Decoded by POLITICO

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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