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California recently allocated $12 million for reparations for the state’s Black residents as a way to compensate them for the harm caused by the legacy of slavery and current discrimination.

Although it’s not clear what the money will be spent on, it is clear it won’t be directed toward cash payments at the moment, which many in the reparations movement say is the best way to atone for the legacy and harm of slavery.

NPR’s Adrian Florido speaks with NPR race and identity correspondent Sandhya Dirks about the latest on California’s attempts to lead the way on reparations.

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Students with disabilities often face a tough time getting the services they need at school. When they can’t get them, many families seek help from the federal government. And, right now, the Department of Education is swamped with a record number of discrimination complaints. The backlog is leaving families across the country waiting months, even years, for help.

NPR’s Jonaki Mehta visited one such family, in central Georgia

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Extreme wildfires doubled worldwide over the last two decades, according to a new study of NASA satellite data.

You’d think, if the wildfire crisis is getting worse, there’d be more and more firefighters in place to meet that demand. But at agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, adequate staffing has been a huge challenge.

But as organizations like the Forest Service raise alarm about firefighter shortages, there’s also a whole group of people who are trained to fight fires and are struggling to get jobs in the field: formerly incarcerated people.

We hear from Royal Ramey, a formerly incarcerated firefighter who started an organization to help others build firefighting careers once they’re released from prison.

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This year, more than half the world’s population lives in countries that are choosing leaders. And those choices will tell us a lot about the state of democracy around the world.

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The Civil Rights Act was signed into law on July 2, 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson called it a way for America to honor its promise of liberty. But 60 years on, how well has it lived up to that promise?

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On Monday the Supreme Court issued its most anticipated decision of the term — expanding the power of the presidency, and calling into question whether former President Trump will ever face a trial in federal court for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

In a 6-to-3 decision, along ideological lines, the Court ruled that presidents have absolute immunity for their core constitutional powers, and are entitled to a presumption of immunity for other official acts.

But the Court ruled that presidents do not have immunity for unofficial acts.

Host Ailsa Chang speaks with constitutional law expert Kim Wehle about the legal issues raised by the ruling and with NPR Senior Political editor and Correspondent Domenico Montanaro about how this decision could impact the election.

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More than 50 years of Pride marches, parades, festivals, and now partnership deals with major brands has increased LGBTQ visibility and community. And as a result, it’s also made Pride the target of a backlash.

Host Scott Detrow speaks with Eric Marcus, the creator of the podcast “Making Gay History” about how Pride has evolved into what it is today.

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The day after a debate in which he faltered many times, President Joe Biden hit the campaign trail to try and reassure supporters that he is still up for the job and capable of beating former President Donald Trump in November.

His performance in the CNN debate on Thursday led many Democrats to panic about his chances of winning reelection. Some commentators who have long supported Biden even called for him to step aside.

NPR’s Scott Detrow speaks with NPR Senior White House Correspondent Tamara Keith and Congressional Correspondent Deirdre Walsh about what happens next and whether Biden can quell Democrats’ fears.

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The surgeon general’s office has declared gun violence a national public health crisis.

It’s the first time the body has ever issued a public health advisory about firearms, and for Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, it’s a step in reframing the conversation about death by gunfire.

According to the CDC, more than 48,000 Americans were killed by gun violence in 2021, and over half of those deaths were by suicide.

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Going into the first presidential debate, polls show a close race. A good debate performance could mean a chance for a decisive lead. But the debate also comes with risks.

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