Health
Noon Wednesday: Wisconsin Arts and Culture in Peril
A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum says the pandemic has created an existential threat to arts and culture in Wisconsin as the sector being the hardest hit. Joe Peterangelo, the report's lead researcher, and Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO of the United Performing Arts Fund in Milwaukee, talk ...
August 12, 2020
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Wisconsin Nears 1,000 Coronavirus Deaths
This comes as state health officials say 66 of Wisconsin's 72 counties have high levels of coronavirus activity.
August 8, 2020
U.S. Senators On a Possible Coronavirus Aid Package
As the U.S. Senate considers a new coronavirus aid package, Wisconsin U.S. Senator Ron Johnson talks about the debate over the $600 unemployment supplement. Republicans are pushing to have the amount of the unemployment supplement lowered. Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin provided a statement regarding coronavirus relief.
August 7, 2020
Governor Tony Evers on Coronavirus and Wisconsin
A little more than a week into the statewide mask mandate, Gov. Tony Evers provides an update on how the order is intended to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. He also responds to possible Republican challenges to the rule.
August 7, 2020
Evers Says No ‘Secret Plan’ to Close Schools
The governor said he does not have a plan to use the new public health emergency to close schools like he did in the spring.
August 4, 2020
Evers Mandates Masks; Washington County Executive Opposes
Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann discusses why he believes the order is an executive power grab.
July 31, 2020
Tribal Nations Took Early COVID-19 Precautions
Here & Now reporter Marisa Wojcik spoke with the Tribal Nations about their response to coronavirus. Tribal Nations took action before the State of Wisconsin in part due to health risks within their population and a higher population of elderly.
July 31, 2020
Evers Issues Statewide Mask Mandate
Gov. Tony Evers issued a mask mandate for the state of Wisconsin that will go into effect Saturday, lasting through Sept. 28.
July 30, 2020
Noon Wednesday: A Growing Hunger
Since the start of the pandemic, the needs of the most vulnerable populations, such as the food insecure, have grown. But the continued strain on resources is entering us into new territory, where those who have never needed food assistance are now relying on foodbanks across the state and the need is going to grow. Stephanie Jung Dorfman of Feeding Wisconsin talks about the state of hunger.
July 29, 2020
Epidemiologist Warns to Take COVID Rise Seriously
One of the country’s top epidemiologists, University of Minnesota’s Dr. Michael Osterholm, discusses ways Wisconsin combat COVID-19 cases. He also addresses the status of a possible vaccine.
July 24, 2020
Governor Seeks Way to Mandate Mask-Wearing Statewide Amid Court Decision Limiting His Authority
Gov. Evers calls mandate “something we’re considering” while acknowledging he would enact it if not concerned about legal challenge.
July 23, 2020
Noon Wednesday: COVID and Conspiracy Theories
As COVID-19 rapidly spread across the globe, conspiracy theories and misinformation about the novel coronavirus spread just as fast. Ajay Sethi, Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences, is teaching students how to combat an infodemic.
July 22, 2020
New COVID-19 Cases Reaches Record Increase
Wisconsin set a record for COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, with the Department of Health Services announcing 1,117 new positive cases and 13 deaths. It is the first time the state has reported more than 1,000 cases in a day. The 13 deaths is the state’s highest one-day total since June ...
July 21, 2020
VP Pence Campaigns in Ripon; Wis. Health Officials On Surge
As Vice President Mike Pence made campaigns in Wisconsin touting the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, Wisconsin's State Epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard and Health Secretary-designee Andrea Palm both expressed concern about the sharp increase of community spread of COVID-19. Westergaard saying "epidemic indicators are mostly bad and potentially getting worse."
July 17, 2020
Gov. Tony Evers on Latest Escalation of COVID Case Numbers
As Wisconsin is experiencing more COVID-19 cases daily, Gov. Evers articulates the importance of incorporating the small gestures - social distancing, wearing face masks - into all daily activities to keep Wisconsin residents safe. Evers administration working on unemployment benefits continuation and options for residents when it comes to the shutting off of utilities.
July 17, 2020
How Uninsured Wisconsinites Are Dealing with COVID-19
With over five million people losing their health insurance due to recent unemployment from the pandemic, and numbers continuing to rise, what are the possible implications for the uninsured. Bobby Peterson explains how Wisconsinites are leaning on ABC for Health for alternative health insurance coverage with unemployment. Try WisCovered.com.
July 17, 2020
Boys & Girls Club of Dane Co. Distribute 15,000+ Free Masks
150 teens receiving resources as they work distributing masks as part of effort by Boys and Girls Club to support the unemployed, children and families and provide PPE during the pandemic as Dane County's mask mandate goes into effect. Michael Johnson, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, advocating for representation of people of color at the Capitol in the form of a Vel Phillips statue.
July 17, 2020 • South Central Region
‘The News Is Mostly Bad’ Says Epidemiologist
State epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard said COVID-19 rates are potentially getting worse in the state.
July 16, 2020
Local Officials Say Dire Help is Needed to Keep ‘Basic Services’ Afloat
The Madison mayor urged passing the federal HEROES Act to supply direct funds to municipalities. She also called on the Public Service Commission to continue its disconnection moratorium.
July 15, 2020
Wisconsin Reaches ‘Significant Community Spread’ as Schools Prep for Fall
Gov. Tony Evers said he was optimistic about schools opening in the fall as Wisconsin sets another record for single-day COVID-19 case increases.
July 14, 2020
Milwaukee Approves Mask Mandate
Milwaukee will join the neighboring Village of Shorewood and Dane County in requiring residents to wear masks in public places. The unanimous vote from the Milwaukee Common Council will require residents 3 years and older to wear masks in public buildings and outdoors where maintaining six feet of distance is ...
July 14, 2020 • Southeast Region
Despite Pandemic Wisconsin Dells Busy Over July 4th Weekend
An estimated 100,000 people ventured into the Wisconsin Dells during the Fourth of July weekend, even with Coronavirus concerns. There were crowds at Noah’s Ark Water Park, despite keeping attendance to 35% capacity. Guests were "asked" to wear masks inside the park, but were "not required" to wear them.
July 10, 2020 • South Central Region
Challenges with Local Health Orders Regarding COVID-19
In lieu of a statewide order, local public health officials have implemented their own orders to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris discusses the challenges and pushbacks he’s faced while navigating a local response to the virus.
July 10, 2020 • Northeast Region
Direction of COVID-19 Pandemic
Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm provides an update on the spread of COVID-19 in the state as cases increase. She also weighs in on potential statewide responses, including a mask mandate.
July 10, 2020
Kewaunee Native Approaching Six Months of Isolation in China
Coach James Malechek Continues Quarantine with the Chinese Olympic Swimming Team
July 9, 2020
DHS Announces COVID Connect Tool
The web-based tool will register those waiting to get tested to ease wait times and provide valuable information to contact tracers.
July 9, 2020
Dane County to Implement Face Mask Requirement, Milwaukee Takes Similar Steps
The Dane County order will go into effect July 13, requiring anyone five years and older to wear masks in indoor spaces outside of their homes.
July 7, 2020 • South Central Region
Pandemic Keeps Madison Physician Busy in Semi-Retirement
Dr. Peter Pryde oversees hopeful plasma treatments for COVID-19 patients.
July 7, 2020
Evers Announces Millions of Masks for Schools
The governor announced Tuesday he would send more than two million masks to public and private schools as Wisconsin sees a spike in COVID-19 cases.
July 7, 2020
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.
July 3, 2020 • South Central Region
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.
July 3, 2020
Northwoods League Baseball Underway with Full Rosters and One-Third Fan Capacity
July 2, 2020
Wisconsin Officials Encourage Mask-Clad Independence Day
As Wisconsin sees a growing number of cases, officials urge residents take safety precautions over the holiday weekend to prevent the spread of the virus.
July 2, 2020
Dane County Adds Restrictions to Bars and Restaurants
The move comes after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases among residents in their 20s, which contact tracers linked to bar attendance.
July 1, 2020 • South Central Region
Community Gardening: An Eternal Return to Wisconsin’s Roots
June 30, 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.
June 26, 2020
Benedictine Sister Describes Staying at Home in a Monastery
Sister Mary David Walgenbach knows a little bit about staying home. She’s done it for 60 years.
June 25, 2020
New DHS Data Shows Localized Outbreak Trajectories
Health officials are hoping a new dashboard categorizing counties into low, medium and high activity levels will help individuals better understand what the spread of the virus looks like in their community.
June 23, 2020
Door County’s “Chicken Priest” Adjusts To Being Cooped Up During The Pandemic
June 23, 2020
State Guidance Released for K-12 Schools to Reopen
As schools across Wisconsin prepare to open their doors to students this fall, the Department of Public Instruction has released detailed recommendations for how to do so safely and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
June 22, 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."
June 19, 2020 • West Central Region
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.
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.
June 19, 2020 • Southeast Region
Green Bay Meat Packing Worker Recovers from COVID-19 and Returns to Work
Guadalupe Paez Says His Life Will Never Be the Same
June 18, 2020
DHS Announces Two Testing Studies for COVID in Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services announced two studies to evaluate the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, using antibody and wastewater testing. Public health experts said at a Wednesday media briefing that the studies provide another tool for them to provide recommendations on how best to prevent the spread of the ...
June 17, 2020
Oneida Nation Got Ahead of the State on Nursing Home Regulations for Coronavirus
Health Director Debbie Danforth Believes that Helped Save Lives
June 16, 2020
Wausau Hmong Community Stays Strong in the Face of COVID-19
Mang Xiong Helps Find Relief for Hmong Small Businesses
June 11, 2020
Librarian Continues to Provide Resources
Although the Brown County Library is closed to the public, Mary Jane Herber is working to answer questions and provide books.
June 9, 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."
June 4, 2020
Small Town Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Eager to Spar Again
Waiting to get back in the ring while training at home
June 4, 2020
UW Researchers Work Toward COVID-19 Vaccine
UW-Madison's Influenza Research Institute is working on an vaccine that takes material from the novel coronavirus to update an existing flu vaccine.
June 2, 2020
Working at home while driving 3,000 miles-per-week
June 2, 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.
May 29, 2020
Contact Tracing Efforts Ramp Up
As Wisconsin begins to open back up, contact tracing and aggressive testing of COVID-19 will be the state’s best line of defense against the continued spread of the disease. Contact tracing follows where an infected person has been and who else they may have infected, but it requires extensive time and resources that many local public health departments severely lack.
May 29, 2020
The Pandemic’s Impact on People Experiencing Homelessness in Wisconsin
PBS Wisconsin talks with a married couple who are living without housing — for the first time in their lives — during the pandemic. We also talk with Elizabeth Duffie, manager of Porchlight’s Safe Haven, one of Madison's only day shelters serving people experiencing mental illness.
May 28, 2020
Evers Allocates COVID-19 Funds to Local Governments
The governor says $200 million of the Cares Act funding will go to help a variety of costs incurred by municipalities during the pandemic.
May 27, 2020
Noon Wednesday: Outlook for Wisconsin Hospitals
Wisconsin hospitals never saw the surge of COVID-19 patients that many other parts of the country did. But as the state begins to open, how are hospitals preparing for the changes? Dr. Mark Kaufman, chief medical officer of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, joins us to talk about the healthcare community is drafting plans going forward.
May 27, 2020
The Pandemic’s Impact on LGBTQ Youth
PBS Wisconsin checks in with a Green Bay Preble High School LGBTQ leader, senior Daniel Croake, who talks about earning a college scholarship and how things have gone with the virtual close to his high school career. We also talk with Brian Juchems, co-director of the statewide LGBTQ youth support network, GSAFE, who will offer an overview into the pandemic’s impact on LGBTQ students.
May 26, 2020
Wisconsinites Celebrate Memorial Day Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Health officials urge social distancing as parts of the state are largely open, while business owners work to provide a clean experience and build customers' confidence.
May 26, 2020 • South Central Region
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.
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.
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.
May 22, 2020
Unemployement Numbers Reach Historic High, Evers Allocates Funds to Nursing Homes
The federal funds will go toward emergency medical services, home and community-based services, and long-term care providers. This comes as unemployment numbers rose to 14.1% during the month of April.
May 21, 2020
Photographer Captures Nature in Hushed Urban Landscape
With Less City Hustle and Bustle, Mary Lee Agnew Finds Her Animal Subjects and Herself Calmed
May 21, 2020
Noon Wednesday: Who’s Supposed to Stay Home?
Over the last week there has been a whirlwind of changes for Wisconsin's "Safer at Home" orders after the state Supreme Court struck down a statewide extension of the emergency rule. Laurel White, Wisconsin Public Radio Capitol bureau reporter, joins us to talk through what stay at home rules look like today.
May 20, 2020
State Promotes Testing and Tracing Locally in Coronavirus Efforts
The state is preparing a testing and contact tracing-based response to the coronavirus after last week’s Supreme Court ruling left details of opening businesses to counties. “While we all stayed home, we didn't become immune to the virus and the virus didn't become any less lethal,” said Department of Health ...
May 19, 2020
Home Movies: A Visit with PBS Wisconsin Director’s Cut Host Pete Schwaba
Thoughts on the movie industry during the pandemic
May 19, 2020
Evers Administration Ends Push for Statewide Approach
Gov. Tony Evers said during a media briefing Monday that it was not worth going through the rulemaking process since Republicans made their position clear that they did not want a statewide approach to combat the virus.
May 18, 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.
May 15, 2020 • Northeast Region
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.
May 15, 2020
Skeptical Crawford County Man Almost County’s First Fatality
Craig Bell was skeptical COVID-19 would affect his small town in southwest Wisconsin. Now he's sharing a story of survival. Bell became Crawford County’s first case of the virus in late March. According to doctors, he was nearly its first COVID-19 fatality. He says people now ask him, "How bad really is it? Is it like the flu?” Bell says, “Not even close to the flu. This thing is mean."
May 15, 2020 • South West Region
Counties Rescind Orders over Legal Concern from Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court order striking down the state's "Safer at Home" order has caused confusion among counties that issued their own stay-at-home orders. Now counties are rescinding their orders in fear of legal retribution.
May 15, 2020 • Northeast Region
County Approach Dominates Wisconsin’s COVID-19 Future
In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the governor's "Safer at Home" order, counties are left to decide what stay-at-home orders to enforce locally. Gov. Tony Evers says he will work with legislative Republicans via an administrative rulemaking process to coordinate a statewide response to the virus.
May 14, 2020
Pandemic Extends Wisconsin Scientist’s Stay in Antarctica
That’s the bad news. But, what if your home was in the safest spot in the world?
May 14, 2020
Noon Wednesday: The Future of K-12 Schools
The end of a pre-empted school year is approaching and many students, teachers and parents across the state have been navigating learning at home since schools closed in March. Deputy State Superintendent Michael Thompson joins us to explain how districts are coping, as well as what the future holds for Wisconsin K-12 schools.
May 13, 2020
DHS Releases Names of Nursing Homes with COVID-19
Health secretary Andrea Palm says the release is to create transparency and peace of mind for those who have relatives in nursing homes.
May 13, 2020
National Guard Helps Testing Efforts, Staffing Tuesday’s Polls
As the state continues to increase testing, the Wisconsin National Guard will provide 25 testing teams as early as Wednesday to help the effort. The guard will also help fill a shortage of poll workers in the 7th Congressional District special election.
May 12, 2020
Safer at Home on the Front Porch: A Photo Essay
Eric Schwierske is a PBS Wisconsin Media Production Engineer. Photography is his hobby. Here’s what Schwierske had to say about this photo essay for the No Place Like Home project:
May 11, 2020
Retailers Allowed Five-Person Limit
Under a new order, Gov. Tony Evers allows Wisconsin retailers to open their stores to five customers at a time.
May 11, 2020
UW Leaders Work to Weather COVID-19 Pandemic
Among the sectors affected by the economic turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic is the state’s university system, prompting UW System President Ray Cross to release a scaling-down plan late last week. “The University of Wisconsin System must refine the missions of its comprehensive universities to provide greater institutional distinctiveness and ...
May 11, 2020 • South Central Region
Craig Bell was skeptical COVID-19 would affect his small town in southwest Wisconsin. Now he's sharing a story of survival. Bell became Crawford County’s first case of the virus in late March. According to doctors, he was nearly its first COVID-19 fatality. He says people now ask him, "How bad really is it? Is it like the flu?” Bell says, “Not even close to the flu. This thing is mean."
May 10, 2020 • South West Region
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
May 8, 2020
Evers Provides Guidance for Businesses as State Makes Progress Toward Opening
The guidance to businesses will help ensure customer confidence once businesses reopen, as the Dept. of Health Services announces Friday the state has met half its goals to begin reopening.
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.
May 8, 2020 • South Central Region
Southwest Wisconsin newspaper is now an at-home affair.
May 7, 2020
USDA Urges Meat Plants to Stay Open while Safety Concerns Remain
USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue says meat processing plants should remain open or reopen soon, but advocates say plants are not following CDC recommendations.
May 6, 2020 • Northeast Region
Noon Wednesday: Tracking Safer at Home
As Wisconsin's stay-at-home order drags on, are people continuing to shelter in place? Location data tracking people's movement shows trends in how the pandemic has impacted where people go over time and if the state's public health order is working.
May 6, 2020
Wisconsin Makes Progress on Criteria to Reopen State
Wisconsin must meet certain "gating criteria" before it can start to reopen under the governor's order. According to new data from the Dept. of Health Services, the state has met two of the six criteria and is making progress on the rest.
May 5, 2020
Global Pandemic Has Serious Impact on Those with Developmental Disabilities
PBS Wisconsin spoke with two people with developmental disabilities in Rhinelander to see how life during the pandemic was going for them. Our interview with John and Carol Anne was arranged with help from Jenny Felty, Director of Headwaters, Inc., a Rhinelander-based human services agency whose partners include the Ashland and Bayfield Counties Departments of Health and Human Services. Part 1 is a visit with John and Carol Anne. Jenny Felty provides a larger context about people with special needs during the pandemic in Part 2 which is a Q&A.
May 5, 2020
In a Monday announcement, the governor said the state would provide more resources to long-term care facilities like nursing homes and provide pop-up community testing sites around the state.
May 4, 2020
Community Testing Begins in Northwestern Wisconsin
National Guard deployed to support county and tribal health efforts.
May 4, 2020 • West Central Region
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.
May 1, 2020
New Report Highlights Racial Divide in COVID-19 Outbreak
A new report from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shows how coronavirus is spreading along lines of segregation in north Milwaukee, and African-Americans are being disproportionately impacted. Rep. David Bowen, D-Milwaukee, says, “This does not end the story about us. This is a continuation of just how much we have been through and how much farther we have to go.”
May 1, 2020 • Southeast Region
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.
May 1, 2020
UW’s Frontline Braces for the State to Reopen
A report on how workers on the front lines are continuing to save lives as the state prepares to reopen the economy. Healthcare workers in UW’s Hospital’s COVID-19 unit say the long hours and hard work are beginning to add up.
May 1, 2020 • South Central Region
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.
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.
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.
May 1, 2020 • South Central Region
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.
May 1, 2020 • South Central Region
Lawmakers Question ‘Essential’ Designation under ‘Safer at Home’
Republican lawmakers advocated a broader definition of essential, as they argued some multi-purpose stores could sell non-essential goods as those non-essential stores remain closed.
May 1, 2020
Noon Wednesday: Milwaukee’s Coronavirus Racial Divide
To date, Milwaukee has been hit the hardest by COVID-19 over other areas of the state. A new study from UW-Milwaukee highlights the racial divid of the virus's spread, particularly on the city's north side. Rep. David Bowen represents much of the impacted area in Assembly District 10 and joins us to talk about the full picture of the impact of the virus.
April 30, 2020
Evers, Legislators Call for Bipartisanship as Court Battle Continues
Gov. Tony Evers said he and legislative Republicans are not far apart on coronavirus policy, as he defends his ability to issue a stay-at-home order in a Republican-brought suit before the state Supreme Court.
April 29, 2020
Wisconsin Pushes New Guidance for More Testing
Health officials say any Wisconsinite who is symptomatic should receive a test, as they hope to increase the current testing level of 2,000-3,000 per day to meet the state's capacity of 11,000 per day.
April 29, 2020
Testing and Tracing to Help Combat Brown County Outbreak
Thousands of test kits from the state help officials track the spread of the disease among outbreaks in three meatpacking plants, as the president encourages meatpacking plants to stay open as essential businesses.
April 28, 2020 • Northeast Region
Evers to Reopen State Parks Friday
Many of the state parks that were closed to enforce social distancing efforts will reopen Friday. Operating hours will be reduced and capacity will be lowered to roughly 75%.
April 28, 2020
Wisconsin Begins to ‘Turn the Dial’ on Reopening
The governor announced changes today that loosen the state's "Safer at Home" restrictions, allowing outdoor gear rentals and more businesses to do curbside pickup.
April 27, 2020
Brown County Officials Grapple with COVID-19 Spike
Meatpacking plants are essential parts of food infrastructure, especially during a pandemic, but a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Brown County facilities is causing a full-court press to ensure workers and the community are safe.
April 27, 2020 • Northeast Region
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.
April 24, 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.
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.
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.
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.
April 24, 2020 • South Central Region
Wisconsinites Protest ‘Safer at Home’ Order
More than 1,000 Wisconsinites protested at the state Capitol, urging Gov. Tony Evers to loosen the state's stay-at-home order. Here & Now reporter Marisa Wojcik shares these images from the scene.
April 24, 2020
WMC Proposes Plan to Reopen Businesses
The plan would evaluate risks specific to individual businesses, and consider the health care infrastructure of the business's county.
April 24, 2020
Evers Encourages Continued Distance Ahead of Extended Order
The governor's original order was set to expire Friday, but is now extended through May 26. The new order loosens some restrictions, like allowing curbside pick up for libraries and golf courses to open.
April 23, 2020
National Guard Contributes to State COVID-19 Effort
The National Guard's adjutant general said troops are helping with testing and supplies to bolster state agencies' responses to the virus.
April 22, 2020
Pence Applauds Increased Ventilator Production During Madison Visit
The VP says the Trump Administration will use the Defense Production Act to make sure facilities like the one in Madison are adequately supplied to keep production moving forward at increased capacity.
April 21, 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.
April 21, 2020
Evers Releases Three-Phase Plan to Reopen the State
The plan hinges on an increased ability to test potential cases, as well as a 14-day drop in suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
April 20, 2020
Getting Dairy Products to Food Banks Has Win-Win Potential
As aftershocks from COVID-19 devastate the dairy industry, local and statewide efforts are trying to make a pipeline for dairy products to get to food pantries.
April 19, 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.
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.
April 17, 2020
Wisconsin Tourism Copes with COVID-19 Challenges
A report on COVID-19 in Door County and the healthcare impact of people arriving at tourist destinations during the pandemic. “I never thought in my wildest dreams I would ask people not to come to Door County,” said Door County Board Chair Dave Lienau.
April 17, 2020 • Northeast Region
Recovered COVID-19 Patients Donate Plasma
Here & Now’s Marisa Wojcik reports on how UW Hospital is using donor plasma to treat other seriously ill patients. Gary Dalgaard of Sun Prairie survived COVID-19 and is one of the first to offer his plasma in hopes of saving lives.
April 17, 2020 • South Central Region
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.
April 17, 2020
Door County Grapples with Safety and Lost Revenue During Pandemic
Door County residents wish Wisconsinites could visit, but urge them to stay home during the public health crisis.
April 17, 2020 • Northeast Region
Recoverees Help Others by Donating Plasma
Plasma transfusion can be a promising technique for a recovered patient to share antibodies with someone currently suffering from COVID-19.
April 16, 2020
Update: Evers Extends ‘Safer at Home’ Order Through May
The new order extends "Safer at Home" social distancing through the morning of May 26. The governor says increased testing capacity and other public health measures are needed to be in place before the state reopens.
April 16, 2020
Legislators Push for Stronger Protections for Health Care Workers
The "Healthcare Heroes" bill would help acquire personal protective equipment as well as provide for hazard pay and paid sick leave for health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 16, 2020
Federalism Newly in Focus as Governors Take Frontline Action
PBS Wisconsin sits down with UT-Austin professor Don Kettl, formerly of UW-Madison's La Follette School of Public Affairs, to discuss what federalism means during a global pandemic.
April 15, 2020
Update: Legislature Passes COVID-19 Aid Package
The bill received broad bipartisan support and would eliminate the state's one-week waiting period for unemployed Wisconsinites to receive benefits, among other provisions. The governor signed the bill Wednesday afternoon.
April 15, 2020
Nonprofit Sector to Be Challenged and Changed by COVID-19
Non-profit organizations face new challenges as the COVID-19 outbreak affects their daily operations and bottom line.
April 14, 2020 • South Central Region
Health Officials Begin to See Flattened Curve
The governor and public health officials expressed cautious optimism in a Monday briefing.
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 ...
April 13, 2020
Wisconsin Bands Together to Address Homelessness and COVID-19
Advocacy groups in Wisconsin work to help the homeless amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 11, 2020 • Northeast Region
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 ...
April 11, 2020
State Increases Contact Tracing After In-Person Voting
In-person voting could have exposed more Wisconsinites to COVID-19, as health officials become concerned about the disease's disproportionate impact on the state's African-American population.
April 10, 2020 • Southeast Region
Legislature to Take Up Coronavirus Bill Next Week
The bill is still being drafted according to legislative leaders, and the session could come as early as next Tuesday.
April 10, 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.
April 10, 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.
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
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
April 10, 2020
Noon Wednesday: Holding an Election During a Pandemic
Wisconsin held an election yesterday in the midst of a statewide order from Gov. Tony Evers to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert was part of a group of mayors pushing to delay the April 7 elections. He joins to talk about what in-person voting looked like in his community and what he's hearing from his constituents.
April 9, 2020
Governor Criticizes GOP COVID-19 Plan
Republican leaders are working out their own plan to fight COVID-19 in Wisconsin, drawing criticism from the governor.
April 8, 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 ...
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.
April 6, 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.
April 5, 2020
Health Officials See ‘Glimmer of Hope’ in Wisconsin COVID-19 Outbreak
State Epidemiologist Dr. Ryan Westergaard said Friday that Wisconsin is seeing linear--not exponential--increase in virus cases, suggesting that efforts to 'flatten the curve' may be working.
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.
April 3, 2020
Research currently underway at the University of Wisconsin-Madison could lead to a unique vaccine that provides protection against both the novel coronavirus and influenza, with human trials potentially on the horizon as early as fall 2020. The possibility of a vaccine that offers dual protection against two very different viruses ...
April 2, 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.
April 2, 2020
Evers Releases Second Bill to Combat COVID-19 Outbreak
The bill includes housing aid and a tax credit increase. Meanwhile, Republicans said Wednesday they support the governor's proposal to eliminate the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and expect legislation to come soon.
April 1, 2020
Latest Marquette Law School Poll Surveys Voters on Coronavirus, Elections
Results of the latest Marquette University Law School Poll show the majority of registered voters in Wisconsin think measures to close schools and non-essential businesses and ask people to stay home are appropriate responses to the coronavirus outbreak. The poll, released Wednesday, asked public opinion around the coronavirus, including how ...
April 1, 2020
Update: Elections Commission Prepares Municipalities for Voting During COVID Outbreak
Wisconsin Elections Commission votes to clarify rules on indefinitely confined voters, and to supply municipal clerks with cleaning materials and other supplies ahead of the April 7 election. In a meeting Sunday, the commission deadlocked on chastising the Milwaukee and Dane county clerks.
March 31, 2020
Update: Polling Locations Consolidate Amid Poll Worker Shortage
During a meeting discussing preparations for the election now one week away, the Wisconsin Elections Commission discussed the shortage of poll workers, the record number of absentee ballots that have been requested, and the special health considerations necessary to conduct in-person voting while minimizing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
March 31, 2020
Evers Discusses Federal and State Action on COVID-19
Wisconsin is headed "into the worst of it," Gov. Tony Evers said in a Monday briefing as the state's number of COVID-19 cases climbs to 1,221.
March 30, 2020
COVID-19 Threatens Black Communities on Milwaukee’s North Side
"It's been tough to see such a concentration of the virus focusing on [the] African-American community," said state Rep. David Bowen. Milwaukee's African-American community faces the brunt of the COVID-19 disease.
March 30, 2020 • Southeast Region
Evers Introduces Broad COVID-19 Response Bill
The bill would send millions to local public health offices and make changes to the upcoming election, including eliminating the photo ID requirement.
March 29, 2020
Gundersen Health System Develops In-House COVID-19 Test
When testing started for COVID-19, patients waited days to get their test results back from a lab, which increased the risk of the virus spreading. Tonight, positive news on that health front as Trevor Keller shows us how one Wisconsin health care system has shortened the turnaround time.
March 27, 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.
March 27, 2020
Lack of Protective Equipment May Threaten Healthcare Workers
Wisconsin is beginning to see an urgent need for personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves and gowns to prevent exposure to COVID-19. The lack of supplies creates a stark reality for healthcare workers and first responders on the frontline of the growing pandemic.
March 27, 2020
Update: Evers Calls for Widespread Absentee Ballot Legislation
Gov. Tony Evers asks the Legislature to send all registered voters absentee ballots ahead of April 7 amid election concerns during the COVID-19 outbreak. Later Friday, Evers also loosen licensing requirements for certain healthcare workers.
March 27, 2020
Update: Congress Passes Third COVID-19 Aid Package
The House of Representatives passed the bill Friday, which the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Wednesday. The bill would send $1,200 checks to Americans, among other provisions.
March 27, 2020
In-House Test Shows Promise to Increase Capacity
Gundersen Health System in La Crosse has developed their own in-house test for COVID-19. They say patients no longer need to wait days to get results, which might be the case if tests were sent to an outside lab. “If a test is required from the health system, we can ...
March 27, 2020 • West Central Region
Noon Wednesday: Flattening the Curve
New measures announced by Gov. Tony Evers and top state health officials to close non-essential businesses and remain at home are part of sweeping efforts to keep the health care system from becoming overwhelmed. Will Cushman of WisContext joins us to talk about new their latest report, "The Urgent Battle To Flatten Wisconsin's COVID-19 Curve."
March 25, 2020
Legislative Leaders Want April Election to Move Forward
On a call with reporters, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said municipalities should be prepared for April 7, but they are not considering altering the date at this time.
March 25, 2020
Industry Steps Up But Far from Scale Needed
Necessity being the mother of invention, Justin Webb, CEO of Franzen Graphics in Sheboygan, saw a need and with his colleagues invented a simple solution. The company specializes in printing on plastic for items like in-store displays and saw a new application for the material they usually print on. Now ...
March 25, 2020 • Southeast Region
Wisconsinites Stuck in Peru During Coronavirus Lockdown
With Peru on a coronavirus lockdown, Wisconsinites struggle to return home.
March 24, 2020 • South Central Region
Update: Evers Issues ‘Safer at Home’ Order
Gov. Tony Evers issued an order Tuesday mandating that Wisconsinites stay at home, effective Wednesday morning at 8. Certain exemptions are allowed for residents to leave their homes to receive healthcare and to get necessary supplies such as groceries. According to a release from the governor’s office, Wisconsinites do not ...
March 24, 2020
Update: PSC Halts Disconnections for Public Health Emergency
On Sunday, March 22, Gov. Tony Evers suspended additional utility rules and laid out more consumer protections for Wisconsin residents and businesses. Evers directed the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to extend the orders released earlier this month to include more protective provisions. The announcement included six actions intended to ...
March 23, 2020
Update: Evers Calls for ‘Safer at Home’ Order
The governor said details of the order would be finalized before Tuesday, when the order goes into effect.
March 23, 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.
March 21, 2020 • Northeast Region
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.
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.
March 20, 2020
Workers Feel Pressure from Coronavirus
It’s something you’d never expect to find in a city, the sound of silence. A surreal scene that played out across Wisconsin this week: bars, museums, performance venues, all closed. Savannah Bierma works part-time for the Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee. They have cancelled all events through May 15. That ...
March 20, 2020 • South Central Region
Evers: State Has ‘Adequate Response’ to COVID-19
Gov. Tony Evers does not think Wisconsin is ready for a shelter in place order, while health officials say the state's testing and equipment supply could face shortfalls.
March 20, 2020
Update: Three Dead from COVID-19 in Wisconsin
Two men in Fond du Lac and Ozaukee Counties both died from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to a release from Gov. Tony Evers late Thursday. A third death was announced by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner Friday.
March 19, 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.
March 19, 2020 • South Central Region
Community Spread Continues as Wisconsin Faces Testing Bottleneck
Wisconsin now has 155 cases, with community spread in Brown, Dane, Kenosha and Milwaukee Counties.
March 19, 2020
Senate Approves Coronavirus Aid
The U.S. Senate voted to provide paid sick leave for those suffering from COVID-19 and free testing. Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was among the eight senators voting against the package.
March 18, 2020
Noon Wednesday: Hospitals Gear Up for COVID-19
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increase in the state, hospitals are preparing for a surge of patients. Kate Walton, an emergency room nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, joins us remotely to discuss how health care workers are gearing up.
March 18, 2020
Personal Protective Equipment Could Face Shortage in Hospital Surge
Hospitals are monitoring inventories as they prepare for an influx of COVID cases.
March 18, 2020
Evers Imposes Limits on Child Care
COVID cases in Wisconsin increase to 106 as Gov. Tony Evers imposes limits on child care.
March 18, 2020
Learn More About the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 and Wisconsin
10 Things to Know About the Outbreak and Public Health in the State
March 18, 2020
COVID Reaches Community Spread Phase in Wisconsin Counties
Dane, Milwaukee and Kenosha Counties all have community spread of the novel coronavirus, as the number of Wisconsin cases increases to 72. Gov. Tony Evers issued a statewide ban of gatherings of more than 10 people and closed schools "until further notice" amid concerns of the spread of the virus.
March 17, 2020
‘It’s Going to Be Difficult’ Parents Say as Schools Close
Parents and districts troubleshoot how to continue education while schools are closed due to coronavirus.
March 16, 2020
State on Heightened Alert For Coronavirus
The state's Emergency Operations Center upgraded to its highest level of readiness as the governor and health secretary ban gatherings of more than 50 people.
March 16, 2020
Wisconsinites Return Home from Cruise
The Wisconsin National Guard brought home 29 passengers from a Princess Cruise line.
March 16, 2020
New Dane County Restrictions, Fond du Lac Numbers, Voting in Milwaukee
With new state numbers, Wisconsin has 33 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus. In response, Dane County announces new restrictions on public gatherings.
March 15, 2020 • South Central Region
Update: Evers Closes K-12 Schools in Wisconsin
New cases of novel coronavirus are announced Saturday in Wisconsin, bringing the number of positive active cases to 26. Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that schools would be closed starting March 18, through at least April 6.
March 14, 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.
March 14, 2020
Nursing Homes Limit Visitors to Protect Against Coronavirus
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state are clamping down on outside visitors in order to prevent coronavirus from entering its doors. John Vander Meer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Health Association and the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living discusses new guidelines including screening all individuals before they would be allowed to enter facilities.
March 14, 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.
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.
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.
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.
March 14, 2020
Wisconsin K-12 Schools Largely Remain Open Thursday in Wake of Public Health Emergency
UPDATE: Gov. Tony Evers directs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to mandate all K-12 schools close statewide. The doors of Wisconsin’s K-12 schools will remain open, even with Gov. Tony Evers declaring a public health emergency Thursday due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As ...
March 12, 2020
Evers Declares Public Health State of Emergency
Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency in response to the spread of novel coronavirus.
March 12, 2020
Three More Cases of Novel Coronavirus in Wisconsin
Two cases in Fond du Lac County and one in Waukesha County were confirmed today by the Department of Health Services. Two cases are still active in Pierce and Dane Counties. Universities around the state cancelled events and prepared to hold classes online in the wake of the spread of the disease.
March 11, 2020
Update: Wisconsin Receives Third Case of Coronavirus
Patients in Dane County and Pierce County contracted the virus while traveling within the United States.
March 10, 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.
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.
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.
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.
March 6, 2020
Coronavirus: Wisconsin Man Quarantined in Beijing
A Wisconsin native shares his story of what it is like living under a coronavirus quarantine.
March 5, 2020
Legislators, DHS Staff Discuss State Response to Coronavirus
Update: 14 cases are now pending in Wisconsin to determine whether those patients have novel coronavirus. There are however, no new confirmed cases of novel corona virus.
March 4, 2020
Evers Signs HOPE Agenda, Mental Health Bills into Law
The slate of bills includes studies on medication-assisted treatment and protection for state employees who use such a plan. The governor also signed a pilot mental health program in Outagamie County schools.
March 3, 2020
State Prepares Testing, Response for Coronavirus
Wisconsin can now conduct in-state coronavirus tests according to a state health department briefing Monday. Laboratories in Milwaukee and Madison can test upwards of hundreds of samples.
March 2, 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.
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.
February 28, 2020
Wisconsin Joins Vaping Investigation
AG Josh Kaul announced Wisconsin will join a 39-state investigation into the marketing practices of vape company JUUL.
February 25, 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.
February 21, 2020 • Northern Region
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.
February 15, 2020 • South Central Region
WisContext: The Novel Coronavirus, Face Masks and When to Use Them
The novel coronavirus sweeping through China and rippling across the globe is invisible to the naked eye, but one of its effects is increasingly conspicuous on sidewalks, public transit and doctors' offices around the world: the widespread use of face masks.
February 10, 2020
DHS Monitors 14 people for Coronavirus in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard discusses the first case of the novel coronavirus in Dane County. Westergaard also talks about new pending investigations and if the virus could potentially spread in the region.
February 10, 2020 • South Central Region
WisContext: The Novel Coronavirus and How Isolation and Quarantine Authority Works in Wisconsin
In the arsenal of weapons available to public health officials for combating outbreaks of infectious disease, quarantines are among their most serious options. As a result, quarantines are usually reserved for the most serious — or potentially serious — public health threats.
February 5, 2020 • South Central Region
Health Officials Confirm First Case of Novel Coronavirus in Wisconsin
The first Wisconsin case of novel coronavirus was confirmed by health officials Wednesday, while two cases remain pending. Local officials confirmed that the infected person was a resident of Dane County but that risk of contracting the virus remained low for the general population. “The overall risk is low,” Dane ...
February 5, 2020 • South Central Region
WisContext: Wisconsin Public Health Officials Mobilize for the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
State Tests Potential Cases Of Respiratory Illness, Coordinates With National And Local Authorities
February 4, 2020
State Updates on Novel Coronavirus
The widespread Novel Coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China but as anxieties rise around the world, communities are working to prevent local outbreaks. Wisconsin’s state epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard breaks down the status of the virus here in Wisconsin. Westergaard elaborates on pending cases that involve Wisconsin residents who met the requirements for coronavirus testing.
January 31, 2020
Farm Bills to Bring Mental Health Resources to Farmers
Executive Director of the Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) Wally Orzechowski talks about Gov. Evers' proposed bills to provide mental health outreach and coordination to Wisconsin farmers. Along with mental health services, the new bills would implement new positions at the Department of Agriculture to serve farmers regionally.
January 24, 2020
New Fish Advisory Warns of PFAS Contamination
The Departments of Natural Resources and Health Services are issuing an advisory for fish consumption in Madison’s Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona. The agencies recommend limiting carp, bass, pike, walleye and perch to no more than one meal per month and Bluegill to no more than once per week.
January 17, 2020 • South Central Region
Statistics Show Flu Season is Ramping Up In Wisconsin
This year’s flu season has led to over 600 hospitalizations and 15 deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. DHS Flu Specialists Tom Haupt gives context to these numbers and the severity of this year’s flu.
January 10, 2020
Fast Facts: Changes to Snap Explained
A segment of Fast Facts breaks down the changes to eligibility for food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which has been finalized by the Trump administration.
December 13, 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.
December 4, 2019 • South Central Region
New Bill Aims to Curb Reckless Driving Habits
Last year, Wisconsin saw 60 fatal car accidents as a result of distracted driving. The story of a Hudson family's tragic experience reveals the damaging effects of a distracted driver. A bill at the Capitol regarding “driving while distracted” aims to crack down on the issue.
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.
November 22, 2019 • Northeast Region
Noon Wednesday: WI Cities Rank Worst For African Americans
Milwaukee and Racine have been ranked the first and second worst places for African Americans to live in the country, according to a recent report from 24/7 Wall St. However, this isn’t the first time these two cities have made similar lists. UW-Madison Associate Professor of Sociology John Eason joins us to help give context to these rankings.
November 20, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Need Help Enrolling On The Marketplace?
Adam VanSpankeren from Covering Wisconsin talks about the ins-and-outs of enrolling on the federal health care exchange before the December 15 deadline, what’s new that you may need to know this year and how to avoid scams.
November 13, 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.
November 8, 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.
October 11, 2019 • South Central Region
Controversy In The Air: Military F-35 May Land in Madison
In tonight’s closer look, the U.S. Air Force is deciding whether to choose Madison’s Truax Field as a location for its F-35 fighter jets. Truax is home to the Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing and its current complement of F-16 aircraft.
September 27, 2019 • South Central Region
Wisconsinites Owe Billions in Unpaid Medical Bills
ABC for Health Executive Director Bobby Peterson talks about the complexities of medical debt in Wisconsin. Currently there are $1.2 billion in unpaid medical bills, according to figures released by the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
September 20, 2019 • South Central Region
Wisconsin Doctors at the Forefront of Vaping Investigation
Dr. Michael Meyer, the head of the pediatric intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, describes the impact of vaping. Wisconsin has seen 48 lung disease cases in 21 counties, according to the Department of Health Services. The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin were among the first to connect the deadly lung disease to vaping.
September 20, 2019 • South Central Region
Health Sec. Designee Palm on Strategies For Medicaid
Health Sec. Designee Andrea Palm discusses future Medicaid strategy for Wisconsin. The secretary says Medicaid expansion could bring the state federal money. She also breaks down immunization rates around the state as students head back to school for the year.
September 6, 2019 • South Central Region
Noon Wednesday: Is Wisconsin At Risk Of An Outbreak?
Rates of unvaccinated children are on the rise in Wisconsin as more parents seek personal waivers for their children. We’re speak with pediatric professor and infectious disease specialist Dr. James Conway about the risks this may pose and our chances of an outbreak.
September 4, 2019 • South Central Region
While the cost of insulin surges many diabetes patients are left to foot excessively high bills. A profile on a Wisconsin woman expands on her financial challenge to afford her own diabetes medicine. A spokesperson from the American Diabetes Association, Dr. LaShawn McIver, adds further context to the pressing matter.
August 30, 2019
What Can Wisconsin Do in the Wake of Mass Shootings?
In the wake of the mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, some officials in Wisconsin have been calling for stricter gun control. Attorney General Josh Kaul discusses what those measures might look like, especially a proposed “red flag law.” Wisconsin Carry President Nik Clark also weighs in, discussing the burden background checks would place on gun sales.
August 9, 2019
Post-Shooting Sentiments ‘As Intense As They Are Fleeting’
In the wake of events like a mass shooting, many turn to Twitter which a new study calls "an important window into the nature of public mourning and policy debates in the wake of these tragedies." The study's lead researcher, Yini Zhang of UW-Madison, discusses the longevity of certain sentiments online, saying for example 'thoughts and prayers' are "as intense as they are fleeting."
August 9, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Health Professionals Can Better Serve Hmong
Peng Her from The Hmong Institute says we need more resources for health care professionals to be more culturally competent in serving their Hmong patients. He joins us today to talk about the different needs that health providers might not be aware of for Hmong patients and the annual Hmong Health Summit that aims to help them do better.
August 7, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Taking Politics Out Of Farmer Mental Health
Over the last week, Wisconsin politicians have sparred over how to provide mental health resources to our state’s farmers. Our guest John Shutske, a UW-Extension Agriculture and Health Safety Specialist, has spoken to thousands of farmers and sees the groundwork needed to get resources to struggling farmers.
July 31, 2019
Noon Wednesday: E-cigarettes Creating a Clouds of Debate
Lawmakers are considering hikes on e-cigarette and vaping taxes as Wisconsin’s traditional tobacco tax revenues decline, according to a new report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. The report’s author, Mark Sommerhauser, joins us to talk about new vaping taxes and how they may influence politics and public health.
July 17, 2019
Efforts to Mandate CWD Testing in Parts of Wisconsin
An advisory group is pushing for mandatory CWD testing in parts of western Wisconsin.
July 12, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Outside Factors Impacting Health
Every year, the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps delivers detailed data state by state, county by county, how a myriad of factors contribute to health and health equity. Dr. Sheri Johnson says this year's rankings emphasize housing and communities to explain the interconnectedness of inequality and health.
June 26, 2019
Children’s Health Metrics Show Racial Disparities
Wisconsin fares well among other states in child wellness overall, but when the data is broken down by race, stark disparities emerge. Erica Nelson of Kids Forward discusses what the state can do to bridge the racial divide.
June 21, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Emerging Water Contaminant Raising Alarms
The City of Madison put a target on it's water quality manager, Joe Grande, voluntarily tested for chemicals in public water wells that aren't even regulated. Grande discusses what is known and still unknown about PFAS chemicals in water, air and food, as well as where the science still needs to catch up.
June 5, 2019 • South Central Region
The issue of contaminated drinking water in Wisconsin has drawn the attention of both sides of the aisle. Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 the year of clean drinking water and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos created the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality. Here & Now’s Marisa Wojcik reports on the efforts to improve water quality in the state.
May 24, 2019 • South West Region
New Ways to Help Those with History of Trauma
The push to fund more trauma-informed programming in the state continues in Wisconsin. Here & Now shares children’s stories from the new documentary “Not Enough Apologies,” and CEO of the Fox Valley Boys and Girls Club Greg Lempke-Rochon discusses his efforts to bring trauma-informed programming to his community.
May 17, 2019 • Northeast Region
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.
May 17, 2019
Republican lawmakers have introduced a slate of abortion-related bills including a ‘born alive’ bill that creates criminal penalties for doctors who do not care for fetuses still alive after an abortion. Weighing in on the new legislation are Rep. Barbara Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc, and Mel Barnes, the Legal and Policy Director at Planned Parenthood Wisconsin.
May 10, 2019
WPR’s Shawn Johnson discusses a new WPR series on alcohol in Wisconsin, delving into the state’s three-tier system for manufacturing, distributing and selling alcohol.
May 10, 2019
How Vulnerable is Wisconsin to Measles?
With a national outbreak of measles causing concern among the medical community, UW-Madison medical professor Dr. James Conway talks about how vulnerable Wisconsin is for a measles outbreak. He also discusses who would be most affected by measles cropping up in the state.
May 3, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Private Well Water Quality
Ken Bradbury of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey discusses a comprehensive study his group conducted in collaboration with local county conservationists. The study found that 40 percent of private wells in southwest Wisconsin are contaminated beyond safe limits. Bradbury discusses next steps as the Legislature prepares to find solutions during the budgeting process.
May 1, 2019 • South West Region
State Rep Grows Hair to Push for Legislation
Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, D-Milwaukee, has traditionally had close-cropped hair, but is now growing it out to raise awareness for legislation addressing a shortage in skilled sign language interpreters. He says he is doing so to “let them know I’m with them, that I’m and ally.” He adds that he wants to make sure people in sensitive situations like hospitals “are getting appropriate care.”
April 26, 2019
Noon Wednesday: Cannabis in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is not following the national trend to legalize any form of marijuana, even though 33 states have passed laws for legal medicinal use and 10 states have laws for legal recreational use. Suzie Kazar, a student journalist with the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalist, talks about how Wisconsin compares with the rest of the country on the question of legalization.
April 24, 2019
Noon Wednesday: The Rise in Mental Health Service Needs
Student mental health advocate Manasi Mohan is raising awareness about the rise in mental health service needs, especially for students of color and underrepresented populations. In the last five years, the UW System schools have seen the need grow 35 percent. And nationwide studies show minority college students are at highest risk of not receiving services based their needs.
April 10, 2019
UW Set to Resume Controversial Flu Research
UW-Madison is at the center of controversial biomedical research in their study of avian flu that involves making the virus more dangerous for humans. WisContext reporter Will Cushman has been following the research and discusses what it would mean for the university to have the research resume.
March 15, 2019 • South Central Region
Noon Wednesday: George Quinn on the State’s Shortfall of Physicians
Wisconsin is expected to be short at least 700 primary care providers by the year 2035. George Quinn, executive director of the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce, joins us to talk about how the state is working to bridge the impending shortfall of physicians.
March 13, 2019
The issue of chronic wasting disease has been prevalent among the deer population in Wisconsin, but could the disease spread to humans? U. of Minn. Professor Michael Osterholm says it might, similar to mad cow disease in the UK. He says 30-35 percent of the deer population might be afflicted with CWD, spurred by what he says is lax security in preventing herds from moving across state lines.
February 22, 2019
How Marijuana and Race Impact the Criminal Justice System
One of the points of Gov. Tony Evers’s marijuana proposal is that those with criminal marijuana convictions would have their records expunged. Discussing the criminal justice side of the plan is Rep. David Crowley, D-Milwaukee. He breaks down how racial minorities feel the impact of the criminal justice system more than white drug users and how expungement helps those convicted move forward.
February 22, 2019
Stroebel: “Decriminalization is Legalization”
Republicans have voiced opposition to the governor’s plan to decriminalize marijuana. Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Cedarburg, says there are enough issues with substance abuse in Wisconsin now, and does not want to see marijuana decriminalized. He discusses his opposition to CBD oil, saying he did not want to mislead people to the benefits of the product without adequate tests.
February 22, 2019
What’s Next for Preexisting Condition Coverage?
Donna Friedsam of UW-Madison’s Population Health Institute discusses a proposal to create protections for preexisting conditions at the state level. She says coverage for a recipient’s family may be different if the federal law is overturned and the state law comes into effect.
January 25, 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.
January 18, 2019
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