HNN Topics

Trump and the Insurrection Act of 1807

by HNN Staff

Protests against police killings have encouraged Donald Trump to some tough talk about deploying the military to US cities. Historians discuss the legal or extralegal acts that might follow.

Historians Discuss the Legacy of Larry Kramer

by HNN Staff

The author and activist embraced confrontational tactics to push medical and political authorities to respond to the AIDS crisis.

Derek Chauvin is Found Guilty, but the Debate on Policing and Racism is Far from Over

by HNN Staff

Historians discuss the guilty verdict for George Floyd's killer and the ongoing struggle for justice. 

Historians Watch Grant

by HNN Staff

The History Channel's miniseries "Grant" invited discussion of the misremembered career and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. 

Trump Praises Ford Family "Bloodline": Antisemitic Dog Whistle or Idle Bluster?

The President's remarks raised questions of whether he shares Henry Ford's notorious antisemitic and ethnocentric views.

Can a Fast-Tracked COVID Vaccine Program Work?

by HNN Staff

Historians discuss the prospects for fast-development of a vaccine for the novel Coronavirus, and speculate on whether Trump is really taking hydroxychloroquine.

Historians are Graduating

by HNN Staff

It hasn't been the semester anyone expected, but undergrad and graduate students are finishing their degrees and defending their theses. We join professors and advisors and committee chairs in congratulating all those graduating in history!

SCOTUS: Can Trump's Taxes be Subpoenaed?

Historians consider the Supreme Court's argument by teleconference on cases involving subpoenas of the President's financial records.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's Virtual Senate Testimony

by HNN Staff

Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony proved contentious even by teleconference.

Department of Justice Drops Charges Against Michael Flynn

by HNN Staff

Follow this response to a bombshell development in Russiagate. 

COVID Cuts are Coming to Colleges

by HNN Staff

Historians respond to announced budget and program cuts and proposals for more to come during the COVID crisis.

The Pulitzer Prizes Spark Discussion of "Revisionism"

by HNN Staff

Nikole Hannah-Jones's Pulitzer Prize has pushed some critics to complain about historical revisionism. Historians discuss how the field works.

Right-Wing Protests Intensify over COVID Closures

by HNN Staff

The Michigan legislature has closed its session due to the threat of armed mobs at the state capitol. 

What's Next for Presumptive Dem Nominee Joe Biden?

by HNN Staff

Joe Biden's campaign has been overshadowed by the COVID-19 crisis, but his choice of a VP, his policy advisers, and sexual assault allegations have put him in the news. 

What is Happening in North Korea?

There is little solid information but a lot of speculation on the status of Kim Jong Un and North Korea's recent past and immediate future. 

Updated: Campus Reopening Hits Major Snags

COVID spikes threaten in-person instruction, community transmission defies administrative control, and technology may be unreliable. The latest on the new academic year.

Environmental History, Environmental Movements, and Earth Day at 50

We haven't forgotten about environmental issues on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. 

Phyllis Schlafly and "Mrs. America"

by HNN Staff

Historians discuss the new FX series on the politics of sex and gender in the 1970s. 

Updated 5/7: The Postal Service Crisis

by HNN Staff

Trump's announcement of a Republican fundraiser as Postmaster General has raised the already dire stakes for the USPS.

Updated 4/15: Bernie Sanders Ends 2020 Campaign, Historians Respond

by HNN Staff

Online discussion of Sanders's decision to end his campaign and endorse Joe Biden, and what's next for the Democrats.