Post Reports

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The broken promises of the NFL’s concussion settlement Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

The “landmark” settlement promised payouts for suffering players. But a Washington Post investigation found that strict guidelines and aggressive reviews have led to denials for hundreds of players diagnosed with dementia, including many who died with CTE.

This week, there has been a lot of excitement about football as fans gear up for a Super Bowl attended by Taylor Swift (assuming she can make it in time from her concert in Tokyo.)

It’s easy to forget that just a few years ago, we were having a very different conversation about the NFL.

“It actually goes back to 2011 or so, which is when hundreds and eventually thousands of former players began suing the league over allegations, basically, that the league had lied to them about the long term dangers of concussions,” explains sports reporter Will Hobson.

A “landmark” settlement in 2015 promised payouts for players with dementia and their families. But a Washington Post investigation found that behind the scenes, the settlement routinely fails to deliver money and medical care to former players suffering from dementia and CTE.

Read the key findings from The Post’s investigation of the NFL concussion settlement here.

What questions do you have about The Concussion Files? Ask The Post.

Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Thank you to Joe Tone and Wendy Galietta.

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The debate over gas stoves reignites Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

This week, the Energy Department announced new standards for gas stoves made after 2028. The government isn’t coming for your gas stoves — but should it? We talk about the risks with Climate Coach columnist Michael Coren.

Gas stoves have been fiercely debated for decades — most recently after a government employee suggested that they should be banned. There’s mounting evidence that they emit a mix of gases that can lead to respiratory illnesses and also produce tons of carbon pollution every year. This week, the Energy Department announced new regulations for gas stoves – but we wanted to know, how worried should we be about cooking on the ones we already have in our homes?

Today on “Post Reports,” we talk to Michael Coren, who writes the Climate Coach advice column. He’s reported on what actually happens when you cook using a gas stove, and how to switch over to more sustainable alternative ways of cooking — or mitigate the health effects of using your gas stove in the meantime.

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Thank you to Alice Li.

Subscribe to the “Climate Coach” newsletter here.

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What the U.N. court ruling means for Israel and Gaza Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to do more to prevent civilian deaths in Gaza. South Africa brought the case to the court, alleging that Israel is committing genocide. Today, we break down the court’s ruling.

This month, the International Court of Justice heard a case brought by South Africa against Israel. South Africa alleged that, following the attacks on Oct. 7 by Hamas, Israel has committed genocide during its military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Israel strenuously denied the allegations.

Last week, the ICJ announced an initial ruling in the case. The court ordered Israel to enact several “provisional measures” to prevent the possibility of genocide. The final decision on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza could take years to decide.

The Washington Post’s Brussels bureau chief, Emily Rauhala, was in The Hague on Friday when the decision was announced. She joins Post Reports to explain the court’s decision, and discuss what happens next.

Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was mixed by Sam Bair. And edited by Lucy Perkins. Thanks also to Marisa Bellack, Erin Cunningham and Matt Brown.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

The ‘love languages’ are popular. Are they real? Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Since the ’90s, couples have turned to the theory of the five “love languages” to help navigate relationship pitfalls. But a new scientific paper suggests that the science behind the idea is shaky.

If you’ve ever tried to improve communication in a relationship, you may have come across the concept of the five “love languages” — different ways of showing and receiving affection that have helped couples understand each other for decades. The theory comes from a Baptist pastor turned relationship counselor named Gary Chapman, whose 1992 book “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” has been on and off the bestseller list for years.

Now, a group of researchers at the University of Toronto and York University have set out to investigate the scientific underpinnings of the love languages — or lack thereof. They reviewed the theory, and came up with some relationship advice of their own. Richard Sima, who writes the Brain Matters column for The Washington Post, reports on their findings.

Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick, Lucy Perkins, and Maggie Penman.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

How one abortion ad changed an election Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

As candidates and political strategists on both sides look at how to handle the abortion issue in 2024, all eyes have been on one viral ad credited with reelecting a Democrat in Kentucky. Today on “Post Reports,” we hear from the young woman behind it.

Since Roe v. Wade fell, voters have overwhelmingly backed abortion rights in each of the states where the issue has appeared directly on the ballot, including in conservative Kentucky, Kansas and, most recently, Ohio.

Democrats have had less success translating voters’ frustrations over abortion bans into races that could oust the politicians responsible for them, or prevent the election of other antiabortion leaders.

Hadley Duvall made that connection abundantly clear for Kentucky voters. Her ad, viewed online millions of times, sparked concerned discussions within the Republican Party, with top national leaders acknowledging the critical role Duvall played in Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection.

Today on “Post Reports,” we talk to abortion reporter Caroline Kitchener about how Duvall broke through, even with conservatives and moderates — and why political strategists are looking at this ad as a playbook.

Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman.

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Trump won again. Now what happens? Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Today in an early edition of “Post Reports,” we recap the New Hampshire primary results. Trump won decisively – but the results show divisions in the GOP. Plus, the unusual write-in campaign in the Democratic race that led President Biden to victory.

Former President Donald Trump defeated former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley in New Hampshire’s primary. But Tuesday’s results also show enduring divisions in the GOP, and they expose Trump’s weaknesses with moderates.

President Biden, absent from both the campaign trail and the election ballot in New Hampshire, nonetheless dominated the state’s Democratic primary race, fueled by a write-in campaign aimed at showing his strength despite the misgivings of many in his party.

Guest host Arjun Singh was in New Hampshire and caught up with campaign reporter Meryl Kornfield there about what we can learn from the results – and whether this all means the primary is over.

Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy and Arjun Singh. It was mixed by Justin Gerrish. It was edited by Maggie Penman.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Tracking the Trump trials Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Trump is juggling campaign events and courtroom appearances for the many cases he’s fighting. Today on Post Reports, we break down these legal battles and what they could mean for Trump’s political future.

This week, Donald Trump is rallying support in New Hampshire while also fighting a defamation case in a New York courthouse. In addition to this case, the former president has been indicted in four criminal cases that involve allegations of hush money payments, mishandling of classified documents and election interference.

Perry Stein covers the Justice Department and the FBI, and co-writes a weekly newsletter for The Post called the Trump Trials. She has tracked the various cases and what they could mean for Trump’s 2024 presidential run.

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Lucy Perkins.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Haley’s make-or-break moment in New Hampshire Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

New Hampshire is a make-or-break moment for Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor challenging Trump for the Republican nomination. Plus – on the Democrats’ side – why Biden isn’t on the ballot, and who is.

Nikki Haley has emerged as the only major candidate remaining in the Republican primary against former president Donald Trump. A strong showing in New Hampshire on Tuesday could give her the momentum she needs to forge ahead with her campaign.

Campaign reporter Dylan Wells has been following Haley, and she explains why Haley’s message is resonating with many voters in New Hampshire.

Then, we turn to the unusual situation playing out for the Democrats. Biden and the Democratic National Committee decided that South Carolina should be the first primary – but New Hampshire decided to continue to hold its long-prized first-in-the-nation primary earlier, in defiance of the new party rules. So Biden opted not to put his name on the ballot. The contest carries no practical weight since the DNC has stripped the state of its delegates to the nominating convention – but that hasn’t stopped Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips from running.

Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, Emma Talkoff, Arjun Singh and Elana Gordon. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Maggie Penman.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Deep Reads: The real cost of one man’s $1 million stereo Jan 20, 2024

Show notes

Ken Fritz spent decades of his life working on his perfect stereo system at his home in Richmond, Va. Weekends and vacations were lost to the project. Fritz’s family were recruited for years of labor. After decades of work, Fritz completed his project with towering speakers that look like alien monoliths. He estimated the custom-built system to be worth more than $1 million. The real price of the stereo on Fritz and his family was even more staggering.

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This story is part of our Deep Reads series, which showcases narrative journalism at The Washington Post. It was written and read by Geoff Edgers. Audio production and original composition by Bishop Sand.

How to spot (and avoid) ultra-processed foods Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be tasty and absorb easily — but they’re not good for us. Today on “Post Reports,” a food columnist explains how ultra-processed food is actually made and gives tips for simple, healthier swaps.

Chips, peanut butter, bread — these are just a few of the foods in your kitchen that could be ultra-processed, and they make up over half of the average American’s diet. But because of the way they are manufactured, studies have shown that people who eat more ultra-processed food tend to consume more calories. This can lead to increased risk of diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Anahad O’Connor is a health columnist who writes about food and eating for The Post’s Well + Being section. Recently he’s been looking into how ultra-processed foods are made and easy ways to switch them out for minimally processed alternatives.

“This is not a black-and-white issue. You don't have to stop eating all ultra-processed foods. I write about ultra-processed foods and I consume some ultra-processed foods. I just am cognizant about which ones I'm choosing to consume.”

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was mixed by Sean Carter. It was edited by Lucy Perkins.

Take a listen to our previous reporting on how ultra-processed foods ended up on school lunch trays here.

Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

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