Learn about the origin of the only federal holiday dedicated to honoring and recognizing America's workers.
Video: The history of Labor Day
The History of Labor Day
Site Navigation
Search
Latest Stories
Join a growing community committed to civic renewal.
Subscribe to The Fulcrum and be part of the conversation.
Top Stories
Latest news
Read More
People voting at a polling station
Brett Carlsen/Getty
Election Officials Have Been Preparing for AI Cyberattacks
May 04, 2026
Since ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence systems first became widely available, the Brennan Center and other experts have warned that this technology may lead to more cyberattacks on elections and other critical infrastructure. Reports that Anthropic’s new AI model, Claude Mythos, can pinpoint software vulnerabilities that even the most experienced human experts would miss underline the urgency of those risks. Fortunately, election officials have been preparing for cyberattacks and have made significant progress in securing their systems over the past decade, incorporating improved cybersecurity practices at every step of the election process.
Anthropic claims that its new model can autonomously scan for vulnerabilities in software more effectively than even expert security researchers. If given access to this new model, amateurs would theoretically be capable of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a way that previously only sophisticated actors, such as nation-states, could do. For this reason, Anthropic chose not to release the Mythos model publicly. Instead, under an initiative Anthropic is calling Project Glasswing, it has offered access to Mythos to a number of high-profile tech firms and critical infrastructure operators so that these companies can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in their own systems. Although Anthropic is currently controlling access to its model to prevent misuse, experts believe it is only a matter of time before tools advertising similar capabilities are broadly available.
This danger will not necessarily be new to election officials. Year after year, elections have been targeted by highly sophisticated cyber interference efforts by foreign adversaries and criminal actors. Election officials have planned for and defused these threats as they arose. While AI-assisted vulnerability scanning may expand the scale of possible attacks, it still represents a difference only in degree — not in kind — from what election officials have prepared to face. Some security experts who have received access to Mythos have publicly agreed with that assessment, noting that even the previously undiscovered vulnerabilities were ones that could have been found by a human researcher; they were not entirely new weaknesses altogether. The layers of protection election officials built to defend against cyberattacks in the pre-AI age will continue to guard against new attacks and offer a launching point for further fortifying election systems.
Since attempts by Russian actors to scan and infiltrate state voter registration databases in the 2016 election, election officials nationwide have adopted security best practices and updated technology, with funding and support from state and federal government. A survey of state election officials shows that most states have adopted recommended voter registration database protections, such as requiring multifactor authentication for all users, using network monitoring systems, conducting system audits, and creating regular backups. Between 2018 and 2024, the federal government provided over $1 billion to update election technology and offered free access to cybersecurity assessments and vulnerability scanning, allowing election officials to better understand system threats and improve prevention protocols. While the federal government has withdrawn much of its support for election security over the past year, on the whole, states have more cybersecurity capacity to defend their systems than they did a decade ago, following a four-year, $1 billion state and local cybersecurity grant program that launched in 2021.
More importantly, election officials do not rely on cybersecurity protections alone to guarantee the accuracy of final vote tallies. They plan for things to go wrong, and they develop backups, redundancies, and recovery plans to ensure that eligible voters can cast ballots and that every vote is counted. Unlike in 2016, when a quarter of all votes were cast on paperless systems, nearly every vote now has a paper record that can be reviewed by hand in the event of concerns about a cyberattack on voting systems. In case technology fails at the polling place, states also require backup plans such as pre-printed ballots and paper pollbooks. And election officials implement a series of checks through the counting process to confirm that every vote is accurately included in the final count.
While Anthropic’s Mythos model represents a wake-up call, it’s not a call to panic. Instead, it’s a moment for election officials and those who support their efforts to redouble the work they are already doing. Above all, federal and state leaders need to provide sufficient and reliable funding for election security on the scale of what was provided in the years immediately following the foreign interference incidents in the 2016 election. The risks of AI-assisted cyberattacks make it clearer than ever that election security is a race without a finish line — the safeguards for election technology must keep pace with evolving threats.
Moving forward, states need to step up and help fill the gap left by the federal government, which has chosen to significantly reduce support for election cybersecurity (and all critical infrastructure security) under the Trump administration. The Brennan Center’s 2026 annual survey of local election officials shows that broad majorities support the government providing services that were previously offered by the federal government, including election security training, best practices on emerging security threats, security scenario-planning exercises, and incident-response support. Yet 75 percent of local election officials say their state or local government has not provided additional resources to make up for federal cuts.
The Election Security Exchange recommends several low-cost steps election officials can take, many of which they are already taking. These include keeping all software up to date and enabling automatic updates, using a dedicated password manager for all accounts, enabling multifactor authentication, and conducting regular phishing training.
Finally, Anthropic, which says it launched Project Glasswing “in an effort to secure the world’s most critical software,” should consider how it can best expand those protections to any software that underpins the election process.
The threat of AI-assisted cyberattacks is one to take seriously, as experts have long warned. But everyone in the election community must be equally vocal in emphasizing that this emerging danger will not force election officials back to square one. The groundwork they have laid over the last 10 years will continue to provide critical protections, helping to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have their ballot counted. The responses to previous election security threats also show a path toward future improvements.
Now is the time for legislators and other public officials to invest in what works and partner with election officials to guarantee our safeguards remain one step ahead of the threats seeking to undermine them.
Derek Tisler is counsel and manager in the Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program
Election Officials Have Been Preparing for AI Cyberattacks was first published by the Brennan Center and was republished with permission.
Keep ReadingShow less
Recommended
Superhero revealing American flag
BrianAJackson/Getty Images
2026 Brennan Legacy Awards Celebrate Champions of Democracy
May 03, 2026
The founders of our 18th‑century republic were acutely aware of how fragile their experiment in self‑government might prove, and one can easily imagine them welcoming a modern guardian like the Brennan Center for Justice. Within the wide canopy of organizations devoted to defending our democracy, the Center has emerged as a rare and unmistakable jewel.
For over 20 years, the Center has been dedicated to defending our democratic institutions and the rule of law, while protecting our civil liberties in the face of mounting authoritarian winds.
Rather than being founded by a single individual, the Center was launched as an institutional initiative within NYU Law, bringing together legal scholars, public interest advocates, and policymakers. Its founding mission was to advance democracy and justice through research, litigation, and policy reform—particularly in areas like voting rights, campaign finance, and constitutional law. In a large sense, the Center embodies the very words of its namesake:
"For the genius of the Constitution rests not in any static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs.” — Justice William J. Brennan Jr.
The 2026 Brennan Legacy Awards, held on April 27, 2026, brought together legal scholars, policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders committed to its ideals. The annual event serves both as a fundraising gala and a symbolic honoring of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Center’s mission. The 2026 ceremony, hosted at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, continued this tradition with a program that combined recognition, reflection, and cultural celebration.
At its core, the Brennan Legacy Awards seek to spotlight leaders who have navigated complex political and legal challenges while upholding constitutional principles. One of the central honorees this year was Jamie Raskin, recognized for his leadership and commitment to protecting democratic institutions. As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Raskin has been a prominent voice on issues such as election integrity, congressional oversight, and constitutional accountability. He also led the prosecution in the second impeachment effort, and as he remarked, “perhaps not the last” during the presidency of Donald J. Trump. His recognition at the event underscored the Brennan Center’s emphasis on principled leadership during periods of institutional strain. Raskin’s impassioned talk emphasized not only the importance of shielding our republic in the face of the current assault on the rule of law, but also urged the continuation of the progress that has characterized much of our nation’s 250‑year journey.
Another major honoree was Vanita Gupta, celebrated for her role in defending the rule of law amid heightened political polarization. Gupta’s tenure at the Department of Justice and her broader career in civil rights advocacy reflect a consistent effort to balance governmental authority with the protection of individual rights. Her award highlighted the importance of legal professionals who operate within government structures while maintaining independence and ethical integrity.
The event also honored Peter Keisler, whose career spans both public service and private legal practice. His recognition emphasized bipartisan respect for individuals who contribute to the stability of legal institutions regardless of political affiliation. By including honorees from diverse ideological and professional backgrounds, the Brennan Legacy Awards reinforce the idea that safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility rather than a partisan endeavor.
Beyond the awards themselves, the evening featured prominent speakers and presenters who added intellectual and cultural depth to the program, including a keynote address by President and CEO Michael Waldman, whose leadership has positioned the organization as a central actor in contemporary debates over voting rights, judicial independence, and government accountability.
In addition, Dr. Agenia Walker Clark, President of Fisk University, contributed as a featured speaker, highlighting partnerships that extend the Brennan Center’s influence into educational and community-based initiatives. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, a renowned a cappella group with deep historical roots, delivered a featured performance. Their presence added a symbolic dimension to the event, connecting contemporary struggles for justice with a longer historical narrative of resilience and expression within African American communities.
The structure of the event—beginning with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and an awards presentation—reflected its dual purpose as both a celebratory and a fundraising occasion. In a broader context, the Brennan Legacy Awards can be seen as part of a larger ecosystem of civic recognition events that seek to reinforce democratic values through public acknowledgment. By honoring individuals who exemplify courage, integrity, and leadership, the event helps shape norms within the legal and political communities. It also provides an opportunity for networking and coalition-building among stakeholders committed to democratic governance.
Overall, the 2026 Brennan Legacy Awards transcended their ceremonial role, serving as a reaffirmation of democratic ideals amid ongoing political and institutional challenges. Through its selection of honorees, integration of legal, political, and cultural voices, and support for the Brennan Center’s mission, the event highlighted the enduring importance of vigilance, collaboration, and principled leadership in sustaining democracy.
Seth David Radwell is the author of “American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing our Nation” winner of last year’s International Book Award for Best General Nonfiction. He is a frequent contributor as a political analyst, and speaker within both the business community and on college campuses both in the U.S. and abroad.
Keep ReadingShow less
Residents sit amid debris in a residential building that was hit in an airstrike earlier this morning on March 30, 2026 in the west of Tehran, Iran.
(Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
Lessons Learned from “Lullabies from the Axis of Evil”
May 03, 2026
There has been much commentary on the dark side of President Trump’s character and the lack of leadership at other high levels of government. These events and the American president's statements should not go unchallenged. His efforts to dehumanize an opponent and trivialize bombing campaigns as they are part of a video game are unfathomable and inconsistent with most of American history. We must never forget that America is killing people, many innocent civilians, with apparently little remorse.
The war in Iran has brought back a memory from when my son was born nearly 20 years ago. A friend of my wife’s, an anthropologist and college professor, sent us a baby gift. It was a CD of music titled “Lullabies from the Axis of Evil.” The term “Axis of Evil” was first used in President George W. Bush’s 2002 State of the Union speech. He was referring to three countries that make up the axis: Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Putting aside, for the moment, our complicated relationship with those three countries, the lullabies CD reminds us that, despite our geopolitical differences, these countries are home to human beings. They work, love, eat, drink, and practice religion as we do – and they sing lullabies to their babies.
One of the horrible aspects of the wars in the Middle East is the dehumanization of the victims. In a recent interview with the New York Times, scholar Marc Lynch described this as one of the consequences of the Israeli war in Gaza. “I think the fundamental problem is that we just have an extremely difficult time seeing these people as real human beings, and I think we just do not see them as people with families and lives and complicated motivations,” Lynch said.
Writing in The Fulcrum, David Nevins echoed this thought, criticizing President Trump, who said some weeks ago he might continue bombing Iran “just for fun.” “It reveals an appalling disregard for the human facts of war. A commander-in-chief speaking casually regarding striking a strategic oil hub “for fun” signals something deeper than excess language: a trivialization of war itself,” Nevins said.
It is incumbent on every American, indeed every citizen of the world, to decry this kind of attitude and language. And this is not just a moral argument to save innocent victims’ lives; it’s an argument to save ourselves. Research on the impact on societies committing attacks on others suggests that violence becomes normalized in public discourse, we become less reactive to atrocities, and media coverage loses its shock value.
Yet there are still dim lights in a dark world that give one reason to hope. I recently met Micah Hendler, the founder and musical director for the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, a musical group comprised of Israeli and Palestinian teenagers, spreading beautiful music and a message of reconciliation throughout the world. “Music is more permeable than spoken language in terms of being accessible across boundaries,” Hendler said in an interview. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that music is a universal language. I think that’s an oversimplification, but that being said, it is much easier to bridge even between drastically different musical styles than it is between, say, Cantonese and Wolof (the language spoken in parts of Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania). There’s not very much you can do if you don’t understand a spoken language,” he said.
Micah’s efforts and those of his youth chorus are reminders that bonds can be forged in unusual places, and there is more that unites us than divides us … like singing lullabies to our babies. One of the lullabies from the Axis of Evil is an Iranian song, “Sad Sol,” which translates to “You, My Destiny.” One lyric goes like this: “You’re my destiny / You’re my guiding light / You’re my soul and my treasure / Sleep, my child." I can picture an Iranian mother singing that lullaby to her daughter the night before an American bomb took the little girl’s life.
This argument should not be construed as a defense of Iran, and all the evil it has unleashed on its own people and the world. Yet, let us hope that when America looks back on this war, we cower from the atrocities that we as a nation inflicted on others, and pledge to return to the values we once embraced.
Bradford Fitch is the former CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, a former congressional staffer, and author of “The Citizen’s Handbook for Influencing Elected Officials."
Keep ReadingShow less
An Israeli and US flag is seen near the border with Southern Lebanon, as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on April 29, 2026 in Northern Israel, Israel.
(Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
Beyond the Politics: The Human Cost Behind the Israel–Iran Conflict
May 03, 2026
TEL AVIV — The conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel remains volatile as Iran submits a new 14‑point peace proposal through Pakistan while warning that fighting may soon resume, with Iranian military officials saying the U.S. is not committed to agreements. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about Iran’s offer, stating he will review it but doubts it will be acceptable, and polls show most Americans believe the decision to launch military action was a mistake. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue across southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, regional tensions remain high, and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global energy markets.
Lost in the political and military confrontation among the United States, Israel, and Iran are the everyday people who live with the consequences of decisions they did not make. Civilians — on every side of this conflict — are the ones who carry the fear, disruption, and uncertainty that follow each strike and every escalation.
This week, The Fulcrum’s executive editor, Hugo Balta, reports from Israel with a clear purpose: to humanize war. Rather than focus on the spectacle of Operation Epic Fury, the special coverage will center on the people whose lives are being reshaped by it.
- YouTube www.youtube.com
While Balta does not have access to Iran — and it is acknowledged that civilians there are suffering as well — the reporting will document the toll this conflict is taking on Israelis across the country as they navigate a war that shows no sign of easing.
In the days ahead, The Fulcrum will publish a series of on‑the‑ground dispatches from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and communities near the Lebanon border as Israel enters a new phase of tension with Iran. The coverage will follow residents living under the threat of missile strikes and explore how daily routines, civic life, and community networks are being transformed by the constant fear of another attack.
The weeklong series will also examine the continued conflict in Gaza, which has been overshadowed by the confrontation with Iran. Balta will also highlight the experiences of immigrant communities — including Latin American workers and families — whose stories are often absent from broader geopolitical reporting, revealing the layered realities of a diverse country experiencing conflict in uneven and deeply personal ways.
The goal is to give readers a fuller picture of life behind the headlines — a close, human‑centered look at a region on edge and the people trying to endure, adapt, and support one another through a war they did not choose.
Coverage of this report was made possible in part with support from Fuente Latina.
Keep ReadingShow less
Load More