As students left school for summer break in the small town of Arena, Wisconsin, they were also leaving their school for the last time ever. In much of rural America, small districts are forced to close even after consolidating the schools with other local small towns. We find out what factors are contributing and where to go from there. We also take a look at how views on global warming have changed since the topic first appeared in newspapers as a hot button issue about 30 years ago, and we take a look at the top stories in Wisconsin news.
Featured in this Show
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State News Roundup – June 22, 2018
Businessman Andy Gronik dropped out of the race for governor on Wednesday, and Governor Walker’s former Secretary of Corrections endorsed one of his potential opponents. We get an update on the race. Also, former UW student Alec Cook was sentenced for multiple sexual assaults. Plus, a Tomahawk High School senior’s graduation speech was canceled by the school for being too divisive, but made it to local newspapers.
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What Happens When A Small Town Loses Its Only School?
It’s a situation that’s playing out all across rural America. In the wake of the Great Recession, small towns are finding themselves with fewer economic opportunities and aging populations. That’s having an impact on rural schools – often the lifeblood of the communities they serve. But what happens when those schools close? A reporter tells the story of Arena, Wisconsin, a community which just shuttered its one remaining school…and what that could mean for the town going forward.
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How The Public And Politicians Saw Climate Change 30 Years Ago
Thirty years ago, climate change became a national issue after the director of NASA’s Institute for Space Studies testified before Congress. We talk to a climate change expert about how people reacted then, and how we got to where we are today.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Dean Knetter Producer
- Chris Malina Producer
- Rachael Vasquez Producer
- Rob Mentzer Guest
- Julie Bosman Guest
- Riley Dunlap Guest
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