Historic racism creates barriers to beach access in towns across the country
Residents-only policies at many of the nation's town-owned beaches mean low-income people and people of color have less access to the shore.
National
He spent decades recording soundscapes. Now they're going to the Library of Congress
Jim Metzner has traveled far and wide to record sounds of the world and share them with listeners. The Library of Congress will preserve thousands of tapes and other items dating back to the 1970s.
California struggles with who pays for public charging stations for electric cars
A California ballot proposition to tax the wealthy to pay for electric vehicle incentives has split the state's Democrats. Gov. Gavin Newsom made himself the face of the opposition campaign.
The New Orleans police department is hiring civilians to help its officer shortage
The New Orleans police department is overhauling its hiring process to include civilians, as well as eliminate credit score checks and marijuana use questions.
How some businesses flounder with Hispanic Heritage Month marketing efforts
From superheroes praising tacos to an improper tilde, many businesses fail to connect with members of the community during Hispanic Heritage Month.
How those who represent the minority of Americans hold enough power to stop policies
Americans largely agree — at least on some basic ideas when it comes to some of our most controversial issues. Yet solutions have been stalled in Congress — sometimes for decades. We explore why.
What you had to say about the issues that seem to be at a stalemate in your area
Listeners tell NPR about issues they think are supported by a majority of people yet can't seem to get through the legislative process.
Immigration is a divisive issue, but most Americans agree on certain points
Many people believe that some groups of immigrants — like essential workers and those brought to the U.S. as children — should have a pathway to citizenship.
Why Wisconsin has seen so little legislative action on climate change
Polls show that more than 70% of Wisconsinites are worried about climate change. Robert Kraig from Citizen Action of Wisconsin discusses political inaction about the issue.
What you told us about how you're pushing on issues that are at a political stalemate
Listeners tell NPR what they are doing to help move issues along that have been stymied by minority rule.