Post Reports

Today on “Post Reports,” Jonathan O’Connell breaks down Donald Trump’s complicated finances — and what we know about the California billionaire who covered Trump’s bond in New York. Read more:Former president Donald Trump was in a financial bind last month. He had to post a bond of nearly half a billion dollars to cover a civil fraud judgment in New York, or risk the state seizing his assets.Then Don Hankey stepped in. The California billionaire offered to cover Trump’s bond for a “modest fee” — and a court reduced the amount to $175 million while Trump appeals the case. But this story, along with Trump’s other complicated financial problems, raises questions about what happens if he is reelected, and what kind of influence someone like Hankey could have over Trump. Today on “Post Reports,” we talk through what we know about Trump’s money, and how his stake in Truth Social could change his fortunes.

8 Apr 202428min

Spring can be a great time to clean your space and start fresh – but it’s not always easy to do. Today, we have tips on how to finally get rid of clutter and find ways to make your space feel more like you, even if you’re renting. Read more:A lot of people have that one corner in their house that is constantly messy, no matter what. Sometimes it’s a “laundry chair,” which is perpetually piled with semi-used clothing. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing to have, says reporter Rachel Kurzius. “Is it a great idea to just have things pile up and pile up and pile up to no end? Not necessarily. But it's also unrealistic to expect that we're all going to put everything away every single time we use it.”Rachel writes for the Home You Own section at The Post, and she shares insights on the spaces in which we live and how to make them feel more comfortable. She joins Post Reports to share perspectives on cleanliness and advice on easy ways to remodel your home.Today’s episode was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter.

6 Apr 202425min

It’s Friday, so it’s time for The Campaign Moment — our weekly roundtable conversation to help you keep track of the biggest developments during the 2024 campaign. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake, the author of The Post’s newsletter by the same name, chats with Martine Powers and national political reporter Isaac Arnsdorf about the tension between U.S. District Court Judge Aileen M. Cannon and special counsel Jack Smith. The two have been at odds over the Trump team’s claim that the Presidential Records Act applies to classified documents the former president brought to his private residence in Florida. They also discuss Biden’s new abortion ad and dig into what actually happens if Trump continues to violate gag orders. Finally, Isaac gets into the details of his new book, which reveals how MAGA Republicans see an opportunity to change the party from the local level up. Find out more about Isaac’s new book, “Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement's Ground War to End Democracy” here. You can now also follow The Campaign Moment in a new feed to hear extra episodes from Aaron and our politics team as the campaign year continues. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Renita Jablonski and Allison Michaels.

5 Apr 202433min

Today on “Post Reports,” everything you need to know about Monday’s total solar eclipse. Plus, all the science happening during this event – and what we might learn from it.Read more:On April 8, the total solar eclipse will occur over the eastern United States, Mexico and Canada. The 115 mile-wide path of totality will include major cities such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo – and all of the continental United States will experience at least a partial eclipse. Science journalist Kasha Patel discusses her efforts to whip up excitement about the momentous event, including articles, stand-up comedy and phone calls to family. And we talk about how to stay safe while viewing the eclipse and the science that will add to our understanding of the sun, our atmosphere and the animals living on our planet. And before we go, one more piece of news about the eclipse: In New York, inmates are suing the state to allow them to watch the total solar eclipse. For the first time in a century, New York is in the path of totality. The court could rule as soon as Friday, and the inmates are hoping to have a verdict before the eclipse. Look out for that news on our site.

4 Apr 202420min

After an exciting run of games during this year's women’s NCAA March Madness tournament, the final four teams are set. Today on Post Reports, two sports reporters discuss this season’s most prominent characters and why women’s basketball is having a moment. Read more:All eyes are on the women’s March Madness this year, with millions tuning in to watch such record-breaking players as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and USC’s JuJu Watkins. The unparalleled viewership comes just years after a gender equity review revealed major disparities in the NCAA’s resources and attention to women’s sports. Sports reporters Ava Wallace and Kent Babb talk about how this happened and share their predictions for this season and the future of the sport. Plus, Kent talks about some of his reporting on LSU coach Kim Mulkey that landed him in the middle of the March Madness discourse.Today's episode was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was mixed and edited by Ted Muldoon. Thanks also to Joe Tone.

3 Apr 202430min

What Florida’s six-week abortion ban could mean for abortion access in the South – and whether the ban will motivate Florida voters to protect abortion access at the polls in November.Read more:On Monday, Florida’s Supreme Court issued a decision that will allow one of the country’s strictest and most far-reaching abortion bans to take effect on May 1. However, the court also ruled that an amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution can go on the November ballot, which would mean the six-week abortion ban could be undone in a matter of months if Floridians vote to protect the procedure.Together, the two rulings will ensure that abortion is a major issue in Florida during the presidential election — with Floridians experiencing the realities of a six-week abortion ban for six months before they have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue. Today, the Post’s Florida reporter, Lori Rozsa, walks us through this critical moment for Florida and what this could mean for abortion access across the South.Another story we’re following: On Monday night, an Israeli strike hit a humanitarian convoy and killed seven aid workers for World Central Kitchen, the food assistance group founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. Andrés spoke to “Post Reports” last month about his work feeding people in war zones, including Gaza. You can listen to that episode here.

2 Apr 202423min

Today, how ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel could upend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government. Read more:Last Thursday, the Israeli Supreme Court suspended subsidies for ultra-Orthodox Jews studying in yeshivas instead of serving in the military. This comes at a time of growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government. Protests over the weekend were fueled by anti-government sentiment and frustration from those who want to see Israeli hostages returned from Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack.Today, reporter Loveday Morris breaks down the impact of the court’s decision, the Israeli protests that started this weekend and the potential of Netanyahu losing power. Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Lucy Perkins. Thanks also to Bishop Sand and Jesse Mesner-Hage. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

1 Apr 202420min

On Friday, Beyoncé dropped “Cowboy Carter,” her highly anticipated salute to country music. The album sparked new conversations about the forces that define country music and about whether Beyoncé’s turn to country could reshape the industry.Read more:Beyoncé’s turn to country came from her personal experience of not feeling welcome at the 2016 CMA Awards. Beyoncé’s album, “Cowboy Carter,” has reignited conversations about what country music is, who gets to define the country genre, and if this move for Beyoncé helps to shape and expand the country genre for other Black artists. In this episode of “Post Reports,” we talk to Black country artist Rissi Palmer about her experience in the country music industry, the forces that define country music and what Beyoncé’s country music moment means for Black country artists. Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan and Taylor White with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

31 Mar 202434min