To the Point

The killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis has inspired nationwide protests against injustice and police violence. Marchers are targeting cities of white affluence. What does all this say about confronting racism in America? 

Tech titans like Apple, Google and Facebook are about to get low-tech competition to help detect the novel coronavirus. Labradors and Cocker Spaniels are being trained to sniff out COVID-19. 

Disease has thrived among dense populations since cities began. But COVID-19 is the worst example since 1918, and New York City is America’s primary victim. Can New York and other cities survive this pandemic? Also, Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, explains what we can learn from history.

Party Conventions nominated presidents since 1831. Will Covid-19 put an end to balloons, bunting and long-winded speeches? Will it also put an end to privacy?

In his latest book, “Economic Dignity,” former White House advisor Gene Sperling lays out the case for the dignity of work. Only when all workers are valued, he argues, will we do better as a society. Also, can the U.S. Postal Service survive? Some local post offices may be closing soon — what’s the impact on November’s election? 

Brian Solis, digital anthropologist and a global innovation evangelist at Salesforce, talks about how the novel coronavirus will spark innovation, and how companies and businesses must “adapt or die” in the new economy.

The coronavirus pandemic exposes collapsing medical systems around the world, as well as weaknesses  with health care in the United States. Can COVID-19 force these systems to change for the better?

Twenty-seven massive tankers float off the Port of LA, loaded with oil that has no place to go. Demand has dropped so much during the economic fallout  from COVID-19 that prices plummeted below zero for the first time in history. Does that create opportunities for alternative energy sources like wind, solar or  nuclear?   

The coronavirus pandemic is changing the rules for the president in the White House and citizens sheltered at home.  Should President Trump or 50 governors take charge of controlling disease? Also, is it right or wrong to shop online if it’s not for essentials?      

Shutting down the economy means cleaner skies, but that good news for climate change won’t last, says scientist Katherine Hayhoe. And how will Trump’s handling of the pandemic influence his re-election prospects?