Civics 101

Dive into the complexities of the Federal Register, a daily document that tracks all Executive Branch activities! Experts explore how it plays a crucial role in public engagement with government policy, highlighting the impact of citizen comments. Learn about the intricate dance between regulation and accountability, as well as how legislative powers are often delegated to agencies. This exploration reveals the importance of understanding these regulations for everyday citizens.

Hey folks! We're raising money to support this podcast. Please click this link and donate today! https://goo.gl/6VNE6E Remember the Human Genome Project? The massively complicated international undertaking that aimed to map the entirety of human DNA? It was funded and coordinated in large part by the NIH, or National Institutes of Health. The NIH is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is the nation's foremost government funded medical research agency. So how does it work? What do they actually do? Do politics influence their research? To find out, we turn to  Dr. Carrie Wolinetz,  Associate Director for Science Policy at the NIH.  CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Norm Stamper, a former Chief of Seattle's Police Department and author of 'To Protect and Serve,' sheds light on the complex evolution of modern policing. He discusses the dual role of police as both enforcers and community supporters, stressing the importance of effective training and de-escalation. Stamper delves into the tragic Ferguson incident, highlighting systemic issues that lead to violence. He also addresses the pressing need for accountability standards in law enforcement, using a poignant case study to reinforce his message.

Drinking water in the United States is, according to the EPA, among the world's "most reliable and safest supplies." Its delivery involves a complex infrastructure of pipes, treatment facilities, aqueducts, dams, and reservoirs, and it operates on a local, state, and federal level. How did we get here? How is the U.S. public water system legislated? And, how is "potable" actually pronounced? We spoke with James Salzman, author of Drinking Water: A History. He is also a professor of environmental law at the UCLA School of Law and the Bren School of Environmental Science at UC Santa Barbara. This episode is part of our occasional series on American infrastructure. Listen to our first installment on roads. CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's episode: What exactly is the Freedom of Information Act, better known as FOIA? Can anybody use it to get their hands on... any public documents? What kind of government secrets have come to light as a result of FOIA? We talk shop with Jason Leopold, a senior investigative reporter for Buzzfeed News.  CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Space is vast, and so is NASA's political landscape. The agency, often thought of as purely scientific, is deeply intertwined with government dynamics and funding battles. Discover how historical ties to military agencies shape its evolution and how public perceptions shift with political tides. Leadership changes signal a new focus on lunar exploration over Mars. Learn about proposals aimed at stabilizing its future while enhancing collaboration with educators and the public.

Mara Liasson, National Political Correspondent for NPR, shares her insights from covering three different presidential administrations. She discusses how the role of White House Press Secretary has evolved, particularly in its media interactions. The complexities of press briefings, including seating arrangements and question selections, are explored. Liasson also delves into the dual pressures faced by press secretaries and the delicate balance required to maintain credibility in a challenging environment.

Dive into the controversial world of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Discover its origins, shaped by post-9/11 policies. Unravel the complexities of deportation, where decisions often lack transparency and immigrants encounter systemic challenges. Challenge common myths linking undocumented immigrants to crime rates. Explore the political landscape that complicates immigration policy for lawmakers. This discussion reveals the tangled web of enforcement, public perception, and the realities faced by individuals.

Miranda Summers Lowe, a Military Curator at the Smithsonian and an active National Guard soldier, delves into the fascinating history and dual role of the National Guard. She explains its evolution from colonial militias to a vital force for both state and federal responses. Topics include the enlistment process, the unique training for recruits, and the challenges faced during emergencies like natural disasters. Lowe also shares insights into the relationship between state governors and the federal government, highlighting the National Guard's essential community role.

Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, dives deep into the intricacies of presidential transitions. He discusses the essential processes that ensure a smooth handover of power, highlighting the legal and emotional dimensions involved. Stier also shares anecdotes from past transitions and emphasizes the value of proactive planning and communication. Additionally, the conversation shifts to a more lighthearted tone, reflecting on the personal transition of podcast hosts, blending humor with insights on governance.