Post Reports

Evan Halper, a reporter from The Washington Post, dives into the potential reopening of Three Mile Island, site of the infamous 1979 nuclear accident. He discusses how Constellation Energy's partnership with Microsoft could transform the plant into a key power source for AI. As tech giants crave more energy, he outlines the balance between nuclear power's historical stigma and its role in a cleaner energy future. Halper also touches on community opinions and the financial stakes involved in this bold energy pivot.

Greg Jaffe, a national reporter at The Washington Post, shares insights on the Army's struggle with recruitment amid declining trust in institutions. He highlights the emotional challenges faced by recruiters in New Jersey and innovative strategies they’re adopting to attract young recruits. Jaffe explores how the pandemic has impacted educational readiness and the changing motivations of potential enlistees. With personal stories from recruits, he details how the Army is redefining its messaging to emphasize belonging and identity.

Sharon McMahon, a beloved civics educator and creator of @SharonSaysSo, discusses the historic implications of Kamala Harris potentially becoming the first female president. She traces women's journey to suffrage and challenges faced, especially for women of color. McMahon highlights the slow progress in political representation despite significant milestones like the 19th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing fight for equality and the transformative potential of women's leadership in shaping the future.

Marianna Sotomayor, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the Democrats' ambitious plans to flip the House of Representatives amidst a politically charged landscape. She delves into Vice President Kamala Harris's media blitz aimed at crucial swing voters, particularly among Latino constituents. The conversation turns to the fallout from Hurricane Milton, examining how natural disasters impact voter sentiment and disaster relief narratives. The urgency of the upcoming elections adds a layer of anticipation, highlighting the thrilling uncertainties ahead.

Dan Diamond, a national health reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the contentious world of healthcare politics. He examines how current candidates like Trump and Harris may impact issues like drug pricing and reproductive health. Diamond highlights the ongoing debates over Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, contrasting the candidates' approaches to healthcare access and management of Big Pharma. With healthcare being a pivotal issue in the upcoming election, he sheds light on the implications for voters and the healthcare system.

Maxine Joselow, a climate reporter for The Washington Post, dives into FEMA's battle against misinformation following Hurricane Helene. She highlights how conspiracy theories can jeopardize disaster responses and public trust. The discussion unveils FEMA's crucial roles in immediate aid while combating false narratives that distort funding realities. Joselow also addresses the emotional toll misinformation has on communities recovering from disasters and emphasizes the urgent need for accurate information as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Colby Itkowitz, a Democracy reporter for The Washington Post, unpacks the Republican Party's intricate legal battles over mail-in voting. She discusses how their efforts to disqualify these ballots may backfire and evidence suggests they actually benefit from mail-in voting. Itkowitz explores the contradictory stance within the GOP — promoting mail-in ballots while simultaneously trying to complicate the voting process. The conversation also highlights concerns over disenfranchisement and the implications of these strategies for upcoming elections.

Steve Hendrix, the Jerusalem bureau chief for The Washington Post, shares insights on the ongoing aftermath of the October 7th attacks in Israel. He discusses the deep divisions within Israeli society and the lingering trauma a year later. Hendrix emphasizes the continuous threats faced by communities near Gaza, as evidenced by renewed rocket attacks. He explores Israel's shifting global dynamics, including strained relations with the U.S. and the complexities of military actions amid humanitarian concerns. Personal stories highlight resilience and evolving national identity in this challenging landscape.

Kareem Copeland and Ava Wallace, sports reporters for The Washington Post, delve into the transformative impact of rookie Caitlin Clark on the WNBA. They discuss how her electrifying performances have boosted attendance and viewership in women's basketball. The conversation touches on the league's $2.2 billion media deal, enhancing player salaries and opportunities. They also address the challenges posed by newfound fan interest, including an increase in harassment faced by players. The discussion highlights the exciting future of women's sports.

Emily Guskin, The Post’s deputy polling director, breaks down the world of political polling as Election Day nears. She explains how polls are conducted and emphasizes the significance of their methodology, including random sampling and question crafting. Emily tackles public skepticism about polling accuracy, especially post-2016, and discusses improvements made by pollsters to better capture voter demographics. With insightful analogies, she clarifies why polls reflect momentary public sentiment rather than future predictions.