Independence Day

Steve Coman of RES Pyro on how fireworks work. Stephen Burg of New America explains the need for more scholarships for poor students. Lisa Cook, Michigan State Univ, on how black people have been denied patents. Sam Payne of the Apple Seed shares a story. William Luther, Florida Atlantic Univ, explains the coin shortage. Phillip Goodrich, author of "Somersett," on what sparked the American Revolution.

Ragtime and Classical tunes for 8 hands played on two upright pianos.

Taya Kyle talks about the American Spirit.

Familes of America Around the World

Lisa and Richie chat about their holiday weekend.

We discuss a powerful clique that tranformed US government, years after the Revoultion, and then trace the tumultuous history of the 4th of July

Josh and Amy discuss the best Independence Day snacks.

In the market to purchase a new car?

Lloyd Handwerker, author of “Famous Nathan: A Family Saga of Coney Island, the American Dream, and the Search for the Perfect Hot Dog," on his grandfather fulfilling the American Dream.

Citizenship is required for voting in most countries and states. Is there value to this voting rights restriction? And can non-citizens still vote?

Active Citizenship in Our Communities In the first half, Stan A. Taylor speaks on "Accountable Citizenship." In the second half, Lawrence C. Walters speaks on "Citizenship."

Barbara Gruener explains how to teach kids about voting.

Division is nothing new in America, but this political divide feels different. Why are we so angry? How can we end this toxic polarization?

Lawrence C. Walters discuss what one can do to be an active citizen

Educator Mary Bigler talks about why she thinks humor in books for children is important. And, Amy Miner discusses the democratic literacies that children need to become good citizens in the community and the world.

Daniel Carpenter explains the power of petitions.

Can Teaching American History Be Truthful Without Stirring Controversy?

The Bipartisan Plan to Subvert the Electoral College

Why Force Voters to Choose?

Guest: Solomon Skolnick, Author, "The Great American Citizenship Quiz" In the past decade more than 6 million people have become naturalized citizens on the United Statesof America. To do so, they have to pass a citizenship quiz. Could you pass it? Do you know how many amendments there are to the US Constitution? Can you name one of the two longest rivers in the United States?  Can you name one of the writers of the “Federalist Papers”? Solomon Skolnick has recently published a new edition of “The Great American Citizenship Quiz,” which outlines all the questions and answers to the citizenship quiz. We reached out to him to ask him whether studying for this quiz really prepares people for US citizenship and whether most natural-born citizens have mastered this information.