Education as a political motivator, Veteran’s journey to forestry, Rare moss discovered in Wisconsin

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Maureen Hall, a supporter of recalling the entire Mequon-Thiensville School District School Board, waves at drivers
Maureen Hall, a supporter of recalling the entire Mequon-Thiensville School District School Board, waves at drivers outside Homestead High School Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, in Mequon, Wis. A loose network of conservative groups with ties to major Republican donors and party-aligned think tanks is quietly lending firepower to local activists engaged in the culture war fights in schools across the country. Morry Gash/AP Photo

Educational issues are attracting a lot of political attention and money lately. We talk about why classrooms became such a hot issue. We also hear the story of a Wisconsin soldier who turned to forestry to cope with PTSD. Plus, a biologist shares the excitement of discovering a rare moss in the northwoods.

Featured in this Show

  • Why education is becoming a bigger political issue in elections up and down the ballot

    Political watchers say education played a crucial role in Republican Glenn Youngkin’s upset win in the Virginia governor’s race, but a local school board recall election focused on similar issues failed in Wisconsin. We talk about why education is taking on a larger role in elections, and what it means for children’s education.

  • New moss to Wisconsin — and what you can find at UW-Green Bay's Fewless Herbarium

    A UW-Green Bay professional moss enthusiast happened upon a variety that’s never been documented before — at least by non-native academic standards. We learn about what this discovery means, and a bit about the massive plant sample museum our guest curates.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Rachael Vasquez Producer
  • Tim Peterson Producer
  • Rebecca Jacobsen Guest
  • Keir Wefferling Guest

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