October 2026
Do you think teachers are similar to coaches, pastors or something else? It depends on where you live
Across three countries, people agree that teaching is centered on the teacher-student relationship. But they don’t agree on which profession teaching most resembles.
Philly voters care about local issues, but election integrity fears make them wonder if their vote matters
A political communications expert explains how myths about election fraud can leave voters asking: What’s the point?
How Trump’s disaster aid delays and FEMA cuts could galvanize the ‘movable middle’ in the 2026 elections
In communities across America, people recovering from floods, storms and wildfires have been left waiting much longer for federal aid – if it arrives at all.
What colleges and universities need from donors to thrive
Philanthropy, which covers an average of 10% of college and university budgets, can help schools and the students who attend them weather today’s tough times.
In newly independent US, Americans debated whether public executions taught a lesson or just showed off the state’s power to destroy
The conflict over the wisdom of Nidal Hasan’s public execution is not a new one. Americans at the republic’s founding debated – and doubted – whether watching someone die would teach a useful lesson.
Republicans can confirm a Supreme Court justice if Democrats take the Senate, but at what cost?
If Republicans attempt to confirm a nominee, they will trigger a historic fight and hand Democrats the justification needed to reshape the high court.
Murder of Black suffrage leader Octavius Catto reveals why Election Day 1871 was one of the most violent in Philadelphia history
Philadelphia has given the intersection of 8th and South streets a new name: Octavius Catto Way.
Today’s irreverent politics ignore ancient wisdom: The need to know your limits
Many Americans have decried today’s politics as ‘shameless.’ The antidote, a political philosopher argues, may be more reverence – awe at just how difficult democracy is.
Across the US, people don’t want data centers coming to their communities
Opposition to data centers is widespread across the US, uniting people despite other differences on political and environmental issues.
Why the Paramount‑Warner merger is a problem for democracy
The Paramount merger may make good business sense, but research shows putting more media power in fewer hands can come at a cost to the common good of citizens.