Race & Identity 'Sesame Street' introduces TJ, the show's first Filipino American muppet TJ the muppet joined actor Kal Penn and Korean American muppet Ji-Young this week to discuss the word of the day: confidence. He debuts during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Suzanne Nuyen
National Grace Bumbry, a trailblazing Black opera singer, has died at age 86 Grace Bumbry has died. She had one of the most illustrious operatic careers of the 20th century. She was also the first Black singer to perform at the Paris Opera and the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. Brandon Gates
National Producer Chris Strachwitz, responsible for many recordings of roots music, has died Producer Chris Strachwitz was responsible for many recordings of roots music. He died last week at the age of 91. Alejandra Marquez Janse Christopher Intagliata
National A California panel has called for billions in reparations for descendants of slaves California's reparations task force has voted to approve recommendations on how the state may compensate and apologize to Black residents for generations of harm caused by discriminatory policies. The Associated Press
National There have been no arrests after an NYC subway commuter killed a Black man on a train The killing of a Black man who was put in a chokehold by a white man on a New York City subway train has sparked outrage. There have been no arrests. Brian Mann
National Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison wants her book and the word 'big' to affirm kids NPR's Juana Summers talks with Vashti Harrison, illustrator and author of the new picture book Big, about a young Black girl's journey to self love. Jason Fuller Juana Summers Justine Kenin
Race & Identity Named after Robert E. Lee, an Army fort now honors 2 pioneering Black officers Fort Lee in Virginia on Thursday became Fort Gregg-Adams in a ceremony that renamed the base after two Black officers whose struggles paved the way for a more inclusive military.
National An Army fort named after Robert E. Lee will now honor 2 pioneering Black officers Fort Lee, named after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, is being redesignated to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams. Each helped pave the way for a more inclusive military. Scott Neuman
Race & Identity Swim Seattle works to teach all children how to be safe in water The city of Seattle is launching a swimming program with the goal of addressing the racial disparity in youth drowning deaths. Registration for the pilot program, called Swim Seattle, opens May 16. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
National The 'Tennessee Three' inspires young activism Young people in Tennessee have found inspiration in Reps. Justin Jones and Justin A. Pearson, two people who were organizers before they became elected officials. Alana Wise
