Post Reports

Naftali Bendavid, Senior Political Correspondent at The Washington Post, and Michael Birnbaum, White House Correspondent focusing on Trump and foreign policy, delve into the shifting economic rhetoric of the Trump administration. They discuss the stark contrast between promises of prosperity and current austerity measures. The conversation explores Trump's tariff strategies and their potential voter impact, alongside how foreign leaders are responding to issues like immigration and Ukraine. Tensions within the Republican Party also come to light amid these discussions.

Karishma Mehrotra, a South Asia correspondent for The Washington Post, provides insight into the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly in Kashmir. She details recent military strikes and the tragic loss of civilian lives, reflecting on how these events heighten the risk of war. The discussion also dives into the historical roots of the Kashmir dispute and addresses the critical issue of nuclear tensions between the nations. Ultimately, Mehrotra emphasizes the urgent need for dialogue to avert further escalation.

Shane O’Neill, a style reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the recent film 'Conclave' and how it reflects the real-life process of electing a new pope after the passing of Pope Francis. He contrasts the dramatic portrayal in the movie with the actual voting mechanisms and the spiritual significance behind them. O’Neill also explores the surge of interest in the film and its thematic ties to authoritarianism, shedding light on the complex dynamics and ideological divides among the cardinals involved in the historic conclave.

Bernie Sanders, the Independent senator from Vermont and a champion of progressive policies, addresses the urgency of grassroots movements amid rising discontent with the Trump administration. He shares insights on the need for the Democratic Party to reconnect with working-class voters. Rallying supporters, he emphasizes the fight against wealth inequality and critiques the influence of wealthy donors in politics. Sanders inspires action, urging citizens to overcome voter disillusionment and push for substantial change.

Anne Branigin and Janae Kingsbury, reporters from the Style section at The Washington Post, delve into the shocking fall of Sean Combs, once a celebrated figure in music. They discuss how a lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Cassie sparked multiple allegations of abuse and criminal conduct, leading to a federal investigation. The conversation highlights Combs' rise from Harlem to hip-hop mogul, his extravagant lifestyle, and the dark revelations that threaten to tarnish his legacy. The legal implications for both Combs and the music industry are profound.

Join White House reporter Natalie Allison and national political reporter Maeve Reston as they dissect the whirlwind start of Trump’s second term, marked by a flurry of executive orders. They delve into Trump’s decision to replace national security adviser Michael Waltz and his first 100 days, where public opinion shows a stark divide over his policies. The duo also explores potential Democratic candidates for 2028, analyzing the ambitions of figures like Governors Pritzker, Newsom, and Whitmer, and their strategies for uniting the party.

Rebecca Tan, Southeast Asia Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, dives deep into the fraught legacies of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of U.S.-Vietnam relations. She recounts the critical ongoing efforts to locate missing soldiers, revealing the emotional toll on families. Tan highlights the rollback of trust-building initiatives under the Trump administration, which cut vital funding for demining and public health. The discussion reflects on both historical scars and the challenges of moving forward in a changing geopolitical landscape.

On May 2, the United States will start charging import fees, also known as tariffs, on small-dollar shipments from China. Those fees fundamentally alter the business model of companies like Shein and Temu, which ship low-cost goods and garments directly from factories in China to consumers.Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Washington Post fashion critic Rachel Tashjian to understand what these changes will mean for shoppers and gets advice for how to shop for better quality clothes on any budget.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and border czar Tom Homan held a briefing Monday to tout the Trump administration’s record on immigration. There, reporters asked about the recent deportation of three U.S. citizen children. According to recent polls, Trump is increasingly losing support for his hard-line approach to immigration enforcement. Co-host Colby Itkowitz talks to White House reporter Marianne LeVine about what the first 100 days of Trump’s immigration policies add up to – and what we could expect next.Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thank you to Christine Armario. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Lisa Singh has spent the past six months working overnight on the subway platforms of New York, where homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction and crime had been unfolding as overlapping crises. Since Lisa had taken the job, a woman died after being lit on fire on an F train at Coney Island, a man was pushed into the path of an oncoming train in Manhattan, and other riders were shoved, punched and stabbed in unprovoked attacks.Before this work, Lisa had spent years as a nurse in a psychiatric emergency room, so she knew how difficult it could be to treat schizophrenic or bipolar patients who couldn’t always advocate for themselves. Now, she has the power to order involuntary removals of people with mental illness and hospitalize them for up to 72 hours, and she can use the orders at her discretion to remove mentally ill people who cannot meet their basic needs — even if they aren’t acting dangerously toward others.This story follows Lisa through several shifts in the New York City subway. The piece was reported, written and read by Ruby Cramer. Audio production and original music by Bishop Sand.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.