Promising Police Reforms, Mexico's Democratic Backslide, and More

March 18, 2023

Atlanta Police and protester Elijah Raffington give each other a fist bump during a protest.

New Jersey ARRIVE Together program could reform policing as we know it

Those who suffer from mental illness are more likely to be injured or killed during police encounters—a problem that is exacerbated by significant racial disparities. In a new report, Rashawn Ray examines a promising program that pairs mental health professionals with police for calls involving people experiencing mental health distress.

Mexico takes another step toward its authoritarian past

Mexico’s Senate passed a bill designed to curb the power of the National Electoral Institute, the non-partisan and independent agency that oversees elections in the country. Valerie Wirtschafter and Arturo Sarukhan discuss the troubling implications and warn that authoritarian regimes around the world will reap the benefits of a less democratic and more insular Mexico.

Higher education accountability: Measuring costs, benefits, and financial value

“In light of national conversations about growing student loan debt and repayment, there have been growing calls for improved higher education accountability and interrogating the value of different higher education programs.” Katharine Meyer outlines key considerations for measuring the value of a college education and explains what this means for the U.S. Department of Education.

🎧 Podcasts for weekend listening

How will Jimmy Carter be remembered? With former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in hospice care, William Galston looks back at Carter’s administration and reflects on the dynamics that shape how we think about the successes and failures of presidents.

The men and boys are not alright. To fully understand inequality in America today, it is important to understand what is going on with men and boys. Richard Reeves joins The Ezra Klein Show to discuss males’ struggles and how to address them.

For more on the subject, see Reeves’ new book "Of Boys and Men."

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