The Fulcrum

This $9 billion budget cut represents far more than fiscal housekeeping—it signals a fundamental retreat from America's role as the world's primary humanitarian superpower. Read more: loom.ly/4d15a00 #thefulcrum #citizenconnect #issuevoter

In this time of rancor and cultural division, country stars without preaching invited us to consider that democracy isn't just a system, but a culture that we must advance together. Other country artists could make their voices heard to amplify the moment. Read more:…

At a time when tensions are high from the looming threat of increased ICE activity across the city, some young Chicagoans from immigrant backgrounds can find strength in the underground hardcore music community and the support that it cultivates. Read more:…

Immigration is governed by a patchwork of federal laws. The divide between federal, state, and local governments over immigration enforcement is a contentious and unresolved issue. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programs, and Immigration…

The lived reality of most Americans — especially the working class — continues to deteriorate. At a time of unprecedented national wealth and productivity, wages stagnate, inequality widens, housing becomes unaffordable, and the political class remains unresponsive to the will of…

Ranked choice voting helped create an entirely different campaign in New York. It put voters back in charge – at a moment when record numbers of voters of all backgrounds are dissatisfied with the state of our democracy. With RCV, over one million New Yorkers – larger than the…

In this follow-up to our 30-part, nonpartisan series examining Project 2025, we turn our focus to one of the most consequential—and quietly unfolding—chapters of that blueprint: Funding cuts from NPR and PBS. Read more: loom.ly/8Ogz3ao #thefulcrum #citizenconnect…

companies are no longer sitting on the sidelines while the social fabric unravels. From brand campaigns to cross-sector partnerships, more business leaders are investing in solutions — in their workplaces as well as communities — to rebuild trust, civility, and social cohesion.…

Essentially, science and religion appear as complete opposites. While science relies on factual evidence and observations, religion leans towards the belief in abstract and spiritual concepts. Though on the surface they appear to collide, I strongly believe that when science and…

Because the floods and the climate disasters that follow them make the costs heart-wrenchingly visible, they give us the chance to discuss root causes and the choices we face. If we don’t have these conversations, these teachable moments will quickly fade. Read more:…

On April 28, President Donald Trump issued an 879-page executive order (EO) commanding Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth to work with Kristi Noem and other agencies to “increase the provision of excess military and national security assets in local jurisdictions to assist State and…

Most students entering medicine today will graduate without ever being trained to use GenAI tools effectively. That must change. To prepare tomorrow’s doctors – and protect tomorrow’s patients – medical school deans, elected officials, and health care regulators must invest in…

Regarding America’s two-party system, Bacon feels he is being attacked from both the left and the right. He felt as if it was time for something new, but while he is still in office, he wants to fight for the soul of his party. Isolationism, protectionism, and anti-immigration…

In the latest edition of The @fulcrum_us Roundtable, columnists tackle white supremacy in #immigration policies and the struggles of first generation #Americans with political identity. 👉🏽 thefulcrum.us/inclusion-dive…

ProPublica has obtained the blueprint for the Trump administration’s unprecedented plan to turn over IRS records to Homeland Security in order to speed up the agency’s mass deportation efforts. Read more: loom.ly/FMdLnq8 #thefulcrum #citizenconnect

As federal nutrition aid is stalled by red tape and grocery deserts persist, local civic-minded organizations are responding with inventive, community-centered approaches. I had the opportunity to speak with two: #DCGreens and #FRESHFARM, each tackling the crisis from different…

With the Journal’s publication of Trump’s letter and growing demands from MAGA loyalists, Trump’s call to release the transcripts isn’t just reactive—it’s a calculated pivot. Read more: loom.ly/XDL36oc #thefulcrum #citizenconnect

Most schools operate as if it were 1975, rather than 2025. Our students are stuck in institutions built in bygone eras and trapped in pedagogical practices that aimed to train reliable factory workers rather than the interdisciplinary and thoughtful leaders we need in the age of…

After Donald Trump's return to the presidency, those of us in this space faced an uncomfortable question: If we've built such a robust movement, why does American democracy still feel so fragile? Our new report, "The Path Forward for the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem,” offers both…

Take a moment and enjoy "Takin' My Time.” Perhaps you feel rejuvenated so you can face the challenges facing you personally, your community, and our nation with a renewed focus, creativity, and perspective. Read more: loom.ly/5RE48bc #thefulcrum #citizenconnect