Jan Lee on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s status

Economy

Jan Lee on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s status

Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Jan Lee discusses opposition among local officials to redesignating the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as a national park due to infrastructure concerns.

May 22, 2026

The fallout from Wisconsin’s failed budget surplus deal
The fallout from Wisconsin’s failed budget surplus deal

Inside Wisconsin Politics

The fallout from Wisconsin’s failed budget surplus deal

Candidates for governor are wrestling with the state's failed budget surplus deal — Inside Wisconsin Politics examines what the failure means for the 2026 elections and state government's bottom line.

May 21, 2026

Rachel Fernandez on tribal reporting of domestic violence
Rachel Fernandez on tribal reporting of domestic violence

Indigenous

Rachel Fernandez on tribal reporting of domestic violence

Maeqtekuahkihkiw Metaemohsak Inc. Executive Director Rachel Fernandez, a member of the Menominee Nation, describes how domestic violence is investigated and charged by the sovereign tribal government.

May 19, 2026 • Northeast Region

Elaine Koch, Russell Koch and Nikolas DeGroot sit in folding camp chairs arranged in a semi-circle, with two empty folding camp chairs facing them, on a lawn in front of a folding table with a wood box on its surface and a sign reading Politics in the Park leaning against its legs, with two children running next to a sidewalk behind them, and with trees and metal park benches facing a lake in the background.
Elaine Koch, Russell Koch and Nikolas DeGroot sit in folding camp chairs arranged in a semi-circle, with two empty folding camp chairs facing them, on a lawn in front of a folding table with a wood box on its surface and a sign reading Politics in the Park leaning against its legs, with two children running next to a sidewalk behind them, and with trees and metal park benches facing a lake in the background.

Politics

Politics in the Park conversations in Oshkosh aim to build community

Nikolas DeGroot started informal in-person gatherings about shared issues in Oshkosh parks, urging community members to log off and talk politics in real life while making sure their conversations remain respectful in an effort to reverse polarization.

May 18, 2026 • Northeast Region

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

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Rep. Tony Kurtz, Layla Merrifield, Dr. Arick Sabin

Here's what guests on the May 15, 2026 episode said about the failed state budget surplus deal, how technical colleges in the state are funded, and Wisconsin's increases in tick populations and Lyme disease.

May 18, 2026

A still image shows a Jon Miskowski posing for a portrait, with a graphic on the right that reads 'Jon Miskowski' and 'Aug. 4, 1960 - May 9, 2026.'
A still image shows a Jon Miskowski posing for a portrait, with a graphic on the right that reads 'Jon Miskowski' and 'Aug. 4, 1960 - May 9, 2026.'

Education

The legacy of PBS Wisconsin Emeritus Director Jon Miskowski

Jon Miskowski, emeritus director of television for PBS Wisconsin, has passed away at 65 following a long career that includes developing LZ Lambeau, Wisconsin Hometown Stories and Tribal Histories.

May 15, 2026

Rep. Tony Kurtz on backing Wisconsin’s budget surplus plan
Rep. Tony Kurtz on backing Wisconsin’s budget surplus plan

Budgets

Rep. Tony Kurtz on backing Wisconsin’s budget surplus plan

State Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, discusses negotiations for a bipartisan state budget surplus deal that failed to pass in the Legislature and how the 2026 election cycle played a role in its demise.

May 15, 2026

A still image shows Layla Merrifield seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Layla Merrifield' and 'Wisconsin Technical College System president.'
A still image shows Layla Merrifield seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Layla Merrifield' and 'Wisconsin Technical College System president.'

Education

Layla Merrifield on funding for Wisconsin technical colleges

Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield discusses a provision in a failed state budget surplus deal that would have provided aid to its schools and reduced local property taxes.

May 15, 2026

A still image shows an active session in the Wisconsin state Legislature.
A still image shows an active session in the Wisconsin state Legislature.

Budgets

Wisconsin’s bipartisan state budget surplus deal falls apart

A bipartisan vote by lawmakers blocked a plan by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders to use a state budget surplus to boost school funds and send checks to income taxpayers.

May 15, 2026

A still image shows Dr. Arick Sabin seated in front of a white wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'La Crosse,' 'Arick Sabin, D.O.' and 'Gundersen Medical Foundation.'
A still image shows Dr. Arick Sabin seated in front of a white wall, with a graphic at the bottom that reads 'La Crosse,' 'Arick Sabin, D.O.' and 'Gundersen Medical Foundation.'

Health

Dr. Arick Sabin on rising Lyme disease cases in Wisconsin

Gundersen Medical Foundation researcher Dr. Arick Sabin describes efforts to diagnose, treat and prevent Lyme disease as cases in Wisconsin spike with warmer weather extending the deer tick season.

May 15, 2026