Bridgit Bowden
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Special projects reporter at @WPR. Co-host of Derailed and Mapped Out. Former @WisconsinWatch fellow. Mizzou grad. Zumba enthusiast.
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Articles by Bridgit Bowden
‘My family needs justice’: Relatives of Corey Ruiz speak out for first time since police shooting
Family members of a man killed this week by Madison police say they want to see charges brought against the officer who shot him. Corey Ruiz was killed by a Madison officer on the city’s east side Wednesday, leaving many in the community reeling. On Friday, Ruiz’s family joined their attorney Ben Crump at an emotional news conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol. “My family needs justice for what they did to him,” said Ruiz’s brother Adam.
‘Abigail and John: the First Couple of the United States’ puts the second president in the spotlight
Reading Time: 4 minutes As people across the state mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence with parades and fireworks, one Wisconsin community is celebrating a key figure in early American history with a new work of theater. Adams, Wisconsin, a small city north of Wisconsin Dells, celebrated America’s 250th birthday with an original play about the city and county namesake — founding father John Adams.
Wisconsin wasn’t a state in 1776. What did life look like here 250 years ago?
Tomorrow’s Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence. Wisconsin wouldn’t join the nation until 1848, more than 70 years after its founding. But, the many tribal nations who called this region home were closely tied to European settlers by 1776 and became part of the history of the American Revolution. University of Wisconsin-Madison history professor John Hall joined WPR’s “Wisconsin Life” to talk about that history and life in the region 250 years ago.
‘Abigail and John: the First Couple of the United States’ puts the second president in the spotlight
As people across the state mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence with parades and fireworks, one Wisconsin community is celebrating a key figure in early American history with a new work of theater. Adams, Wisconsin, a small city north of Wisconsin Dells, celebrated America’s 250th birthday with an original play about their city and county namesake — founding father John Adams.
‘Abigail and John: the First Couple of the United States’ puts the second president in the spotlight
As people across the state mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence with parades and fireworks, one Wisconsin community is celebrating a key figure in early American history with a new work of theater. Adams, Wisconsin, a small city north of Wisconsin Dells, celebrated America’s 250th birthday with an original play about their city and county namesake — founding father John Adams.
African native Marabou stork spotted in northeast Wisconsin
A large bird native to Sub-Saharan Africa has been spotted in northeast Wisconsin. The black and white Marabou stork can grow up to nearly 5 feet tall, with a wingspan of 10 feet. So Mark Stevens of Sheboygan was surprised, and a little scared, to see one picking at frogs and bugs in the ditch in front of his house. “We’ve had sandhill cranes in our backyard before … but this one is definitely bigger than that,” Stevens said, estimating that this particular stork is about 3.5 feet tall.
The legislature just finished its session. How will it affect you?
Lawmakers in Wisconsin passed measures affecting the PFAS mitigation, health care access and more in the legislative session that just wrapped up. They also punted on data center regulation and conservation. Now, WPR wants to hear from you! Understanding Wisconsin, Together. WPR's "Wisconsin Today" newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
DOT warns to stay off roads as massive winter storm moves through Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is advising drivers to stay off the roads in the northwestern, north central and northeastern parts of the state due to hazardous road conditions created by an ongoing winter storm. Statements from the agency said all highways in the area are partially or completely covered with snow, with more snow expected throughout the day Sunday and into Monday.
Explore WPR's voter guide for the 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court election
On April 7, voters will elect a new justice to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Conservative state Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar will face liberal state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor. The winner will serve a 10-year term on the state's highest court and will play a role in deciding some of the biggest legal questions facing the state. In the lead up to the election, WPR asked what you wanted candidates to weigh in on as they vie for your votes.
One Year Into ICE Advance, Wisconsin Immigrants Live in Fear
Community Space executive director Kristine Zaballos, left, speaks with volunteer Soledad Alvarez, right, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Whitewater, Wis. Angela Major/WPR Soledad Alvarez volunteers a few times a week at the Community Space in Whitewater, a sprawling warehouse that’s part food bank, part community center. As people line up to get food, clothes and household items, Alvarez asks in Spanish if she can help them with medical appointments or other health care needs.
One year into second Trump term, Wisconsin immigrants are 'waiting for the worst'
Soledad Alvarez volunteers a few times a week at the Community Space in Whitewater, a sprawling warehouse that's part food bank, part community center. As people line up to get food, clothes and household items, Alvarez asks in Spanish if she can help them with medical appointments or other health care needs. The Community Space had been seeing a growing number of immigrant families since it opened six years ago. But in the last year, Alvarez said, she has noticed a drop.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Condemn RFK Jr.’s Gender-Affirming Care Rules
Transgender flags. Photo by Ted Eytan. (CC BY-SA 2.0) Advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin are pushing back after the Trump administration announced several policies that would essentially ban gender-affirming care for youth by threatening Medicaid and Medicare funding to hospitals that offer it. On Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F.
Wisconsin LGBTQ+ advocates condemn RFK Jr.'s gender-affirming care rules
Advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin are pushing back after the Trump administration announced several policies that would essentially ban gender-affirming care for youth by threatening Medicaid and Medicare funding to hospitals that offer it. On Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads Medicaid and Medicare, announced new rules that make up an effective ban on certain treatments and procedures for transgender youth.
Immigration attorneys strained by Trump policy shifts
IN BRIEF Wisconsin immigration attorneys report surging caseloads under Trump’s latest policy changes. Refugees and green card applicants now face more interviews, delays and travel burdens. ICE enforcement increases fear as more immigrants risk detention at court appearances. Madison immigration attorney Natalia Lucak is working to help a couple apply for green cards. Her clients, both in their 60s, are refugees.
Wisconsin immigration attorneys struggle to keep up with Trump policy changes
Madison immigration attorney Natalia Lucak is working to help a couple apply for green cards. Her clients, both in their 60s, are refugees. She said a year ago, the process would have been fairly straightforward because of the amount of vetting refugees are required to go through before entering the United States. But now, it's a different story. Her clients needed to travel to Milwaukee for an in-person interview. In the past, they only would have needed to submit documents.
New children's book honors the Edmund Fitzgerald and a late Wisconsin author
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior 50 years ago. To this day, it's considered the largest shipwreck on the Great Lakes. Now, a new children's book recounts the mysterious and captivating story of the Fitz, while honoring the Wisconsin author who wrote it. "Ellie's Pursuit of the Mighty Fitz," begins in a classroom in Superior, where students are about to leave for spring break.
Wisconsin patients, providers confused by shifting abortion landscape
On a recent Tuesday morning at the Care for All community clinic in Milwaukee, receptionist Kailee Evans spent most of her day answering phone calls. "The phones are always going off," she said. "Sometimes there will be two people on hold at a time." The independent clinic offers surgical and medication abortions. As the waiting room filled up, Evans offered clients snacks and water.
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to resume abortion services
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will resume abortion services in the state nearly a month after pausing them due to cuts to Medicaid under President Donald Trump's tax and spending law. Previously, the organization offered medication and surgical abortions at two clinics in Madison and Milwaukee, and medication abortions at a clinic in Sheboygan.
Wisconsin researchers listen to forests to learn more about protecting them
Once a month, researchers hike through the woods in the Baraboo Hills to check on small boxes strapped to tree trunks. The boxes hold microphones that are running 24 hours a day, capturing the soundscape of the forest. To many people, the sounds of nature can be a relaxing break from everyday life. But for a research team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they could be an important way to learn about the health of forests.
Didion Milling fails to implement recommendations from Chemical Safety Board
A federal agency said a Cambria corn mill where a fatal explosion happened eight years ago has failed to implement any of the safety recommendations it made. Five people were killed and 14 were injured in an explosion at Didion Milling in May 2017. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board sent a letter to the company in December 2023 detailing nine safety recommendations.
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin finds 'bird joy' at Tenney Park in Madison
Dexter Patterson has always loved birds. But for a long time, he felt out of place at bird-watching events. "I was always the only person of color," he said. The stereotype of a bird-watcher is someone white, retired, dressed in head-to-toe khaki. Patterson, who is Black, sometimes struggled to find his place in the community. "I love birds so much," he said.
Dairy farms are vulnerable to Trump’s mass deportation threats. The industry hopes to get a pass
From Harvest Public Media: Once a week on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, there’s a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. “I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico,” said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold.
Dairy farms are vulnerable to Trump's mass deportation threats. The industry hopes to get a pass
The majority of the workers who keep Rosenow’s farm running are from Mexico. He’s hopeful the more than $50 billion the dairy industry contributes to Wisconsin’s economy each year will protect dairy workers from being deported. “It just doesn’t make sense that the federal government would ruin an industry by being overzealous on immigration. And we think it’s rhetoric,” he said. But other producers are more worried about how the industry's workforce will react to the growing number of deportations.
Dairy farms are vulnerable to Trump's mass deportation threats. The industry hopes to get a pass
Once a week on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, there’s a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. “I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico,” said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold. WPR is only using workers’ first names because of their immigration statuses.
Mass deportations a concern for dairy industry, but Wisconsin farm workers carry on Original
Bridgit Bowden Wisconsin Public Radio Once a week on a dairy farm in Buffalo County, there’s a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. “I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico,” said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold.
Wisconsin Dairy Workers Carry On In Face of Escalating Immigration Arrests
Once a week on a dairy farm in Buffalo County, there’s a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. “I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico,” said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold. WPR is only using workers’ first names because of their immigration statuses.
As immigration tension rises, Wisconsin dairy workers carry on
Once a week on a dairy farm in Buffalo County, there’s a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. “I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico,” said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold. WPR is only using workers’ first names because of their immigration statuses. kAmz6G:?
As immigration tension rises, Wisconsin dairy workers carry on
Once a week on a dairy farm in Buffalo County, there's a class to help workers from Mexico learn English. Gathered in a small kitchenette next to the milking parlor, the students work on a lesson about things they are proud of. "I am proud of myself because I am saving money for building a house in Mexico," said Kevin, who came to Wisconsin about five years ago, arriving from Mexico in the January cold. WPR is only using workers' first names because of their immigration statuses.
More changes ahead for Madison bus system after 2024 overhaul
Bus rapid transit was introduced in Madison in the fall, following a complete redesign of the system's routes. About three months in, transit officials say the transition is going well and more changes are coming next year. The new system includes buses riders can board from any door, new stations and a new fare payment system. A new bus rapid transit route, or BRT, was launched in September.
Despite State Restrictions, Many Receive Abortions Via Telehealth
Wisconsin law prohibits the use of telehealth for abortion services. But a new study shows a number of Wisconsinites are receiving abortion medication from other states. Data from the organization #WeCount showed an average of about 130 orders for abortion medication being shipped to Wisconsin from providers in other states each month from last September to this June.
Despite state restrictions, Wisconsinites are receiving abortions via telehealth
Wisconsin law prohibits the use of telehealth for abortion services. But a new study shows a number of Wisconsinites are receiving abortion medication from other states. Data from the organization #WeCount showed an average of about 130 orders for abortion medication being shipped to Wisconsin from providers in other states each month from last September to this June.
What Wisconsin voters are saying and seeing on Election Day
Polls are open in Wisconsin and voters across the state are casting their ballots. The Badger State is one of a handful of swing states that could decide the presidential race. Lines to vote and to register have been observed at several polling places around the state, and people waiting outdoors could face wet weather. The National Weather Service is forecasting showers and possible thunderstorms in parts of the state from late in the morning through early evening.
Abortion rights are top-of-mind for some Madison-area voters
Abortion access in Wisconsin has been hotly debated since June of 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court issued its historic decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Immediately after the ruling, all of Wisconsin's legal abortion providers ceased providing the service, citing a state law first written in 1849 which was never taken off the books. In September 2023, a Wisconsin judge ruled that the law governs feticide, but not consensual abortion.
Issue of health care access hits close to home in western Wisconsin
Cathy Tepaske calls Augusta the kind of small town where "everybody knows everybody." Tepaske has lived in the tight-knit community of just over 1,500 for about 30 years, chairs the local Industrial Development Corporation and is married to the mayor. Many residents see the doctor at the local clinic, she said, and have for years. That is, until it abruptly closed earlier this year.
Issue of health care access hits close to home in western Wisconsin
Cathy Tepaske calls Augusta, Wisconsin the kind of small town where “everybody knows everybody.” Tepaske has lived in the tight-knit community of just over 1,500 for about 30 years, chairs the local Industrial Development Corporation and is married to the mayor. Lots of residents see the doctor at the local clinic, she said, and have for years. That is, until it abruptly closed earlier in 2024.
As election nears, local caregivers seek better health care options
By Bridgit Bowden Wisconsin Public Radio Corrine Hendrickson runs a day care out of her home in New Glarus. On a Friday morning in May, she was moving quickly to clean up dishes, play with dinosaurs and remind kids that throwing toys isn’t safe — all at the same time. The work is nonstop for Hendrickson, who is licensed to care for eight children by herself out of the two-room add-on to the back of her house.
With election on the horizon, Wisconsin's caregivers seek better health care options
Corrine Hendrickson runs a day care out of her home in New Glarus. On a recent Friday morning, she was moving quickly to clean up dishes, play with dinosaurs and remind kids that throwing toys isn’t safe — all at the same time. The work is nonstop for Hendrickson, who is licensed to care for eight children by herself out of the two-room add-on to the back of her house.
PFAS-affected water systems to receive $750M in settlement with Tyco Fire Products
Tyco Fire Products, a Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam, reached a $750 million settlement Friday with public water systems that detected harmful “forever chemicals” in their drinking water. According to settlement documents, Tyco expects to distribute $250 million to the affected communities this spring, with the remaining $500 million to be distributed six months after preliminary court approval. It was not immediately clear which communities would be receiving the funds.
Here's how to vote in Wisconsin's upcoming elections
Reading Time: 2 minutes All across the country, people are gearing up to vote this year. In addition to the presidential race, we’ve got local elections, state legislative races and a contest for a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin. Wondering how you can make your voice heard? Here’s a guide to how to cast your ballot in the Badger State. Mark your calendars! There are three more election days in Wisconsin this year.
Got questions about how to vote in Wisconsin? We've got answers.
All across the country, people are gearing up to vote this year. In addition to the presidential race, we’ve got local elections, state legislative races and a contest for a U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin. Wondering how you can make your voice heard? Here’s a guide to how to cast your ballot in the Badger State. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Mark your calendars! There are three more election days in Wisconsin this year.
How WPR will cover the 2024 elections
The WPR news department is committed to empowering people to participate in the 2024 elections by providing accessible, timely and factual information about how to vote, the candidates running for office and the issues shaping campaigns and voting decisions. Here’s how we’ll do it: We will interview candidates, party officials and community members. We will attend political and community events and research the facts tied to the issues facing Wisconsin and the country.
How did the Dobbs decision affect the birth rate in Wisconsin?
An operating room technician performs an ultrasound on a patient at Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport, La., Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating until a lawsuit challenging the state’s near total ban on abortions is resolved, a state judge ruled Thursday, July 21, 2022. Ted Jackson/AP Photo When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v.
What New Planting Zones Mean For Wisconsin
Still, Johnson doesn’t recommend gardeners who find themselves in new zones make any major adjustments. “I wouldn’t run out and get plants that grow in the next warmest zone and invest in a lot of those,” she said. That’s because the maps are based on average temperatures, she said. Even as the weather gets warmer over time, Wisconsin still experiences plenty of extreme cold events each year, which can kill plants.
What the new plant hardiness zones mean for Wisconsin gardeners
Several areas around Wisconsin are now in new planting zones, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated its plant hardiness map for the first time since 2012. The zones are used by gardeners for selecting what plants will be able to survive and thrive in a given location. Despite the changes, experts say Wisconsin gardeners shouldn't rush to make major changes to their plant selections, as the maps are based on average temperatures rather than extreme weather events.
After latest ruling, what abortion restrictions still exist in Wisconsin?
When the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, abortion providers in Wisconsin immediately ceased all abortion services, citing a state law first enacted in 1849. In September, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed abortion services after a Dane County judge ruled that the pre-Civil War law governs feticide rather than consensual abortion. The same judge issued a final judgment in the case on Tuesday, reaffirming that interpretation. kAmp=E9@F89 E96 564:D:@?
After latest ruling, what abortion restrictions still exist in Wisconsin?
When the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, abortion providers in Wisconsin immediately ceased all abortion services, citing a state law first enacted in 1849. In September, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed abortion services after a Dane County judge ruled that the pre-Civil War law governs feticide rather than consensual abortion. The same judge issued a final judgment in the case on Tuesday, reaffirming that interpretation.
Greendale High School band to march in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
In the wee hours of the morning Nov. 19, 196 students from Greendale High School boarded coach buses headed for New York City. The marching band will be appearing in the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "We're so excited," said sophomore clarinet player Keira Block.
Friday, November 10, 2023
The state Assembly passed a bill that would make it harder to close polling places. More than one hundred nurses at UW Health are urging Wisconsin's health department to investigate concerns about patient safety. And, the head of the EPA mentioned holding polluters accountable when it comes to PFAS pollution. We'll have more on his recent visit to Wisconsin.
Friday, November 11, 2023
The state Assembly passed a bill that would make it harder to close polling places. More than one hundred nurses at UW Health are urging Wisconsin's health department to investigate concerns about patient safety. And, the head of the EPA mentioned holding polluters accountable when it comes to PFAS pollution. We'll have more on his recent visit to Wisconsin.
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