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SCOTUS Saves Obamacare Once Again Jun 25, 2015

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President Obama celebrated a 6-to-3 majority led by Chief Justice John Roberts — over a blistering dissent by Justice Antonin Scalia. Conservative states will be spared from chaos in the insurance marketplace, but Republicans promise the fight will continue in the presidential campaign.

Church Shooting Stirs Nationwide Debate over the Confederate Flag Jun 24, 2015

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Last week’s murder of nine black people in their place of sanctuary has confronted America once again with the specter of racism — past and present. What about the future? Can the country move forward when we can’t agree on the past?

Solitary Confinement Abuses Could Open Door to Wider Prison Reform Jun 23, 2015

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More than 100 years ago, the US Supreme Court acknowledged the cruelty of solitary confinement. Recently, the suicide of a New York teenager isolated for two years without ever being charged has created an uproar. Why is solitary still used? What are the alternatives?

World's Refugee Population Nears 60 Million Jun 22, 2015

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Around the world, more people have been forced from their homes than at any time in history. The number of refugees has doubled in just 10 years -- and 30 million are children. We hear about measures being taken to stem the tide and the consequences if they should fail.

Will Smart Guns Ever Hit the Marketplace? Jun 19, 2015

Show notes

Another mass shooting has raised many issues, including the increase in gun violence — not just from mass shootings, but also from homicides, suicides and accidents. Advocates say "smart gun" technology can make weapons safer. So why isn't it available on the American gun market?

A Massacre in a Place of Solace Jun 18, 2015

Show notes

Nine people were shot to death last night during prayer at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. A young, white suspect has been arrested. He's reported as saying he wanted to kill black people. We hear how the victims are being remembered and get President Obama's reaction.

Obama's Trans-Pacific Trade Deal Quagmire Jun 17, 2015

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The Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership has been delayed in Congress, while President Obama and Republican leaders try to keep it alive. We hear about the long-term consequences for Japan, China and a multitude of American interests.

Edging Back into Iraq Jun 16, 2015

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President Obama has promised to "degrade and eventually destroy" the Islamic State — without sending combat troops back to Iraq. Will training Iraqi soldiers be enough? Is there the political will to do anything more?

Presidential Politics and Family History Jun 15, 2015

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For the second time, Democrat Hillary Clinton is making her case to be America's first woman president. We hear how she — and Republican Jeb Bush — deal with years of familiarity.

Will the US Military Lift Its Transgender Ban? Jun 12, 2015

Show notes

The Pentagon has long prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex or age. This week, the same protections have been extended to gays and lesbians — but transgender people are subject to discharge. We hear what it's like to serve when your identity is in question.

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