Week In Washington, Why Bananas Are In Danger, First Amendment Free Food Festival

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Scientists are racing to save one common household fruit– the banana– from the grips of disease and time is ticking. We hear from a reporter about how efforts to scientifically alter the fruit are being met with pushback against genetically modified organisms. We also talk about the top stories in national news. And we hear about a unique type of food festival in the Eau Claire area.

Featured in this Show

  • This Week In Washington – October 24, 2018

    Thousands of asylum-seeking migrants from Central America are making their way to the United States border, setting off another political firestorm over immigration. Elsewhere, tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia continue to grow over the shifting story of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. We get the latest on these stories, and more, in our weekly round-up of national political news.

  • What Would Life Be Like Without The First Amendment?

    What if Congress could promote one religion over another, restrict one’s ability to speak freely or forbid citizens from assembling peaceably? Students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are getting a little taste of life without First Amendment protections. We discuss a special event taking place on the campus and why it’s important for people ot understand their First Amendment rights.

  • The Race To Save The Banana From Extinction

    A disease is threatening to wipe out the world’s most popular banana – the variety that represents 99 percent of all bananas sold in the United States. We’ll look at efforts to scientifically alter the Cavendish before it’s too late, including the challenge of overcoming opposition to genetically modified organisms.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Chris Malina Producer
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • Ginger Gibson Guest
  • Taylor Pomasl Guest
  • Matt Reynolds Guest

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