In an interview with Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep, the president rejects the suggestion that political considerations put race relations on the back burner in his first term.
Last year, many businesses in Ferguson, Mo., were looted and vandalized in unrest that gripped the city. Customers are starting to return, but some owners don't feel positive about staying here.
Even as public schools in the area closed amid protests, the Ferguson Public Library stayed open for local students and readers. Onlookers have responded with an outpouring of donations.
While Darren Wilson will avoid federal charges for the death of Michael Brown, the Justice Department did find racial bias in the Ferguson, Mo., police and justice system.
The grand jury documents left doubt, but federal investigators say they found "no credible evidence to disprove [Officer Darren] Wilson's perception that Brown posed a threat."
The Justice Department is poised to declare that former police officer Darren Wilson should not face civil rights charges over the death of Michael Brown, sources tell NPR.
Among the 23 new documents released is an interview by police of Dorian Johnson, the young man who was with Michael Brown on the day he was killed by officer Darren Wilson.
Wilson, the Ferguson police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown nearly four months ago, writes in a resignation letter that he hopes stepping down will "allow the community to heal."
James Knowles announced several initiatives to calm tensions in the city, including a scholarship program to put more African-American officers on the streets.