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With an enormous budget surplus, high gas prices and ongoing inflation, Democrats are trying to get money back in the pockets of drivers and voters in California, but can't at all agree on a plan.

"Authenticity" is a loaded term when it comes to racial identity. But author and regular News & Notes commentator Joseph C. Phillips isn't afraid to tackle the topic head-on. He talks with Ed Gordon about his new book, He Talk Like a White Boy: Reflections on Faith, Family, Politics and Authenticity.

Two months ago, we reported on the Web video phenomenon of Mentos and Diet Coke. When the mint candies are combined with the soda it creates a geyser of Diet Coke. A new video on the Internet takes that concept and turns it into a highly choreographed routine complete with music. Melissa Block talks with Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz, the two men who created the video.

Two major shoe companies have much at stake as World Cup soccer play begins. Nike, which made deals with Brazilian stars, is trying to put a dent in Adidas' long-standing dominance of the soccer market.

Senate Democrats have blocked legislation that would have raised the minimum wage. Though the federal minimum wage hasn't been raised in a decade, Democrats would not support the bill because it also would have permanently cut estate taxes.

Sound artist Xan Palay of Columbus, Ohio, sent us a recording that she and sound engineer Tom Harned made in 1997 of a steel-stock provider's enormous warehouse. We hear, in stereo, a large overhead crane move from one end to the other. She has used the sound in a sculpture installation.

Judith Palmer Harik, a retired political science professor at the American University of Beirut, assesses U.S. diplomatic options in the region. She tells John Ydstie that few officials in the Middle East are willing to reign in Hezbollah, or have the influence to do so.

New York Times journalist Ruth Graham says many pastors are being pressured to resist vaccines and mask mandates, embrace Trump's claims about election fraud and adopt QAnon-based conspiracy theories.

Israel continues to pound Lebanon with bombs for a 10th day, primarily targeting Shiite areas in the south and east of the country. An Israeli general has warned that Israel could expand ground operations in southern Lebanon, where there have been fierce clashes between its troops and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, civilians in Lebanon continue to seek shelter from the fighting.

President Fidel Castro is recovering from intestinal surgery and in good spirits, according to Cuban authorities. News of the leader's health has been closely guarded since he was hospitalized.