Consider This from NPR

As the conclave to elect a new pope approaches, excitement fills St. Peter's Square. Rituals steeped in secrecy and history add to the grandeur of the event. Cardinals like Timothy Dolan share insights on the qualities needed in a leader, while navigating the complex landscape of alliances and tensions. The challenges faced by the Church, including scandals and financial struggles, weigh heavily on the cardinals as they prepare to vote. A fascinating look at the intersection of tradition and contemporary issues awaits.

Joanna Kakissis, NPR's correspondent in Ukraine, shares her firsthand experiences from the war-torn country. She highlights the resilient spirit of Ukrainians balancing daily life with the threat of nightly attacks. The emotional toll of constant danger is palpable, with a shift from panic to grim acceptance among residents. The podcast also explores the innovative use of drones in combat and personal stories from the Harkia Brigade, showcasing the unique blend of traditional warfare and modern technology amidst ongoing conflict.

The discussion dives into the ongoing practice of indefinite detention at Guantanamo Bay, questioning its legal justifications. It highlights the stark parallels between past and present deportation policies, particularly under the Trump administration. The podcast contrasts the rights of detainees under both the Bush and Trump eras, revealing troubling implications for due process. Legal expert John Yoo provides insights into the ethical dilemmas of torture and the complex legal frameworks affecting immigrants today.

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, shares insights on the ongoing impact of President Trump's auto tariffs on the industry. He discusses the surge in car sales driven by buyer anxiety over rising prices. Farley elaborates on Ford's commitment to domestic production amid challenging compliance with trade regulations. He also highlights the balance between maintaining affordability for consumers and the need for stable job growth in a shifting economic landscape.

The podcast dives into President Trump's unprecedented use of executive power, reshaping policy areas like trade and immigration. Discussions highlight legal challenges and tensions between the executive branch and the courts. The impact of government dysfunction on presidential authority is examined, raising questions about the balance of power created by the founding fathers. With Congress on the sidelines, the evolving role of executive orders suggests significant implications for governance and public perception.

Tom Dreisbach, NPR's investigative journalist, dives into President Trump's controversial tactics of using government power to retaliate against perceived enemies. He reveals how over 100 individuals and institutions are feeling the repercussions of Trump's actions, including criminal probes and deportation attempts. Dreisbach uncovers alarming patterns of targeting critics, emphasizing the potential threat these actions pose to democracy and justice. His insights shed light on the chilling impact of political retribution in America.

About one in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to CDC data released this month.When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed these findings, he declared that autism is a rapidly growing "epidemic" in the U.S. and vowed to identify the "environmental toxin" he says is to blame. Which of Kennedy's remarks rang true to those in the autism community?Jill Escher is the president of the National Council on Severe Autism, and had both gratitude and criticism for the new initiative.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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state have become some of the biggest issues facing Canadians as they head to the polls in their federal election on April 28th. Scott Detrow speaks to Lloyd Axworthy, a member of the Liberal party, who served as Canada's top diplomat between 1996-2000, about the schism between the two longtime North American allies and how Canada's next prime minister can reposition the country's foreign and economic policy in the face of growing tensions with the United States. 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this insightful conversation, Daniel Burke, NPR's religion editor, delves into a tumultuous two-year phase in Pope Francis's life that's often overlooked. He shares how this 'dark night' reshaped Francis from a distant leader to a more empathetic figure. The discussion reveals the internal conflicts within the Jesuit community in Argentina that fueled his personal growth. Francis's journey demonstrates how adversity can lead to profound transformation, influencing his compassionate approach to leadership and understanding of suffering.

The podcast dives into the chaotic effects of drastic federal budget cuts under the Trump administration. It reveals how inexperienced appointees have created turmoil within key departments like Defense and State. Correspondents share firsthand accounts from civil servants dealing with the fallout, highlighting dysfunction and uncertainty in policy implementation. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by health services for coal miners, raising critical concerns about the future of essential government operations.