The Birth of Public Broadcasting: LBJ’s Vision for American Media
On a crisp autumn day in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson took a historic step that would forever transform America's media landscape. With the stroke of a pen, he signed the Public Broadcasting Act, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and laying the foundation for what would become PBS and NPR.
Pew Research: Americans Broadly Agree: Immigrants Take Jobs Others Don't Want, New Study Shows
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals a striking consensus among American voters about immigrants' role in the U.S. labor market. The August 2024 study found that three-quarters of registered voters believe undocumented immigrants primarily fill jobs that American citizens don't want, while 61% say the same about legal immigrants.
The Authoritarian Playbook: Recognizing Threats to Democracy
The erosion of democratic norms and institutions often occurs gradually rather than through sudden coups. Understanding the tactics used by aspiring authoritarians is crucial for preserving democracy. This post outlines seven key strategies employed in the modern authoritarian playbook.
The 2024 Economic Debate: Unraveling Trump and Harris's Policies and Their Potential Impact
As we approach the 2024 presidential election, the U.S. economy remains a heated topic in debates and a top concern for American voters. Recent polls and economic data paint a complex picture of the current situation and future projections under potential leadership.
The March on Rome: How Mussolini Seized Power in 1922
On a crisp autumn morning in October 1922, thousands of black-shirted men descended upon Rome. Their synchronized march would forever change the course of Italian history. This was no spontaneous uprising, but rather a carefully orchestrated power grab by Benito Mussolini and his National Fascist Party that would transform Italy into the first fascist state in Europe.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: 13 Days That Brought the World to the Brink
In October 1962, the world held its breath as the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a tense nuclear standoff that would become known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. For thirteen days, humanity stood closer to nuclear war than at any other point in history.
Trump's Rhetoric and the Warning Signs of Fascism: A Comparative Analysis
Recent statements by former President Donald Trump have drawn alarming comparisons to historical fascist rhetoric. This analysis examines these parallels in light of recognized early warning signs of fascism.
Pew Research: Union Voters - A Key Constituency in the 2024 Presidential Election
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, both major parties are vying for the support of a crucial voting bloc: union members. A recent Pew Research Center study sheds light on the importance of union voters and their potential impact on the upcoming election.
Celebrating 84 Years of the 40-Hour Work Week: A Look Back and Forward
Today marks a significant milestone in American labor history. On October 24, 1940, exactly 84 years ago, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) went into full effect, establishing the 40-hour work week across the United States. This pivotal moment reshaped the American workplace and continues to impact our lives today.
Voter Information and Early Voting
Early voting for the 2024 election is now underway across much of the United States, offering voters increased flexibility and convenience in casting their ballots. As shown in the list below, start dates for early voting vary widely by state, with some beginning as early as September and others kicking off throughout October.
10/17: 93 Years Ago Today: The Fall of Al Capone
On this day in 1931, one of the most notorious gangsters in American history, Alphonse "Al" Capone, was convicted of tax evasion. This landmark case marked the downfall of the infamous Chicago mob boss and demonstrated the power of financial investigations in bringing down criminals who seemed untouchable through traditional law enforcement methods.
Pew Research: Sharp Decline in U.S.-Mexico Border Crossings
In recent months, the landscape of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border has undergone a dramatic shift. According to a new analysis by the Pew Research Center, the number of migrant encounters at the border has plummeted in 2024, marking a significant change from the record highs seen at the end of 2023.
Desmond Doss: The Conscientious Objector Who Became a War Hero
In the annals of military history, few stories are as inspiring and extraordinary as that of Desmond Doss. A man of unwavering faith and incredible courage, Doss saved at least 75 lives during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, all while refusing to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs.
Pew Research Reveals: The Evolving Landscape of U.S. Immigration
Immigration has long been a cornerstone of American society, shaping our culture, economy, and national identity. A recent Pew Research Center report offers fascinating insights into the current state of immigration in the United States. Let's dive into some of the key findings.
Celebrating Unity: The Remarkable Journey of German Reunification
October 3rd marks a pivotal moment in German history—the Day of German Unity. This national holiday commemorates the reunification of Germany in 1990, a momentous event that brought an end to decades of division and ushered in a new era of hope and prosperity.
Celebrating 70 Years of Al Sharpton: A Voice for Justice and Equality
As Reverend Al Sharpton approaches his 70th birthday this week, we reflect on the impactful journey of this prominent civil rights leader, minister, and political activist.
Pew Research: The Growing Impact of Naturalized Citizens on the U.S. Electorate
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant shift in its voting demographic, with naturalized citizens playing an increasingly crucial role. A recent analysis by the Center (likely referring to the Pew Research Center) reveals some striking statistics about this growing segment of the American electorate.
Stanislav Petrov: The Man Who Saved the World
41 years ago this week, on September 26, 1983, the world came perilously close to nuclear annihilation. The fact that we're here today to tell this story is largely thanks to one man: Stanislav Petrov, a lieutenant colonel in the Soviet Air Defense Forces.
The Great Tariff Debate: Balancing Protection and Consumer Costs
In recent discussions, two key figures have weighed in on the contentious issue of tariffs, highlighting the complexity of trade policy and its potential impacts on various sectors of the economy. This debate has gained renewed attention with contrasting views from former President Trump and Gary Cohn, Vice Chairman of IBM and former top economic adviser to President Trump.
George Washington's Farewell Address: A Defining Moment in American History
228 years ago this week, on September 19, 1796, President George Washington took a momentous step that would shape the course of American politics for centuries to come. He delivered his farewell address, not as a speech, but as a letter published in the American Daily Advertiser, a Philadelphia newspaper.