Post Reports

President Biden says passing voting rights legislation is a top priority for his administration. But a couple of senators have the power to keep that from happening. And, an unlikely casualty of our supply chain blues.Read more:In Atlanta this week, President Biden pushed for the passage of two voting rights bills facing the Senate. But any meaningful change on voting reform would mean changing Senate rules on the filibuster. And two Democratic senators are holding out: Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema.On The Post’s politics podcast “Can He Do That?” national political reporter Cleve Wootson talks with host Allison Michaels about the state of voting legislation and the filibuster.And, the pandemic claims an unlikely victim: the color blue. Reporter Kelsey Ables explains how breakdowns in the supply chain have led to a shortage of pigments like ultramarine blue and what it could mean for how we see and record the world now.

Inflation has hit a 40-year high in the U.S., driving up the cost of everything from groceries to housing. As the Fed prepares to raise interest rates, here’s what to watch out for.Read more:In December, inflation hit a staggering 7 percent. That’s far above the Federal Reserve’s target, and Chair Jerome H. Powell says action is needed to keep the economy from sliding into a recession. Economics reporter Rachel Siegel breaks down the impact of record inflation and what the Fed plans to do about it.Interest rates have hovered near zero since the start of the pandemic, but now the Fed is looking at a series of raises over the next few months. Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains what that means for borrowers.

Laura Reiley, an expert on the business of food for The Washington Post, discusses the ongoing grocery shortages caused by supply chain disruptions, the Omicron variant, and inflation. She highlights how consumer behavior has drastically shifted during the pandemic, affecting food production and availability. Meanwhile, Tara Bahrampour, a demographics reporter, explores the significant drop in U.S. birth rates as couples face uncertainties and reconsider family planning amid pandemic challenges. Their insights reveal how the crisis has reshaped our daily lives and future choices.

Dan Diamond, a health policy reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the record-breaking COVID hospitalizations in the U.S. and their overwhelming impact on healthcare workers and patients. He reveals the intense strain the Omicron variant places on hospitals, including staffing shortages and care rationing. Additionally, Marian Chia-Ming Liu shares her personal journey of reclaiming her name in the wake of anti-Asian violence, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity during challenging times.

Laura Meckler, a national education reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the lingering impacts of remote learning on students. She shares insights from a San Francisco school’s transition back to in-person classes, revealing the emotional scars left by virtual schooling. The conversation highlights the contrasting experiences of students, especially in high-poverty environments, and sheds light on the ongoing challenges schools face during the omicron surge. Mental health and academic performance are focal points as educators strive to support their pupils.

This compelling reflection on January 6th provides a riveting reconstruction of the Capitol riot. Personal accounts reveal the chaos and violence of that day. Tensions rise as a celebratory rally transforms into an intense march toward the Capitol. The podcast uncovers significant intelligence failures that left law enforcement vulnerable. Hear the urgent decisions made about activating the National Guard, and the harrowing experiences of those trapped inside the Capitol, battling a tide of insurrection and fear.

On Jan. 5, 2021, Rep. Jamie Raskin buried his only son. The next day he witnessed firsthand the attack on the Capitol. As we mark a year since the insurrection, we look at how Raskin dealt with his son’s death while serving on democracy’s front lines. Read more:A warning to listeners: This episode deals with suicide. If you or someone you know needs help now, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can also reach a crisis counselor by texting HOME to 741-741.A year ago this week, as Congress convened to certify the results of the presidential election, a mob breached the U.S. Capitol, attacked police and threatened lawmakers.Later that night, Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.) emerged as one of the day’s most forceful voices, condemning President Donald Trump and his supporters and speaking of his own unthinkable loss. He had recently lost his only son to suicide and had buried him just the day before.As we mark a year since the Jan. 6 Insurrection, we talk to Washington Post features writer Caitlin Gibson about how Raskin dealt with his son’s death while serving on democracy’s front lines — and, in a year filled with trauma and grief, about why his story has resonated so deeply with so many.Raskin’s memoir was published this week. It’s called “Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy.”Caitlin Gibson’s profile of Raskin first appeared in The Washington Post Magazine.

Amy Gardner, a National political reporter at The Washington Post focusing on voting issues, joins Dan Balz, who covers campaigns, and Roz Helderman, an investigative reporter on the political staff. They dive into the lasting impact of the January 6th insurrection, discussing the current state of American democracy. Topics include rising political polarization, the threat of disinformation, and worrying sentiments about government violence. The conversation highlights how these challenges could shape future elections and the role of journalism in this turbulent landscape.

Join Jacqueline Alemany, a Washington Post reporter who has been closely following the January 6th commission, and Drew Harwell, a tech reporter focusing on the pro-Trump internet, as they dissect the latest on the Capitol insurrection's investigation. Alemany reveals key findings from the commission, while Harwell shares insights into the chaotic infighting among far-right influencers vying for dominance in the online extremism space. They explore themes of fragmentation and rivalry within QAnon, shedding light on its uncertain future.

Dan Diamond, a health policy reporter at The Washington Post, discusses the surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. He highlights its high transmissibility yet milder effects compared to past variants. Diamond reflects on the impact of breakthrough infections, particularly among vaccinated individuals. He also addresses challenges in healthcare, including staffing shortages. Lastly, he considers the potential transition from pandemic to endemic, emphasizing the importance of ongoing public health measures.