Democratic Socialists won big in NY. Do they offer a way forward for Democrats?

FIFA's red card reversal: Fair play or political interference?

Jul 6, 20269 minSummary

This episode examines the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to overturn a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The reversal, which followed a direct request from President Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, allowed Balogun to play in a critical knockout match against Belgium. While some supporters argued the initial call was overly harsh and that the reversal prioritized the presence of top athletes, critics and organizations like UEFA contend that this move constitutes dangerous political interference in sport. The hosts speak with author and Atlantic staff writer Franklin Foer, who explores the history of political pressure in soccer, noting that while such influence has historical precedents in regimes like Mussolini’s Italy, it has been absent from the sport for decades. The discussion highlights the tension between the desire for fair play and the rule of law within FIFA’s established procedures. Ultimately, the episode reflects on how this intervention risks tainting the U.S. team’s performance and undermines the spirit of the tournament, transforming what was intended to be a unifying global event into a contentious flashpoint for international political friction.

What does a more European NATO mean for America’s national security?

Jul 5, 20268 minSummary

This episode of Consider This explores the evolving tensions within NATO as the alliance prepares for a high-stakes summit in Ankara. Amidst growing uncertainty regarding the United States' long-term commitment to the organization, the podcast examines President Trump’s characterization of the alliance as a one-sided relationship where the U.S. receives little in return. Host Don Gonyea speaks with David M. Katler, a former Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security, to unpack whether these claims hold weight and what a more self-reliant Europe means for American national security. The discussion highlights the shift in European defense spending, noting that allies are increasingly meeting investment targets and moving toward a more resilient, European-led defense pillar. However, the conversation also addresses the urgent fears of nations closer to Russia, such as Poland, regarding the potential for future aggression. Ultimately, the episode centers on the critical challenge facing the alliance: whether political consensus and increased funding can be translated into genuine, credible military capabilities quickly enough to ensure deterrence as the geopolitical landscape undergoes a profound and rapid transformation.

America in Pursuit: The story of Motown Records (CT+)

Jul 4, 202613 minSummary

This episode of Consider This explores the profound legacy of Motown Records and its inseparable connection to the identity of Detroit. Founded in 1959 by Barry Gordy, Motown emerged from a modest house on West Grand Boulevard and fundamentally transformed the city, becoming a global powerhouse of music and culture. The episode details how Gordy applied the precision of the automotive assembly line to music production, creating a unique, polished sound that transcended racial divides. The discussion highlights the historical context of Motown, noting how the Great Migration and Detroit's vibrant jazz scene provided the foundation for its success. While the label initially avoided overt political messaging to ensure broad appeal, it eventually became a vessel for social commentary through iconic artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. The segment also captures the intergenerational impact of the label by visiting a local high school, where students reflect on how the music continues to serve as a source of community pride, family connection, and a positive counter-narrative to the city’s complex reputation. Through archival insights and personal anecdotes, the episode illustrates why Motown remains the enduring, universal soundtrack of Detroit.

Taking gambles on Primm, Nevada

Jul 3, 202610 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts explore the fading fortunes of Primm, Nevada, a small desert town that once served as a bustling gateway for travelers heading from California to Las Vegas. Thirty years ago, Primm was a thriving destination featuring major hotel-casinos, outlet malls, and even a record-breaking roller coaster. Today, however, the town faces an uncertain future as its casinos have shuttered, leaving behind a near ghost town. The discussion highlights how the proliferation of tribal and local casinos across the country stripped away the convenience that originally fueled Primm's popularity. In contrast, Las Vegas has managed to survive and flourish by constantly reinventing itself as a premium entertainment hub, offering experiences far beyond mere gambling. The episode follows Corey Clementson, whose family developed the town, as he works to resurrect Primm’s legacy. By focusing on modernization and potential new infrastructure, such as a future airport, the family hopes to spark a comeback. The story ultimately examines the challenges of revitalizing a legacy destination in a changing landscape and the optimistic, if difficult, efforts to bring magic back to a forgotten Nevada landmark.

What's it like to search for loved ones after an earthquake?

Jul 2, 20268 minSummary

This episode of Consider This examines the devastating human toll of the recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela. With the official death count climbing into the thousands and many more missing, the narrative moves past the staggering statistics to focus on the families left to navigate the aftermath. The program follows residents in once-idyllic coastal towns as they labor through the wreckage, often without institutional support, searching for their loved ones. Through intimate reporting, the episode captures the agonizing reality of recovery efforts, where neighbors and family members dig by hand through pulverized apartment complexes and fallen high-rises. Listeners hear stories of deep personal loss, such as a father searching for his son and a woman seeking her best friend, highlighting the exhaustion and desperation of those left in what survivors describe as a purgatory. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of human bonds during tragedy, illustrating the grueling, painstaking work required to find closure in the wake of a catastrophe that has left entire communities struggling to survive and demand accountability from their government.

President Trump earned more than $1 billion from crypto in 2025. How?

Jul 1, 20268 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts explore the financial revelations surrounding President Trump’s business activities, specifically his massive earnings from cryptocurrency ventures during his second term. New financial disclosures indicate that the President and his family have generated over one billion dollars in revenue from crypto businesses since he returned to office, marking a significant departure from the traditional practice of presidents walling themselves off from their private interests. The discussion features investigative reporter Bernard Condon, who analyzes the unprecedented scale and speed of these earnings. The conversation highlights the lack of ethical boundaries compared to the President’s first term, noting that previous commitments to avoid overseas deals and conflicts of interest have largely been abandoned. The episode delves into the ambiguity surrounding the investors behind these ventures, including significant purchases by individuals who have previously faced regulatory scrutiny. As the administration continues to loosen government oversight of the crypto industry, the program raises urgent questions regarding transparency and the potential for these financial dealings to influence federal policy. The White House maintains that the President is not involved in day-to-day operations, but critics argue the situation represents a profound new level of potential conflict of interest.

In a rebuke of President Trump, the Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship

Jun 30, 202613 minSummary

In this episode of Consider This, the hosts examine a significant Supreme Court ruling that upholds birthright citizenship, effectively striking down an executive order from President Trump. The decision reaffirms the long-standing interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees that all children born in the United States are citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status. The podcast explores the division among the justices, noting that while the majority opinion relied on constitutional history, Justice Brett Kavanaugh provided a narrower concurrence based on existing federal statutes. Correspondents and legal experts weigh in on the implications of the ruling, discussing how President Trump has successfully pushed this once-fringe idea into mainstream political discourse. Although the administration has enjoyed several legal victories regarding executive authority over immigration, this decision serves as a notable check on presidential power. The conversation also touches on broader themes of the Supreme Court term, including rulings on campaign finance and executive branch independence, ultimately framing the debate over citizenship as a pivotal moment for the legal and political future of the country.

In two landmark rulings, the Supreme Court wades into major political battles

Jun 29, 202610 minSummary

In this episode, the program examines two significant Supreme Court rulings that directly intersect with major political agendas. First, the hosts explore a decision regarding mail-in voting, where the Court upheld a Mississippi law allowing ballots postmarked by election day to be counted up to five days later. Despite opposition from President Trump and other Republican officials who argue these grace periods threaten election integrity, the Court ruled in a five-four decision that states maintain the authority to manage their own mail-in programs. Correspondents note that this outcome provides relief to election officials who would have faced significant logistical upheaval had the rules changed shortly before the election. The episode also highlights a second ruling concerning the independence of the Federal Reserve. The Court determined that Fed Governor Lisa Cook may remain in her position for now, a decision celebrated by Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari. Kashkari emphasizes that keeping monetary policy separate from short-term political pressures is vital for economic stability and long-term inflation control. He warns that subjecting regulatory agencies to the whims of shifting political administrations could ultimately create economic volatility and uncertainty for businesses.

A new bridge meant to expedite Canada-U.S. trade is built, but not open. Why?

Jun 28, 202612 minSummary

The Gordie Howe International Bridge stands as a marvel of modern engineering, completed and ready to facilitate trade between Detroit and Windsor. Despite being a crucial infrastructure project designed to expedite North American commerce, the bridge remains frustratingly closed. In this episode, the hosts explore why this multibillion-dollar project, jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan, is currently trapped in political limbo. The investigation highlights how the bridge has become a pawn in broader geopolitical tensions. Reporters reveal that the delay is heavily influenced by the administration’s interference and the interests of the family that owns the neighboring Ambassador Bridge, a competing span with deep political ties to the Republican Party. While Canadian officials and trucking industry leaders express profound frustration over the economic inefficiencies caused by the delay, American politicians remain largely quiet, seemingly wary of drawing presidential scrutiny. The episode captures the voices of those impacted by the gridlock, from frustrated local residents to industry experts, ultimately framing the bridge’s stalled opening as a poignant example of how political maneuvering can hinder the economic necessity of cross-border cooperation.

Trump's State Department spokesperson discusses the administration's foreign policy

Jun 26, 20269 minSummary

In this episode of Consider This from NPR, the program explores the foreign policy priorities of the Trump administration through a conversation with State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggett. The discussion centers on two major international developments: the United States’ humanitarian response to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela and ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding Iran. Piggett addresses questions regarding the administration’s shift in handling foreign aid, arguing that centralizing these efforts within the State Department allows for more efficient, coordinated responses to global disasters. The conversation then shifts to the Middle East, where Piggett defends the administration’s diplomatic strategy following Secretary of State Mark Rubio’s recent trip to the Gulf. He emphasizes that any potential agreement with Iran must be conditions-based and must not undermine the security or stability of U.S. partners in the region. Piggett also attempts to distinguish the current administration’s approach from previous agreements, framing their strategy as a results-oriented effort to dismantle conventional military threats and prevent the development of a nuclear program. The episode provides a detailed look at how the administration justifies its current global posture and its specific diplomatic objectives.