Consider This from NPR

Discover how Trump’s ties to the Heritage Foundation influenced his appointee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hear insights on the political fallout from dismissing the prior head due to unflattering reports. Explore the Heritage Foundation’s evolution into a MAGA stronghold and the implications for U.S. policy. Dive into the pressing concern over the politicization of labor statistics and the potential impacts on economic data credibility. It's a revealing look at how partisan think tanks are reshaping American governance.

Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's correspondent in Paris, brings her expertise on French culture and climate reporting to the conversation. She discusses the severe impact of climate change on the city, including recent heat waves and their historical context. The dialogue highlights innovative urban solutions like mini forests and improved cycling infrastructure aimed at enhancing resilience. Beardsley also examines the balance between maintaining Paris's beauty and adapting to climatic challenges, all while encouraging a vibrant nightlife amid rising temperatures.

This summer, the island of Puerto Rico has been under the thrall of Bad Bunny.His 30-concert residency at a stadium in San Juan is a homecoming for the global superstar.It's also a homecoming for many thousands of people who left home – but are flocking back for the shows.NPR’s Adrian Florido reports on how the concerts are resonating with Puerto Ricans on and off the island.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Kathryn Fink, Elena Burnett, Liz Baker and Marc Rivers. It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Gigi Douban. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

American presidents have long grappled with Vladimir Putin, seeking peace and democracy in a challenging geopolitical landscape. This discussion highlights Trump’s latest efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, amid innovative drone warfare reshaping the conflict. The impact of technology on military strategies is explored, showcasing Ukraine's ingenuity and Russia’s adaptations. The narrative delves into how these dynamics influence personal diplomacy, revealing the complexities of international relations in a world impacted by modern warfare.

The conversation kicks off with a bold declaration that the traditional global trading system is dead. Insights from a former U.S. Trade Representative shed light on how aggressive tariffs and new trade policies are reshaping the landscape. The discussion highlights the chaotic interplay between the U.S. and China, stressing the need for new alliances to establish stability. As fluctuating tariff rates create unpredictability, the importance of international collaboration becomes paramount in navigating this transformed trade environment.

John Bolton, former National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, shares his insights on the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin. He discusses Trump's quick assessment of Putin's intentions regarding Ukraine and the implications of their past encounters. Bolton highlights Trump's hopes for a resolution and the risks of boosting Putin's global stature without Ukraine's involvement. Tension runs high as they navigate the delicate dynamics of diplomacy, with potential outcomes that could reshape U.S. foreign policy significantly.

The discussion opens with President Trump's claims of rampant crime in Washington, D.C., despite declining violent crime data. It scrutinizes the political motives behind the proposed deployment of the National Guard and federal control over local policing. The implications for community-police relations under federal oversight are examined, particularly in the context of historical interventions. Listeners are prompted to consider the broader consequences for other cities as similar tactics may be employed elsewhere.

The podcast dives into the contentious world of deep-sea mining, highlighting a recent push by the Trump administration and a Canadian company to scan the ocean floor despite a lack of regulation. Experts discuss the environmental risks and the urgent need for scientific research to safeguard marine biodiversity. Compelling insights reveal the intricate dynamics of these ecosystems and the potential ecological toll of extracting resources like manganese nodules. Listeners are urged to consider the delicate balance between economic interests and environmental protection.

Renee DiResta, an Associate Research Professor at Georgetown's McCourt School of Public Policy and a contributor to Lawfare, dives into the ongoing narrative surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 election. She discusses how recent allegations from the Trump administration attempt to reshape the understanding of CIA assessments, claiming a deliberate misinformation campaign by the Obama administration. DiResta also clarifies the distinctions between Russian influence and collusion, emphasizing the bipartisan conclusions reached in previous investigations.

Odette Yousef, NPR's extremism correspondent, dives deep into the alarming rise of online networks targeting vulnerable children. She shares a family's harrowing story of a mother grappling with her son's disturbing behavior linked to these extremist communities. The conversation sheds light on the urgent need for intervention and education for parents and caregivers. Yousef stresses the impact of nihilistic ideologies on youth, revealing the necessity for community support to combat radicalization and protect the next generation from these dangers.