67 boat strikes 221 people killed EXCLUSIVE: Operation Southern Spear has not reduced the volume, availability, purity or price of cocaine arriving in the U.S., according to an internal DEA assessment and a closed-door Pentagon briefing for senators, and has made enforcement more difficult

67 boat strikes. 221 dead. The cocaine hasn’t slowed, officials report.

The president says Operation Southern Spear has virtually ended drug trafficking by sea. Pentagon and DEA analysts have concluded otherwise.

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“These are mass mortality events,” said epidemiologist Kristie Ebi. “But when we don’t know the numbers and people can’t see it … it’s hard on an individual level to understand that heat is deadly.” www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026...

The Post counted 70 deaths from July heat domes. The true toll may not be known.

Epidemiologists said the country’s slow, sometimes haphazard approach to assessing heat mortality makes that a dramatic undercount.

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A major federal decision about the fate of the Colorado River is looming -- and it could result in cuts that are felt across the southwest (and around the country). Here's everything you need to know: www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...

A major Colorado River decision looms. Here’s how it will affect millions.

With the river in freefall, federal officials plan to intervene, possibly imposing large cuts to water usage in seven states. Effects would be felt beyond the West.

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Thursday! Join our Connector Chat for tips on covering extreme weather amidst a changing data landscape, featuring climate reporter @sarahkaplan48.bsky.social , @capitalweather.com's Jason Samenow, and statistician Christopher Wikle, moderated by @reginanuzzo.bsky.social Register bit.ly/weather-chat

Unchecked climate change and rampant nutrient pollution are fueling algal blooms far beyond the Reflecting Pool, harming the water we rely on to drink, fish, swim -- and, yes, gaze at the reflections of national monuments. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...

Why Trump’s algae problem is much bigger than the Reflecting Pool

In his battle to clear algae from the water by the Lincoln Memorial, the president has overlooked the real causes of unsightly — and often dangerous — algal blooms.

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I got to put my planetary science nerd hat back on for this weekend's edition of The 7 and it was a delight. Thanks to everyone who sent questions about what we can learn from the moon! s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?tra...

The 7: Why are we exploring the other side of the moon? Your questions, answered.

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As Trump claims Iranians welcome the bombing around them, here is what Iranians are telling The Post www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...

Iranian civilians voice fear and fatigue as U.S. escalates conflict

People in Iran say they could be left to pick up the pieces if President Donald Trump destroys the country’s infrastructure and economy.

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It's been a while since I covered space, but tonight's Artemis II launch prompted me to re-read this ode to the Moon I wrote for the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. In dark times, it's nice to be reminded of what a wondrous universe we inhabit. www.washingtonpost.com/national/hea...

Our moon — partner, protector, benefactor

The moon was born after a cataclysmic collision 4.5 billion years ago, and the fact is we might not exist without it.

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“Maple syrup completely shapes our county,” said Highland Chamber of Commerce director Chris Swecker. “If we didn’t have it, I don’t know what our identity would be.” washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2026/03/22/maple-syrup-highland-virginia/?itid=sf_climate-environment_toptable_1_2

A hidden threat to maple syrup — and the people who make it

Maple syrup has long been the lifeblood of Virginia’s Highland County. This year, a brutal ice storm and recent warmth brought one of the worst syrup seasons in recent memory.

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I have still a job, but hundreds of my beloved colleagues do not. I am devastated - and outraged. But I'm still fighting w/ @postguild.bsky.social to save jobs, protect the work and ensure our colleagues are treated with dignity. Join us today at noon to #SaveThePost wbng.org/2026/02/02/s...

Washington Post Guild and Tech Guild to host “Save The Post” rally in defense of journalism and workers - Washington-Baltimore News Guild

The Washington Post Guild and Tech Guild will host a public rally, “Save The Post,” on Thursday, February 5th.

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Want to help? Renew your subscription -- and buy more for family and friends. You may not agree with every op-ed The Post publishes, but our investigative journalism, breaking news reporting and other essential work cannot happen without subscribers.

Sarah Kaplan@sarahkaplan48.bsky.social · 7mo ago

My @washingtonpost.com colleagues worked round the clock this weekend to expose the truth of what's happening in Minneapolis and bring urgent weather news to millions facing dangerous cold and snow. If you value this work, tell Jeff Bezos to #SaveThePost www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...

It has never been more important to understand what is happening in our world, and @washingtonpost.com's foreign reporters regularly sacrifice their own wellbeing and safety to bring us those vital stories. I'm so proud to share a newsroom with them. We need them more than ever. #SavethePost

My @washingtonpost.com colleagues worked round the clock this weekend to expose the truth of what's happening in Minneapolis and bring urgent weather news to millions facing dangerous cold and snow. If you value this work, tell Jeff Bezos to #SaveThePost www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...

Federal agent secured gun from Minn. man before fatal shooting, videos show

A Washington Post analysis of videos sheds light on the encounter that left 37-year-old Alex Pretti dead.

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If you're one of the ~3 million daily subway riders currently getting drenched while waiting for your train, don't miss this deep dive from me, @johnmuyskens.bsky.social @sadbumblebee.buzz & @kcrowebasspro.bsky.social explaining why the MTA is so flood-prone -- and what can be done wapo.st/49lyC9y

The NYC subway is drowning. Here’s how to save it.

As the planet warms, subway systems around the world have struggled to cope with floods far beyond what they were originally designed to handle.

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Spend your lunch break with this extraordinary journalism from the @washingtonpost.com Metro staff: An intimate look at the effects of Trump's federal surge on one community that illuminates its larger implications for D.C. www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/int...

The lasting impact of Trump’s federal surge on one D.C. neighborhood

Those at the 10th Place apartments in Southeast Washington said the president’s crime strategy deepened their distrust of police and made them feel no safer.

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As the planet warms, global infrastructure is increasingly imperiled by extreme weather it was never designed to handle. The fight over a mysterious 130-year-old dam in India -- which one community sees as its salvation and another fears will be its doom -- shows what's at stake. wapo.st/4qbE70a

One dam shapes the fate of millions. Extreme rain puts it at risk.

Climate change threatens to push the world’s infrastructure to a breaking point.

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This Post Reports episode featuring a doctor and patient navigating vaccine skepticism is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of trusted voices in our misinformation era. An AI-generated "podcast" could never measure up. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/pos...

The biggest shift yet in U.S. vaccine policy - The Washington Post

An influential advisory panel has recommended dropping the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This doctor is already seeing the consequences.

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Our workplace -- and our work -- is better when journalism is reported, edited, fact-checked and produced by real humans. Support podcasts made by @postguild.bsky.social members and listen to Post Reports, The 7 and Try This: washingtonpost.com/podcasts/

Chart of the decade, from a new blockbuster reportage on how billionaires took over American politics www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...

How @washingtonpost.com reporting gets results: www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...

In reversal, Coast Guard again classifies swastikas, nooses as hate symbols

The new order came hours after The Post reported the service would instead classify such symbols as “potentially divisive” under guidelines set for release next month.

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“If you’re a billionaire, you want to stay a billionaire,” one donor told @bethreinhard.bsky.social about his political spending. Don't miss this tour-de-force about the unprecedented influence of the ultrarich on American elections and politics. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...

How billionaires took over American politics

The current concentration of wealth is unlike anything in history. So is billionaires’ involvement in politics.

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An extraordinary work of investigative journalism, revealing how high speeds and larger vehicles, combined with a systemic bias towards cars (and against people in low-income communities) have made U.S. streets so deadly for pedestrians. www.washingtonpost.com/business/int...

The deadliest roads in America

The number of pedestrians killed by vehicles has increased in the U.S., with road infrastructure and inadequate safety measures among key contributing factors.

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“It wasn’t just a building; it was our whole history." www.washingtonpost.com/world/intera...

Gazans will return to a shattered city after Israel leveled its high-rises

Israeli bombardment punched large holes in Gaza City’s skyline by repeatedly demolishing high-rise buildings containing hundreds of homes and businesses.

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"This is the place the U.S. government delivered him out of and the place it intends to send him back to." A must-read from @johnwoodrowcox.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...

America saved him from the Taliban. Trump wants to send him back.

He supported America’s war, escaped Afghanistan and started a family in the U.S. Then ICE arrested him. If he is deported, he expects the Taliban to kill him.

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An extraordinary story made possible by an unprecedented partnership between Washington Post reporters and readers. It takes immense trust to give a journalist access to your data and your story. My colleagues and I strive to earn and keep that trust every day. www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/int...

How TikTok keeps its users scrolling for hours a day

Washington Post reporters analyzed data from over 800 TikTok users to learn how the app turns people into power users, some of whom spend hours per day scrolling.

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Vital, devastating reporting from @megkelly.bsky.social @joyceshlee.bsky.social & co. on the human consequences of President Trump's suspension of foreign aid wapo.st/46GSwcv

Trump’s USAID pause stranded lifesaving drugs. Children died waiting.

USAID antimalarial and HIV supplies valued at nearly $140 million were delayed in the first half of the year or not delivered at all due to the Trump administration’s foreign aid pause, The Post found...

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“We didn’t get any direction or info from him,” said an official who has worked on ~75 FEMA operations. “We never got an email from him. There was definitely no indication that he was involved.” Staggering reporting from the indomitable Brianna Sacks www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...

As Texas flooded, key staff say FEMA’s leader could not be reached

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting administrator, David Richardson, is often inaccessible, several current and former officials say, raising concerns within the agency.

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News you can use from @davidovalle.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...

How to get a coronavirus vaccine and who’s eligible amid limited access

Here’s what to know about navigating pharmacies, doctors, insurance companies and the government when trying to get updated coronavirus vaccines.

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“We’re just constantly exposed to a soup of chemicals." Amazing reporting by @shannonosaka.bsky.social & co. on the plastic pollutants that are almost impossible to avoid -- and whose potential harms we're just beginning to understand. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...

The health risks from plastics almost nobody knows about

Researchers have linked phthalates, chemicals found in plastics, to premature birth, infertility and ADHD.

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Lots of brilliant colleagues mark the ends of their Post careers today. But the special thing about this newsroom is its incredible spirit of camaraderie and friendship. Every legend who leaves has mentored countless others who are going to take up the baton. Underestimate us at your own peril.