Martin Kaste is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk. He covers law enforcement and privacy. He has been focused on police and use of force since before the 2014 protests in Ferguson, and that coverage led to the creation of NPR's Criminal Justice Collaborative.
The alleged Buffalo shooter, age 18, had no problems buying his semi-automatic rifle. Some states have tried to limit sales to those under 21. A new generation of conservative judges stand in the way.
The California state senate voted to allow people who aren't United States citizens to be police. Some more conservative voices say government authority should be embodied by citizens.
Homelessness and drug use became more visible on public transit during the pandemic, worrying commuters. Philadelphia is now pairing cops with social workers to help those in need.