Post Reports

Eva Dou, a tech policy reporter for The Washington Post and author of "House of Huawei," dives into the AI arms race sparked by the Chinese startup DeepSeek. This unexpected competitor is shaking up the U.S. tech market and raising alarms in San Francisco and Wall Street. Dou discusses the implications of DeepSeek's dominance, the scrappy startup's innovative low-cost AI, and how U.S. export controls are reshaping the landscape. The conversation highlights the urgent need for American companies to adapt or risk falling behind in this fierce technological rivalry.

Lauren Weber, a health reporter for The Washington Post, investigates the alarming vaccine claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She highlights how RFK Jr.’s stances have raised red flags among public health experts. The discussion unpacks his unfounded ties of vaccines to autism and cancer, contrasting them with scientific consensus. Weber also touches on the political implications of his nomination for the Department of Health and Human Services and the chaotic public health landscape, including family disputes and policy changes affecting vaccine discourse.

Nick Miroff, an immigration reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the Trump administration's startling new deportation quotas, increasing daily removals to over 1,200. He discusses the potential for indiscriminate enforcement tactics and the civil rights concerns that may arise. The conversation also highlights the backlash from communities, the challenges of implementing such ambitious goals, and the impact on the immigrant population. Miroff examines the ethical dilemmas within the legal system and the political fallout from these intensified deportation campaigns.

Debora Cahn, the creative mind behind Netflix's "The Diplomat," shares insights into her experiences as a writer and producer. She discusses the show's focus on the often-untold stories of career diplomats and the concept of 'competency porn' in political dramas. Cahn explores the intricate balance between personal and professional lives of diplomats, highlighting authentic relationships amidst political pressures. The conversation also delves into the challenges female characters face in politics, with references to real-world dynamics and character complexities.

Isaac Arnsdorf, Senior White House reporter for The Washington Post, and Marianne LeVine, National political reporter covering immigration, discuss Trump's executive actions during his second term's first week. They explore the immediate effects on immigration policy, including troop deployments and mass deportations. The conversation highlights the muted Republican response to Trump's pardons of January 6 rioters, revealing rifts within the party and contrasting these actions with Biden's approach, shedding light on the implications for political accountability.

Hannah Ziegler, a business reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the evolving workforce landscape, spotlighting older women who are breaking barriers. She discusses how many women over 55 are embracing careers later in life for fulfillment and financial necessity. Personal stories highlight their resilience amid gender disparities. Ziegler also explores the financial pressures that keep older women working longer and the inspiring shifts in retirement perspectives, making a case for empathy and collaboration in leadership roles.

Sarah Ellison, a seasoned Washington Post reporter with extensive experience covering Rupert Murdoch's media empire, discusses Prince Harry's legal battle against tabloids. She unpacks the recent settlement where Murdoch's group apologized and paid substantial damages. Ellison sheds light on why Harry decided to settle after years of pursuing justice against invasive practices like phone hacking. The conversation also explores the implications of this settlement on media accountability and the shifting narrative surrounding privacy rights.

Explore the dramatic twists surrounding TikTok's fate in the U.S. After a Supreme Court ruling upheld a ban, Trump’s sudden pivot led to an executive order halting the shutdown. Discover the emotional turmoil faced by users caught in this political chess game. A dive into the shifting perceptions of TikTok reveals how it’s become a tool for engaging younger voters. The potential shutdown raises questions about its role in communication and commerce, as users contemplate their next steps amidst the uncertainty.

Dan Balz, Chief Correspondent for National Politics at The Washington Post, joins to discuss the unusual atmosphere during Trump's inauguration. He highlights how supporters gathered indoors due to the cold, capturing their hopes for Trump's second term. The conversation shifts to Trump's narrative-driven speech and ambitious policy proposals, particularly in immigration. Balz also examines the political dynamics and executive actions Trump took, including key decisions on citizenship laws and potential pardons related to January 6th.

Petula Dvorak, a columnist for Retropolis at the Washington Post, delves into the bizarre events surrounding James Buchanan's 1857 inauguration. She uncovers the mystery of a gastrointestinal outbreak known as the National Hotel Disease, which struck Buchanan and over 400 guests. Dvorak explores the eerie conspiracy theories circling the illness and reflects on how it influenced presidential leadership. The tale also dives into the hotel's storied past, hinting at future connections to infamous historical figures like John Wilkes Booth.