After the Fact

Pew Research Center reports that 65% of Americans say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics because of the country’s deep partisan divisions. As polarization increases and trust in democratic institutions declines, how can we move forward and maintain a functioning democracy?

Political polarization. Climate change. Racial reckoning. Income inequality. A global pandemic. Since 2020, all five of these immense challenges emerged or deepened, commanding our attention and prompting major societal and cultural shifts. How has the social sector responded and what’s coming next?

The percentage of Americans experiencing symptoms of depression has tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term effects on the nation’s mental health are still unclear.

In a new season of Pew’s “After the Fact” podcast, we explore diversity in America and how race intersects with research in a range of fields—from public opinion polling to medicine to economics.

The latest season of Pew’s “After the Fact” podcast looks at the innovative solutions some states are developing to meet long-standing problems. From making small loans more affordable for consumers, to improving community flood preparedness, to designing corridors for wildlife to migrate safely across high-traffic roads—protecting animals and drivers—state leaders are working together to tackle big challenges.