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New name. Same mission.

We were The Firewall. Now we are The Fulcrum. And our name is not going to change again.

Quite simply, The Fulcrum makes much more sense because of what we're about – the only news organization focused exclusively on efforts to reverse the dysfunctions plaguing American governance. We see our democracy at a dangerous tipping point, and our aim is to leverage the debate toward restoring the system to good working order.


Especially once our website launches in June, you'll see that our mission is clear. Our original reporting, the news we gather from across the country and our opinion forum will be all about creating a journalistic pivot point, or fulcrum – "one that supplies capability for action," as Webster's says. We are nonpartisan, but we are rooting for the system to get better. For us, that means making our democratic republic less tribal, our elections more competitive, our politicians less beholden to moneyed interests, our officials more attentive to real evidence in their policy-making, our civic culture more engaged, and our Congress more effective and ethical.

"Give me a fulcrum, and I shall move the world," is an iconic Archimedes quote. And so, The Fulcrum we are.


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 Vintage Computer with AI Text on Screen and Neon Lighting, figures of people standing around it.

Calling AI “super” makes it sound omniscient. A faith leader coalition explains why the word “artificial” matters and what to do instead.

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Reject the Sand God. Call AI by Its True Name

President Trump recently signed an executive order telling federal agencies to replace the term "artificial intelligence" with "Super Intelligence." He said the word "artificial" makes the technology sound fake.

Many Americans already treat AI as a “super intelligence” that knows better and that they should confide in. Many already assign it the role of spiritual counsel, close confidante, or even romantic partner. In a Common Sense Media survey, one-third of teenagers claimed they had discussed serious personal matters with an AI instead of a person, and 31 percent said talking with an AI companion was as satisfying as talking with friends, or even more so. Bible Chat, an app that offers scripture-based advice and prayers, has been downloaded more than 30 million times.

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Oil and Energy Crisis Concept on chart over a world map

Oil and Energy Crisis Concept on chart over a world map , Stock price fell, Stock Market Volatility

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The Oil Crisis Is an Opportunity to Develop a Different Kind of Politics

On September 14, American oil executives delivered some alarming news. “The great oil crisis is here.”

As the Wall Street Journal explained, “Commercial fuel stocks around the world have been depleting for more than six months, and strategic crude reserves can’t be tapped much further. Attacks last week shut down a crucial crude pipeline in Saudi Arabia that bypassed the Strait, stranding at least 2.5 million barrels a day from an already tight global oil market….”

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Illustration of Statue of Liberty holding torch with text bubbles

Statue of Liberty holding torch with text bubbles instead of flame.

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What Language Does a Ballot Speak?

Picture a 55-year-old woman in Berkeley, California, the week the mail brings her voter information guide. She opens the booklet at her dining table, puts on her glasses, and reads it in Vietnamese. Inside are a sample ballot, statements from candidates who are vying for different positions, whether for governor, Congress, or, better still, a plain explanation of each local measure she needs to vote either yes or no on. The guide tells her to fill in each oval with a black or blue pen. By the time she picks up that pen, she already knows who to vote for based on the candidates' statements and their plans for the city.

Ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, Alameda County prints its guide in English, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese and asks voters which language they want. Ballots began going out Oct. 5 in the same five languages, so residents can vote alone, without asking a neighbor, family member, or even a stranger what the paper says.

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