Podcasts about wpr

THE ALIENS have landed with a thud. Although some have praised the new Steven Spielberg film Disclosure Day, many reviewers are less than overwhelmed. We haven't seen the film, but the Takeaway from those who have is that this film would have been much better received during the height of the popularity of The X-Files. Instead, this film feels like it's 30 years out of date. Speaking of aliens, we discuss the growing unrest in the United Kingdom after several recent knife attack attacks captured on video. Each one featured a recent arrival in the UK causing serious bodily harm to a person of European ancestry. Citizens of the UK are now protesting and demanding accountability from the political class who forced these new arrivals on their constituents without their consent. These are the days prophesied by Jesus who told us of a time when nation (Greek ethnos) would rise against nation. Also: Our thanks to those who have donated to help support Whispering Ponies Ranch, which benefits children in the foster care system at no cost to the partner ministries who use the facilities at WPR. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbertTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! f you are so led, you can help out at www.GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! JOIN US IN ISRAEL (NOTE NEW DATES)! We will tour the Holy Land October 11–23, 2026 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.

Wisconsin Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin speak to WPR about their views on the Iran war more than 100 days in. Plus, an astrophotographer helps us explore the depths of space.

In early May 2026, transport vans rolled out of Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, carrying beagles toward new lives—grass under their paws, sunlight on their faces, and homes instead of stacked wire cages. Nearly 1,500 beagles were purchased by rescue organizations like Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Beagle Freedom Project after years of documented suffering at one of the nation's largest commercial beagle breeders for biomedical research. This outcome marks a rare, tangible win for animal advocates. But it came only after daring direct-action raids, mass protests met with tear gas and rubber bullets, a special prosecutor's investigation, and persistent legal pressure. Even now, roughly 500 dogs may remain behind as Ridglan winds down its commercial breeding operations by July 1, 2026. The Ridglan story is not just about one facility. It exposes deep, systemic failures in U.S. law that leave millions of animals in laboratories with minimal protections—and even those “covered” by federal rules often receive little meaningful relief. The Raids That Forced Change On March 15, 2026, activists from groups linked to the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs breached fences and buildings at Ridglan Farms. They removed around 22–30 beagles. Some were successfully rehomed; others were recovered by police. However, an estimated 2000 beagles remained in captivity, potentially subject to additional horrific experimentation. Our guest, Dean Guzman Wyrzykowski, was one of these activists. A second, larger action on April 18 drew roughly 1,000 protesters to rescue the remaining beagles. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. No additional dogs could be rescued that day. Dozens of protesters were arrested, including our guest on The Breggin Hour, Dean Guzman Wyrzykowski, a San Francisco Bay Area-based animal rights activist and political organizer. He is co-founder of The Simple Heart Initiative—a nonprofit dedicated to advancing species equality through open rescue, impact litigation, undercover investigations, and activist training. With over eight years in nonprofit advocacy, Dean has recruited and trained hundreds of activists and is one of the lead organizers of the Ridglan campaign. He now faces serious felony burglary charges—potentially up to 12 years in prison—along with several co-defendants for the first March 15, 2026, rescue effort. Further charges may be pending. As a top priority, we urge that the charges be reduced or dropped to reflect the vastly important ethical basis of the actions of these animal advocates. How to Help Dean Dean reports that the best way to assist him with legal costs is to become a paid subscriber to his Substack at Urbananimal.substack.com. To support ending the breeding of dogs for lab testing, go to Save the Dogs, make a donation, and join over 111,581 others who have already signed the petition to end breeding of dogs for laboratory use. These weren't the first efforts to expose and stop the abuses of these dogs. Ridglan had faced scrutiny for years, including earlier investigations. The raids amplified public outrage and accelerated negotiations between rescuers and Ridglan Farms. In late April, rescue groups announced they had reached a deal to acquire ~1,500 dogs. Transports began in early May, with many “frosted face” seniors (older dogs with graying muzzles) now adjusting to life outside the facility—initially flinching at touch but quickly learning to wag tails and play. Decades of Alleged Cruelty at Ridglan — and Why It Is Winding Down Ridglan Farms operated for decades as a major supplier of beagles for testing. Former employees and state inspections described windowless warehouses, stacked cages over waste pits, high ammonia levels, rusted wires causing injuries, and routine surgeries (including eye procedures and devocalizations) performed without anesthesia or proper pain relief—sometimes by non-veterinarians. In 2025, Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) cited Ridglan for hundreds of violations. A judge found probable cause for animal cruelty. Special Prosecutor Tim Gruenke was appointed to investigate. Rather than face criminal charges, Ridglan chose to wind down. In a negotiated settlement in late 2025, the company agreed to surrender its Wisconsin commercial dog-breeding license by July 1, 2026. This effectively ends its large-scale commercial breeding and sales of beagles to external laboratories. In exchange, the state dropped the threat of felony animal cruelty prosecutions. This agreement was driven by years of accumulated citations, whistleblower testimony, undercover investigations, and intense public and activist pressure. While Ridglan can still conduct limited on-site research under its federal USDA licenses, its days as a major commercial beagle supplier are over. Parallels with Envigo and Other Scandals Ridglan is far from isolated. In 2022, a major scandal erupted at Envigo's breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia. PETA's undercover investigation revealed severe neglect: inadequate food, veterinary care, housing, and staffing; dead puppies were left among litters; and unqualified staff performed invasive procedures. The U.S. Department of Justice intervened, leading to the rescue of over 4,000 beagles—the largest such seizure in U.S. history. Envigo (and its parent company Inotiv) later pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act, agreeing to pay a record $35 million+ in fines and shutting down the breeding operation. From the Beagles to the Breggins, Senator Bill Stanley Sought Justice for the Underdog At a state level, key Virginia state legislators were involved in advocating for stronger animal welfare regulations in response to documented Animal Welfare Act violations, poor conditions, and high puppy mortality in the facility. Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Franklin County) was a leading champion at the state level. He visited the facility multiple times, co-sponsored several “Beagle Bills” in 2022 (e.g., SB 87, SB 88, SB 90, SB 604) to increase oversight, close loopholes for research animals, require adoption offers before euthanasia, and penalize repeat violators. He adopted two Envigo beagles (Daisy and Dixie) and worked on adoptions/rescues. We are especially happy to acknowledge Sen. Stanley's contributions because, among several attorneys we contacted to defend us against Robert Malone's lawfare defamation suit against us for $25 million, Bill was the first attorney willing to seriously pursue our case, which ended in the presiding judge throwing Malone's case out of court. From the beagles to the Breggins, Senator Stanley has sought justice for the underdog. The Sand Fly Experiments and High-Profile Scandals Public outrage over government-funded beagle suffering peaked in the early 2020s with revelations about NIH-funded experiments under Dr. Anthony Fauci's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). One widely criticized study involved beagle puppies in Tunisia exposed to sand flies carrying parasites (to study leishmaniasis). Reports described dogs having their heads locked in mesh cages filled with infected sand flies, being used as live bait in desert cages overnight, and in some cases undergoing cordectomies (vocal cord removal) to silence barking. The experiments sparked bipartisan congressional criticism and intense media coverage. The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) and partners filed habeas corpus petitions seeking court recognition of the Ridglan dogs' right to freedom from cruelty and immediate remedies. While initial petitions faced dismissal, appeals continue for the remaining animals. Why U.S. Law Fails Experimental Animals The core federal statute is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) of 1966 (and its amendments), enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). It sets minimum standards for housing, feeding, veterinary care, and handling of certain animals. Critical Limitations Include: Massive Species Exclusions: Rats, mice, and birds bred for research—accounting for roughly 95% of lab animals—are explicitly excluded. Cold-blooded animals and others also fall outside coverage. Weak Standards for Covered Species: Even for dogs, cats, primates, etc., the AWA permits painful procedures if deemed “scientifically necessary.” There is no outright ban on specific types of experiments. Self-Regulation via IACUCs: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees—dominated by researchers at the institutions they oversee—review protocols. Approval rates hover near 98%, with limited external oversight. Enforcement Gaps: Under-resourced inspections, reliance on self-reporting, and modest penalties limit impact. Ridglan itself had passed many USDA inspections despite state-level findings of serious issues. Property Status: Animals remain legal property. Novel habeas efforts like the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) challenge this but face significant judicial hurdles, as courts have historically rejected animal “personhood” claims. For those of us who learned in childhood about unconditional love from our dogs, they are not only of equal value to people, but they seem on a higher spiritual level in the love they have given to us. Other frameworks, such as the Public Health Service Policy, apply only to federally funded research and offer even less robust enforcement. The 2022 FDA Modernization Act opened doors to non-animal alternatives, but broader statutory mandates for the “3Rs” (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) remain limited. Reform efforts often stall due to powerful research lobbies, congressional agriculture committees' oversight, and public support for medical research that can overshadow welfare concerns. Broader Context and the Path Forward Ridglan and Envigo show that systemic problems persist despite occasional rescues and fines. Millions of animals continue to be used annually in U.S. labs, yet positive developments exist: growing adoption of alternatives (organ-on-chip, AI modeling, human cell cultures), increased rehoming programs, and shifting public opinion favoring stronger protections. The Ridglan victory shows that sustained pressure—investigations, lawsuits, public protest, and direct rescue—can force change where law falls short. Yet relying on activists risking felony charges is not sustainable. Meaningful reform requires: Expanding Animal Welfare Act coverage to all vertebrates. Stronger, independent oversight and enforcement with real penalties. Mandatory consideration and funding for non-animal methods. Judicial tools (like effective habeas relief) to address cruelty in licensed facilities promptly. A Call to Readers The beagles now tasting freedom represent hope—but hundreds may still face uncertainty, and systemic issues persist for countless others. Share their stories. Support reputable rescues and organizations like The Simple Heart Initiative, the Nonhuman Rights Project, Beagle Freedom Project, and others working on legal and legislative fronts. Contact your representatives and demand real modernization of the Animal Welfare Act. Persistence works. Now we must translate outrage into lasting legal change—so no more facilities like this exist in the first place. What are your thoughts on balancing research needs with animal welfare? Have you followed the Ridglan story, the Envigo case, Dean's work, or the earlier sand fly scandals? Drop a comment or share this post. References / Endnotes Wisconsin Examiner / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage of Ridglan rescues and settlement (2026). Nonhuman Rights Project – Ridglan Beagles case page. U.S. Department of Justice – Envigo sentencing and $35M+ resolution (2024). Bipartisan congressional letters on NIAID/Tunisia sand fly experiments (2021). Dean Guzman Wyrzykowski / The Simple Heart Initiative statements (2026). USDA Animal Welfare Act overview and limitations. Additional reporting from WPR, Right to Rescue, and related investigations.   ______   Learn more about Dr. Peter Breggin's work: https://breggin.com/   See more from Dr. Breggin's long history of being a reformer in psychiatry: https://breggin.com/Psychiatry-as-an-Instrument-of-Social-and-Political-Control   Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal, the how-to manual @ https://breggin.com/a-guide-for-prescribers-therapists-patients-and-their-families/   Get a copy of Dr. Breggin's latest book: WHO ARE THE “THEY” - THESE GLOBAL PREDATORS? WHAT ARE THEIR MOTIVES AND THEIR PLANS FOR US? HOW CAN WE DEFEND AGAINST THEM? Covid-19 and the Global Predators: We are the Prey Get a copy: https://www.wearetheprey.com/   “No other book so comprehensively covers the details of COVID-19 criminal conduct as well as its origins in a network of global predators seeking wealth and power at the expense of human freedom and prosperity, under cover of false public health policies.”   ~ Robert F Kennedy, Jr Author of #1 bestseller The Real Anthony Fauci and Founder, Chairman and Chief Legal Counsel for Children's Health Defense.

We have songs for Memorial Day, a few previews of the Blue Ox Music Festival & a bike trip with Steve along the Mississippi River. Tune into your local WPR […]

On this extended episode of WPR, we look at the Sam Allberry controversy, new thinking on SSRIs and whether Christians are happier than non-Christians, whether pay day lenders are predatory, the statement that America is a “credal nation,” and the redistricting fights in the US. Thanks to Stephen Curto and Cody Pogue for joining us!

Harley-Davidson notified an undisclosed number of workers that it would reduce its global workforce, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. A company spokesperson confirmed the layoffs but did not specify the number of impacted workers or where they work. WPR cited the sub-district director of the United Steelworkers District 7, who stated that none of the union's 500-plus members at Harley-Davidson facilities in Milwaukee or Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will be affected by the job cuts.The motorcycle manufacturer recently reported a 26% drop in profits from 2024 and an operating loss of $29 million in 2025. It added that new or increased tariffs cost the company $67 million in 2025 and posted a fourth-quarter gross profit loss of $30 million, compared to a $3 million loss in the same period in 2024, which it partially attributed to rising tariff costs. The company estimates that tariffs will cost it between $75 million and $105 million in 2026. #HarleyDavidson #Layoffs #Manufacturing #Tariffs #BusinessNews #Motorcycles #Economy #Workforce #JobCuts #IndustryNews #SupplyChain #MadeInUSA #USManufacturing #EconomicOutlook #CorporateStrategy #Restructuring #ProfitLoss #FactoryJobs #MarketTrends #GlobalBusiness #AutomotiveIndustry #FinanceNews #Leadership #CEO #IndustrialNews

Federal fundraising figures show Wisconsin's Democratic Party vastly out raised their Republican counterparts last month.  Gov. Tony Evers has proposed a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering. Some experts say this proposal could stand a chance.  And, hear the second of WPR's two profiles of Wisconsin's state Supreme Court candidates - this one a look at liberal Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor.

A Wisconsin family is calling for a woman's release from ICE after she was taken into custody last week.Cesar Chavez Day events planned for later this month in Wisconsin are being canceled following a New York Times investigation. And, a preview of Inside Wisconsin Politics, the new show from WPR and PBS Wisconsin.

On this episode of WPR, new guest James joins Cody, Sarah, and Evan as we pick up where we left off last time (is someone like Talarico truly speaking for Christianity?). We also look at President Trump's controversial Religious Liberty Commission, the decline of Catholic attendance, women being forced to have c-sections, some people claiming to see aliens while on DMT, homeless policy failures, and labor hypocrisies. Whew, that's a lot! Lean more at theologybythepint.org.

Thousands of Wisconsinites experienced whiteout conditions on Monday after a historic storm brought nearly 3 feet of snow to some parts of the state. The Wisconsin Senate could wrap up its business for the year Tuesday, with majority Republicans divided on big issues like legalizing online sports betting. And, hear about the WPR voter guide, focused on the open seat for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

This extended version of WPR sees Evan, Adam, and Matt looking at the perils of AI, the Christian grace of aging, James Telarico's version of Christianity (or is it "Christianity"?), and whether LGBT from 2022 was just a "fad" or "social contagion.

Measles has returned to the United States. Two cases of exposure to the highly infectious virus were reported in Madison earlier this month. Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to remind us how the virus spreads, who's most vulnerable, and how to combat misinformation around vaccines. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR's “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.”  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Dane County Humane Society Taskrabbit

A Republican candidate for Congress in Wisconsin was legal counsel for a company alleged to have run a Ponzi scheme. Community members are rallying behind a Madison restaurant owner now in ICE detention. And, WPR's Danielle Kaeding tells us about a Wisconsin native on a year-long quest to eat only what he can forage from the land.

CORRECTION: At one point in this episode, I say that the 2024 operating ref was "2m for curriculum, 8m for teachers, and 54.4m" to cover deficits. 8m for teachers is correct, but it was 4m for curriculum and 52.4m for deficits.This episode reviews some basic facts about these three important issues and what our conversations around them are like. The major goal is to help community members and school board candidates better articulate their positions. Everyone is for improving district finances, or for academic progress, or for teachers. Do we all mean the same things, though?LINKS:Tosa 2075 task force reportSecondary ad-hoc facilities page.**FINANCES**Wisconsin DPI all-staff (salary) report portalWisconsin DPI comparative cost dataWisconsin DPI comparative revenue dataWSD's financial transparency site (through ClearGov.com)WSD's budget and audit information2024 budget error records, part 1 and part 2WSD's 2024 Referendum Site (incl survey results)WSD's 2024 Referendum Progress Reporting**ACADEMIC PROGRESS**Tosa's report card pageStatewide ACT/Forward data**TEACHERS**Steven Brill's "The Rubber Room" (2009)Vlad Kogan's No Adult Left Behind (2025)WPR piece on teachers' health-care costs (2025)Statewide school funding data (2025)

Some of the biggest construction projects announced in Wisconsin this year were for data centers. We hear from WPR's business and economy reporter about the year in data centers. And, as we revisit some of our favorite stories of the year, we'll go to a school district in southwestern Wisconsin that excels at teaching math.

Benjamin Bloom discusses EFL Championship Round 22 - take advantage of our Nord VPN offer at www.nordvpn.com/BBFC CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Southampton 1-1 Coventry, Bristol C 2-0 Boro, Ipswich 3-1 Sheff Wed, Hull 1-0 WBA 19:08 - Nord VPN Promo 22:26 - Preston 1-1 Norwich, Blackburn 2-0 Millwall, WPR 4-1 Leicester, Watford 1-0 Stoke 39:11 - Derby 1-1 Portsmouth, Sheff Utd 3-0 Birmingham, Swansea 2-1 Wrexham, Charlton 1-0 Oxford 56:27 - Outro

A growing share of teacher pay is being spent on health care costs. Then, GOP lawmakers consider a bill that would ban local governments from passing so-called "rights of nature" ordinances. And, there's community pushback in Milwaukee to the proposed use of facial recognition by law enforcement. Plus, you can can join more than 40,000 members to support WPR at wpr.org/donate.

In an era rife with health misinformation, how can we stay informed and make health-forward choices? Host Bianca Martin sits down with longtime public radio host and new podcaster, Dr. Zorba Paster, to discuss the importance of health literacy, the dos and don'ts of reliable health information, and the impact of misinformation on public health. Dr. Paster was the host of WPR's “Zorba Paster On Your Health” until its cancellation in September 2025. His new podcast is “Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster.” 

For centuries, Ho-Chunk people have created small lodges called ciiporoke for sleeping, cooking and gathering as a community. Now, a Ho-Chunk builder is helping Wisconsin students construct their own structure. WPR’s Richelle Wilson watched this unfold at Wingra School, a private school for kindergarten through 8th grade on Madison’s west side.

Join Simply Folk this week for a cornucopia of songs for the season, new releases, and a historic concert from Swedish supergroup Ranarim recorded by WPR in 2001. Tune in […]

Wisconsin's groundwater can have upwards of 20 different pesticide compounds in it. State regulators say they don't fully understand the risks. Then, WPR's politics team looks at the lingering effects of the shutdown. And, a story about two Appleton sisters and their love of reading.

When the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior in 1975, 29 people lost their lives. To this day, it’s considered the largest shipwreck on the Great Lakes. WPR’s Bridgit Bowden brings us this story about a children’s book about the Fitzgerald, and the author who wrote it: “Ellie’s Pursuit of the Mighty Fitz” by Mckenzie Lee Williams.

When you’re driving through Wisconsin, you might pass the time by trying to spot out-of-state license plates or unusual billboards. Some Wisconsinites, however, are on the lookout for wild veggies, specifically, asparagus. But why is asparagus so prominent along the roadsides in Wisconsin, and how did it get there? WPR’s Sarah Lehr digs into the answer as part of WPR’s WHYsconsin project.

Síle & Steve bring you a double-header of November fare including seasonal songs, new releases & music to soothe the soul. Tune in from 5-9 p.m. on your local WPR […]

Fifty years after it first terrified — and amused — audiences, “The Giant Spider Invasion” is crawling back onto the screen. The cult classic about extraterrestrial, blood thirty spiders was filmed in the Gleason, Wisconsin area and is beloved by campy horror fans. It even got the Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment. Now, “The Giant Spider Invasion” is being reimagined for its 50th anniversary, with new scenes filmed in northern Wisconsin and a theater release around Halloween. Dan Davies is a Wisconsin native himself who has been cast as the lead actor in the new footage. He talked with WPR’s Shereen Siewert about the film.

The Madison Methodical Meanderers has a goal. The members want to walk every street in Madison. WPR’s Alyssa Allemand recently took a stroll with the group on the city’s east side near the Yahara River.

Listeners asked WPR for information about COVID vaccines for kids this year. A Wisconsin native fell and injured himself during a hike in Norway. We hear how he survived for six days. And, Wisconsin farmers are waiting on a promised bailout from the Trump administration. They say it's unlikely to make up for lost exports.

It was fifty years ago that the city of Saigon was captured by the North Vietnamese, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Just days before, 12-year-old Tan Pham escaped the city, along with his parents and three siblings. Pham shared the story of his family’s extraordinary journey to La Crosse with WPR’s Ezra Wall.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a former teacher who was fired after a dispute over a Dolly Parton song. WPR's politics team checks in on 2026 races for Supreme Court and governor. And, the Brewers get ready for their first playoff game.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers hundreds of field trips each year that bring members face-to-face with some of the state’s natural wonders. WPR’s Beatrice Lawrence went along on a recent trip to Nelson Dewey State Park along the Mississippi River to witness a swarm of 3,000 bats put on a show as they returned to their homes at dawn.

The next phase of Microsoft's data center development in southeastern Wisconsin will cost $4 billion and could eventually employ nearly 1,000 people. A health insurance provider drops out of Affordable Care Act exchanges in parts of Wisconsin. And, WPR's politics team looks at the week's news about next year's governor's race.

It’s not unusual to find fresh vegetables or handmade goods at farmers’ markets across Wisconsin. But at one small farm in Tomahawk, the sales approach is different. Tranquil Acres Farm invites visitors to pick what they need and pay what they can afford, no questions asked. Heather and Bill Smith are a retired couple who bought the property during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in search of solitude. What began as a quiet retreat quickly turned into something much bigger: a mission to make healthy food accessible to everyone. Heather Smith talked with WPR’s Shereen Siewert.

Do you have a random toilet in your basement? Perhaps it’s at the foot of the stairs or you’ve zhuzhed it up. WPR recently received a question about these porcelain wonders from an audience member through our WHYsconsin project. She asked, “Why do so many older homes in Wisconsin have an exposed toilet sitting in the unfinished basement? What's the story behind the ‘Midwestern toilet?'”

It has been more than two decades since Debra Gillispie of Milwaukee lost her son, Kirk Patrick Bickham, Jr. One night in 2003, a gunman killed him and two others outside a Milwaukee bar. Gillispie has since joined and started local advocacy efforts to change gun laws and share violence survivors’ stories. WPR’s Jonah Beleckis tells us how months ago, she traveled to the Fox Lake Correctional Institution to meet Jaki Marion, the man who killed her son.

Five years ago, a group of friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, saw potential in an old parking lot under a freeway. WPR’s Anya van Wagtendonk has the story of the National DIY skatepark – a do-it-yourself project that started out as a secret – and has become part of the fabric of the city.

Gov. Tony Evers has directed state agencies to clear a backlog of rules on everything from wolf management to professional licensing -- without taking them to the state Legislature. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke to WPR ahead of a weekend event in Viroqua. And, we'll hear about clinical trials in Wisconsin testing whether psychedelic drugs can help treat mental health disorders.

Milwaukeeans and others in southeastern Wisconsin are assessing the damage and beginning cleanup efforts after the weekend's historic floods. Wisconsin joins a new effort to limit robocalls. And, WPR director Sarah Ashworth speaks about federal budget cuts that targeted public media.

It's been two weeks since Gov. Tony Evers announced he wouldn't try to win a third third term in office. But so far, there hasn't been a flood of candidates stepping up to try to replace him. A veteran campaign strategist says they might just be biding their time. Some Walworth County residents are fighting against plans for a new power plant in their community. And, in our last installment of WPR's Wisconsin Road Trip, we'll tag along with some ghost hunters.

For more than 60 years, the Sheboygan Asylum housed hundreds of patients living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse disorders. The facility closed its doors in 2002. But for the past six years, the Fox Valley Ghost Hunters have been offering tours of its abandoned halls. WPR's Danielle Kaeding tagged along.

A hostile crowd booed Republican Congressman Bryan Steil at an in-person town hall meeting last night in Elkhorn. A Madison photographer chronicles a pair of cranes who've adopted a gosling. And for our Wisconsin Road Trip series, WPR's own Joe Schulz tried surfing in the "Malibu of the Midwest."

Not long ago, dating apps were heralded as a fresh and modern way to meet that special someone. But they come with unique challenges and are now pushing their users to seek alternatives. WPR’s Anna Marie Yanny recently attended an artsy singles mixer in Madison, and asked people why they were motivated to look for that special someone in person.

Frog Bay Tribal National Park has hiking trails, shoreline and wetlands. The nearly 200-acre park on Lake Superior is a great place to go for a run or to look out on the Apostle Islands. For members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the land also holds a special meaning. WPR’s Trevor Hook brings us this story on the park’s history and its significance.

Orioles, pelicans and snowy owls are a few of the hundreds of species that birdwatchers are on the lookout for in Wisconsin this year. Many will travel the state and roam their neighborhoods crossing birds off their life lists — people like Dexter Patterson, co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin. WPR’s Bridgit Bowden has more the group as part of our Wisconsin Road Trip series.

For some people in Wisconsin, baseball is a summer staple. And for Kenosha Kingfish fans, there’s a baton twirling usher who is an icon at the team’s Northwoods League games. WPR’s Evan Casey has more from the ballpark as part of our Wisconsin Road Trip series.

Wisconsin State Parks are full of wonders — for human visitors, and for their dogs, as well. WPR’s Anya van Wagtendonk recently went to Natural Bridge State Park to learn more about the best ways to get outside with our four-legged friends.

It's the first day of summer and WPR's Wisconsin Road Trip series is highlighting the best stargazing spots across the state. WPR’s Anna Marie Yanny recently drove to Door County, where Wisconsinites can see actors perform under the stars and visit the state's only International Dark Sky Park.

Blue moon ice cream is a staple at roadside shops throughout the Upper Midwest. But where did this Smurf-colored treat come from? And what explains its long-standing appeal? WPR’s Sarah Lehr brings us the scoop from an ice cream shop in Columbus as part of our Wisconsin Road Trip series.

The year was 1984. Prince came out with “Purple Rain.” Bruce Springsteen was touring for “Born in the USA.” And on the south side of Milwaukee, America’s polka king, Frankie Yankovic, performed at the Our Lady Queen of Peace parish festival. In attendance that day was six-year-old Mike Schneider. The Yankovic concert changed his life because it inspired Schneider to pick up the accordion. WPR’s Nick Rommel recently talked with the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Famer at a gig in Eagle.

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Catholic Charities can opt out of participating in a state unemployment compensation program in Wisconsin. The 2020 election was a while ago, but its still being fought over in Wisconsin. Our politics team will discuss. And, WPR reporters are taking a road trip! We'll have the first installment of our summer travel series.

Even in our era of two-day shipping and instant downloads, many booksellers are finding that readers still want the connection of finding their next read in store. WPR’s Hope Kirwan hit the road for our Wisconsin Road Trip series to visit a unique bookstore in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin that’s bringing in more customers every year: Driftless Books & Music.