Who decides which journalists get access to power? Judy Woodruff and Ruth Ben-Ghiat examine a White House press controversy and why it matters to every citizen.

As polarization grows, composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarm shares a deeply personal story about visibility, courage, and why democracy depends on recognizing one another’s humanity.

He rolled out the red carpet . . . literally.

Soldiers want to tell their stories, and we need to hear them.

On mobilizing righteous anger over the next six weeks

There’s honor in this fight.

YouTube video by Jingles for Democracy

White House Press Bans, and a Dangerous Media Merger

Bill Kristol talks with Robert Kagan about how Trump’s Iran war is accelerating America’s retreat from the world, leaving allies to fend for themselves while China and Russia gain room to maneuver. They also discuss Trump’s unfinished ambitions in Green...

YouTube video by MS NOW

We’ve watched our elite institutions cave under the slightest pressure. No one is coming to save us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

This event streams live at 6 p.m ET on Sept 21, 2026 in the player above. More about the event: At a pivotal moment for the nation, this conversation will consider the role of journalism in sustaining...

Americans still call democracy the best form of government—but many say it’s falling short. A new Kettering-Gallup report reveals rising frustration and hope closer to home.

Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the eighth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy. Each month, Chenoweth and Levitsky will break down key developments, reflect on this moment’s historical p...

Milbank LLP partners Dan Bartfeld and Neal Katyal have been named to the 2026 Forbes America’s Top Lawyers list. Forbes ’ third-annual list spotlights lawyers who are at the forefront of innovation an...

Because it’s the frame of silver for our apple of gold.

How can campuses prepare students for election season? This nonpartisan checklist helps leaders support first-time voters, civic learning, and respectful dialogue.

Americans still call democracy the best form of government—but many say it’s falling short. A new Kettering-Gallup report reveals rising frustration and hope closer to home.

Americans still call democracy the best form of government—but many say it’s falling short. A new Kettering-Gallup report reveals rising frustration and hope closer to home.

For more access to expert legal analysis, official court documents and breaking news coverage only available here at the intersection of law and politics, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.Le...

How did America’s parties realign around race and power? This episode follows the path from Jim Crow to the Civil Rights Act—and the coalition that couldn’t hold.

In this episode of _The Stakes,_ host Brad Rourke talks with Kettering Senior Fellow J. Michael Luttig about what he warns could become a constitutional crisis following the 2026 midterm elections. In an article published in _The New Republic_ titled “The Final Battle for America’s Democracy,” Luttig lays out a scenario in which House leaders could seek to prevent duly elected Democratic members from taking their seats when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027. Drawing on his experience advising Vice President Mike Pence before January 6, 2021, he argues that preserving constitutional government may again depend on public officials honoring their oaths at a moment of intense political pressure. Luttig calls on members of both parties to publicly commit to seating duly elected representatives and urges Americans and the news media to demand those commitments before Election Day. https://newrepublic.com/article/215198/2027-new-congress-final-battle-american-democracy

Mimi Rocah is Friday’s Guest to Discuss Trump Admin Attempts at Judicial Capture

YouTube video by Katie Couric

Lesson ten in my lecture series

Israel “Izzy” Olaore is turning collaboration into civic practice—using storytelling, local business partnerships, and music to help Dayton communities build deeper roots.

Plus Jim torches Texas politician Bo French for his racist tweet about University of Texas football fans.

Watch full episodes of your favorite PBS dramas, find in-depth news analysis and explore documentaries on history, science, art and more!

Watch full episodes of your favorite PBS dramas, find in-depth news analysis and explore documentaries on history, science, art and more!

America at 250 is deeply polarized on politics, faith, and national identity. But new polling reveals a powerful point of agreement: most Americans still want to move forward together.

In this episode of _The Stakes,_ host Brad Rourke talks with Kettering Foundation David Mathews Democracy Fellow Kathleen Sebelius, former secretary of Health and Human Services and former governor of Kansas, about the erosion of America’s public health infrastructure. With measles cases at their highest level in decades and childhood vaccination rates falling, Sebelius argues that political interference in vaccine policy and weakened federal leadership are putting Americans at risk. “We need to go back to the point where we don’t play politics with public health,” she says. “We follow the science in public health.” Sebelius also describes the consequences of deep staffing cuts and leadership vacancies across HHS, which affects services from food safety and medical research to Medicare, Medicaid, and childcare. The loss of experienced federal workers, she warns, could take a generation to repair. “HHS touches Americans from birth to death,” Sebelius says. Weakening those services “has a real life and death impact on Americans, and it’s going to take a long time to rebuild.”