Bridgit Bowden

Madison

Special Projects Reporter at Wisconsin Today

Special projects reporter at @WPR. Co-host of Derailed and Mapped Out. Former @WisconsinWatch fellow. Mizzou grad. Zumba enthusiast.

Articles

Mass deportations a concern for dairy industry, but Wisconsin farm workers carry on

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Bridgit Bowden

Bridgit BowdenWisconsin Public RadioOnce 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

2 weeks ago | urbanmilwaukee.com | Bridgit Bowden

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

2 weeks ago | leadertelegram.com | Bridgit Bowden

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

2 weeks ago | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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

Jan 1, 2025 | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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

Dec 2, 2024 | urbanmilwaukee.com | Bridgit Bowden

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

Dec 1, 2024 | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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

Nov 5, 2024 | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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

Oct 30, 2024 | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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

Oct 23, 2024 | wpr.org | Bridgit Bowden

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.