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Rape Kits Tested, Researchers Argue That Pluto Should Be A Planet Again, A Golden Age For Documentaries

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This June 28, 1989, file photo, shows Fred Rogers as he rehearses the opening of his PBS show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” during a taping in Pittsburgh. It’s been 50 years since Fred Rogers first appeared on our TVs, a gentle and avuncular man who warbled “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” The golden anniversary of America’s favorite neighbor’s appearance has been celebrated with a feature-length documentary. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

A backlog of nearly 4,000 rape kits have all been tested, according to Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel. We look at the significance of today’s announcement from the Department of Justice. Plus, Mister Rogers, triplets separated at birth and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have all been the stars of documentaries this summer. We talk to a movie critic about how documentaries are now more accessible and appealing than ever. And, researchers are arguing that Pluto should become a full planet again. We’ll find out why.

Featured in this Show

  • Schimel Says Testing Is Complete On Thousands Of Rape Kits

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    Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel says the Department of Justice has finished testing about 4,000 rape kits that had been sitting on police department and hospital shelves. We examine the scope of the project and how it may affect Schimel’s bid for re-election against Democrat Josh Kaul.

  • Researchers Argue That Pluto Should Be A Planet Again

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    Pluto has been a dwarf planet since 2006 when the International Astronomical Union downgraded it from full planet status. The IAU argued that Pluto did not meet the organization’s newly established criteria that designated planets. The move was controversial at the time, both in the astronomy field and among space fans. Now, the debate is being reignited by researchers who argue that the original reasoning behind the IAU’s decision wasn’t valid. We’ll speak with Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, about the controversy and Pluto’s place in astronomical history.

  • Are Documentaries Having A Moment?

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    Documentaries are no longer solely for the history buffs or those with the patience and interest to watch 2-hour long nature films. Netflix, Hulu and other networks have made it much easier for people all over to access documentaries without having to travel to a larger city where they are sometimes exclusively screened. We talk to a film reviewer about what we’re seeing in the documentary world now.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Natalie Guyette Producer
  • Laurel White Guest
  • Jim Lattis Guest
  • Nick Schager Guest

Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

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