Retro Report

Independent. Objective. Non-profit.

Retro Report is a growing series of over 125 short documentaries that tell the history behind the news.

Latest

Where the Debate Over "Designer Babies" Began

Genetic technology is advancing, and critics are warning of a slippery slope. We spoke with the scientists working at the forefront of the research, families who have benefited and the first-ever "test-tube" baby to understand the debate.

Genetic technology is advancing, and critics are warning of a slippery slope. We spoke with the …

Life as the World's First Test Tube Baby

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first ever so-called “test-tube baby.” Her birth was one of the biggest media stories of the 20th century, and she became famous just by being born.

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first ever so-called “test-tube baby.” Her birth was one …

Gerrymandering's Surprising History and Uncertain Future

Both political parties have always played the redistricting game. But some of today’s battles have roots in a civil rights case decided by the Supreme Court 30 years ago.

Both political parties have always played the redistricting game. But some of today’s battles have …

She Derailed the Fight for Equal Rights for Women

Even in the #MeToo era, many people don't know that the Equal Rights Amendment never passed...because of one woman -- which is why it's a big deal that Illinois recently passed the amendment.

Even in the #MeToo era, many people don't know that the Equal Rights Amendment never …

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Context for this Week

Stories that shine a light on today’s news

The Berkeley City Council recently declared a “climate emergency” and further stated that the world needs to “humanely stabilize population.” But in reporting this short documentary, we found that it isn’t the first time overpopulation fears have taken hold.

Population Bomb: The Dire Prediction That Fell Flat

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has asked for a sweeping review of US Special Forces – which military sources think will likely result in a cut to the elite commandos. We explored this very topic and the unusual genesis of Special Ops in recent story. Watch…..

How Special Ops Became Central to the War On Terror

An Australian court has found Catholic archbishop Philip Wilson guilty of covering up child sexual abuse in the 1970s. He’s the highest ranking Catholic in the world to be convicted of knowing about abuse, without having committed it himself. This is an issue we explored in our story “Shame of the Church.”

The Shame of the Church