Women's History Month 2025 and the Impact of Women

Up First newsletter is honoring women who have made a significant impact for Women's History Month 2025. Women's History Month began as Women's History Week in 1982, with Congress declaring March as Women's History Month in 1987. Presidents have since issued proclamations to recognize women's contributions to U.S. history.

Racial Identity in the United States

Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. discusses the underlying belief in the U.S. that the country must always be a white nation, citing historical events and policies that support this notion.

The Evolution of Public Defenders in the U.S. Legal System

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to an attorney for those who can't afford one, public defenders now represent up to 80% of people charged with crimes in the U.S. This episode explores how public defenders became essential to the criminal legal system and what changes are needed for them to serve everyone effectively.

The Second Amendment and U.S. Gun Laws

The Second Amendment was rarely challenged until the case of Jack Miller in 1938, which set off a chain of events leading to a fundamental change in how U.S. law deals with guns.

Foreign Acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation

Sens. Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance are urging President Biden to block Japan's Nippon Steel Corporation from buying United States Steel Corporation due to concerns over national security and ties to China.

Evolution of Public Defenders in the U.S.

The evolution of public defenders in the U.S. from a 'nice-to-have' to a crucial component of the criminal legal system, now representing up to 80% of individuals charged with crimes.