Post Reports

Dozens of world leaders will gather in the UAE Thursday for the start of COP28, the biggest climate summit of the year. But this year’s host country has drawn scrutiny for putting the head of its national oil company in charge of the event.Read more:The stakes are high for this year’s U.N. Climate Change Conference: Many countries have exceeded emissions targets set to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, with time running out to change course. As global climate correspondent Chico Harlan reports, it’s not uncommon for COP conferences to be held in countries that rely heavily on the oil industry, like this year’s host, the United Arab Emirates. But the UAE has already drawn scrutiny for placing Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the head of its national oil company, in charge of the conference. It’s just one of the contradictions in the petro-state’s approach to climate change.As world leaders make their way to Dubai, Chico breaks down what they’re hoping to achieve at this year’s conference – and how the controversial president of this year’s event is shaping the agenda.

29 Nov 202326min

What the end of the UAW strike says about the future of the auto industry. Read more:After six weeks on strike, the United Auto Workers reached a deal this month with the Big 3 automakers: GM, Ford and Stellantis. The union successfully negotiated for major improvements, including wage increases, cost of living adjustments, and larger contributions to retirement plans. Jeanne Whalen, The Post’s global business reporter, says the wins are already changing the wider auto industry. Today, we break down how the UAW managed to make such large gains and how their strike fits into a strong year for organized labor.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

28 Nov 202326min

After nearly seven weeks, Israel and Hamas reached a temporary deal: Hamas freed dozens of hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. And Israel paused its bombardment of Gaza. Read more:Over the weekend, Israeli families celebrated the return of dozens of the hostages taken by Hamas, after the militant group’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7. In exchange, Israel released more than 100 imprisoned Palestinian women and teenagers. The exchange is part of a fragile deal brokered between Israel and Hamas, with Egypt and Qatar serving as mediators. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel paused its assault on Gaza. Now the sides have agreed to extend the pause for two more days as more hostages and prisoners are exchanged.Claire Parker is The Washington Post’s Cairo bureau chief reporting from Israel. She tells us what it took for this deal to take shape – and what could happen next.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

27 Nov 202326min

They were roommates and teammates at Harvard, bound by their love of football and each other. Then the game — and the debate over its safety — took its toll. This Deep Reads episode is part of a collection of occasional bonus stories from “Post Reports.”Read more:This story is part of a collection of occasional bonus episodes you’ll be hearing from “Post Reports.” We’re calling these stories “Deep Reads,” and they’re part of The Post’s commitment to immersive and narrative journalism.Today’s story was written by sports writer Kent Babb, and read by Michael Satow for Noa: News Over Audio, an app offering curated audio articles.Subscribe to The Washington Post via Apple podcasts here.

24 Nov 202347min

A surprise in our studio – and a thank you to our listeners.Read more:Our sincerest thanks to our listeners this holiday season! We don’t have a show this Thanksgiving, but we do have a message with some good news. And while you’re here, you can subscribe to The Washington Post via Apple podcasts and get our latest Black Friday deal.

23 Nov 20232min

Today on “Post Reports,” personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary gives advice on how to avoid overspending on gifts this holiday season.Read more: Last year, retail sales during the November to December holiday season were $936.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Americans are predicted to spend even more this year. Adobe Analytics projects the best discounts will land on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But a flashy red sale sign doesn’t always mean you’re getting a bargain.Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary says we can avoid overspending on gifts by cutting down on our list, shopping earlier, and sticking to a budget. She also shares ideas for meaningful gifts from the heart that won’t break the bank. You can also sign up for her free SMS course, “How to be a financially savvy holiday shopper.” Michelle will send you a short text message every day for five days to make sure you’re spending with purpose this holiday season. You can sign up by following this link. And subscribe to The Washington Post via Apple podcasts here.

22 Nov 202322min

When the board of the world’s leading artificial intelligence company abruptly ousted its popular CEO, it threw the entire tech industry into flux. Today, the rise and removal of Sam Altman and what OpenAI’s shake-up means for the future of AI technology.Read more:Just weeks ago, Sam Altman was on top of the world, the star of the artificial intelligence community and the leader of the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT. Then, without notice last week, the board of OpenAI voted him out.The hasty decision triggered mounting uncertainty at the company and beyond. Was it fraud? Workplace misconduct? Washington Post technology reporter Gerrit De Vynck reports on what we know — or don’t — about the industry upheaval and its ripple effects on the future of AI.Subscribe to The Washington Post via Apple podcasts here.

21 Nov 202329min

An American family who visited Gaza for a reunion found themselves trapped in the territory for nearly a month as Israeli rockets rained down. How they got out - and the desperate situation for the vast majority of civilians who cannot escape Gaza.Read more:In September, a Boston-area couple traveled to Gaza, hoping to introduce their 1-year-old son to his grandparents. War shattered their plans: For almost a month, the family was trapped in Gaza as Israel ratcheted up its air and ground assault. Now back in Massachusetts, Abood Okal shares the story of escaping through Egypt with his wife and child – and his worries about the family they left behind. Okal’s family is just one of many trying to survive a brutal war. More than 11,000 Palestinians – at least 4,600 of them children – have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Gaza war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Louisa Loveluck, who covers global crises for The Post, reports on rising civilian casualties in Gaza and whether there could be a cease-fire.

20 Nov 202329min