Commoning Our Cities: Mary Miss, Silvia Federici, Peter Linebaugh

In Los Angeles, the skies may be bluer thanks to the Covid-19 slow-down, but the impact of environmental racism on low income people of color persists. A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that where people have been exposed to even slightly higher levels of air pollution the Covid-19 death rate is significantly higher. In this episode, Laura speaks with community organizers Cindy Donis and Laura Cortez from East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice in East L.A.

TómateloEnSerioMX is the hashtag under which journalists in Mexico have come together not only to protect themselves, but to stop the spread of misinformation in a country that is gearing up the fight against Covid-19. More than 80 Mexican media outlets, organizations and universities have organized under #TómateloEnSerioMx to unify their public health message, and they are focusing especially on women and other vulnerable people.

Grammy-nominated musician Raul Midón has never fit neatly into any category. A skillful singer-songwriter and guitarist, he melds African and Latin influences, combining jazz with soul and bossa nova with salsa. As an independent musician, he also writes, performs, records and produces all of his own work. His most recent album, The Mirror, was released just days before the US went into lockdown for the Covid-19 crisis, but Midón has used his time at home as an opportunity to perform live for his fans from his studio.