Consider This from NPR

Greg Myrie, an NPR correspondent specializing in U.S. policy, and Kerry Kahn, who reports from Brazil on Latin America, dive into the escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. They discuss Trump's tanker blockade and Venezuela's fierce nationalistic responses. Myrie reveals the number of vulnerable tankers under U.S. sanctions, while Kahn emphasizes the improbability of economic pressure alone ousting Maduro. The two explore whether oil could be used as a leverage point for negotiations and the limits of U.S. military action in the region.

Francisco Monaldi, Director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University, delves into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela centering on oil. He explains the significance of the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan tanker and how it signals potential blockade strategies. Monaldi discusses the historical relationship between the U.S. and Venezuelan oil, highlighting production issues caused by mismanagement. He also frames U.S. sanctions as part of a broader strategy to pressure Maduro’s regime while minimizing American costs.

Join historian Deborah Lipstadt, a leading voice in combating antisemitism, as she unpacks the recent surge in antisemitic attacks, sparked by a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach. She discusses types of threats facing Jewish communities, including synagogue arsons and violent rhetoric, and highlights alarming similarities between antisemitism in Australia and the U.S. Lipstadt advocates for stronger government responses and emphasizes the urgent need for societal responsibility to combat these rising tides of hate.

Ana Karina Sosa, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, discusses her mother’s recent escape and the emotional reunion in Oslo. Sosa reflects on the dangers their family faced due to Machado's activism since her childhood. She expresses unwavering belief in her mother's return to Venezuela and the importance of international support for democratic change. The conversation also touches on the legitimacy of the Maduro regime and the current transition in Venezuela's political landscape.

Jude Joffe-Block, an NPR reporter specializing in voter roll issues, discusses the troubling impact of the SAVE tool on U.S. citizens. She reveals how the system, intended to identify noncitizen voters, mistakenly flags eligible citizens, leading to wrongful removals. Jude shares insights into the challenges of verifying voter citizenship and the privacy concerns involved in outreach. The conversation also highlights the political implications of the small number of flagged voters and the historical context behind the SAVE tool's development.

Brian Mann, an NPR reporter known for his investigative work, delves into the lives of Afghan fighters from CIA's Zero Units now resettled in the U.S. He highlights the tragic story of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who faced dire consequences after his evacuation. The conversation uncovers the mental health struggles, including PTSD, among these veterans, with alarming suicide rates. Mann also discusses the immigration hurdles they face and the political backlash complicating their new lives, painting a nuanced picture of their stark reality.

Odette Youssef, an NPR reporter specializing in extremism, dives into the evolution of the controversial concepts of 'remigration' and 'reverse migration' within U.S. policy. She reveals how these ideas, once considered fringe, have been adopted by the Trump administration and linked to far-right movements. Youssef discusses the origins of these terms, tracing their influence from identitarian groups to mainstream rhetoric. She explores how activists have shifted perceptions, allowing extremist language to penetrate government discourse.

Cardinal Blaise Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago and a key figure in the U.S. Catholic Church, takes on the contentious immigration issue sparked by Operation Midway Blitz. He discusses the Church's wrongful treatment of undocumented migrants, emphasizing the need for humane policies while still securing borders. Cupich critiques the current enforcement tactics, highlighting the struggles of local communities and the Church's commitment to pastoral care. He also reflects on the Pope's influence in shaping the bishops' advocacy for migrants' rights.

Tony Franchi, a Venezuelan journalist running the newsletter Venezuela Weekly, shares an insightful view of Caracas amid political turmoil. He discusses the significance of María Corina Machado’s Nobel Prize and the fears surrounding her potential return. Franchi highlights the climate of self-censorship due to repression and how daily life revolves around survival amidst U.S. military actions. He emphasizes the contrast between crisis and normalcy, urging for more authentic Venezuelan narratives in media.

David Folkenflik, NPR's media reporter, and Maria Aspen, a Wall Street reporter, dive into the dramatic battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. They dissect Netflix's staggering $83 billion bid and Paramount's aggressive $108 billion offer. The discussion highlights the stakes for iconic franchises like Harry Potter and how new ownership could reshape CNN's future. Aspen explains the intricacies of their takeover strategies, while Folkenflik touches on the potential political implications, including the influence of figures like Trump. It's a whirlwind of corporate intrigue!