Post Reports

In this captivating discussion, Philip Kennicott, Senior art and architecture critic for The Washington Post, dissects the audacious Louvre jewel heist. He reveals how thieves executed their plan with disguises and a quick escape through a window. Philip dives into the historical significance of the stolen Napoleonic-era jewels and shares the public outrage in France regarding security failures. He also explores the challenges thieves face in selling such high-profile gems, emphasizing the broader implications of this theft on cultural access and inequality.

National security reporter Alex Horton, known for his insights on military actions, discusses U.S. strikes on Caribbean boats, with a focus on recent attacks linked to drug trafficking. He highlights the shift from Coast Guard operations to military strikes under Trump's administration and the lack of evidence supporting these actions. Horton delves into the implications of survivors from Colombia complicating legal narratives and the potential motivations behind these operations, including speculation about regime change in Venezuela and strained U.S.-Colombia relations.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Fuchsia Sirwa, a social and health psychology professor at Durham University, shares insights on optimism, well-being, and resilience. She highlights how mindset shifts and practices like gratitude can foster happiness. Atdhe Trepca, the filmmaker behind the viral 'Are You Happy?' project, reveals the surprising candidness in people's responses about joy amidst hardship. They explore whether happiness is a choice and the impact of social support on well-being, blending personal stories with research-backed evidence.

Shelley Moore Capito, a Senior U.S. Senator from West Virginia and a key player in Senate Republican leadership, discusses the ongoing federal government shutdown. She emphasizes the need to reopen the government before tackling health care reforms, specifically around ACA subsidies. Capito expresses a willingness to vote on a temporary extension but stands firm against the demands that would guarantee outcomes for Democrats. She also raises concerns about the erosion of congressional authority and the implications of extreme online rhetoric among political groups.

Tom Sietsema, a revered food critic for over 25 years, shares fascinating insights from his extensive dining career. He discusses his unique ordering strategies to evaluate the dining 'theater' and the importance of maintaining anonymity while reviewing. Listeners will learn how Tom chooses restaurants, the value of repeat visits, and his tips for enjoying a night out. He also reflects on the challenges of writing reviews and the evolving role of critics amid online reviews, all while cherishing the connections he made with readers.

Hannah Natanson, a dedicated reporter for The Washington Post focusing on federal government issues, joins the discussion on the ongoing government shutdown. She reveals the immediate fallout—missed paychecks, closed national parks, and heightened anxiety among federal employees. Natanson highlights how layoffs disproportionately target vulnerable populations while also impacting Republican priorities. Legal questions loom over these firings, raising concerns about their legitimacy and potential for future cuts, leaving many worried about their livelihoods.

In this insightful discussion, Elizabeth (Lizza) Dwoskin, Silicon Valley correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into the world of fertility startups like Orchid Health. She explains how they use genetic testing to identify diseases in embryos, but raises ethical dilemmas about creating 'super-babies.' Lizza highlights the complexities of polygenic scoring and the staggering costs involved. She also addresses inequality in access to these technologies and warns about unintended consequences in trait selection, making us ponder the future of reproductive technology.

Abby Cheeseman, a Middle East reporter for The Washington Post based in Beirut, shares her insights on the recent ceasefire and hostage exchanges in Gaza. She describes emotional family reunions and the significant challenges of recovering deceased hostages amidst destruction. Abby also discusses the humanitarian surge in aid, Trump's pivotal role in brokering the deal, and the remaining questions about lasting peace. The complexities of negotiations, security guarantees, and future reconstruction efforts are critically analyzed, highlighting the fragile state of the ceasefire.

Sydney Page, a reporter for The Optimist, shares her journey covering the inspiring transformation of the Huntington animal shelter led by director Courtney Proctor Cross. The shelter was once overwhelmed, euthanizing 50-75% of animals due to lack of resources. Sydney highlights Courtney's resilience shaped by personal loss and her passionate drive to save lives. Through innovative fundraising and community engagement, Courtney turned the shelter into a beacon of hope, demonstrating that taking action on what you care about can spark real change.

In this discussion, Liz Goodwin, a seasoned national politics reporter at The Washington Post, and Dan Merica, co-anchor of The Early Brief, delve into the complexities of the government shutdown, highlighting shifting blame among parties. They explore the contentious nature of Pam Bondi's recent Senate hearing and its implications for the Trump administration. The conversation also touches on the fallout from violent text messages in Virginia's political landscape and Trump's pivotal role in a controversial Gaza peace deal, questioning the evolution of political norms.