead America away from dystopia
Biden team fears rocky transition may have revealed only ‘tip of the iceberg’

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A new President. A new Washington.

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Streets are deserted. Stores are boarded up. Troops line the perimeter of the Capitol. This is the backdrop of President-elect Biden’s inauguration — and as POLITICO Playbook's Tara Palmeri reports, it could be the backdrop of a new Washington for weeks to come. Plus, the coronavirus death toll passes 400,000 in the U.S. And federal officials prepare to charge a woman for allegedly stealing a laptop from Speaker Pelosi’s office during the insurrection.

Tara Palmeri is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Playbook newsletter.

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America’s next vice president

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

When POLITICO’s Eugene Daniels thinks about how he'll cover Kamala Harris as one of the new authors of the Playbook newsletter, he remembers his grandma, who didn’t think her grandson would see a Black woman vice president in his lifetime. Eugene joins Dispatch to talk about how Harris will make history when she’s sworn in tomorrow — and what sort of challenges she’ll face as “a first.” Plus, the Pentagon deploys hundreds of active-duty troops for inauguration security. And the Census Bureau director steps down.

Eugene Daniels is a White House reporter and Playbook co-author for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Playbook newsletter.

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Getting Jobs in a Post-Pandemic World

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 22:00:00 -0000

The idea of a traditional career path is changing — and for the better. Technological advances and changing labor markets are spurring nontraditional job training methods like reskilling and upskilling to grow in popularity. But how are these new training programs working? Hosts Ryan Heath and Luiza Savage talk with guests in the new job training game.

Ryan Heath is the host of "Global Translations".
Luiza Savage is a host of "Global Translations".
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Alison Dempsey is a project manager at Solar Holler in West Virginia.
Joel Duran is an IBM consultant and P-TECH program consultant.
Ong Tze-Ch’in is the chief executive of SkillsFuture Singapore.

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A Trumpless internet

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It’s been seven days since Trump’s last tweet, after Twitter and several other tech giants banned the President amid the fallout from last week’s insurrection. POLITICO’s Nancy Scola takes us inside big tech’s decision to dump Trump — and looks at how Silicon Valley’s influence in politics could come under sharper scrutiny in the coming years. Plus, Biden calls for a vast expansion of the federal pandemic response. And McCarthy rejects calls to remove Cheney from GOP leadership.

Nancy Scola is a senior tech reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in POLITICO's Morning Tech newsletter.

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An impeached president. A worsening pandemic.

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

As the nation reels from a violent insurrection and a devastating pandemic, President Trump has become the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice. So how did we get here? Dan Diamond — who is sadly leaving POLITICO after five years on the health beat — explains how there were warning signs in the early days of President Trump’s health policies. Plus, Biden's transition team urges quick confirmations of his national security picks. And Johnson & Johnson falls behind on vaccine production.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read Dan's coverage of the coronavirus pandemic:
Trump team failed to follow NSC’s pandemic playbook
‘We want them infected’: Trump appointee demanded ‘herd immunity’ strategy, emails reveal
‘It’s like every red flag’: Trump-ordered HHS ad blitz raises alarms
How Trump warped HHS long before Covid-19

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Can Capitol security handle this week?

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Impeachment. Inauguration. The transfer of power. The next seven days will be critical, and intelligence officials are already warning of possible "armed protests" across the country. Garrett Graff explains how the security failures during last week's insurrection raise questions about how prepared the country is for more threats. Plus, U.S. will require Covid testing for arriving international flights. And Trump tries to defend himself ahead of impeachment.

Garrett Graff is a journalist covering national security, including for POLITICO Magazine.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Behind the Strategic Failure of the Capitol Police

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Biden’s vaccine problem

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

100 million vaccinations in 100 days. It’s one of the main promises President-elect Biden has made for when he takes office. But with the Trump administration’s vaccination efforts hitting roadblocks and falling behind schedule, Biden’s goal is looking more out of reach by the day. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, Biden is eyeing ways to prevent impeachment from derailing Senate confirmations. And New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman tests positive for Covid after the Capitol insurrection.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden dresses down his Covid team over plans to speed vaccinations
Biden to unveil vaccination plan this week

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What a second impeachment could look like

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Following last week’s deadly siege at the Capitol, Democratic leaders are once again faced with the question of whether or not to impeach President Trump. POLITICO’s Heather Caygle breaks down the arguments for and against the move. Plus, the Office of Attending Physician warns lawmakers of potential Covid exposure during the riots. And D.C.’s mayor pushes for enhanced security surrounding Inauguration Day.

Heather Caygle covers Congress for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Pelosi to move forward with impeachment if Pence doesn't act to remove Trump

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Cures for an Ailing Labor Market

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 22:00:00 -0000

The pandemic sent shockwaves through a global labor market already upended by digitization and the green energy transition. It left tens of millions jobless and amplified skills gaps. Even as we spent trillions keeping the economy on life support, investment in the skills of the future has been scarce. So how do we get the right skills to the right people, to get the economy motoring again? Hosts Ryan Heath and Luiza Savage speak with experts about these major labor disruptions.

Ryan Heath is the host of "Global Translations".
Luiza Savage is a host of "Global Translations".
Saadia Zahidi is a managing director at the World Economic Forum.
Marianne Wanamaker is a economics professor at the University of Tennessee and former chief domestic economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisors.

Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

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The next 12 days of Trump

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

As lawmakers call for President Trump's removal from office after Wednesday's violent attempted coup, Trump is surrounding himself with an increasingly small circle of advisors. POLITICO's Anita Kumar breaks down what we can expect during the final 12 days of his presidency — and whether efforts to remove him stand a chance. Plus, HHS is working to replace potentially faulty Covid tests used by Congress. And the SBA says it will give priority to minority-owned businesses.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Chaos at the Capitol

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

It's a day that will live in infamy. Rioters incited by President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in an attempt to overturn the results of the November election. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza explains why the violent event can only be described as an attempted coup — and why we should've seen it coming. Plus, the DOJ says hackers accessed thousands of DOJ employees emails. And a top vaccine official will take on a reduced role in the Biden administration.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Hill chaos turns deadly after rioters storm Capitol

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Georgia goes blue

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

Democrats have flipped two Georgia Senate seats blue, meaning the party will control the House, the Senate and the White House when President-elect Biden takes office later this month. POLITICO's Elena Schneider breaks down how years of shifting politics in the former Republican stronghold led to this moment. Plus, officials warn that the new strain of Covid is likely spreading in California. And intelligence officials say the massive U.S. security breach is "likely Russian in origin."

Elena Schneider is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The GOP's identity crisis

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

More than a hundred Republican members of the House and at least a dozen Senators plan to challenge Joe Biden's presidential win tomorrow. The move not only bucks the will of voters but also the wishes of prominent GOP leaders like Mitch McConnell. POLITICO's Kyle Cheney reports on how the situation is creating a rift within the Republican party that could last far beyond Trump's presidency. Plus, Georgia votes in two Senate runoffs. And New York confirms its first case of the new Covid strain.

Kyle Cheney is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside McConnell's handling of Trump's election challenge

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Why Georgia is a toss-up

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 10:30:00 -0000

The fate of the Senate — and president-Elect Biden’s agenda — are in the hands of two Georgia runoff elections. But we have no freaking idea who’s gonna win them. POLITICO’s James Arkin explains why the Tuesday contests are toss-ups. Plus, audio of a call obtained by the Post shows Trump urging Georgia election officials to ‘find’ votes. And officials might cut Moderna vaccine doses in half so more can get shots.

James Arkin is a campaigns reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Democrats go back where they started to expunge Trump era: Jon Ossoff
Why Warnock talks puppies instead of race

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The drug crisis is only getting worse. Here's Biden's plan

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

POLITICO's Brianna Ehley lays out President-elect Joe Biden's plan to address a drug crisis that's only grown during the coronavirus pandemic.

Brianna Ehley is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Olivia Reingold is a host and producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Presenting ... POLITICO Energy: Climate change — a mortgage disaster in the making?

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Natural disasters are growing stronger and more frequent from climate change. Every hurricane or wildfire can be a multi-billion dollar financial loss for the American economy. In a special presentation of POLITICO Energy, reporter Zack Colman explains how failure to price in the risk of natural disasters is creating a bubble in the housing market, one that could burst in the coming years.

Anthony Adragna is an energy reporter for POLITICO and host of POLITICO Energy.
Zack Colman is an energy reporter for POLITICO
Carlos Prieto is a Politico podcast producer.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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What Kamala Harris Faces as a ‘First’

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Kamala Harris has been inducted into one of the world’s most exclusive clubs: the executive office. Teresa Wiltz explains why she'll face many challenges as she checks off so many "first" boxes.

Teresa Wiltz is a politics editor for POLITICO.
Erica Morrison is a host and producer for POLITICO.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Trump and Twitter's relationship status? It's complicated

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

President-elect Joe Biden gets handed the keys to the POTUS Twitter account at noon on January 20. Trump's official POTUS account will be archived, just as Barack Obama's was before him. But what about @realdonaldtrump — Trump's (personal) account that has 88 million followers? Technology reporter Nancy Scola discusses Twitter cracking down on Trump's tweets and whether he could get booted off Twitter once he's no longer president.

Nancy Scola is a senior tech reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a producer and host for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Presenting ... Nerdcast: Abuela is always right, and other lessons from Florida 2020

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

It's an unspoken rule not to talk politics at the dinner table — unless you have a podcast recording, then it's fine! In a special presentation of POLITICO's Nerdcast, reporter Sabrina Rodriguez gets real with her Cuban family — abuela Diana, aunt Gloria and mom Martha — about their 2020 votes, and how Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade County helped Donald Trump win Florida. Then she talks to host Scott Bland about whether the ultimate purple state is drifting red.

Scott Bland is the host of Nerdcast and a politics editor at POLITICO.
Sabrina Rodriguez is a political reporter at POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Welcome to Tokelahoma!

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Oklahoma used to be known for its harsh drug laws. But in 2018, the Republican stronghold legalized medical marijuana. Now, business is booming. POLITICO's Paul Demko explains how one of the reddest states became the nation’s hottest weed market.

Paul Demko is cannabis editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How One of the Reddest States Became the Nation’s Hottest Weed Market

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Sponsored Content — Greening the global economy

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 22:30:00 -0000

As the world looks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050, the financial sector is playing a critical role in facilitating this low-carbon transition through the deployment of innovative financing solutions and by rethinking how climate risk is analyzed and managed.

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How to Covid-proof the White House

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

In the hours between Trump’s exit from the White House and Biden’s entrance, a team of cleaners will wipe down every surface and mist the air with disinfectant to rid the halls of any lingering virus particles. After that, masks will be mandatory and testing will be constant. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein breaks down how Biden and his team are working to transform the White House from hotspot to bubble. Plus, 35 states file an antitrust suit against Google. And Biden plans to nominate Rep. Deb Haaland as the first Native American head of the Interior Department.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How Biden aims to Covid-proof his administration

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The beginning of the end of the pandemic

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Nearly a year after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the U.S., officials began issuing the first round of coronavirus vaccines this week. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond and Rachel Roubein break down what the historic moment means for frontline workers — and why getting the whole country vaccinated won’t be easy. Plus, Biden taps Brenda Mallory to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality. And the Federal Reserve is giving a slightly better forecast for the economy.

Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on the latest coronavirus news in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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The wave of evictions is coming

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

A federal eviction ban is on track to expire at the end of the year, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing their homes. POLITICO’s Katy O’Donnell explains why the situation could hurt tenants — particularly Black and latino renters — far beyond the end of the pandemic. Plus, Biden taps former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to run the Energy Department. And Facebook lifts its political ad ban for Georgia only.

Katy O'Donnell covers housing for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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All eyes on Georgia

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:02:20 -0000

Early voting is underway in the two Georgia runoffs that could decide the fate of the Senate next year. POLITICO’s James Arkin gives an on-the-ground look at what voters there are thinking — and how visits from the President and President-elect are putting national politics front and center in the state. Plus, the Electoral College affirms Biden’s victory. And the FTC probes nine social media and streaming companies.

James Arkin is a campaigns reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Biden puts skin in the game in Georgia
Trump antagonizes Republicans with Georgia fundraising ploy

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The looming unemployment crisis

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Several federal unemployment programs are set to run out the day after Christmas, cutting millions of Americans off from their financial lifelines if Congress doesn’t pass another relief package. But even if lawmakers do come to a deal this week and renew the programs, antiquated state systems will still cause missed checks across the country. POLITICO’s Rebecca Rainey breaks down why we ended up at the edge of an unemployment cliff. Plus, the U.S. starts shipping Pfizer's Covid vaccine. And Germany issues new lockdown orders.

Rebecca Rainey is a labor and immigration reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘We’re already too late’: Unemployment lifeline to lapse even with an aid deal

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Securing Minerals for Green Energy

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 21:00:00 -0000

What will it take to secure access to the critical minerals we need for the future — and can we solve one environmental challenge without creating a new one? Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk to political leaders around the world about what they are doing to shore up access to critical minerals.

Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations".
Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations".
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Ambassador Kirsten Hillman is Canada’s Ambassador to the United States
EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations

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How Facebook became a federal target

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

16 years ago, "The Facebook" was just another college student's idea. Now, federal and state authorities say the social media giant is, well, too giant — and they want to break it up. POLITICO's Leah Nylen explains how the company went from dorm room to antitrust lawsuit. Plus, Trump issues sweeping new asylum rules. And Schumer urges Republicans to cancel a hearing on the election.

Leah Nylen covers antitrust for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How Facebook grew into trouble
For Facebook, the breakup threat gets real

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The health team cometh.

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

President-elect Joe Biden has chosen the officials who will be at the center of his administration’s Covid response. POLITICO’s Tyler Pager and Dan Diamond break down how the picks for Biden’s health team were made — and what sort of turbulence they could face during the confirmation process. Plus, YouTube says it will remove videos claiming mass fraud changed the election results. And the House passes its second major piece of marijuana legislation in a week.

Tyler Pager is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on the latest coronavirus news in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Vaccines: Coming to a country near you!

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

If you felt FOMO while watching British seniors receive coronavirus vaccinations on Tuesday, you’re not alone. Host Jeremy Siegel talks with POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle about why Britain beat the U.S. to those first doses — and when we can expect FDA authorization. Plus, Biden pledges to vaccinate tens of millions and reopen schools in his first 100 days. And the Supreme Court rejects an effort to overturn Biden’s win in Pennsylvania

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
U.S. could face months of vaccine shortages amid global competition
FDA says Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective
Trump amps up pandemic politics at ‘vaccine summit’
Biden pledges to vaccinate tens of millions, reopen schools in first 100 days

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Biden’s immigration challenge

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

President Trump has passed more than 400 changes to U.S. immigration policy since he took office. Undoing all of that is going to be a major challenge for President-Elect Joe Biden — politically and logistically. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar explains why some of Trump’s immigration policies could end up sticking around for years. Plus, New York City could see new shutdowns next week. And federal investigators urge Trump to punish trade adviser Peter Navarro for violating the Hatch Act.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden pledged to undo Trump’s immigration policies. It will take time.

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Can colleges beat Covid?

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Last semester didn’t go too well. But colleges and universities across the country are looking for a do-over in the Spring. POLITICO’s Juan Perez reports on how schools are trying to beat coronavirus next semester — and what lessons they’ve learned from the past year. Plus, the U.K. plans to start vaccinations Tuesday. And Trump says Giuliani has tested positive for Covid.

Juan Perez Jr. is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Spring surge of college students will challenge Covid defenses

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Why green energy means mining: the case of cobalt

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 22:30:00 -0000

To understand how essential critical minerals are to our world, we turn to a case study: cobalt. This mineral is proving key to the future of green energy, defense and high tech manufacturing — not to mention electric vehicles. But cobalt has its challenges. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath look at China’s dominant role in global cobalt mining and the serious problems that can arise if other countries can't get enough supplies.

Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations".
Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations".
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Nedal T. Nassar is Chief of Materials Flow Analysis Section at the U.S. Geological Survey.
Bryce Crocker is the CEO of Jervois Mining
Aimee Boulanger is the executive director of Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)

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What you need to know about air travel during Covid

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Despite warnings from the CDC, air travel soared over Thanksgiving week — and even more people are expected to travel in the coming weeks ahead of the holidays. POLITICO’s Sam Mintz breaks down what we know — and don’t know — about the safety of airplanes during the pandemic. Plus, Trump extends the National Guard’s Covid funding. And Fauci defends the FDA’s vaccine approval process.

Sam Mintz is a transportation reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for POLITICO's Weekly Transportation newsletter.

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One pandemic. Two White Houses.

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

It’s a split-screen response: President Trump is virtually silent on the pandemic, while President-elect Biden is preparing to take office during the darkest period of the outbreak. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down how the two leaders’ teams are coordinating — and not — as the transition approaches. Plus, Obama urges people to trust a vaccine once its approved by health top officials. And Sen. Dianne Feinstein backs California Secretary of State Alex Padilla in filling Kamala Harris’ Senate seat after she takes over as Vice President.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for the POLITICO Pulse newsletter to stay up on the latest on the pandemic.

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Biden’s cabinet problem

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

You can’t please everyone … especially when you’re putting together a team to run the federal government. POLITICO’s Megan Cassella looks at why Biden’s promise to have a cabinet that “looks like America” hasn’t turned out the way advocates had hoped — and what sort of turbulence his nominees could face in the Senate. Plus, lawmakers finally move on Covid relief, but a deal remains elusive. And a Georgia election official condemns Trump after an election worker receives death threats.

Megan Cassella covers the Biden for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Lawmakers to Biden: 'Step it up' on Cabinet diversity

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Foreign policy after Trump, Part 2: Iran, Afghanistan, and our alliances

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:30:00 -0000

When he ran for president in 2016, Trump promised he would revisit America's role in NATO and the World Health Organization, as well as the Iran nuclear deal. And true to his word, he rattled the world's biggest organizations — often pulling the US from its ranks. POLITICO's Nahal Toosi reports on how Trump reshaped US relations in the Middle East and shook up global alliances — and what challenges Biden faces.

Listen to Part One of this series on Trump's foreign policy legacy here.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Carlos Prieto is a podcast producer for POLITICO.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What's next for Donald J. Trump

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Since the 1980s, Donald Trump has enjoyed criticizing American presidents and ruminating on how he might do things better. It probably won't be too different once President-elect Biden takes office in January. POLITICO's Michael Kruse breaks down what to expect from Trump after the White House — and why his refusal to admit defeat could be a launching point for a possible 2024 run.

Michael Kruse a senior staff writer for POLITICO and POLITICO Magazine.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Trump’s Crazy and Confoundingly Successful Conspiracy Theory
Donald Trump Confronts a New Label: Loser

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Foreign policy after Trump, Part 1: Russia, China, and North Korea

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Trump's win in 2016 sent American allies and adversaries to a panic, not knowing what to expect when dealing with the United States over the next four years. But was his term at the White House as messy as world leaders expected? POLITICO's foreign affairs reporter Nahal Toosi analyzes Trump's policy with China, Russia, and North Korea.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Carlos Prieto is a podcast producer for POLITICO.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Biden turns to familiar faces to grapple with a changed world

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Where ya at, Congress?

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Covid cases are soaring, businesses are staring at a gloomy winter, millions of Americans are struggling and Congress ..... well, they’re on recess. POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris breaks down why there’s still no deal on another round of coronavirus relief — and what role President-Elect Biden will play in future negotiations. Plus, the Trump administration lets Biden move forward with the transition. And the CDC urges overwhelmed contact tracers to prioritize certain cases.

Sarah Ferris is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on the latest congressional news in POLITICO's Huddle newsletter.

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Schools vs. Bars

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

As the virus rages across the country, schools are shutting down again — or remain shuttered — even though they haven't turned out to be the super-spreader sites experts feared. At the same time, many bars and restaurants remain open for business. POLITICO's Nirvi Shah explains how the situation is reigniting a heated debate over pandemic priorities. Plus, the CDC recommends travelers get tested before and after international flights. And President-Elect Biden is expected to release some Cabinet picks Tuesday.

Nirvi Shah is a senior deputy editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: It's starting to sink in: Schools before bars

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Critical Minerals: The next dirty fight over clean energy

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 22:00:00 -0000

The technologies that protect us, move us and power our daily lives require mining minerals and metals in distant places. But access to these essential materials is increasingly under threat. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk with experts who are sounding the alarm.

Luiza Savage is the host of Global Translations.
Ryan Heath is a host of Global Translations.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Sharon Burke is a senior advisor for the International Security Program and Resource Security Program at New America.
Nedal T. Nassar is Chief of Materials Flow Analysis Section at the U.S. Geological Survey.
Tom Duesterberg is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. He is an expert on trade and foreign policy.

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Can anything change the election results?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Short answer: No. Long answer: Listen to the episode. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down the convoluted Electoral College process between now and December 14th, when the results become official, and why there’s virtually nothing that could change the fact that Joe Biden is the President-Elect. Plus, Biden is set to meet with Pelosi and Schumer in Delaware. And the Trump administration moves to ease oil drilling rules in the Arctic.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Could GOP states ignore voters and send Trump delegates to the Electoral College?
Giuliani and fellow Trump lawyers crank out conspiracies as legal challenges implode

Follow Zach's reporting in the Morning Score newsletter.

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Here comes the holiday surge

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

It’s a weird moment in the pandemic: There’s promising news about vaccines and at-home testing … and a nationwide surge in cases that’s only expected to get worse in the coming weeks. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn and Dan Diamond break down the state of the Covid crisis and what’s next with the holidays just around the corner. Plus, the nation’s largest public school system shuts down in-person learning. And Republicans denounce Trump’s latest firing.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for the POLITICO Pulse newsletter for the latest on the pandemic.

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Black Lives Matter delivered at the polls. Can it deliver policy?

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Black Lives Matter leaders turned out the vote and helped secure President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory. Now they want a piece of the political action. POLITICO’s Maya King reports on why that might be tough — especially under a Republican-controlled Senate. Plus, 46 percent say of voters say Trump should concede 'right away.' And the Senate blocks Trump’s nominee to the Fed.

Maya King is a politics reporter for POLITICO covering race and demographics.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside Black Lives Matter’s push for power

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Why the heck isn't the transition official yet?

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Joe Biden won the election more than a week ago. But the General Services Administration — the agency that certifies presidential transitions — is still blocking Biden's transition team from accessing government resources. POLITICO's Alex Thompson breaks down why the GSA is holding things up and whether it could affect the Covid response. Plus, the White House orders the Pentagon to begin planning troop withdrawals in Afghanistan and Iraq. And several governors put in place stricter coronavirus measures.

Alex Thompson is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for POLITICO's Transition Playbook newsletter.

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Biden's big Covid plans could hit a big red wall

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

President-Elect Joe Biden says he wants to overhaul the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Step one: Get the nation to mask up. Easy, right? Not when a bloc of GOP governors remain opposed to the idea. POLITICO's Dan Goldberg explains how Biden is set to face some major turbulence from red states when he takes the reins in January. Plus, John Bolton calls Trump's recent firings "destructive." And Boris Johnson is self-isolating.

Dan Goldberg is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Red state governors reject Biden on mask orders

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Say hello to Biden's cabinet contenders

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Over the next couple months, President-Elect Joe Biden needs to put together a team to help him rebuild a shattered economy, fight a global pandemic and recover from one of the most polarizing elections in U.S. history. Sounds easy, right? POLITICO's Megan Cassella breaks down who is in contention for some of the toughest jobs in the nation. Plus, federal health officials announce a vaccine agreement with pharmacies. And Trump signs an order barring investments in some Chinese companies.

Megan Cassella covers the Biden for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Meet the contenders for Biden’s Cabinet

Sign up for POLITICO's Transition Playbook newsletter.

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How stoked should we be about this vaccine?

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Pfizer says preliminary data on its Covid vaccine shows 90 percent effectiveness. Pretty awesome, but does that mean we're on the road back to normal life? It's complicated. POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle and Dan Diamond explain why. Plus, Texas hits 1 million cases. And the CDC says masks protect the wearer, not just other people.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to the POLITICO Pulse newsletter for the latest on the pandemic.

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These Georgia runoffs are gonna be bonkers

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

It’s the election that keeps on giving! After indecisive results last week, two Georgia races that will decide the fate of the Senate are headed to runoffs in January. POLITICO’s Elena Schneider breaks down how both parties plan to win — and how Trump’s refusal to concede could shape the campaigns. Plus, world leaders acknowledge the results of the election even as Trump doesn’t. And Biden promises that Americans won't lose health coverage during the pandemic.

Elena Schneider is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
'We need his voters' in Georgia: Why Republicans embrace Trump's last stand
Biden swung Georgia left. Now Democrats are racing to do it again.

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A President who won’t concede

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

The U.S. has a long history of candidates conceding when results are decisive. Or … it had a long history. POLITICO’s Nancy Cook breaks down why Trump is refusing to accept reality while much of the world already has — and why it could spell trouble for President-Elect Biden’s transition. Plus, two Republican senators from Georgia are calling on the state’s GOP secretary of state to resign. And the State Department’s representative of Syria and ISIS steps down.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Trump campaign summons staff and vows to keep fighting election results
GOP-led states back Trump’s legal drive to challenge election

Sign up for POLITICO's Transition Playbook newsletter.

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The President-Elect and the Pandemic

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

The nation might've been fixated on the election outcome last week, but that didn't put the pandemic on hold. In fact, Covid cases are at record-high levels. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein breaks down President-Elect Biden’s plans for fighting the outbreak — and how another two months of a Trump presidency could complicate things. Plus, Stacey Abrams says the Georgia runoffs will be competitive. And Boris Johnson says he’ll work closely with Biden.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Joe Biden will inherit a raging pandemic. Here’s what he plans to do next.

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Presenting ... Global Translations: How can the US compete with China Inc.?

Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:00:00 -0000

The pandemic and the rise of China are prompting Republicans and Democrats to turn to government power to grow industries important to America’s security and place in the world. “Industrial policy” is an idea long reviled among Washington policymakers. Hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath talk to the people trying to make industrial policy cool again.

Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations".
Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations".
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

Jennifer Harris is a sentior fellow at the Hewlett Foundation, formerly at the US State Department during the Obama administration.
Mariana Mazzucato is an internationally recognized economist and professor at University College London (UCL), and Founder/Director of UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose.

Check out and subscribe to POLITICO's Global Translations, and China Watcher newsletters.

Read Luiza Savage's article on the new industrial policy emerging in the US to counter China's ascent.

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President-Elect Joe Biden

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:15:22 -0000

It's official: Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States. POLITICO's Alex Thompson breaks down what's to come over the next two months before he takes office.

Alex Thompson is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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An unfinished election. A divided nation.

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 10:05:45 -0000

Joe Biden is closing in on a victory. But he's staring at a deeply divided nation — and an opponent who's refusing to accept the results. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki breaks down how Biden is preparing for a rocky transition. Plus, Pelosi announces expanded Covid testing for lawmakers. And Defense Secretary Mark Esper is expected to resign.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Follow POLITICO's coverage of the election results here.

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How Covid shaped the election

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Joe Biden is inching his way toward a win, but Congress is on track to be more divided than ever. POLITICO's Dan Diamond explains how the coronavirus pandemic split the nation — and how polarized views of President Trump's response shaped results up and down the ballot. Plus, McConnell wants a Covid relief deal before the end of the year. And one in three Americans now live in a state where weed is legal.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Follow POLITICO's coverage of the election results here.

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Welcome to Election Week!

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 09:58:47 -0000

We warned you it might happen. So buckle up and get ready for what could be days of uncertainty. POLITICO’s Scott Bland breaks down what to watch for as votes continue to be tallied in one of the most consequential presidential elections in U.S. history.

Scott Bland is a politics editor POLITICO and host of Nerdcast.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Follow POLITICO's coverage of the election results here.

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The totally wild ways the election could be won

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Election Day is here. The results? They might not be finalized for a while. And that has lawyers for President Trump and Joe Biden preparing for lawsuits, recounts and some odd scenarios that you might never have thought of. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar breaks down some of the weird ways the election could be won. Plus, Trump creates a commission to promote 'patriotic education.’ And Texas surpasses California for the most Covid cases.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Trump and Biden teams prep for once-outlandish election standoffs
Biden team moves to shut down Trump’s election-night claims
The voting technology problems that could trigger panic at the polls

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ONE DAY TO GO

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

With just one day to Nov. 3, we hit the road with POLITICO’s Chief Washington Correspondent Ryan Lizza as he travels across the Sun Belt, where states that were once Republican strongholds appear to be leaning left. Plus, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb warns of a post-Thanksgiving Covid surge. And Trump eyes a possible second-term Cabinet purge.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
'The virus is kind of tough to talk down': Trump can't shake Covid in final sprint
How Stacey Abrams convinced Biden to take Georgia — and her — seriously
Trump threatens Senate GOP — now and in the future

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Presenting ... Global Translations: Can we make enough vaccine?

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Once there is a working Covid vaccine, manufacturers across the globe will need to scale up production to produce billions of doses — meaning billions of pharmaceutical-grade glass vials, rubber stoppers, packaging and storage and refrigeration. In a special airing of POLITICO's Global Translations podcast, hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath look at the challenges of making enough vaccines for the world.

Subscribe to the Global Translations podcast and read more in the Global Translations newsletter.

Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations"
Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations"
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio

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Historic Black turnout could turn Georgia blue

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

With people waiting hours at the polls and tens of thousands of names purged from voter rolls, activists say Georgia’s 2018 election was Exhibit A of voter suppression. POLITICO’s Maya King reports on how fear of a repeat is fueling record turnout among Black voters, giving Democrats the opportunity to turn the Deep South battleground state blue. Plus, Pelosi says she’s still hopeful for a massive Covid bill before next year. And Europe surpasses 10 million Covid cases.

Maya King covers race, demographics and the 2020 election for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Georgia’s legacy of voter suppression is driving historic Black turnout
The preacher who might finally turn Georgia blue

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Night and Day: Trump and Biden on Covid

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

Never before has a health emergency cast such a large shadow over a presidential race. With just five days until November 3, POLITICO’s Dan Diamond — who’s been tracking the coronavirus pandemic from the start — breaks down the key differences between President Trump’s and Joe Biden’s plans for tackling Covid. Plus, more European countries shut down again. And the stock market sees another bad day.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter.

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Twitter's secret weapon

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

CEO Jack Dorsey is synonymous with Twitter. But when it comes to the policies that could affect next week's election, Vijaya Gadde is the most important Silicon Valley executive you've never heard of. POLITICO's Nancy Scola reports on the woman behind Twitter's biggest decisions — and what to expect during today's hearing with big tech leaders. Plus, a federal worker union sues over Trump's civil service executive order. And Biden keeps his lead in Nevada.

Nancy Scola is a senior tech reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: The Woman Reshaping Twitter’s Free-Speech Policies

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ONE WEEK TO GO

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

With just seven days until the election, President Trump is facing a surge in coronavirus cases and an outbreak within his VP’s office, providing a new line of attacks from Joe Biden. POLITICO’s Nancy Cook breaks down both campaigns’ strategies for the final week — and how Covid is front and center. Plus, tech giants prepare to testify before lawmakers. And stocks take a hit amid the resurgence in Covid cases.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Trump’s closing argument: Forget about Covid
As Covid threat surges, Trump and Pence try 2 acts to save GOP ticket

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Understanding the 2020 Latino voters

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

Some experts say Latinos will be the second largest voting group in this year's election. But the group's ethnical and cultural diversity makes it a particularly difficult one for the political world to understand, and an extremely difficult one for both parties to appeal to. POLITICO reporters Laura Barrón-López and Sabrina Rodríguez, on the nuance of Latinos as a diverse voting group, and how they may vote in the 2020 election.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Sabrina Rodríguez is a trade reporter for POLITICO.
Carlos Prieto is a podcast producer for POLITICO.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Global Translations: The tug-of-war

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

From closed factories to closed borders, the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of our systems, creating a period of scarcity where demand skyrocketed — from freezers to PPE — and we couldn't supply items fast enough. In a special airing of POLITICO's Global Translations podcast, hosts Luiza Savage and Ryan Heath explore what it will take to make global supply chains resilient and sustainable.

Subscribe to the Global Translations podcast and read more in the Global Translations newsletter.

Luiza Savage is the host of "Global Translations"
Ryan Heath is a host of "Global Translations"
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio
Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO Audio
Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO Audio
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio

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The final showdown

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

They’re done. No more debates. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar breaks down the key moments from the final face-off between President Trump and Joe Biden — and what it all means for voters with just 11 days until the election. Plus, remdesivir becomes the first Covid treatment to win full approval from federal regulators. And Bernie Sanders is eyeing a Labor secretary gig in a possible Biden administration.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Trump, Biden get their do-over: Key moments from the final debate
Trump comes out strong. But is it too late?

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How the U.S. fell behind the world on Covid

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

European nations are shutting down. Countries in Asia are tentatively resuming normal life after taking swift action at the start of the pandemic. The U.S.? That's a different story. POLITICO’s Carmen Paun and Dan Diamond break down the state of Covid across the globe. Plus, Trump and Biden meet one last time tonight. And the USPS watchdog criticizes the agency over cost-cutting measures.

Carmen Paun is a global health reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the Global Pulse newsletter.

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The fight for Pennsylvania

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

It’s the state that sealed Trump’s victory in 2016. Now it could spell the end of his presidency. POLITICO’s Holly Otterbein breaks down where things stand in the fight for Pennsylvania. Plus, several states are setting up their own coronavirus vaccine reviews. And lawmakers across the aisle praise the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Google.

Holly Otterbein covers the 2020 race for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Obama goes full throttle for Biden
Trump, in Pennsylvania, faces an old foe: Obama

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Lindsey Graham's last stand

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

He's been in the Senate since 2003, but this year could be his last. POLITICO's Andrew Desiderio traces Lindsey Graham's transformation from a moderate Republican known for working across the aisle to a staunch defender of President Trump — and explains why that's put him at risk of losing his seat this November. Plus, the government's watchdog will probe whether Trump officials interference with the CDC and FDA's Covid response. And Trump attacks Biden for trusting scientists.

Andrew Desiderio is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Lindsey Graham runs for his life

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Why Trump could still win

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

With Biden ahead in both the polls and fundraising and Trump's message all over the place, things aren't looking great for the President's reelection efforts. But that doesn't mean the campaign is over yet. POLITICO's Charlie Mahtesian breaks down the state of the race — and why Trump still has a path to keep the White House. Plus, McConnell schedules two votes on his narrow coronavirus relief proposal. And several European countries institute new Covid restrictions.

Charlie Mahtesian is the senior politics editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
How Biden destroyed Trump’s TV ad ‘death star’
Trump starts to articulate a painful reality: He could lose in 2020

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Let's TikTalk about the Gen Z vote

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

Generation Z, which includes voters 18-23 years old, makes up one-tenth of the electorate. Gen Z turnout? That’s another story. POLITICO’s Rishika Dugyala breaks down the issues younger voters care about — and how the two campaigns are trying to win them over online. Plus, Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings come to a close. And Florida Republicans close in on a Democratic voter registration advantage.

Rishika Dugyala is a digital strategy editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more from POLITICO's Gen Z Rising project: Anti-Trump, but not fully for Biden: Will Gen Z vote?

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How reality TV beat Trump on Covid safety

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

The new season of "The Bachelorette" is here — and coronavirus safety is front and center with contestants tested several times in an isolated bubble. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down the show’s health protocols and how they stack up against the White House. Plus, Barrett’s confirmation hearings wrap up today. And new polling shows Biden with a significant lead in Georgia.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more in the POLITICO Pulse newsletter, which Dan Diamond co-authors with Adam Cancryn.

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The GOP’s big bet on Barrett

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

With President Trump’s reelection prospects looking slimmer by the day, Republican groups and lawmakers are hedging their bets on Amy Coney Barrett as the future of conservatism. POLITICO’s Gabby Orr breaks down what this week’s confirmation hearings have revealed about Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court — and how she became the GOP’s Plan B. Plus, a drug maker is pausing its coronavirus antibody trial over safety concerns. And the High Court rejects a challenge to Planned Parenthood funding.

Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Writing off Trump, GOP allies focus on one last big win

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Why election night could be a nightmare for Trump

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

President Trump has demanded to know the results of the election on November 3, despite the fact that it could be days until we know the winner. But if there is a clear winner on election night, it’ll almost certainly be bad news for Trump. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down the electoral math. Plus, Amy Coney Barrett answers questions from Senators today. And Facebook bans posts denying the Holocaust.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How Biden could end 2020 on election night — and why Trump’s path is unlikely

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No vaccine, no cure … no problem?

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

First it was hydroxychloroquine. Then it was a vaccine before the election. Now it’s a “miracle” antibody cocktail. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle breaks down the science behind President Trump’s latest coronavirus obsession — and why we shouldn’t get our hopes up. Plus, it’s unclear whether the next debate will happen. And Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue gets reprimanded for violating ethics laws.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump is promising free antibody treatments for everyone. It won’t be that simple.

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A vice presidential showdown

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

Plexiglass barriers. 12 feet between the candidates. Fewer interruptions. Wednesday's debate between Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence looked and sounded pretty different from what went down between President Trump and Joe Biden last week, but the exchanges were still tense. POLITICO's Laura Barrón-López breaks down the biggest takeaways from the Vice Presidential showdown. Plus, Amy Coney Barrett talks with key Senate Democrats. And Trump teases a total withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Key moments from Harris and Pence’s primetime showdown

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Susan Collins and the end of moderate Republicans

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

Is Susan Collins making her "last stand"? POLITICO's Burgess Everett breaks down why Senator Collins is on track to lose her seat representing Maine — and how the race marks the end of an era for moderates under the increasingly polarized politics of the Trump administration. Plus, Rick Bright, the ousted vaccine expert turned whistleblower, is stepping down from the federal government. And House Democrats propose an antitrust overhaul to rein in big tech.

Burgess Everett is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Susan Collins goes for the jugular with her career on the line

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An alarming spike in the Midwest

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

At the start of the pandemic, states across the country shut down. When there was resurgence over the summer, several governors reinstituted those shutdowns. But now, as the Midwest sees another spike in cases, state leaders aren’t doing much. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein explains why that’s a big problem. Plus, the CDC confirms the virus is airborne. And California sees its first million-acre megafire.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Midwest keeps reopening as states reel from new virus cases

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A 'firehose of news' and a hospitalized president

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:30:00 -0000

President Trump is in the hospital with coronavirus. We know that much. But there are lots of unknowns about his condition, and his medical team isn't filling in the gaps. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza explains how the hospitalization caps off a tumultuous 10 days for team Trump — and breaks down what it all means for the campaign with less than a month before Election Day. Plus, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey will retire in 2022. And New York is reinstating some shutdowns.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump's medical team briefing reveals things are worse than we knew

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Why secretaries of state matter more than ever

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 09:14:37 -0000

First: President Trump has tested positive for Covid-19. Then: Secretary of state used to be a pretty low profile gig in states across the country. But with the looming threat of foreign interference and an upcoming election unlike any other, now it's one of the most important jobs in America. POLITICO's Eric Geller looks at how these state officials could decide the future of the country's election security. Plus, Senate Democrats call for an investigation into interference at HHS. And Trump says he's opposed to changing debate formats.

Eric Geller is a cybersecurity reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

This story was reported as part of The Fifty, a new POLITICO series that takes readers inside the role state leaders are playing and looks at how they are they driving politics, shaping policy and influencing Washington.

Read more: The 6 key races you haven’t heard of that may help decide how we secure our elections

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Covid, celebrities and a $300M ad blitz

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:38:46 -0000

Lady Gaga. Garth Brooks. Billy Joel. Those are some of the celebs the health department wanted for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign to “defeat despair” about the coronavirus. Instead, they got Dennis Quaid and some lesser-known musicians. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down the sputtering ad blitz and why it’s getting scrutiny from lawmakers. Plus, the presidential debate commission says it’ll change formats after Tuesday night’s debacle. And a judge delays the release of grand jury recordings in the Breonna Taylor case.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

POLITICO's Daniel Lippman first put the spotlight on HHS' campaign. Read more:
HHS bids $250 million contract meant to 'defeat despair and inspire hope' on coronavirus
HHS ad blitz sputters as celebrities back away

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A presidential (?) debate

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:30:29 -0000

Interruptions. Insults. Chaos. POLITICO's Gabby Orr breaks down the key moments from Tuesday night's showdown between President Trump and Joe Biden — and what it all means for the final stretch of the campaign. Plus, the Senate is on track to avert a government shutdown. And Amy Coney Barrett doesn't pledge to recuse herself from 2020 election cases in a Senate questionnaire.

Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: The most bitter clashes from Trump and Biden's first debate showdown

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The tax returns

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:48:43 -0000

All eyes were on President Trump's pick for the Supreme Court. Then, The New York Times released a bombshell on Sunday showing that Trump has paid next to nothing in federal income taxes in recent years. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki breaks down why the report puts the President in a tricky position ahead of his first debate with Joe Biden tonight. Plus, the White House is shipping 100,000 rapid Covid tests to U.S. states. And massive airline layoffs could hit in a matter of days.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The battle over the high court

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:43:04 -0000

For the right, her nomination seals the deal on a conservative majority for years to come. To the left, it's a rushed political attempt to undo abortion rights and Obamacare. POLITICO's Nancy Cook breaks down the partisan fight brewing over President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. Plus, new polling shows Biden ahead in two key swing states. And both campaigns have agreed on details for Tuesday night's debate.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Why police reform hasn’t happened

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:47:30 -0000

The killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor sparked a summer of outrage and calls for legislative action. But months later, not much has happened. POLITICO’s Nolan McCaskill looks at why police reform efforts have hit a wall — and whether this week’s renewed outrage over Taylor's killing could inspire tangible legislative change. Plus, House Democrats are reworking the Covid relief proposal. And U.S. cyber officials are urging the public not to panic about election hacking.

Nolan McCaskill is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A deepening digital divide

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:53:39 -0000

With kids at home and classes online, students are extra reliant on technology. But that's not an easy lift in lower-income districts that lack funding and resources. POLITICO's Nicole Gaudiano and Maya King explain how the pandemic — and decades of education policy — have exacerbated the digital divide. Plus, a Republican-led report investigating Joe Biden and his son doesn't really have anything new in it. And California's governor wants to ban gas-fueled cars by 2035.

Nicole Gaudiano is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Maya King covers race, demographics and the 2020 election for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What 2016's misinformation campaign means for Election 2020

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:05:17 -0000

In 2016, Russia and China attacked American democracy by muddying the political discourse online. The virtual strikes, which included disinformation campaigns, online bots, and e-mail server hackings, marked one of the most direct interferences into American democracy by foreign actors in history. POLITICO's Steven Overly, on the lessons learned from the 2016 attacks, and how the federal government and tech giants are preparing to secure the 2020 election.

Steven Overly covers technology policy for POLITICO.
Carlos Prieto is a podcast producer for POLITICO.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Swing States (Part II)

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:30:02 -0000

Just a handful of states could decide who becomes the next president. POLITICO reporters from across the country break down what it will take for Donald Trump and Joe Biden to win over the most critical voters.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
David Siders is a national political correspondent for POLITICO.
Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Marc Caputo covers Florida and the 2020 election for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: The 8 states where 2020 will be won or lost: A POLITICO deep dive

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The Swing States (Part I)

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:30:01 -0000

Just a handful of states could decide who becomes the next president. POLITICO reporters from across the country break down what it will take for Donald Trump and Joe Biden to win over the most critical voters.

Tim Alberta is chief political correspondent for POLITICO.
Elena Schneider is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Holly Otterbein covers the 2020 race for POLITICO.
Michael Kruse is a senior staff writer for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: The 8 states where 2020 will be won or lost: A POLITICO deep dive

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School's back ... kinda.

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:33:53 -0000

It's the semester nobody wanted: Kids sitting at home behind monitors, teachers trying to figure out how to unmute themselves and parents stuck wondering whether their children are going to lose a year of education. POLITICO's Renuka Rayasam looks at a school year unlike any other. Plus, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court extends the due date for mail ballots. And the House delays a vote on marijuana legalization.

Renuka Rayasam covers the coronavirus pandemic for POLITICO and writes the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The rise and fall of Michael Caputo

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 09:38:38 -0000

The Health Department's top spokesman, Michael Caputo, says he's taking a leave of absence for health reasons. The move comes just days after he accused government scientists of “sedition” — and less than a week after POLITICO first reported that Caputo was interfering with CDC reports on coronavirus. POLITICO's Dan Diamond breaks down the latest turbulence at HHS. Plus, Fed Chair Jerome Powell says Congress probably needs to do more to save the economy. And two Iranian nationals have been indicted for hacking U.S. networks.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Still no stimulus

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:33:43 -0000

Remember when Congress came to a bipartisan agreement on coronavirus relief … like a million years ago? Well, it doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen again anytime soon — despite the tens of millions of Americans struggling right now. POLITICO’s Heather Caygle breaks down why negotiations are still at a standstill. Plus, the City of Louisville has reached a $12 million settlement with Breonna Taylor’s family. And new census data shows the number of Americans without health insurance was rising even before the pandemic

Heather Caygle cover Congress for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Biden’s plan to save the economy

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 09:37:41 -0000

Joe Biden is putting together a plan for getting the economy out of a pandemic-sized ditch ahead of the November election — and it’s shaping up to include whole lotta spending. POLITICO’s Ben White explains how the plan stacks up against Trump’s handling of the economic downturn. Plus, the U.S. is blocking certain Chinese products over forced labor of Uyghurs. And a judge says Pennsylvania’s pandemic restrictions violated citizens’ constitutional rights.

Ben White is chief economic correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The 'apocalyptic' inferno in the West

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:05:01 -0000

President Trump is visiting California today as deadly and destructive wildfires burn up and down the West Coast. POLITICO's Carla Marinucci explains why the trip is likely to become a political showdown over climate change. Plus, Trump unveils a plan to slash drug prices. And Bloomberg is dropping a big chunk of change for Biden in Florida.

Carla Marinucci is the senior writer for POLITICO’s California Playbook.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Biden bubble

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:35:50 -0000

Joe Biden might be back on the campaign trail after months of quarantining in the basement of his Delaware home, but his team is still trying to keep him inside an impenetrable coronavirus bubble. POLITICO's Chris Cadelago breaks down the extreme lengths the Biden campaign is going to prevent him from being exposed to coronavirus. Plus, Senate Democrats block the GOP's slimmed-down Covid bill. And Microsoft says Russia, China and Iran are trying to hack the presidential race.

Chris Cadelago a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The politicization of the vaccine

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 09:41:12 -0000

Public health is supposed to be separate from politics. But this pandemic — and this election — have turned that idea on its head. POLITICO's Dan Diamond and Sarah Owermohle discuss how politics is seeping into the vaccine race on both sides of the aisle. Plus, a whistleblower says top Trump appointees tried to censor reports on Russian influence. And Trump's fundraising total for last month falls more than $150M short of Biden.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A coronavirus disaster for farmworkers

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:02:44 -0000

Crammed living quarters. No time off. A lack of protective gear. Advocates warned at the start of the pandemic that farms were ripe for outbreaks. POLITICO’s Ximena Bustillo explains how decades of workplace issues created the “perfect storm” for a coronavirus disaster among farmworkers. Plus, McConnell eyes a vote on a narrow coronavirus relief bill. And Trump expands a ban on offshore drilling.

Ximena Bustillo is an agriculture and trade policy intern for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Harvest of shame: Farmworkers face coronavirus disaster

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An historic vote on marijuana

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:34:31 -0000

The House of Representatives is set to vote on marijuana legalization later this month — the first time in history either body of Congress will consider removing the drug from the Controlled Substances Act. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig breaks down why Democrats are voting on the bill despite the fact that it'll be dead upon arrival in the Senate.

Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Can big tech handle the election?

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 09:37:53 -0000

Facebook says it will ban political ads the week before the November election. POLITICO's Steven Overly breaks down how the effort aims to prevent the spread of misinformation — and looks at whether big tech giants are going to be able to handle a chaotic election that could be ripe for misinformation. Plus, House Democrats call for an investigation into whether the Trump administration violated the Hatch Act during the RNC. And the EU urges the US reverse sanctions against staff on the International Criminal Court.

Steven Overly covers technology policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Can Trump prevent another resurgence?

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 10:05:23 -0000

Earlier this summer, Covid cases were dipping and states started reopening. Weeks later, there was a resurgence. POLITICO's Dan Goldberg and Dan Diamond explain how the Trump administration is looking at a repeat of that situation — just two months ahead of the election. Plus, Biden and the DNC report record fundraising numbers for August. And the German government says Putin's fiercest critic was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent.

Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Goldberg is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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On the ground in Kenosha

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:38:26 -0000

Clashes between racial justice advocates and Trump supporters. Cries of "Black lives matter" met with chants of "all lives matter." POLITICO's Natasha Korecki gives an on-the-ground look at the city reeling from a police shooting and unrest in its streets. Plus, the Trump administration says it's banning evictions through December. And the Justice Department announces new restrictions on surveillance of campaigns.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A warning sign in Hawaii

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 09:34:35 -0000

Earlier this summer, Hawaii was a Covid success story. Now it’s one of the worst-performing states in the nation. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein explains why the state’s swift unravelling is a cautionary tale. Plus, Kenosha is on edge ahead of a visit from President Trump. And a court deals a big blow to the House’s investigative powers.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Paradise lost: How Hawaii went from Covid-19 star to cautionary tale

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A tale of two conventions

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:31:41 -0000

Are we a country that's failed disastrously to respond to a global pandemic, or a country that's overrun by protests and violence on the streets? Democrats and Republicans painted wildly different pictures of America at their party conventions this month. POLITICO's Scott Bland breaks down the biggest takeaways from the past two weeks — and what they tell us about what's next in the lead-up to the election. Plus, Trump is set to visit Kenosha. And European leaders call for another election in Belarus.

Scott Bland is a politics editor POLITICO and host of Nerdcast.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Subscribe to POLITICO's Nerdcast.

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What's next for Black Lives Matter?

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:15:17 -0000

Protests are ongoing in several cities after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Pro athletes in multiple leagues are striking to draw attention to racial injustice. And Black Lives Matter organizers are looking to channel that momentum into policy changes. POLITICO's Maya King explores what's next for the movement. Plus, the Trump administration unveils a major expansion of Covid testing. And relief negotiations have resumed ... kinda.

Maya King covers race, demographics and the 2020 election for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The man behind our Covid response

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:15:04 -0000

With all eyes on Vice President Mike Pence after his speech at the RNC last night, POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn and Dan Diamond explore the past 6 months of Pence’s tenure as the leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force — and what it all means for his political future. Plus, the CDC issues new testing guidance. And the intelligence community contradicts Trump’s baseless claims about mail-in voting.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on POLITICO's latest coverage of the DNC with POLITICO Minutes.

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In the shadow of the pandemic

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:39:49 -0000

Nursing homes across the country have closed their doors to visitors amid the pandemic. POLITICO’s Alexandra Levine explains how that lack of human connection — combined with communication problems — has left nursing home residents and their families in the dark. Plus, airlines are planning massive layoffs if Congress doesn’t renew payroll support. And Wisconsin's governor declares a state of emergency amid protests over a police shooting.

Alexandra Levine is a tech reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Tech newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The problem with a rushed Covid vaccine

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:15:07 -0000

It might sound weird, but there actually is such a thing as “too soon” when it comes to a coronavirus vaccine. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle explains why — and how the FDA’s decision to authorize emergency use for blood plasma gives a glimpse into a looming crisis of public confidence in a vaccine. Plus, University of Hong Kong researchers claim to have found the first confirmed case of Covid reinfection. And a judge rules a Florida law requiring schools to reopen unconstitutional.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Another Trump RNC

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:59:40 -0000

In 2016, Donald Trump officially became the Republican presidential nominee in an unusual party convention marked by divisiveness, threats and demands of loyalty. POLITICO’s Michael Kruse explains how the event teed up the last four years — and what it can tell us about this week's convention. Plus, the White House dismisses a $25 billion USPS rescue package. And Trump declares a major disaster in California due to wildfires.

Michael Kruse a senior staff writer for POLITICO and POLITICO Magazine.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on POLITICO's latest coverage of the DNC with POLITICO Minutes.

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Class dismissed

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 10:15:03 -0000

It wasn’t the week that schools — or the Trump administration — had hoped for: Just days after reopening their doors to students, several saw significant spikes in coronavirus cases and some cancelled in-person classes. POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan breaks down what went wrong — and where schools can go from here. Plus, Uber and Lyft are halting plans to shut down service in California. And a judge tosses Trump’s effort to block Manhattan’s DA from accessing his financial records.

Bianca Quilantan is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Pentagon’s $2.2 billion health care controversy

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 10:15:16 -0000

Earlier this week, POLITICO reported that the Pentagon was considering slashing military health care by more than $2 billion in the middle of a pandemic. Then, President Trump jumped in and tweeted that the proposal “has been firmly and totally rejected by me.” POLITICO’s Lara Seligman and Dan Diamond discuss how they broke the story — and what it’s like to have the President confirm your reporting. Plus, thousands are under evacuation orders in Northern California due to wildfires. And Harris is giving the Biden campaign a big fundraising boost.

Lara Seligman covers the Pentagon for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Obamas are front and center at the DNC

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:00:24 -0000

It might be Joe Biden's convention, but Michelle and Barack are the stars. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza breaks down why Michelle's speech wowed viewers on Monday — and what to expect from Biden's former boss tonight. Plus, HUD is extending a ban on evictions for millions of homes. And Pelosi's pretty happy about the postmaster general suspending changes at the USPS.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Stay up on POLITICO's latest coverage of the DNC with POLITICO Minutes.

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Why governors are taking testing into their own hands

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:15:14 -0000

With no national strategy for coronavirus testing, several governors are joining forces to create their own. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn gives an inside look at the coalition — and how it hopes to beat the clock on testing resources ahead of a potentially devastating fall and winter. Plus, colleges scramble to contain outbreaks on campus. And the postmaster general is headed to Washington.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A convention unlike any other

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:15:02 -0000

No crowd. No balloons. Almost no risk of spreading a highly contagious virus. Sounds … thrilling, right? As Democrats across the country prepare to convene (virtually) for the DNC, POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki explains why this year’s unique event could make it tougher than ever to energize viewers. Plus, Nancy Pelosi calls the House back early to address the looming crisis at the Postal Service. And Trump amps up the pressure on TikTok.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The battle over the Postal Service

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:05:52 -0000

So how the heck did a centuries-old American institution end up at the center of the most heated political fight in Washington? It’s a little complicated, but POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro breaks down the mail-in ballot battle. Plus, Biden calls for a nationwide mask mandate. And early polls show voters like Harris as a VP candidate.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How Harris’ health policy could change the 2020 race

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:15:08 -0000

The election’s less than three months away, and health policy is front and center due to the coronavirus pandemic. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down how Kamala Harris’ past positions on health care could provide some fresh fodder for Trump attacks — but could also spark some new passion among progressives. Plus, the Big 12 is playing football this fall. And de Blasio says New York City might have to cut 22,000 jobs in October.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The looming eviction crisis

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:15:30 -0000

Negotiations on a new round of Covid relief have stalled. And that means no renewal of the eviction moratorium. POLITICO's Katy O'Donnell breaks down the "toxic brew" of problems that could arise if the government doesn't take action quickly. Plus, Biden announces Harris as his Veep pick. And the number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally tops 20 million.

Katy O'Donnell covers finance for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Why health workers are still struggling

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:44:22 -0000

Months ago, city hospitals were fighting over essential medical supplies as Covid cases surged. That’s not happening anymore. But doctors, nurses and caregivers say they’re still struggling with resources, especially at smaller health facilities and in rural areas. POLITICO’s Tucker Doherty breaks down what he learned from interviews with dozens of frontline workers in the pandemic. Plus, Trump and Biden are still figuring out their convention plans. And public health officials are dropping like flies.

Tucker Doherty is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The wedge issue dividing the White House

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:00:30 -0000

Trump's poll numbers are sagging. A group of social conservatives is pushing anti-transgender issues as the solution. But some Trump advisers think it’s a recipe for disaster. Gabby Orr and host Eugene Daniels explore the rift in the Trump team's strategy.

Eugene Daniels is a reporter for POLITICO.
Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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The ethical questions chasing Trump's vaccine adviser

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 10:00:28 -0000

Moncef Slaoui helped design vaccines for Big Pharma, one reason why Trump picked him to help lead "Operation Warp Speed." But Slaoui's deep drug industry ties have made him a target for watchdogs, too. POLITICO's Dan Diamond on Slaoui's tricky position and how close we are (or aren't) to a vaccine.

Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a host-producer for POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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The brawl over back-to-school

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:15:08 -0000

Teachers are afraid. Parents are desperate. Child care workers are frustrated. They all want kids to succeed. POLITICO's Mackenzie Mays breaks down the fight that's escalating as schools prepare to reopen — in-person, online or some combination of the two — during a pandemic.

Mackenzie Mays is a POLITICO education reporter based in California.
Adrienne Hurst is a host for POLITICO Dispatch and produced this episode.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Tennessee: The battle for the conservative crown

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:15:10 -0000

An orthopedic surgeon with Indian immigrant parents. A former ambassador with ties to Trump and Mitt Romney. Both pro-life and pro-gun. Both criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement. Two Republicans vie for who is more conservative as a Tennessee Senate race heats up. POLITICO's Alex Thompson talks about why this race is a reflection on larger shifts in the party.

Alex Thompson is a POLITICO reporter covering the 2020 election.
Erica Morrison is a host for POLITICO Dispatch and produced this episode.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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THREE MONTHS TO GO

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 10:15:27 -0000

Time may have lost all meaning for most of us. But when it comes to the presidential election, the clock is still ticking. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza brings us inside of Trump's and Biden's campaigns as they enter the final stretch — under circumstances unlike any election in U.S. history.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The economy’s bad. When will it get better?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:06:10 -0000

Short answer: We don’t really know. But there are three directions it could go. POLITICO’s chief economic correspondent Ben White breaks them down — and why the future of the largest economy in the world is virtually in the hands of Congress. Plus, Rep. John Lewis is laid to rest. And Trump calls for Covid survivors to donate blood plasma.

Ben White is chief economic correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Hydroxychloroquine: Yeah, it’s back.

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:15:13 -0000

A misleading video claiming hydroxychloroquine is a cure for coronavirus has gone viral. President Trump is back to touting the drug on national TV — despite mounting evidence that it’s ineffective. So why the heck is hydroxychloroquine back in the national conversation? POLITICO’s Dan Diamond and Sarah Owermohle report. Plus, the Trump Administration agrees to lower the federal law enforcement presence in Portland. And Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns that the economy is at the mercy of Covid.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Veepstakes: The Final Three

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:15:17 -0000

The clock is ticking on Joe Biden's decision for a running mate. In the third and final episode of Dispatch's series on the Veepstakes, Laura Barrón-López breaks down why Stacey Abrams, Susan Rice and Gretchen Whitmer are under consideration to be Biden's No. 2.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The Veepstakes: 'A Tournament of Shadows'

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:15:09 -0000

Joe Biden hasn't given much insight into how he's choosing his running mate. As POLITICO's Marc Caputo puts it, "There's really only six or seven people in the United States who know what the hell is going on." In Part Two of Dispatch's Veepstakes series, Caputo explains what you need to know about four of the top contenders: Val Demmings, Tammy Baldwin, Karen Bass and Kamala Harris.

Marc Caputo covers the 2020 presidential campaign for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Tracking Joe Biden's VP pick

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The Veepstakes: Round One

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:15:16 -0000

Eleven candidates. One running mate. Dispatch is spending three days with POLITICO campaign reporters to look at Joe Biden's top choices for vice president. First up: Natasha Korecki on Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tammy Duckworth, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Elizabeth Warren.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Tracking Joe Biden's VP pick

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How do you break the color barrier to Congress?

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 10:15:02 -0000

The makeup of Congress still doesn’t reflect the diversity of the United States. Candidates of color grapple with barriers like fundraising and electability. Sarah Ferris explains why Congress is still so white, male and privileged over 200 years after its founding -- and what it’s going to take to change that.

Sarah Ferris covers the House for POLITICO's Congress team.
Erica Morrison is a host for POLITICO Dispatch and produced this episode.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch who helped produce this episode.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read Sarah Ferris's article on how candidates of color still grapple with barriers to Congress.

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How Covid is reshaping telehealth

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 10:15:05 -0000

Virtual health care has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. Will it last? POLITICO's Mohana Ravindranath and Dan Diamond explain how the virus could change the future of medicine. Plus, more governors announce mask mandates. And Kansas Republicans kill a plan to delay the reopening of schools.

Mohana Ravindranath is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more on the future of telehealth in the Future Pulse newsletter.

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Inside the CDC's effort to address racial disparities

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:15:01 -0000

The CDC is deploying teams across the country to address racial disparities during the coronavirus pandemic. But the effort is running into a familiar problem: a lack of coordination from the highest levels of government. POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein explains why the deep and deadly problem can't be fixed without a dramatic shift in federal policy. Plus, Congress passes a defense bill requiring the removal of Confederate names from bases. And America's daily death toll tops 1,000 for the first time in months.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Another fight over Covid relief — with deeper divisions

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 10:15:06 -0000

Congress is back … and so is the battle over Covid relief that we've all come to know and love. POLITICO’s Marianne LeVine breaks down where lawmakers disagree — and why passing a sweeping, bi-partisan measure is going to be a lot tougher than it was at the start of the pandemic. Plus, Florida teachers sue over an emergency order to reopen their classrooms. And Democrats eye a voting rights package to honor John Lewis.

Marianne LeVine covers Congress for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How Trump is trying to weaken Biden's support from minority voters

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 10:15:01 -0000

In 2016, the Trump campaign drove down turnout from Black voters in key battleground states by focusing on Hillary Clinton's past racist comments about "superpredators" and her support for legislation that led to increased incarceration, particularly among Black and Latino people. Now, they're trying to do the exact same thing with Biden. POLITICO's Holly Otterbein explains how Trump plans to weaken the former VP's support from minority voters. Plus, global Covid deaths top 600,000. And Trump doubles down on his opposition to removing Confederate symbols.

Holly Otterbein is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How much worse will it get?

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:15:14 -0000

The beginning of the summer looked good ... for, like, a minute. Then, states in the South and West started seeing new coronavirus surges. Now, the virus appears to be out of control in at least 18 states. POLITICO's Renu Rayasam explains why the worst has yet to come. Plus, Trump wants a payroll tax cut in the next relief bill. And the Supreme Court deals a blow to voting rights in Florida.

Renuka Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITIC Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The health department’s multi-million dollar face lift

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 10:15:07 -0000

Last year, POLITICO broke the story that a top Trump administration health official — CMS chief Seema Verma — was using tax dollars to hire GOP consultants to boost her image. Today, the health department's inspector general released a report confirming the story. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn and Dan Diamond explain why the controversy is relevant to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, Oklahoma’s governor tests positive for Covid. And American Airlines is telling 25,000 workers they could lose their jobs.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inspector general: Medicare chief broke rules on her publicity contracts

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The policy behind the nursing home problem

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:15:05 -0000

The nursing home industry has been pushing for looser regulations for years. And they got what they wanted at the start of the pandemic. But now, advocates say lax standards are fueling the virus' spread. POLITICO's Maggie Severns has the story. Plus, the CDC chief predicts late 2020 could be “one of the most difficult times we have experienced.” And the Trump administration reverses its international student policy.

Maggie Severns covers politics and the coronavirus for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The toughest job in Washington

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:15:07 -0000

Mark Meadows came to the West Wing with big plans, hoping his friendship with President Trump would help him avoid turbulence. Then reality — and the coronavirus pandemic — hit. POLITICO’s Nancy Cook breaks down why it’s not so easy being chief of staff in Trump’s White House right now … or, really, ever. Plus, California rolls back reopening plans. And the IRS is cancelling uncashed stimulus checks sent to the dead.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The politics of Medicaid in a pandemic

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:15:07 -0000

President Trump and Republicans have pushed to roll back Medicaid for years. But now, as more people seek government-run health assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic, those plans have hit a brick wall. POLITICO's Rachel Roubein explains how the politics of Medicaid are shifting. Plus, Democrats slam Trump's commutation of Roger Stone's prison sentence. And Florida shatters the single-day coronavirus case record.

Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The fight over schools

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 10:30:17 -0000

President Trump is calling for schools to reopen this fall despite rising coronavirus cases. POLITICO’s Anita Kumar reports on how the push isn’t just about education — it’s about the economy and the election. Plus, the WHO acknowledges the potential for airborne coronavirus spread. And Dr. Fauci says states with surges should pause reopening.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Half a year of Covid

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 10:30:02 -0000

It's been 6 months since the World Health Organization warned about an unknown virus circulating in Wuhan, China. Now, the US has more than 3 million confirmed coronavirus cases and there are more than 12 million globally. POLITICO's Dan Diamond breaks down how we got here — and what's next for the rest of 2020. Plus, the CDC is updating its guidelines for schools to reopen. And the Ivy League cancels fall sports.

Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A spike in families struggling to get enough food

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 10:30:11 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in families considered food insecure — and that’s true across demographic groups. But for Black and Hispanic families, the numbers are unprecedented. POLITICO’s Helena Bottemiller Evich breaks down how the pandemic has intensified pre-existing disparities. Plus, Trump says he’ll pressure schools to reopen. And the US is formally withdrawing from the WHO.

Helena Bottemiller Evich is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Stark racial disparities emerge as families struggle to get enough food

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Why November is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for Democrats

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 10:32:30 -0000

In 2010, Republicans won state houses across the country and redrew electoral maps to their advantage. Now, as President Trump trails in the polls, Democrats see an opportunity to take back power. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki explains why the party is starting to think bigger than just beating Trump — and what message Biden needs to send to help Dems in down-ballot races. Plus, America's coronavirus death toll tops 130,000. And the Supreme Court says states can punish "faithless" electors.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Democrats smell a rout — and the chance to control redistricting in 2021

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Inside Operation Warp Speed

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 12:14:03 -0000

Yeah, it’s got a cool name. But what exactly is it? POLITICO’s Dan Diamond takes us inside the federal government’s $10 billion dollar effort to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine — and explains why it’s dangerous to bet on a vaccine that might never come. Plus, Trump changes his tune on face masks. And the House passes a massive infrastructure bill.

Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump’s bet on a vaccine could come at a cost

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The anti-mask movement

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 11:41:30 -0000

Last year, it was anti-vaxxers. Now, it’s anti-maskers. POLITICO’s Mackenzie Mays looks at how the same activists are once again turning a public health issue into a culture war — and why that’s a big problem for state lawmakers and school teachers. Plus, Oklahomans vote to expand Medicaid. And the Senate agrees to extend the small business rescue program.

Mackenzie Mays is a reporter for POLITICO California.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The epidemic behind the pandemic

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:29:09 -0000

Remember the opioid epidemic? America’s other big health crisis? It’s still here. And getting worse. But as POLITICO’s Brianna Ehley reports, attention — and resources — are mostly going to the pandemic, as overdoses rise in its shadow. Plus, the WHO warns the pandemic is speeding up globally. And China passes a sweeping law giving it more power over Hong Kong.

Brianna Ehley is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Pandemic unleashes a spike in overdose deaths

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Trump’s church dilemma

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 11:43:13 -0000

A month ago, President Trump pushed governors to let churches reopen. Now, he’s got a problem on his hands with several coronavirus clusters tied to houses of worship across the country. POLITICO’s Gabby Orr explains why churches can be super-spreaders — and why Trump is in a bind as he tries to keep evangelical voters on his side. Plus, governors are reimposing coronavirus restrictions. And the number of global cases tops 10 million.

Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: A new dilemma for Trump’s team: Preventing super-spreader churches

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Cases are surging. Where’s the White House?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:05:07 -0000

Multiple states are seeing alarming spikes in coronavirus cases. But the White House has remained hands-off, attributing the surge to an increase in testing. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn explains how that’s left state officials overwhelmed — and why those claims about testing are misleading. Plus, the Trump administration calls for the Supreme Court to overturn Obamacare. And the Health Department whistleblower claims he’s facing retaliation.

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: States plead for help while White House touts success in curbing virus

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Trump’s 180 on China

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:54:40 -0000

First, he praised President Xi’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he’s blaming China (again). POLITICO’s Dan Diamond breaks down Trump’s back and forth on China — and how John Bolton’s explosive memoir sheds new light on the White House’s response to the pandemic. Plus, the House is set to pass a sweeping police reform bill. And Democrats urge delegates to stay away from their party convention.

Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Bolton casts light on Trump’s deference to China on coronavirus

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The coronavirus goes red

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:08:10 -0000

As the coronavirus surges in Texas, Florida and Arizona, it’s hitting counties that lean Republican more than Democrat-leaning ones. POLITICO’s Texas correspondent Renu Rayasam explains why. Plus, NY incumbent Elliot Engel’s time in the House appears to be over. And Dr. Fauci says he's still optimistic there will be a vaccine by the beginning of next year.

Renu Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A crisis for mental health providers

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:10:20 -0000

Demand for mental health and addiction services has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. But providers are strapped for cash and say they aren’t getting the help they need. POLITICO’s Rachel Roubein explains the two-fold crisis — and why providers shouldn’t count on a quick fix from Congress. Plus, Dr. Fauci’s headed to the Capitol. And Senate Democrats threaten to block the GOP’s police bill.

Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Swamped mental health and addiction services appeal for Covid bailout

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Why Tuesday could be another election disaster

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:20:37 -0000

Chaos. Confusion. Hours-long lines. That’s what we saw in Georgia’s primary election — and likely what we’ll see in New York and Kentucky this week. POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro explains why. Plus, Biden outraises Trump. And Trump plans to extend his executive order restricting foreign workers.

Zach Montellaro is a campaign reporter for POLITICO and author of the Morning Score newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What the US can learn from Europe’s coronavirus response

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:00:06 -0000

Countrywide lockdowns. Closed borders. Coordination between nations. The EU’s unified response to the coronavirus has squashed a spike, while a number of states in the US have seen a surge. POLITICO’s Sarah Wheaton breaks down what America can learn from Europe — and what both regions can learn from the resurgence in China. Plus, Facebook removes Trump ads that have symbols used by Nazis. And Trump wants more debates with Biden.

Sarah Wheaton is a senior health reporter for POLITICO Europe.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The problem with a coronavirus vaccine

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:47:44 -0000

The Trump Administration is rushing the production of a coronavirus vaccine. But it probably won’t be widely available until next spring or summer — and that’s if it even works. POLITICO’s Sarah Owermohle and Dan Diamond give the hard truths about a coronavirus vaccine. Plus, John Bolton claims Trump asked China for help getting reelected. And Senate Democrats are split on what to do with the GOP police reform bill.

Sarah Owermohle covers drug policy for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Can Congress save the economy?

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:03:20 -0000

Sure, the economy’s shown some positive signs recently, with a spike in retail and lower-than-expected unemployment. But that good news may be fueled by the government’s massive coronavirus relief measures — some of which are set to expire soon. POLITICO’s Victoria Guida breaks down why Congress might need to take more sweeping action to keep the economy afloat. Plus, Sen. Tim Scott plans to introduce his police reform bill. And a judge allows Trump’s Tulsa rally to go on as planned.

Victoria Guida covers economic policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The complicated case of Covid in Florida

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:58:51 -0000

When images of packed Florida beaches flashed across TV screens, critics grimly predicted overrun hospitals. But that didn’t happen. Now as Florida prepares to host the GOP convention, cases are spiking. POLITICO’s Marc Caputo breaks down how concerned Governor Ron DeSantis — and his political ally President Trump — should be. Plus, Trump prepares to unveil his executive order on policing. And surprise! The GOP largely backs Gorsuch’s LGBTQ decision.

Marc Caputo covers Florida and the 2020 election for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: DeSantis defies critics as coronavirus spreads in Florida

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Will contact-tracing apps save the day?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 12:32:54 -0000

Health experts say contact tracing is essential while we wait for a coronavirus vaccine. But tracing the virus’ spread requires a lot of work … and a lot of people. POLITICO’s Steven Overly explains how apps could save the day — and why a lack of coordination between states could spell trouble. Plus, the police killing of a black man in Atlanta sparks more unrest. And Europe’s borders reopen.

Steven Overly covers technology policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Inside the city that disbanded its police department

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 10:00:03 -0000

Camden, New Jersey, was once known as the most dangerous city in the country. Now, it's being held up as an example of policing reform. POLITICO’s Katherine Landergan explains the complicated history of how Camden dismantled and rebuilt its police department — and what other cities can learn. Plus, Trump says he’s working on an executive order on policing. And Wall Street is looking gloomy.

Katherine Landergan is a New Jersey reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The White House's growing silence on coronavirus

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:27:01 -0000

States are lifting restrictions. The masks are coming off. But coronavirus is still here. POLITICO’s Dan Diamond explains why the White House has gone quiet on the crisis even as cases spike — and looks at how public health experts are struggling to find a unified message on protesting during the pandemic. Plus, confirmed cases in the US top 2 million. And Trump is headed to Oklahoma for one of his signature rallies.

Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How drug policy fueled racism in policing

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:14:27 -0000

“America’s public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse.” With that statement in 1971, President Richard Nixon’s war on drugs began — and policies that target black and brown communities became embedded in America’s criminal justice system. POLITICO’s Natalie Fertig explains how decades of drug policy have fueled the crisis in policing that’s unfolding today. Plus, George Floyd is laid to rest. And the WHO walks back confusing claims about asymptomatic spread of coronavirus.

Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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How defunding the police could change the election

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:20:50 -0000

Joe Biden says he opposes the growing movement to defund police departments amid national outrage over police brutality. But President Trump is still using it as a rallying cry against the Democratic nominee. POLITICO’s Natasha Korecki explains what defunding really is — and how it’s forcing Biden to tread a fine line between scaring off moderates and alienating activists. Plus, Romney is working on his own police reform bill. And Trump is hitting the rally road again.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump's latest attempt to tag Biden as a radical flops

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Ijeoma Oluo: ‘Start talking action. Look local.’

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:58:19 -0000

“I don’t want it to just be the brutal murder of a black person on camera that gets people out into the streets.” Ijeoma Oluo, author of “So You Want to Talk About Race,” discusses what she hopes is next for the national conversation about police brutality — and why she thinks reforms need to happen at the local level. Plus, Minneapolis lawmakers vow to disband the city’s police department. And the National Guard withdraws from the nation’s capitol.

Ijeoma Oluo is the author of "So You Want to Talk About Race."
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Can Biden win over black protesters?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 10:00:13 -0000

America is facing a trio of crises that are disproportionately hitting black people: police violence, coronavirus and a flailing economy. POLITICO’s Laura Barrón-López explains why it’s a moment that could help Democrats galvanize disillusioned young black voters — but could also further alienate them. Plus, a memorial is held in honor of George Floyd. And a study that raised concerns about hydroxychloroquine is retracted.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The complications of protesting during a pandemic

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 12:04:20 -0000

Mass gatherings increase the risk of exposure to coronavirus. But health experts are expressing support for protests over the killing of George Floyd — and are calling for police brutality against people of color to be seen as a public health crisis. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein breaks down the complicated relationship between the protests and the pandemic. Plus, Democrats are pushing for a police reform package in Congress. And Mattis breaks his silence on Trump’s response.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Mass protests could undo hard-won progress in pandemic

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How the world is watching America right now

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:01:17 -0000

“This is giving adversaries a cudgel to hit America with.” Other countries are closely watching US demonstrations over police violence — and how the Trump administration is responding. POLITICO’s Nahal Toosi and Ryan Heath explain what that means for international relations and America’s status on the world stage. Plus, Steve King is out. And Trump says the GOP is pulling its convention from North Carolina.

Nahal Toosi is a foreign affairs reporter for POLITICO.
Ryan Heath is a senior editor at POLITICO and author of the Global Translations newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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‘Law and order’

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:36:52 -0000

“I am mobilizing all federal resources, civilian and military to stop the rioting and looting.” That’s what President Trump told the nation in a Rose Garden address Monday night, as police fired tear gas at protestors outside. POLITICO’s Nancy Cook looks at why Trump skirted calls for unity amid national demonstrations over the death of George Floyd and instead went all in on declaring himself “a president of law and order.” Plus, a DHS memo warns that extremist groups could exploit the protests. And the Justice Department tries to force a dismissal of the Michael Flynn case.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How Trump’s scattered team scrambled to respond to historic protests

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Inside the Minneapolis protests

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:44:40 -0000

"They're in the street because they have no choice." POLITICO brings an inside look at the protests in Minneapolis that have sparked action across the country — through the eyes of an activist who says he and other black demonstrators have had enough and a journalist who's stretched thin covering the unrest. Plus, health officials worry the protests could complicate coronavirus contact tracing. And Trump says the US government will designate ANTIFA as a terrorist organization.

Mel Reeves is an activist and organizer in Minneapolis.
Ricardo Lopez is the senior political reporter for the Minnesota Reformer.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio.

Thanks to Lauren from Minneapolis for describing her experience for this episode.

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Trump’s war with Twitter

Fri, 29 May 2020 12:01:45 -0000

Late last night, President Trump threatened violence against protestors in Minneapolis, saying, "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." In response, Twitter put a "glorifying violence" label on the post, further escalating tensions between Trump and the platform, after the president issued an executive order aimed at social media companies Thursday. POLITICO's Nancy Scola breaks down Trump's war with Twitter. Plus, the RNC outline safety guidelines for a coronavirus convention.

Nancy Scola is a senior tech reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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100,000 deaths. More cities reopen.

Thu, 28 May 2020 11:50:45 -0000

As the coronavirus death count passes a grime milestone in the US, a growing number of regions are reopening parts of their economies. POLITICO’s Renuka Rayasam and Dan Diamond break down how cities are reopening — and what that means for the country as it tries to emerge from the pandemic. Plus, Pelosi delays a vote on surveillance legislation after an 11th hour bipartisan revolt. And Trump plans to sign an executive order aimed at social media.

Renuka Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Dan Diamond is a health policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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NASA’s (and Elon Musk’s) big day

Wed, 27 May 2020 11:45:17 -0000

NASA. Elon Musk. A rocket. What could go wrong? POLITICO’s Bryan Bender breaks down what’s at stake in today’s historic launch by NASA and SpaceX — the first astronaut takeoff from US soil in nearly a decade. Plus, Twitter clamps down on the president’s tweets. And North Carolina throws Trump’s Republican convention threat back at the GOP.

Bryan Bender is a senior national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Can NASA and Elon Musk lift off?
Trump and Musk unite over Twitter, the moon and sticking it to the establishment

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How coronavirus got so bad in Russia

Tue, 26 May 2020 11:58:47 -0000

Vladimir Putin had grand plans for the spring, including a constitutional change that would let him remain in power into his 80s. Then the coronavirus hit. Now, Russia has more cases than any country except the US. From Moscow, journalist Michele A. Berdy breaks down how the pandemic got so bad in Russia — and how it could turn the tide against Putin. Plus, Trump threatens to pull the GOP convention from North Carolina. And the WHO pauses its study of hydroxychloroquine.

Michele A. Berdy is a journalist at The Moscow Times.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How Russia’s Coronavirus Crisis Got So Bad

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'A faceless threat': How coronavirus is felt across the world

Fri, 22 May 2020 09:00:01 -0000

From Jakarta to Vancouver, POLITICO brings you an on-the-ground look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyday life in cities across the globe.

Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.

Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

We want to hear how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your life. Send a voice memo recording to audio@politico.com.

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Why thousands of National Guard troops fighting coronavirus could miss out on benefits

Thu, 21 May 2020 11:52:24 -0000

More than 40,000 National Guard troops are deployed across the US to help respond to coronavirus. But thousands are set to miss out on key federal benefits by ONE DAY if the White House doesn’t extend their deployment. POLITICO’s Alice Miranda Ollstein explains how she broke the story. Plus, the number of coronavirus cases worldwide tops 5 million. And GOP leaders distance themselves from a congressional candidate over social media posts demeaning Muslims.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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When will schools reopen?

Wed, 20 May 2020 12:19:16 -0000

School's out for ... well, no one really knows how long. POLITICO's Nicole Gaudiano explains why it's such a difficult question — and how schools are going to look very different when the doors are open again. Plus, the CDC quietly releases detailed reopening guidance for businesses and public institutions. And McConnell cries foul on the Michael Flynn case.

Nicole Gaudiano is an education reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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A war of words — and money — between the U.S. and China

Tue, 19 May 2020 11:57:32 -0000

President Trump is threatening to permanently pull U.S. funding from the World Health Organization. China, on the other hand, is pledging $2 billion to fight the virus. POLITICO’s Ryan Heath explains how the WHO has become a proxy war between the two world powers — and why China is expanding its reach within the organization. Plus, experts sound the alarm over Trump’s decision to take hydroxychloroquine. And Steven Mnuchin and Jerome Powell testify before congress.

Ryan Heath is a senior editor at POLITICO and author of the Global Translations newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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‘We have to step up’: Rep. Jackie Speier on the House’s doomed relief package

Mon, 18 May 2020 12:25:48 -0000

The House passed a $3 trillion relief package on Friday. But the measure is almost certainly dead upon arrival in the Senate. California Rep. Jackie Speier explains why Dems aimed high in their bill — and why she thinks lawmakers should be banned from living out of their Capitol offices. Plus, the Fed chairman warns unemployment could hit Depression-era levels. And Japan officially enters a recession.

Jackie Speier is a US Congresswoman representing California's 14th Congressional District
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: A crisis of misinformation

Fri, 15 May 2020 11:15:05 -0000

“It's like hitting conspiracy bingo." That's how coronavirus has flung open the door to conspiracy theories and misinformation, according to one expert. POLITICO's Steven Overly explains how fringe groups and extremists are seizing this moment to peddle dangerous messages online. Plus, Pelosi is pushing a vote on a $3 trillion relief bill. And the CDC releases previously withheld guidance for reopening — kind of.

Steven Overly covers technology policy and politics for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Conspiracy theorists, far-right extremists around the world seize on the pandemic

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The whistleblower

Thu, 14 May 2020 12:01:43 -0000

Dr. Rick Bright, the vaccine expert turned whistleblower who claims he was unfairly ousted from his position at the Health Department, testifies before Congress today. His claims are explosive, but colleagues say some of his complaint leaves out key context. POLITICO's Dan Diamond and Sarah Owermohle break down the complicated case of Dr. Bright. Plus, a federal judge is tossing cold water on the Justice Department's efforts to drop the case against Michael Flynn. And Trump splits with Dr. Fauci on how quickly schools should reopen.

Sarah Owermohle is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Colleagues paint a mixed picture of ousted vaccine chief
Top Trump critic will testify before a chairwoman who is a close ally

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Cannabis in the age of coronavirus

Wed, 13 May 2020 12:20:05 -0000

Unlike most industries, cannabis sales have been booming during the coronavirus pandemic. And for the states where the drug is legal, that means more tax revenue during a financial crisis. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how that could spur a push for legalization at the federal level. Plus, Wuhan plans to test all 11 million of its residents. And the UN chief is urging religious leaders to actively challenge hate speech and reject xenophobia during the pandemic.

Natalie Fertig is a cannabis policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: A tale of two White Houses

Tue, 12 May 2020 12:05:02 -0000

President Trump had a "mission accomplished" moment in the Rose Garden on Monday as he touted an increase in testing and pushed for lifting restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus. But at the same time, the White House itself was instituting new internal restrictions to prevent its own outbreak. POLITICO's Nancy Cook breaks down the "split screen" view from the West Wing. Plus, some of the nation's top doctors are videoing into a Senate hearing on the pandemic. And the WHO is warning countries not to reopen too quickly.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: A crisis for farmworkers

Mon, 11 May 2020 12:20:22 -0000

There's no work from home for the more than 2 million farmworkers in the US who have been deemed "essential" during the coronavirus pandemic. But with packed transportation to the fields and crammed living quarters, many of them are facing conditions similar to before the crisis, putting them at risk of exposure to the virus. POLITICO's Helena Bottemiller Evich explains the "unprecedented" anxiety among agriculture workers. Plus, the White House fights an outbreak of its own. And Georgia's AG calls for a federal probe of the Ahmaud Arbery case.

Helena Bottemiller Evich is a senior food and agriculture reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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What disasters come after coronavirus?

Fri, 08 May 2020 12:24:19 -0000

Catastrophic earthquakes. Solar flares that bring down the entire power grid. The global rise of white supremacy. As if the coronavirus pandemic wasn't enough to worry about, POLITICO Magazine looked into the world-changing threats that could be next. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff breaks it down. Plus, the Justice Department drops its case against Michael Flynn. And days after cell phone video sparked national outrage, Georgia authorities have charged a white father and son with murdering a 25-year old black man who was jogging in their neighborhood in February.

Garrett Graff is a journalist, director of cyber initiatives at The Aspen Institute, and author of multiple books, including The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Experts Knew a Pandemic Was Coming. Here’s What They’re Worried About Next.

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The race for more coronavirus testing

Thu, 07 May 2020 12:02:31 -0000

Fifty-two days ago, President Trump vowed that widespread drive-thru coronavirus screening was finally coming. Now, the White House is declaring victory in the race for more testing. POLITICO's Dan Diamond explains where we really are — and whether it's enough to get the country on track for reopening. Plus, the Trump administration shelves a CDC guide to reopening. And Trump dismisses an ousted vaccine expert as "disgruntled."

Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How a 96-hour project helped Trump's team reverse its testing debacle

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The Senate is back (but the lobster rolls aren't)

Wed, 06 May 2020 12:00:06 -0000

"A very strange eeriness to this whole thing." That's how POLITICO's Marianne LeVine describes the scene at the Capitol right now. We look at what's different in the Senate amid the coronavirus pandemic — including a lack of lobster rolls at the GOP's weekly lunch. Plus, ousted HHS vaccine expert Rick Bright files a whistleblower complaint. And new research sheds light on how the pandemic is disproportionately hitting African American communities.

Marianne LeVine is a congressional reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Sustainability in the age of coronavirus

Tue, 05 May 2020 12:12:56 -0000

Pollution has dropped dramatically. Los Angeles' skyline is no longer obscured by smog. Kangaroos have been spotted hopping through deserted Australian streets. POLITICO's Nick Juliano explains how the climate effects of the coronavirus pandemic are changing the way we think about sustainability. Plus, the Senate is baaaaaaack. And more states are letting businesses reopen.

Nick Juliano is POLITICO's sustainability policy editor.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Sign up for The Long Game, POLITICO's new sustainability newsletter.

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'Armageddon in Atlantic City'

Mon, 04 May 2020 12:10:40 -0000

In February, Atlantic City was finally rebounding after years of financial turmoil. Then coronavirus hit. POLITICO's Matt Friedman explains why the coastal city could be one of the biggest economic disasters of the pandemic — and the harsh lessons we can learn. Plus, Dr. Birx calls anti-lockdown protests "devastatingly worrisome." And the Supreme Court hears arguments over the phone ... Up next: SCOTUS on TikTok.

Matt Friedman is a reporter for POLITICO New Jersey.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The culture war over masks

Fri, 01 May 2020 11:44:31 -0000

For progressives, it's a sign of taking coronavirus seriously. On the right, it's a symbol of overreaction. POLITICO's Ryan Lizza breaks down the emerging cultural and political divide over wearing a mask — and how it gives a glimpse into the two Americas emerging amid the pandemic. Plus, Dr. Fauci warns against reopening too quickly. And the top intelligence agency rules out the theory that the coronavirus was manmade.

Ryan Lizza is POLITICO's Chief Washington Correspondent.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Wearing a mask is for smug liberals. Refusing to is for reckless Republicans.

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Chaos at the health department

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:21:27 -0000

“Alex is doing an excellent job!” That's what President Trump tweeted after POLITICO broke the story on White House officials weighing a plan to replace HHS secretary Alex Azar — just the latest in a series of chaotic and confusing events at the health department. Dan Diamond and Adam Cancryn explain what it all means for the agency at the center of the country's response to coronavirus. Plus, the White House's "Stay at Home" guidelines are expiring. And the head of the central bank warns of a lengthy economic recovery.

Adam Cancryn is a health reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
'HHS has been kicked in the teeth'
White House weighing plan to replace Azar
Trump rejects reports of Azar firing

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Trump and Republicans bet big on reopening. Will it work?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:05:46 -0000

Republicans are resisting another massive coronavirus relief package and hoping the economy booms back sooner rather than later. POLITICO's Ben White explains why that's a big risk ahead of the November election. Plus, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US tops 1 million. And Dr. Fauci says he has "no doubt" new cases will emerge with reopening.

Ben White is chief economic correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump faces the risk of a coronavirus cliff.

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How we trace the spread of coronavirus

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:46:28 -0000

Tracking who comes in close contact with people infected by the coronavirus is essential to understanding the spread of the disease — and getting regions on track to lift restrictions. POLITICO's Victoria Colliver explains how California plans to "build an army" of 10,000 contact tracers. Plus, Trump touts a new blueprint for increased testing that punts responsibility to states. And the WHO says the pandemic is far from over.

Victoria Colliver is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: How California's contact tracing army could serve as model for nation's reopening.

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Campaigning in the age of coronavirus

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:52:07 -0000

Campaigns are adjusting to life during a pandemic just like everyone else. POLITICO's Elena Schneider explains why that means a pivot to mail-in ballots — even for Republicans who have slammed remote voting in the past. Plus, Italy announces a plan for reopening. And Trump disputes reports of replacing HHS Secretary Alex Azar.

Elena Schneider is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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The cartoon life of Matt Wuerker

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 12:00:09 -0000

"I have very little adult supervision." Matt Wuerker, POLITICO's Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, has a colorful career sketching Trump, Pelosi, and other characters. We go inside the wonderful world of Wuerker as he shares some of his best stories... including that one time he tried using a Rumsfeld cartoon to negotiate troop withdrawals.

Also, be sure to check out the new video series Punchlines featuring Matt Wuerker's cartoons and register for a free virtual cartoon workshop POLITICO Live is hosting with Matt on April 29.

Matt Wuerker is the political cartoonist for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Why was Jerome Adams pushed to the sidelines?

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:18:07 -0000

Surgeon General Jerome Adams was back at the podium for the coronavirus task force briefing Wednesday after being sidelined earlier this week. POLITICO's Dan Diamond and Maya King look at why Adams was pushed away — and what his shifting role at the White House means for the conversation about racial disparities in the pandemic. Plus, Trump denies knowledge of a top vaccine expert's ouster. And the House is set to pass funding for small businesses.

Maya King is a 2020 reporting fellow at POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
Surgeon general gets pushed to sidelines, sparking questions.
Black doctors blast 'woefully anemic' data on minority coronavirus cases.

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Coronavirus: The fight over reopening the country

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:26:08 -0000

Some state are taking a cue from President Trump and pressing ahead with lifting coronavirus restrictions. Others are seeing anti-lockdown protests. POLITICO's Anita Kumar explains what's next in the fight over reopening. Plus, the first coronavirus death happened weeks earlier than previously believed. And Trump's immigration order falls short of his initial announcement.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump allies have their fingerprints on lockdown protests.

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Coronavirus: The fight over saving small businesses

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:09:53 -0000

Congress is on track to pass another round of relief for small businesses after cash for sorely-needed loans dried up last week. But POLITICO's Zach Warmbrodt says the lending program has been riddled with problems — and the next wave of funding could only last a couple days. Plus, Trump says he is suspending immigration into the US. And some states are beginning to reopen.

Zach Warmbrodt is a financial services reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Banks warn that new small-business funding could evaporate in 2 days.

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Coronavirus: A lack of trust — and information — in minority communities

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:31:08 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic is already disproportionately hitting black and brown people in the US. POLITICO's Laura Barrón-López explains why decades of distrust and a lack of public health messaging in those communities is making things worse. Plus, Canada is reeling from the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. And the White House and Congress are close to a deal on small business relief.

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: A new dynamic between Trump and states

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:05:46 -0000

Earlier this week, President Trump said he had total authority over states to tell them when to lift stay-at-home orders. Now, he's kicking more responsibility back to governors in his "Opening Up America Again" plan. POLITICO's Anita Kumar breaks down the delicate dance between the president and the states. Plus, China increases the official death toll in Wuhan by 50%. And the number of cases worldwide tops 2.1 million.

Anita Kumar is a White House correspondent and associate editor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Inside America's two-decade failure to prepare

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:26:49 -0000

POLITICO's Dan Diamond traces today's coronavirus crisis back through three presidents — and explains what we can learn from past failures. Plus, Trump threatens to adjourn Congress to push through nominees. And New York requires face masks in public.

Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside America’s 2-Decade Failure to Prepare for Coronavirus.

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Coronavirus: How much power does Trump have?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:10:14 -0000

President Trump's claim that he has total authority over states to override their decisions on when to reopen their economies has been widely panned by legal experts as unconstitutional. POLITICO's Josh Gerstein explains why. Plus, the US plans to halt funding to the WHO. And California considers how to reopen schools in the fall.

Josh Gerstein is a senior legal affairs contributor for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘Flat-out wrong’: Conservatives clobber Trump’s ‘total' power boast.

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Can rural hospitals get loans in time?

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:26:49 -0000

Rural hospitals are in danger of running out of money as the coronavirus pandemic hits America's heartland. But POLITICO's Rachel Roubein says many of them are unable to access stimulus loans. Plus, states are making their own plans for how to reopen the economy. And Sanders endorses Biden.

Rachel Roubein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Rural hospitals shut out of stimulus loans face financial crisis.

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Coronavirus: The global fight to prevent another depression

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:04:51 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic is bringing us closer and closer to a global economic depression. POLITICO's Ben White gives an inside look at how the world's leading economies are scrambling to prevent that. Plus, Saudi Arabia and Russia reach an unprecedented deal to cut oil production. And Boris Johnson is out of the hospital.

Ben White is chief economic correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Inside the global race to prevent another depression.

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The other side of the Covid hotline

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:00:13 -0000

Erin is a nurse in Arizona who talks to more than 100 people a week on the Covid hotline. If you meet the criteria, she'll refer you to be tested. She explains what it's like to be on the other side of the phone, talking to people who are scared, angry and panicked, even as she watches the positive cases in her state tick upward.

Erin is a nurse in Arizona.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

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The end for Bernie

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:30:02 -0000

It looked like Biden's race since Super Tuesday, but it took Bernie Sanders more than a month to drop out of the Democratic primary. POLITICO's Holly Otterbein looks at the end of Bernie's campaign. Plus, coronavirus deaths reach a new high in New York. And Boris Johnson is out of the ICU.

Holly Otterbein covers the 2020 presidential race for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: A rift in the White House

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:40:43 -0000

President Trump's fixation on an unproven anti-malaria drug and his tendency to play the blame game are causing a split in the White House. Plus, the head of the WHO calls for global solidarity. And the US is exploring a framework for eventually returning to normal.

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump’s ‘Hail Mary’ drug push rattles his health team.

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Coronavirus: A crisis for communities of color

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:32:18 -0000

The coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately hitting black and brown communities in the US. POLITICO's Laura Barrón-López explains why — and how a lack of data could make things worse. Plus, New York deaths hit a new high. And California is 'bending the curve.'

Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: The battle over voting

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:24:01 -0000

Wisconsin is asking its citizens to head to the polls today despite a global pandemic and an executive order from the state's governor delaying the vote. POLITICO's Natasha Korecki explains why the election is going forward — and how it gives a glimpse into the fight brewing over November. Plus, Trump disputes a scathing inspector general report on American hospitals. And Fauci says we may never get back to normal.

Natasha Korecki is a national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: The next hot spots

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:23:24 -0000

Rural communities in the South are on track to become coronavirus hot spots in the coming weeks. POLITICO's Alice Miranda Ollstein and Dan Goldberg explain why a shortage of beds and medical equipment could cause disproportionate suffering in those areas. Plus, up to 50 percent of people who contract the virus may not show symptoms. And the UN calls for a global response to a spike in domestic violence.

Alice Miranda Ollstein is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Dan Goldberg is health care reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Can history save Trump from a historic crisis?

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:34:46 -0000

President Trump's team is searching through the trenches of presidential history to find inspiration for how to tackle the pandemic. POLITICO's Gabby Orr explains why it might be tough for Trump to rise to the occasion like other presidents have. Plus, the CDC is set to recommend Americans wear protective masks.

Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: How we broke the 'pandemic playbook' story

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:26:50 -0000

A mysterious document. Some rubber gloves. And a carefully[hyphen]coordinated — 6 feet away! — handoff. POLITICO brings you an inside look at how our reporters break stories when they’re stuck inside — and how they found the secret “pandemic playbook”. Plus, Gov. DeSantis order Floridians to stay at home. And Dr. Fauci gets a security detail.

Nahal Toosi is POLITICO's foreign affairs correspondent.
Dan Diamond is a health care policy reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: The next 30 days

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:24:24 -0000

The White House is warning that the next 30 days will be crucial in the fight against the coronavirus — and that even if the current social distancing guidelines are followed, deaths could reach 240,000. But President Trump still hasn't issued a nationwide 'shelter in place' order. POLITICO's Renuka Rayasam explains why. Plus, the UN is urging a global response. And the CDC says 25 percent of infected people might not show symptoms.

Renuka Rayasam is POLITICO's Texas correspondent and author of the POLITICO Nightly newsletter.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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'Everything is like a horror movie': How the coronavirus is felt across the world

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:12:09 -0000

From Madrid to Detroit, POLITICO brings you an on-the-ground look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyday life in cities across the globe. Plus, a growing number of states are cracking down on social distancing.

Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want to hear how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your life. Send a voice memo recording to audio@politico.com.

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Coronavirus: Who lives and who dies?

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:33:53 -0000

A shortage of life-saving ventilators is looming in America. POLITICO's Joanne Kenen explains why US hospitals aren’t prepared to make tough decisions about who gets care and who doesn't. Plus, President Trump is extending social distancing guidelines. And Dr. Anthony Fauci has a bleak projection for coronavirus deaths.

Joanne Kenen is executive editor for health care at POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: A lottery for ventilators? Hospitals prepare for ethical conundrums

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Can we save the economy from the coronavirus? Eh, it's complicated.

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:12:29 -0000

As unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic soars, POLITICO's Ben White explains where the economy is headed — and what the U.S. can do to prevent a full-blown Great Depression. Plus, why our top money guy disagrees with the Fed head. And the U.S. now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the world.

Ben White is chief economic correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: ‘Just damage containment’: Cost of the coronavirus shutdown keeps rising

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Coronavirus: No, the end isn't in sight.

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:57:20 -0000

It's gonna get worse before it gets better. POLITICO's Dan Diamond explains just how bad the coronavirus pandemic it will get — and how U.S. policy can shape that. Plus, the Senate passes a $2 trillion relief package. And New Orleans emerges as a hotspot.

Dan Diamond reports on health care politics and policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Trump team failed to follow NSC’s pandemic playbook

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Coronavirus: We have a stimulus package!

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:51:46 -0000

Five days. That’s how long it took Senate leaders to announce a deal on a nearly $2 trillion coronavirus relief package early this morning. POLITICO's Marianne LeVine explains how Congress 'fast forwarded talks 100 times' to make it happen. Plus, the White House is calling for anyone leaving the New York area to self-isolate for two weeks. And President Trump wants the country to 'reopen' by Easter.

Marianne LeVine covers the Senate for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want your feedback on POLITICO Dispatch. You can reach out to the audio team via audio@politico.com.

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Coronavirus: The law that could save us from a medical supply shortage

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:20:59 -0000

Despite desperate pleas from lawmakers and hospitals, why hasn’t President Trump used a decades-old law to force companies to produce more critical medical supplies? POLITICO's Bryan Bender breaks it down. Plus, Mnuchin and Schumer are closer to a deal on a coronavirus stimulus package. And cases in Italy are finally dropping.

Bryan Bender is a senior national correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want your feedback on POLITICO Dispatch. You can reach out to the audio team via audio@politico.com.

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Coronavirus: Inside the emergency room

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:15:49 -0000

As healthcare workers across the nation sound the alarm over a looming shortage of medical supplies and protective equipment, POLITICO gives you an on-the-ground look at one doctor's experience in the emergency room. Plus, Senators are back at the negotiating table after failing to pass a $1.6 trillion relief package.

Tiffany is an emergency medicine resident in Detroit.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want your feedback on POLITICO Dispatch. You can reach out to the audio team via audio@politico.com.

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A 5-Year-Old's Guide to Coronavirus

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 12:00:11 -0000

Are you feeling confused and paranoid during this pandemic? Isabelle is here to help. The daughter of POLITICO White House reporter Nancy Cook explains coronavirus through a five-year-old's eyes.

Isabelle is a five-year-old ingenue.
Nancy Cook covers the White House for POLITICO.
Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO Audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO Audio.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO Audio.

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Coronavirus: The problem with treatments

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:08:04 -0000

President Trump says he's 'slashing red tape' to streamline the development of coronavirus treatments. But POLITICO's Sarah Owermohle reports it's not that easy. Plus, all of California is under lockdown. And the pandemic is pummeling Europe.

Sarah Owermohle covers drugs and pharmaceuticals for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Is America the next Italy?

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:25:07 -0000

Dan Diamond reports on health care politics and policy for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: How badly will it hurt the economy?

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:20:27 -0000

Ben White is chief economic correspondent at POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: San Francisco shuts down

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:19:23 -0000

A "shelter in place" order went into effect for most of the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday night amid the coronavirus pandemic. Reporter Marisa Lagos gives an inside look at what it's like in the first US city to shut down. Plus, Angela Greiling Keane on what happens if the entire nation does the same?

Marisa Lagos is a correspondent at KQED.
Angela Greiling Keane is the editorial director of states and Canada at POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Trump's 180

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:00:20 -0000

Gabby Orr is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Lawmakers demand McCarthy apologize for coronavirus tweet

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:30:14 -0000

Judy Chu represents California's 27th District in the US House of Representatives
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Where are the tests?

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:26:03 -0000

Adam Cancryn is a health care reporter for POLITICO.
Adrienne Hurst is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.

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Dispatch from Italy: Lessons from a coronavirus lockdown

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:22:37 -0000

Tiffany Parks is an American expat living in Rome, co-host of The Bittersweet Life Podcast, and author of "Midnight in the Piazza."
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Europe is banned

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:30:18 -0000

Ryan Heath is a senior editor at POLITICO.
Sudeep Reddy is a managing editor at POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Biden Wins Big. Again.

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:30:34 -0000

Annie Rees is a POLITICO podcast producer.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Chris Cadelago is a national political reporter for POLITICO
Scott Bland is a POLITICO campaign editor and host of Nerdcast.

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Could Michigan spell the end for Bernie?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:27:03 -0000

Tim Alberta is chief political correspondent for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: Michigan Was Once Bernie’s Resurrection. Now It Could Be His Burial.

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Surprising Facts You Never Knew About Bernie & Biden

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:28:16 -0000

Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more:
55 Things You Need to Know About Bernie Sanders
55 Things You Need to Know About Joe Biden

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The Great Coronavirus Panic of 2020

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:23:01 -0000

Sudeep Reddy is a managing editor at POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: In crisis, Trump sees opportunity

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:47:53 -0000

Nancy Cook is a White House reporter for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

Read more: In crisis, Trump team sees a chance to achieve long-sought goals

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Where is that $8.3b in coronavirus money going?

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:37:35 -0000

Caitlin Emma covers the federal budget and spending bills for POLITICO.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

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Coronavirus: Chaos in the White House

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:24:40 -0000

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It's all about Biden and Bernie

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 21:23:10 -0000

Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want your feedback on POLITICO Dispatch. You can reach out to the audio team via audio@politico.com.

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Biden's Comeback

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:13:06 -0000

Annie Rees is a POLITICO podcast producer.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Laura Barrón-López is a national political reporter for POLITICO.
Scott Bland is a POLITICO campaign editor and host of Nerdcast.

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Inside POLITICO for the biggest day of the Democratic race

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 19:27:23 -0000

Elena Schneider is a national campaign reporter for POLITICO.
Carla Marinucci writes POLITICO's California Playbook.
Stephanie Murray writes POLITICO's Massachusetts Playbook.
Jeremy Siegel is a host for POLITICO Dispatch.
Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.
Jenny Ament is the senior producer of POLITICO audio.

We want your feedback on POLITICO Dispatch. You can reach out to the audio team via audio@politico.com.

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