Zac Schultz
Zac's Recent Stories
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales Demoted
The Milwaukee police chief was demoted by a vote from the city's Fire and Police Commission Thursday. Morales spoke with Here & Now's Zac Schultz about his relationship with the commission.
Friday August 7, 2020
Police Union Contracts and Police Reform
Two months since George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police, the topic of police reform is still being discussed. Zac Schultz investigates how police union contracts impact how police are investigated for wrong doing and held accountable.
Friday July 24, 2020
Appeals Court Restricts Early Voting
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wisconsin can restrict early voting, stemming from a years-long legal challenge and ahead of a pandemic-driven general election.
Tuesday June 30, 2020
Pence Rallygoers in Pewaukee Mostly Maskless
While masks were available, most of the crowd attending the campaign rally with Vice President Mike Pence in Pewaukee forwent wearing masks. Tickets to the rally required a disclosure statement saying no one would sue the campaign if they became infected. The Trump campaign has said the economy is the key to re-election, and Pence highlighted that in his remarks.
Friday June 26, 2020
Congressman Grothman on Police Reforms
Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman (District 6) discusses police reforms measures making their way through Congress and how he feels Democratic policies go too far.
Friday June 26, 2020
Trump Campaign Doubles Down on Wisconsin
Many national election observers describe Wisconsin as a tipping-point state, meaning whomever wins this state will likely win enough electoral votes to win the presidency.
Friday June 26, 2020
Paper Mill in Wisconsin Rapids Will Idle, Layoff 900
The company announced the move due to reduced demand in paper products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday June 10, 2020
Gov. Evers Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis
In a Department of Health Services briefing normally reserved for COVID-19 updates, the governor declared racism a public health crisis that "has harmed generations of black and brown Wisconsinites."
Thursday June 4, 2020
WI Congressional Delegation Has Wide Range of Responses to Nationwide Protests
Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan (D) wants to examine the training standards for every police department in the nation.
Wednesday June 3, 2020
State Supreme Court to Hear Case on Voter Purge
The Wisconsin Supreme Court announced Monday they will hear the case on whether more than 100,000 names should be purged from Wisconsin’s voter registration rolls just a few months before the presidential election. Last December a conservative legal group, Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL), sued the Wisconsin Elections ...
Monday June 1, 2020
Hodag Music Festival Canceled After Public Outcry
The reduced capacity would have brought as many as 16,000 people to the area, before event organizers cancelled the country music festival.
Thursday May 28, 2020
Supreme Court Ruling and Consequences Explained
Here & Now Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz explains with the Supreme Court striking down the extension of the statewide "Safer at Home" order, the authority to implement new rules to combat the spread of COVID-19 rests with county public health officials. Some counties have already applied new rules or extended old rules. Any new statewide administrative rules will require bipartisanship.
Friday May 15, 2020
Update: Supreme Court Strikes Down ‘Safer at Home’ Order
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court struck down the state’s “Safer at Home” order Wednesday, leaving Wisconsin with no plan in place to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Tony Evers said the ruling will undercut the progress the state has made on containing COVID-19. “Republican legislators convinced four members of the Supreme ...
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Republican Tom Tiffany wins the special election to replace Sean Duffy in the state's 7th Congressional District.
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Candidates Vie for Open 7th Congressional Dist. Seat
Candidates Tom Tiffany (R) and Tricia Zunker (D) vie for an open seat in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District to replace the retired Sean Duffy.
Thursday May 7, 2020
Supreme Court Hears ‘Safer at Home’ Challenge
The state Supreme Court met virtually Tuesday to hear the lawsuit filed by the Republican-controlled Legislature against Department of Health Services Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm, alleging she and the governor overstepped their authority by issuing the state’s “Safer at Home” order without legislative input. Is the “Safer at Home” order like ...
Tuesday May 5, 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
Congregations Find New Ways to Celebrate Faith
The outbreak of COVID-19 has made gathering together hard for many religious congregations, at a time when many need religion the most. Here & Now’s Zac Schultz reports on how religious communities across the state are creating innovative ways to remain connected.
Friday May 1, 2020
Trade Associations Create Plans for Reopening Economy
The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and Tavern League of Wisconsin created alternative plans for reopening Wisconsin’s economy. The Tavern League of Wisconsin, which represents over 5,000 bars across the state, is looking to reopen bars on May 1 nearly a month before Gov. Evers Safe at Home order expires.
Friday April 24, 2020
COVID-19 Relief Legislation Explained
Here & Now Reporter Zac Schultz breaks down Wisconsin’s COVID-19 legislation and how it will address the challenges ahead. Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 1038 into law this week. The legislation creates a pathway for over $2.3 billion in federal funds slated for Wisconsin.
Friday April 17, 2020
Jill Karofsky Wins Supreme Court Election
Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky beats incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly 55%-45% in an election turned turbulent by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday April 13, 2020
Churches Hold Drive-In Easter Services
Church services around Wisconsin have moved online in the wake of Gov. Tony Evers’s “Safer at Home” order. Easter Sunday however, some churches held drive-in services, with parishioners staying in their cars and listening to the service through their radios. There was confusion earlier in the week about whether drive-in ...
Monday April 13, 2020
Governor Closes 40 Parks Due To Vandalism and Crowds
Wardens from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources blocked the entrances to Devil's Lake State Park Friday. A snow fence blocked the entrance to nearby Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area. Just a few days earlier people were parking on the road and rubbing shoulder-to-shoulder on the paths, in clear violation ...
Saturday April 11, 2020
E.R. Doctor Says In-Person Election Will ‘Likely Lead to Deaths’
“I was very disappointed that this in-person election occurred, because I truly think it will lead to additional cases of COVID-19 in our community and likely lead to deaths,” says emergency room Dr. Marin Darsie. She says Wisconsin can expect to see an increase in deaths from Tuesday's election in a matter of weeks.
Friday April 10, 2020
Reaction and Fallout after the April 7 Election
Here & Now Senior Reporter Zac Schultz reports on the looming legal battles that may follow the controversial April 7 election last week. As the state awaits results from Tuesday’s elections, the frustrations remain high among voters and lawmakers
Friday April 10, 2020
Live: Where Wisconsin’s Election Currently Stands
6:45 p.m. U.S. Supreme Court Rules Ballots Must Be Postmarked by Tuesday Under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, all absentee ballots in Wisconsin’s election must be postmarked by Tuesday, but can be received as late as April 13. Allowing ballots to be sent later than Tuesday “would fundamentally alter the ...
Monday April 6, 2020
Breaking: Evers Suspends In-Person Voting Tuesday
Under an executive order, the in-person election would be delayed until June 9. Republican leaders say they will challenge the order in the state Supreme Court, while elections officials say to continue preparing for Tuesday's election while they wait for litigation.
Monday April 6, 2020
Supreme Court Candidate Jill Karofsky interview
State Supreme Court candidate and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jill Karofsky interviewed by Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz via Skype.
Friday April 3, 2020
Supreme Court Candidate Daniel Kelly interview
State Supreme Court candidate and incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly interviewed by Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz via Skype.
Friday April 3, 2020
Breaking: Evers Calls Coronavirus Special Session
The legislation put forward by Gov. Tony Evers would make the spring election largely mail-only and push back the timeline to send absentee ballots to clerks into May.
Friday April 3, 2020
Update: Federal Court Judge Rules on April Election
The federal judge in Madison extended the deadline to apply for absentee ballots, as well as the deadline for those ballots to be received.
Thursday April 2, 2020
Candidates Vie for Mayoral Seat
Tom Barrett has been mayor of Milwaukee for 16 years and he's looking to make it an even two decades of running Wisconsin's largest city. “I'm very, very excited about the future of the city because, first of all, there's a lot of great things that are going on in ...
Wednesday April 1, 2020
Spring Election in Limbo Amid COVID19 Crisis
The spring primary is set for April 7, just over a week away. Currently, there are four lawsuits in the federal courts that could change those plans. One of those lawsuits seeks to postpone the election. Meanwhile, Governor Tony Evers asked Republicans in the legislature to pass a law that would send absentee ballots out to every Wisconsin voter.
Friday March 27, 2020
Fond du Lac Man One of State’s First COVID-19 Deaths
Dale Witkowski of Fond du Lac County developed the disease after an Egyptian River Cruise.
Saturday March 21, 2020
Absentee Requests Rise Amid Coronavirus Concerns
The covid-19 emergency has Republican and Democratic leaders asking for election rules to be changed. Here & Now's Zac Schultz reports on how the clerks are doing their best to make it all work.
Thursday March 19, 2020
Evers Declares State of Emergency
The governor declared a state of emergency, called for school cancellation, and universities canceled in-person classes through mid-April. Here & Now’s Zac Schultz provides an overview of a state on overdrive coping with the coronavirus.
Saturday March 14, 2020
Evers Declares Public Health State of Emergency
Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency in response to the spread of novel coronavirus.
Thursday March 12, 2020
Personalized Video Messages, Right at Your Door
Candidates employ video doorbells to reach voters who are not home.
Friday March 6, 2020
Candidates Rally for Support in 7th Congressional District
A report by Here & Now Reporter Zac Schultz breaks down the primary race for the state’s 7th Congressional District. The seat was previously held by Sean Duffy. Now, four candidates are vying for the large district in Northern Wisconsin, including two Democrats and three Republicans. (Videography by Ethan Freel)
Saturday February 15, 2020
Update: Search and Rescue Volunteers’ Sacrifice
There is a new example of the sacrifice search and rescue volunteers make when they donate their time to finding lost strangers. In January, Here & Now reported on Pat Sanchez who runs the Sawyer County search and rescue (SAR) team. The Sawyer County SAR team is well-known around the ...
Monday February 10, 2020
President Trump’s campaign rally packed UW-Milwaukee's Panther arena this week. Some guests waited for in line for hours to get a front-row seat. Here & Now reporter Zac Schultz said that despite Trump’s long record of failed fact checks, attendees continue to support the incumbent because he is emotionally honest.
Friday January 17, 2020
Lack of Search And Rescue Resources Leave State Vulnerable
Despite the gaps in coverage, volunteers across Wisconsin remain the backbone of search and rescue operations. Although search and rescue volunteers are trained as professionals, many counties don’t have enough resources to pay them as such.
Friday January 3, 2020
Here & Now for November 15, 2019
On tonight’s show we examine: the state’s diversity efforts with State Rep. Sheila Stubbs; Impeachment Hearings with U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore; freedom of the press questions regarding Lafayette County Board with Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council President Bill Lueders; Developments with the DACA program with Voces De La Frontera's Alejandra Gonzalez; an update on former designee Brad Pfaff.
Friday January 3, 2020
Justice Daniel Kelly on his Candidacy for State Supreme Ct.
Appointed by Gov. Scott Walker in 2016, Justice Daniel Kelly is now running for a full 10-year term on the State Supreme Court. His interview will be the first of three interviews with primary state Supreme Court candidates.
Friday January 3, 2020
Gov. Evers Gives a Recap of 2019, Plus A Look Ahead
In 2019, Wisconsin saw its first divided government at the State Capitol in more than a decade. From November’s special session on guns to Wisconsin's Foxconn contract, Gov. Tony Evers explains what progress was made in the past year and what work is still yet to be done.
Friday January 3, 2020
U.S. and State Department of Agriculture Secretaries Sonny Perdue and Brad Pfaff both give their perspectives on the state of small dairy farmers and the industry as a whole. With extreme weather, low prices and uncertainty in foreign trade, Pfaff explains that Wisconsin farmers have been hit with a “triple whammy” of unfortunate events.
Wednesday December 4, 2019
Wisconsin’s Achievement Gap Persists
This week The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation's Report Card, released results finding Wisconsin has the widest achievement gap in the country. Scores show the gap between Black and white students increasing in both math and reading.
Wednesday December 4, 2019
Breakthrough Drug Gives Hope to Cystic Fibrosis Patients
UW Health Pulmonary Care physician and Director of the UW Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program Andrew Braun talks about a promising new drug therapy for cystic fibrosis patients. Over 30,000 people nationwide are living with the disease. One patient from Eau Claire said that the new drug therapy has given her her life back.
Wednesday December 4, 2019
Wisconsin Hunters on Chronic Wasting Disease
A look at Marquette poll numbers on the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the state. Four hunters explain differing reasons why some get their deer tested for CWD and the overwhelming reason why most do not. The poll shows that of the people who have heard of CWD, 64% feel it represents a threat to the future of deer hunting in Wisconsin.
Friday November 22, 2019
Secretary Designee Update, PFAS and F35 Jets in East Madison
The state Senate confirmed the first of Gov. Evers’ cabinet members this week. A report from the DNR found high-levels of unsafe chemicals known as PFAS in Madison's Starkweather Creek near the Truax national guard air-base. The Truax Field is also facing controversy due to a resolution passed by the state Senate in support of bringing new F-35 fighter jets to Madison.
Friday October 11, 2019
Gov. Evers’ Pardon Advisory Board Explained
Pardon Advisory Board member and former Madison Police Chief Noble Wray discusses the work of the Gov. Evers’ pardon board. Former Gov. Walker previously disbanded the board and refused to issue any pardons. This week Gov. Evers’ signed the first four pardons since 2010. The board is responsible for reviewing for making recommendations to the Governor on who to grant pardons to.
Friday October 11, 2019
UW Political Scientist on US role in Turkish Conflict
UW-Madison Political Scientist, Professor Andrew Kydd, explains U.S. foreign policy and the Kurdish-Turkish border crisis. Many are waiting to see how President Trump decides to intervene considering that the Kurds are U.S. allies. Kydd warns that abandoning the Kurds during this crisis may undermine America’s credibility with other international allies.
Friday October 11, 2019
Milwaukee Communities Cope with Gun Violence
The story of Milwaukee's Mosbey family focuses on the reality of gun violence after teenager Tyrese Mosbey was shot in the head while at a bus stop after school. His family is coming to terms with his present and future recovery. Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Director Reggie Moore also weighs in on the issue of gun violence and its impact on the broader community.
Friday October 11, 2019
U.S. and State Department of Agriculture Secretaries Sonny Perdue and Brad Pfaff both give their perspectives on the state of small dairy farmers and the industry as a whole. With extreme weather, low prices and uncertainty in foreign trade, Pfaff explains that Wisconsin farmers have been hit with a “triple whammy” of unfortunate events.
Friday October 4, 2019
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson Doubles Down
Wisconsin U.S. Senator Ron Johnson weighs in on recent activities in Washington. Johnson says he’s once again looking at Hillary Clinton’s emails and remarks about whether people should trust what the President tweeted about a potential civil war.
Friday October 4, 2019
US Rep. Sensenbrenner Retires, Milwaukee Mayor Race Picks Up
Longest serving Wisconsin Congressman, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R) announced that he will not seek another term. Sensenbrenner was first elected to his Waukesha-area seat in 1978. Meanwhile, Democratic state Senator Lena Taylor announced she is running for Mayor in Milwaukee. Incumbent Mayor Tom Barrett has yet to announce if he's running for re-election.
Friday September 6, 2019
Foxconn Road Plans Jeopardize Homeowners’ Land
WPR reporter Corrinne Hess discusses the rift between Foxconn and home and property owners in Mt. Pleasant. The company has taken a major toll on locals who have sold their property to accommodate plans for a new road. Hess reported that the land acquisitions began this spring. Many property owners are worried that more of their land may be taken to make space for the company’s plans.
Friday September 6, 2019
‘Our Farms, Our Future’ Bills offer Resources To Family Farm
A new bill by Senator Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, aims to make it easier for families to pass down farms to future generations. The bill is apart of the “Our Farms, Our Future” bill package which will tackle a number of issues that Wisconsin farmers face. Other bills in the package will address student loan debt and a diversity grant program.
Friday September 6, 2019
Latest Marquette Law School Poll Show Trump Trailing Behind
Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin shares new statewide survey results. The results show President Trump lagging slightly behind Democratic front runners in 2020 match-ups. Respondents favored Vice President Joe Biden 51 percent compared to Trump’s 42 percent. Sen. Bernie Sanders is also ahead at 48 percent to 44 percent.
Friday September 6, 2019
Sawyer Co. Feels Effect of Floods: “It Comes In Everywhere”
While the policy debate over climate change and efforts to mitigate flooding continue at the state and federal level, Here & Now’s Zac Schultz talks to those in Sawyer County who are impacted by washed out roads and water in their basements.
Friday August 16, 2019
Preview: How Northwestern Wisconsin Grapples with Flooding
In northwest Wisconsin, 500-year flooding events are becoming more common and causing millions of dollars worth of damage as they happen. A preview of Zac Schultz’s reporting on how residents are coping with the high water.
Friday August 9, 2019
Sec.-Des. Meaney on Tourism, Office of Outdoor Recreation
In continuing conversations with Gov. Tony Evers’ cabinet secretaries, Zac Schultz sits down with Tourism Sec.-Designee Sara Meaney. She says that tourism is the state’s third-largest industry, which can drive economic growth as well as be a promotional activity. She adds that reaching out to a diverse group of is something the department “need[s] to do intentionally, and with eyes wide open.”
Friday August 2, 2019
Wisconsin Melts Under Heat Wave
With brutal heat affecting Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency for those who also lost power in Dane County. Discussing the unusually warm temperatures is Tim Halbach of the National Weather Service for Milwaukee/Sullivan.
Friday July 19, 2019
Efforts to Mandate CWD Testing in Parts of Wisconsin
An advisory group is pushing for mandatory CWD testing in parts of western Wisconsin.
Friday July 12, 2019
The expansion of Medicaid in the state has been a divisive issue, with Republican leaders calling it a non-starter and Gov. Tony Evers saying he will continue to fight for the coverage. Here & Now’s Zac Schultz delves into what expanding Medicaid would mean for some health care providers.
Friday May 17, 2019
Evers Explains Budget Priorities, Bipartisan Possibilities
Gov. Tony Evers sits down with Zac to discuss the policy priorities included in his first budget. Evers says he “feels confident this truly is the people’s budget,” and that with newly-divided government Wisconsinites want to see something accomplished. On whether he will use his powerful veto pen, Evers says “what I want to avoid is having to veto an entire budget.”
Friday March 8, 2019
How to Address Homelessness in the State
Rep. Pat Snyder, R-Schofield, talks about a proposal to address homelessness in Wisconsin--one of the budget items that may receive bipartisan support. He says that including it in this budget is “a good start,” but if it were passed in its own bill it would have longevity outside the biennial process. He adds that homelessness is a hidden problem that “people don’t realize everyday,” its impacts.
Friday March 8, 2019
What the State Budget Means for the UW
UW System President Ray Cross discusses how the new state budget impacts the university system. “The investment being proposed gives us the support we need [to freeze tuition],” Cross says. He also touches on issues around the system, including a vote of no confidence for the leadership of UW-Stevens Point saying he is optimistic about the school’s future.
Friday March 8, 2019
Tax Expert Breaks Down First Evers Budget
Helping break down Gov. Tony Evers’s budget proposal is Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. He says of the debate between Republican and Democratic versions, “the one thing that will unite Republicans is taxes.”
Friday March 1, 2019
Nygren: Budget Is Disappointing
Co-chair of the state’s budget writing committee Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, discusses the Republican response to Gov. Tony Evers’s budget. He calls the budget disappointing, and says it was a “missed opportunity” to promote areas of common ground.
Friday March 1, 2019
National Emergency Vote Divides Wis. Delegation
The US House voted to override the president’s declaration of a national emergency. Here's how the Wisconsin delegation voted.
Friday March 1, 2019
Supreme Court Race: Brian Hagedorn
State Supreme Court candidate Brian Hagedorn discusses his run for the high court. He clerked for former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman and was chief counsel to former Gov. Scott Walker. He is currently a state appeals court judge. He says he wants to tackle issues such as the opioid epidemic, saying he wants to “make sure we have adequate resources to address those problems.”
Friday March 1, 2019
Gov. Tony Evers recalls national guard troops deployed to the southern border under former Gov. Scott Walker.
Friday March 1, 2019
Will Wisconsin Expand Medicaid?
Here & Now’s Zac Schultz reports on bipartisanship in Wisconsin’s newly divided government, and how that might impact Medicaid expansion in the state.
Friday January 18, 2019
New Administration, New Legislature Sworn In at Capitol
New administration is sworn in at the state capitol. Tony Evers as governor, Mandela Barnes as the first black lt. governor, Josh Kaul as attorney general, Doug La Follette as secretary of state and Sarah Godlewski as state treasurer. Also, groups file suit against laws enacted in lame duck session. And new legislative members need to figure out how to work together in a divided state government.
Friday January 11, 2019
Next week, Gov. Scott Walker ends his eight years as governor. Here & Now’s Zac Schultz looks back on Walker’s time in the governor’s mansion, speaking with those who supported and opposed him through the years.
Friday January 4, 2019
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