The Saint Louis University American Studies Department will host award-winning ABC News anchor Linsey Davis and SLU alum John Krull (American Studies, ’84) for the program “Candid Conversations in Turbulent Times.” The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in the Anheuser Busch Auditorium in Cook Hall.
ABC News anchor Linsey Davis will take part in “Candid Conversations in Turbulent Times" at Saint Louis University. Submitted photo.
The hour-long discussion will focus on ways to talk about controversial and sensitive subjects in this often-angry era. Tickets are free, but advance registration is required for entry.
John Krull is the director of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College in Indiana and the publisher of The Statehouse File. Submitted photo.
“American Studies prioritizes questions and curiosity, then draws on an array of humanities and some social science methods to look for answers,” said Heidi Ardizzone, Ph.D., interim chair of American Studies at SLU. “We are very honored to bring these two journalists, one an American Studies alum, who are trained researchers, communicators, and front-line observers of our nation’s cultural and political movements.”
Davis anchors “ABC World News Tonight” and the Emmy Award-winning “ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis.” She moderated the 2024 presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and has interviewed many of the world’s leading political and cultural figures. She has been the eyes and ears of the public at most of America’s biggest news stories over the past decade.
“At the heart of good interviewing and good storytelling is respecting people who have different points of view,” Davis said. “At SLU, I want to discuss how we can listen to people regardless of whether we agree with them or not.”
Krull is the director of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College in Indiana and the publisher of The Statehouse File, a much-honored news website powered by Franklin College journalism students that provides stories for all Indiana news outlets. During his career, he has also been the host of an award-winning news and public information radio talk show and an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker.
“It’s always a pleasure to talk with Linsey because, in addition to being a good friend, she’s the finest television journalist of her generation,” Krull said. “I always learn something and share a few laughs when we chat, and I know the audience will, too.”
This event is co-sponsored by the Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of American Studies. For more information, contact amstdies@slu.edu.
