Consider This from NPR Folgen

In a party not known for ethnic diversity, 22 Black candidates are running for Republican House seats this year. And for the first time, we could see two Black Republican senators serving simultaneously. The historically diverse lineup also includes Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans on Republican tickets for the midterms. While some Republican see a shift toward Ronald Regan's vision of the party as an inclusive "Big Tent''. But others say that the party's problematic record on race continues to keep Black voters away - even those who consider themselves conservative. Host Michel Martin talks to Theodore Johnson, a researcher, and writer whose work focuses on how race plays out in politics and policy. Johnson writes a column for the center-right news and opinion site, The Bulwark.In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Tyler Bartlam. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Natalie Winston.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Public health officials are warning of a possible surge in COVID cases this winter. How bad it could get depends on how many people take the right precautions, according to Dr. Ashish Jha. We talk to the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator about bracing for the next potential wave.Even if a COVID surge doesn't happen, there are plenty of respiratory ailments making a comeback, especially in children. Dr. Ibukun Kalu of Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, North Carolina explains why viruses like RSV are already swamping hospitals with sick kids. In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President Biden met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this summer — a man he had previously accused of ordering the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But at the meeting, he met the Crown Prince with a fist bump. It all came as gas prices were rising globally, under pressure from Russia's war in Ukraine. One of Biden's goals was to convince Saudi Arabia's leaders to increase oil production. But this month, Saudi Arabia and the other oil producing countries of OPEC Plus decided to cut production by 2 million barrels a day. That move is expected to drive up gas prices, and put more money in Russia's pockets. It has prompted Democrats in Congress to call for the U.S. to rethink or even walk away from its seven-decade partnership with Saudi Arabia.NPR's International Affairs Correspondent Jackie Northam reports on where the relationship may be headed.And Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, explains why he plans to block future weapons sales to the Saudis.In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy