Elections

Ben Wikler on national implications of Crawford’s victory

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler discusses the landslide win by Justice-elect Susan Crawford in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election and its impacts on national-level politics.

Friday April 4, 2025

Economy

Missy Hughes on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs and Wisconsin

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes considers the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs and impacts of retaliatory tariffs while on a trade mission in Europe.

Friday April 4, 2025

Elections

Underly comments on her 2025 superintendent election victory

Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly defeated Brittany Kinser in the 2025 spring vote, and each shared thoughts on education in the state as votes were counted.

Friday April 4, 2025

Elections

Racine Unified school district passes 2025 budget referendum

Voters in the Racine Unified School District passed a $190 million referendum in the spring 2025 election, one of 51 school funding referendums around Wisconsin that passed out of 89 on the ballot.

Friday April 4, 2025

Elections

Wisconsin to decide on voter ID amendment in 2025 election

A state constitutional amendment that would enshrine an existing law that requires voters to present valid identification when casting ballots will be decided in Wisconsin's spring 2025 election.

Friday March 28, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Sheriff Matt Joski, Greg Clement

Here's what guests on the March 21, 2025 episode said about a state-level proposal to require sheriffs cooperate with federal immigration authorities and what tariffs on aluminum and steel mean for a Wisconsin metals fabricator.

Monday March 24, 2025

Economy

Greg Clement on tariffs, trade and Wisconsin manufacturing

Argon Industries owner Greg Clement describes how the Milwaukee-based metal fabricator is adjusting amid uncertainty prompted by tariffs placed on steel, aluminum and imports from Canada and Mexico.

Friday March 21, 2025

Policy

Sheriff Matt Joski on local enforcement of immigration laws

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski discusses his stance on immigration laws as Republican lawmakers advance a bill that would require Wisconsin sheriffs to assist federal authorities with enforcement.

Friday March 21, 2025

Elections

WILL, Law Forward and the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty President Rick Esenberg and Law Forward co-founder Jeff Mandell discuss the debate between Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel.

Friday March 14, 2025

Education

Suzanne Eckes on deep cuts to the US Department of Education

UW-Madison School of Education professor Suzanne Eckes discusses the Trump administration reducing U.S. Department of Education staffing by nearly half and a multi-state lawsuit filed in response.

Friday March 14, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Mariel Barnes

Here's what guests on the March 7, 2025 episode said about growth in misogynist ideologies and how that's shaping the political landscape.

Monday March 10, 2025

Politics

Mariel Barnes on the ‘manosphere’ and American politics

UW-Madison public affairs professor Mariel Barnes describes researching the online "manosphere" movement and its growing influence on culture alongside the political ascent of President Donald Trump.

Friday March 7, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Sen. Tammy Baldwin, US Rep. Bryan Steil, Michael Osterholm, Mary Pitsch

Here's what guests on the Feb. 28, 2025 episode said about federal layoffs and budget cuts, the status of bird flu in Wisconsin, and a new living model for people with dementia.

Monday March 3, 2025

Health

Michael Osterholm on avian influenza and the risk to people

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Director Michael Osterholm considers the status of H5N1 bird flu in wild flocks and commercial poultry amid concerns over its spread among humans.

Friday February 28, 2025

Health

Mary Pitsch on the idea and goals of Livasu dementia village

Dementia Innovations President Mary Pitsch describes how the Livasu planned community to be built near Sheboygan offers a new model of care for patients with dementia and support for their families.

Friday February 28, 2025

Politics

US Rep. Bryan Steil on Congress and cuts by Musk and Trump

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-1st Congressional District, discusses actions by Elon Musk and President Donald Trump to cut federal jobs and agencies as Congressional Republicans proceed with budget bills.

Thursday February 27, 2025

Politics

US Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Congress and cuts by Musk and Trump

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, discusses actions by Elon Musk and President Donald Trump to cut federal jobs and agencies as Congressional Republicans proceed with budget bills.

Thursday February 27, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Jason Stein

Here's what a guest on the Feb. 21, 2025 episode said about the state budget proposal from the governor and its political prospects.

Monday February 24, 2025

Budgets

Jason Stein on the politics of Wisconsin’s 2025 budget cycle

Wisconsin Policy Forum President Jason Stein considers the political prospects of the 2025-27 state budget proposals from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers as Republican lawmakers plan to start from scratch.

Friday February 21, 2025

Budgets

Wisconsin’s 2025 budget proposals from Evers and Republicans

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers unveiled his 2025-27 state budget proposals, and Joint Finance Committee co-chair state Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, shared the Republican stance on that plan.

Friday February 21, 2025

Policy

Wisconsin Republicans pass educational standards package

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans passed education bills on testing standards, reducing cell phone use, requiring specific cursive and civics instruction, and limiting pay increases for administrators.

Friday February 21, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Susan Crawford, Dr. Robert Golden, Rick Esenberg, Darin Von Ruden

Here's what guests on the Feb. 14, 2025 episode said about running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, federal cuts to medical research, constitutional questions over presidential reach, and how Wisconsin farmers are on edge with threats to cut agriculture funding.

Monday February 17, 2025

Politics

Rick Esenberg on Trump’s orders, Musk’s cuts and rule of law

Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty President and attorney Rick Esenberg discusses executive orders by President Donald Trump, actions by Elon Musk and separation of powers under the Constitution.

Friday February 14, 2025

Agriculture

Darin Von Ruden on federal funding cuts to Wisconsin farmers

Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden discusses how the state could be impacted by the Trump administration's moves to cut funds for food aid, sustainable agriculture and climate programs.

Friday February 14, 2025

Science

Dr. Robert Golden on NIH funding and medical research at UW

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Dean Dr. Robert Golden discusses impacts of a Trump administration action to shift National Institutes of Health rules for research funds.

Friday February 14, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Brad Schimel, Sen. John Jagler, Kurt Bauer, Matthew Soerens

Here's what guests on the Feb. 7, 2025 episode said about running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, changing how the state's standardized K-12 tests are scored, potential impacts of tariffs on the state's economy, and the suspension of refugee resettlement.

Monday February 10, 2025

Economy

Kurt Bauer on how tariffs could impact Wisconsin businesses

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce President and CEO Kurt Bauer discusses the Trump administration setting and subsequently pausing tariffs on Canada and Mexico and its increased tariff on China.

Friday February 7, 2025

Education

Sen. John Jagler on scoring standardized tests in Wisconsin

State Sen. John Jagler, R-Watertown, discusses a bill that would revert how Wisconsin scores standardized reading and math tests for 3rd through 8th graders to match the state's previous requirements.

Friday February 7, 2025

Policy

Matthew Soerens on suspending refugee resettlement in the US

World Relief Vice President of Advocacy & Policy Matthew Soerens discusses an executive order issued by President Donald Trump to suspend refugee resettlement and its impacts on programs in Wisconsin.

Friday February 7, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, Jane Graham Jennings, Chairman Tehassi Hill

Here's what guests on the Jan. 31, 2025 episode said about proposed state legislation to limit immigration raids in schools and churches, how threats of freezes on federal grants to states are affecting nonprofit agencies, and how these uncertainties in funding are impacting tribal nations.

Monday February 3, 2025

Policy

Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez on state policy addressing ICE raids

State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, D-Milwaukee, discusses a bill that would block state and local law enforcement in Wisconsin from aiding in immigration detention and prohibit raids in certain locations.

Friday January 31, 2025

Indigenous

Chairman Tehassi Hill on Trump’s orders and tribal nations

Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill discusses executive orders issued by President Donald Trump to halt federal funding for tribal governments and question the U.S. citizenship of Indigenous people.

Friday January 31, 2025

Budgets

Jane Graham Jennings on impacts of freezes on federal grants

The Women's Community Executive Director Jane Graham Jennings discusses effects of any potential freeze on federal grant funds in the near and long terms for its domestic violence survivor services.

Friday January 31, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Sen. Ron Johnson, US Rep. Gwen Moore, Stephen Nick

Here's what guests on the Jan. 24, 2025 episode said about the first week of the Trump administration and police in western Wisconsin transporting homeless people to cities outside their jurisdiction.

Monday January 27, 2025

Policy

US Rep. Gwen Moore on the start of a new Trump presidency

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-4th Congressional District, discusses her outlook for President Donald Trump's second administration following an initial series of executive orders and the Jan. 6 pardons.

Friday January 24, 2025

Policy

US Sen. Ron Johnson on the start of a new Trump presidency

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, discusses his outlook for President Donald Trump's second administration following an initial series of executive orders and the Jan. 6 pardons.

Friday January 24, 2025

Politics

Wisconsin 2025 State of the State highlights from Evers, Vos

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers shared his priorities for 2025 in his seventh State of the State address, with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos providing the Republican response.

Friday January 24, 2025

Social Issues

Stephen Nick on transports of unhoused people to Eau Claire

Eau Claire City Attorney Stephen Nick discusses concerns over officers from multiple law enforcement agencies in western Wisconsin traveling to drop off people experiencing homelessness in the city.

Thursday January 23, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, Chief Andre Sayles, Philip Rocco

Here's what guests on the Jan. 17, 2025 episode said about the Wisconsin Supreme Court considering the balance of power between the Legislature and governor, local law enforcement and immigration status, and the shortfalls of the state's shared revenue law.

Tuesday January 21, 2025

Courts

Zac Schultz on Wisconsin’s separation of powers lawsuit

PBS Wisconsin senior political reporter Zac Schultz examines the Wisconsin Supreme Court case "Evers v. Marklein II" over who has power to set and strike down administrative rules in state government.

Friday January 17, 2025

Budgets

Philip Rocco on shared revenue shortfall issues in Wisconsin

Marquette University political science professor Philip Rocco discusses impacts of Wisconsin's 2023 shared revenue deal to boost local government funding as Waukesha faces a $5 million budget gap.

Friday January 17, 2025

Health

Seasonal respiratory viruses are peaking for young children

Wisconsin's first influenza-related pediatric death of the 2024-25 season was confirmed as respiratory viruses spread among infants and young children across the state and authorities monitor H5N1.

Friday January 17, 2025

Social Issues

Local officials voice concern over mass deportation plans

Anticipating mass deportations by the new Trump administration, Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez and Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne speak to local concerns over such plans.

Friday January 17, 2025

Courts

Federal judge orders Lac du Flambeau roads to remain open

A federal judge said an assistant U.S. attorney is responsible for making sure the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa keep disputed roads open while a court ruling is pending.

Friday January 17, 2025

Social Issues

Chief Andre Sayles on Beloit police and immigration status

Beloit Police Chief Andre Sayles discusses policing practices toward undocumented immigrants as lawmakers pursue legislation requiring more detentions and the Trump administration plans deportations.

Thursday January 16, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Chad Alan Goldberg, Bobby Peterson, David Minor, Dale Knapp

Here's what guests on the Jan. 10, 2025 episode said about what drives support for President-elect Donald Trump, the removal of medical debt from credit reports, how Eau Claire is faring one year after hospital closures, and Wisconsin's projected population drop-off.

Monday January 13, 2025

Social Issues

Dale Knapp on a projected population decline for Wisconsin

Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp discusses the factors that are contributing to a projected overall population decline in Wisconsin expected by 2050 and differences in impacts around the state.

Friday January 10, 2025

Health

Bobby Peterson on removing medical debt from credit reports

ABC for Health Executive Director Bobby Peterson discusses the scale of medical bills in Wisconsin and a rule by the outgoing Biden administration to block such debt from appearing on credit reports.

Friday January 10, 2025

Politics

Chad Alan Goldberg on populist politics and Jan. 6’s legacy

UW-Madison sociology professor Chad Alan Goldberg discusses researching the roles of economic anxiety, political alienation and social status in the rise of populism and considers impacts of Jan. 6.

Friday January 10, 2025

Health

David Minor on the Chippewa Valley’s health care needs, gaps

Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Minor discusses efforts to expand hospital and clinic facilities in the region after closures impacted patients, providers and communities.

Friday January 10, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: McCoshen & Ross, Tom Haupt

Here's what guests on the Jan. 3, 2025 episode said about expectations for the upcoming year in national state politics and tracking avian influenza in Wisconsin.

Monday January 6, 2025

Politics

McCoshen & Ross on Wisconsin’s political outlook for 2025

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss political forecasts for the start of the second Trump administration and the stakes of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race in 2025.

Friday January 3, 2025

Health

Tom Haupt on risks posed by Wisconsin bird flu cases in 2025

Wisconsin Department of Health Services research scientist Tom Haupt describes tracking outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in livestock and poultry as well as efforts to monitor potential human cases.

Friday January 3, 2025

Politics

Former state lawmakers Tim Cullen and George Petak pass away

Two retired Wisconsin lawmakers — former state Sen. Tim Cullen, 80, of Janesville, and former state Sen. George Petak, 75, of Racine — both passed away at the end of 2024.

Friday January 3, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Erin Neill, Trish Kilpin

Here's what guests on the Dec. 20, 2024 episode said about healing the trauma of a mass school shooting and how state officials provide response and recovery in the aftermath.

Monday December 23, 2024

Health

Erin Neill on the emotional impacts of experiencing violence

HEART Counseling psychotherapist Erin Neill describes overlapping traumas experienced by survivors, families and communities following violent acts like the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.

Friday December 20, 2024

Education

Trish Kilpin on responding to and averting school shootings

Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety Director Trish Kilpin discusses the crisis response that followed the Abundant Life Christian School shooting and assessing potential threats.

Friday December 20, 2024

Politics

US Rep. Mark Pocan responds to the Madison school shooting

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-2nd Congressional District, comments on the Abundant Christian Life School shooting in Madison during a floor speech to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Friday December 20, 2024

Health

Wisconsin detects a human bird flu case in Barron County

A human case of bird flu was detected in a worker at a poultry farm in Barron County where the H5N1 avian influenza virus was observed — health officials encourage tests for others who were exposed.

Friday December 20, 2024

Politics

Wisconsin’s 2024 electors cast ballots for Trump

Wisconsin's 2024 presidential electors votes cast their votes for Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States, while state charges proceed in the 2020 false electoral votes scheme.

Friday December 20, 2024

Environment

Environmentalists cite Enbridge Line 6 leak in Line 5 debate

Environmental groups point to an oil spill discovered in Jefferson County at a transfer station for the Enbridge Line 6 pipeline as they oppose a reroute of the company's Line 5 in northern Wisconsin.

Thursday December 19, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Tyler Wenzlaff, Chancellor Michael Alexander

Here's what guests on the Dec. 13, 2024 episode said about the status of the federal Farm Bill and the enrollment and budget strategies at UW-Green Bay.

Monday December 16, 2024

Education

Chancellor Michael Alexander on the finances of UW-Green Bay

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander discusses growing enrollment, cutting majors and eliminating a budget deficit while ending in-person classes at its Marinette campus.

Friday December 13, 2024

Agriculture

Tyler Wenzlaff on the politics of extending the Farm Bill

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation national affairs director Tyler Wenzlaff discusses negotiations in Congress over an extension to the 2018 Farm Bill and the impacts of delays on farmers and families.

Friday December 13, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Rep. Mark Pocan, Bryna Godar, Kurt Paulsen, Amy Basting

Here's what guests on the Dec. 6, 2024 episode said about Medicare Advantage plans, a court ruling to reverse Act 10, affordable housing under the second Trump administration and the need for more foster families in Wisconsin.

Monday December 9, 2024

Policy

US Rep. Mark Pocan on Medicare versus Medicare Advantage

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont, discusses the Save Medicare Act, a bill to rename Medicare Advantage and ban these private health insurance plans from referencing Medicare in their marketing.

Friday December 6, 2024

Politics

Bryna Godar on an Act 10 reversal and the politics of appeal

University of Wisconsin Law School State Democracy Research Initiative attorney Bryna Godar discusses a court ruling to reverse Act 10, the appeal process and the 2025 state Supreme Court election.

Friday December 6, 2024

Social Issues

Amy Basting on a critical need for foster care in Wisconsin

Children's Wisconsin foster care specialist Amy Basting describes commitments and rewards of foster care for thousands of kids in the state with significant challenges needing support and treatment.

Friday December 6, 2024

Politics

Former Justice, Assembly Speaker David Prosser passes away

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice and Assembly Speaker David Prosser, a Republican involved in many prominent political and legal issues over a nearly forty-year career, passed away at 81.

Friday December 6, 2024

Economy

Kurt Paulsen on the housing crisis and Trump’s policy plans

UW-Madison urban planning professor Kurt Paulsen discusses affordable housing shortages and potential effects of the incoming Trump administration's promises of mass deportation and other policies.

Thursday December 5, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Here's what guests on the Nov. 22, 2024 episode said about election results and what's ahead for Congress and the incoming Trump administration in 2025.

Monday November 25, 2024

Elections

US Sen. Tammy Baldwin on her 2024 win and the 119th Congress

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin discusses her narrow victory in the 2024 election, the incoming Trump administration's Cabinet picks and the outlook for Congress in 2025 under Republican control.

Friday November 22, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Christopher Saldaña, Jorge Franco, Kathryn McGarr

Here's what guests on the Nov. 15, 2024 episode said about education funding at state and federal levels, the Hispanic vote for president and parallels in American history to Trump campaign promises.

Monday November 18, 2024

Social Issues

Jorge Franco on Hispanic voters, Trump and mass deportation

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin CEO Jorge Franco discusses a swing among Latino voters toward President-elect Donald Trump in 2024 and the prospect of mass deportation by his administration.

Friday November 15, 2024

History

Kathryn McGarr on Trumpism and lessons from American history

UW-Madison journalism professor Kathryn McGarr considers questions about historical parallels between the second Trump administration and the mid-20th century's America First movement and McCarthyism.

Friday November 15, 2024

Education

Christopher Saldaña on funding for Wisconsin schools in 2025

UW-Madison education professor Christopher Saldaña considers the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's 2025 budget request and record-setting new funding approved in school referendums in 2024.

Friday November 15, 2024

Policy

Line 5 pipeline reroute around Bad River land advances

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued permits to Enbridge for construction of its Line 5 oil and gas pipeline reroute around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation.

Friday November 15, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, Anthony Chergosky, McCoshen & Ross

Here's what guests on the Nov. 8, 2024 episode said about election results and reactions.

Monday November 11, 2024

Elections

McCoshen & Ross on implications, impacts of Trump’s 2024 win

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss the significance of the 2024 election win by President-elect Donald Trump and what it means for Wisconsin politics going forward.

Friday November 8, 2024

Elections

Anthony Chergosky on the landscape of Wisconsin’s 2024 vote

UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky considers issues central to the 2024 vote alongside geographic and demographic factors contributing to President-elect Donald Trump's win.

Friday November 8, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Nathan Denzin, Charles Franklin

Here's what guests on the Nov. 1, 2024 episode said about visits by presidential candidates to Wisconsin in the final days of the campaign and the last Marquette Law School poll before the election.

Monday November 4, 2024

Elections

Charles Franklin on his final 2024 poll of Wisconsin voters

Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses polling Wisconsin voters in the final days before the 2024 election about races for president, the U.S. Senate and levels of enthusiasm.

Friday November 1, 2024

Elections

Nathan Denzin on Trump’s final 2024 Wisconsin campaign stops

PBS Wisconsin reporter Nathan Denzin discusses the goals and impacts of campaign rallies held by former President Donald Trump in Green Bay and Milwaukee in the final days before the 2024 election.

Friday November 1, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Abigail Swetz

Here's what our guest on the Oct. 25, 2024 episode said about rhetorical attacks against transgender people by the Trump campaign.

Monday October 28, 2024

Elections

Abigail Swetz on anti-transgender Republican stances in 2024

Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Abigail Swetz discusses impacts of anti-transgender statements by Republican candidates in speeches and campaign ads during the final weeks before the 2024 election.

Friday October 25, 2024

Elections

Republicans call upon Wisconsinites to cast early votes

While many Republicans have criticized absentee voting, the party's leaders and elected officials are now encouraging Wisconsinites to vote early in-person and use drop boxes in the 2024 election.

Friday October 25, 2024

Elections

Harris makes appeal to conservative, undecided 2024 voters

Vice President Kamala Harris is making appeals to conservative and undecided voters across Wisconsin, appearing with Republican Liz Cheney and conservative former radio talk show host Charlie Sykes.

Friday October 25, 2024

Education

Honoring Wisconsin Public Television reporter Art Hackett

Art Hackett, the primary political news reporter at Wisconsin Public Television for 31 years, has passed away at 74 and is celebrated and honored by PBS Wisconsin and for his work and spirit.

Friday October 25, 2024

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Anthony Chergosky after the 2024 US Senate debate

Here's what the guest on the Oct. 18, 2024 episode said about the Wisconsin's U.S. Senate debate between Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde.

Monday October 21, 2024

Politics

Anthony Chergosky on the debate between Baldwin and Hovde

UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky analyzes the 2024 U.S. Senate election debate between Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde.

Friday October 18, 2024