Episode 264: Threats, Opportunities, and the Future of U.S. Elections
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Release Date: 10/01/2024
Episode 283: How Maps Decide Elections
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Political maps decide who has a voice in government, and who doesn’t. And right now, big legal battles in Texas and California are putting redistricting in the spotlight. Professor breaks down the difference between redistricting and gerrymandering, why unfair maps weaken voters’ voices, and what today’s gerrymandering fights mean for the future of American democracy. For more on this topic: Check out the book Latner co-authored, Read his SSN brief: Read the op-ed he co-wrote in the New York Daily News:
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Episode 282: The Unequal Costs of Climate Change
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
In the U.S., 2025 began with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, followed by hundreds of tornadoes across the central states, and has recently been marked by catastrophic flooding in Texas and across the South and Midwest. These escalating weather disasters aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a global pattern in which climate change is making disasters worse, with the most vulnerable communities often getting hit hardest. Professor explains how the history of colonialism and ongoing inequalities shape who suffers most from climate disasters, both in the U.S. and around the world....
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Episode 281: When the Safety Net Shrinks
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
On July 4, President Trump signed a sweeping new law that makes major changes to the social safety net—with serious consequences for families and children. Child and family policy expert Professor breaks down the Republican-backed legislation, which slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and other key supports that millions of families rely on. She examines how the law shifts resources away from low-income and younger Americans—especially children—and toward wealthier, older households. Morrissey discusses how these changes could make inequality worse and what it would actually mean to put kids at the...
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Episode 280: Is the Drop in Gun Violence at Risk?
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Gun violence is down, but you wouldn’t know it from the headlines. This progress didn’t happen by accident—it’s at least partially the result of smart, targeted strategies that address the root causes of violence. Professor explains what’s working, drawing lessons from Camden’s dramatic shift from “murder capital” to record-low homicide rates, and what we stand to lose as federal support for violence prevention is being rolled back. For more on this topic: Read Semenza’s op-ed in Check out a research paper he co-authored:
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Episode 279: Clearing Up Vaccine Confusion
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the entire federal vaccine advisory committee and installed new members, it raised alarms across the public health world. At the same time, measles is making a comeback as more Americans are hesitant about getting vaccines. Professor explains how we got here and what it will take to rebuild public trust. Drawing on her work in community-based health outreach, she shares why clear, consistent communication is critical for vaccine education and how local leaders and trusted messengers can help cut through the noise. For...
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Episode 278: How Taxes Can Save Lives
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Congress is in the middle of a high-stakes budget debate that includes fighting over tax policy and funding for many vital public programs. But what’s often missing from that budget debate is a focus on the people these decisions affect, especially kids. explains how tax policy choices made on Capitol Hill directly affect health and well-being, and why taxes can be a powerful tool to improve health outcomes for everyone. Drawing from her experience as a pediatrician, Professor Junior challenges us to see policy choices through the eyes of a doctor by putting people’s well-being first. For...
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Episode 277: Consumer Protection Under Fire
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Under the Trump administration, major changes at key consumer protection agencies, including widespread staff cuts and rule rollbacks, are raising concerns about the future of efforts to curb unfair or deceptive financial practices. Professor Terri Friedline explains what’s been happening at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, why it matters, and how these shifts impact the people who can least afford to be left unprotected. And she draws on her research to highlight how the financial system has left many behind, despite the promises of new financial technologies. For more...
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Episode 276: The Fight Over Medicaid
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
As Republican lawmakers push for major budget cuts, Medicaid is in the crosshairs. Professor Nicole Huberfeld breaks down why Medicaid matters to millions of Americans and what makes proposed changes—like work requirements and block grants—so complex and potentially harmful. She moves beyond policy details to explore the real-world impact: how budget cuts could hit the most vulnerable, put pressure on hospitals, and widen healthcare disparities between states. For more on this topic: Read Huberfeld’s piece about the challenges of trimming Medicaid in , co-authored...
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Episode 275: Higher Ed on the Frontlines
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
Higher education is under fire—from attacks on DEI to threats against research funding, political pressure is mounting fast. While headlines often focus on elite and Ivy League schools, Professor reminds us that regional public universities and rural institutions are also in the crosshairs. These essential but often-overlooked institutions serve diverse student bodies, support regional infrastructure, and anchor local communities. Orphan traces the roots of today’s political backlash and makes the case that if colleges want to keep serving the public good, they’ll need to get organized...
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Episode 274: What’s Happening With Social Security
Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon
As the Social Security Administration faces a wave of staffing cuts and administrative shakeups, what’s at stake for the millions who depend on it? Brookings Institution economist Dr. Gopi Shah Goda discusses what these behind-the-scenes changes mean—and why some of the loudest political talking points about fraud and inefficiency don’t hold up. She also explores what is needed to keep the program strong amid looming financial shortfalls. For more on this topic: Read Goda’s commentary about expanding Medicare’s in-home care coverage at the .
info_outlineWith the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, Professor Paul Gronke joins us for a conversation about the U.S. voting system. He shares insights into the challenges of election security, the increasing harassment faced by officials on the front lines, and how the "Stop the Steal" movement has shaken public trust. Can the current voting system handle threats to the election? And what reforms are needed to rebuild trust in our elections? Professor Gronke dives into these complexities and discusses what’s at stake for democracy in 2024.
For more on this topic:
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Visit the Elections & Voting Information Center for nonpartisan research on election administration.
- Check out Gronke’s opinion piece about the benefits of ranked choice voting in The Oregonian.