Post Reports

In a chilly Cape Cod pond, a quirky team known as Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage discovers joy while diving for trash. They unearth bizarre treasures like vintage beer bottles and countless baby doll heads. The group's origin stems from a love of swims and a desire to clean underwater messes. As they dive, the sense of flow—the joy of immersing in an activity—shapes their experience, blending teamwork, and environmental stewardship into laughter and community joy. Dive in to catch their uplifting adventure!

U.S. Senator Cory Booker, a prominent Democratic voice from New Jersey, discusses the current government shutdown and its implications. He critiques the economic and health-care harms stemming from the standoff, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support to prevent soaring health care costs. Booker condemns the strategies that threaten federal workers and stresses the importance of unity and moral leadership within the party. He also reflects on the delayed Democratic resistance to the Trump administration and calls for renewed commitment to problem-solving.

Paige Winfield Cunningham, a national health reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the contentious health care debates fueling the recent government shutdown. She clarifies the Democrats' push for expanded ACA subsidies, aiming to make affordable health care accessible. Cunningham discusses the implications of proposed Medicaid reforms, detailing how stricter eligibility could lead to millions losing coverage. She also highlights the urgency for subsidy extensions before impending expirations, outlining potential enrollment drops and rising premiums if no action is taken.

Nutrition columnist Anahad O'Connor and health reporter Rachel Roubein dive into the fight against ultra-processed foods. They discuss MAHA’s agenda targeting harmful ingredients like synthetic food dyes, corn syrup, and seed oils. With alarming statistics linking these additives to health issues, they dissect government actions and public perceptions. Listeners get practical tips on reducing processed food intake, understanding the impact of sugar, and advocating for healthier food policies. A must-listen for anyone concerned about diet and health!

Dan Lamothe, Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the unprecedented meeting of top U.S. generals called by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He reveals how the gathering unfolded shortly after significant military firings and Hegseth's controversial plans to eliminate DEI initiatives. The conversation highlights logistical challenges, the role of President Trump at the event, and the implications for military culture and officer careers amidst a tense political climate. Lamothe provides insights into the complex interplay of national security and optics at play.

David Weiner hosts a vibrant monthly jazz party in his D.C. rowhouse, where up to 1,000 people have gathered over 15 years. The open-invite jam session encourages both seasoned and amateur musicians to join in the fun. With a $21 donation and a welcoming atmosphere, guests bring food and drinks to share. Weiner shares insights on sustaining the party, managing logistics, and the joy of community trust despite occasional worries. This heartwarming event highlights the beauty of connection and music in everyday life.

This conversation features Jacob Bogage, a White House economic policy correspondent, and Dan Merica, a political analyst focused on campaign dynamics. They dive into the brewing potential government shutdown, exploring how it could impact Trump's power dynamics. The guests discuss Democrats' strategy to tie funding to health care subsidies, the White House's threats of mass firings, and the various political calculations at play. They also highlight how shutdowns could cost more than they save, affecting everyday Americans along the way.

Ashley Fetters Maloy, a Features and Culture reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the fascinating world of review culture. She shares how ubiquitous requests for five-star ratings impact consumer choices, highlighting stories from everyday businesses like liquor stores to more serious fields like healthcare. The discussion reveals how ratings can simplify feedback but often strip away nuanced criticism. Ashley also touches on the importance of reviews in guiding decisions, from dining to medical care, prompting listeners to think twice before hitting that five-star button.

In a riveting discussion, Jeremy Roebuck, a seasoned reporter for The Washington Post specializing in the Department of Justice, delves into Trump's unprecedented calls for the prosecution of political rivals. He unpackages the implications of these pressures on DOJ independence and internal dynamics. Roebuck also explores the motivations behind targeting figures like Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and Jim Comey, while highlighting the controversy surrounding recent personnel changes within the DOJ, including the resignation of U.S. Attorney Eric Siebert.

Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, delves into the recent controversial FDA warning about Tylenol and its alleged connection to autism. He clarifies the origins of these concerns, tracing back to research that reignited public fears. Additionally, Diamond discusses the implications for pregnant women, the challenges of mixed messaging from the Trump administration, and the proposed use of leucovorin as a treatment. The autism community's mixed reactions to this agenda are also explored, highlighting the impact of presidential statements on public perception.