Something Is Happening Here

Something Is Happening Here is a collaboration between The Nation and Kopkind, offering scenes from a pandemic—a series of dispatches from Kopkind’s far-flung network of participants, advisers, guests, and friends. Edited by Nation contributor and Kopkind program director JoAnn Wypijewski, it will appear weekly on thenation.com and kopkind.org.

Kopkind is a living memorial to radical journalist Andrew Kopkind, who from 1982–94 was the magazine’s chief political writer and analyst. For 20 years, the project, administered by Andy’s life partner, John Scagliotti, has held summer seminar/retreats to support and spark the work of political journalists, activists and, with the Center for Independent Documentary, filmmakers. “Only connect,” Andy liked to say, an idea that Kopkind fosters among groups that are diverse in identity and area of work but for whom dynamics of power and liberation, in their many forms, are always central.

Dogs in the Snow

Finding Community Through Our Dogs in the Darkest Days of the Pandemic Finding Community Through Our Dogs in the Darkest Days of the Pandemic

A dog story, in which humans paw their way from isolation to something like community.

Feb 24, 2021 / Something Is Happening Here / Angela Ards

Sniffing Our Way Back

Sniffing Our Way Back Sniffing Our Way Back

Everyone is cautious; the trails are empty; drag queens are forced to perform outdoors. But eventually we will get close again—and bring history another step forward.

Dec 30, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / John Scagliotti

Smoking Meat, Hoping to Survive

Smoking Meat, Hoping to Survive Smoking Meat, Hoping to Survive

For a neighborhood BBQ joint, the struggle is real.

Dec 23, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Kevin Alexander Gray

The Most Vital Transition Is Ours

The Most Vital Transition Is Ours The Most Vital Transition Is Ours

Reading revives historical memory in the flat Zoom time of pandemic.

Dec 16, 2020 / Dateline / Peter Linebaugh

Author standing in front of mountains.

What I Learned Moving Cross-Country Twice in 4 Months What I Learned Moving Cross-Country Twice in 4 Months

Global catastrophe has a way of putting life into perspective.

Dec 9, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Jamilah King

Three portraits

9 Months Into Touch-Free Living, What Shall We Birth? 9 Months Into Touch-Free Living, What Shall We Birth?

“Thanks Forgiving,” a poem.

Dec 2, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Verandah Porche

Good Times and End Times on 26th and Folsom

Good Times and End Times on 26th and Folsom Good Times and End Times on 26th and Folsom

The weed is legal, the virus is spiking, and kids dream of robots protecting their families from the landlord.

Nov 25, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Roberto Lovato

Six faces wearing masks

‘If You Want to Make the Gods Laugh, Tell Them Your Plans’ ‘If You Want to Make the Gods Laugh, Tell Them Your Plans’

On expectation in a time of pandemic.

Nov 18, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Kweku Toure

‘We Won’t Quit Until We Stop It’

‘We Won’t Quit Until We Stop It’ ‘We Won’t Quit Until We Stop It’

Despite the pandemic, US-backed ravaging of Okinawa continues. So does the people’s direct action.

Nov 12, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / C. Douglas Lummis

A Walk in the Woods During a Season of Uncertainty

A Walk in the Woods During a Season of Uncertainty A Walk in the Woods During a Season of Uncertainty

When all is uncertain, how to stay sane and to maintain wonder? An encounter with the dark magic of mushrooms.

Nov 4, 2020 / Something Is Happening Here / Maria Margaronis

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