Central Time

Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail is a natural treasure in our state. We talk with a photographer who is exploring it one section at a time. We discuss ongoing diplomatic relations between the United States and China. And we cover some of the top state and national news stories.

Women can struggle to balance being seen as too meek or too agressive at work. A leadership coach offers advice. Governor Evers has declared Columbus Day to now be Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the state. We’ll talk about the significance. And we’ll check in on an effort to help Black women succeed.

Our roundup of local state news includes a look at efforts to reduce infant mortality in Milwaukee. Then we hear strange stories from an author who traveled the Midwest looking for them. And we talk to a law professor about the way recent court rulings may impact perception of the media.

We're putting the side dish front and center this Food Friday. Our guest argues main dishes need a strong supporting cast. Then, after the Amazon announced a major van contract for electric vehicle maker Rivian, we talk to an auto journalist about this startup company. And we talk about how communities in Wisconsin are dealing with lead contamination abatement.

The massive fast fashion company Forever 21 is struggling, having just filed for bankruptcy protection. We discuss the state of the retail world in which this is happening. Then we talk with a political science professor about some of the issues coming before the U.S. Supreme Court in its new term.

We talk with a lawmaker and expert on early childhood education about new proposed legislation to fund kindergarten in Wisconsin. And we discuss the way young people can be affected physiologically when they experience bullying. And we talk about proposed voting changes at the state Capitol.

Critics say that parts of the USMCA agreement support some drug makers, but hurt consumers. Continuing wet weather in the state is making it difficult for farmers to spread manure safely. And a political observer says that the intersection of race and class is key to political strategy.

A new WPR podcast about the history and future of high-speed rail in Wisconsin launches today. We get a preview. We learn about the consequences of dropping enrollment in some Wisconsin school districts. And we find out who is and isn't set to testify in the ongoing impeachment inquiry.

A white pastor in Milwaukee shares what it was like to serve a mostly African American church in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Era. Then we discuss how local law enforcement around the U.S. and in Wisconsin are cooperating -- or not -- with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

We talk with an author who's focused on the rise in prominence and influence of economists in American life. Then we examine Democratic fundraising tensions when it comes to taking donations from corporations and lobbyists. And we look at President Trump's decision to pull troops from Syria.