ABC News anchor Linsey Davis and Saint Louis University graduate John Krull will discuss “Candid Conversations in Turbulent Times” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Anheuser-Busch Auditorium in Cook Hall on the SLU campus.
The hourlong discussion will focus on ways to address controversial and sensitive subjects in the deeply divided U.S.
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. Davis was subjected to racist and sexist abuse online after she fact-checked while moderating the debate.
“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 published by Franklin College journalism students that provides stories for all Indiana news outlets. During his career, Krull also has been the host of an award-winning news and public information radio talk show and an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker.
“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 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.”
Tickets are free, but advance registration is required for entry.