Unsafe lead exposure in public schools | April 29, 2025

Summary

In this CNN 10 broadcast, Ky Wire covers a range of important stories for April 29th. The show highlights a lead contamination crisis in Milwaukee schools, affecting students' health due to lead exposure from older buildings. It also reports on an NFL draft prank call involving Shador Sanders and his family, and a spotlight on Beyoncé's Grammy achievements. Additionally, a heartwarming story features the support a community showed for a retired pygmy goat named Sesame. Ky wraps up with shout-outs to schools and a call to engage in a vocabulary challenge for the next show.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hazardous lead contamination has been discovered in multiple school buildings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, raising serious health concerns for students.
• 😀 Lead exposure is known to cause cognitive, behavioral, and hearing issues, especially in children, and no level of exposure is considered safe.
• 😀 Milwaukee public schools are addressing the crisis by closing affected schools for deep cleaning and renovations to remove lead hazards.
• 😀 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is unable to support Milwaukee's lead exposure efforts due to a loss of their lead program, leaving the city to handle the crisis alone.
• 😀 The Milwaukee Health Department is working with other partners to conduct lead screenings and ensure students' safety, despite limited federal support.
• 😀 A prank phone call targeted NFL draft prospect Shador Sanders, causing embarrassment but ultimately not affecting his career, as he was later selected by the Cleveland Browns.
• 😀 The prank call came from Jax Ulrich, son of the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator, and has sparked an NFL investigation into similar incidents.
• 😀 Beyonce, with 35 Grammy Awards, remains the most decorated artist in Grammy history, as she kicks off her Cowboy Carter tour with a sneak peek on Instagram.
• 😀 Tina Knowles, Beyonce and Solange's mother, opens up about her experience raising two superstar daughters and reflects on her involvement in their music careers.
• 😀 Tina Knowles reveals how she helped maintain a strong relationship between Beyonce and Solange, including taking them to therapy to address issues in their sibling dynamic.
• 😀 A heartwarming community story features a 13-year-old pygmy goat, Sesame, who was allowed to retire with his family in a Virginia neighborhood, overcoming initial resistance from local residents.

Q & A

What hazardous issue is being addressed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Milwaukee is addressing a lead exposure crisis in several of its school buildings, where hazardous levels of lead contamination from lead dust and lead paint have been found. This is especially concerning as lead exposure can cause severe health problems, particularly in children.

What are some of the health risks associated with lead exposure in children?

Lead exposure in children can affect multiple organs and nerves, potentially leading to impaired cognition, behavioral disorders, and hearing problems. No level of lead exposure is considered safe.

How did Milwaukee's public schools initially detect the lead exposure?

In February, Milwaukee Public Schools conducted blood tests for some students, which revealed high levels of lead in several of them. This prompted the investigation into the source of the lead exposure.

What actions has the Milwaukee school district taken in response to the lead exposure crisis?

The district has closed several schools for deep cleaning and renovations to remove lead. As of now, nine schools have been closed, and five have reopened after resolving lead issues. The remaining four schools will stay closed.

Why did Milwaukee contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

Milwaukee reached out to the CDC for guidance and support in addressing the lead exposure crisis. They requested assistance with lead screening for families and to help set up clinics for blood testing.

What was the CDC's response to Milwaukee's request for help?

The CDC informed Milwaukee that due to budget cuts and the loss of their lead program, they would be unable to assist. This loss of federal support left the local health department to handle the situation on its own.

How is Milwaukee moving forward without the CDC's help?

Milwaukee is working with other partners to manage the lead exposure crisis. They are also exploring the possibility of hiring former CDC experts once their administrative leave ends in June.

What unfortunate event involved NFL prospect Shador Sanders during the NFL draft?

Shador Sanders, a top NFL prospect and the son of NFL legend Dion Sanders, was pranked by a college student who pretended to be a New Orleans Saints general manager during the draft. The prank caused an emotional moment for Sanders and his family.

How did the college student involved in the prank respond?

The college student, Jax Ulrich, who made the prank call, issued a formal apology to Sanders, acknowledging that his actions were a mistake and expressing regret for his behavior.

What record does Beyoncé hold in the music industry?

Beyoncé holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by any artist, with a total of 35 Grammy Awards.

What unique contribution did Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, make to Destiny's Child and Beyoncé's career?

Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, played a pivotal role in styling and sewing outfits for Destiny's Child. She also helped foster a close relationship between Beyoncé and Solange, using therapy to support their bond, which had been strained during their childhood.

What story exemplifies community support in the script?

The story of Sesame, the 13-year-old pygmy goat, illustrates community support. When some neighbors and local council members opposed Sesame's move to a new neighborhood, the community rallied behind the goat, writing letters and making signs in support of his retirement with his family.