Aditi Debnath

email

Aditi Debnath is a reporter for PBS Wisconsin's "Here & Now." She produces field reports and digital content that explains the deeper context behind current events, including how the COVID-19 ...

More Bio


Aditi's Recent Stories

Watertown adopts more restrictive transgender student rules

Education

Watertown adopts more restrictive transgender student rules

The politics of sex and gender were at the center of community controversy in Watertown as its school board adopted a more restrictive gender support plan, changing rules for transgender students.

Friday November 22, 2024


Michelle Velasquez on expanding abortion access in Wisconsin

Health

Michelle Velasquez on expanding abortion access in Wisconsin

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Michelle Velasquez discusses legal and legislative routes for reducing restrictions on abortion and bolstering options for pregnant patients.

Tuesday October 29, 2024


Gracie Skogman on funding for pregnancy resource centers

Politics

Gracie Skogman on funding for pregnancy resource centers

Wisconsin Right to Life legislative director Gracie Skogman discusses the goal of securing public funding for nonprofit groups that discourage abortion and encourage pregnancies being carried to term.

Monday October 28, 2024


A framed newspaper with a headline from The New York Times reads Roe Overturned, with accompanying photos and text.

Elections

How much does abortion policy matter in Wisconsin in 2024?

Abortion remains a central and contentious issue for voters and candidates in Wisconsin in advance of the 2024 presidential election, the first since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned "Roe v. Wade."

Friday October 25, 2024


Mary Swifka on disability benefits and expanding Medicaid

Economy

Mary Swifka on disability benefits and expanding Medicaid

Mary Swifka, mother of an adult child with Down syndrome, describes difficulties of hiring caregivers of people with developmental disabilities given low pay and limited benefits for these positions.

Tuesday October 15, 2024


Beth Swedeen on minimum wages for workers with disabilities

Economy

Beth Swedeen on minimum wages for workers with disabilities

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Beth Swedeen discusses its calls for employers to pay workers who need vocational support at minimum wage rates or higher.

Monday October 14, 2024


Rows of people sit in chairs at desks with piles of cardboard boxes on the side inside a large warehouse with ceiling-high shelves holding bosses and items in the background.

Policy

Medicaid and pay for workers with developmental disabilities

Fear of losing Medicaid benefits is a factor in debates over law allowing certain workers with disabilities to be paid lower than minimum wage — advocates urge Wisconsin lawmakers to pursue expansion.

Wednesday October 9, 2024


Joe Biden speaks and stands in front of a podium with two microphones with grass and solar panels in the background.

Elections

Biden’s Westby visit highlights push for rural votes in 2024

President Joe Biden visited rural Vernon County to tout federal funding for infrastructure — coming a week after a Trump rally in La Crosse, the event also confirms the area's electoral significance.

Friday September 6, 2024


Amy Kloppenburg on challenges of finding child care options

Economy

Amy Kloppenburg on challenges of finding child care options

Amy Kloppenburg, a resident of Madison and parent of two children, describes her family's economic need for child care and experiences when trying to locate a provider when moving into the area.

Thursday August 29, 2024


Ruth Schmidt on declining child care options in Wisconsin

Economy

Ruth Schmidt on declining child care options in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Early Childhood Association Executive Director Ruth Schmidt discusses how a shrinking child care and health care workforce affects communities around the state, particularly in rural areas.

Wednesday August 28, 2024


Lyerly, Wied vie for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional in 2024

Elections

Lyerly, Wied vie for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional in 2024

In a race reflecting prominent 2024 political issues, Dr. Kristin Lyerly, a Democrat, and businessman Tony Wied, a Republican, are running for an open seat in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District.

Tuesday August 27, 2024


The cost of child care has Wisconsinites seeking solutions

Economy

The cost of child care has Wisconsinites seeking solutions

An effort by a Madison suburb to address the rising costs of child care for both parents and preschool providers illustrates an economic dilemma that's hit a political stalemate at the state level.

Wednesday August 14, 2024


The big 2024 Republican primary race in northeast Wisconsin

Elections

The big 2024 Republican primary race in northeast Wisconsin

State Sen. André Jacque, former state lawmaker Roger Roth and former business owner Tony Wied, Republican candidates in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, are making their case to primary voters.

Thursday August 8, 2024


What’s the purpose of the RNC in Milwaukee, DNC in Chicago?

Politics

What’s the purpose of the RNC in Milwaukee, DNC in Chicago?

The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and Democratic National Convention in Chicago will command political attention as the 2024 race for president intensifies in advance of the election.

Wednesday July 3, 2024


Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar on addiction and imprisonment

Health

Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar on addiction and imprisonment

UW Health Behavioral Health and Recovery Clinic addiction medicine physician Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar examines how incarceration impacts people struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

Wednesday June 19, 2024


Amanda Church on mental health in prison and after release

Health

Amanda Church on mental health in prison and after release

Assisted living care provider Amanda Church, who was incarcerated for drug offenses, describes experiences with caring and callous corrections officers, and difficulties of reentry into the community.

Tuesday June 18, 2024


Wisconsin prisons lag in treating substance use disorders

Social Issues

Wisconsin prisons lag in treating substance use disorders

Many inmates in Wisconsin prisons seeking to recover from addiction face long waits for substance use disorder treatment as wrangling continues over resources for the state Department of Corrections.

Wednesday June 12, 2024


Sunlight illuminates the edges of a sign showing a shield-shaped stylized logo of a dome with a road leading to and from its base above the words Madison College in larger type and Area Technical in smaller type, with a tree and clear sky in the background.

Education

Wisconsin’s tech colleges are focused on DEI initiatives too

With many students attending part time and coming from many different backgrounds, the Wisconsin Technical College System works to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts among its 16 schools.

Tuesday May 7, 2024


Dahlia Saba on Gaza solidarity demonstrations at UW-Madison

Politics

Dahlia Saba on Gaza solidarity demonstrations at UW-Madison

UW-Madison graduate student and Students for Justice in Palestine spokesperson Dahlia Saba discusses why protestors continued to assemble on campus after police officers moved to end an encampment.

Wednesday May 1, 2024


Dr. Jasmine Zapata on the toll of COVID-19 on mental health

COVID-19

Dr. Jasmine Zapata on the toll of COVID-19 on mental health

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Jasmine Zapata describes ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic causing uncertainty, stress and trauma in families and communities.

Tuesday March 19, 2024


Dr. Jasmine Zapata on takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19

Dr. Jasmine Zapata on takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Jasmine Zapata discusses key lessons learned in the four years after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and ongoing status of the virus.

Friday March 15, 2024


The El Niño winter of 2023-24 and drought in Wisconsin

Science

The El Niño winter of 2023-24 and drought in Wisconsin

Historically warm conditions over the winter months reflect a global weather phenomenon that is threatening to extend drought conditions in the state and affect the start of a new growing season.

Friday February 16, 2024


John Rosenow on staffing a dairy farm with immigrant labor

Agriculture

John Rosenow on staffing a dairy farm with immigrant labor

Rosenholm Dairy owner John Rosenow describes experiences with and enthusiasm for hiring and training Spanish-speaking immigrants to maintain day-to-day operations at his dairy farm in Cochrane.

Thursday January 18, 2024


Tina Hinchley on growing milk production by dairy farms

Agriculture

Tina Hinchley on growing milk production by dairy farms

Hinchley's Dairy Farm owner Tina Hinchley describes how dairy farmers seek markets for their perishable product as cows produce higher volumes of milk due to improved genetics, feed and other factors.

Wednesday January 17, 2024


What robotics means for the future of Wisconsin dairy farms

Agriculture

What robotics means for the future of Wisconsin dairy farms

Difficulties in maintaining a workforce, ongoing market swings and uncertainties over an updated Farm Bill are leading a small but growing number of Wisconsin dairy farmers to embrace robotic milking.

Thursday January 11, 2024


Samer Alatout on achieving peace in Gaza and Israel

Social Issues

Samer Alatout on achieving peace in Gaza and Israel

UW-Madison sociology professor Samer Alatout, a native of Palestine, shares thoughts about nationalism, the historical relationship between Palestinians and Israelis, and building a democratic state.

Tuesday November 21, 2023


Rabbi Betsy Forester on achieving peace in Israel and Gaza

Social Issues

Rabbi Betsy Forester on achieving peace in Israel and Gaza

Beth Israel Center Rabbi Betsy Forester shares thoughts about the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, the traumas intensified by this terrorism, and how hopes for peace in the region are imperiled.

Tuesday November 21, 2023


War torments Wisconsinites with ties to Israel and Gaza

Social Issues

War torments Wisconsinites with ties to Israel and Gaza

Ongoing war and an escalating death toll in Gaza is fueling fear and uncertainty among Wisconsinites with Palestinian and Israeli family ties even as they search for hope in a decades-long conflict.

Friday November 17, 2023


Miryam Rosenzweig on trauma of civilians in the midst of war

Social Issues

Miryam Rosenzweig on trauma of civilians in the midst of war

Milwaukee Jewish Federation President Miryam Rosenzweig, who has family in Israel, shares thoughts on the fears for those who live in a war zone and growing levels of antisemitism around the world.

Wednesday November 15, 2023


Hashim Zaibak on trauma of civilians in the midst of war

Social Issues

Hashim Zaibak on trauma of civilians in the midst of war

Islamic Society of Milwaukee member Hashim Zaibak, who has family in Gaza, shares thoughts on the despair that comes with watching war from afar and a hope to offer help to civilians who are in need.

Wednesday November 15, 2023


The pain of Wisconsinites who have family in Gaza and Israel

Social Issues

The pain of Wisconsinites who have family in Gaza and Israel

Wisconsinites who have Israeli and Palestinian family ties share their anguish and fears following a month of rampant bloodshed and offer perspectives on the vitriol, distortions and horror of war.

Friday November 10, 2023


Diversity in higher education and Wisconsin McNair Scholars

Education

Diversity in higher education and Wisconsin McNair Scholars

McNair Scholars is a federally funded scholarship program supporting first-generation and traditionally underrepresented college students — participants at UW-Oshkosh share what they are learning.

Friday October 13, 2023


A still image from a video shows Anya Verkhovskaya sitting in a room with a window behind her right shoulder, with a graphic at bottom reading Anya Verkhovskaya and Friends of Be an Angel.

Social Issues

Anya Verkhovskaya on having relatives in Russia and Ukraine

Friends of Be an Angel board chair Anya Verkhovskaya shares the divisions, difficulties and pain that are faced by people who have family and friends on both sides of the Russian and Ukrainian border.

Tuesday March 7, 2023


A still image from a video shows Taras Khaba sitting in a room with a window behind his left shoulder, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Taras Khaba, M.D.' and 'Ukrainian Medical Association of North America.'

Social Issues

Taras Khaba on volunteering to send medical aid to Ukraine

Physician Taras Khaba, who escaped Ukraine with his family after Russia's full-out invasion, describes joining the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America to offer support in the midst of war.

Tuesday March 7, 2023


A still image from a video shows an overhead view of a warehouse in Ukraine with several individuals standing among stacks of crates and boxes, and a forklift.

Social Issues

Providing power to Ukraine in the dark and cold of winter

Human rights activists, medical professionals and business community members around Wisconsin have come together to supply generators for Ukraine to keep lights and heat operating in the midst of war.

Thursday March 2, 2023


Bonnie Margulis sits on a chair with open double doors and a stairway in the background, with a graphic at bottom reading Madison, Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, and Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice.

Social Issues

Rabbi Bonnie Margulis on antisemitism and polarized politics

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice Executive Director Rabbi Bonnie Margulis considers growth in antisemitism and other forms of hatred fueled by online echo chambers and heightened political division.

Tuesday February 28, 2023


A still image from a video shows a row of books about Jewish history and the Holocaust on a shelf, including titles that read 'The Other Victims,' 'The Holocaust in Romania' and 'The Resistance in Austria, 1938-1945.'

Social Issues

The chronic scourge of casual antisemitism in a divisive era

Wisconsin has experienced a steep increase in antisemitic acts over recent years, and Jewish community leaders in the state are deploring the pervasiveness of hate as memories of the Holocaust fade.

Thursday February 23, 2023


Zac Schultz and Brian Schimming sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Brian Schimming, Richard Shaw

Here's what guests on the January 13, 2023 episode said about the Republican Party of Wisconsin's plans for 2023 and why a community coalition in Milwaukee opposes the proposed expansion of I-94 in the city.

Tuesday January 17, 2023


Zac Schultz and Tony Evers sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Gov. Tony Evers, Allison Madison

Here's what guests on the January 6, 2023 episode said about Wisconsin's 2023 budget process and the impacts of road salt use during winter.

Monday January 9, 2023


More than one dozen people, many clad in religious garments, stand on a stage with two podiums, with a rabbi standing behind one and speaking into a microphone.

Social Issues

Shining a light on the growing problem of antisemitism in Wisconsin

Political conflict, the pandemic and the casual malice prevalent in social media are all factors contributing to the rise in statements and acts of bigotry and hatred toward Jewish communities — groups in Milwaukee and Madison are working to emphasize the extent of this trend around the state.

Tuesday December 20, 2022


Paul Farrow and Kelda Roys sit next to each other and across from Zac Schultz at a desk on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Paul Farrow & Kelda Roys after the 2022 gubernatorial debate

Here's what guests on the October 14, 2022 episode said about a debate between Gov. Tony Evers and Tim Michels.

Monday October 17, 2022


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

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: McCoshen & Ross after the 2022 US Senate debate

Here's what guests on the October 7, 2022 episode said about a debate between U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Lt Gov. Mandela Barnes.

Monday October 10, 2022


Zac Schultz and Jerome Dillard sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Jerome Dillard, Dale Knapp, Chad Laibly

Here's what guests on the September 30, 2022 episode said about campaign rhetoric about crime, Wisconsin's projected decline in younger residents and rising energy prices in advance of winter.

Monday October 3, 2022


A split screen shows Zac Schultz and Dr. Amy Domeyer in different locations.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Greg Hartjes, Dr. Amy Domeyer

Here's what guests on the Sept. 9, 2022 episode said about an Appleton school district referendum and a shortage of OB-GYNs in Wisconsin.

Monday September 12, 2022


Two folding highway and sandwich board signs read Vote Here stand on a concrete patio outside the entrance to a brick building.

Elections

Close, contrary primary votes illustrate 2022 rifts among Wisconsin Republicans

The close victory for Robin Vos in the Republican primary for the 63rd Assembly District wasn't the only tight race for the party in the state — battles for other legislative districts and statewide seats show the preeminence of the previous election, and former president, for its voters.

Wednesday September 7, 2022


Bonnie Margulis stands in front of a table covered with food and other items and speaks to people seated at tables in a room with painted concrete block walls and wood-paneled cafeteria window coverings.

Social Issues

Abortion policy in Wisconsin and divergent outlooks on freedom of religion

Jewish voices in the state are sharing their perspectives on pregnancy and the definition of human life as differences over interpretation of the First Amendment grow more salient.

Thursday August 18, 2022


Marisa Wojcik and Dr. James Conway sit in chairs in a room with the Here & Now set in the background.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Gracie Skogman, Tanya Atkinson, Charles Franklin, Dr. James Conway

Here's what guests on the June 24, 2022 episode said about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, polling the 2022 Wisconsin primaries and authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for younger children.

Monday June 27, 2022


A split screen shows Zac Schultz and Dr. Beth Neary in different locations.

Policy

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Bradley Burmeister, Beth Neary, Chris DeMarco, Susan Urbanski

Here's what guests on the June 17, 2022 episode said about assessing firearm risk for patients with mental health needs, adverse effects of exposure to PFAS, the high risk of energy emergencies in the Midwest grid, and demand for human milk during the baby formula shortage.

Monday June 20, 2022


A split screen shows Zac Schultz and Trisha Kilpin in different locations.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Trisha Kilpin, Tiffany Green

Here's what guests on the June 10, 2022 episode said about what the state does to help ensure safety in schools and maternal health disparities related to abortion.

Monday June 13, 2022


More Stories