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The POLITICO Tech podcast is your download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. New episodes on Thursdays.
Episodes
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Jul 2, 2021 • 12min
Decriminalizing prostitution and the fight against sex trafficking
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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Jul 1, 2021 • 11min
Should you be freaking out about the Delta variant?
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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Jun 30, 2021 • 14min
The anatomy of a ransomware attack
It starts with a note saying your files are being held captive. It ends with a big payout or a lengthy investigation. POLITICO’s Sam Sabin breaks down how ransomware attacks go down — and what the U.S. is doing to prevent more of them. Plus, New Jersey’s attorney general will lead enforcement at the SEC. And the latest New York mayoral count is voided after ‘test’ ballots were included in the tally.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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Jun 29, 2021 • 12min
A Trump-DeSantis collision course
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is rising fast in popularity. That has him on a collision course with the most powerful man in the GOP ahead of 2024. POLITICO’s Matt Dixon reports. Plus, a federal court tosses out two antitrust suits seeking to break up Facebook. And Biden won’t attend the Tokyo Olympics.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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Jun 28, 2021 • 15min
Covid’s effect on women in the workforce
The pandemic drove millions of women out of the workforce. Experts say bold action is needed to help them come back. POLITICO’s Elizabeth Ralph reports. Plus, Arkansas’ governor says hospitalizations are up among the unvaccinated. And Sen. Romney criticizes Trump’s false claims about the election during a weekend rally.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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Jun 25, 2021 • 13min
The surprisingly un-Trumpy Supreme Court
Three of the court’s picks came from the former president. But you wouldn’t be able to guess it based on their recent decisions. POLITICO’s Josh Gerstein reports. Plus, Biden says he’ll only sign a bipartisan infrastructure deal if it’s delivered alongside a “human infrastructure” bill. And the Senate passes legislation to help farmers profit on climate action.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 linesSupreme Court rules in favor of athletes in NCAA compensation case
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Jun 24, 2021 • 13min
Where vaccinations are lagging and why
More than 60 percent of adults in the U.S. have gotten at least one vaccine dose, but when you look at the demographic breakdown, things don’t look too good. POLITICO’s Adam Cancryn reports. Plus, the FDA plans to add a warning about rare heart inflammation to Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines. And House Democrats propose a 14 percent funding budget boost for the IRS.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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Jun 23, 2021 • 12min
The cases for and against the filibuster
You hate it when you’re in charge, you love it when you’re not. POLITICO’s Rachael Bade reports on how the decades-old debate over the Senate procedure requiring 60 votes for most legislation to pass — and why it’s coming to a head. Plus, Sen. Warren stalls Biden’s pick to be the No. 3 official at the Education Department. And Biden taps a Russia expert to be the Pentagon's international security chief.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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Jun 22, 2021 • 12min
The Democratic shift on Israel
Netanyahu is out and the latest round of violence with Hamas is over, but progressives’ willingness to criticize Israel is here to stay. POLITICO’s Andrew Desiderio looks at the generational divide forming within the Democratic caucus. Plus, the U.S. imposes new sanctions on Belarus. And it’s Election Day in New York City.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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Jun 21, 2021 • 13min
The end of Big Tech’s glory days
There’s a new sheriff in town. Lina Khan, a staunch critic of Silicon Valley giants, has taken the reins at the FTC. POLITICO’s Leah Nylen looks at what Kahn’s ascension — and a new package of antitrust bills — could mean for Big Tech. Plus, Sen. Bernie Sanders won’t back an infrastructure deal with more gas taxes or electric vehicle fees. And nearly two-third of Iowans are ready for Sen. Chuck Grassley to go.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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