President Biden wrapped up his first presidential trip to the Middle East over the weekend with few concrete deliverables on increased oil production from Saudi Arabia and no progress on an Israeli and Palestinian resolution.  Ginger Gibson, deputy Washington digital editor at NBC News, joins us this, Biden’s meeting with the Saudi crowned prince, another round of bad poll numbers, and Sen. Joe Manchin refusing to support the president’s agenda.

 

Next, some restaurants are facing an extortion racket and it’s all playing out on Google.  Emails are being sent to dozens of restaurants threatening bad, one-star reviews unless owners pay up with $75 Google Play gift cards.  These reviews are critical in attracting business and some restaurants are complaining of inaction on the part of Google in policing these negative comments.  Christina Morales, food reporter at the NY Times, joins us for how restaurants are responding.

 

Finally, the battle for the future of American passenger rail is currently being played out.  Amtrak is trying to expand with 39 new routes to reach dozens more cities and towns and it has the money to do so, but it doesn’t have the railroad tracks.  Amtrak contracts with private rail owners because it doesn’t own its own, but the fight to keep freight and the supply chain moving, is taking precedent.  Luz Lazo, reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for what to know in a decision that could come by the end of summer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.