Policy

Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin on a bill to regulate data centers

State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin, D-Whitefish Bay, discusses a bill that would regulate energy use, water use and labor practices of data centers with dozens of facilities in the works across Wisconsin.

Friday November 14, 2025

Economy

Diana Maas on funding for energy assistance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Administration Assistant Deputy Secretary Diana Maas discusses the status of the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program with federal funding delayed as utility costs rise.

Friday November 14, 2025

Budgets

Baldwin describes focus on health care during the shutdown

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, explained why most Democrats held out during the 2025 federal government shutdown for funding that included extension of Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits.

Friday November 14, 2025

Economy

Kevin Rak on higher need at the River Food Pantry in Madison

The River Food Pantry volunteer Kevin Rak describes how the number and needs of people seeking help from the River Food Pantry in Madison are growing as grocery prices continue rising with inflation.

Wednesday November 12, 2025

Economy

Tawny Hardyman on losing staff during a government shutdown

Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program Head Start Director Tawny Hardyman describes how the 2025 federal government shutdown impacted staff retention and recruitment for the organization.

Tuesday November 11, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Rhonda Adams, Tawny Hardyman, State Sen. Jesse James

Here's what guests on the Nov. 7, 2025 episode said about high demand at food pantries, the closure of Head Start programs in southwest Wisconsin and a proposed law to define grooming of children.

Monday November 10, 2025

Economy

Rhonda Adams on people seeking more help from food pantries

The River Food Pantry Executive Director Rhonda Adams details how higher grocery prices and SNAP funding confusion are causing growing demand for its services, including from many first-time visitors.

Friday November 7, 2025

Social Issues

Tawny Hardyman on closure of Head Start classes in Wisconsin

Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program Head Start Director Tawny Hardyman describes how the federal government shutdown is causing early learning programs to halt and the impacts on children.

Friday November 7, 2025

Policy

Sen. Jesse James on Wisconsin making child grooming a crime

State Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, discusses a bill that would define the act of grooming a child and make it a felony in Wisconsin as the state moves to investigate how teacher licenses are suspended.

Friday November 7, 2025

Indigenous

A prescribed burn in Superior provides pride and healing

The Fond du Lac Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa practiced a culturally prescribed burn on Wisconsin Point in Superior to restore and heal their land regained after more than a century-long loss.

Friday November 7, 2025

Courts

Sen. Mary Felzkowski on planning Wisconsin’s prison overhaul

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, discusses how future projections guide plans to restructure Wisconsin prisons, pointing to placement of Secure Residential Care Centers, or SRCCs, in the state.

Wednesday November 5, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: State Sen. Mary Felzkowski, Brad Olson, Jackie Anderson

Here's what guests on the Oct. 31, 2025 episode said about the plan to restructure Wisconsin's prison system, how farmers in the state are faring, and the high use of food banks.

Monday November 3, 2025

Social Issues

Jackie Anderson on SNAP funds and growing use of food banks

Feeding Wisconsin Executive Director Jackie Anderson describes growing demand on food banks as grocery prices continue rising, federal programs are eliminated and SNAP funding is poised to be cut off.

Friday October 31, 2025

Politics

Brad Olson on trade, health care costs and Wisconsin farmers

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson considers uncertainties over tariffs on and markets for soybeans and beef, rising health insurance costs and the status of the next Farm Bill.

Friday October 31, 2025

Courts

Sen. Mary Felzkowski on politics and Wisconsin’s prison plan

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, discusses interest by Republican lawmakers to play a larger role in revamping Wisconsin's prison systems through a plan proposed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

Friday October 31, 2025

Courts

Evers promises bipartisan planning of prison upgrades

Republican lawmakers on the State Building Commission are seeking more of a role in restructuring Wisconsin's prison system, and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers promises collaboration on future planning.

Friday October 31, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, Beth Swedeen, Eric Genrich, Moniquie Minkens

Here's what guests on the Oct. 17, 2025 episode said about federal funding cuts affecting food assistance and special education, an affordable housing project in Green Bay and a record number of domestic violence deaths in Wisconsin.

Monday October 20, 2025

Education

Beth Swedeen on federal cuts to special education funding

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Beth Swedeen considers impacts of U.S. Department of Education funding cuts and layoffs on special education in the state.

Friday October 17, 2025

Health

Dr. Dipesh Navsaria on food insecurity and children’s health

Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician, considers impacts of food assistance on the nutrition and mental health of children as funds for state-run programs dwindles due to a federal government shutdown.

Friday October 17, 2025

Social Issues

Monique Minkens on domestic violence homicides in Wisconsin

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin Executive Director Monique Minkens considers the state's record number of domestic violence-related homicides and how funding cuts and housing are factors in this problem.

Friday October 17, 2025

Economy

Mayor Eric Genrich on the Green Bay Housing Partnership

Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich discusses the launch of a community land trust nonprofit program with the goal of lowering barriers to owning a home through leasing land to reduce the cost of mortgages.

Friday October 17, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Don Millis, McCoshen & Ross, Chelsea Chandler

Here's what guests on the Oct. 10, 2025 episode said about the continuing federal government shutdown, verifying citizenship of Wisconsin voters, the emerging gubernatorial primary field for 2026, and large-scale renewable energy projects.

Monday October 13, 2025

Budgets

US Sen. Tammy Baldwin on 2025 government shutdown politics

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, discusses the October 2025 shutdown of the federal government, the stance of Democratic lawmakers in this impasse and their Affordable Care Act tax credits goals.

Friday October 10, 2025

Elections

Don Millis on the citizenship status of voters in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Elections Commission member Don Millis, a Republican appointee and former chair, discusses a circuit court order for the state to verify citizenship of voters by the February 2026 election.

Friday October 10, 2025

Elections

McCoshen & Ross on Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial landscape

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss the emerging field of Republican and Democratic candidates who have — and haven't — announced 2026 runs for governor of Wisconsin.

Friday October 10, 2025

Environment

Chelsea Chandler on expanding renewable energy in Wisconsin

Clean Wisconsin program director Chelsea Chandler considers the approval of new large-scale wind and solar projects in the state as electricity demand rises from data centers and electric vehicles.

Friday October 10, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Sen. Ron Johnson, John Rosenow, Sydney Timmer-Murillo

Here's what guests on the Oct. 3, 2025 episode said about the federal government shutdown, immigrant dairy workers and collective trauma from public violence.

Monday October 6, 2025

Budgets

US Sen. Ron Johnson on 2025 government shutdown politics

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, discusses the October 2025 shutdown of the federal government, the stance of Republican lawmakers in this impasse and goals of his proposed Eliminate Shutdowns Act.

Friday October 3, 2025

Economy

John Rosenow on dairy workers and immigration enforcement

Roseholm-Wolfe Dairy owner John Rosenow discusses the reliance of Wisconsin dairy farms on immigrant labor for milking cows, the legal statuses of these workers and the prospect of immigration raids.

Friday October 3, 2025

Health

Sydney Timmer-Murillo on public violence and shared trauma

Medical College of Wisconsin professor and clinical psychologist Sydney Timmer-Murillo considers how exposure to mass shootings and assassinations affect mental health and generate anxiety and trauma.

Friday October 3, 2025

Health

Lily Wagner on researching, diagnosing and treating autism

Waisman Center Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic Director Lily Wagner considers the Trump administration's warnings about acetaminophen and approval of leucovorin as a treatment for autism.

Friday September 26, 2025

Economy

Line Roald on electricity use by data centers in Wisconsin

UW-Madison College of Engineering professor Line Roald describes electricity needs of data centers and effects on Wisconsin's energy grid and consumer utility costs as more are built around the state.

Friday September 26, 2025

Elections

Rep. Scott Krug on how Wisconsin collects and counts ballots

State Rep. Scott Krug, R-Rome, discusses a set of election policy proposals for Wisconsin that would allow the counting of ballots to start before polls open and set new security rules for drop boxes.

Friday September 26, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Chairman Robert Blanchard, Jennifer Smith, Adam Kunz

Here's what guests on the Sept. 19, 2025 episode said about the pros and cons of the contested Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin and college students talking with each other about controversial topics.

Monday September 22, 2025

Economy

Jennifer Smith on Enbridge’s proposal for rerouting Line 5

Enbridge Director of Tribal Engagement U.S. Jennifer Smith discusses the company's plans to reroute its Line 5 pipeline around tribal lands in northern Wisconsin and opposition by the Bad River Band.

Friday September 19, 2025

Indigenous

Chairman Robert Blanchard on challenging Line 5 rerouting

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairman Robert Blanchard discusses challenges to state permits allowing a reroute of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline around tribal lands in northern Wisconsin.

Friday September 19, 2025

Education

Adam Kunz on college students and civil political discussion

UW-Eau Claire political science professor Adam Kunz discusses efforts by BridgeUWEC to bring together college students who have different points of view to discuss difficult and polarizing issues.

Friday September 19, 2025

Health

Evers order requires COVID vaccine coverage in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health Services state epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard described an executive order from Gov. Tony Evers that requires health insurance to cover access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Friday September 19, 2025

Education

Joe Green on combining courses through school consolidation

School District of Greenwood Administrator Joe Green describes efforts to work with the School District of Loyal to combine courses and offer more learning options as part of consolidation efforts.

Wednesday September 17, 2025

Education

Chris Lindner and Joe Green on sharing school district costs

Loyal and Greenwood school district administrators Chris Lindner and Joe Green discuss relying on operational referendums to pay for routine costs and consolidating services between the districts.

Tuesday September 16, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Taylor Odle, Joe Green and Chris Lindner, Roger Brandner

Here's what guests on the Sept. 12, 2025 episode said about direct admissions to colleges, consolidating rural school districts and shortages of 911 dispatchers.

Monday September 15, 2025

Economy

Sheriff Roger Brandner on shortages of emergency dispatchers

Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner discusses growing difficulty Wisconsin counties have in retaining emergency dispatch staff at 911 call centers as they burn out from overtime, stress and trauma.

Friday September 12, 2025

Education

Taylor Odle on UW’s direct admission programs for students

UW-Madison educational policy professor Taylor Odle describes the impacts of the Direct Admit Wisconsin and Wisconsin Guarantee programs on UW system admissions of high school students from the state.

Friday September 12, 2025

Education

Joe Green and Chris Linder on school district consolidation

Greenwood and Loyal school district administrators Joe Green and Chris Lindner describe plans to consolidate operations and services as falling enrollment in rural Clark County leads to lower funding.

Friday September 12, 2025

Politics

Wisconsin politicians respond to Charlie Kirk assassination

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and state Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming share their reactions to the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus.

Friday September 12, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Judy McRoberts, Jon Audhya, Dr. Chris Eberlein

Here's what guests on the Aug. 29, 2025 episode said about a health care worker strike in Janesville, federal research funding cuts at UW-Madison, and a drug overdose spike in La Crosse.

Tuesday September 2, 2025

Economy

Judy McRoberts on the Mercyhealth East strike in Janesville

UAW Local 95 President Judy McRoberts discusses a strike by workers at Mercyhealth East clinic in Janesville as the union's members seek heightened security measures in an ongoing contract dispute.

Friday August 29, 2025

Science

Jon Audhya on impacts of federal funding cuts at UW-Madison

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health professor and dean Jon Audhya considers how deep cuts to federal research funding are affecting scientific work and training of students.

Friday August 29, 2025

Health

Dr. Chris Eberlein on an overdose spike in western Wisconsin

Gundersen Health System emergency medical specialist Dr. Chris Eberlein discusses a public safety alert issued by La Crosse in response to a sudden increase of overdoses involving mixtures of drugs.

Friday August 29, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Kathryn Halvorsen, Grant Sovern, Lisa Tollefson, Nick Hillman

Here's what guests on the Aug. 22, 2025 episode said about the Red Cross response to flooding in Milwaukee, defending immigration cases, the checks and balances in Wisconsin's voting system, and new limits for federal student loans.

Monday August 25, 2025

Elections

Lisa Tollefson on mail-in ballots and elections in Wisconsin

Rock County Clerk Lisa Tollefson discusses statements by President Donald Trump calling to ban mail-in-ballots and machine tabulators as Wisconsin's local officials work to maintain election security.

Friday August 22, 2025

Education

Nick Hillman on borrowing limits for federal student loans

UW-Madison School of Education professor Nick Hillman explains how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act set lower borrowing limits for medical and law students while changing other loan rules.

Friday August 22, 2025

Social Issues

Grant Sovern on immigration arrests, detentions in Wisconsin

Community Immigration Law Center Board President and attorney Grant Sovern discusses an increase in immigration arrests and detentions in Wisconsin as more counties offer assistance to federal agents.

Friday August 22, 2025

Social Issues

Kathryn Halvorsen on the Red Cross and flooding in Milwaukee

American Red Cross of Wisconsin regional director Kathryn Halvorsen describes the organization's flood recovery efforts in Milwaukee and its call for more volunteers amid more extreme weather events.

Friday August 22, 2025

Budgets

Milwaukee flood recovery efforts continue during FEMA visit

Two weeks after historic flooding in southeast Wisconsin, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials assessed damage to determine potential federal aid, while residents continued cleanup work.

Friday August 22, 2025

Politics

Here & Now’ Highlights: County Exec. David Crowley, Philip Mulder, Caroline Gomez-Tom

Here's what guests on the Aug. 15, 2025 episode said about recovery from flooding Milwaukee, misconceptions about flood insurance and rising Health Insurance Marketplace premiums.

Monday August 18, 2025

Economy

County Exec. David Crowley on Milwaukee’s historic flooding

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley discusses the impacts of and recovery from extreme rain and damaging floods across the metropolitan area as the state requests federal disaster aid from FEMA.

Friday August 15, 2025

Economy

Philip Mulder on flood insurance coverage around Wisconsin

Wisconsin School of Business risk and insurance professor Philip Mulder considers the reasons why very few homeowners in the state hold flood insurance while extreme rain storms become more frequent.

Friday August 15, 2025

Budgets

Milwaukee moves to recovery after record-breaking flooding

In the aftermath of historic rainfall and flooding the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the state awaits response on a request for federal aid while residents whose homes were damaged pick up the pieces.

Friday August 15, 2025

Health

Caroline Gomez-Tom on ACA health plan price hikes for 2026

Covering Wisconsin enrollment manager Caroline Gomez-Tom discusses projected increases in Affordable Care Act plan premiums in 2026 and expiration of Health Insurance Marketplace enhanced tax credits.

Friday August 15, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Steven Deller, James Barnier, Dr. James Conway

Here's what guests on the Aug. 8, 2025 episode said about the direction of the economy, wildfire suppression in Canada, and the risk of measles outbreaks around Wisconsin.

Monday August 11, 2025

Economy

Steven Deller on tariffs, job numbers and economic trends

UW-Madison agriculture and applied economics professor Steven Deller considers what new tariffs along with jobs report and consumer spending figures mean for Wisconsin's and the national economy.

Friday August 8, 2025

Health

Dr. James Conway on Wisconsin’s risks of measles outbreaks

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. James Conway considers a measles outbreak in Oconto County and the low state vaccination rate.

Friday August 8, 2025

Environment

James Barnier on the potential for wildfire around Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forest fire protection section chief James Barnier describes risks of large and widespread wildfires as federal funding is cut for the U.S. Forest Service.

Friday August 8, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: McCoshen & Ross look ahead to 2026

Here's what guests on the Aug. 1, 2025 episode said about the open election for Wisconsin governor in 2026 and another race for the state Supreme Court.

Monday August 4, 2025

Here and Now 2026

McCoshen & Ross on Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race forecast

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss the outlook for the 2026 race for governor of Wisconsin as Democratic and Republican primary candidates start their campaigns.

Friday August 1, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, Josh Dietsche

Here's what guests on the July 25, 2025 episode said about Congress ending its summer session early and the state of Wisconsin's bridges.

Monday July 28, 2025

Budgets

US Rep. Bryan Steil on Congress implementing Trump’s agenda

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-1st Congressional District, discusses passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and pursuing budget rescissions as the House of Representatives cuts short its summer session.

Friday July 25, 2025

Economy

Josh Dietsche on structural integrity of Wisconsin bridges

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Structures Director Josh Dietsche describes the status of bridge infrastructure around the state with nearly 1,000 listed as "structurally deficient."

Friday July 25, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore

Here's what guests on the July 18, 2025 episode said about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's spending cuts at the national level.

Monday July 21, 2025

Policy

US Rep. Gwen Moore on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-4th Congressional District, discusses the Trump administration's 2025 tax and spending cuts law, and its anticipated impacts on Medicaid, food assistance and more.

Thursday July 17, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Anya van Wagtendonk, Michael Osterholm

Here's what guests on the June 27, 2025 episode said about final days of state budget maneuvering by Wisconsin lawmakers and the federal government's shifting stance on vaccination.

Monday June 30, 2025

Budgets

Anya van Wagtendonk on Wisconsin’s 2025-27 budget session

Wisconsin Public Radio state Capitol reporter Anya van Wagtendonk discusses budget talks among Republican lawmakers and what's still on the table as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers wields a partial veto.

Friday June 27, 2025

Health

Michael Osterholm on goals of the Vaccine Integrity Project

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Director Michael Osterholm explains the mission of the Vaccine Integrity Project amid shifts by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Friday June 27, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, State Sen. Jesse James, Tracy Vruwink, Jeanne Duffy

Here's what guests on the June 13, 2025 episode said about lawmakers writing the state budget, a pilot program for student mental health. Impacts of federal funding cuts in one community and the status of AmeriCorps projects in Wisconsin.

Monday June 16, 2025

Budgets

Zac Schultz on lawmakers writing Wisconsin’s 2025-27 budget

PBS Wisconsin senior political reporter Zac Schultz describes how the state Legislature's Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Finance is assembling portions of the 2025-27 biennial state budget.

Friday June 13, 2025

Policy

Sen. Jesse James on mental health services offered at school

State Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, discusses legislation to create a two-year pilot program to provide year-round school-centered mental health services for at-risk students at two schools in Wisconsin.

Friday June 13, 2025

Budgets

Jeanne Duffy on AmeriCorps funding and its work in Wisconsin

Serve Wisconsin Executive Director Jeanne Duffy discusses the status of AmeriCorps community service projects in the state in the midst of a federal lawsuit over DOGE terminating the program's funds.

Friday June 13, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Sen. Ron Johnson, Alderman José Pérez

Here's what guests on the June 6, 2025 episode said about the federal reconciliation budget bill and high-profile immigration cases in Milwaukee.

Monday June 9, 2025

Politics

US Sen. Ron Johnson on a 2025 tax bill and the federal debt

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, discusses his objections to a 2025 reconciliation policy bill cutting federal taxes and spending due to its projected $2.4 trillion increase to the national debt.

Friday June 6, 2025

Politics

Alderman José Pérez on ICE arrests of Milwaukee immigrants

Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez discusses community support for Ramón Morales Reyes and Yessenia Ruano, residents of the city who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Friday June 6, 2025

Science

Kurt Kotenberg on tracking wildfire smoke across Wisconsin

National Weather Service Green Bay forecast office meteorologist Kurt Kotenberg considers wildfire smoke air quality alerts in Wisconsin and the potential for such conditions to return going forward.

Friday June 6, 2025

Politics

Moore, Pocan seek to visit ICE detainees at Juneau facility

Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan visit an ICE detention facility in Juneau after federal agents arrested an immigrant living in Milwaukee who was framed for sending threats.

Friday June 6, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Dr. Michael Siebers, Bill Hanna, State Rep. Dean Kaufert

Here's what guests on the May 30, 2025 episode said about federal cuts to the Veterans Affairs hospitals, cuts to social safety net programs, and prospects for bipartisanship in the Wisconsin Legislature.

Monday June 2, 2025

Health

Dr. Michael Siebers on VA cuts and health care for veterans

Retired Veterans Health Administration physician Dr. Michael Siebers discusses how federal cuts to VA funding and plans to reduce staff are affecting both patient access to health care and providers.

Friday May 30, 2025

Social Issues

Bill Hanna on impacts of cutting federal social safety nets

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Medicaid Director Bill Hanna explains what proposed changes in requirements for the federal health care program, the ACA and SNAP would mean for Wisconsinites.

Friday May 30, 2025

Budgets

Both Wisconsin US senators oppose Trump federal budget bill

Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin both say they won't vote for President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" due to its effects on the federal deficit.

Friday May 30, 2025

Economy

Meriter nurses strike for better working conditions and pay

Hundreds of nurses at Meriter Hospital in Madison who are organized in the Service Employees International Union went on strike to demand a raise, more job security and a lower patient-to-staff ratio.

Friday May 30, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Darryl Morin, State Sen. Patrick Testin, Jim Tuckwell and Kevin McDonell

Here's what guests on the May 23, 2025 episode said about escalating actions in federal immigration enforcement, licensing independent practices for advanced practices nurses, and an affordable housing development in northern Wisconsin.

Tuesday May 27, 2025

Economy

How AI data centers are tapping into Wisconsin’s fresh water

Growing use of AI tools and cloud computing is motivating tech companies to expand construction of data centers — these operations are drawn to Wisconsin due to abundant water resources for cooling.

Friday May 23, 2025