Nation Jul 22 Thomas Jefferson's complicated legacy 250 years after the Declaration of Independence It's been 250 years since Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, a document that declared all men equal even while hundreds of thousands of people remained enslaved. Judy Woodruff traveled to his Virginia home of Monticello to learn more…
Nation Jul 17 The surprising role of conspiracy theories in the American Revolution Conspiracy theories may seem like a modern phenomenon, but they've been a part of America's story since the nation's founding. On Judy Woodruff's "In Pursuit of Happiness" podcast, she speaks with journalist and author Jesse Walker about the surprising role…
Arts Jul 09 What political satire can reveal about the strength of a democracy Satire plays a powerful role in challenging authority, exposing hypocrisy and testing the boundaries of free expression. It's among the forces Judy Woodruff explores in the podcast, “In Pursuit of Happiness.” She sat down with The Onion Network’s Joshua Johnson…
Nation Jul 03 Why George Washington believed in the strength of differing viewpoints This week, PBS News launched “In Pursuit of Happiness,” a six-episode podcast series hosted by Judy Woodruff, exploring the people, culture and ideas that have shaped America. In this clip from the first episode, presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky takes a…
Nation May 13 The overlooked history of Asian Americans and the struggle for belonging Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S., but across American history, their stories and the discrimination they faced have often been overlooked. For her series, America at a Crossroads, Judy Woodruff looks at how that past continues…
Nation Mar 18 Americans divided on nation's history as 250th anniversary nears Deep divisions over how Americans remember their past are coming into sharper focus as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Judy Woodruff reports for her series, America at a Crossroads.
Nation Feb 25 As America turns 250, Joseph Ellis examines the founders' promise and their failures With a 250th birthday in sight, we wanted to ask Americans what it means to be an American and reflect on what the founders built, who they left out and what in that 250-year history has been left unresolved. Judy…
Nation Jan 28 George Washington's vision for American identity tested 250 years later As the country observes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Judy Woodruff is starting a new chapter of America at a Crossroads. She’ll explore what it means to be an American, how that idea has evolved since the…
Nation Jan 27 Minnesota confrontations mirror simulation of how civil war begins, law professor says Minnesota is the latest flashpoint in a federal crackdown involving ICE, Border Patrol and other agencies. But it's far from the only place targeted. The protests, the clashes and the violence have raised urgent questions about where this all leads.
Arts Dec 24 Why Christmas carols endure as popular music changes From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” Christmas carols are some of the most familiar songs of the season, and some of the oldest. Stephanie Sy explores why most popular music changes with time, but many of these old tunes have…