The American Now

EP 103: Election 2024 Anxiety

Elections can bring a sense of empowerment, renewal and change as well as intense stress. This election is the first national election since January 6, 2021, when violent insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol. Many Americans feel profound fear and worry about what happens after Election Day. Will America have a peaceful transfer of power in January of 2025? In this episode we speak to voters in New Hampshire, Maine & the granddaddy of swing states in 2024, Pennsylvania. Hear how voters are facing and coping with election anxiety. For more information on when and how you can vote: https://vote.gov/ #ElectionDay2024 #Vote2024 #Democracy #YourVoteMatters #Election2024 #Vote #Govote #DemocracyinAction #Voteyourvoice #Voteforchange #Votingrights #Voterturnout #Yourvotecounts #Beavoter #HarrisWalz #TrumpVance #KamalaHarris #DonaldTrump #Powerofthepolls #Everyvotecounts

EP 102: The Overturning of Roe v. Wade

Hear from Ohio protesters 24-hours after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade.  For nearly 50 years, Roe and its subsequent lineage governed abortion rights in America. On June 24, 2022, SCOTUS overturned Roe with its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The decision came several weeks after a draft of Dobbs leaked to the public foreshadowing the overturning of Roe. In some states, access to abortions ended almost overnight as a consequence of reversing Roe. Many fear the Dobbs decision is only the first step in the reversal of a slew of civil rights that could also impact the LGBTQIA community.  If you are struggling with your mental health and need help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24-hours a day and can be reached toll-free at 1-800-273-8255.

EP 101 (Justice Files): Charging Children as Adults in the Criminal Legal System

What happens when children are charged as adults in the criminal legal system? This episode examines the lifelong consequences on juveniles placed in an adult system. Advocate Eddie Ellis shares his journey of being sentenced to adult prison at 16 years old, and why he believes reforms are necessary. Marcy Mistrett, Executive Director of Youth Justice at The Sentencing Project, also shares her perspective on the harmful impacts of charging juveniles as adults.