Frederica Freyberg
Frederica's Recent Stories
Racine Co. Rule is On-Off-On, Dane Co. Tightens Restrictions
A civil suit filed by a Racine business owner alleging 'Safer Racine" order would lead to business closings and significant loss of revenue resulted in ruling by Racine Co. judge to end order earlier this week. At 3pm July 3, Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Racine. Ordinance remains in effect while city’s appeal is argued in court. Madison and Dane Co. enacted stricter COVID-19 rules.
Friday July 3, 2020
Youth Activist Group Marching 65 Miles, Demanding Reform
Young Wisconsinites with the 50 Miles More activist group are marching 65 miles from Milwaukee to Madison calling for action from Governor Tony Evers and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos on police and gun reform, banning the use of tear gas and rubber bullets and violence prevention. The group will finish their march at the state Capitol on July 4th.
Friday July 3, 2020
Calls for a Statue of Vel Phillips at the State Capitol
Phillips was the first black woman elected as Wisconsin's Secretary of State, first in the nation elected to statewide office, first black woman to graduate from the UW Law School, first Black person elected to Milwaukee's City Council and first black woman to be a Wisconsin judge. To learn more about Vel Phillips, watch "Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams," a 2015 documentary at PBSWisconsin.org.
Friday July 3, 2020
No Police Officers in Madison High Schools Starting in Fall
The Madison School Board voted this week to remove police officers – also known as SROs (School Resource Officers) - from the city’s four main high schools. School Board President Gloria Reyes, a former police officer herself, discusses the board’s vote and what the district plans to do ahead of the fall semester.
Friday July 3, 2020
Epidemiologist Stresses Evidence-based Prevention Strategies
State epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard provides an update on COVID-19 in the state. He talks about the recent spike in the virus among young people and whether Wisconsin should be prepared to see spikes in the virus like southern and western states have seen.
Friday July 3, 2020
Black Leader Sees Narrative Shift Across US, Feels Different
Black Leaders Organizing for Communities leader Angela Lang discusses the status of the racial justice protests and where the state is now—whether demonstrations are continuing with the same energy or whether things are ‘returning to normal.’ She also talks about political organizing ahead of the 2020 presidential election and amid the pandemic.
Friday July 3, 2020
Supreme Court Strikes Down Abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Louisiana law requiring abortion providers have admitting privileges to hospitals, which mirrors a Wisconsin law passed in 2013.
Monday June 29, 2020
New DHS Dashboard Shows County-by-County Risk
The state health department's new online dashboard shows the risk level for every county in the state with the darkest shades showing where there is the highest current risk. Central Wisconsin from Green Bay to Eau Claire is at the highest level along with most of southern Wisconsin. The map is updated each Wednesday.
Friday June 26, 2020
Trump Visits Marinette Marine Touting Naval Contract
President Donald Trump visited Fincantieri Marinette Marine on Thursday. He toured the shipyard in Marinette that was awarded a $5.5 billion Navy contract to build new frigates. The company is expected to invest more than $200 million and create 1,000 jobs at the shipyard as a result of that contract.
Friday June 26, 2020
Gov. Evers Again Deploys National Guard to Protect Property
In the wake of this week's violence, Gov. Evers once again deployed the Wisconsin National Guard to protect state property and to support law enforcement. He said, “The Wisconsin National Guard will serve in a limited authorization meant to make sure people can exercise their First Amendment rights while ensuring the safety of members of the public and state buildings and infrastructure."
Friday June 26, 2020
New Wisconsin School Guidelines During Pandemic
Jennifer Kammerud, Dept of Public Instruction Senior Policy Advisor discusses new safety guidelines as schools prepare to reopen in the fall amidst COVID-19.
Friday June 26, 2020
Wisconsin’s Latest Poll Numbers
Marquette University Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin reveals the poll results around the presidential election, the protest movement, police reform, Gov. Evers approval rating and reopening schools.
Friday June 26, 2020
La Crosse County Sees Sharp Uptick in COVID-19 Cases
A "Severe Risk" red alert has been issued in La Crosse area. Public was notified of possible exposure if they visited any of seven bars and restaurants in the downtown La Crosse area. Residents are being advised to stay at home and reduce gatherings to no more than 10 people. Jennifer Rombalski, director of La Crosse County Health Department says to "take this seriously as a community altogether."
Friday June 19, 2020
Health Officials Remind Public That COVID Has Not Gone Away
Wisconsin Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard stresses continued adoption of infection prevention strategies like wearing masks in public and maintaining physical distancing in public to prevent new cases going into the late summer and fall.
Friday June 19, 2020
UW-Madison to Resume In-Person Classes in Fall
Chancellor Rebecca Blank proposes a hybrid model that strikes balance of providing safety for faculty, staff and students while allowing for some in-person discussions, small class experience, and maintaining experiences of a college campus. The in-person classes will switch to virtual classes after Thanksgiving, for the final nine days of instruction plus exams.
Friday June 19, 2020
Coronavirus Affecting New Communities in Milwaukee
The largest spike in COVID-19 cases is now among the Latinx population in the state’s largest city, where Milwaukee’s Black community had previously suffered the brunt of the pandemic. Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Jeanette Kowalik discusses the city’s current response and testing capacity.
Friday June 19, 2020
Pocan on Federal Police Reform, DACA & LGBTQ+ Workers Ruling
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan provides an update on congressional Democrats’ push to enact police reform at the national level. He also reacts to two U.S. Supreme Court decisions on DACA recipients and LGBTQ+ workers.
Friday June 19, 2020
Diversity in the Courts, Justice System
Appellate court Judge Joseph Donald talks about inequality and barriers Wisconsinites of color face in the state’s court system, suggesting ways the state can provide greater diversity and equality.
Friday June 19, 2020
Celebrating Juneteenth in 2020
The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the end of slavery, but this year’s celebration comes amid a global pandemic and in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Milwaukee Independent Senior Columnist Reggie Jackson discusses what he sees in the protests and how the country can move forward.
Friday June 19, 2020
Wisconsin-wide Protests Over George Floyd’s Death Continue
Protests over George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis Police, have mainly been in Wisconsin's larger metropolitan areas. Now, they are gaining traction in smaller cities like Wausau. In Milwaukee this week, thousands turned out for a protest led by Milwaukee Bucks basketball player Sterling Brown. Demonstrators in downtown Madison painted in huge yellow block letters "Defund Police.”
Friday June 12, 2020
Sooner Bad Cops Off Force, Sooner No Longer “Bad Apples”
Republican U.S. Representative James Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District sits on the Judiciary Committee, which took testimony this week on the House bill on police reform. During the hearing, Sensenbrenner said legislation must look at police unions to get rid of what he calls "bad cops."
Friday June 12, 2020
Evers Administration Under Fire for Recording of Meeting
Governor Evers' administration is under fire this week from Republican legislative leaders for taping a phone meeting about a COVID-19 plan. Evers said a staffer wanted the recording for note-taking and he didn’t know about it. He said the practice has ended. He says he doesn’t believe that matter should stall talks on police use of force and systemic racism.
Friday June 12, 2020
Wisconsin National Guard Ends Peacekeeping Mission
Governor Tony Evers ended the Wisconsin National Guard's mission to help restore peace and order in the wake of the George Floyd protest. Nearly 1,500 troops mobilized over the last week in response to requests from cities across the state. 125 Troops were deployed in Milwaukee. Additional request for help from guard troops came from authorities in Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine.
Friday June 12, 2020
Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke discusses the Republican response to a Democratic police reform bill the governor is pushing the Legislature to take up. He also discusses the current partisan relationship between Republicans and Democrats, which has grown more tenuous after news broke of a recording Evers’ staff made of a May meeting the governor had with Legislative leaders.
Friday June 12, 2020
Gwen Moore on George Floyd, Structural Racism
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore of Milwaukee discusses efforts by congressional Democrats to pass national police reform policy in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody. She also discusses ways to tackle systemic racism and inequality.
Friday June 12, 2020
Youth Demonstrate for Racial Equality
A few months ago, Noah Anderson was leading a city-wide black student movement after his father Marlon was fired from Madison West High School for repeating a student’s use of a racial slur during an altercation. He now reflects on the current movement, and what role the youth voice has in creating change.
Friday June 12, 2020
Governor Outlines First Step, Opportunities to Move Needle
Governor Tony Evers respond to protests in Wisconsin, answers questions about legislation he has proposed to limit police officers’ use of force and requests to withdraw the National Guard
Friday June 5, 2020
It Was Only A Matter of Time, Enough Is Enough
Angela Lang, executive director of Black Leaders Organizing for Change (BLOC), discusses the collaborative work she and other groups in Milwaukee are doing to organize the community around police reforms, including co-signing a list of demands.
Friday June 5, 2020
Proposed Bill Would Not Have Changed What Happened in Mpls.
Racine Republican Senator Van Wanggaard, a former police officer himself, explains his opposition to new legislation proposed by Gov. Tony Evers to limit use of force as only a last resort saying the root causes need to be addressed.
Friday June 5, 2020
Michael Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, gives his take on George Floyd’s death, which he has called a “modern day lynching” and what can be done to address system racism, including funding in municipal budgets and appropriate investments.
Friday June 5, 2020
Gains by Police Reform Efforts Over Years Lost in An Instant
Noble Wray, retired Madison Police chief and nationally recognized consultant for law enforcement agencies on community policing and police reform, gives his take on the protests and what he thinks is most important for law enforcement to be doing.
Friday June 5, 2020
Green Bay Police Receiving Use of Force Refresher
Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith speaks to use of force training, police accountability, being invited to march with protesters and criticism his department is facing for how it has handled use of force.
Friday June 5, 2020
Governor Tony Evers Talks Pandemic, George Floyd
In the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Gov. Tony Evers discusses what that means for the people of Wisconsin who share concerns about racial inequity in policing. As the state opens up, the governor also talks about how Wisconsinites should prepare for the summer under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday May 29, 2020
Epidemiologic Update: Goal Still to Shrink Virus Footprint
State epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard provides an update on how the state is handling the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses a recent uptick in new cases as well as what medical professionals recommend as the state continues to reopen.
Friday May 29, 2020
Adjusting to Commerce Amid Pandemic
After Memorial Day weekend and with the unofficial start to summer, Exec. Dir. of the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce Krystal Westfahl discusses what businesses are doing to keep customers safe and how the area is adjusting to changes in economic activity amid coronavirus concerns.
Friday May 29, 2020
Wisconsin Dells Opens for Memorial Day
Businesses in the Wisconsin Dells would normally be gearing up for a busy tourism season, but now face a slow reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Buffalo Phil's General Manager James Schmitz talks about what it was like to weather the early days of the pandemic and how the restaurant is moving forward to ensure customer confidence.
Friday May 29, 2020
Gov. Evers: Focusing on Testing, Contract Tracing
Governor Tony Evers' administration changed course this week and stopped pushing for a statewide response to COVID-19, citing clear signs from Republicans that they preferred a regional approach. The governor discusses the current environment of partisan politics and how the state is using the $2 billion in coronavirus aid it received from the federal government.
Friday May 22, 2020
Rep. Steineke: Counties Have Tools to Manage Pandemic
Governor Tony Evers said this week he would not pursue a state-wide coronavirus response due to Republican objections. Assembly Majority Leader State Representative Jim Steineke weighs in on the governor’s decision, says county health officials have tools to manage pandemic and discusses priorities he would like to see any subsequent federal coronavirus aid go to support.
Friday May 22, 2020
10 Counties Have Self-Imposed “Safer-at-Home” Restrictions
While Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of summer and one of the busiest tourist weekends in Wisconsin, some areas around the state have self-imposed restrictions in place based on the "Safer at Home" order. Those restrictions impact what businesses can open. 10 counties and seven of Wisconsin's 11 Tribal Communities also still have restrictions.
Friday May 22, 2020
WEDC Publishes Guidelines For Reopening Businesses Safely
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation created guidelines and best practices for businesses to instill consumer confidence when they reopen amid the pandemic. WEDC Secretary-designee and CEO Missy Hughes discusses how those guidelines are working for Wisconsin companies and other efforts they are making to ensure workers and consumers are safe including use of PPE.
Friday May 22, 2020
Risk Assessment Key to Reopening, Determining What’s Safe
As Wisconsin heads for a busy holiday weekend, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Population Health Sciences Professor Emeritus Patrick Remington discusses what are the safest activities for Wisconsinites. He also discusses what the epidemiologic impact will be of reopening part of the state suggesting the use of masks are a key to minimizing transmission.
Friday May 22, 2020
Rep. Steineke Reacts to Sup. Court’s Ruling, Scope Statement
With the "Safer at Home" extension ended, Republican legislative leaders are reviewing the "scope statement" proposed by the Evers Administration to manage the pandemic going forward. Legislative leaders continue to push for a plan that accounts for regional differences versus a statewide approach, believing the vast majority of the state can reopen without complications.
Friday May 15, 2020
National Guard Assists at Polls/Tiffany Wins 7th Cong. Seat
The Wisconsin National Guard was activated again to work polling places in Tuesday's 7th Congressional Dist. special election. About 160 Guard members helped serve the 700 municipalities. They worked in civilian clothes performing the same duties as other poll workers. Republican Tom Tiffany defeated Democrat Tricia Zunker in the 7th Congressional District. It spans 26 Northern Wisconsin counties.
Friday May 15, 2020
F-16 Flyovers Salute Health Care Workers, First Responders
F-16 pilots from the Wisconsin Air National Guard staged flyovers to honor and salute health care workers and first responders on the front lines of COVID-19. The 115th Fighter Wing, based out of Madison, took part in the national effort flying over hospitals in 17 communities across the state from Kenosha to Wausau and Eau Claire and back again to their base at Truax Field.
Friday May 15, 2020
Community-based Testing Sites in Green Bay, Madison
Despite the State Supreme Court ruling this week, work on the front lines continues. The number of people able to get tested for COVID-19 is on the rise. More than 20 Wisconsin counties are benefiting from the increased testing at community-based sites. 1600 members of the National Guard are now serving in direct support of the state’s coronavirus response.
Friday May 15, 2020
Evers Reacts to Sup. Court Ruling, Concerned about Confusion
While many businesses started to reopen under new rules loosening the "Safer at Home" order, the court's decision allows opening without restrictions. Governor Tony Evers expresses concern the patchwork of counties keeping guidelines in place creates confusion. Evers details his ongoing discussions with legislative Republicans on a bipartisan approach to administrative rules to manage the pandemic
Friday May 15, 2020
Public Health Doctor Advises Gradual, Monitored Reopening
UW Health's Division of Infectious Disease Dr. Nasia Safdar provides an update on how well the state is doing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. She also discusses what to expect after the Supreme Court struck down the governor’s “Safer at Home” order, saying Wisconsinites should continue to maintain social distance. Dr. Safdar also previews the vaccine timeline.
Friday May 15, 2020
Evers Weighing Options While Awaiting Supreme Court Decision
While awaiting the State Supreme Court ruling on the Republican lawsuit opposing the "Safer at Home" extension, Governor Tony Evers weighs options for moving forward. The Evers Administration is considering pros and cons of proposed regional approach to reopening. Evers is also concerned with surges and at-risk communities and encouraged with increased testing capacity.
Friday May 8, 2020
Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Extension Lawsuit
Wisconsin's Supreme Court entered the battle between Republicans and Democrats in pandemic. At issue, whether Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm exceeded her authority and violated state law by ordering an emergency extension of "Safer at Home". Those opposed say it has wrecked the economy. Those in favor counter the infection rate and deaths will soar should the order be lifted.
Friday May 8, 2020
Health Services Release Criteria, Progress Needed to Reopen
Wisconsin Secretary-Designee of Health Services Andrea Palm discusses increased testing in long-term facilities and with assistance from the National Guard, status of outbreaks around the state and responds to the assertion she did not have the authority to extend the "Safer at Home" order
Friday May 8, 2020
Republican Leaders Suggesting Regional Approach to Reopening
Republican Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke discusses working with Governor Evers on a plan to reopen Wisconsin, the Republican lawsuit against "Safer at Home" and the pending Supreme Court decision regarding the extension of the "Safer at Home" order.
Friday May 8, 2020
UW-Madison Chancellor Blank Addresses Impact of COVID-19
Rebecca Blank, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor, discusses the impact COVID-19 is having on campus, furloughs, budget cuts, online classes, freshman enrollment, and what the situation might be like in the fall when classes resume.
Friday May 8, 2020
Turning the Dial to Reopen Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers explains how the state plans to safely reopen after Wisconsin saw its largest one day increase in COVID-19 cases. There were 460 cases were reported on Friday bringing the state total to 7,314 cases statewide.
Friday May 1, 2020
How Wisconsin is Handling Unemployment amid COVID-19
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Caleb Frostman discusses what Wisconsin is doing to help those out of a job due to the COVID-19 crisis. As businesses continue to close or cut down on costs due to the social distancing rules, a record number of residents are filing for unemployment.
Friday May 1, 2020
WI Supreme Court Reviews Lawsuit Against Safer at Home Order
State Supreme Court is reviewing a lawsuit brought by legislative Republicans over the extended Safer at Home order. Gov. Tony Evers and Health Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm extended the order to May 26th but the state Republicans believe that the order was an overreach of Palm’s power.
Friday May 1, 2020
Wisconsin Parks and Businesses Set to Reopen
State parks like Devil’s Lake are reopening after being closed due to overcrowding and vandalism. Additional businesses like dog groomers, car washes and small engine repair shops are also cleared to reopen under the new guidelines of the extended Safer at Home order.
Friday May 1, 2020
UW-Madison orders Furloughs to Cut Costs
Eleven UW System schools including LaCrosse, Oshkosh and Milwaukee announced furlough plans last week. The University of Wisconsin-Madison ordered furloughs for nearly 16,000 employees this week in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday May 1, 2020
Red Arrow Brigade Troops Return from Afghanistan
Across the state, families awaited the arrival of about 150 members of the Red Arrow Brigade Troop of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. This week, President Trump told advisors he wants all troops out of war-torn Afghanistan as the COVID-19 outbreak continues.
Friday May 1, 2020
Gov. Tony Evers Outlines Criteria for Reopening the State
Gov. Tony Evers breaks down the criteria for eventually opening up the state amid the COVID-19 crisis. The three-phase plan outlines when schools and businesses can safely reopen. Evers also reacts to push back from Republican legislators seeking to limit his Safer at Home order in the state Supreme Court.
Friday April 24, 2020
Dr. Westergaard: Is the “Safer at Home” order working?
State Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard discusses the progress made on flattening Wisconsin's COVID-19 curve. Westergaard also explains why additional outbreaks have been spotted around the state and how increased testing may play a role in the numbers.
Friday April 24, 2020
WEDC Secretary Shares Steps to Protect Small Businesses
WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes offers safety advice for businesses preparing to reopen under Gov. Evers Badger Bounce Back plan. Hughes says her office is also working on a data collection project to better understand the financial impact of the pandemic on small businesses.
Friday April 24, 2020
1,500 Rally at the State Capitol to Reopen Wisconsin
Protesters gathered at the state capitol demanding Wisconsin be reopened despite the governor’s extended stay-at-home order. They are calling for Gov. Evers to open the state to allow economic activity to continue. As protesters rally at the capitol, Republican state legislators fight a similar battle in the state's Supreme Court to limit Evers' Safer at Home order.
Friday April 24, 2020
GOP-Controlled Legislature Sues over “Safer at Home”
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald filed for original action in the state Supreme Court, alleging the governor overstepped his executive authority.
Tuesday April 21, 2020
Elections Commission to Investigate, Improve Absentee Ballot Issues
The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted Saturday to move forward with a barcode tracking system for absentee ballots and to investigate postal service issues that prevented ballots from getting to voters.
Saturday April 18, 2020
Justice-Elect Jill Karofsky on her Victory
Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky won a 10-year term over incumbent Daniel Kelly, shaving the state Supreme Court's conservative majority down to 4-3. Justice-Elect Jill Karofsky is only the third candidate since 1967 to unseat a justice.
Friday April 17, 2020
Rep. Steineke on COVID-19 Response Legislation
Majority Leader Rep. Jim Steineke shares his response to the COVID-19 legislation and Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to extend the Safer at Home order until May 26.
Friday April 17, 2020
Gov. Tony Evers on COVID-19 Aid, Safer at Home Extension
Gov. Tony Evers gives an update on the Safer at Home extension and the Wisconsin COVID-19 relief package signed into law this week. Gov. Evers extended his social distancing order to May 26. He also signed Assembly Bill 1038 to provide additional support to Wisconsin residents.
Friday April 17, 2020
Postmarks Cause Absentee Ballot Confusion
The Wisconsin Elections Commission debated for hours Friday on how to interpret the U.S. Supreme Court order mandating ballots in this April's election have an April 7 postmark if received after Tuesday.
Saturday April 11, 2020
Assembly Majority Leader Lays Out COVID-19 Relief Package
Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) breaks down the proposed COVID-19 relief package set to be discussed in an extraordinary session on Tuesday. Rep. Steineke also shares his response to the Spring election and the controversy of in-person voting.
Friday April 10, 2020
Gov. Evers weighs-in on the April 7 Election and COVID-19
Gov. Tony Evers shares his plans moving forward after a move to postpone the April 7 election failed, along with updates on the trajectory of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wisconsin
Friday April 10, 2020
Fox Point Absentee Ballots Not Sent to Voters
Absentee ballots requested by voters in the Village of Fox Point went undelivered by the United States Postal Services ahead of Tuesday’s elections. The ballots were repeatedly returned to village offices despite USPS saying there was nothing wrong with them, according to Scott Botcher, manager of the Milwaukee County village. ...
Tuesday April 7, 2020
Update: Coronavirus Election Session Gavels In and Out
Republican leaders gavel in and out a special session called by the governor to address voting concerns amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislative leaders said they had "grave concerns" about election security, if ballots were cast after Tuesday.
Sunday April 5, 2020
DHS Secretary-designee on Wisconsin’s COVID-19 Pandemic
Today, there are more COVID-19 positive cases in the United States than anywhere else in the world. Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm paints a clear picture of the COVID-19 crisis, as the number of cases in the state continues to surge.
Friday March 27, 2020
U.S. Rep. Pocan Breaks Down Emergency Aid Package
Today, Congress approved the emergency COVID-19 CARES Act. The emergency stimulus package includes direct payments to individuals, retention loans to small businesses, expanded unemployment benefits and hundreds of billions of dollars to hospitals and states. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D - WI District 2) discusses how the aid will be dispersed and what is needed next.
Friday March 27, 2020
Wisconsinites Stuck in Peru During Coronavirus Lockdown
With Peru on a coronavirus lockdown, Wisconsinites struggle to return home.
Tuesday March 24, 2020
Rising Stakes, New Rules: Gov. Evers on COVID-19 Response
Gov. Tony Evers discusses the latest developments concerning the COVID-19 outbreak in Wisconsin. This week, he and health officials confirmed three deaths in Fond du Lac, Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties. Most recently, Evers ordered all nail, hair salons, and tattoo parlors to close due to the outbreak. Evers speaks to the growing caseload, efforts to keep health care workers safe from the disease.
Friday March 20, 2020
State Epidemiologist Answers Questions about COVID-19 Crisis
Wisconsin Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard gives an update on the growing number of COVID-19 cases statewide. Westergaard answers medical questions for Wisconsin residents as they brace for the full impact of the virus. So far, the state has had 206 positive cases of COVID-19--with Dane and Milwaukee counties most at risk for community spread.
Friday March 20, 2020
Community Spread Continues as Wisconsin Faces Testing Bottleneck
Wisconsin now has 155 cases, with community spread in Brown, Dane, Kenosha and Milwaukee Counties.
Thursday March 19, 2020
Evers Imposes Limits on Child Care
COVID cases in Wisconsin increase to 106 as Gov. Tony Evers imposes limits on child care.
Wednesday March 18, 2020
Wisconsinites Return Home from Cruise
The Wisconsin National Guard brought home 29 passengers from a Princess Cruise line.
Monday March 16, 2020
Dr. Nasia Safdar, medical director of infection control at UW Hospital, discusses how the medical community is handling at-risk communities amid coronavirus fears.
Saturday March 14, 2020
Baldwin’s Response to Coronavirus
Even as the president declared a national emergency, a congressional bi-partisan agreement was reached to provide tens-of-billions of dollars on coronavirus relief efforts like sick leave. Here & Now caught up with Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Washington this week just before coronavirus closed the Capitol and congressional offices to visitors. She told us why she's in favor of paid sick leave.
Saturday March 14, 2020
Universities Turn to Online Classes
University of Wisconsin campuses announced they would shift to online classes or extending their spring break to keep campuses relatively empty during coronavirus concerns. Executive Director of University Health Services at UW-Madison Jake Baggott discusses what that means for the state's flagship campus.
Saturday March 14, 2020
Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm discusses the state's response to the novel coronavirus and what a declaration of public health emergency means for the state.
Saturday March 14, 2020
Wisconsin Coach in Quarantine in Beijing
Kewaukee native James Malechek is currently the Strength and Performance Coach for the Chinese Olympic Swim Team. Malechek has been in quarantine in Beijing with his team of swimmers since January 27. The swimmers and coaching staff were preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games when the Coronavirus outbreak began.
Friday March 6, 2020
Dept. of Health Services Update on COVID-19
Influenza Surveillance Coordinator at the state Department of Health Services, Tom Haupt, gives an update on Wisconsin's COVID-19 status. Haupt assures that there are currently enough test kits and support services. So far, the state has had one positive case of the Coronavirus. Currently, there are 12 pending cases under investigation.
Friday March 6, 2020
COVID-19 Preparedness in UW-Hospital and Clinics
Medical Director of Infection Control at UW Hospital and Clinics Dr. Nasia Safdar talks about hospital preparedness and plans for outbreak escalation. Safdar also introduced the UW-Health hotline for people who need to evaluate their symptoms or have other major concerns related to the virus.
Friday March 6, 2020
Gallagher-Pocan Bill Aims to Streamline Medical Supplies
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, a new bill aims to address the issue of medical supply shortages. U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R) and Mark Pocan (D) discuss their proposal that would streamline medical supplies to areas most in need. The measure gives the Food and Drug Administration the ability to more quickly bring necessary products to the market in the case of a supply shortage.
Friday March 6, 2020
Canon Breaks Down Super Tuesday Results
In the wake of considerable wins from Joe Biden in Super Tuesday states, what is the status of the Democratic race to challenge President Donald Trump. UW-Madison Political Science Professor David Canon shares his insights.
Wednesday March 4, 2020
AG Josh Kaul on Milwaukee Shooting, Opioid Settlement
State Attorney General Josh Kaul discusses the mass shooting that tragically took the lives of five Molson-Coors employees in Milwaukee. “My heart goes out to the employees at Molson-Coors,” he said. Kaul also explained the nationwide $1.6 billion opioid settlement he signed onto. Lastly, Kaul gave an update on the testing of rape kits in the state.
Friday February 28, 2020
How to Prepare for COVID-19 in Wisconsin
Deputy Administrator of the State Department of Health Services Chuck Warzecha breaks down how Wisconsinites can prepare for a potential spread of COVID-19, formerly known as the Novel Coronavirus. This week the Centers for Disease Control declared that the virus has the potential to spread even more widely in the U.S.
Friday February 28, 2020
Latest Poll Puts Sanders in a Double-Digit Lead Over Dems
The new poll results placed Bernie Sanders in a double-digit lead against democratic primary opponents in Wisconsin. The poll also showed Sanders fairing better with older voters. However, 56 percent of the respondents said they might change their minds when it comes to their presidential pick. Only 42 percent said they had their mind made up.
Friday February 28, 2020
Political Panelists Give Forecasts of Super Tuesday
Political Analysts Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross give their predictions for who will take the South Carolina primary on Saturday and next week’s Super Tuesday. Ross predicts that Biden will prevail in South Carolina, but the analysts warn that he will need a significant lead in order to complete. The panelists discuss their forecasts for Super Tuesday and the likelihood of a brokered convention.
Friday February 28, 2020
Updates: Tax Cut Vetoed, Voter Purge Ruling Struck Down
A Republican tax cut plan that passed both houses of the legislature was vetoed by Gov. Evers this week. The bill intended to use state surplus dollars to lower-income and business taxes while bringing down the debt. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals struck down the ruling to remove 232,000 names from the voter rolls and reversed the writ of mandamus against the state election commissioners.
Friday February 28, 2020
Census 2020: How Do Communities Get Accurate Counts?
By mid-March, households across the U.S. and here in Wisconsin will start getting 2020 Census bureau information in the mail. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway discusses Census 2020 application and efforts to get people more involved.
Friday February 21, 2020
Former WI US Attorney Discusses Barr Controversy
Former Wisconsin U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil is one of 2,000 Department of Justice officials who signed a letter asking for U.S. Atty. General Bill Barr’s resignation. The letter strongly condemns Barr’s interference in the fair administration of justice after Barr intervened in a court case involving Trump associate Roger Stone. “I signed because I believe we’re a nation of laws,” Vaudreuil said
Friday February 21, 2020
Coverage of the 2020 State of the Tribes address. Then a discussion with the President of the Stockbridge Munsee Band of the Mohican Shannon Holsey on her work with all-Nations youth addiction treatment facility that is on a schedule to be constructed in Marathon County next year.
Friday February 21, 2020
State Legislature Passes Tax Cuts
WPR Capitol Reporter Laurel White breaks down the action in the state Assembly this week. State legislators passed a state tax cut and failed to pass legislation on sexual assault evidence kits.
Friday February 21, 2020
Candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court Share Philosophy
Ahead of the Feb. 18 primary, candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court share their judicial philosophy on Here & Now. Incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly faces Marquette University Law School Professor Ed Fallone and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jill Karofsky.
Monday February 17, 2020
UW Researchers Work to Understand Novel Coronavirus
Scientists at the university have been working to get ahead of the virus and recently received a sample from Wisconsin's first confirmed case last week. Tom Friedrich, a researcher with the UW School of Vet Science, talks about his lab’s approach to virus studies as related to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Saturday February 15, 2020
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