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Female protestors stand with raised firsts in front of the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC>

Holding Court: Politics and the Supreme Court

Fresh Air looks at how political tides have shaped the history of America's highest court.

 

Listen as writers, journalists, and legal scholars look at the politics behind the selection and confirmation process, as well as the way that polarization has influenced the direction of the Supreme Court in recent decades. In this collection, you'll also hear from several present or former justices, including Sonia Sotomayor, Sandra Day O'Connor, and John Paul Stevens, who offer an inside look at how the Supreme Court makes decisions that define our democracy.

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52:30

The voices of Sept. 11: 'My first thought was ... I can't believe that I survived'

(1.) Former FDNY Deputy Chief JOHN "JAY" JONAS. He was in the North tower on September 11th when the South tower collapsed. He and his crew made their way down from the 27th floor. On the 20th, they came across a woman who could barely walk. They made it to the fourth floor when the building collapsed around them. JONAS retired from the Fire department in 2022 after almost 43 years. (INTERVIEW FROM 2011.09.07)

35:17

How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars

SABREENA MERCHANT covers women’s basketball for The Athletic. The WNBA is having a moment, fueled by rising stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, recent leadership changes, and the culture war debates over trans athletes. MERCHANT discusses the latest in professional women's basketball —including the controversies surrounding the WNBA, on and off the court. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.) (INTERVIEW BY SAM FRAGOSO.)

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