State school superintendent primary race, Rebuilding Syria, The humble but majestic gull

Air Date:
Heard On Wisconsin Today
A farmer works his land next to building damaged by government forces against rebel groups, in Eastern Ghouta, outskirts of Damascus, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (Omara Sanadiki/AP Photo)

We learn about the candidates for the state superintendent of public instruction. Then, we learn about efforts to rebuild Syria. Then, a story from Wisconsin Life. Then, we learn about the overlooked — but fascinating — gull species. 

Featured in this Episode

  • Previewing the state schools superintendent primary

    The only statewide primary election on the ballot next week is for the Wisconsin superintendent of schools. We talk to WPR’s education reporter about the candidates in the running and the biggest education issues up for dispute.

  • Working to rebuild Syria 

    In 2021, when Wisconsin based humanitarian and Syrian refugee Mahmoud Shayyah started his masters degree in rebuilding nations after war, he never thought he could apply it to his home country. But three years later, the Asad regime fell and now Shayyah shares his story.

  • Wisconsin Life

    We hear the story of Eric Bestul of Iola, who experimental Viking music under the name Skogtroll.

  • The world of gulls

    There are about 50 species of gulls that live all over the world and live complex social lives, but many birders don’t give them much respect. Amar Ayyesh is aims to change that. We talk with him about his new book, “The Gull Guide: North America.”

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Corrinne Hess Guest
  • Mahmoud Shayyah Guest
  • Amar Ayyash Guest
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Mackenzie Krumme Producer
  • Joe Tarr Producer
  • Tyler Ditter Technical Director
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Dean Knetter Executive Producer
  • Tim Peterson Managing Producer

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