"It is not an understatement to suggest Black studies as a standalone field has a lot to do with the work that Toni Morrison did at Random House," Howard University Prof. Dana Williams told us.

We spoke with Williams and Paula Giddings, professor emerita at Smith College, about Morrison's legacy as an author, editor and mentor.

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Visionary: Toni Morrison

Listening to the news can feel like a journey. But 1A guides you beyond the headlines – and cuts through the noise. Let's get to the heart of the story, together – on 1A.

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It's a right guaranteed not once, but twice in our constitution – a trial by jury. And many of us are asked to serve on them, whether we want to or not.

Whether jury duty is a responsibility you dread or relish, the trial of former President Trump in Manhattan put the spotlight on the jury selection process – one that happens every day in courthouses across the country.

We speak with legal experts about the role juries play in our justice system – and the psychology of jury selection. 

We also hear from someone who's served on a jury for another high-profile case.

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The Psychology Of Jury Selection

Nearly 67 million people use some form of the federal government's health insurance program, which is for those over 65 and younger people with some disabilities. But untangling the multiple different parts can be a headache.

And then there's Medicare Advantage.

Unlike traditional Medicare, which is through the government, Medicare Advantage is a privatized insurance plan. With the help of some star-studded commercials, it's become increasingly popular.

But it's also become controversial. According to a 2023 study from the Brown University School of Public Health, nearly half of those who signed up for Medicare Advantage left their plans by the end of five years.

We try to untangle Medicare, Medicare Advantage and answer your questions about health care as a senior.

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Untangling The Multiple Parts Of Medicare

Taylor Swift dropped her latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," at midnight on Friday. 

Like she did with her previous album, "Midnights", she posted a surprise for fans a few hours later: 15 extra tracks on the album. That brings the total track listing to 31 songs.

She's released four albums since 2020, plus four re-recorded albums. Her Eras Tour sold out stadiums across the U.S. last year, and it continues through 2024. T

he hold Taylor Swift has on much of our popular consciousness defies comparison with other current artists.

We discuss Swift's new music and where it fits in her catalogue. 

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1A Record Club: Taylor Swift And 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Here in the U.S., we can't have a people, a country, and a democracy – without, well: the Earth.

Yes, the very large globe that we're sitting on right now. Many of you may be celebrating that today for Earth Day. 

Throughout this election season, we've asked you what's sending you to the ballot box. So far, your responses suggest that climate- is your third most dominant concern after "Trump" and "Democracy."    

For this installment of our weekly politics series, 'If You Can Keep It', we look at how each presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential election is talking about climate and energy policy. 

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'If You Can Keep It': The Candidates And Climate Change

As Donald Trump's trials continue over the course of the spring, Joe Biden is taking advantage of his rival's absence from the campaign trail. 

A Boeing whistleblower made headlines this week, telling the Senate that the aircraft manufacturer is "putting out defective airplanes."

Meanwhile, Israel, with the help of the U.S., more or less successfully defended itself from a missile and drone attack launched by Iran after the former killed Iranian officials in an attack on an embassy in Syria.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, The BBC has now confirmed that more than 50,000 Russian troops have died in the conflict.

We cover the week's biggest headlines. 

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Visionary: Toni Morrison

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