Origin Story: The Consumer Protection Agency
The U.S. Consumer Protection Agency exists to defend Americans from unsafe, unfair, and deceptive practices in the marketplace. Its foundations were laid in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy introduced the Consumer Bill of Rights, declaring consumers’ rights to safety, information, choice, and a voice in the system.
Remember When a Woman First Took a Seat at the Cabinet Table?
On April 10, 1880, Frances Perkins was born — a woman who would go on to quietly reshape American life as we know it. In 1933, she became the first woman in U.S. history to serve in a presidential cabinet, appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression. But she didn’t just make history by being first — she made history by what she did with the role.
Pew Research: Most Americans Support Federal Funding for NPR and PBS
A new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Americans continue to support federal funding for NPR and PBS—public media institutions known for news, educational content, and cultural programming.
Dr. King’s Final Speech: A Call We Still Answer
April 3, 1968 — On a stormy night in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before a crowd at the Mason Temple and delivered what would be his final public speech: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
Origin Stories: Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cornerstone in safeguarding the health and well-being of Americans. Established in 1953 as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), it was restructured in 1979, leading to the creation of a separate Department of Education and the renaming of HEW to HHS.
Pew Research: Americans Split on the Dept of Education
As debates over curriculum, parental rights, and federal versus local control continue to shape education policy, the U.S. Department of Education has increasingly found itself at the center of political discourse. While the department’s actual authority over local schools is limited, its influence in funding, civil rights enforcement, and national priorities makes it a focal point in conversations about the future of American education. A new Pew Research Center survey highlights just how divided public opinion is on the agency’s role and performance.
Honoring Lusia Harris: The Queen of Basketball
As March Madness heats up, we’re taking a time-out to honor a true trailblazer whose legacy defines the spirit of the game—Lusia “Lucy” Harris.
Pew Research: 119th Congress Breaks Barriers for Women of Color
The 119th Congress, which convened on January 3rd, marks significant strides for women of color in American politics. According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis, this Congress is witnessing several historic firsts.
Pew Research: How Americans View the World Health Organization
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that most Americans continue to support U.S. membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), though with notable partisan divisions. As of April 2024, 58% of Americans believe WHO membership benefits the country, with 25% seeing "a great deal" of benefit and 33% perceiving "a fair amount" of value.
The Power of a Kind Neighbor: Remembering Mr. Rogers
March 20 marks what would have been the birthday of Fred Rogers—the beloved neighbor to millions of children across generations. It’s a day to reflect on the kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength of a man who taught us all how to navigate the world with empathy and understanding.
Origin Stories: The Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students and streamline federal education policies. Before its creation, education oversight was scattered across multiple agencies, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in funding and policy implementation.
Pew Research: Partisan Gap Widens in Confidence Toward Federal Civil Servants
A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights a growing partisan gap in how Americans perceive federal career employees. The study, conducted in early 2025, reveals that while 55% of Americans overall express confidence in federal civil servants, political affiliation significantly shapes these views.
The CDC’s Journey: Origins, Challenges, and Public Health Triumphs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been a cornerstone of public health in the United States since its founding in 1946. Originally established as the Communicable Disease Center, its primary mission was to combat malaria, which posed a significant threat in the southern U.S. at the time. Armed with a small budget and a dedicated team, the CDC focused on controlling mosquito populations and preventing the spread of disease.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
March arrives with a promise of renewal, and with it comes Women’s History Month—a time to reflect on the incredible women who have shaped our world. Their stories are woven into the fabric of history, sometimes boldly told, other times hidden in the margins, waiting to be rediscovered.
Pew Research: LGBTQ Representation in the 119th Congress
A Record Number of Openly LGBTQ Lawmakers
The 119th U.S. Congress marks a historic moment for LGBTQ representation, with 13 openly LGBTQ lawmakers serving in office, according to a Pew Research Center analysis.
Pew Research: Most Americans Oppose Expanding Presidential Powers
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a majority of Americans oppose expanding presidential powers, though views vary significantly by political affiliation. The study, conducted in early 2025, underscores the ongoing debate over executive authority and constitutional limits.
The Pool That Changed America: The 1973 Wheaton-Haven Supreme Court Decision
On February 27, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a unanimous decision that strengthened civil rights protections in community facilities. The case focused on the Wheaton-Haven Recreation Association, a nonprofit swimming pool in Wheaton, Maryland, a predominantly white suburb of Washington, D.C.
Origin Stories: USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, consolidating various foreign assistance programs into a single agency. Its mission was to promote international development while advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives, rooted in the belief that America's security and prosperity were linked to the wellbeing of developing nations.
Pew Research: Partisan Divides Persist on U.S. Aid to Ukraine and NATO
Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Americans remain divided on U.S. support for Ukraine, NATO membership, and European defense spending—largely along partisan lines. A new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in February 2025, highlights these divisions, showing shifts in public opinion on key aspects of U.S. foreign policy.
Honoring Sidney Poitier: A Legacy of Excellence
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sidney Poitier, a trailblazer whose impact on Hollywood and beyond is immeasurable. Born on February 20, 1927, Poitier shattered racial barriers, redefined representation, and inspired generations with his talent, dignity, and unwavering commitment to social justice.