National Reporter, Washington Post
National reporter for the Washington Post
PROFILE
Jerry Markon
Guest
FROM Jerry Markon
Which Way, L.A.?
Russian Spies in American Suburbs: Shades of the Cold War? The accused paymaster of what the FBI calls Russia's "deep cover" spy ring in the United States skipped bail in Cyprus today. US officials reportedly were astonished when Christopher Metsos was released on bail in the first place. But that's not all that is hard to explain about a collection of 10 Russians who lived like ordinary Americans, including parents with children, for more than 10 years.
To the Point
Russian Spies in American Suburbs: Shades of the Cold War? Ten Russians posing as ordinary Americans, including parents with children, have been arrested as "deep cover" spies after seven years of investigation by the FBI. Their alleged paymaster was picked up in Cyprus. US officials reportedly were astonished when Christopher Metsos was released on bail in the first place. Both countries say the incident won't damage relations, but a lot of questions remain. What were the agents doing here decades after the Cold War? Why have they been arrested now? If they posed a danger to national security, why don't they face more serious charges? Does the US have its own spy rings in Russia? We hear from a former CIA agent, a Russian scholar and others.
To the Point
US Men Arrested in Pakistan Suspected of Terror Links Recent incidents have raised concerns about what's called "homegrown terrorism." The latest involves five American citizens from Northern Virginia arrested in Pakistan , with jihadist literature, laptop computers and maps including areas were the Taliban train recruits. Police in Pakistan quote them as saying, "We are here for jihad." Jerry Markon is co-writing the story for the Washington Post .
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To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.