We hear how prosecutors use the power of plea bargains to preserve convictions even when defendants are innocent. And an author discusses how a 50-year-old Wisconsin photo book relates to his encounters with militants in the state.

In 2022, the nonprofit news organization Wisconsin Watch investigated the power of federal prosecutors, the impact on families of wrongful diagnoses of child abuse, and contamination of drinking water by forever chemicals on French Island. Wisconsin Watch managing editor Dee Hall joins us.

As Wisconsin experiences frigid temperatures this week, we check in with the head of the Citizens Utility Board about why utilities are hiking rates and how the state is regulating utilities. And we explore what options people have if they’re struggling to pay their heating and electric bills.

What does astrology, numerology and tarot all have in common? The author of the new book, Magic Days, shares a spiritual journey through horoscopes, zodiac signs and more.

An advocate and a reporter detail how and why people of color receive less media attention if they go missing. An infectious disease physician talks about the possibility of a new vaccine for Lyme Disease.

NPR finished releasing its “Best Music of 2022” list last week, with figures like Beyoncé and Bad Bunny taking top spots on the list. Two critics for NPR Music join us to discuss the best and most notable music of the year.

From the midterm elections to the overturning of Roe V. Wade, it was a busy political year for Wisconsin. Two political reporters join the show to analyze election results and lawsuits. Plus we look ahead to 2023 as the state Supreme Court race approaches.

Holiday movies have grown from a mere December novelty to an entire industry, with dozens of films released every year. We talk to a film scholar from UW-Whitewater about what the appeal is of these movies, what makes a classic and answer the question: Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?

A UW-Madison assistant professor delves into research showing that adults with disabilities yearn for connection and community. A criminal justice professor parses FBI hate crime data to tell us if hate crimes really are declining.

The amount of material orbiting the Earth exceeds 9,000 tons, according to NASA. Researchers around the globe are trying to decrease “space junk” to ensure it avoids striking satellites or people. But what is space junk and why is it significant? A historian studying discarded objects explains.