Post Reports

Travis Andrews, a features reporter for The Washington Post specializing in arts and culture, joins to discuss Donald Trump's unusual move to chair the Kennedy Center's board. They explore how this political shift challenges the center's traditionally apolitical stance and the resulting cultural implications. The conversation touches on audience engagement during contentious performances, like the opening night of Les Mis, and raises questions about artistic freedom and political influence in cultural institutions.

Taylor Telford, a business reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the struggles Generation Z faces in the job market amid rising layoffs and AI advancements. She highlights the paradox of entry-level roles requiring extensive experience, creating a bottleneck for young job seekers. Telford discusses the shift towards trade schools as a result of the pandemic, emphasizing practical skills over traditional degrees. With insights on navigating AI in job applications, she provides a glimmer of hope to Gen Z by focusing on resilience and creative networking strategies.

Shira Rubin, a Tel Aviv-based correspondent for The Washington Post, delves into Israel's contentious strategy to control Gaza City. She discusses Netanyahu's military plans despite widespread criticism and concerns over civilian safety. The conversation highlights the internal political pressures within Israel, the public's desire for a ceasefire, and the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza. Rubin also explores how international reactions and U.S. influence are shaping the conflict's narrative and implications for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Olivia George, a local reporter from The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's decision to declare federal control over Washington, D.C., citing crime concerns. She discusses the unusual deployment of the National Guard amid decreasing violent crime rates and examines local residents' pushback. The conversation touches on the implications of this federal intervention for local autonomy and the controversial approaches to homelessness in the city. It's a riveting look at how federal actions could reshape policing across America.

Naftali Bendavid, Senior national political correspondent for The Washington Post, and Emily Davies, White House reporter for The Washington Post, dissect President Trump's recent tariff implementations and the political fallout. They explore Trump's attempts to suppress signs of a weakening economy and the shifting voter narratives around job creation. The conversation delves into the manipulation of economic data, constitutional concerns about federal control in D.C., and the impact of conspiracy theories on governance, providing a fascinating glimpse into contemporary politics.

David Lynch, a trade expert at The Washington Post and author of "The World’s Worst Bet," dives into the implications of recent tariffs on consumer prices and the economy. He discusses how tariffs act like taxes on imports, prompting businesses to adjust pricing strategies and seek exemptions. Lynch also explores the legal complexities surrounding presidential authority to impose tariffs, alongside the international trade implications, particularly with countries like India and Brazil. This insightful conversation reveals the broader effects on market dynamics and job performance.

Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, an oncologist and professor at the University of Miami, sheds light on the hidden dangers of endocrine disruptors found in everyday products. He discusses their links to cancer and health risks, urging awareness about chemicals like BPA and PFAS. Dr. Sekeres offers practical advice on reducing exposure and emphasizes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and moderating red meat consumption, to minimize cancer risk. His insights empower listeners to make informed choices for their health.

Patrick Marley reports on democracy issues for The Washington Post and dives into Texas' redistricting drama. He explores how Texas Democrats, in a bold move, fled to Chicago to protest Republican gerrymandering efforts. Marley highlights the complexities of their political resistance, facing potential penalties amid threats from the governor. The discussion also sheds light on the broader implications of gerrymandering, stressing its impact on Democratic representation and the ongoing fight for electoral fairness.

Meryl Kornfield, a Post reporter specializing in federal government coverage, dives into the striking revelation that over 154,000 federal employees are currently being paid not to work due to a deferred resignation program initiated by the Trump administration. She discusses the challenges of uncovering accurate staffing data and the financial strain on taxpayers. Meryl also explores the emotional and psychological impact this program has on former workers, who find themselves in a strange limbo of receiving pay without performing any duties.

Danielle Paquette, a National correspondent for The Washington Post, shares the poignant story of the Vital family, Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. They face unexpected challenges after settling in a new home, confronting legal issues and societal tensions as they strive for stability. Paquette reveals how their dreams of belonging are tested amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and local hostility. The narrative highlights both the resilience of the Vitals and the fragile nature of immigrant dreams in America.