'Code Switch' Is on The 100 Best Podcasts of All Time
In the spring of 2020, in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, co-hosts Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby noticed their podcast Code Switch rocketing up the Apple charts. The tragedies had encouraged many white Americans in particular to find literature and media that could provide context and interrogate the intersection of race and identity in America—and Code Switch quickly stood out. Though it launched in 2016, the show's impressive episode archive demonstrates how much its hosts were ahead of the discourse, dissecting the landscape of race-related shootings and grappling with the push to remove Confederate statues and memorials. The podcast began as an offshoot of NPR's Code Switch blog, but Meraji and Demby understood early on that their reporting could resonate more powerfully in people's ears. Once they had the backing, they built something that could hold nuance and urgency at the same time. Soon, the show evolved into a kind of cultural compass—never preachy, always curious—using the news of the moment to trace the roots of inequality and identity without flattening anyone's experience.
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The Hill
2 hours ago
- The Hill
Prison reform laws could safely send thousands home — if they're enforced
The two of us have spent a good chunk of our lives on opposite sides of prison bars. One of us worked for 16 years in the federal Bureau of Prisons, including a stretch as acting director during the first Trump administration. The other spent 14 years in federal prison before fighting to help hundreds of thousands of incarcerated people earn their freedom and successfully reenter society. Despite these different backgrounds — or perhaps because of them — we agree on one thing: Our criminal justice system can and must do much more to enhance safety and justice for all Americans. That's why we were encouraged when, last month, the Bureau of Prisons quietly issued a new directive that will help incarcerated individuals return more quickly to their families and communities. Although we are optimistic, the devil is in the details. For this policy to succeed, it must be implemented fairly and consistently for all who qualify. The U.S. has made real progress on criminal justice over the past few decades. The crime rate has declined 61 percent since its peak in 1991. The prison population has shrunk by roughly 25 percent since 2009, and racial disparities have dropped by 40 percent. This progress came from thoughtful, bipartisan reforms. Between 2007 and 2018, 35 states passed sentencing and corrections reform laws. At the federal level, two landmark measures — the Second Chance Act and First Step Act — stand out. Signed in 2008 by President George W. Bush, the Second Chance Act funds state and local programs that help incarcerated people reenter their communities. Ten years later, Trump signed the First Step Act, which modified mandatory minimums, expanded opportunities for people to earn time credits toward early release and increased access to rehabilitative and vocational programs. Many were surprised when Trump, who had promised tougher sentences as he campaigned for office, championed the First Step Act. But he pressured Republicans in Congress to support it and enthusiastically signed it into law, calling it proof that 'America is a nation that believes in redemption.' In his second term, Trump has sent mixed signals so far. His Justice Department cut more than $500 million in state and local criminal justice grants, and Attorney General Pam Bondi rolled out new tough-on-crime policies. At the same time, Trump created a new 'pardon czar' position to advise him on presidential clemency decisions, appointing Alice Marie Johnson — who served over 20 years in federal prison before receiving clemency from Trump — to the role. The latest advancement came in June when Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III directed the bureau to fully implement both the Second Chance Act and First Step Act. Declaring 'the dawn of a new era,' Marshall promised the policy change would save money, reduce strains on corrections staff and facilities and make it easier for many incarcerated people to return home and contribute to society. This latter point is the centerpiece of the First Step Act. The act allows low-risk individuals who complete rehabilitative programs to earn 'time credits' which can be applied toward early release or to serve the remainder of their sentences in home confinement or residential reentry centers. Since its passage, the First Step Act has proven effective. A Council on Criminal Justice analysis found that individuals released under the First Step Act were 55 percent less likely to return to prison than people with similar profiles released before the law took effect. These lower recidivism rates held even among those considered higher risk by the Bureau of Prisons. Yet challenges remain. Despite receiving more than $400 million annually under the First Step Act, the Bureau of Prisons has long claimed it lacks the contract capacity to support home confinement and reentry centers. There has also been confusion about whether the First Step Act and Second Chance Act could be applied simultaneously. Both the Biden and Trump administrations initially said they could not, before allowing it. The new Bureau of Prisons policy promises to solve these issues, but its success will depend on implementation. The director's message must reach and be embraced by all corners of the system. We have seen encouraging signs thus far. This month, the Bureau of Prisons launched a task force to address logistical hurdles faced by staff — a promising step toward ensuring the policy is put into practice. Going forward, we see three top priorities. First, communication. With over 155,000 employees, the Bureau of Prisons must ensure every staff member understands this policy and why it matters. Second, training. Too often, people remain behind bars simply because staff aren't properly trained on how to apply the law. And third, accountability. Bureau of Prisons leaders must quickly address any staff who resist the changes — whether through correction or removal. In the early months of Trump's second term, we have seen America's political divides on display, from the 'big beautiful bill' to the bombing of Iran to new tariffs. Criminal justice reform should be an exception. It offers a rare opportunity for common ground — a chance to advance solutions that make our communities both safer and more just. Hugh Hurwitz worked for the Bureau of Prisons for more than 16 years, including as acting director during the first Trump administration, and is a member of the Council on Criminal Justice. Louis L. Reed, who served nearly 14 years in federal prison and later helped pass over 30 state and federal bills, including the First Step Act of 2018. He is a member of the Council on Criminal Justice's Board of Trustees.
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Medicare and hospice scams are on the rise
Medicare and hospice scams are on the rise. In a rare show of bipartisanship, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Senior Security Act - a bill aimed squarely at protecting older Americans from financial scams. Championed by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), the bill would establish a Senior Investor Task Force within the Securities and Exchange Commission. Its job? Don't miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet's FREE daily newsletter To identify and address the risks older investors face - from outright fraud and financial exploitation to the more subtle threats tied to cognitive decline. Image source: Chaozzy Lin on Unsplash The Senior Investor Task Force is long overdue. For years, advocates have called for stronger investor protections for seniors, and this legislation delivers. Here's what it would do: Identify challenges that senior investors face navigating the financial systemRecommend changes to SEC rules or those of self-regulatory organizations to better protect seniorsCoordinate efforts with other SEC offices, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, and other relevant agenciesCollaborate with state securities regulators, law enforcement, and insurance departments Related: Retired workers to see frustrating change to Medicare in 2026 The task force would also deliver a biennial report to Congress, summarizing: Trends and innovations reshaping the investing landscape for older AmericansRegulatory and industry practices that impact senior investorsKey observations from enforcement actions and investor education effortsThe most serious issues confronting senior investorsRecommendations for changes in regulation, guidance or legislation For retirees trying to safeguard their nest eggs - and for the advisers who help them - this is an important step toward turning concern into real protection. In 2024, Americans reported a record-shattering $16.6 billion in losses to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center - a 33% increase over 2023. According to the 2024 IC3 Annual Report, IC3 received 859,532 complaints - more than 2,000 a day. A staggering 83% of those losses were tied to cyber-enabled fraud. Older adults were hit especially hard. Those aged 60 and older reported $4.9 billion in losses - a 43% jump from the previous year. They filed 147,127 complaints, up 46%. Among seniors who lost more than $100,000, the average loss was $83,000 - a life-altering amount for most. That's why efforts like the Senior Security Act - and public education campaigns about scams - are more important than ever. Speaking of public education campaigns, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) just issued a warning to beneficiaries about a disturbing new scam: fraudsters posing as salespeople offering "free" services or gifts in order to enroll unsuspecting seniors in hospice care - without their knowledge or need. In a July 16 fraud alert, CMS outlined how the scam works: Scammers contact you via text, phone, email, fake ads - or even knock on your offer "free" perks like cooking, cleaning, groceries, or medical return, they ask for your Medicare number and a use that information to enroll you in hospice care, allowing them to bill Medicare fraudulently. Related: Millions of Medicare beneficiaries could see major price shock Hospice care, CMS noted, is for individuals who are terminally ill and should only be considered after discussions with a person's doctor. Enrolling without medical necessity could jeopardize their future Medicare coverage. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz issued a video message warning Medicare beneficiaries to stay alert for such scams and to guard their Medicare numbers carefully. The Federal Trade Commission is also sounding the alarm. In a recent post, FTC consumer education specialist Kira Krown also warned that scammers are luring older adults into fraudulent hospice enrollment by offering free services like housekeeping or gift cards. "What they likely won't tell you is how," Krown wrote. "They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice - that's right, hospice - care. Then, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name. If you're signed up and don't need it, this could affect your Medicare coverage in the future. Anyone who tells you differently is a scammer." To protect yourself, the FTC recommends: Never share your Medicare number with anyone offering "free" sign up for hospice in exchange for perks like groceries, gift cards, or that Medicare will never send someone to your home to enroll you in services. If you suspect hospice fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or file a report at You can also reach out to your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for assistance. What to do with Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Epstein scandal questions: Letters to the Editor — July 28, 2025
US District Court for the Southern District of New York/AFP via Getty Images The Issue: Ghislaine Maxwell talking to the DOJ amid a resurgence in interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Well, well, well: Ghislaine Maxwell, ice-cold procurer, sex-trafficker and co-conspirator with Jeffrey Epstein in a savage and sordid criminal enterprise is a resident in a rundown federal prison circled by razor wire ('DOJ big sit-down with Epstein madam Ghislaine,' July 25). That's appropriate. It's abhorrent to call Maxwell a socialite; she's a convicted felon. Advertisement Marc D. Greenwood Opelika, Ala. American presidents have been no stranger to scandal. Advertisement Thomas Jefferson dealt with allegations of a long-standing sexual relationship with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. No less salacious was the Monica Lewinsky affair. Perhaps the most notorious was President Richard Nixon's participation in Watergate, which at its core was an attempt to illegally impact the outcome of an election. While these transgressions served to outrage the public, none involved the alleged molestation of dozens of underage girls, the current scandal impacting President Trump's second term. Although there is no evidence exposing the president's participation in Epstein's acts of degeneracy, one question remains on the minds of many Americans: Was Trump complicit in any way? Advertisement The truth may never be known, but one thing is certain — obfuscation and deflection are not its pathway. Jim Paladino Tampa, Fla. It appears that Maxwell is going to spill her guts in exchange for her freedom. Advertisement Makes sense, and she's definitely got the goods. But she will be living in fear for the rest of her life. Kreg Ramone Manhattan The step by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson to cease possible discussions about the Epstein files by shutting down the House of Representatives smells of desperation. Epstein died almost six years ago — by whatever means — and there is still no real action on releasing the files, despite Trump's assurances. The suggestion of allowing Trump more time to address the matter is farcical given how long it has been a lead item in most newspapers. The files are not going to be forgotten, and hopefully they won't be destroyed, so let them be seen. Let the truth be told. This applies to all countries and their governments. Dennis Fitzgerald Advertisement Melbourne, Australia Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! The Issue: French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to officially recognize Palestinian statehood. Regarding the pathetic country of France recognizing Palestine: Isn't this the same France that in 1942 rounded up thousands of Jewish citizens, among them almost 4,000 Jewish children, in a bicycle stadium and sent them to the Nazis for extermination ('Macron: France will recognize Palestinian state,' July 25)? Advertisement A total of at least 77,000 Jews were rounded up by the French police and sent to their horrible deaths. Why would we deal with France at all? I don't buy anything from the French and never will. Americans should boycott all of their cheap wine and anything else. Total isolation for this stupid, terrorist-loving country is a good solution. Or better yet, France should invite all the Palestinians there to make it their new homeland. Richard Smith Palmerton, Pa. Advertisement In fear of his ever-growing Muslim population, resulting from open borders, French President Emmanuel Macron will 'bend the knee' and recognize a Palestinian state at the antisemitic UN General Assembly in September. I wonder: Which portion of France will Maron cut out for his new Palestinian state ? Joe Alloy Yulee, Fla. Advertisement Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
