Nation Jul 09 How satire shaped American history From Benjamin Franklin to The Onion, satire has long been a part of how Americans process politics and power. In this episode of “In Pursuit of Happiness,” Judy Woodruff talks to Sophia McClennen of Penn State University and 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 Jul 02 How George Washington shaped America What can George Washington's life tell us about the country he helped found? In the first episode of her new limited-run podcast, "In Pursuit of Happiness," Judy Woodruff speaks with historian Lindsay Chervinsky about Washington's achievements, contradictions and enduring influence…
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…
Nation Dec 10 Reconnecting with people in the U.S. to see how political divisions are affecting them During the past three years, Judy Woodruff has spoken with people across the country whose stories have helped us understand this moment in America. Now, she checks back in with some of them as part of her series, "America at…