1A

Over two years ago, the death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests and prompted renewed calls for police reform. Some even came from police unions themselves. But just last month, another Black man died at the hands of American law enforcement.

Tyre Nichols was beaten by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop and later died from his injuries. Six police officers have been fired from the department for their actions. Five of the former Memphis police officers charged in the beating are set to be arraigned in court this Friday.

As the officers await their trial, the city of Memphis is moving forward with ordinances that address police brutality and officer accountability.

We discuss how police reform can actually take place, and how unions can be involved in accountability.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Since the beginning of the pandemic, traffic deaths have surged in cities across America. 2021 shaped up to be the deadliest for pedestrians in four decades.

Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that drivers hit and killed more than 7,000 pedestrians in 2021, an average of 20 deaths per day.

While data from 2022 isn't out yet, estimates indicate that the pedestrian safety crisis has only worsened.

To help address the surge, the U.S. Department of Transportation released $800 million dollars in grants as a part of its Safe Streets for All program in February.

We discuss the impact this federal investment will have on traffic deaths and how we can make communities safer for pedestrians.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

He wears a tie without a suit. His chiseled abs make women melt in their seats. And his hips, well, they don't lie.

We're talking, of course, about Magic Mike.

It's been just over a decade since the first installment in the series was released. The franchise has grown to include live shows all around the world. Now, the third and final film, "Magic Mike's Last Dance," has been released.

It opened in theaters on Friday to mixed critical reviews but the film enjoyed a successful weekend at the box office nonetheless.

For this episode of the 1A Movie Club, we unpack the magic of 'Magic Mike' and talk about whether his last dance still has the spark.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

The perennial debate over school choice is ramping up once again in state legislatures across the country. At least 11 states are considering or have passed legislation this year that would allow public funds to go toward private school tuition or homeschooling, according to EdWeek.

But critics of school vouchers worry they divert money from public schools and that there's little to no oversight of how the money is spent.

We take a look at which states have school choice programs, which students they work for, and who they leave behind.

This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. The series explores Americans' trust in institutions and the health of our democracy. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union. Intrusions by Republicans and ad-libs by the former Delaware senator made for a feisty address.

A Neo-Nazi has been charged by the FBI for attacking power stations in Maryland as part of a plot to wipe out the state's power grid.

Meanwhile, a devastating earthquake shook southern Turkey and northern Syria this week causing widespread destruction and death. Rescue efforts are underway, but international politics and regional conflicts have made responding to the disaster complicated.

Following a rash of drug overdose deaths, the Canadian province of British Columbia will no longer criminally charge people for possessing small amounts of hard drugs

We cover all this and more during the the News Roundup.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey has left rescue teams and civilians scrambling to save lives. Since Monday morning, the Turkish, Kurdish, and Syrian people have walked among collapsed buildings looking for loved ones in the rubble.

"The needs are very high in northwestern Syria as this [earthquake] adds a dramatic layer for vulnerable [people] who are still struggling after many years of war," said Sebastien Gay, MSF head of mission in Syria.

We discuss the destruction caused by the quake and what will come next with journalists, aid organizations, and Middle East experts. .

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

President Joe Biden gave his second State of the Union speech Tuesday night. It was his first since Republicans have taken control of the House of Representatives.

The State of the Union is a chance for the U.S. president to address a large and wide television audience. Last year, Biden's speech amassed more than 38 million viewers.

We discuss key takeaways from the address.

Later, we take a look at the behind-the-scenes of what goes into writing a presidential speech.

How do you craft the perfect speech? And in an increasingly polarized political landscape, how is the role of speech shifting?

We pose your questions to a panel of political speechwriters.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Tax season is here and a new study is shedding light on inequalities in our tax system. Black taxpayers are at least three times more likely to be audited by the I.R.S than other taxpayers.

The study, which was a collaboration between the University of Michigan, Stanford, the University of Chicago, and the U.S Treasury Department, is one of the most detailed ever on race and the tax system.

The reason for this racial disparity isn't what you'd expect. The IRS isn't targeting Black taxpayers — the agency doesn't keep data on race. But the outdated algorithms it's using are.

Lack of funding is another problem.

We speak with a co-author of the study and a leading expert on race and the tax system later in the hour. First, we talk about funding.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Schools have spent decades trying to prevent teens from using drugs and alcohol. The Office of National Drug Control Policy spent $2.9 billion on drug prevention last year alone, but the success rates of prevention programs remains in question.

As part of our "Remaking America" collaboration, we highlight reporting from partner station KUNC on kids facing mental health and substance abuse issues.

One possible solution is recovery high schools. There are at least 45 recovery schools across the U.S. dedicated to students with addiction problems.

We discuss the unique challenges young people face when seeking treatment, and how schools can do a better job of supporting them.

This conversation is part of our Remaking America collaboration with six public radio stations around the country. Remaking America is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Addiction is treatment is available. For help, please call the free and confidential treatment referral hotline (1-800-662-HELP) or visit findtreatment.gov.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Memphis on Wednesday to remember Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died days after he was beaten by five Memphis police officers, who were later arrested and charged with his murder.

At least 9 people are dead and more than 300,000 homes lost power in Texas after a powerful ice storm swept through the state.

And the Federal Reserve raised interest rates yet again.

Last week, the U.S. agreed to send tanks to Ukraine. But sending air support is a fighter jet too far.

President Biden has ruled out sending F-16s to the war with Russia. The U.K. has followed his lead, calling the request "not practical."

And on the two-year anniversary of seizing power, the military junta in Myanmar pushes back a general election yet again — extending its emergency powers for six more months.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy