From historian and author of the popular daily newsletter LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN, a vital narrative that explains how America, once a beacon of democracy, now teeters on the brink of autocracy -- and how we can turn back.

In the midst of the impeachment crisis of 2019, Heather Cox Richardson launched a daily Facebook essay providing the historical background of the daily torrent of news. The essays soon turned into a newsletter and, spread by word of mouth, its readership ballooned to more than 2 million dedicated readers who rely on its plainspoken and informed take on the present and past in America.

In Democracy Awakening, Richardson crafts a compelling and original narrative, explaining how, over the decades, a small group of wealthy people have made war on American ideals. By weaponizing language and promoting false history they have led us into authoritarianism -- creating a disaffected population and then promising to recreate an imagined past where those people could feel important again. She argues that taking our country back starts by remembering the elements of the nation’s true history that marginalized Americans have always upheld. Their dedication to the principles on which this nation was founded has enabled us to renew and expand our commitment to democracy in the past. Richardson sees this history as a roadmap for the nation’s future.

Please notice that the in-person registration is sold out but you can register to take part to the event through zoom.

Cambridge Forum’s new mini-series looks at the pivotal role of information and facts in a healthy democracy. Many people think that America is coming apart at the seams, for a variety of reasons. Most glaringly, polarization has split entire communities, dividing friends and families from each other so that prospects for the next election look grim. However, there might be some good news on the horizon. Literally. Recent research shows that one way to improve voter activity, decrease polarization and boost municipal bond rating is to inject community news into people’s lives. Local news, it would seem, acts as a binding agent for democracy.

Charles Sennott, founder and Editor of The GroundTruth Project will discuss with a panel of journalists and media entrepreneurs from around the country how delivering local news can glue democracy back together.

If approved by Mayor Michelle Wu, it could end a long saga just months before the next election.

The NAACP's Michael Curry called Florida's legislation "a culture war" on immigrants, African Americans, people of color and the LGBTQIA community.

Her resignation could damage her political and philosophical allies.

There's not much time left to create a new City Council map.

Pearson, recently expelled from the Tennessee House and then reinstated, spoke at Harvard Wednesday about his roots here.

The annual ritual is slow and cumbersome, but also creates deep civic engagement.

Mayor Michelle Wu signed the proposal and sent it to the state Legislature. But she says the extension of voting rights for immigrants needs more study.

Similar proposals have stalled at the State House.