Post Reports

Why America’s digital divide could soon get worse. And, what happens when extremist beliefs move from the fringe to the mainstream. Read more:When they were rolled out nearly two decades ago, 3G wireless networks served as the bedrock of an explosion in cell phones and connected devices. Now, they’re being phased out by telecommunications companies that want to focus their money on their 4G and 5G networks. Cat Zakrzewski reports on the vulnerable Americans that could be left behind if the transition away from 3G networks isn’t done carefully. And if you use a 3G device, here’s what you need to know about the end of the 3G service. On Monday, Stephen K. Bannon – one of President Donald Trump’s former advisers – walked into the FBI’s field office in Washington and turned himself in. He’d been charged with two counts of contempt of Congress the week before, having refused to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. Hannah Allam reports on some of the other actors facing legal consequences for their involvement in the Capitol riot – and on how the ideologies that fueled the insurrection are finding new homes at school board and city council meetings.The introduction to this episode has been updated for clarity.

The intertwined legacies of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former President Donald Trump. And, what happens to a country when its borders are eroded by climate change. Read more: Mitch McConnell is the most powerful elected Republican in the country. But the most influential member of the GOP is arguably still former president Donald Trump. That dynamic has become the basis for a tense, awkward, sometimes pugilistic alliance between the two men -- one that could define the future of the Republican Party. In recorded telephone interviews with the politicians, reporter Michael Kranish examines a relationship fraying at the seams. As COP26 concludes, the sinking island nation of Tuvalu prompts the question: Are you still a country if you’re underwater? William Booth reported from the U.N. climate summit. If you value the journalism you hear in this podcast, please subscribe to The Washington Post. We have a deal for our listeners -- one year of unlimited access to everything The Post publishes for just $29. To sign up, go to postreports.com/offer.

During the pandemic, online shopping has become more popular than ever. That’s especially true as we head into the holidays. Today, we look at one community that says it’s seeing the costs of that growth in its air quality. Read more:To meet the increased online shopping demand, companies like Target, Walmart and Amazon use big distribution centers — warehouses that store products and ship things to customers as fast as possible. (We should say here that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)These warehouses can take a toll, though — on Amazon workers, as The Post has reported, and on the community around them. Today on Post Reports, Kori Suzuki brings us to Fontana, Calif., where a fight over warehouses has consumed the city.  If you value the journalism you hear in this podcast, please subscribe to The Washington Post. We have a deal for our listeners — one year of unlimited access to everything The Post publishes for just $29. To sign up, go to postreports.com/offer.

Andrew Van Dam, an economic data reporter at The Washington Post, discusses how the pandemic influenced retirement decisions, revealing that many are delaying Social Security benefits to increase future payouts. He also explores the pandemic's role in financial stability for older workers. Joining him is Zoë Jenkins, an inspiring 18-year-old college freshman and advocate for diversity education. She shares her journey of creating a curriculum aimed at addressing racism among peers, highlighting the need for Gen Z to tackle societal issues actively.

David Fahrenthold, a Post reporter and expert on Donald Trump's business interests, offers an insightful look into the former president's complicated post-presidency. He delves into Trump's ongoing legal battles, revealing how investigations into tax evasion and his former CFO are unfolding. The discussion also covers Trump's shifting business strategies, including his foray into niche markets and the development of Truth Social, amidst a backdrop of unwavering support from his loyal fans who view his challenges as political attacks.

Kim Bellware, a national reporter for The Washington Post based in Chicago, provides crucial insights into the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, discussing the tension between claims of self-defense and accusations of vigilantism. She breaks down the chaotic events of the Kenosha protests and the implications of varying legal interpretations surrounding Rittenhouse's actions. Additionally, 16-year-old Obse Abebe shares her struggles with identity and race as a Black immigrant, emphasizing the challenges Black immigrant families face in discussing racism in America.

Keith Still, a Professor of crowd science at the University of Suffolk, delves into the complexities of crowd behavior and safety in light of the Astroworld tragedy. He discusses how high-density crowds can turn deadly, emphasizing the need for effective planning and trained personnel. Still recalls past disasters, like the Hillsborough tragedy, stressing that learning from these events is crucial. He calls for enhanced safety regulations and awareness to prevent similar occurrences, highlighting the vital role of education in crowd management.

Dive into the whimsical world of suburban zebras on the loose in Maryland! Journey through the community's playful reactions and the challenges of recapturing these exotic escapees. Discover thrilling adventures of zebra hunting and the shocking revelations of neglect at a nearby farm. Unravel the bizarre rumors surrounding the zebras' fate, complete with unexpected legal entanglements and emotional reflections on animal welfare. This wild tale blends humor with serious themes, leaving listeners both entertained and informed.

When the pandemic triggered a wave of anti-Asian violence, 18-year-old Miranda Zanca found herself wondering about her own identity and how she fit into the moment. This is the first in a new series in The Post’s Teens in America project.Read more:Miranda Zanca hasn’t always seen herself as particularly Asian, even if others did. That’s because she’s mixed race — her mom is Chinese and Puerto Rican and her dad is White. And earlier this year, when the pandemic triggered a wave of anti-Asian violence, she found herself wondering what role she should play in conversations around anti-Asian hate. “Am I Asian enough to be upset?” she asked. “Am I White enough to be making a difference?” American teenagers are part of what's likely the most diverse generation in our nation’s history — new Census Bureau data shows that the population under 18 is a majority minority for the first time. These young people are also helping to shape more of the conversations we’re all having about race. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that nearly three-quarters of teens say they’ve talked to a parent about race in the past year. More than half say they’ve had a similar conversation with a close friend. As part of The Washington Post’s Teens in America series, we’re exploring what those conversations sound like. Miranda’s story is the first in a new five-part series from The Post and YR Media, a nonprofit media, music and technology incubator. Listen in as teen reporters from around the country have tough conversations about race with family and friends, and with host Martine Powers.

Sean Sullivan, a National politics reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the major GOP victory in Virginia, marking a significant shift since 2009. He dissects voter motivations influenced by Trump and the non-traditional campaign tactics used by Glenn Youngkin. The conversation explores the implications for Democrats, especially in terms of police reform and Biden's leadership amidst declining approval ratings. Sullivan highlights the intra-party divisions among Democrats and the strategies they may adopt heading into the midterms.