Between soaring gas prices and an unpopular war in Iran, President Trump’s actions are shaping the electorate’s view of the upcoming elections. But it’s his unprecedented use of executive power that has defined his presidency and which political historians believe is shaping the future. Ahead of a scholarly discussion at Jacksonville University about potential midterm outcomes and what they signify from a political, policy and legal perspective, we discuss what variables — from voter enthusiasm to gerrymandering — will determine whether the most powerful executive in U.S. history could face a possible political corrective in the House or Senate.
Guests:
- Matthew Corrigan, professor of political science, Jacksonville University
- Courtney Barclay, associate dean of academic and faculty affairs and professor of communication and law, Jacksonville University
Ten years of Team Terrapin
It’s been 10 years since Jacksonville University’s “Team Terrapin” began working to protect North Florida’s diamondback terrapin. The species faces a range of threats including natural predation, but also man-made dangers like habitat loss, road kills and crab traps. Raising funds for these reptiles was the highlight of a recent event at Bold City Brewery, which welcomed the community to meet conservation groups as well as the turtles their dollars are supporting. We ask two team members about the importance of protecting this native species and how the community showed up to support the group’s mission.
Guests:
- Tabitha Hootman, project lead for Turtle Survival Alliance’s Team Terrapin
- Shannon McNeil, Jacksonville University graduate student and Team Terrapin volunteer
Church centennial
A historic church in the heart of Riverside Avondale celebrates its centennial. We discuss the role that community and diversity have played over the past 100 years at Trinity Lutheran Church on McDuff Avenue in Jacksonville, as well as the signature outreach efforts that define its current mission, including its food pantry ministry, which is open 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 to noon Fridays.
Guests:
- The Rev. Carol S. Gates, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church
- Madeline Kuebler, lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church
- Dwane Tyson, lay parish minister at Trinity Lutheran Church
Topics and guests subject to change.