Post Reports

Jeffrey Epstein, a well-connected financier, was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 following his arrest on child sex-trafficking charges. The circumstances around his death, which was ruled a suicide by hanging, and crimes have spurred fringe conspiracy theories, mostly on the far right. Some believe Epstein was actually killed as part of a cover-up; they also believe the “deep state” is hiding information about Epstein’s rich and powerful friends, who they say could also be implicated on sex trafficking chargesTrump did nothing to tamp down his base’s Epstein fixation during his reelection campaign. He even hinted he might release secret government documents that his supporters hoped would validate their conspiracy theories. But the Department of Justice said recently that there’s nothing more to reveal. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with White House reporter Natalie Allison about how Trump’s conflicting messages about Epstein are unsettling his base and causing strife within his administration.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Thomas Lu. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick with help from Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in a moment of reckoning. In January 2023, after his election loss, thousands of his supporters attacked the presidential palace, the Supreme Court and the Congress as they protested an electoral defeat that Bolsonaro had baselessly attributed to electoral fraud. Now Bolsonaro is awaiting a criminal trial before the country’s Supreme Court for allegedly plotting to kill his rivals and stay in power. Bolsonaro is barred from running for office until 2030, and he could very well go to prison for decades.  Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Bolsonaro’s situation. He called the trial a “WITCH HUNT” on social media and in a letter to Brazilian leaders when announcing a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods.Reporters Terrence McCoy and Marina Dias, who are based in Brazil, got a rare window into Bolsonaro’s thinking and his desire for a Trump intervention during a visit to his office this past spring. Today on the podcast, host Elahe Izadi sits down with McCoy and Dias, to learn what their visit revealed about Bolsonaro, about Latin America’s largest democracy and about the United States. Today’s episode was produced by Elana Gordon with help from Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Peter Bresnan and Reena Flores. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Jesse Mesner-Hage.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

One year ago in Butler, Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to get onto a nearby roof and take shots at Donald Trump. In the aftermath many wondered — who was this man who shot the presidential candidate, and how was he allowed to get so close to killing him?  Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with investigative reporter Carol Leonnig about the mystifying search for a motive and what she and others have concluded about what went wrong that day, one year later.   Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Rennie Svirnovsky.If you want to learn more about how the shooting in Butler changed Trump, our colleague Isaac Arnsdorf was on “Post Reports” on Friday to talk about that. His new book is “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.” Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

President Donald Trump left the White House in 2021 with a historically low approval rating. After the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, his attempt to overthrow the 2020 presidential election, and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Republicans, and much of the nation, appeared ready to move on from his presidency. Three years later, Trump returned to the White House with a decisive victory. But his return wasn’t predestined. In “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America,” Post senior White House reporter Isaac Arnsdorf and former Post reporters Josh Dawsey and Tyler Pager reveal how Trump used his public criminal trials to dominate headlines and amass support. Meanwhile, critical missteps by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaigns hampered their ability to counter a Trump comeback. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Arnsdorf about the book and discusses exclusive reporting about the Biden, Harris and Trump campaigns. Today’s show was produced by Arjun Singh. It was edited by Laura Benshoff and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Katy Burnell Evans. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Artificial intelligence can help you draft better emails, summarize long documents and now it could even be your online dating coach. Dating app companies say generative AI is a great way for people who might be shy or awkward to present themselves better. But others are worried this could make it harder to know who is on the other side of the screen. Host Elahe Izadi speaks with internet culture reporter Tatum Hunter about the ever-changing dating app landscape and how artificial intelligence could change the way we view romance. Today’s show was produced by Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Yun-Hee Kim.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

On Tuesday the Supreme Court lifted an order by a lower court that prevented the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers. While the order was unsigned – meaning that the justices have not yet ruled on its legality – this is one of several recent decisions in which the court has sided with President Donald Trump in his effort to upend the government by firing federal workers and regulators. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Supreme Court correspondent Ann Marimow about how the court came to this decision and what the rulings could mean for Trump’s agenda in the future. Today’s show was produced by Arjun Singh, with help from Elana Gordon and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Debbi Wilgoren.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Donald Trump has spent the past decade waging war on the media. That has included filing frequent lawsuits against media organizations whose coverage he views as unfavorable. Those lawsuits have been largely unsuccessful, until recently. Last week, Paramount announced it was settling a lawsuit brought by Trump against CBS News over the news program “60 Minutes.” Although many legal experts believed the case was unlikely to succeed at trial, Paramount chose to settle for $16 million. Elahe Izadi talks to reporter Sarah Ellison about the origins of the case, why Paramount would choose to settle, and what implications the settlement has for the wider media landscape.Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was mixed by Sam Bair. And edited by Reena Flores. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

In just three hours, water levels in Central Texas rose over 30 feet, surprising local communities that say they had little time to prepare and no warning. What ensued was one of the most destructive floods the region has seen in decades.Colby Itkowitz speaks with extreme weather reporter Brianna Sacks about what made the floods in Texas so catastrophic, why local communities were caught off guard, and how these floods have impacted the summer camp culture in Central Texas.Today’s show was produced by Arjun Singh, with help from Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick, with help from Laura Benshoff. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

As an American farmer, JJ Ficken, 37, was perpetually subject to weather, labor, loans, overhead, markets, health, politics. None of it was predictable, and all of it was a threat. The industry’s survival has long depended on the deals made between millions of Americans willing to brave all that uncertainty and a federal government willing to sustain them, through grants, subsidies, insurance, financing, payouts and disaster relief.But then President Donald Trump, in the earliest days of his second term, threatened to break tens of thousands of those deals, suspending billions in agricultural funding and decimating the staffs that managed it. Swept up in the freeze was JJ and the $50 million grant program he’d signed up for along with 140 other farmers across the country. All of them had agreed to hire and, in many cases, house domestic workers or lawful immigrants willing to take jobs that Americans would not, but with the reimbursements in doubt, farmers worried they’d miss payrolls, default on loans or face bankruptcy.This story follows JJ and Otto Vargas, 24, as JJ recruits, meets and starts working with Otto –  all while JJ wonders whether the government will ever pay him back. John Woodrow Cox reported, wrote and read the piece. Sarah Blaskey co-wrote the story. David Ovalle contributed to the report. Bishop Sand composed music and produced audio for the piece.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

The gut microbiome acts as a key player in our overall health; but what exactly is it, and how does it work? In the first class in our course on the gut microbiome, host Cristina Quinn speaks with gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha about the leading role the gut microbiome plays in our digestive health and how certain foods support its function. Read more of Pasricha’s work, including eight tips to improve gut health and why probiotics can be a waste of money. For more advice, follow her on Instagram. To hear more, check out “Try This” wherever you listen to podcasts. Now “Try This” has a newsletter! Think of it as a supplemental guide and sign up here. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

President Donald Trump is poised to sign the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, after the House and Senate passed the bill in two all-night sessions this week. Trump and his allies consider its passage to be a big victory, but the bill, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, will also result in millions losing their health insurance — a cost that could leave fissures in the Republican Party. Today on “Post Reports,” Colby Itkowitz sits down with congressional reporter Theodoric Meyer and the Post’s “Early Brief” newsletter author Dan Merica to discuss the consequences of the bill and how it could influence the 2026 midterm elections. Today’s show was produced by Arjun Singh, and edited by Laura Benshoff with help from Emily Rauhala. It was mixed by Sam Bair.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

After weeks of deliberation, a jury has found Sean “Diddy” Combs not guilty on racketeering and sex-trafficking charges. While this spares Combs from life in prison, he could still face years in prison because he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The verdict came as a shock for many, particularly after lengthy, graphic testimony from Combs’s ex-girlfriends, who described alleged abuse.Today, host Elahe Izadi speaks with style reporter Anne Branigin to unpack the verdict, what it means for Combs’s future and the precedent it could set for similar cases going forward.Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan, Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval and Thomas Lu. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Reena Flores. Thanks to Carla Spartos. Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Every year, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gathers to discuss vaccinations and make recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This year, however, the panelists are all new to the job and were all handpicked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who has expressed skepticism of vaccines.Today on “Post Reports,” host Elahe Izadi speaks with two of The Washington Post’s health reporters, Lena Sun and Lauren Weber, about last week’s controversial ACIP meeting, and what the future of vaccines in the United States could look like under Kennedy’s leadership. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Elana Gordon and Thomas Lu. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick, with help from Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Lynh Bui and Fenit Nirappil.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

The Senate is voting on President Donald Trump’s signature legislation, which includes tax cuts for a broad swath of Americans. But who stands to benefit most?

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

This month Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the administration’s termination of temporary protected status, or TPS, for Afghans, exposing thousands, potentially, to deportation as soon as next week, when the policy is to take effect.Today on “Post Reports,” national security reporter Abigail Hauslohner explains.Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy and mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Thank you to Andy deGrandpre, Hasiba Atakpal, Spojmie Nasiri, Shala Gafary, Negina Khalili, Helal Massomi.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

After six weeks of intense testimony and cross-examination, the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is coming to a close. This week, both the prosecution and defense rested their cases and delivered closing arguments. Soon the case will be in the jury’s hands.Today, style reporter Anne Branigin gives us an update on the defense’s closing arguments, which will wrap up Friday. Then, court reporter Shayna Jacobs breaks down the potential strategy behind Combs’s minimal defense presentation earlier in the week, how prosecutors approached closing arguments and the possible outcomes once the case is handed over to the jury. Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Mamdani’s primary win in New York excited progressives as the Democratic Party tries to find its footing after its 2024 losses. Host Colby Itkowitz talks with national enterprise reporter Sarah Ellison about whether Mamdani’s victory could be a road map for the party. They also talk with senior congressional reporter Paul Kane about whether the Senate will pass Trump’s big tax bill and how congressional Republicans have continued to cede power to the executive branch. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Reena Flores. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks also to Arjun Singh. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Many people who visit Zillow aren’t even buying houses — they’re just looking, sharing and daydreaming about their ideal home. The site has such a powerful hold on the market that one real estate company filed a lawsuit this week calling Zillow a monopoly. Elahe Izadi talks with reporter Rachel Kurzius about how we got here and what this house-hunting obsession says about us. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here. Need a gut check? Find the new season of “Try This” here.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Today: a view of the war from Israel. Elahe Izadi sits down with Jerusalem Bureau Chief Gerry Shih to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long march to war with Iran.They walk through why Netanyahu attacked Iran when he did, and what he may have gained politically in the process.This episode was produced by Rennie Svirnovsky with help from Arjun Singh and edited by Lucy Perkins. It was mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.Need a gut check? Find the new season of “Try This” here.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. His proxies insisted this was a simple one-and-done mission. But on social media Trump raised the prospect of regime change in Tehran. Today on “Post Reports,” we hear from White House reporter Natalie Allison about how Trump made this decision and the divisions it is causing among his MAGA base. Plus, military reporter Alex Horton explains the operation and the consequences we could feel for years to come. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sam Bair. Thank you to Andy DeGrandpre.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Kate Marvel watches the world end all the time. She’s a physicist who works with climate models, so it’s her job to run experiments in computer simulations, watching sea levels rise and temperatures climb.But climate change isn’t happening just in models. It’s happening here, and now – and Marvel has some feelings about it.In her new book Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet, Marvel explores the many emotions she has been feeling surrounding climate change – grief, fear and anger, of course, but also hope, wonder and love. In today’s Post Reports, she explains how we can all feel a little more empowered and motivated to change the world. Today’s show was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs is a master imagemaker and influencer who rose to the top of multiple industries. But now he is on trial facing federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution – which he denies and has pleaded not guilty to. Still, Combs is trying to maintain some control over public perception.Host Elahe Izadi speaks with culture reporter Helena Andrews-Dyer and style reporter Anne Branigin about Combs’s image and the societal issues at the center of the trial, including race and consent in a post-#MeToo era. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Every 19th of October, Grenadians mark a somber anniversary: the 1983 execution of the country’s former prime minister and revolutionary leader, Maurice Bishop, and others who died alongside him. The people of this Caribbean nation still have no closure more than 40 years later. The remains of Bishop and his supporters were never returned to their family members and are missing to this day. In the first episode of “The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop,” The Washington Post’s Martine Powers takes us on the personal journey that led her to learn about Grenada’s history. Martine delves into why Bishop was such an influential figure, what made the United States nervous about him and why the mystery of his missing remains continues to haunt so many on the island. If you haven’t listened to the series yet, we hope you check it out on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve already listened, we would be grateful if you shared it and left a review. You can find photos and documents from the investigation in our special episode guide here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Six days into the exchange of blows between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump is weighing a direct attack on Iran. The decision would have massive implications — entangling the United States in yet another foreign conflict that some members of Trump’s base say would be a betrayal of his “America First” campaign promise. Trump says he’s issued an “ultimatum” to Iran to dismantle its nuclear program.How would American involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict further inflame hostilities in the region — and what could retaliation against the U.S. look like?Host Elahe Izadi speaks with Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe and investigative reporter Carol Leonnig about this pivotal moment for Trump, the United States and the world.Today’s episode was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and Maggie Penman. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Another story we’re following today: The Supreme Court has ruled that states can ban some gender transition treatments for minors. In December, when the court heard arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, Post Reports followed a family at the center of the case. Listen to that episode here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Israel launched attacks on Iran last week. Iran quickly retaliated. The fighting has left many feeling both fearful and hopeful. Now, it is unclear whether this escalation in a long-simmering conflict could turn into a wider war. Elahe Izadi speaks with Post reporter Yeganeh Torbati about why Israel chose this moment to launch strikes against Iran, whether Iran’s government could fall, and whether the U.S. and President Donald Trump will get involved.Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Last night, police arrested Vance Boelter, the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their spouses. One couple died. The other survived. The details of Boelter’s life and what might have pushed him to commit these crimes are still coming into focus. But police say he planned the attack meticulously. We also know he is a devout Christian, fervently antiabortion, and kept a long hit list of other Democrats.Colby Itkowitz speaks with national reporter Patrick Marley about the shootings and how Boelter was apprehended.Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy with help from Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and Maggie Penman, and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Until the past week, not much was known about “Jane,” one of the alleged victims at the center of the government’s case against Sean Combs. Jane — who is going by a court-approved alias to protect her identity — testified earlier this week that she was seeing Combs on and off until he was arrested in September. She alleges she was pressured into participating in sex parties with Combs and male escorts — events that allegedly happened while he was being investigated by the government for similar acts. Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty and has denied wrongdoing. Style reporter Anne Branigin talks with host Elahe Izadi about how Jane's testimony could be a game changer in this trial and why the government believes she’s a victim of sex-trafficking. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) faced a violent attack on his home in April. A man with a history of mental illness, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, has been charged with breaking in and setting fire to a dining room at the Governor’s Residence. The alleged arsonist said part of his motivation was Shapiro’s support for Israel. Since this incident, there have been other high-profile attacks against Jewish people in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Shapiro about the attack and the recent spike in antisemitic actions in the United States. She also asks him about President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to California, and why so many people think he’s a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sam Bair, who also edited the video. Peter Stevenson and HyoJung Kim shot the video. Thanks also to Nick Baumann, Sean Sullivan and Ariel Plotnick.Watch the full interview on YouTube. And you can subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Since 2000, the rate of new cancer diagnoses for people ages 15 to 49 has climbed by 10 percent. This year, more than 200,000 people in that age group will be newly diagnosed with cancer. They will join more than 2.1 million Americans who were also diagnosed as young adults and are living with the disease.In today’s episode, Post video journalist Drea Cornejo sits down with host Elahe Izadi to talk about how Drea’s own cancer diagnosis three years ago, when she was 26, motivated her to report on the realities facing more younger adults. Drea documented the lives of Tanner and Shay Martin over the past six months as they navigated Tanner’s terminal colon cancer diagnosis with big life decisions including starting a family. While most young adults survive their cancer diagnosis, they still face the potential of a greatly altered future with implications for relationships, careers, finances and family planning. You can watch The Post’s short documentary about Tanner and Shay here. Be sure to also check out the comic about Drea’s diagnosis here. Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Ted Muldoon and edited by Renita Jablonski with additional editing by Lynh Bui, Mary-Ellen Deily and Dan Keating. Additional reporting for this story came from Dan Keating, Ariana Cha and Julia Wall. Special thanks to Wendy Galietta, Whitney Leaming, Jessica Koscielniak and Stephen Smith. Subscribe to The Washington Post here

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Since 2000, the rate of new cancer diagnoses for people ages 15 to 49 has climbed by 10 percent. This year, more than 200,000 people in that age group will be newly diagnosed with cancer. They will join more than 2.1 million Americans who were also diagnosed as young adults and are living with the disease. In today’s episode, Post video journalist Drea Cornejo sits down with host Elahe Izadi to talk about how Drea’s own cancer diagnosis three years ago, when she was 26, motivated her to report on the realities facing more younger adults. Drea documented the lives of Tanner and Shay Martin over the past six months as they navigated Tanner’s terminal colon cancer diagnosis with big life decisions including starting a family. While most young adults survive their cancer diagnosis, they still face the potential of a greatly altered future with implications for relationships, careers, finances and family planning. You can watch The Post’s short documentary about Tanner and Shay here. Be sure to also check out the comic about Drea’s diagnosis here. Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Ted Muldoon and edited by Renita Jablonski with additional editing by Lynh Bui, Mary-Ellen Deily and Dan Keating. Additional reporting for this story came from Dan Keating, Ariana Cha and Julia Wall. Special thanks to Wendy Galietta, Whitney Leaming, Jessica Koscielniak and Stephen Smith. Subscribe to The Washington Post here

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Washington’s juvenile justice agency appeared to finally be reformed. After decades of court monitoring, a judge declared in late 2020 that the long-troubled Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services could return to the mayor’s control. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) promised “a focus on restorative justice, love, and empowerment” that would “serve and improve the lives of our young people, their families, and our entire community.” Instead, progress at the agency – charged with setting serious and repeat teen offenders on a better path – unraveled as youth crime spiked, a Washington Post investigation found. Today on the show, investigative reporter Nicole Dungca tells “Post Reports” co-host Elahe Izadi about some of the teens and children who spent months in a violent detention center as waits grew longer for rehabilitation programs. Read more here. If you value this reporting, please subscribe to The Washington Post.  Today’s episode was produced by Peter Bresnan with help from Sean Carter, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Reena Flores. Thank you to Lisa Gartner and David Fallis.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

On Monday, President Donald Trump restricted the entry of travelers to the United States from more than a dozen countries, resurrecting and expanding sweeping restrictions from his first term that are expected to draw swift legal challenges.The travel ban has been criticized by immigrant rights groups for targeting several African and Muslim-majority nations, and for appearing to capitalize on a moment of public grief: Earlier this month, a man seeking asylum in the United States threw an incendiary device at an event organized by a Jewish group in Boulder, Colorado. Trump cited the attack in his announcement of the ban.Today on Post Reports, host Elahe Izadi speaks with immigration reporter David Nakamura about who will be most affected by this ban, how the Trump administration crafted it to hold up in court, and why the public response to this iteration has felt muted. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Lucy Perkins and Christine Armario. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Demonstrators turned out in Los Angeles to oppose ICE raids. Trump called in the National Guard. Read more: Over the weekend, President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to intervene in protests over federal immigration sweeps.California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called the move “unconstitutional” and on Monday sued the administration.“Let me be clear: There is no invasion. There is no rebellion,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) said in a statement. “The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends.”Today on “Post Reports,” host Colby Itkowitz talks with Supreme Court reporter Justin Jouvenal about the move – the first time in about 60 years that an American president has taken such action without a governor’s consent, and a chilling sign that Trump is prepared to send troops into other cities in response to protests.We also hear from reporter Arelis R. Hernández about the people detained by ICE, and the people who turned out to defend them.Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Maggie Penman, with help from Lucy Perkins. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Ariel Plotnick, Peter Bresnan, Efrain Hernandez Jr. and Susan Levine.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

When President Donald Trump took office in January, 2.4 million people worked for the federal government. It was America’s largest employer. Four months later, Trump — and Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service — have hacked off chunks of government in the name of efficiency, with tactics rarely seen in public or private industry: Some federal workers have found themselves fired, rehired, then let go again. Many have been ridiculed as “lazy” and “corrupt.” They’ve been locked out of offices by police, fired for political “disloyalty,” and told to check their email to see if they still draw a paycheck.More than 30 former and current federal workers told The Washington Post that the chaos and mass firings had left them feeling devalued, demoralized and scared for themselves and the country. Many described problems they’d never experienced before: insomnia, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts. Others with a history of mental struggles said they’d found themselves pushed into terrifying territory.Today on “Post Reports,” host Colby Itkowitz speaks with investigative reporter William Wan about the administration’s immense toll on federal workers’ mental health. We hear from the husband of Caitlin Cross-Barnet, a public health worker who died by suicide in March. And, in the second half of the episode, Wan reflects on years spent covering the nation’s mental health crisis for The Post. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was mixed by Sean Carter, and edited by Maggie Penman. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also reach a crisis counselor by messaging the Crisis Text Line at 741741.Contact William Wan at [email protected] or (202) 725-2121 on Signal.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

As the government has built its case against Sean “Diddy” Combs over the past few weeks, they have called witnesses to build out the story around an incident that many are familiar with –  the violent 2016 encounter at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. A video of it was first released by CNN last year, and depicts Combs dragging and kicking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway. Witnesses, including former hotel security employees, have alleged that Combs and his employees attempted to cover up the incident through a $100,000 payoff.  This week, another one of Combs’s alleged victims, “Jane,” took the stand and began delivering harrowing testimony about encounters she had with him and male escorts – similar to what Ventura alleged she experienced. She’s testifying under a pseudonym. Style reporter Anne Branigin explains how this anonymous testimony works and how the 2016 hotel incident ties into many of the government’s charges. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Today on the podcast, host Colby Itkowitz speaks with two veteran political reporters: co-anchor of the Early Brief newsletter Dan Merica and national breaking news reporter Patrick Svitek. They talk about the public split between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump – and other news out of the White House, including a new travel ban. Plus, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst doubles down on a flippant comment about Medicaid cuts as Republicans struggle to defend Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

This year’s NBA Finals will see the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder are led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, a trio of up-and-coming stars. Meanwhile the Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton feature a potent offense and a deep bench. Both teams have rabid fan bases, craving an end to a championship drought. Guest host Ava Wallace is joined by The Washington Post’s national NBA writer, Ben Golliver. They discuss the changing landscape of the NBA and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s quest for parity across the league.Today’s episode was produced by Lucas Trevor, Josh Carroll and Jonelle LaFoucade. It was mixed and edited by Ted Muldoon.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the earliest official D.C. Pride event. D.C. is also hosting WorldPride, one of the largest international celebrations of LGBTQ+ communities in the world.But some LGBTQ+ people say it doesn't feel like a time for celebration. Amid mounting political and cultural attacks, a rise in hate crimes and slashing of health care, some fear the rollback of hard-won rights. As D.C. decks itself in rainbows and welcomes WorldPride, many LGBTQ+ people are finding inspiration not by imagining a brighter future — but instead by revisiting a more hostile past. Reporter Marissa Lang has been out all over the D.C. region speaking to trailblazers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. What advice can these living legends offer in difficult times?Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, who also contributed reporting. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Maggie Penman. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

On the eve of negotiations in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian military struck targets hundreds of miles inside Russian territory. Small drones, smuggled into Russia over many months, carried out the attacks. This show of force – one of the biggest Ukrainian attacks since the war started three years ago – boosted morale within Ukraine. But the path to a ceasefire remains murky.Host Elahe Izadi speaks with Ukraine bureau chief Siobhan O’Grady about whether these strikes could change the balance of power in the war in Ukraine. Plus, updates from a day of peace talks between the two powers. Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Today we’re going to listen to a conversation between our colleague Lizza Dwoskin and her friend Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer who was on the all-female Blue Origin flight that went to space in April. It’s about navigating what happens when a dream comes true — and then sparks public outrage. Blue Origin, the space company, is owned by Jeff Bezos. He also owns The Washington Post and is the co-founder of Amazon. Some of the other crew members were celebrities, including pop star Katy Perry and broadcast journalist Gayle King.The flight became a flash point for anger from the political left directed at billionaires associated with the Trump administration. Bezos was among the tech moguls who attended Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Now that some time has passed, Aisha was ready to sit down and talk about what this has all been like for her. Today’s show was edited by Renita Jablonski, Maggie Penman and James Graff. It was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon.  Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

The government is about halfway through calling its witnesses in the racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. This week, Style reporter Anne Branigin gives an update on the big takeaways from the trial this week, including testimony from several of Combs’s former employees who claim he assaulted them. Combs has pleaded not guilty and has denied wrongdoing. Court reporter Shayna Jacobs also breaks down what the government has to do to prove these charges – and why racketeering conspiracy is a charge that’s broadly used today.Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos and Efrain Hernandez.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s skepticism of vaccines and mainstream medicine is making waves in the agency he oversees. Host Colby Itkowitz talks with The Post’s national health reporter Lena Sun and health and science accountability reporter Lauren Weber about how Kennedy’s recent vaccine announcement and his “Make America Healthy Again” movement are shaping health policy for all Americans.  Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff with help from Elana Gordon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks also to Leonard Bernstein. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security issued an order barring Harvard from enrolling foreign students, claiming that Harvard had created an unsafe environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault students on campus. The order said that students enrolled at Harvard must transfer schools or lose their legal status.A federal judge has blocked the effort for now, but thousands of international students are unsure if they will be able to return to Harvard in the fall. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with higher education reporter Danielle Douglas-Gabriel about why the Trump administration has put Harvard University in its crosshairs, and how the university is pushing back.You can read the Letter to the Editor co-written by three Harvard international students in The Washington Post’s Opinion section here. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Peter Bresnan. It was mixed by Sean Carter. And edited by Ariel Plotnick. Thanks to Alyssa Rosenberg and Chastity Pratt.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Arizona, New Hampshire, Louisiana and Wyoming have all passed laws requiring voters to prove they are citizens. Texas has been considering one. But critics are raising alarm bells that such laws could make it harder for eligible citizens to vote – in particular, women who have changed their names after marriage or divorce.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a new book, and the Post’s Book World section has compiled recommendations for every type of reader.  Today, Book World editors Jacob Brogan and John Williams talk to host Elahe Izadi about the new releases and old titles they suggest digging into this summer.  Here’s the list of books mentioned in today’s episode:  “The Death and Life of August Sweeney” by Samuel Ashworth“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens“Mark Twain” by Ron Chernow“Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America” by Sam Tanenhaus“Is a River Alive?” by Robert MacFarlane“King of Ashes” by S.A. Cosby“Spent” by Alison Bechdel“Crush” by Ada Calhoun“The Book of Records” by Madeleine Thien“The Dry Season” by Melissa Febos“Sloppy” by Rax King“Flashlight” by Susan Choi“Second Life” by Amanda Hess“Mood Machine” by Liz Pelly Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff, with help from Lucas Trevor. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick, and mixed by Sean Carter.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

George Floyd’s murder sparked massive protests for racial justice around the country. There were calls for police reforms, reparations and closing the racial wealth gap.But five years later, it seems like the pendulum has swung back the other way. President Donald Trump is dismantling diversity and inclusion initiatives. And just this week, the Justice Department announced it was abandoning efforts to reshape law enforcement in cities where there have been high-profile killings by police officers.In light of all of this, we wanted to share a special episode of “Post Reports” from fall 2020. It’s called “The Life of George Floyd.” Martine Powers and our colleagues here at The Post looked at who George Floyd actually was — and what his story can tell us about being Black in the United States.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon with help from Linah Mohammad. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Martine Powers. “George Floyd’s America” was reported by Arelis Hernández, Tracy Jan, Laura Meckler, Toluse Olorunnipa, Robert Samuels, Griff Witte and Cleve Wootson. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Federal prosecutors called a slew of witnesses this week to bolster their racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Many of them corroborated incidents that Combs’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura described in her testimony last week – but others added details that pushed against her narrative that he was controlling and coerced her into sex acts. And musician Kid Cudi took the stand to talk about the molotov cocktail he said was thrown into his Porsche.  Style reporter Anne Branigin breaks down the key testimony from this week and how the trial is going for each side so far.Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Carla Spartos and Shayna Jacobs.Follow our coverage of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Spotify here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

President Donald Trump has had a busy week. The House passed a legislative package containing much of his agenda early Thursday morning after Trump met with factions of the House GOP earlier this week.Congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor walks through how overnight negotiations led to the bill’s passage. And Colby Itkowitz talks with The Post’s White House bureau chief Matt Viser and White House reporter Emily Davies about what they make of Trump’s role in getting his “big, beautiful bill” through the House.They also make sense of Trump’s Oval Office confrontation with the president of South Africa on Wednesday and talk through former president Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis.Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

House Republicans are trying to push President Donald Trump’s massive tax and immigration bill across the finish line this week, hoping to conquer internal divisions and tee up a vote that would send the bill to the Senate. One of the areas targeted for major cuts is Medicaid, which insures more than 80 million people in the United States. To root out what they say is waste, fraud and abuse in the system, and preserve the program long term, conservatives have proposed reductions and changes to Medicaid eligibility.Today on “Post Reports,” Elahe Izadi speaks with health reporter Fenit Nirappil about the United States’ largest public health insurance program: What it is, how it works, whom it serves and what could change.Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Lenny Bernstein and Azi Paybarah.Check out our Memorial Day sale to subscribe to The Washington Post. It’s just $2, every four weeks, for your first year. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Just days before his inauguration, President Donald Trump launched his own meme coin, a novelty cryptocurrency. Since then, the Trump Organization has made millions of dollars off its sale and has invited the top investors to a private dinner, set to happen later this week.Technology reporter Drew Harwell talks to Post Reports co-host Colby Itkowitz about how Trump got involved in cryptocurrency and the foreign investors buying access to Trump via his meme coin.  Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Lucas Trevor. It was mixed by Sam Bair, and edited by Ariel Plotnick. Thanks to Shawn Boburg. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025