Post Reports

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.

In this engaging discussion, Abigail Hauslohner, a national security reporter for The Washington Post, and Dan Balz, chief political correspondent for the same publication, dive into the turmoil surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app for sensitive communications. They highlight the resulting security concerns within the Pentagon and reveal troubling new polling for Trump, showing a decline in support for his immigration policies. The conversation also explores the internal struggles within the Republican Party around accountability and loyalty.

David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting and co-founder of Leaders We Deserve, pushes for a political revolution within the Democratic Party. He argues for replacing ineffective incumbents with progressive candidates to revive voter trust. Hogg discusses the alarming shift of young voters towards the Republican Party, emphasizing the need for accountability and fresh leadership. His bold strategy includes a $20 million investment to challenge established Democrats, stirring controversy and debate about the party's future direction.

Since Trump unleashed Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service on the federal government, Post reporter Hannah Natanson has been deluged with messages from hundreds of federal workers. They fear for their jobs and are worried about the damage DOGE could do to crucial programs as it tries to make massive spending cuts across the government.Colby Itkowitz speaks with Hannah about what it has been like to be on the receiving end of these messages, what federal workers are most concerned about, and what DOGE may look like now that Elon Musk is stepping back from leading the initiative.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Peter Bresnan. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Doug MacMillan, an investigative reporter for The Washington Post, sheds light on the troubling conditions within ICE detention centers. He shares the harrowing story of América Platt, who endured overcrowding and lack of medical care. They delve into the systemic failures and personal accounts revealing severe shortages in essential supplies. The conversation emphasizes the dehumanizing aspects of current immigration policies and challenges the narrative around detainees, highlighting that many have no criminal records.

In this discussion, Anthony Faiola, the Washington Post’s Rome bureau chief, shares insights from his 10+ years covering Pope Francis. He reflects on Francis's groundbreaking approach as the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, emphasizing his inclusive efforts for women and the LGBTQ community. The conversation delves into the complexities of his legacy amidst traditionalism, as well as the mysterious future of the Church shaped by the upcoming conclave. Who will step into his shoes? Faiola provides a glimpse into a future filled with uncertainty.

Neuroscientist Richard Sima, a columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the science of relaxation. He shares surprising insights on the art of napping, revealing how it can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress. Sima also emphasizes the power of breathing techniques in calming the mind, offering practical exercises to help listeners achieve tranquility. With tips for creating the perfect napping environment, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to find peace in our hectic lives.

Lily Kuo, The Washington Post's China bureau chief, delves into the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. She discusses how both nations resist backing down, leading to unprecedented tariffs that threaten global markets. Kuo explains China's ingenious strategies to weather the crisis, including economic stimulus and adapting their manufacturing sector. She also shares insights from an e-commerce expo in Shenzhen, where sellers remain determined despite mounting challenges. The conversation reveals the broader implications of this tense geopolitical battle.