Aug 7, 2026

Long before the First Amendment, John Peter Zenger stood trial for publishing criticisms of New York’s then colonial governor. Although the law seemed to guarantee a guilty verdict, a jury refused to convict him. Zenger’s trial was an early indication that the American colonists harbored a view of liberty...

Jul 29, 2026

In May 2026, the Office of Management and Budget proposed sweeping changes to how the federal government administers billions of dollars in federal research grants.

That funding fuels scientific discovery, medical breakthroughs, and technological innovation. The proposal was open for public comment for 45 days and drew...

Jul 15, 2026

Censorship is often associated with authoritarian governments. But throughout history, efforts to control ideas have taken many different forms — and they haven't always come from the state.

In this episode, Nico sits down with University of Chicago professor Ada Palmer to explore the history of censorship from the...

Jul 1, 2026

Over the past five years, book bans and book challenges have become a major flashpoint in American politics.

School boards, parents, librarians, and lawmakers are fighting over what students should—and shouldn’t—have access to on library shelves. Supporters of library restrictions say they are protecting children....

Jun 17, 2026

Debates over religious freedom have shaped American life for centuries. From Quakers facing persecution in colonial America to The Crucible to South Park, fights over religious expression have repeatedly tested the country’s commitment to free speech and religious liberty.

At the heart of these debates are a few...