Share

cover art for Checks and Balance: Minneapolice

Checks and Balance from The Economist

Checks and Balance: Minneapolice

There have been lots of attempts at improving American police since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis cop three years ago. Reform-minded activists argue that any changes are cosmetic. Many cops think that reforms have been too sweeping. What has really happened to American policing since 2020?   


The Economist’s Jon Fasman visits Minneapolis, to speak to people there about police reform. He hears the frustrations of activists from Communities United Against Police Brutality and politician Elliot Payne. Two homicide detectives, Chris Thomsen and Richard Zimmerman, explain how changes are making their jobs harder. And Mayor Jacob Frey, city councillor LaTrisha Veta and Chief of Police Brian O’Hara chart a way forward for police forces across America.


John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard. 


You can now find every episode of Checks and Balance in one place and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Reign the swamp: Trump’s power grab

    49:42|
    Donald Trump is reshaping the American presidency. He has issued more than 70 executive orders, seeking more control over spending and the civil service. How is Mr Trump trying to extend the presidency’s power—and will the courts and Congress stop him?Charlotte Howard hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by Steve Vladeck, of Georgetown Law, and Saikrishna Prakash, of the University of Virginia School of Law.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • States fights: Federalism under the Trump administration

    46:44|
    States fights: Federalism under the Trump administrationDonald Trump has signed tens of executive orders, many of them telling America’s cities and states what to do. But on hot button issues like immigration, local governments are taking matters into their own hands. Will states stymie the president’s agenda? Or will they supercharge it?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Aryn Braun and Rebecca Jackson.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Bathtub brawl: Trump v the civil service

    49:51|
    Donald Trump is going to war with his employees, assisted by Elon Musk and DOGE. How far can the president go? And who may slow him down?John Prideaux hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by Eloise Pasachoff of Georgetown University Law School and The Economist’s Daniel Knowles.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Defensive line: Trump’s national security team

    46:45|
    Donald Trump has chosen his nominees for key national security positions. Many are eyebrow-raising picks. Others have more conventional resumes. Just how radical is Trump’s national security team?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by Matthew Kroenig from the Atlantic Council and The Economist’s Steve Coll and Shashank Joshi.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Trailer: Scam Inc

    03:47|
    A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped?To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.
  • Call it a comeback: President Trump returns

    51:47|
    Donald Trump re-enters the White House more confident, radical and accepted than ever before. The president is likely at the peak of his power: what is he going to do next?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by The Economist’s James Bennet, and Yuval Levin from the American Enterprise Institute.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Fire place: LA in flames

    50:04|
    The flames are still burning in Los Angeles, as Angelenos start to think about how to rebuild their city. How will the tragedy change LA?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard, Adam O’Neal and Aryn Braun. They’re joined by The Economist’s Henry Tricks and professor of architecture Sarah Lorenzen. Our email is podcasts@economist.comTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • Joe goes: Biden’s legacy

    53:57|
    Joe Biden enters the last days of his presidency widely considered a political failure. But his policy record is more impressive. How much of this can survive Donald Trump’s return? And how will history judge Joe Biden’s time in office? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by The Economist’s Simon Rabinovitch and David Rennie, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
  • For future reference: the year ahead

    50:19|
    Donald Trump is weeks away from returning to the White House. He’ll inherit a strong economy at home, but will also face several foreign policy crises. Meanwhile, as Joe Biden finally exits the political stage, Democrats need to regroup and find a new path forward. What should we expect from the year ahead in American politics?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by The Economist correspondents Aryn Braun, Steve Mazie and Simon Rabinovitch. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+  For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.