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Consider This from NPR The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. New episodes six days a week, Sunday through Friday.

Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with Consider This+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/considerthis
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Consider This from NPR

From NPR

The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. New episodes six days a week, Sunday through Friday.

Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with Consider This+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/considerthis

Most Recent Episodes

Tariffs are going to the Supreme Court. What's at stake?

The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, DC on November 4, 2025. The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on November 5 on the legality of President Donald Trump's unprecedented use of powers for sweeping global tariffs. Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Tariffs are going to the Supreme Court. What's at stake?

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a major case about the administration’s use of tariffs. President Trump has long touted the power of tariffs as a tool for trade negotiations and even for ending conflict. But now the justices will hear about how that tool may be misused. 

Tariffs are going to the Supreme Court. What's at stake?

Listen · 9:40
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Trump is slashing the number of refugees. What does that mean?

The first group of Afrikaners from South Africa to arrive for resettlement listen to remarks from US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar (both out of frame), after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, on May 12, 2025. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Trump is slashing the number of refugees. What does that mean?

Every year the President of the United States determines how many refugees can enter this country. The law says he must consult Congress on this number. But last week President Trump announced just 7,500 refugees would be admitted in the coming fiscal year – a 94% cut from the 125,000 cap set by President Joe Biden.

Trump is slashing the number of refugees. What does that mean?

Listen · 9:59
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Trump calls alleged smugglers 'unlawful combatants'. That term has a history.

The USS Gravely warship enters the port of Port of Spain on October 26, 2025. Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

Trump calls alleged smugglers 'unlawful combatants'. That term has a history.

The legal definition of the term 'unlawful combatants' was used to justify detaining people at Guantanamo indefinitely, without ever charging them with a crime. Now, the president is using it to describe the alleged drug smugglers that the military is targeting with boat strikes.

Trump calls alleged smugglers 'unlawful combatants'. That term has a history.

Listen · 7:21
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Why this episode wouldn't work in print

WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 30: National Public Radio's Carl Kasell delivers one of his last newscasts during the Morning Edition program at NPR December 30, 2009 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Why this episode wouldn't work in print

From recording a snoring elephant to figuring out how to be a mime during an interview, three former print journalists talk about how telling an audio story is special.

Why this episode wouldn't work in print

Listen · 9:54
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Could next week's elections predict the political future?

Voters cast ballots at a polling location on the first day of early voting, at the Loudon County Office of Elections and Voter Registration in Leesburg, Virginia, US, on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

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Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Could next week's elections predict the political future?

Voters head to the polls next week in California, Virginia and New Jersey among other states. Senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro explain what they are watching in these elections — and what voters’ choices might say about the political moment.

Could next week's elections predict the political future?

Listen · 8:08
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Here's what could happen if Obamacare subsidies aren't extended

A healthcare reform specialist helps people select insurance plans at the free Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enrollment Fair at Pasadena City College on November 19, 2013 in Pasadena, California. David McNew/Getty Images hide caption

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Here's what could happen if Obamacare subsidies aren't extended

It’s a critical week regarding the Affordable Care Act, which is at the center of the government shutdown impasse. “Window shopping" began for some people buying health insurance through the ACA – also known as Obamacare – giving enrollees estimates on how much their premiums could cost next year. 

Here's what could happen if Obamacare subsidies aren't extended

Listen · 11:07
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The rise of private credit, and why 'ordinary people's money is on the line'

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)/Getty Images hide caption

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(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)/Getty Images

The rise of private credit, and why 'ordinary people's money is on the line'

When companies need a loan, traditionally they turn to a bank.

Unpacking The U.S. Economy’s ‘Cockroach’ Problem

Listen · 14:12
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Can the global economy handle a world with fewer kids?

Ashley Evancho and her daughter Sophia play together at their home near Buffalo, N.Y. Evancho and her husband have decided to have only one child, a choice many people are making around the world. Lauren Petracca hide caption

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Lauren Petracca

Can the global economy handle a world with fewer kids?

Ashley and Nick Evancho say raising their 3-year-old, Sophia, is one of the most joyous things they've ever done. But the Evanchos also made a decision that's increasingly common for families in the U.S. and around the world: One is enough. The trend is leading to populations that are dramatically older, and beginning to shrink, in many of the world's biggest economies.

Can the global economy handle a world with fewer kids?

Listen · 9:29
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What happens if Antifa is labeled a foreign terrorist organization

A protester waves an anti-fascist flag at the Oregon statehouse on March 28, 2021. Nathan Howard/Getty Images hide caption

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What happens if Antifa is labeled a foreign terrorist organization

In a public roundtable, President Trump asked his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, to apply the designation to Antifa.

What happens if Antifa is labeled a foreign terrorist organization

Listen · 7:19
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Netanyahu's political future and what the 'BibiSitters' want from him

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 22: U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the Prime Minister's Office on October 22, 2025 in Jerusalem, Israel. Nathan Howard-Pool/Getty Images hide caption

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Nathan Howard-Pool/Getty Images

Netanyahu's political future and what the 'BibiSitters' want from him

A delegation of high-level US officials were recently sent to Israel to try to hold the fragile Gaza truce together. The Israeli press called them the 'BibiSitters,' a nod to the Israeli prime minister's nickname. What does Benjamin Netanyahu's political future look like and how tied is he to the Trump administration's interests?

Netanyahu's political future and what the 'BibiSitters' want from him

Listen · 7:52
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