The Loyal Opposition, April 30, VSCC Culture Crawl, Author Ren Brabenec

Title: The Loyal Opposition: Education Funding, Wetlands Policy, and the Beauty of National Parks. In this episode of The Loyal Opposition Show, host Len Assante, alongside guest host Carolina Kelly, discusses several pressing issues and upcoming local events.

Summary: This week’s show begins with a critique of Tennessee's low ranking in K-12 student spending, teacher pay, and reliance on federal funding. Len argues that the state's legislative focus on private school vouchers and DEI dismantling is detrimental to the education system. The conversation progresses to indictments of a former

Tennessee representative linked to corruption and the legislature's recent anti-DEI policies.

Carolina then interviews Professor Allen Babiarz-Lira about Vol State's upcoming Fusion Culture Crawl event, featuring student art, music, and performances.

The show transitions to an engaging discussion with returning guest, journalist, and author Ren Brabenec, who delves into the significance of national parks and his newly co-authored book, Wilderness and Wonder: An Illustrated Guide to the National Parks.

Ren also discusses the environmental and administrative impacts of recent policy changes at both federal and state levels, particularly concerning wetlands and the national park system's staffing and funding challenges. The show concludes with announcements of upcoming events. Ren’s book is here.