History | Penn Today

A person walks past the door at Planned Parenthood.

The history of abortion access in the U.S.

Following the Dobbs v. Jackson decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, overruling Roe v. Wade’s established right to an abortion, Penn professors describe the history that led to this moment.

A year after trading scandal, Fed is again under ethics spotlight

Peter Conti-Brown of the Wharton School comments on the lax oversight of regional Fed banks, while Kaleb Nygaard of the School of Arts & Sciences notes the strides made by the Federal Reserve in tightening ethical standards.

The push to protect ancient trees—and the knowledge they contain

Jared Farmer of the School of Arts & Sciences chronicles the background and science behind ancient trees in his new book, “Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees.”

Book review: Elderflora: A modern history of ancient trees

A book review examines “Elderflora,” the new book on Earth’s oldest living trees by Jared Farmer of the School of Arts & Sciences.

Jed Esty: Liz Truss’ stormy reign has lessons for the U.S. on how not to be an aging superpower

In an Op-Ed, Jed Esty of the School of Arts & Sciences examines how the U.K.’s “aging superpower syndrome” is already beginning to fossilize American political culture.

jared farmer sitting on a bench on college green

Q&A

A modern history of ancient trees, through the lens of climate change

Historian Jared Farmer discusses his new book, “Elderflora,” looking at why humans have no trouble looking at the ancient past but can’t seem to envision the deep future, and what trees can teach us.

Kelly Writers House celebrates 25th anniversary

A profile examines the history and influence of Kelly Writers House as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with quotes from Al Filreis of the School of Arts & Sciences.

Supreme Court could drop ‘wrecking ball’ on another legal precedent

In an op-ed, Penn Carey Law students Devontae Torriente and Ty Parks caution that the Supreme Court is poised to dismantle affirmative action at a time when students of color remain at a significant disadvantage.

Symposium shines a light on the Philadelphia rowhouse

A symposium on the history, prevalence, and preservation of the Philadelphia rowhouse has been organized by the Weitzman School of Design, with quotes from Frank G. Matero.

A black and white image of Harry Truman speaking in front of a microphone.

Q&A

The television and the President

On Oct. 5 1947, Harry Truman delivered the first televised presidential speech. Communications expert David Eisenhower looks at the history of politics and media and the significance of this moment 75 years later.

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