Post Reports

Kim Bellware, a reporter from The Washington Post focused on gun violence, shares harrowing details about the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. She discusses the emotional turmoil faced by families as children were in church praying when the violence erupted. The conversation delves into the shooter's background and the broader implications of gun violence and school safety in the U.S. Bellware emphasizes the urgent need for change and support for affected communities in the aftermath of such tragedies.

Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the Trump administration's unprecedented deal with Intel, where the government acquires a 10% stake. He unpacks the implications of this shift in government-business dynamics and compares it to historical bailouts. The conversation highlights concerns from free-market conservatives about potential overreach and the risks to taxpayers. De Vynck also discusses the importance of Intel in domestic semiconductor production and the balance between national security and economic interests.

Dan Lamothe, a Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the controversial plans to deploy troops in Chicago and other American cities. He uncovers the Pentagon's motivations and the legal grounds for this initiative. The discussion offers insights into past troop deployments in Los Angeles and D.C., and explores the ethical implications of using military forces for urban crime control. Lamothe also highlights the financial costs to taxpayers and the mixed feelings among service members regarding these domestic missions.

Ruby Cramer, a National narrative enterprise reporter for The Washington Post, explores the gripping story of immigration lawyer Christopher Kinnison. Kinnison provides fervent representation for clients in rural Louisiana, grappling with an overwhelming surge of ICE detentions after Trump took office. He faces emotional challenges as he navigates clients' complex cases amidst a chaotic environment, revealing how rapidly changing policies profoundly impact the lives of some of America's most hidden individuals.

Cat Zakrzewski, White House reporter for The Washington Post, and Michael Birnbaum, a seasoned White House correspondent, dissect President Trump's claims of ending multiple wars, focusing on the stalled peace efforts in Ukraine. They evaluate the effectiveness of Trump's personal diplomacy with leaders like Putin and Zelensky and analyze the challenges of his federal policing strategies in D.C. The conversation highlights the complicated intersection of crime, politics, and public perception in the nation's capital.

Maeve Reston, a politics reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the controversial redistricting in Texas, highlighting how newly drawn maps could strengthen GOP dominance while allegedly diluting representation for communities of color. She also covers the dramatic exit of Texas Democrats, aimed at stalling the GOP's plans, and the unsettling climate of surveillance faced by elected officials. Additionally, the conversation contrasts Texas's politically charged redistricting with California's independent approach, revealing broader implications for party power.

Gretchen Reynolds, a health columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the controversial reinstatement of the presidential fitness test. She shares vivid, often humorous anecdotes from readers about their past experiences of humiliation tied to the test. The discussion explores its historical roots and questions its effectiveness against childhood obesity today. Additionally, Gretchen emphasizes the need for enjoyment in physical activity, advocating for play as a crucial component of fitness for children.

Experience the vibrant but tense atmosphere of D.C. nightlife amid a federal policing crackdown. Community members share their fears and frustrations as law enforcement, including the National Guard, takes to the streets. Hear the stories of local businesses, a protest's impact on democracy, and the resilience of a beloved restaurant. Witness the dark moments of violence and the controversial detainment of a Venezuelan national, all while residents grapple with a profound sense of uncertainty and resistance.

Michael Birnbaum, White House correspondent for The Washington Post, delves into Trump's ambitious push to mediate peace in Ukraine. He discusses the controversial summit between Trump and Putin in Anchorage, highlighting the striking dynamics and lack of agreements. Birnbaum explores Trump's claims of potential peacemaking and his Nobel aspirations, but notes the stark realities of conflicting demands from Ukraine and Russia. The conversation reveals the complexities faced by leaders in navigating diplomacy amid an ongoing war.

Guests Matt Viser, White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, and Cleve Wootson, a White House reporter for the same publication, delve into President Trump's strategic control over D.C.’s police, revealing a pre-planned federal reaction force. They discuss the implications of heightened policing in the capital and the racial dynamics involved. The conversation also touches on the high-stakes meeting between Trump and Putin, exploring its potential impact on international relations amid ongoing global tensions.