KSMQ ADDRESSES LOCAL ISSUES ON THEIR WEEKLY PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM,...

What does it mean to be a fully engaged citizen in our region? KSMQ, serving Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, strives to answer that question on their weekly local series, The Heart of the Matter. Every week, host Stephanie Passingham examines local issues critical to the lives of the local community—politics, the economy, cost of living, business trends, jobs, community vitality—and breaks them down to a personal, understandable level. Stephanie speaks with local experts, leaders and advocates—people making a difference in their region. The goal of the program is to support dialogue and understanding, help communities work together, and encourage individuals to become fully connected with the people and institutions around them. The Heart of the Matter—it's about “who we are, where we want to go and how we can get there.”

One recent episode of The Heart of the Matter asks the question "Is there such a thing as too much school?" It takes a close look at the new year-round school calendar that is being implemented in some districts. It also discusses the importance of early childhood education, and the argument that adults are putting too much pressure, too soon, on our children.

For more information about The Heart of the Matter, visit the website here.

Watch a recent episode of The Heart of the Matter here.