Consider This from NPR

Annette Vega, a woman who spent decades searching for her biological father, discovers his unmarked grave on Hart Island, along with a newfound family she never knew she had.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas announced details of a deal that calls for the freeing of at least 50 Israeli women and minors taken hostage during last month's Hamas attack on Israel in exchange for at least 150 Palestinian women and minors held in Israeli jails.NPR correspondents Brian Mann in Israel, and Lauren Frayer in the occupied West Bank, report on how Israelis and Palestinians are reacting to this moment.Email us at considerthis@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Explore the concept of Friendsgiving and how it can alleviate holiday stress while also leading to its own share of drama. Learn tips for hosting a stress-free event, navigating etiquette and handling exclusion, and making the most out of Friendsgiving by hosting or participating in creative ways. Embrace the idea of 'Friendsgiving' and break traditional holiday norms by valuing and appreciating relationships during the holiday season.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, known for transforming the role of first lady, had a lasting influence post-White House. Topics discussed include her resilience, feminist beliefs, passion for mental health, and humanitarian efforts with the Carter Center. The podcast also reflects on her 75-year marriage and personal legacy.

Pope Francis says he will attend the COP28 climate conference in Dubai next month, which would make him the first pontiff to attend the annual UN gathering. The pope has made addressing the climate crisis an important focus since 2015, when he published an encyclical on climate change and the environment. Last month, he doubled down on his stance with a new document – Laudate Deum. It's a scathing rebuke of the inaction by world leaders over the last eight years. As Francis takes on an even bigger role in climate activism. What does he hope to achieve? And how does this all fit into his broader legacy as leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics. NPR's Scott Detrow spoke with Fordham professor Christiana Zenner, and Associated Press Vatican correspondent Nicole Winfield, about Pope Francis and his role in advocating for action on climate change. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Melissa Murray, NYU law professor, discusses leaked videos of former Trump lawyers in the Georgia election interference case. Jenna Ellis claims Trump won't leave office, leading to legal complications. The podcast explores courts of law versus the court of public opinion, Republican reluctance to criticize Trump, and upcoming trials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discusses the goals of demilitarizing and de-radicalizing Gaza, and emphasizes the importance of a civilian government for peace and rebuilding. The podcast also analyzes the current war in Gaza, Israel's options for governing, and the risks and humanitarian crisis facing the region.

Nearly 7 million federal student loan borrowers are in default, and now the U.S. Department of Education is rolling out a new program, called Fresh Start, to make getting out of default easier. NPR's Cory Turner reports on the Fresh Start program and the ripple effects of landing in default. Email us at considerthis@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The podcast discusses how President Biden's support for Israel could cost him votes in the 2024 election, particularly among Arab American voters in Michigan. It highlights the divisions within the Democratic party and the impact of Biden's policy on his voter base. The podcast also explores the political challenges and risks associated with Biden's support for Israel.

The UAW secured significant victories in deals with Big 3 car companies, but some workers are focused on what the contracts are missing. The contracts include big pay raises and retirement contributions, but some workers express concerns about trustworthiness and missing retiree health benefits. The podcast also discusses the impact of the achievements on workers and the middle class, the details of the new contract, the UAW's efforts to expand and unionize workers at Tesla, and recent raises by non-unionized companies.