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The influence and importance of language
A person in an American flag outfit and bandana carrying an American flag in front of a large group of people at the U.S. Capitol building. Many hold flags that read "Trump 2020."

On Jan. 6 2021, a group of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, resulting in the death of five people. (Image: Tyler Merbler)

The influence and importance of language

Labels for what happened Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol were very different from those used to describe the Black Lives Matter movement or the 2020 election results. How much weight do individual words actually have? It depends on the context.

Michele W. Berger

The state of U.S. democracy
the capitol building in washington dc

While a new administration transitions into office, the past four years have left the country asking, “How strong is our democratic foundation?”

The state of U.S. democracy

On the eve of a presidential inauguration following a historic election and its aftermath, experts from across the University weigh in on where we stand as a country.
Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn
Biden speaking in his offie at the Penn Biden Center

Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn

As the nation prepares for its 46th president to take office Wednesday, Jan. 20, Penn Today reflects on the lasting impact he’s had at the University.

Lauren Hertzler

Money matters to happiness—perhaps more than previously thought
A blurred hand holding a stack of dollar bills, pushing them toward the camera.

Money matters to happiness—perhaps more than previously thought

Research from Wharton’s Matthew Killingsworth shows that contrary to previous influential work, there’s no dollar-value plateau at which money’s importance lessens. One potential reason: Higher earners feel an increased sense of control over life.

Michele W. Berger

Rogers Smith on the heart and soul of America
Drawing of a human standing on a pillar holding a book flanked by a Republican elephant and Democratic donkey against a background resembling scales of justice.

Rogers Smith on the heart and soul of America

As a scholar, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science is perhaps best known for challenging the view that the U.S. is fundamentally, “in its heart and soul,” a liberal democracy.

From Omnia

Engaging in the election
Vote That Jawn written in bright yellow chalk on the sidewalk

Penn students in a Writing and Politics fall course taught by Lorene Cary focused on civic engagement during the 2020 election, working with her nonprofit Vote That Jawn. The students created new ways to share nonpartisan information with other young voters: Senior Jay Falk came up with the idea of Vote That Jawn stencils to decorate sidewalks with spray chalk before Election Day.

Engaging in the election

In a collaborative English course taught by Lorene Cary in the fall, students shared their experiences with civic engagement by writing for publication, partnering with nonprofits like Vote That Jawn to share non-partisan information with other young first-time voters.
A new regime for analyzing properties of topological materials
a hand adjusting a lens on an optics table

A new regime for analyzing properties of topological materials

A pair of studies demonstrates how two related metal alloys, cobalt monosilicide and rhodium monosilicide, can convert light into electric current efficiently thanks to their topology.

Erica K. Brockmeier