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

Social Issues

Darryl Morin on federal immigration enforcement in Wisconsin

Latino Forward National President Darryl Morin discusses how legislation in Congress and actions by the Trump administration to fund and expand immigration enforcement is having impacts in Wisconsin.

Friday May 23, 2025

Policy

Sen. Patrick Testin on licensing of advanced practice nurses

State Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, discusses legislation to create an advanced practice registered nurse license to allow trained specialized nurses to provide independent care in Wisconsin.

Friday May 23, 2025

Economy

Jim Tuckwell, Kevin McDonell on housing in the North Woods

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Board Chairman Jim Tuckwell and Lincoln Avenue Communities Vice President Kevin McDonell discuss work to build affordable housing in Lac du Flambeau.

Friday May 23, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, State Sen. Kelda Roys

Here's what guests on the May 16, 2025 episode said about the politics of wrangling budgets in Washington, D.C. and Madison.

Monday May 19, 2025

Budgets

US Rep. Gwen Moore on the Republican budget package for 2025

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-4th Congressional District, discusses a 2025 federal budget bill advanced by Republicans that would extend the 2017 income tax cuts and reduce funds for Medicaid and food aid.

Friday May 16, 2025

Budgets

Sen. Kelda Roys on priorities for Wisconsin’s 2025 budget

State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, a member of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance, discusses work on the 2025-27 budget by Republican lawmakers and Democratic positioning in the process.

Friday May 16, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: US Rep. Tom Tiffany, Michael Wagner, Xia Lee

Here's what guests on the April 25, 2025 episode said about the Trump administration's first 100 days, the termination of research grants at UW-Madison and the start of tick season.

Monday April 28, 2025

Politics

US Rep. Tom Tiffany on tariffs, funding cuts and immigration

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-7th Congressional District, discusses the Trump administration's actions on setting and changing tariffs, spending cuts on personnel and programs, and revoking student visas.

Friday April 25, 2025

Education

Michael Wagner on federal research grant cuts at UW-Madison

UW-Madison journalism professor Michael Wagner discusses the termination of a federal grant to study communication about vaccination and the consequences of funding cuts for university researchers.

Friday April 25, 2025

Health

Xia Lee on the start of Wisconsin’s warm-weather tick season

Wisconsin Department of Health Services public health entomologist Xia Lee describes the risks of tick-borne diseases around the state and tips for avoiding these pests when spending time outdoors.

Friday April 25, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Mike Totoraitis, WIll Hsu, Thanh Bui-Duquette

Here's what guests on the April 18, 2025 episode said about federal and state pressures on UW-Madison, lead paint contamination in Milwaukee schools, how trade war is hurting Wisconsin's ginseng industry, and the impacts of eliminating funding for Head Start programs.

Monday April 21, 2025

Education

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin on 2025 headwinds for UW-Madison

UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin discusses the university's stance as the Trump administration moves to cut research funding, pursues investigations and revokes visas of international students.

Friday April 18, 2025

Education

Mike Totoraitis on lead contamination in Milwaukee schools

Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis discusses city efforts to remediate lead paint contamination in schools as the Trump administration defunds CDC staff working to reduce lead exposure.

Friday April 18, 2025

Economy

Thanh Bui-Duquette on the proposed elimination of Head Start

Western Dairyland Head Start Director Thanh Bui-Duquette discusses how the defunding of Head Start by the Trump administration could affect child care providers and service in four Wisconsin counties.

Friday April 18, 2025

Economy

Will Hsu on Wisconsin ginseng exports, tariffs and trade war

Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises owner Will Hsu discusses how retaliatory tariffs by China in an escalating trade war are affecting the Wausau-based business, which farms and exports the medicinal plant.

Friday April 18, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Amanda Gennerman, Bobby Peterson, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Here's what guests on the April 11, 2025 episode said about international students in Wisconsin having their visas revoked, worries about cuts to Medicaid, and the role of negotiation in politics.

Monday April 14, 2025

Social Issues

Amanda Gennerman on student visa revocations in Wisconsin

Immigration attorney Amanda Gennerman discusses the federal government revoking visas of more than 50 international students attending colleges around Wisconsin and how their advocates are responding.

Friday April 11, 2025

Health

Bobby Peterson on Medicaid funding and budgeting blueprints

ABC for Health Executive Director Bobby Peterson discusses fears about Congress making cuts to Medicaid and potential effects on recipients as the 2025-27 state budget process proceeds in Wisconsin.

Friday April 11, 2025

Environment

DNR issues PFAS advisories for 50 more wells in Peshtigo

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued PFAS advisories for an additional 50 private wells in the town of Peshtigo as a result of firefighting foam contaminating groundwater in the area.

Friday April 11, 2025

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Ben Wikler, Missy Hughes, McCoshen & Ross

Here's what guests on the April 4, 2025 episode said about the outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election and how a growing number of tariffs can affect Wisconsin.

Monday April 7, 2025

Elections

McCoshen & Ross on the significance of Wisconsin’s 2025 vote

"Here & Now" political panelists Bill McCoshen and Scot Ross discuss the outcome of the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, from the impact of Elon Musk to upcoming cases before the high court.

Friday April 4, 2025

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, State 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