News and Notes

Last Updated: May 08, 2008 02:31 pm

Assessing the Pros and Cons of Sports Blogs

The question of whether sports bloggers contribute to the overall discussion of sports has been the subject of much conversation lately. For insight, NPR's Tony Cox speaks with D-Wil of the blog Sports On My Mind and Roy Johnson of Ballers, Gamers and Scoundrels.

Sean Bell Protests End in Arrests

Hundreds of people were arrested in New York for civil disobedience, as protesters demonstrated against the acquittals of three New York detectives charged in the 2006 shooting death of Sean Bell. We get insight from NPR correspondent Margot Adler — who covered the demonstrations — and the Rev. Herb Daughtry, who held a protest outside his House of Lords Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Study Focuses on NYPD Racial Profiling

The RAND Corporation, a non-profit think tank, took a look at how the New York Police Department treats pedestrians to see if racial profiling really exists. For more, Farai Chideya talks with Greg Ridgway, director of RAND's Center on Quality Policing.

Public Defenders Have Their Say

Public defenders protect the constitutional rights of poor defendants charged with crimes. But they're overworked and under-respected. Farai Chideya speaks with Rick Jones — deputy director of the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) — and Brian Wait, Senior Public Defender in the Orange County Public Defender's Office.

'Stop Snitching' Movement Confounding Criminal Justice

The "no snitch" ethic is prevalent in hip hop culture and in many urban communities. How does it impact the criminal justice system? David M. Kennedy is the director of the Center for Crime Prevention and Control and professor of anthropology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.

Responding to Your Letters

This week, Farai Chideya and <em>News & Notes</em> editor Sasa Woodruff read from listeners' e-mails about our coverage of a new photo ID voting law.

Roundtable: Sean Bell Protests & Presidential Politics

On today's bloggers roundtable, Farai Chideya moderates a conversation about the latest string of protests over the shooting death of Sean Bell, last night's Democratic primary results, and the death of an interracial marriage pioneer.

Sean Bell Protesters to Pray in Streets of New York

Farai Chideya talks with Reverend Herb Daughtry of the House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn. It's one of six meeting points for protests today after three NYPD detectives were acquitted of charges related to the shooting death of Sean Bell.

Eighth Grader Schools Detroit Councilwoman

<em>News & Notes</em>' Web producer Geoffrey Bennett talks with Farai Chideya about the hot topics on our blog, including the Detroit eighth grader who upbraided a city councilwoman and our response to <em>TIME's</em> list of the "100 Most Influential People."

A Closer Look: What's Next for Democrats?

This week, all eyes have been on the Democratic primaries in North Carolina and Indiana. Farai Chideya talks with Donna Brazile and Ron Christie for the latest word on how Obama's decisive North Carolina win and Clinton's slim victory in Indiana will impact the race.

Ind., N.C. Votes Are In; Is Hillary Clinton Out?

Barack Obama wins the North Carolina primary by double digits, while Hillary Clinton narrowly captures Indiana. Is her victory enough to keep Clinton in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination?

Mint Condition Puts Digital Spin on New Album

The R&B; band Mint Condition has released their ninth album in 18 years &mdash; but this one was produced by wielding the power of the Web. Farai Chideya sits down with band members Stokley Williams, Homer O'Dell and Jeffrey Allen, who weigh in on their longevity in the music business and the new album, <em>E-Life</em>.

What's Behind Shortage of Blacks on the Bench?

<em>News & Notes</em> contributor Judge Lynn Toler is back to talk about the lack of African-American judges in the United States and how it impacts sentencing for people of color.

A Sudanese 'Warchild' All Grown Up

At the tender age of eight, Emmanuel Jal was recruited into the Sudan People's Liberation Army as a child soldier. He later escaped and is now making music about his experiences.

Myanmar Tragedy Causes Ripple Effect on Aid

On this week's "Africa Update," we take a look at how the cyclone in Myanmar, which killed more than 20,000 people, will also affect the distribution of humanitarian aid. Plus, we focus on the ongoing issues with the presidential election in Zimbabwe.