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A Bowdoin podcast on how government works is headed to Maine classrooms to boost civic learning
Bowdoin students and podcast hosts Natalie Emmerson and Larsen Van Horn whose "Pine State Politics: In Session" podcast will be turned into civics lessons for high schoolers. (Courtesy of Natalie Emmerson) In January 2024, Bowdoin freshman Natalie Emmerson collected signatures for U.S. Sen. Angus King's re-election campaign. Frequently, she was asked by voters, 'isn't he already on the ballot?' That's when she realized that by working on the campaign she was learning information about how elections and democracy work that most people didn't know. That lesson prompted Emmerson and classmate Larsen Van Horn one year later to create a podcast called 'Pine State Politics: In Session,' where they learn and educate listeners about basic civic processes, like how a bill becomes a law, the difference between state and federal government, the role of lobbyists and much more from some of the biggest names in Maine politics: former Congressman and U.S. Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen, current Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and King himself. 'A lot of young people want to get involved, but don't know how,' Emmerson said of the political process. 'That's exactly what the point of the podcast is. We're digging into the mechanics of how everything works.' Van Horn, who is from out of state, said the podcast is a way for her to learn more about how Maine's government and elections work, for instance, concepts like ranked-choice voting and clean elections funding. He said this is especially important because, like other college students, he is able to vote in Maine elections. Next year, the podcast could be played in high school classrooms across Maine as part of a newly offered curriculum that Emmerson and Van Horn are partnering with the Maine Department of Education to develop. For example, in the first episode, the hosts asked Bellows and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and University of Maine adjunct professor Peter Madigan which issues are handled locally and which are federal: Who do you call about a road that needs paving? Which office handles disability payments? That segment will help prompt classroom discussion questions, Emmerson said, such as 'What issues can your congressperson help you with? What is a district office and what do the people who work there do?' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'Some of these questions will require the student to look some information up for a complete answer,' she added. 'The conversation in the snippet will help point them in the right direction. That way students stay engaged and are required to ask questions and think critically about the systems they're learning about ' The department hopes the collaboration will make the democratic process more accessible and engaging for young people, particularly because it's a resource developed by other young people. 'They're a great example of youth voice in civic education, which is something we want to be promoting because … there is very low youth engagement nationwide in civic life,' said Beth Lambert, chief teaching and learning officer at the Maine Department of Education. The podcast breaks down complex government processes in a non-partisan, approachable manner, Lambert said, which was another reason the partnership appealed to the department. 'They're not diving into polarizing policy debates in these podcasts,' she said. 'It really emphasizes how democracy works and encourages understanding across the political divides, which is key in our classrooms.' The lesson plans, which will be available this fall, will allow high school teachers to use specific segments in civics, U.S. history, and current events classes. Since Maine allows local districts to control curriculum, teachers in each district will be able to decide whether to use the lesson plans. But the initiative reflects the department's broader commitment to promoting youth-driven learning experiences that encourage students to understand and actively participate in democratic processes. Next year, the department will be rolling out another learning opportunity for elementary students — interactive town halls. These day-long events, developed in partnership with the Secretary of State and local municipalities, will immerse young students in democratic processes such as town council meetings. Students will participate in various roles, such as reporters, candidates, and voters, learning about local government, the role of the media and policy through hands-on activities. These new initiatives are part of 'broader efforts to support interdisciplinary, inclusive and relevant learning experiences,' Lambert said, which are a department priority. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
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Who's speaking at Fancy Farm 2025? See the list of who will and won't be there
Fancy Farm and its zingers are almost here. Kentucky's annual political picnic is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 2, in Western Kentucky at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, with political speeches beginning at 2 p.m. Central/3 p.m. Eastern. While it isn't an election year in Kentucky, the political speaking portion is still expected to bring entertainment, with primary candidates allowed to speak ahead of the 2026 election. Here's what to know about who will — and won't — be there: Who is speaking at the 2025 Fancy Farm picnic? Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the 2025 picnic. All three high-profile Republican U.S. Senate candidates — Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron and Nate Morris — will give speeches. Steve Elder, Fancy Farm's political chairperson, previously said event organizers decided to invite primary candidates to speak because "the political landscape is constantly evolving, and we too must adapt to the times." Event organizers typically limit invited speakers to those holding state office or running in a general election. "Campaigns are launching earlier than in years past, and we want to ensure the picnic continues its tradition of strong participation from across the political spectrum in the Commonwealth," Elder said in a press release. More: Is Kentucky's Fancy Farm picnic still relevant in a changing political climate? Other speakers who have confirmed their attendance so far are: Republican state. Rep. Kim Holloway Republican state Sen. Jason Howell Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer Democratic candidate John "Drew" Williams, running for Kentucky's 1st Congressional District Republican state Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell Republican state Treasurer Mark Metcalf Who is not speaking at Fancy Farm 2025? Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman declined her invitation to speak. In a statement, spokesperson JT Henderson said while Coleman appreciated the invite, she believes "it should be reserved for candidates who are currently on the ballot so they can share their vision for the commonwealth with our neighbors in West Kentucky." Democratic state Rep. Pamela Stevenson, who is running for U.S. Senate, also declined to give a speech. Who hasn't confirmed or declined their Fancy Farm invitation? The following politicians have not yet responded to their invitations to speak at the event: Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear Republican state Auditor Allison Ball Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@ or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Fancy Farm 2025 speakers: See who will and won't be there
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
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Zeelanders will choose six finalists for City Council on Aug. 5
During the upcoming primary election Aug. 5, residents of Zeeland will narrow candidates for City Council from seven to six. Among the seven candidates, one — Glenn Kass — is an incumbent. Councilman Jim Broersma didn't file for re-election, and Councilman Richard Van Dorp III is running unopposed for mayor, since current Mayor Kevin Klynstra isn't seeking re-election himself. There are also six newcomers vying for seats: Andrew Bult, Kylee DeBoer, Ericka Humbert, Amy Langeland, Hillery McAlpine and Rebecca Perkins. Kass was first elected in 2007 and has been re-elected three times. Langeland is a member of the Zeeland Cemetery and Parks Commission, and Perkins serves on the Zeeland Planning Commission. More: Zeeland City Council approves key rezonings for Mead Johnson expansion, modernization The top six vote-getters will square off for three open seats in November. The Sentinel will issue a questionnaire to those candidates after Aug. 5. — Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@ Follow her on X formerly known as Twitter @cassideykava. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Guide: Zeelanders to choose finalists for City Council on Aug. 5 Solve the daily Crossword
