All Recent Articles - PBS Wisconsin

Multiple construction vehicles with extended cranes are parked in front of a multi-story building with metal siding that is under construction under a cloudy sky, with other construction vehicles and a glass geodesic dome to the side in the background, and with multiple chain-link fences in the foreground.

The state of Wisconsin has signed multiple NDAs for data center development deals

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the state's business development agency, has signed five nondisclosure agreements with artificial intelligence data center developers, including three deals where local government NDAs weren't previously disclosed.

October 16, 2026

What are the track records of Tom Tiffany and David Crowley?

Inside Wisconsin Politics

What are the track records of Tom Tiffany and David Crowley?

The records of Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley point to their agendas if elected governor — Inside Wisconsin Politics examines the policy side of the 2026 race.

October 15, 2026

A scuffed sticker with the words I Voted Today is attached to the back of sign, with an out-of-focus person visible outside beneath the bottom edge of the upper edge of a window.

Elections

Wisconsin elections officials issue guidance on potential for federal agents at polling places in November 2026 vote

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has approved guidance to help clerks in the state know what to do if federal law enforcement agents showed up at the polls on Nov. 3, as local officials report getting questions from voters about that prospect.

October 15, 2026

Two side-by-side photos show Tom Tiffany and David Crowley speaking.

Elections

Tiffany keeps his distance from Trump in Wisconsin’s 2026 close race for governor

In a midterm election where President Donald Trump's approval ratings are at record lows in Wisconsin, the governor's race between Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley remains a dead heat.

October 15, 2026

Elections

Lisa Tollefson on oversight of Wisconsin’s 2026 elections

Rock County Clerk Lisa Tollefson discusses local administration of the November 2026 election in Wisconsin, including potential scams targeting voters, polling place rules and use of absentee ballots.

October 14, 2026

What are the top issues in Wisconsin’s 2026 election for AG?

Elections

What are the top issues in Wisconsin’s 2026 election for AG?

In the 2026 race for attorney general of Wisconsin, Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul and Republican challenger Eric Toney speak to state crime labs, abortion law and federal lawsuits as key issues.

October 13, 2026

An aerial photo shows a the front half of a flatbed trick spanning a course of liquid filling a trench over a below-grade pipeline at a construction site with planks of wood serving as a corduroy road and stacks of wood planks next to a section of an above-grade pipeline siting on stacks of wood pallets.

Environment

Wisconsin DNR notifies Enbridge of alleged violations on Line 5 reroute

October 13, 2026

J. Michael Collins on the economy in the 2026 election cycle

Elections

J. Michael Collins on the economy in the 2026 election cycle

UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs professor J. Michael Collins discusses how meaningful low unemployment, static wages and rising prices may be for voters in the 2026 midterm elections.

October 12, 2026

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Jill Karofsky.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Michael Wagner, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky

Here's what guests on the Oct. 9, 2026 episode said about AI-generated disinformation in election season and Wisconsin's new online portal for domestic violence survivors.

October 12, 2026

A still image shows a split screen of David Crowley and Tom Tiffany both holding microphones at speaking to crowds at separate campaign stops.

Elections

Wisconsin Democrats, Republicans center the economy in 2026

Concerns about inflation, affordability and the state of the economy are top priorities for voters as David Crowley and Tom Tiffany stump for support at Democratic and Republican party gatherings.

October 9, 2026

Chief Justice Jill Karofsky on temporary restraining orders

Courts

Chief Justice Jill Karofsky on temporary restraining orders

Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky discusses how survivors of domestic violence and harassment can file for a temporary restraining order through an online system the state started.

October 9, 2026

A still image shows Michael Wagner seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Michael Wagner' and 'UW-School of Journalism.'

Elections

Michael Wagner on increasing AI disinformation in elections

UW-Madison journalism professor Michael Wagner considers how disinformation generated with artificial intelligence tools is affecting campaigns and elections as more voters engage with social media.

October 9, 2026

A still image shows Francis Halzen seated in front of a glass door with a black curtain, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Francis Halzen' and 'UW-Madison Dept. of Physics / Nobel Prize winner.'

Science

UW-Madison Professor Francis Halzen’s Nobel Prize reaction

UW-Madison professor Francis Halzen shared his reaction to being honored with the 2026 Nobel Prize for Physics for research into neutrino particles, and his gratitude for support from the university.

October 9, 2026

Wisconsin’s 2026 campaign ads and big national endorsements

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Wisconsin’s 2026 campaign ads and big national endorsements

Ads for and against Tom Tiffany and David Crowley flood the airwaves and streamers, and national figures make endorsements — Inside Wisconsin Politics looks at the races for governor and Congress.

October 8, 2026

Donald Trump gestures with both hands held out to the side while speaking into a microphone mounted to the top of a podium with the Seal of the President of the United States affixed to its front, with out-of-focus audience members in the background behind him and a teleprompter mirror in the foreground on one side.

Elections

Disaster relief funding is creeping into Trump’s 2026 campaign rhetoric, including for Wisconsin

President Donald Trump has turned emergency relief into a campaign talking point, voicing support for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s 2026 race for governor while pledging millions of dollars to the state for storm recovery.

October 7, 2026

A cryptocurrency ATM kiosk with an illuminated touchscreen with the words The Best Time to Buy Bitcoin? stands next two three video gambling machines with stackable chairs facing each, in a room with a window on one side and a ceiling-mounted round mirror in a corner.

Courts

How much is Wisconsin’s crypto ATM law limiting scams?

Wisconsin enacted a law regulating cryptocurrency ATMS to limit the impact of scammers but did not ban the kiosks as in other some states — law enforcement agencies and state regulators say the restrictions are already having an effect.

October 7, 2026

Jerry Helmer, Judith Willink Grose on Trump’s clout in 2026

Elections

Jerry Helmer, Judith Willink Grose on Trump’s clout in 2026

Republican Party of Sauk County Chair Jerry Helmer and Democratic Party of Sauk County Chair Judith Willink Grose discuss how President Donald Trump might factor into the outcome of the 2026 election.

October 7, 2026 • South Central Region

Side-by-side photos show campaign yard signs — one with the words Matt Burch and Sauk County Sheriff and the other with the words Ryan Jesberger for Sauk County Sheriff — displayed in lawns in front of a house and barn, respectively.

Elections

Cooperation with ICE is at issue in two 2026 sheriff races in Wisconsin

In the November 2026 election, voters in Sauk and Winnebago counties will choose between sheriff candidates who have competing visions for local law enforcement's role in immigration enforcement and its relationship with ICE.

October 6, 2026

Sydney Stinson, Zachary Tomlinson on Gen Z voting by gender

Elections

Sydney Stinson, Zachary Tomlinson on Gen Z voting by gender

UW-Milwaukee College Democrats Vice Chair Sydney Stinson and Turning Point USA UW-Madison President Zachary Tomlinson discuss political and partisan gender divides among Generation Z men and women.

October 6, 2026

Francis Halzen stands and gestures with this left hand and holds a presentation clicker in his right hand while speaking in a room with an out-of-focus wood podium in the background.

Science

Scientist who hunts mysterious ghost particles in the Antarctic ice wins Nobel Prize for physics

Belgian-born scientist Francis Halzen has won the Nobel Prize in physics for his research on neutrinos, particles that offer clues about the development of the universe — the 82-year-old scientist is affiliated with UW-Madison, which operates the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica.

October 6, 2026

A paperbound text book with the words Level 6 and Journey to Success on its spine sits on the wood-laminate surface of a table, with multiple out-of-focus papers on top of it.

Politics

Federal judge rules immigrants in Wisconsin, multiple other states can keep using clinics, Head Start and adult education

In response to a lawsuit filed by Wisconsin and 20 other attorneys general, a federal judge rejected a controversial rule that would have required states to check the immigration status of anyone seeking to use federally funded adult education, Head Start, community health clinics and more.

October 5, 2026

Anthony Chergosky on a partisan gender gap for Gen Z voters

Elections

Anthony Chergosky on a partisan gender gap for Gen Z voters

UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky considers how the wide gender divide for Generation Z voters may be influenced by the issue of abortion and the "Dobbs v. Jackson" decision.

October 5, 2026

A stone obelisk monument topped by a cross stands among lower headstones in a cemetery next to a chain-link fence, with a line of utility poles, road and trees in the background.

Indigenous

Researchers identify graves of students from a Milwaukee Indian boarding school

Indigenous leaders and allies working with Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee identified graves of at least a dozen Indigenous students at Good Shepherd Industrial School, which was a federally funded Indian boarding school in Milwaukee in the late 19th century.

October 5, 2026 • Southeast Region

Frederica Freyberg and Charles Franklin sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Charles Franklin, Jason Stein

Here's what guests on the Oct. 2, 2026 episode said about the polling voters a month before the election and the growth of Wisconsin's school choice program.

October 5, 2026

What’s the Trump factor for rural Wisconsin voters in 2026?

Elections

What’s the Trump factor for rural Wisconsin voters in 2026?

Polls show falling support for President Donald Trump, but his influence among rural voters remains key in the 2026 vote — bellwether Sauk County offers a window into the nation's midterm politics.

October 2, 2026

Charles Franklin on a tight race between Crowley and Tiffany

Elections

Charles Franklin on a tight race between Crowley and Tiffany

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses polling Wisconsin voters about the matchup between and their enthusiasm for David Crowley and Tom Tiffany in the 2026 race for governor.

October 2, 2026

Jason Stein on school choice voucher enrollment and funding

Education

Jason Stein on school choice voucher enrollment and funding

Wisconsin Policy Forum President Jason Stein discusses impacts of enrollment caps being lifted for the state's school choice program and changing funding levels for vouchers covering private schools.

October 2, 2026

Side-by-side images show political yard signs for David Crowley and Mitchell Berman standing in one lawn with trees in the background, and Tom Tiffany and Jim Croft in another lawn with a brick wall, gutter downspout and window ledge in the background.

Elections

A high-stakes fight for state-level political power heats up with the 2026 vote

Political power in statehouse offices is at stake in the November 2026 elections in more than one-third of the states, including Wisconsin, and these races could be important in determining the fate of President Donald Trump's agenda.

October 2, 2026

Shifting fortunes in Wisconsin’s tight 2026 governor’s race

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Shifting fortunes in Wisconsin’s tight 2026 governor’s race

Polls show more voters are picking sides in the race for governor while billionaire donors define the fundraising contest — Inside Wisconsin Politics considers the campaigns a month from Election Day.

October 1, 2026

Tom Tiffany gestures with his left hand and speaks into a wired microphone held in his right hand, while standing in a room with an out-of-focus campaign yard sign and Republican Party banner with a graphic of an elephant displayed in the background.

Politics

Billionaires give Tiffany a big cash boost in the Wisconsin’s 2026 race for governor

Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor in 2026, raised more than $26 million in July, August and September, with $24 million-plus coming from just three people: billionaires Diane Hendricks, Richard Uihlein and Liz Uihlein.

October 1, 2026

The 2026 youth vote and where Gen Z Wisconsinites stand

Elections

The 2026 youth vote and where Gen Z Wisconsinites stand

As Gen Z voters seek out a politics that works for them, Democrats and Republicans are in a fierce competition to earn the support of this youngest generation of voters in the 2026 election cycle.

September 30, 2026

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on ceremonies for travel on gichigami

Indigenous

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on ceremonies for travel on gichigami

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairwoman Nicole Boyd discusses the tribe's cultural ceremonies for seeking protection when working or traveling on the waters of Lake Superior, or gichigami.

September 30, 2026 • Northern Region

Salah Sarsour smiles while standing among a group of men speaking with him.

Courts

Immigration jude rules Salah Sarsour can be deported on national security grounds

An immigration judge ruled that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can deport Salah Sarsour, who is president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and advocate of Palestinian rights, but rejected allegations that the man lied on his application for a green card.

September 30, 2026 • Southeast Region

Mitchell Berman gestures with his left hand while speaking into a wireless microphone held in his right hand, while standing in front of multiple campaign signs with the words Mitchell Berman for Congress and a graphic of a stethoscope, with out-of-focus backs of heads of people facing him in the foreground.

Elections

Democrats eye Republican incumbent Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st as 2026 map expands

First-time candidate Mitchell Berman pitches himself as a "working class nurse" in his campaign as the Democratic challenger in the 2026 race for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District against four-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep Bryan Steil.

September 29, 2026 • Southeast Region

Josh Kaul, Eric Toney on data centers and the 2026 election

Elections

Josh Kaul, Eric Toney on data centers and the 2026 election

Wisconsin's 2026 attorney general candidates — Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul and Republican challenger Eric Toney — discuss the role of the state's Department of Justice in debates over data centers.

September 29, 2026

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on Frog Bay Tribal National Park

Indigenous

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on Frog Bay Tribal National Park

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairwoman Nicole Boyd discusses the motivation for educational, environmental, historical and archaeological work conducted at Frog Bay Tribal National Park.

September 29, 2026 • Northern Region

A color illustration with hatching shading shows an older adult using a walker moving in a hallway with closed wood doors on either side toward an open glass door a caregiver is existing while looking back over their shoulder.

Economy

Federal immigration policy shifts may be worsening Wisconsin’s caregiver shortage

Senior living and home health industry leaders say policy changes by the Trump administration on refugee resettlement and temporary protected status for immigrants put new limits on recruiting a workforce that helps provide daily care for Wisconsin's older adults and disabled population.

September 28, 2026

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on Apostle Islands tourism workers

Indigenous

Chairwoman Nicole Boyd on Apostle Islands tourism workers

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairwoman Nicole Boyd discusses concerns about impacts of a larger seasonal workforce and higher property taxes if the Apostle Islands become a national park.

September 28, 2026 • Northern Region

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Jim Drees.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Tom Content, Michael Martens, Jim Drees

Here's what guests on the Sept. 25, 2026 episode said about higher home heating costs, lead pipe removal in Wausau and finding shelter in La Crosse.

September 28, 2026

The Red Cliff Band and the future of the Apostle Islands

Indigenous

The Red Cliff Band and the future of the Apostle Islands

Tribal leaders in the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and others living in Bayfield County question a federal bill to redesignate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as a national park.

September 25, 2026 • Northern Region

Tom Content on global energy prices and winter heating costs

Economy

Tom Content on global energy prices and winter heating costs

Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Tom Content considers projected spikes in costs of natural gas, propane and other heating fuels as utilities move to hike prices and an El Niño is forecast.

September 25, 2026

Jim Drees on a program to reduce homelessness in La Crosse

Social Issues

Jim Drees on a program to reduce homelessness in La Crosse

La Crosse County Pathways Home homeless response system manager Jim Drees describes lessons learned from a program with the goal of achieving a "functional zero" homeless population in the community.

September 25, 2026 • West Central Region

Alder Michael Martens on replacing Wausau’s lead water pipes

Policy

Alder Michael Martens on replacing Wausau’s lead water pipes

City of Wausau Alderperson Michael Martens discusses the city's goal to remove and replace about 3,000 remaining lead services lines before 2029 and its plan to pay private-side costs for the project.

September 25, 2026 • West Central Region

Republican mega-donors, gas costs and fighting ‘corruption’

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Republican mega-donors, gas costs and fighting ‘corruption’

Mega-donors fund Republican candidates, gas prices cause growing economic pain, and corruption emerges as an issue — Inside Wisconsin Politics looks at how each development impacts the 2026 election.

September 24, 2026

A child walks in a leaf-shaded asphalt parking lot next to a pickup truck with an open rear gate, with a wooded area in the background.

Social Issues

Green Bay’s ‘hidden homeless’ maintain lives and hopes while living in their vehicles

The way unhoused people are counted annually makes it difficult to accurately tally people who live in their vehicles — in Green Bay, one family with young children and a woman who use safe parking share their day-to-day experiences, obstacles they face and what keeps them going.

September 23, 2026 • Northeast Region

Josh Kaul, Eric Toney on investigating shootings by police

Elections

Josh Kaul, Eric Toney on investigating shootings by police

Wisconsin's 2026 attorney general candidates — Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul and Republican challenger Eric Toney — discuss law enforcement responses to the officer-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz.

September 22, 2026

The right arm of a person holds a wireless computer mouse on a mouse pad while sitting and facing a desk, with a wireless keyboard, metal desktop storage trays and other items on its surface.

Health

988 service faces a funding shortage in Wisconsin despite bipartisan support

The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has a track record of success and growing demand, but Wisconsin lawmakers have not provided permanent funding and operators are struggling to keep up with demand.

September 22, 2026

In Focus

In Focus with Wendi Dwyer: From disability to accessibility

Murv Seymour talks with Wendi Dwyer in Madison about learning to live with blindness, work to increase empathy and access for people with disabilities, and creating the "Advocacy Is a B*tch" cartoon.

September 21, 2026

Frederica Freyberg and Dan Johnson sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Tom Tiffany, David Crowley, Dan Johnson

Here's what guests on the Sept. 18, 2026 episode said about running for governor of Wisconsin and the record-high price of diesel fuel.

September 21, 2026

Dan Johnson on high diesel prices and cost of shipping goods

Economy

Dan Johnson on high diesel prices and cost of shipping goods

Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association President Dan Johnson discusses how businesses that transport goods by semi-truck are affected by the rising cost of diesel fuel and expected impacts on consumers.

September 18, 2026

A still image shows a lawyer addressing the members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with a crowd behind her.

Courts

Wisconsin Supreme Court hears pair of cases on redistricting

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments in two lawsuits seeking to redraw the state's congressional district maps on the grounds that the maps are gerrymandered toward Republicans and incumbents.

September 18, 2026

Mail-in ballots, redistricting and a race in Wisconsin’s 1st

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Mail-in ballots, redistricting and a race in Wisconsin’s 1st

The U.S. Supreme Court maintains mail-in voting, the state Supreme Court considers redistricting and there's a race for the 1st Congressional District — Inside Wisconsin Politics examines each issue.

September 17, 2026

David Crowley on the 2026 election for governor of Wisconsin

Elections

David Crowley on the 2026 election for governor of Wisconsin

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is the Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin in 2026, discusses prominent issues in the race, from affordability to crime to voting.

September 16, 2026

Tom Tiffany on the 2026 election for governor of Wisconsin

Elections

Tom Tiffany on the 2026 election for governor of Wisconsin

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-7th Congressional District, who is the Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin in 2026, discusses prominent issues in the race, from affordability to crime to voting.

September 15, 2026

An excavator sits in a driveway next to a stack of debris on landscape stones and a sidewalk along a road lined with two parallel wood power line poles, with multiple houses with damaged siding, roofs and windows across the street, with tree trunks shorn of branches and leaves in the background and a stack of sewer pipes on a driveway in the foreground.

Economy

Fox Cities businesses balance tornado relief with keeping their doors open

After an EF3 tornado struck the Fox Cities on July 27, small business owners put daily operations on hold and organized large-scale efforts to direct volunteers and donation requests — more than a month later, they're navigating how to continue helping while keeping their businesses afloat.

September 14, 2026 • Northeast Region

A U.S. flag is displayed on a flagpole in front of a stone masonry building with steps leading up to an entrance framed by a portico of columns upholding a pediment with sculptures of figures, with two painted metal lamp posts with two globes and a tree in the foreground.

Courts

US Supreme Court rejects Trump mail-in ballot restrictions ahead of the 2026 midterms

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's bid to restrict how the U.S. Postal Service mails ballots cast in the November 2026 election, a decision that allows states — including Wisconsin — to continue using existing processes for voting.

September 14, 2026

Zac Schultz sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Andrew Mercil.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Andrew Mercil, Josh Kaul, Eric Toney

Here's what guests on the Sept. 11, 2026 episode said about running for attorney general of Wisconsin and a U.S. Postal Service rule seeking to change its handling of absentee ballots.

September 14, 2026

Tom Tiffany shakes the hand of a firefighter wearing a station uniform, with three other firefighters standing in the background in front of an out-of-focus vehicle.

Politics

Tiffany swims to safety after plane makes emergency landing in Lake Wausau

A plane carrying U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-7th Congressional District, made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on approach to the Wausau Downtown Airport — Tiffany, who is the 2026 Republican candidate for governor, swam with the pilot to a sandbar where they were rescued by first responders.

September 13, 2026 • Northern Region

A still image shows Andrew Mercil seated in front of a turquoise wall decorated with certificates, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Menomonie,' 'Andrew Mercil' and 'Dunn County Clerk.'

Elections

Andrew Mercil on uncertainty over mail-in ballots

Dunn County Clerk Andrew Mercil discusses how election officials in Wisconsin are preparing for changing federal policy on mail-in voting as absentee ballots for the 2026 election are sent to voters.

September 11, 2026

A still image shows Tommy Thompson standing in front of a building with tall windows, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Madison,' 'Tommy Thompson' and 'Former Secretary of Health and Human Services.'

History

Tommy Thompson reflects on 9/11 attacks and response efforts

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Tommy Thompson shares memories of visiting New York City after 9/11 and responds to the release of documents about hazardous air quality near Ground Zero.

September 11, 2026

GOP convention, decline of debates, ballot lawsuit

Inside Wisconsin Politics

GOP convention, decline of debates, ballot lawsuit

Republicans try to fire up the base with a rare midterm convention — Inside Wisconsin Politics looks at why some Wisconsin Republicans joined the party while others stayed home.

September 10, 2026

Eric Toney on running for Wisconsin attorney general in 2026

Elections

Eric Toney on running for Wisconsin attorney general in 2026

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney discusses his run as the Republican candidate for Wisconsin Attorney General in 2026 and significant issues facing the state Department of Justice.

September 10, 2026

Josh Kaul on running for Wisconsin attorney general in 2026

Elections

Josh Kaul on running for Wisconsin attorney general in 2026

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul discusses his run for re-election as the incumbent and Democratic candidate for the office in 2026 and significant issues facing the state Department of Justice.

September 9, 2026

A room with an exam table, two wood arm chairs with padded seats and backs, and a padded stool under a table sit in a room with cabinets, a sink, and other items along a back wall, with an eye chart displayed on a cabinet door and a graphic showing a spinal column on a wall, with an open wood door and its frame in the foreground.

Policy

What can Wisconsin learn from other states starting work requirements for Medicaid?

Nebraska and Montana have put work requirements in place for Medicaid recipients that are required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — their start ahead of federal deadlines could offer implementation lessons for other states, including in Wisconsin.

September 9, 2026

Laura Dresser on economic impacts of immigrants in Wisconsin

Economy

Laura Dresser on economic impacts of immigrants in Wisconsin

UW-Madison labor economist and High Road Strategy Center associate director Laura Dresser discusses Wisconsin's immigrant workers and effects of immigration enforcement raids on jobs and the economy.

September 8, 2026

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of Karen Hyun.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Philip Rocco, Sec. Karen Hyun, Laura Dresser

Here's what guests on the Sept. 4, 2026 episode said about sowing distrust in the midterm elections, a Line 5 pipeline leak in Iron and the state of Wisconsin's workers.

September 8, 2026

Hopes and tensions over renewable energy in rural Wisconsin

Economy

Hopes and tensions over renewable energy in rural Wisconsin

Supporters and opponents of large-scale wind and solar energy development in rural communities wrangle over projects as the state's demand for electricity to grow significantly in the coming years.

September 4, 2026

A still image shows Laura Dresser seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Laura Dresser' and 'UW-Madison High Road Strategy Center'

Economy

Laura Dresser on the state of working in Wisconsin in 2026

UW-Madison labor economist and High Road Strategy Center associate director Laura Dresser discusses the State of Working Wisconsin 2026 report on job trends, wage growth, inflation and affordability.

September 4, 2026

A still image shows Philip Rocco seated in front of a very white bedroom, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Philip Rocco' and 'Marquette University Dept. of Political Science.'

Elections

Philip Rocco on noncitizen voting claims and mail-in ballots

Marquette University political science professor Philip Rocco discusses Trump administration moves before the 2026 election seeking to manage the mailing of ballots by alleging noncitizen voter fraud.

September 4, 2026

A still image shows Sec. Karen Hyun seated in front of a blurred background, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Madison,' 'Sec. Karen Hyun' and 'Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources.'

Environment

Sec. Karen Hyun on a natural gas leak in Line 5 in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Sec. Karen Hyun discusses Line 5 leaking natural gas in Iron County following a vehicle collision at an excavation site where the pipeline is being re-routed.

September 4, 2026 • Northern Region

A still image shows an aerial shot of a the clean up site of the natural gas leak spewing from Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline.

Indigenous

Ojibwe tribal group condemns Line 5 spill as ‘sloppy work’

The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission denounced Enbridge after a contractor's truck struck the Line 5 pipeline at a construction site in northern Wisconsin and caused a natural gas spill.

September 4, 2026 • Northern Region

Flock cameras, election administration and Great Lakes names

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Flock cameras, election administration and Great Lakes names

Flock surveillance cameras become an issue, feds probe alleged noncitizen voting, and presidential place name proclamations — Inside Wisconsin Politics considers impacts on the 2026 governor's race.

September 3, 2026

An aerial photo shows a cluster of multi-story buildings along multiple blocks of a grid of streets next to a body of water, with tree-covered neighborhoods extending to the horizon under a hazy sky.

Environment

Wildfire smoke renews air pollution and asthma concerns in Rock County

Beloit was identified as the worst city in the nation for air pollution in 2023, but the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is not committing to expanding the monitoring system to assess air quality in the community, where asthma rates are among the highest in the state.

September 2, 2026 • South Central Region

Charles Franklin on polling Wisconsin voters on data centers

Politics

Charles Franklin on polling Wisconsin voters on data centers

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses inflation and the cost of living as the top issue in 2026 for Wisconsin voters, who also hold broad opposition to data center development.

September 1, 2026

John Miller on export markets, tariffs and importing beef

Economy

John Miller on export markets, tariffs and importing beef

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO John Miller discusses exports to Canada by businesses in the state, objectives of tariffs, and a Trump administration plan to import beef.

September 1, 2026

Rich Barnhouse on debates over emerging digital technologies

Economy

Rich Barnhouse on debates over emerging digital technologies

Waukesha County Technical College President Rich Barnhouse discusses the expansion and acceleration of debates over new technology amid community-level controversies over data center development.

August 31, 2026

Charles Franklin on a fake poll of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary

Elections

Charles Franklin on a fake poll of Wisconsin’s 2026 primary

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses fraudulent polling results promoted by an individual under the name "Median Strategies" and what it means for pollsters and the media.

August 31, 2026

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of John Miller.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: John Miller, Charles Franklin, Janine Geske

Here's what guests on the Aug. 28, 2026 episode said about trade war with Canada, polling support in the governor's race, and the process of commuting prison sentences in Wisconsin.

August 31, 2026

A still image shows Charles Franklin seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Charles Franklin' and 'Marquette Law School Poll.'

Elections

Charles Franklin on polling voters about Crowley and Tiffany

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin details what Wisconsin voters say about 2026 governor candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany along with who should control the state Legislature.

August 28, 2026

A still image shows John Miller seated in front of a brick wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Milwaukee,' 'CEO John Miller' and 'Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.'

Economy

John Miller on how the US-Canada trade war affects Wisconsin

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO John Miller discusses how escalation of a trade war between the United States and Canada impacts consumers and businesses in the state.

August 28, 2026

A still image shows Janine Geske seated in front of a yellow wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'Janine Geske' and 'former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.'

Courts

Janine Geske on Wisconsin’s Commutation Advisory Board

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske discusses the goals of restorative justice as Gov. Tony Evers restarts the state's process to commute criminal sentences of approved applicants.

August 28, 2026

Wisconsin’s economy, environment and fight over data centers

Politics

Wisconsin’s economy, environment and fight over data centers

Development of data centers has become a major community issue across Wisconsin, with proponents pointing to supply chain jobs and the tax base while opponents point to energy use and local control.

August 27, 2026

A comic strip-style iillustration shows a person sitting in a couch looking at the smart phone with the TikTok word mark on its back that is emanating thought bubbles showing illustrations of a hamburger and house marked with $$$ as well as the words Avg. Green Bay Rent $4K!! and Wisconsin Gas Prices Over $7/Gallon! with a potted snake plant to the side and a framed image of Lambeau Field on a wall in the background.

Politics

Inside the TikTok campaign insisting Green Bay is ‘more expensive’ than New York City

A series of more than 100 videos published to TikTok that make claims about the cost of living in Green Bay in 2026 fit a pattern of influences getting paid to create and post content about political topics, often without disclosures about the funding source.

August 27, 2026

A row of law enforcement officers wearing helmets with face shields and holding transparent riot shields with the words State Patrol across their center span stands and faces multiple people, with a building with glass-block windows in the background.

Courts

Wisconsin police agencies track use of force, but the numbers are hard to compare

State law requires law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin to report serious uses of force by officers, but inconsistent standards makes comparisons among departments in different places difficult to track.

August 26, 2026

Mail-in voting, commutations and crime, politics of tariffs

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Mail-in voting, commutations and crime, politics of tariffs

The Trump administration proceeds with mail-in voting limits, the Commutations Advisory Board meets and tariffs reemerge as an issue — Inside Wisconsin Politics considers impacts on the 2026 vote.

August 25, 2026

Elon Musk and Ekaterina Diestler stand and hold two ends of an oversized paper check with the words America PAC, pay to the order of Ekaterina Diestler and $1,000,000, with an illuminated screen in the background.

Courts

La Crosse County DA declines to pursue election bribery charges against Musk

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, who was appointed as a special prosecutor, says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the Wisconsin Elections Commission said the billionaire likely broke state law.

August 25, 2026

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on a push to split up the MMR vaccine

Health

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on a push to split up the MMR vaccine

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard discusses an executive order by President Donald Trump that calls to separate the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

August 24, 2026

Frederica Freyberg and Ryan Westergaard sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Dr. Ryan Westergaard, J. Michael Collins

Here's what guests on the Aug. 21, 2026 episode said about a measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin and student loan defaults.

August 24, 2026

A still image shows a flock camera secured to a black pole with an American flag waving behind it.

Politics

The rise of and opposition to Flock cameras in Wisconsin

Widespread use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies around the state has provoked a vocal surge of opposition at the local level to the use of these surveillance cameras.

August 21, 2026

A still image shows Dr. Ryan Westergaard seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Ryan Westergaard, M.D.' and 'Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.'

Health

Dr. Ryan Westergaard on measles cases in southwest Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard describes a measles outbreak in southwest areas of the state and the impacts of falling childhood vaccination rates.

August 21, 2026 • Southwest Region

A still image shows J. Michael Collins seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'J. Michael Collins' and 'UW La Follette School of Public Affairs.'

Economy

J. Michael Collins on student loan defaults and the economy

UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs professor J. Michael Collins discusses the rising number of student loan borrowers who are in default and what it indicates about the overall economy.

August 21, 2026

Education

UW system pushes for tuition freeze in return for investment

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents announced a plan to freeze tuition for its schools in the 2027-29 budget cycle if the state Legislature agrees to invest $190 million in the system.

August 21, 2026

Two hands wearing nitrile gloves hold an agar plat with streaks of bacteria growth and an identification label.

Health

Alfalfa sprouts linked to food poisoning illnesses in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Health officials are warning consumers against eating alfalfa sprouts that are sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, with 23 people in Minnesota reported as having fallen ill and investigators identifying another 18 cases in Wisconsin caused by food poisoning.

August 21, 2026

Donald Trump speaks into a mounted microphone with an out-of-focus painting in the background.

Elections

Trump continues to tout data centers, even as they become toxic in 2026 races

President Donald Trump is voicing strong support for data centers, while candidates running in midterm elections are far less accepting as their development has become a contentious issue around the nation.

August 20, 2026

Crowley, Tiffany and why data centers are a major 2026 issue

Inside Wisconsin Politics

Crowley, Tiffany and why data centers are a major 2026 issue

Tom Tiffany and David Crowley move to define themselves and how voters view their opponent in an opening salvo of campaign ads — Inside Wisconsin Politics digests the start of their race for governor.

August 20, 2026

A recreational vehicle with the words NorthEast Wisconsin Community Clinic, the URL www.newcc.health and different graphics is parked on the side of a road next to a sidewalk, with its open side awning providing shade to a folding table and chairs in place next to and open door, with trees and a building in the background.

Social Issues

A guide to homelessness resources in northeast Wisconsin

Despite limited funding, a group of regional agencies provide shelter, support and resources to homeless populations in northeast Wisconsin.

August 20, 2026 • Northeast Region

Three people walk along an asphalt-paved path toward the rear side of a corner of a building with stone masonry walls and a bronze plaque reading Lyons Park, with trees in the background and an out-of-focus plastic sandwich board sign with two illustrations of the U.S. flag and the words Vote Here / Aquí on its front face.

Elections

What to know about fake election poll numbers for shared and retracted by a mysterious company

A mysterious political firm named Median Strategies admitted to fabricating multiple election polls, including one purporting to evaluate support in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin.

August 19, 2026

Light reflects off metal latch handles and rotary combination locks integrated into a row of metal school lockers.

Education

At ‘quasi-public’ private schools, 100% of students get tuition vouchers — there’s almost no accountability

Private schools, including those heavily dependent on taxpayer funding, often operate without the scrutiny public schools are subject to — following the money at one Milwaukee private school reveals an opaque world with little oversight.

August 18, 2026 • Southeast Region

Different poultry cuts and other meat products packaged in trays and encased in plastic wrap sit stacked in three adjacent open-topped coolers, with a cardboard container filled with a bakery product standing next to one, with an out-of-focus open-sided cooler displaying different food products in the background.

Economy

How to use an inflation calculator

With prices continuing to rise for groceries, gas and other consumer products, free online inflation tracking tools can compare changes in costs over time and show how much income is keeping up.

August 17, 2026

Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross sit next to each other and across from Zac Schultz at a desk on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Bill McCoshen & Scot Ross, Alexander Shur

Here's what guests on the Aug. 14, 2026 episode said about David Crowley's and Tom Tiffany's fundraising in the race for governor and Milwaukee's late-night ballot reporting in the primary election.

August 17, 2026