The Thread
Where policy, equity, and culture come together
Becoming America: Marielena Hincapié on Writing Her Family’s Immigration Story
The Night Shift at Reykjavik: What ‘The Brink of War’ Tells Us about Arms Control
Could the Iran War Accelerate the Energy Transition?
What’s In Your Wallet? If You’re a Parent, It Should Be a Library Card.
Editor’s Picks
The SAVE Act Is the Wrong Way to ‘Nationalize’ Elections. There’s a Better One.
Four Ways to Protect Yourself from the Deepfakes Taking over the Internet
Is Trump Really a Fascist? Examining the Controversial Claim
The Cost of Beauty: Inside the Broken Promise of Cosmetology School
How Netflix’s ‘A House of Dynamite’ Might Change Our Thinking on Nuclear War
On-Screen Representation Means More Than Just Identity. It’s About Context.
The Latest
The Moral Argument for Fixing Child Care: An Excerpt from ‘Raising a Nation’
In his new book, Elliot Haspel explains how the broken U.S. child care system affects us all.
Drug Trafficking in U.S. Special Forces: Journalist Seth Harp on ‘The Fort Bragg Cartel’
New America Fellow Seth Harp discusses a dark ripple effect of American “forever wars” that he covers in his new book.
Trump Says “Make America Skilled Again”—Then Slashes Gen Z’s Path to Get There
Trump promised to “Make America Skilled Again,” but cut funding and debt relief. Gen Z is fighting back. Ivy Sullivan breaks it down.
Shutting Down the Education Department Betrays the Mission of Public Schools
As Trump targets the DOE, Zahava Stadler warns: gutting public education strikes at the heart of American democracy.
Building a Better Future Through Child Care—Vermont Leads the Way
Rebecca Gale highlights how Vermont’s Act 76 shows collective investment in child care can lift kids, providers, and businesses alike.
“Three [Kids] Is the New Six”—But Many Can’t Afford Even That
U.S. birth rates are falling. Haley Swenson explores why—and how reviving the American Dream could help reverse the trend.
Shaping the Story of America: Us@250 Fellow Caroline Klibanoff on Civic Season and the Future of Democracy
This July 4th, Us@250’s Caroline Klibanoff talks Civic Season, modern patriotism, and the power of stories in shaping our nation’s future.
How We Lost the Internet—and How We Might Win It Back
Can we rebuild the internet to serve the public, not profit? Prem Trivedi explores solutions to reclaim the digital space for all.
From ADHD to Dog Man: The Superpower of Neurodivergent Kids
For Learning Disability Week, Carrie Gillispie reminds us: Dog Man began in a hallway, drawn by a kid with ADHD looking to belong.
The Supreme Court Green Lit Access to Your Social Security Data. Here’s What That Means for Your Privacy.
Sydney Saubestre breaks down the SCOTUS ruling giving DOGE access to SSA data. See what personal info of yours may be at risk.
Three Modern Fathers, Three Journeys, One Truth: Fatherhood is Changing
In a nation on edge, three modern dads redefine fatherhood with love and resilience—Haley Swenson tells their stories.
What a Successful Creator Really Thinks About the TikTok Ban
New America’s Lilian Coral talks with @myteacherface about the creator economy and what a looming TikTok ban means for digital careers.
The Fiery Fall of the Wagner Group: An Excerpt from “Putin’s Sledgehammer”
In her new book, Candace Rondeaux reveals chilling ties between Russia’s mercenaries and Vladimir Putin.
Telling Resilient Indigenous Stories: Director Paige Bethmann on “Remaining Native”
Director Paige Bethmann shares how “Remaining Native” was made and what the story means to her and those featured in the film.
This Mother’s Day, Let’s Make Space for Real Stories of Moms On Screen
As parents continue to struggle without paid leave and child care options, entertainment can point toward a better future.