Trust in the government has hit a near-historic low. But "government" includes local government as well, which would include sanitation workers, school nurses and your friendly neighborhood cop. In our second hour, listeners talk about what it's like to work in government and the affect the spike in skepticism has on their jobs.
Trust in the government has hit a near-historic low. But "government" includes local government as well, which would include sanitation workers, school nurses and your friendly neighborhood cop. In our second hour, listeners talk about what it's like to work in government and the affect the spike in skepticism has on their jobs.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
When a school board in Rhode Island fired all the teachers at a struggling school, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan applauded. The Obama administration plans drastic measures for chronic underperformers, from firing teachers and closing schools, to assigning top teachers to the worst-performing classrooms. But schools are being asked to implement these changes just as cash-strapped states nationwide are contemplating laying off teachers by the thousands. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan talks about the future of education, and takes your calls.
Do You Trust Your Government?
Ask people how they feel about their government and you're likely to get an earful. And criticism of public employees has only gotten worse as the economy's weakened. But remember, the government isn't limited to the talking heads on your television. It's also firefighters, bus-drivers, and meter maids. Today, we want to hear from government workers. What don't we understand about your job?
Joe (Palca) vs. The Volcano
The effects of the volcanic eruption in Iceland continue to ripple around the world. Large plumes of volcanic ash forced airlines to cancel flights, costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Travelers are stranded in airports from New York to London, and the enormous ash cloud also interrupted shipments of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products from Africa to Europe. NPR science correspondents Richard Harris and Joe Palca talk about the long- and short-term effects of the ongoing eruption, and how it may affect you.
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