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The Best of Our Knowledge

The Best Of Our Knowledge

The Best of Our Knowledge #1715: A Prolific Toy Inventor and the Borscht Belt

By Lucas Willard,

Ian Pickus, Jody Cowan

Published August 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM EDT

On this episode of The Best of Our Knowledge: A new museum explores the comedic history of the Borscht Belt in New York’s Catskill Mountains. A 101-year-old toy inventor will share stories about his ideas over a long career. And a recently-closed liberal arts college will welcome a new kind of class this fall.

The Best Of Our Knowledge

Lucas Willard

Lucas Willard is a news reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011. He produces and hosts The Best of Our Knowledge and WAMC Listening Party.

See stories by Lucas Willard

Ian Pickus

News Director, ipick@wamc.org

See stories by Ian Pickus

Jody Cowan

One of the newest additions to the WAMC team, Jody Cowan has a naturally curious approach to media production and strong passion for story telling. Jody's work is currently showcased on the shows 51% and The Best of Our Knowledge.

See stories by Jody Cowan

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The Best of Our Knowledge #1714: One Year of Webb and Regulating AI in Politics

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On this week's Best of Our Knowledge: The James Webb Space Telescope has been sending detailed glimpses of the universe to Earth for a year now, plus more.
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The Best of Our Knowledge #1713: Studying Change and Stepping Up to Protect Adirondack Lakes

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On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll set sail! A Vermont teacher is on a mission to study climate change at New York’s Adirondack Park and a new app is informing Lake George property owners on what they can do to protect water quality.
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The Best of Our Knowledge #1712: The Supreme Court and Education Policy

Lucas Willard, Jody Cowan

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued decisions affecting student borrowers and admissions policies at colleges and universities. On this episode of the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll discuss with experts the decisions that struck down President Biden’s student debt cancellation program and made it unlawful for colleges and universities to consider race as a factor in admissions.