January 2 Why She Ran
January 1 Welcome to the Diary!
Fragmenting society, with disinformation
The rise of advanced information technologies has resulted in sophisticated efforts to fragment American society — from foreign actors like Russia, to conspiracy theorists and political campaigns — and these efforts are working.
Democracy’s roots: Equality, freedom and inclusion in ancient Greece
Democracy flourished in Athens 2500 years ago — but lasted only about a century. What did Athenian democracy look like — who was included as a citizen, who was excluded, and why has the idea and practice of democracy been so influential? We talk to scholar Catherine Zuckert.
Navigating the public health—and economic—pandemic
Many of our “essential workers” pay into the unemployment system but get nothing back when they’re unemployed—because of their immigration status. We talk to organizer Marcela Diaz about the challenges—and opportunities—of the global pandemic.
The risks and rewards facing young farmers
Vanessa García Polanco is from a farming family that emigrated to the US when she was a teenager. She explores the challenges that young and beginning farmers, and farmers of color, are dealing with–especially during the global pandemic.
American Zion: Religion and rebellion on Western public lands
Cliven Bundy is a rancher who’s refused for decades to pay his grazing fees for using public lands. But where did his ideas about public lands come from? We talk to author Betsy Gaines Quammen about her new book.
A small New Mexico garlic farmer takes on a Chinese ag giant
Farmer and writer Stanley Crawford got involved in a legal action that challenged a huge firm that wasn’t paying duties, and was “dumping” garlic onto the US market. What was supposed to take one year turned into a multi-year drama that is still ongoing.
Grassroots Rising: A holistic vision for a healthy food system and climate
Ronnie Cummins analyzes what’s not working about our food system and lays out a blueprint for change — while reminding us that regenerative agriculture is ultimately a necessity.
