Here & Now Anytime
1,796 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 703 ratingsThe news you need to know today — and the stories that will stick with you tomorrow. Plus, special series and behind-the-scenes extras from Here & Now hosts Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes with help from Producer Chris Bentley and the team at NPR and WBUR.
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Episodes
Unemployment Questions Answered; Janet Napolitano On Federal Agents In Cities
July 24, 2020 18:08 - 43 minutesThe Trump administration's expansion of Operation LeGend, sending federal agents into cities with the stated mission of fighting violent crime, is raising a lot of questions. Janet Napolitano, the outgoing president of the University of California and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary under President Obama, joins us to discuss. And, as pressure builds on Congress to help millions of unemployed Americans, an expert addresses some listener questions about the process.
ComicCon Goes Virtual; US Attorney For New Mexico On Operation LeGend
July 24, 2020 17:28 - 43 minutesThe San Diego Comic-Con has become a huge venue for TV, movies and games to make a splash. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans discusses the impact of the convention moving online. And, this week, President Trump announced the expansion Operation LeGend that will send federal agents to U.S. cities with the stated mission of fighting violent crime. Democrats see the deployment of federal agents as an extension of the president's reelection campaign. Host Jeremy Hobson speaks with John C. Anderson, U.S....
Florida Expert On COVID-19 Strategy; Language Of Racism
July 23, 2020 18:09 - 43 minutesFor the first time in two weeks, the U.S. recorded 1,000 deaths in a single day from the coronavirus. Dr. Aileen Marty, an infectious disease specialist at Florida International University, joins us to discuss why she's calling for a national unified strategy to tackle the pandemic. And, Rutgers University linguist Kristen Syrett is among many saying it's time to expunge certain expressions from our vocabulary that are rooted in slavery.
'Silent Majority' Phrase Resurfaces; Portland's Wall Of Moms
July 23, 2020 17:36 - 43 minutesTrump recently tweeted about the "silent majority," a phrase Nixon used to refer to when he asked for support. Professor Angie Maxwell explains whether the phrase can be applied to today's politics. Also, in Portland, Oregon, the emergence of a new group of protesters, the so-called "Wall of Moms," in the past few days has garnered support for their pleas to protect the city's youth and turning protest slogans into lullabies. We talk to one of the original organizers, Beverley "Bev" Barnum.
Anti-Racism Curriculum; Black-Owned Broadcasters
July 22, 2020 18:44 - 43 minutesAs schools try to reopen, some have pledged to consider an anti-racism curriculum. John Hobson of Albemarle County Public Schools in Charlottesville, Virginia, joins us to discuss the district's Reframing the Narrative program. And, Black broadcasters in the U.S. are seeking to expand radio station ownership opportunities for people of color. Carol Moore Cutting, owner of Cutting Edge Broadcasting, joins us to discuss some of those efforts.
Racism As A Public Health Crisis; Restaurant Server Shares COVID-19 Fears
July 22, 2020 17:58 - 43 minutesUnder the shadow of the coronavirus and amid protests over police brutality, the notion that racism is a public health crisis has taken hold in communities across the country. But what kind of action will follow? WCPN ideastream's Nick Castele reports. Also, service workers on the front lines of COVID-19 are more vulnerable to contracting the virus. Host Tonya Mosley speaks to Brian Ramian, a restaurant server who recently wrote about his fears at work in an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times.
Florida Teachers Union Sues State; Jim Carrey's New Novel
July 21, 2020 20:16 - 43 minutesThe Florida Education Association is suing the state of Florida over its plans to fully reopen schools five days a week in August. We talk to Fedrick Ingram, union president, about his concerns. Also, host Tonya Mosley speaks with Jim Carrey and Dana Vachon, authors of "Memoirs and Misinformation," a new novel that centers around an actor named Jim Carrey.
COVID-19 Long-Hauler; Former Police Officer Fired For Intervening In Chokehold
July 21, 2020 17:18 - 43 minutesCOVID-19 long-haulers are a mix of older and younger patients whose symptoms last months after the infection is over, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Among them is 40-year-old New York psychiatrist Dr. Scott Krakower, who joins us to talk about his long fight with the coronavirus. And, host Robin Young speaks with Cariol Horne, a former Black police officer in Buffalo, New York, who was fired after she intervened to stop a white police officer who had placed a chokehold on a Black suspect.
'1619 Project' Continues To Resonate; Trump Evangelical Adviser
July 20, 2020 18:15 - 43 minutesThe New York Times' "1619 Project" is being adapted into a book and film in a project with Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate. Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones joins us to discuss how the Pulitzer Prize-winning project continues to resonate. And, recent polls show that President Trump's support among white evangelical Christians is dropping. But Trump adviser Mike Evans says when it comes time to vote, most will remain loyal to the president.
Union Workers Strike For Black Lives; Voices Of The Unemployed
July 20, 2020 18:13 - 42 minutesMajor labor unions, social justice grassroots organizations and environmental groups in nearly 200 cities are coming together to demand that companies protect their Black and Brown workers. Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, joins us to talk about this fight for racial and economic justice. Also, we hear from two mothers in different circumstances who are facing unemployment during the pandemic.
Dementia Among Older Black People; 'Father Soldier Son' Documentary
July 17, 2020 18:06 - 42 minutesOlder Black people are at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia, and some research suggests racism is one of the factors behind that increased risk. We talk to Dr. Rachel Whitmer at UC Davis about her research and what it means as the pandemic rages. And, New York Times journalists Leslye Davis and Catrin Einhorn join us to discuss their new Netflix documentary "Father Soldier Son," which follows the lives of platoon sergeant Brian Eisch and his two sons for almost a...
Asheville Reparations For Black Residents; Remembering Christopher Dickey
July 17, 2020 18:02 - 43 minutesThe city council in Asheville, North Carolina, unanimously approved a measure for reparations for Black residents. The funding would be put toward programs that increase career opportunities and homeownership. It would not be direct payments. We speak with Councilwoman Sheneika Smit, who supported the measure. Also, Christopher Dickey, a legendary foreign correspondent, died unexpectedly Thursday. We revisit an old but timeless conversation with him.
Black CEO Tristan Walker; Rural Parent On Remote Learning
July 16, 2020 18:08 - 42 minutesTristan Walker, founder and CEO of the Black beauty and health line, Walker & Company, joins us to discuss the barriers Black businesses face, and how corporations can contribute genuinely to the racial justice movement. And, Here & Now listener Eric Stahl, who lives in rural Illinois, wrote us describing the challenges of trying to educate two kids at home with unreliable internet during the pandemic.
Native Lives Matter Addresses Systemic Problems; Banking While Black
July 16, 2020 17:27 - 41 minutesThe last few weeks have been historic for Native Americans. Native American journalist Vincent Schilling says this sea change offers hope in now tackling some of the systemic problems in their community such as police brutality and poverty. Also, Netflix is moving $100 million into Black-owned banks to help close the racial wealth gap. What could that kind of capital do? We talk to the president and CEO of M&F Bank, the nation's second-oldest Black-owned bank.
Accepting Uncertainty During COVID-19; Choreographer Raja Feather Kelly
July 15, 2020 18:06 - 42 minutesThe coronavirus pandemic is continuing longer than many expected, and the disruption, loss, social isolation and health risk remain part of our daily lives. Author Gretchen Rubin gives some advice on how to better accept uncertainty and manage anxiety. Also, Raja Feather Kelly doesn't favor high kicks and fancy twirls. Instead, the young Black choreographer uses movement based on the personalities of his dancers and actors to help playwrights tell their stories. Alexandra Starr reports.
Indoor Air And COVID-19 Spread; Forced Labor Of Uyghur Muslims In China
July 15, 2020 17:36 - 43 minutesEnvironmental engineering professor Shelly Miller joins us to discuss the latest thinking on COVID-19 spread indoors, concerns about spread from air conditioning, and her own research for high school groups on spread by musicians. Also, a recent study found that more than 80 global brands like Apple, BMW, Google, and Amazon have been benefiting from the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims in China. We speak with activist Rashan Abbas about China's campaign against the minority ethnic group.
Big Tech Gets Even Bigger; COVID-19 Testing Problems
July 14, 2020 18:08 - 42 minutesFor the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Alphabet are each worth more than a trillion dollars according to their market capitalizations. While the virus continues to ravage the U.S. economy generally, the tech sector has remained a relative bright spot for now. Jessica Lessin of The Information explains. Also, many experts say there is a lack of adequate coronavirus testing measures in the U.S. NPR's Rob Stein has the latest on problems with testing.
COVID-19 Survivors; Implicit Racial Bias In Social Settings, Policing
July 14, 2020 17:12 - 43 minutesMore than 1 million people in the U.S. have recovered from COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, but their experiences with the disease vary widely. We speak with two people who have had COVID-19. Also, we talk to Jennifer Eberhardt, Stanford psychologist and researcher, about understanding how implicit racial bias works in different social settings including police departments.
Washington NFL Team Retires Name; Ohio Restaurant Reopens
July 13, 2020 18:08 - 42 minutesThe Washington NFL franchise announced Monday that it will drop its name and logo immediately after decades of criticism that they are offensive to Native Americans. David Glass, a member of the White Earth Ojibwe and president of the National Coalition Against Racism In Sports and Media, joins us to discuss. And, we check back in with Ohio restaurant owner Jessica Parkison about how business is going after reopening for patio and indoor service.
Emmanuel Acho's Video Series On Race; Disney World Reopens
July 13, 2020 17:20 - 42 minutesFormer NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho joins us to talk about his online series, "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man." The video series addresses race and was created as an educational tool for White people looking to help. Also, Florida set the highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases for any state over the weekend. And Disney World reopened, with staff in masks and social distancing guidelines in place. We check in on Florida
Universal Basic Income Pilot Program; Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan
July 10, 2020 18:03 - 41 minutesU.S. schools are trying to plan for the upcoming academic year as the pandemic intensifies. Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education under Obama, joins us to discuss the push by the Trump administration to reopen schools in the fall. Universal basic income, the policy that promises a regular paycheck regardless of employment, is starting to gain traction and funding. Stockton, California, Mayor Michael Tubbs joins us to discuss the city's pilot program.
K-pop Top Hits With Soju; Upcoming Missions To Mars
July 10, 2020 17:56 - 41 minutesSoju, who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race," tells us about what it was like growing up queer and Korean in the Midwest and answers all our burning questions about K-pop idols and fans. Plus, she shares tracks from H.O.T, 2NE1, Tiffany Young, and herself. Also, three missions to Mars are set to blast off in the coming weeks. NASA is even planning to bring back Martian rocks for the first time ever. We talk with science journalist Alexandra Witze.
Empathy And Power; U.S. Military Confronts Racism
July 09, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesWhy did George Floyd's death spark a worldwide movement demanding social change? Stanford Professor Jamil Zaki says it has to do with empathy, how it's fostered and how it atrophies. He joins us to discuss the connection between power and empathy. And, the U.S. military is one of the many institutions dealing with the nation's current racial reckoning. We speak with Retired Adm. James Stavridis about efforts to rename military bases that bear the names of Confederate generals.
'Pandemic Dreams' Captured In New Book; House Race In New Mexico
July 09, 2020 17:08 - 41 minutesDream researcher Deidre Barrett has collected thousands of COVID-19 related dreams online. She joins us to discuss publishing a number of them in the new book "Pandemic Dreams." Also, in New Mexico's second Congressional district, Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small faces a challenge from Republican former state Rep. Yvette Herrell, a re-match of 2018. Host Jeremy Hobson speaks with New Mexico politics writer Joe Monahan.
Ohio Epidemiologist; Gail Caldwell's 'Bright Precious Thing' Memoir
July 08, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesOhio is one of several states seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations after remaining fairly steady in May and June. Dr. Tara Smith, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Kent State University, joins us to discuss what's behind the recent surge in cases. And, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Gail Caldwell talks about her new memoir "Bright Precious Thing," which explores feminism, friendship and what she learned from her 5-year-old neighbor.
Gen Z Talks Protests, Pandemic; Stargazing Without A Telescope
July 08, 2020 17:10 - 41 minutesAmericans have been grappling with the emergence of a deadly pandemic and a nationwide protest movement forcing a reckoning on police violence and racial injustice. Host Jeremy Hobson speaks with three young people about how they've been handling it all. Looking for something to do this summer? Astronomer Dean Regas says, "Look up!" Regas joins us to describe some of the brightest stars and constellations visible throughout the summer, and how to find them without a telescope.
Blackout Day Economic Protest; How Newt Gingrich Shaped The GOP
July 07, 2020 18:56 - 41 minutesTuesday marks #BlackoutDayt2020, a day when Black Americans and their allies are being encouraged to spend their money at minority-owned stores exclusively to highlight the consumer power of minorities. Roben Farzad, host of Public Radio's "Full Disclosure," explains who is organizing the event and why. When President Trump uses phrases like "radical left" he's pulling from a playbook Newt Gingrich helped write. Historian Julian Zelizer makes that case in his new book about Gingrich's rise fr...
COVID-19 Medical Flights On The Rise; Live Music Venues Struggle
July 07, 2020 17:10 - 41 minutesIn Imperial County, one of Southern California's remote coronavirus hot spots, medical crews have been flying out hundreds of sick people after two local hospitals ran low on intensive care beds. We speak with the program director for Reach Air Medical Services. Also, as states slowly reopen, the live music industry remains mostly dormant. Many music venues are hoping the government will offer support but, in the meantime, are considering other ways to survive. WAMU's Mikaela Lefrak reports.
Arizona Lessons On COVID-19; College Admissions In A Pandemic
July 06, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesArizona reported thousands of new coronavirus infections over the weekend, with young adults leading the growth. University of Arizona epidemiologist Dr. Saskia Popescu joins us to discuss the lessons learned from Arizona, which was one of the first states to ease coronavirus restrictions. And, high school students are facing uncertainty about applying to college next year due to the pandemic. One college counselor joins us to discuss some of the challenges.
Mysterious Elephant Deaths; Wearing Masks Could Help GDP
July 06, 2020 17:08 - 40 minutesMore than 350 elephants have mysteriously died in Botswana over the past few months. We talk with the Director of National Park Service Dr. Niall McCann about what could be causing these deaths and what's at stake for the larger ecosystem. Also, Goldman Sachs says if a mandatory mask order were imposed nationally, it could help the economy avoid a 5% hit to GDP. The study assumes that if everyone wore a mask, states would not have to impose mandatory lockdowns which are disrupting the economy.
Native Americans Occupied Mount Rushmore 50 Years Ago; Best TV Of 2020
July 03, 2020 18:12 - 42 minutesFifty years ago this summer, a group of Native American activists scaled the top of the Mount Rushmore and occupied the area for months to demand the land be returned to the Sioux. We look back on the significance of this event with the son of one of the original protesters, Executive Director of United Native Americans Quanah Parker Brightman. Also, while much TV production has halted across the world, there's still quality programming to catch up on. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans shares some o...
Texas Restaurant Owner; Americans Share What Freedom Means To Them
July 03, 2020 18:01 - 42 minutesAs restaurants in some states begin to shut down again due to spikes in coronavirus infections, some owners are considering whether to close for good. Houston restaurant owner Bill Loveday joins us to discuss how his restaurant is handling the pandemic and the rapidly changing public health restrictions in Texas. And, we asked several Americans from across the country to explain what freedom means to them this Independence Day.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon; Miami-Dade Police Officer Relieved Of Duty
July 02, 2020 18:19 - 42 minutesWyoming Gov. Mark Gordon joins us to discuss the state's massive budget shortfall as it also faces rising coronavirus cases. And, a Miami-Dade police officer was relieved of duty after widely circulated body cam footage revealed a dispute he had with a Black woman at the Miami International Airport. Miami Herald reporter David Ovalle has the details.
#OscarsSoWhite Creator On White Actors Voicing Non-White Characters; Protest Songs
July 02, 2020 18:18 - 41 minutesSeveral animated TV series including long-running hits like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" have made a decision to no longer use white actors for the voices of characters from other ethnic groups. Host Lisa Mullins speaks to April Reign, the creator of #OscarsSoWhite, about criticism regarding minority characters played by white actors. Also, from "Yankee Doodle" to viral Tik Tok remixes, protest music is American music. Oregon Public Broadcasting's Claudia Meza takes us through the history ...
Northern California COVID-19 Spikes; Mount Rushmore History
July 01, 2020 18:07 - 42 minutesCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom says he plans to further scale back the state's reopening plans due to a new surge in coronavirus cases, including a cluster at San Quentin State Prison. And, author John Taliaferro joins us to discuss the complicated history of Mount Rushmore ahead of Trump's visit this week at a time of heated debate over monuments linked to racism and discrimination.
Teacher Calls For Anti-Racism Curriculum; COVID-19 Pool Testing
July 01, 2020 17:32 - 42 minutesSixth-grade English teacher Zakia Jarrett was temporarily placed on administrative paid leave for telling students that "most cops are racist" during a class discussion on race and racism. We speak to Jarrett about her suspension regarding anti-racism education in Milton, Massachusetts. Also, public health officials are scrambling to increase the country's capacity for testing. One solution could be to test multiple people at once using a method known as pool testing.
WNBA's Renee Montgomery Fights For Social Justice; Clint Black's New Album
June 30, 2020 18:08 - 42 minutesWNBA veteran and Atlanta Dream star Renee Montgomery has announced she's leaving the league in order to seize this moment of change to fight for social and racial justice. We talk to her about the move. Also, we speak with Grammy-winning country musician Clint Black, who has just released a new studio album called "Out of Sane."
Princeton Drops Woodrow Wilson's Name; College Students On Edge About Fall
June 30, 2020 17:08 - 42 minutesCiting his racism and racist policies, Princeton University will remove Woodrow Wilson's name from its school of international and public affairs. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to take down statues and monuments that honor the Confederacy around the U.S. We speak with historian Julian Zelizer. Also, college students are wrestling with whether or not to enroll for the fall — or try to defer enrollment until they can be sure to have a full college experience. KUOW's Eilís O'Neill has more.
Family Of Woman Who Portrayed Aunt Jemima Speaks Out; COVID Toe Mystery
June 29, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesQuaker Oats announced it's rebranding Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup because of its racist history. While descendants of Lillian Richard, who portrayed Aunt Jemima for years, support the company's decision to rename the brand, they want to ensure her legacy lives on. We speak to Vera Harris, a family historian for the Richard family of Hawkins. Also, one of the weird symptoms we've heard about when it comes to the coronavirus is something called COVID toe. KUOW's David Hyde reports.
Boston Artist Calls To Remove Lincoln Statue; COVID-19 Puts Kids Behind In School
June 29, 2020 17:26 - 42 minutesWhen Boston artist Tory Bullock looks at the Emancipation Memorial in Boston's Park Square, he sees subservience instead of freedom. Bullock says it's time to remove the statue, so he's circulating an online petition to achieve his goal. We talk to Bullock about the statue's history and why he believes it would be better situated in a museum. Also, Robin Lake, director of the Center for Reinventing Public Education, says the average student may be one full year behind in math when school star...
NASA's Lunar Loo Challenge; Racism And The Culture Of NASCAR
June 26, 2020 19:08 - 41 minutesNASA has announced the "Lunar Loo Challenge," a contest for designs for a toilet that could be used in a future expedition to the moon. We speak with Mike Interbartolo, project manager for the challenge. Also, the culture of NASCAR is shifting thanks to the only full-time Black driver in the cup series, Bubba Wallace. We talk to Maya Jones of "The Undefeated" who covers NASCAR.
Colorado Gov. On Killing Of Elijah McClain; Firefighters Battle COVID-19
June 26, 2020 17:32 - 41 minutesThis year's fire season is unlike anything we've ever seen with firefighters battling both flames and COVID-19. We talk with Jim Whittington, an Oregon-based wildland fire expert. Also, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says the state will investigate the police killing of a 23-year-old Black man, Elijah McClain, last year. We talk to Polis about McClain, policing in Colorado and how the state has avoided a COVID-19 spike as it reopens.
Remembering Stonewall; Koreas Mark War's 70th Anniversary
June 25, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesThe LGBTQ community celebrates Pride month in June to honor the Stonewall riots. We revisit Jeremy Hobson's conversation with Paul Glass and Charles Evans who were both at the 1969 riot at New York's Stonewall Inn which sparked the gay rights movement. Also, the Korean War, which killed and injured millions, started 70 years ago on June 25, 1950. We speak to Samuel Wells, Cold War Fellow at the Wilson Center, about the Korean War, which ended with an armistice but no peace treaty.
Smart Thermometer Data Predicts New COVID-19 Spikes; Renaming Military Bases
June 25, 2020 17:19 - 42 minutesThe Kinsa smart thermometer began mapping out coronavirus hotspots in mid-March with accuracy that caught the eye of public health experts around the country. We spoke to Kinsa CEO Inder Singh at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. We check in again about where COVID-19 is heading and how Kinsa data is helping prevent its spread. Also, the call for changing the names of 10 Southern military bases gaining momentum in Washington raises the question of what names might replace those of th...
Biographer Robert Caro; Mountaineer Explores Mariana Trench
June 24, 2020 18:02 - 41 minutesRobert Caro is the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Power Broker" and "The Years of Lyndon Johnson." Host Robin Young talks to him about "Working," his latest book. Also, Vanessa O'Brien has climbed the tallest mountains on the earth and she's just gone into the deepest place on the planet: the Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench. Jeremy Hobson speaks with her.
Chef Paola Velez On Uplifting Chefs Of Color; A Nurse's Anti-Bias Plan
June 24, 2020 17:08 - 41 minutesRising Star Chef Nominee Paola Velez is one of the founders of Bakers Against Racism, which raises money for organizations that support Black lives. Velez talks about her career and how the restaurant industry has been shaken by the pandemic. Also, health care professionals are speaking out against bias and discrimination. CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association Delanor Manson wrote in a recent editorial that she condemns "the tentacles of racism" that systematically endanger people of color.
Do Cops Need Guns?; Algorithmic Bias In Policing, Surveillance Technology
June 23, 2020 18:08 - 41 minutesOngoing protests against police violence and racism have prompted a reexamination of the role guns play in law enforcement. Host Jeremy Hobson speaks with Tracey Meares, professor and founding director of the Justice Collaboratory at Yale Law School. Also, as more Americans call for police reform, the next step in the conversation is taking a closer look at policing technology. Princeton University professor Ruha Benjamin discusses the algorithmic bias embedded within many policing and survei...
Black And Latinx Renters At Risk; Brands Boycott Facebook
June 23, 2020 17:21 - 41 minutesWith more than 46 million people unemployed and housing protections expiring in many states, housing experts anticipate a nationwide evictions crisis that will hit Black and Latinx renters the hardest. Also, Patagonia, REI and The North Face are among the companies pulling their advertising from Facebook and Instagram, citing what they called the company's "repeated failure to meaningfully address the vast proliferation of hate on its platforms."
California Surgeon General; Summer Grilling Favorites
June 22, 2020 18:06 - 40 minutesCalifornia Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris joins us to discuss the state's continuing efforts to battle COVID-19 and systemic racism, which she argues are intimately connected. And, resident chef Kathy Gunst offers some tips for grilling fish and shares a couple of other favorite summer dishes.
Mitch Albom Pens Free, Online Book; Are American Institutions Failing?
June 22, 2020 17:21 - 41 minutesAward-winning author Mitch Albom discusses his free, online book, "Human Touch," which he released to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts in Detroit. He talks with host Tonya Mosley about the importance of human connection and touch amidst these unprecedented times. Also, senior editor at the Atlantic Derek Thompson argues that the protests over police violence and the pandemic show that American institutions are failing right now. That's because the country is focused on threats of the p...