A new generation of educators and entrepreneurs are bringing classrooms into the digital age. We learn about a nonprofit organization offering online resources to teachers with the hope of personalizing education. We also speak with a guest about why she doesn't believe private land ownership isn't the answer to socio-economic challenges on Native American reservations. Plus, actress Mara Wilson, known for roles in "Matilda" and "Mrs. Doubtfire" is with us to talk about child stardom and growing up further away from the spotlight.

Wisconsin native Laura Ingalls Wilder is beloved for her famed "Little House on the Prairie" series. We hear how a newly published collection of her letters is adding depth to our knowledge of her life. And during Food Friday, we talk about sweet and savory appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts all infused with honey.

2016 has seen the highest global temperatures of any year on record. A professor and climate researcher discusses some of the year's incredible weather events and the possible culprits. We talk about a letter that Governor Scott Walker recently sent to President-elect Donald Trump calling for more authority to be returned to the states. And we learn about an early recycling pioneer from Wisconsin.

Marquette University has an impressive collection of materials from author J.R.R. Tolkien, including original manuscripts of The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings. We find out about the recent acquisition that has made the collection even more remarkable. We also speak with an immigration policy analyst who believes that the Right has its own version of political correctness. He calls it "patriotic correctness." Plus, health care inflation has declined since the Affordable Care Act's inception. We take a closer look.

The holidays are one of the richest times of the year for family food traditions. Our guest explains that what we eat is connected to memory, sense of place, and identity. We get the science behind the winter solstice, which is December 21. And a reporter tells us why so many Wisconsin schools are reporting that they are having trouble making hires because of a teacher shortage.

A new report from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute gives Wisconsin a grade of B- for overall health, but no better than a C for Wisconsinites without a high school education, for African-Americans, and for Native Americans. We talk to an expert from the Population Health Institute about the grade and what he says Wisconsin needs to improve. We also get an update on national politics with Harry Enten, including a growing partisan divide over Russia. We talk to an energy editor about President Obama's new ban on offshore oil drilling for big parts of the Arctic and Atlantic Seaboard.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel discusses whether he would reopen an investigation into allegations of neglect, abuse and sexual assault at the Lincoln Hills juvenile detention center and a reporter gives us the background on the troubled facility. New research out of UW-Madison shows that a typical western diet can disrupt how gut microbes regulate systems throughout the body. We find out what it may mean for human health and nutrition going forward. And we talk to a state government reporter about a state agency's proposal to change child support.

President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks to date seem at odds with his campaign themes and messages. A political analyst shares how Democrats may try to use confirmation hearings to point out the inconsistencies. Everyday water usage came put a strain on water systems. We find out how to lessen the impact. And a film critic joins us to discuss the movies that stood out this year, and we ask for your favorites.

We're joined by NPR music writer Stephen Thompson, to talk about some of the best songs and albums of the year. We also talk with the program director for the Delavan Boys and Girls Club about the challenges kids are facing in their daily lives. And after the FBI backed the CIA's conclusion that Russian hackers tried to meddle in the election, we talk about how the current or incoming administration might respond to Russia.

Cyndy Feasel’s husband, who played nearly a decade in the NFL, turned into an abusive alcoholic whose drinking eventually led to his death. It was discovered that he had CTE, the degenerative brain disease found in people who have suffered repeated blows to the head. Feasel joins us to share her story and thoughts on the dangers of contact sports. We also recap the year in science, including a dangerous fault discovered below Bangladesh and the effect Brexit may have on scientists. Plus, we talk to WPR's state capitol reporter about Monday's meeting of Wisconsin's Electoral College members to cast their votes for president.