Consider This from NPR

Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, and Tamara Keith, senior White House correspondent, explore the implications of recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. They discuss how voter dissatisfaction with the Democratic party could affect the midterms. The duo examines the Democratic strategy focused on affordability and the misalignment of Republican messaging in light of economic realities. They also analyze the historical context of presidential approval ratings and its potential impact on upcoming elections.

In this insightful discussion, Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA Today and author of 'Madam Speaker,' dives into Nancy Pelosi's groundbreaking career. She highlights Pelosi's historic ascent to Speaker of the House and her pivotal role in passing the Affordable Care Act. Page explains how Pelosi's fearlessness shaped her early advocacy, cites her impact on women in politics, and addresses the complexity of her legacy amid partisanship. The conversation also touches on Pelosi's regret about retiring while Donald Trump remains a political force.

Rob Bonta, California Attorney General and expert on legal challenges to executive power, examines the implications of tariffs imposed under emergency powers. He argues that such authority should belong to Congress, not the President. Bonta discusses the legal action California has taken against these tariffs and highlights the economic risks they pose to households and the state's economy. He emphasizes the need for the Supreme Court to limit presidential power to prevent overreach.

Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR White House correspondent, and Scott Horsley, chief economics correspondent, delve into the Supreme Court's case on presidential tariff authority. They explore how Trump's tariffs impact government revenue and inflation, revealing how such policies affect everyday Americans. Danielle emphasizes the legal backdrop surrounding these tariffs while Scott discusses the economic ramifications for industries and supply chains. Together, they assess the potential fallout if the Court rules against these tariffs and what it means for future trade negotiations.

Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project, discusses significant changes to U.S. refugee admissions following Trump's announcement of a drastic 94% cut. He explains the implications for families and the extensive vetting process that gets disrupted for refugees in the pipeline. Aly also challenges economic and cultural objections to resettlement, highlighting refugees' valuable contributions to society. He shares personal stories illustrating the impact of these policy changes on real lives, emphasizing urgency and need for legal support.

Scott Anderson, a former U.S. diplomat and legal expert at the Brookings Institution, dives into the contentious term 'unlawful combatant'. He discusses its post-9/11 usage to justify indefinite detention and its recent application by the Trump administration against drug smugglers. Anderson explains the historical implications of the term, questioning its legal appropriateness for current military actions. He also highlights concerns about limited protections for individuals labeled this way and the potential for indefinite detention without fair trials.

In this engaging discussion, Frank Langfitt, a roving national correspondent, and Laura Sullivan, an investigative journalist, explore the art of audio storytelling. They reveal how transitioning from print to radio changes the narrative, emphasizing the need for simplicity in language. Frank shares a captivating tale of tracking elephants by sound, and they discuss the magic of audio capturing emotions that print can’t convey. The duo also offers tips on interviewing techniques that enhance dialogue, highlighting the depth and humanity that audio can deliver.

Mara Liasson and Domenico Montanaro join to dive into the upcoming state elections in California, Virginia, and New Jersey. They explore why off-year races matter as political indicators and how these contests may influence midterm trends. With Virginia's governor race as a historical bellwether, they discuss the potential impact of federal shutdowns on voter turnout. Additionally, they analyze redistricting effects, particularly California's Proposition 50, and the volatile dynamics of House control shaped by shifting voter preferences.

In this discussion, health policy researcher Cynthia Cox from KFF delves into the potential fallout if enhanced ACA premium tax credits aren’t renewed. She reveals that without these subsidies, individuals could face a staggering 114% increase in their health care costs. Cox emphasizes that 22 million rely on these credits, and failure to extend them could result in over 14 million more uninsured, straining the health system. She also advises enrollees on shopping for plans and navigating the upcoming open enrollment period.

Natasha Sarin, President of the Yale Budget Lab and former Biden administration official, dives into the booming private credit market valued at around $2 trillion. She raises alarms about risky loans from non-bank firms, comparing current trends to the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis. Sarin explores recent auto-related bankruptcies linked to opaque borrowing and discusses how private credit firms evade post-crisis regulations. She emphasizes the potential systemic risks to everyday investors' finances, urging for stronger regulatory measures over reliance on self-regulation.