Consider This from NPR

In this engaging discussion, NPR's Scott Horsley, a seasoned economic journalist, explores the delicate balance the Federal Reserve must maintain in stabilizing the economy amidst political pressures. He highlights the conflict between Jerome Powell and President Trump, especially regarding tariff policies that could jeopardize growth. Moreover, Scott dives into the Fed's ongoing challenges with inflation and emphasizes the crucial need for its independence in decision-making. The conversation sheds light on the potential impacts of these tensions on financial markets.

The podcast delves into the profound emotional impact of Pope Francis I's death on the Catholic community. It highlights the centuries-old rituals that follow, including the poignant Rite of Ascertainment. As cardinals prepare for the conclave, the discussion shifts to potential successors and the influence of Francis' appointees. The tension between global priorities, especially between the Global South and North, adds layers to the selection process. Listeners gain insights into the political maneuvers among cardinals as they navigate this pivotal moment in the Church.

Viktor Orban's authoritarian reign in Hungary is analyzed, revealing how he dismantled democratic checks and balances. The suppression of media freedom echoes Putin's tactics, putting independent journalists at risk. The erosion of judicial and educational institutions showcases a broader threat to liberal values. Recent legislation targeting LGBTQ+ rights reflects Hungary's troubling democratic decline. Protests against restrictive public assembly laws highlight growing dissent and the implications for Orban's grip on power.

Two high-profile deportation cases reveal a growing legal crisis in the U.S. immigration system. Federal judges clash with the Trump administration over compliance with court orders, especially regarding the Alien Enemies Act. The wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia raises critical questions about due process. As tensions mount between the judicial and executive branches, the potential for a constitutional crisis looms. Legal experts weigh in on the implications of these conflicts for migrants and civil liberties.

Raising a child in the U.S. could cost a staggering $320,000, with expenses for childcare, food, and education rising even higher due to current tariff policies. Tariffs on juvenile products are soaring at 145%, potentially making essential items less accessible. Industry leaders express worry about supply chain issues and the impact on small businesses. The podcast delves into how these financial pressures could further strain American families amid decreasing birth rates and the challenges of maintaining innovation in the juvenile product market.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Ford, a staff writer at The New Republic specializing in legal affairs, tackles Donald Trump's controversial proposal to banish U.S. citizens for crimes. The discussion dives into the unconstitutionality of this idea, drawing parallels to historical banishment practices and their impact on citizenship rights. Legal experts weigh in on how such proposals challenge American values and the legal framework surrounding deportation. The podcast also explores the ethical implications of these radical ideas in the current political landscape.

A whistleblower reveals alarming security violations involving sensitive labor data at a federal agency, raising questions about government transparency. Allegations swirl around a controversial cost-cutting initiative led by a billionaire, indicating unauthorized data access that has cybersecurity experts on alert. Concerns about the potential misuse of this information have labor law professionals worried, highlighting the critical role of whistleblowers in safeguarding essential data.

Peter Marks, the former top vaccine regulator at the FDA, joins to discuss the alarming rise in measles cases and related child deaths in the U.S. He critiques the federal response and highlights the dangerous normalization of measles amidst vaccine hesitancy. Marks stresses the critical importance of vaccinations to prevent outbreaks and combat misinformation around vaccine safety. He insists on the need for proactive public health strategies to protect children, emphasizing that every child deserves better protection against this preventable disease.

The Trump administration admitted that it wrongfully deported a man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia.It had also been arguing that courts cannot compel the U.S. government to return him to this country.The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously determined the government must "facilitate" his release from the El Salvador prison where he is being held, but the Department of Justice has so far only confirmed his presence at that prison.If he is not returned to this country to face due process, people following this case point out a troubling implication: The government could potentially send anyone to a foreign prison – regardless of citizenship – with no legal recourse.Harvard University emeritus professor of constitutional law Laurence Tribe explains his argument.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

Ryan Lucas, NPR's Justice Correspondent, discusses the dramatic impact of President Trump's executive orders on major law firms. He reveals how some firms have confronted these orders head-on, while others have sought compromises to survive. The conversation dives into the climate of fear surrounding legal advocacy and highlights a rift in the legal community. Lucas emphasizes the pressing need for clear communication in legal reporting, especially during tumultuous political times, to ensure public understanding of these complex issues.