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
DeepSeek’s Disruption: Digital “Sovereignty” Meets Reality at the Paris AI Summit
Candace Rondeaux and Akash Kapur consider what China’s DeepSeek could mean for AI global governance.
The Last Arena: How Sports Are Shaping the Future of Media—A Look Ahead to Super Bowl LIX
Andrés Martinez examines how the NFL's TV and streaming dominance is reshaping media's future through live sports.
The Groundhog Day of American Politics: How the Two-Party Doom Loop Fuels Stalemates and Polarization
Lee Drutman explores how the U.S. political system feels like an endless cycle and how we can break free with proportional representation.
Paid Leave in 2025: Three Crucial Battlegrounds for Working People and Families
Vicki Shabo offers a peek at what’s ahead for paid leave in 2025, highlighting three key areas to watch in an unpredictable year.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Misguided Bet on Trump to Save the City’s Economy
Mayor Bowser looks to Trump for DC’s revival, but Alex Anacki argues its residents, not return-to-work policies, hold the city’s potential.
A World Without Faces: Understanding Face Blindness and Its Impact
Jeff Kleeman shares his journey with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, & why early detection matters to support children with the condition.
How Student Loan Debt Impacts All Ages and What Trump’s Administration Can Do
Tia Caldwell examines the growing burden of student loan debt on borrowers and the future of debt under another Trump administration.
Carl the Raccoon and the Power of Inclusive Education for the Next Generation
Carrie Gillispie explores how Carl the Raccoon, an autistic character on PBS Kids, champions disability inclusion for a brighter future.
The Future of Our Climate: How Political Complacency is Fueling Catastrophe
Riley Rogerson explores how climate complacency and inaction are worsening disasters, urging immediate action to confront the crisis.
Trump’s Return: Six Key Takeaways from the 2024 Presidential Election
After a close race, Donald Trump secures a surprising victory. The Political Reform team shares key takeaways from this historic moment.
Is Trump Really a Fascist? Examining the Controversial Claim
Drawing on Robert Paxton’s Anatomy of Fascism, Peter Bergen puts forward a checklist for identifying fascists—and puts Trump to the test.
Empowering Vulnerable Communities Against Online Scams and Misinformation
A former Open Technology Institute intern shares tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from online scams and misinformation.
How a President Should Be: Authenticity as Democracy’s Lifeline
Alexis Coe's tour reveals voters now prioritize authenticity over idealism in presidential candidates, redefining leadership.
Why Fusion Voting’s Ballot Line Packs More Power than a Taylor Swift Endorsement
Maresa Strano examines how fusion voting, like celebrity endorsements, can be a powerful tool for mobilizing and influencing voters.
Introducing the Class of 2025: New America Fellow Megan Garber on Entertainment, Misinformation, and More
Megan Garber explores how our obsession with entertainment fuels misinformation and cultural shifts in this exclusive Q&A.