Charting a New Path in the Child Care Crisis, SNAP Cuts and Food Affordability, Trump Gives a Greenlight to Big Chemical, Reading Builds Critical Thinking & JOY

DESCRIPTION: On the radio show this week, we dive into America's child care crisis—why costs are skyrocketing, educators are underpaid, and how states like New Mexico and New York are charting a better path. Next, we hear about SNAP cuts and food affordability, how rollbacks are hurting families and state budgets, and simple steps you can take to push Congress to restore benefits.

Then, we cover glyphosate and chemicals in our food, why a new Trump Executive Order to expand production alarms health and environmental advocates, and how pesticide overuse is harming biodiversity and communities. Finally, we discuss book bans, literacy, and how reading builds critical thinking, joy, and understanding across our differences.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Julie Kashen, The Century Foundation, @TCFdotorg, @tcfdotorg.bsky.social; Gina Plata-Nino, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), @fractweets, @fracposts.bsky.social; Brett Hartl, Center for Biological Diversity, @CenterForBioDiv, @biologicaldiversity.org; Jill Miller, Elementary School Librarian