HNN Topics

SCOTUS Declares Race-Aware Admissions at Harvard, UNC Unconstitutional

The decision makes most race-based affirmative action admission policies at selective universities illegal. Historians discuss the decision, the history behind it, and the likely effects. 

The Iraq Invasion Turns 20

Historians comment on the consequences of the invasion and efforts to control the narrative about how and why the US invaded. 

Republicans (Finally) Rally Around McCarthy as Speaker

Kevin McCarthy has secured the speakership through apparent deals allowing a group of right-wing hardliners to have greater influence over legislation and more investigative power. Historians followed the voting and discuss what comes next. 

Historians on Trump's Post-Presidential Legal Issues

Trump's legal difficulties increased significantly with the announcement of a federal indictment on charges related to the improper possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. 

Historians Respond to Biden's Student Debt Relief Order

How are historians responding to the Biden administration's order to forgive $10,000 of student debt for borrowers with incomes under $125,000?

Historians on the Latest Mass Shooting and the Politics of Guns

by HNN Staff

If you are seeing this item in an HNN newsletter, it's happened again. 

Historians on the Mainstreaming of the "Great Replacement" Myth

by HNN Staff

This conspiratorial claim of a plot by elites to replace whites with nonwhite and immigrant voters has moved from the far-right fringe to cable news and appears to have played a part in the radicalization of several mass shooters. Historians discuss what it is and what it means. 

The Right's Political Attack on LGBTQ Americans Escalates

Historians discuss the escalating attacks on LGBTQ Americans. 

Senate Votes to Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to SCOTUS After Contentious Hearings

Historians weigh in on Justice Jackson's historic appointment and the partisanship of the confirmation hearings. 

Historians on the Ukraine Invasion

Historians weigh in on the unfolding crisis as evidence of widespread attacks on civilians emerges.

Historians on the Harvard Sexual Harassment Scandal

Two competing open letters pitted Harvard faculty against each other over discipline imposed on anthropology professor John Comaroff. Then a federal lawsuit made the full range of accusations against the professor and the university public. 

Historians on the Kyle Rittenhouse Trial

As Kyle Rittenhouse's trial advances to jury deliberation, historians weigh in. 

Claiming Academe is Restrictive, Group of Scholars, Pundits and Tech Investors Announce University of Austin

Is this venture an antidote to academic conformity, or a platform for a circle of like-minded thinkers? Historians weigh in on the University of Austin announcement.

Mandates For COVID Vaccines Spark Controversy

As Republican governors and legislatures refuse to require vaccination, the Biden administration institutes significant federal mandates. Historians discuss vaccination, choice, and public health.

Mifepristone, the Courts, and the Comstock Act: Historians on the Politics of Abortion Rights

by HNN Staff

Conflicting court rulings leave the future of access to a widely used abortion medication in doubt, antiabortion activists openly discuss using a 150 year-old antiobscenity law to enforce a national ban, and Republican politicians face the fallout of unpopular policies. 

After US Withdrawal, Taliban Takes Power Again

by HNN Staff

Historians discuss the roots of the Afghan conflict, the conduct of the American invasion and presence, and the consequences of withdrawal. 

New York AG Report: Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Retaliated Against Accuser

Attorney General Letitia James's report details allegations against the governor by multiple women; Cuomo has rejected calls to resign. 

The House January 6 Commission Hearings

On October 13, the January 6 Commission held its last hearing before the midterm elections, presenting evidence that the Secret Service knew of plans for violence and voting unanimously to subpoena ex-president Donald Trump.

The Bessemer, Alabama Amazon Union Election Campaign

Historians look at the just-concluded union election campaign at Amazon's Alabama facilty and await the results. 

Historians Address the Metro Atlanta Shootings

Historians try to untangle the threads of anti-Asian prejudice, misogyny, evangelical religion, masculinity and gun culture that appear to have contributed to the killing of eight people in Atlanta-area spas.