As consumers of media, and especially given the many ways news is now delivered to us, we are aware of the latest developments across the Middle East, the tireless defense of climate change and its impact, and the lifestyles of people who are famous for being famous.

We are also aware that the news cycle today moves at a particularly fast clip. Breaking news is blasted to us in 140 characters or less. Cable news networks construct elaborate sets and use sensationalist language to describe otherwise mundane bureaucratic maneurverings (watch any story about politics). Much of the “news” today seems to find significance in otherwise insignificant moments.

The flood of information we receive on a daily basis can also cloud our ability to distinguish between a salacious scandal built for US Magazine and an investigative piece in The New York Times exploring the fine line between national security and individual freedom. That may seem like an overstatement, but reflect on the airtime devoted to dissecting Miley Cyrus’ 2013 VMA performance over, well, anything.

In sifting through news stories, we can uncover trends and learn what issues today echo throughout history (e.g. race) and what will continue to shape the future (e.g. entitlement spending)—ultimately better equipping us to talk about complex issues.

This blog will present a snapshot of what we are talking about today, as well as what we were talking about last year, 10 years ago, 50 years ago, and 100 years ago. I intend to cover a cross-section of world news, U.S. politics, sports and culture—all the standard water-cooler conversation bases.

I will present the headlines. I will not tell you what to think about them.

It’s as simple as that.

As for me, I voraciously consume news, partly because I work as a communications professional in Washington, D.C. I also like being informed, hence why I started this blog (so you can be, too!).