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 co...
Apr 01, 2021•12 min
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...
Mar 31, 2021•12 min
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 ...
Mar 30, 2021•13 min
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...
Mar 29, 2021•14 min
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....
Mar 26, 2021•12 min
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 POLITI...
Mar 25, 2021•12 min
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 ...
Mar 24, 2021•11 min
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...
Mar 23, 2021•14 min
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 PO...
Mar 22, 2021•14 min
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...
Mar 19, 2021•14 min
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 executi...
Mar 18, 2021•14 min
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. ...
Mar 17, 2021•12 min
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 POLITI...
Mar 16, 2021•12 min
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 ...
Mar 15, 2021•14 min
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 ...
Mar 12, 2021•12 min
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 p...
Mar 11, 2021•13 min
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. Jere...
Mar 10, 2021•13 min
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 p...
Mar 09, 2021•13 min
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...
Mar 08, 2021•14 min
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 PO...
Mar 05, 2021•14 min
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 t...
Mar 04, 2021•12 min
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. Ta...
Mar 03, 2021•13 min
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. E...
Mar 02, 2021•13 min
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...
Mar 01, 2021•11 min
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 Noguc...
Feb 26, 2021•14 min
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 Sie...
Feb 25, 2021•13 min
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 nom...
Feb 24, 2021•12 min
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 POL...
Feb 23, 2021•13 min
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 wr...
Feb 22, 2021•15 min
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 ...
Feb 19, 2021•12 min
