Election referenda, Gun death data, Passenger pigeon research

Air Date:
Heard On Wisconsin Today

Wisconsin schools are asking residents for billions in referendum spending this year. We look into why referenda are so common. We also learn about a new study on gun deaths in Wisconsin. Plus, researchers talk about their work to map the historic nesting sites of the extinct passenger pigeon.

  • Almost half of Wisconsin school districts pose funding referenda this year

    Almost half of all Wisconsin school districts will have asked referendum questions to district residents this year, with schools asking for a total of nearly $6 billion additional dollars this year to fund local schools. A reporter for WPR gives details and a professor studying education policy weighs in.

  • Some Wisconsin voters wish climate change was a top issue this campaign season

    Climate change hasn’t been a major issue in the presidential campaign. We hear from some Wisconsinites who wish it would be.

  • Firearm deaths continue to rise in Wisconsin

    A new study finds that 830 Wisconsinites died from firearms in 2022, continuing an upward trend. We discuss what’s being done to bring down the numbers of suicide and homicide deaths.

  • With plan to revive extinct passenger pigeons, researchers are testing Wisconsin trees

    Two researchers talk with us about their work to map the historic nesting and roosting sites of the extinct passenger pigeon. It’s part of a project to understand the bird’s ecological role and potentially revive the species.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Corri Hess Guest
  • Nick Matuszewski Guest
  • Steve Apfelbaum Guest
  • Trevor Hook Producer
  • Royce Podeszwa Producer
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Tyler Ditter Technical Director