Testing for Public School Students, the Power of Public Records and Wombat Wrongdoings

Today on Spanning the State, based on yesterday’s conversation over the lack of debate between Department of Instruction candidates Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser, Kristin Brey and Brian Noonan found on further research that the candidates had a 90-minute zoom forum hosted by the Wisconsin Public Education Network the NAACP Wisconsin State Council of Branches, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed. Kristin and Brian discuss what was said during the forum, major talking points they missed and their thoughts on school testing. Then Ashley Luthern of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins Kristin and Brian to discuss open records and the Sunshine Week. Sunshine week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. Luthern further explains the importance of this week, the sunshine fest held in Washington D.C. happening this week and how common citizens are not utilizing the benefits of open records and how to access them. Later Kristin and Brian discuss a viral video of an American influencer and wildlife biologist from Montana is setting the internet a blaze after they were filmed snatching a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. The incident has resulted in an investigation by immigration authorities and a mass petition calling for her deportation.