Avian influenza, Teacher performance pay, Robotic hunting decoys

First, we look at the rise in avian influenza and what it means for poultry farmers and the public. Then, we learn about why Wisconsin schools have largely phased out performance-based pay for teachers. And we meet a Mosinee business owner who designs and builds taxidermy animal decoys.

Featured in this Episode

A rise in bird flu

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As more flocks in Wisconsin are catching avian influenza, we talk to the state veterinarian about risks to the public. We also hear from a local hatchery owner about how the flu is affecting the poultry industry.
Need for speech therapy growing

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Wisconsin schools are seeing a greater need for speech therapists for the state’s youngest children. Educators believe this could be due in part to excessive screen time by kids and their caregivers. WPR’s Corrinne Hess brings us the story.
Wisconsin school districts largely reject performance-based teacher pay

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Wisconsin school districts have largely turned away from performance-based pay for teachers, according to a new study. The practice also failed in Colorado after teachers went on strike in 2019. A researcher and the head of a Denver teacher association talk about challenges to performance pay.
Wisconsin Life: The tracks we leave

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Forestry offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and evolving landscape of Wisconsin. Writer Ron Weber, a forester himself, reflects on the tracks we leave in the woods, and what that can teach us about wildlife restoration and the legacy of conservation work.
Mosinee man engineers taxidermy robot animals

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Custom Robotic Wildlife in Mosinee uses technology like remote control car parts to animate realistic-looking taxidermy animal decoys that wildlife enforcement officers around the county use to catch poachers in the act. We talk with the man behind the operation. Original air date: Aug. 20, 2025