All Recent Articles - PBS Wisconsin

Stephanie Stevens holds a red-tailed hawk in her left hand wearing a falconry gauntlet while standing in a snow-covered field, with leafless trees in the background.

Midwest winters are changing, shifts that are reflected in challenges to falconry

For falconers who hunt small animals like rabbits and grouse with wild birds of prey, winters in the Midwest with less persistent snow cover are also changing the sport they love — Wisconsin hunters are getting a front-row seat to the realities of a warming world.

March 2, 2025

A still image from a video shows Mochael Osterholm seated in front of with cabinets lined with books and multiple clocks with a graphic at bottom reading 'Minneapolis, MN,' 'Michael Osterholm' and 'Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.'

Health

Michael Osterholm on avian influenza and the risk to people

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

February 28, 2025

A still image from a video shows Mary Pitsch seated in front of multiple cabinets with items and a potted plant with a graphic at bottom reading 'Sheboygan,' 'Mary Pitsch' and 'Dementia Innovations.'

Health

Mary Pitsch on the idea and goals of Livasu dementia village

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

February 28, 2025 • Southeast Region

From left to right, Jill Karofsky, Rebecca Dallet, Ann Walsh Bradley, Annette Ziegler, Rebecca Bradley, Brian Hagedorn and Janet Protasiewicz stand at a judicial dais in front of a row of high-backed leather chairs, with another row of high-backed wood and leather chairs behind them, in a room with marble masonry and a Wisconsin flag.

Elections

Wisconsin Supreme Court justices weigh in on Schimel’s comments about abortion case oral arguments

Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel accused the court's liberal majority, all women, of being "driven by their emotions" in an abortion rights case — six of the seven sitting justices have offered statements responding to those comments.

February 28, 2025

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

Politics

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

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

February 27, 2025

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

Politics

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

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

February 27, 2025

Brad Schimel speaks into a microphone held up in front of him while standing with multiple people behind him in a room with two metal doors.

Elections

Schimel says Soros support for Crawford is worse than his support from Musk in 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Brad Schimel, the Republican-backed candidate in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race who has received support from Elon Musk, says it's more concerning that Democratic-supported candidate Susan Crawford has received support from liberal philanthropist George Soros.

February 26, 2025

Rep. Angelina Cruz on running unopposed as a Democrat

Politics

Rep. Angelina Cruz on running unopposed as a Democrat

State Rep. Angelina Cruz, D-Racine, discusses running unopposed in the Democratic primary and general elections in 2024 for the Wisconsin Assembly and listening to constituents on the campaign trail.

February 26, 2025 • Southeast Region

Susan Crawford speaks into a mounted microphone while standing in front of a backdrop consisting of multiple campaign signs in rows.

Elections

Crawford decries Musk’s involvement in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford, backed by Democrats, is decrying Trump advisor Elon Musk's involvement involvement in the race on behalf of conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who is backed by Republicans.

February 25, 2025

Rep. Lindee Brill on Republicans and the Wisconsin Assembly

Politics

Rep. Lindee Brill on Republicans and the Wisconsin Assembly

State Rep. Lindee Brill, R-Sheboygan Falls, discusses voting present in a 2025 Republican caucus election for Wisconsin Assembly Speaker and hope the chamber moves in a more conservative direction.

February 25, 2025 • Southeast Region

Sunlight reflects off two mosaics depicting Classical figures — one holding scales and labeled Justice and another holding a tablet and labeled Legislation — inside a rotunda beneath a ring of arched windows at the base of a dome, as seen from below inside a building with marble pillars, railings and other masonry in a Beaux-Arts design.

Politics

Who spent the most money in 2024 to lobby Wisconsin lawmakers?

An organization that represents the construction, utility, telecommunications and mining industries reported spending of about $900,000 in lobbying the Wisconsin Legislature in 2024, with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Koch network, Kwik Trip and Google also spending hundreds of thousands over the year.

February 24, 2025

Jimmy Gross hands a tall-boy beer can with the logos of Third Space Brewing and Marquette University on its label to Jonathon Holdway from behind a beverage kiosk with multiple bottles of non-alcoholic drinks and cans of beer displayed, with people walking along an arena walkway in front of different food vendors in the background.

Economy

College sports put a twist on team spirit with signature brews

It wasn't too long ago that many colleges didn't sell alcoholic beverages at campus sporting events, but, many are now partnering with local breweries to have their own officially licensed craft beers to sell at games and in grocery stores, including Marquette University in Milwaukee.

February 24, 2025

Frederica Freyberg and Jason Stein sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Jason Stein

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

February 24, 2025

New lawmakers find their bearings in Wisconsin’s Legislature

Politics

New lawmakers find their bearings in Wisconsin’s Legislature

A pair of new state lawmakers — Rep. Angelina Cruz and Rep. Lindee Brill — share their thoughts on serving their constituents at the start of the 2025 session in the wake of legislative redistricting.

February 21, 2025

A still image shows Jason Stein seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Jason Stein' and 'Wisconsin Policy Forum.'

Budgets

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

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

February 21, 2025

A still image shows Tony Evers standing and speaking into a microphone with people seated behind wooden paneling in the background.

Budgets

Wisconsin’s 2025 budget proposals from Evers and Republicans

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

February 21, 2025

A still image shows Robin Vos standing behind a podium and microphones addressing a room of people with people standing alongside him on either side.

Policy

Wisconsin Republicans pass educational standards package

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

February 21, 2025

The 2025 candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court and recusal

Elections

The 2025 candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court and recusal

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel are receiving campaign support from political parties and have partisan backgrounds — when would they recuse themselves from a case?

February 20, 2025

Elon Musk speaks with his hands folded in front of him while standing in front of a window with open curtains.

Elections

Group backed by Musk pours money into ads on behalf of Schimel in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

A conservative nonprofit backed by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk is getting involved in the 2025 race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court with a $1.6 million purchase of television ads in support of Republican Party-backed candidate Brad Schimel.

February 20, 2025

Jason Stein on the 2025 Wisconsin budget proposals by Evers

Budgets

Jason Stein on the 2025 Wisconsin budget proposals by Evers

Wisconsin Policy Forum President Jason Stein discusses the 2025-27 biennial state budget address by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the proposals presented to the Republican-controlled Legislature.

February 19, 2025

Side-by-side photos show Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser posting for portraits.

Elections

Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser advance in the 2025 spring primary election for Wisconsin’s schools superintendent

Wisconsin's Democratic-backed incumbent state Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly will face Republican-supported challenger Brittany Kinser after both advanced from a three-person race to lead the Department of Public Instruction in the spring 2025 primary election.

February 18, 2025

Tony Evers stands and speaks into a microphone, with two out-of-focus people seated in high-backed leather and wood chairs on a wood legislative dais in the background.

Budgets

Evers calls for tax cuts, more PFAS testing and pushback on Trump’s tariffs in his 2025 budget address

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said the two-year spending plan he's proposing for the 2025-27 biennial state budget is designed to prepare for drastic cuts to vital programs at the federal level.

February 18, 2025

Multiple fire engines are parked in the turn lane of a multi-lane road, with other vehicles parked on the two right-hand lanes next to the ruins of structures destroyed by fire.

Policy

Republican lawmakers propose $10K income tax break for hurricane and wildfire relocations to Wisconsin

State Rep. Cindi Duchow and state Sen. Dan Feyen are sponsoring a bill that would give anyone who moves to Wisconsin from North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene or from Los Angeles County due to wildfires a $10,000 income tax credit for 2025 to help address workforce shortages.

February 18, 2025

Sandy Hawn writes on a sheet of paper on the dashboard on the passenger front seat of a car with a digital screen below the windshield showing a time of 2:42 on Jan. 9, 2025.

Social Issues

Wisconsin’s ‘point in time’ count struggles to capture the state’s homeless population

Homelessness has been increasing statewide according to the annual PIT count that's conducted by volunteers, but these counts struggle to accurately capture homeless populations around Wisconsin, especially in its more rural areas.

February 18, 2025

Courts

Wisconsin Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit challenging the 2022 use of a mobile voting van in Racine

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled in a 4-3 decision that a Republican Party official lacked the standing to bring a lawsuit that challenges the city of Racine's use of a mobile voting van in 2022, but did not address the merits of the case.

February 18, 2025

A printed sign with the seal of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa above the words Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indian Reservation, By Order of the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council There Shall Be No Trespassing, No Trapping, No Hunting on Tribal Lands by Non-Band Members, Offenders Will Be Prosecuted in the LDF Tribal Court System and contact information is attached to a wood road barrier with a metal chain hanging underneath it above a road covered in snow.

Indigenous

Tribal sovereignty at center of Wisconsin road dispute

Tensions rise as 19th-century Indian policy divides community members over the rights-of-way for roads on Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation lands in northern Wisconsin.

February 17, 2025 • Northern Region

Robert Golden and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

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

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

February 17, 2025

Tony Evers gestures with his left hand while speaking into a microphone.

Courts

Evers proposes plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system and close facility in Green Bay

A plan proposed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers would make sweeping changes to the state's correctional system and includes the closure of a Green Bay prison built in the 19th century — the roughly $500 million proposal would be need to be approved by the state Legislature.

February 16, 2025

A handwritten sign with the words Vote and In Gym and an arrow are visible on a whiteboard standing in a hallway, with a perpendicular hallway leading toward a commercial metal door with a push bar and illuminated EXIT sign above it.

Elections

What to expect in Wisconsin’s spring 2025 primary election

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in the nonpartisan primary for state superintendent of public instruction, which is only statewide contest on the 2025 primary ballot.

February 16, 2025

A still image from a video shows Rick Esenberg seated in front of a wall with three panels of blinds with a graphic at bottom reading 'Rick Esenberg' and 'Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.'

Politics

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

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

February 14, 2025

A still image from a video shows Darin Von Ruden seated in front of walls with framed artwork and chair with a graphic at bottom reading 'Westby,' 'Darin Von Ruden' and 'Wisconsin Farmers Union.'

Agriculture

Darin Von Ruden on federal funding cuts to Wisconsin farmers

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

February 14, 2025

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

Science

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

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

February 14, 2025

Jon Greendeer sits in a high-back chair with flags in the background.

Indigenous

Ho-Chunk Nation offers free tribal IDs amid ICE fears

Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer describes the tribal government's promise to offer free tribal IDs for members and reimburse the cost to obtain a U.S. passport amid fear over ICE arrests.

February 14, 2025

The U.S., Wisconsin and Pride flags fly on flagpoles in front of a multi-story stone and glass office building at an intersection with multiple traffic signal lights and street sights, with other buildings, parked vehicles and trees on either side and in the background.

Elections

Wisconsin’s top education official facing challengers on both flanks in 2025 primary

Wisconsin's incumbent state Superintendent Jill Underly faces challengers on the right and left as she runs for reelection in 2025, with school choice advocate Brittany Kinser and rural school superintendent Jeff Wright seeking to attract voters and advance in the spring primary.

February 14, 2025

Susan Crawford on the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Elections

Susan Crawford on the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, a former assistant state attorney general and liberal running for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, discusses her perspectives on law and politics.

February 13, 2025

Two pedestrians walk along a sidewalk in front of a multi-story brick building with a letter sign reading North Division High School and an entrance with multiple double doors, with a street sign, flagpole with the U.S. flag and leafless trees in front of the structure.

Education

Milwaukee schools audit identifies planning and operational issues, calls for more transparent practices

An audit ordered by Gov. Tony Evers has found that the Milwaukee public school district struggles with a "culture resistant to change" that has undermined its ability to function properly, disproportionately harming its most vulnerable students.

February 13, 2025 • Southeast Region

Janet Protasiewicz gestures with her right hand and holds eyeglasses with her right hand while seated in a high-backed leather chair and facing a microphone mounted to a wood judicial bench covered with papers, books, a laptop computer and other items, with Brian Hagedorn seated to her side in a room with marble masonry.

Courts

Protasiewicz rejects Republican call to recuse in Act 10 case

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz has rejected a Republican request that she not hear a pending case that seeks to restore collective bargaining rights that tens of thousands of teachers, nurses and other state workers lost in Act 10, a law passed in 2011.

February 12, 2025

Side-by-side photos show Brittany Kinser, Jill Underly and Jeff Wright posting for portraits.

Elections

Where do the 2025 primary candidates for Wisconsin schools superintendent stand on high-profile issues?

Three career educators vying to lead the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction — Brittany Kinser, Dr. Jill Underly and Jeff Wright — share their perspectives on school funding, achievement gaps, assessing test scores and teacher shortages.

February 12, 2025

The head of a swimming beaver is visible on the surface of a body of water amid various types of aquatic foliage.

Environment

How one Wisconsin landowner is using non-lethal methods to manage beavers

Beavers can cause property damage, but research shows they positively impact the environment — a landowner in Columbia County in south-central Wisconsin shares how she rejected using traps and dynamite to instead peacefully manage these nuisance animals with flow devices.

February 11, 2025 • South Central Region

An inlaid carved marble sign reading Supreme Court marks the top of a doorway with a wrought iron filigree and glass door.

Elections

Political parties, megadonors drop money on the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Billionaire megadonors are opening their wallets to influence the high-stakes 2025 race for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with the winner of the April 1 election determining whether the state's high court remains under liberal control or flips to a conservative majority.

February 11, 2025

Light reflects off the surface of a multi-inch thick brushed stainless steel disk with drilled holes around its outer edge.

Economy

Trump again places tariffs on steel and aluminum, raising supply costs for downstream manufacturers

President Donald Trump is hitting foreign steel and aluminum with a 25% tariff, a move intended to give struggling domestic producers relief from global competition, but also driving up costs for "downstream" U.S. producers that buy these metals to manufacture goods.

February 11, 2025

Two Milwaukee Police Department cars and a third vehicle are parked on the side of a street with a concrete median with two street sign poles and a crosswalk, with leafless trees and a multi-story building with a garage entrance in the background.

Courts

Total number of police officers in Wisconsin ticks up in 2024

The number of law enforcement officers in Wisconsin has steadily decreased since the state Department of Justice started tracking this figure in 2008, hitting a record low level in 2023, but efforts to reverse that trend may be working with a 4% increase in 2024.

February 10, 2025

Frederica Freyberg sits at a desk on the Here & Now set and faces a video monitor showing an image of John Jagler.

Politics

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

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

February 10, 2025

A still image shows Kurt Bauer seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Kurt Bauer' and 'Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.'

Economy

Kurt Bauer on how tariffs could impact Wisconsin businesses

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

February 7, 2025

A still image from a video shows John Jagler seated in front of a blurred background, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Watertown,' 'Sen. John Jagler' and '(R) Watertown.'

Education

Sen. John Jagler on scoring standardized tests in Wisconsin

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

February 7, 2025

Matthew Soerens on suspending refugee resettlement in the US

Policy

Matthew Soerens on suspending refugee resettlement in the US

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

February 7, 2025

Courts

Wisconsin Supreme Court says Wolfe can continue as state elections administrator

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that the state's nonpartisan top elections official Meagan Wolfe can continue working in that post despite her term having ended and not being reappointed and confirmed by the state Senate.

February 7, 2025

Brad Schimel on the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Elections

Brad Schimel on the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general and conservative running for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, discusses his perspectives on law and politics.

February 6, 2025

Talib Akbar on reactions to displaying a mobile prison cell

Social Issues

Talib Akbar on reactions to displaying a mobile prison cell

Incarceration activist and WISDOM Vice President Talib Akbar describes the responses of people who visit a model version of a prison cell created to illustrate the experience of solitary confinement.

February 5, 2025

Multiple children playing with plastic ring toss toys are seen in silhouette from below, illuminated by sunrays in a courtyard surrounded by buildings and under foliage and a partly cloudy sky.

Budgets

Locked out of federal funding, several Head Start preschools in Wisconsin and elsewhere may need to close temporarily

Leaders of dozens of Head Start preschools said they might need to close temporarily because they remain locked out of their federal funding, a problem that first surfaced during President Donald Trump's effort to freeze federal grants.

February 5, 2025

Talib Akbar on prison and isolation as forms of punishment

Social Issues

Talib Akbar on prison and isolation as forms of punishment

Incarceration activist and WISDOM Vice President Talib Akbar considers how being imprisoned serves as punishment and the psychological effects of spending time alone versus being among other people.

February 4, 2025

Elon Musk holds both of his arms up in the air and makes fists while standing behind an out-of-focus Donald Trump, who is speaking into a microphone mounted to a podium, with out-of-focus people seated and standing in the background.

Politics

Elon Musk tightens grip on the federal government as Democrats raise alarms

Elon Musk is rapidly consolidating control over large swaths of the federal government, sidelining career officials, gaining access to sensitive data and dismantling a leading source of humanitarian assistance with President Donald Trump's blessing and without congressional approval.

February 4, 2025

Kenneth Ginlack looks to his left while standing behind a wood railing in front of a building with wood pillars.

Health

Milwaukee is losing a generation of Black men to the opioid crisis

Older Black men account for a growing share of drug-related deaths in Milwaukee as fentanyl creeps into cocaine supplies, catching a generation unaware.

February 3, 2025 • Southeast Region

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

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

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

February 3, 2025

Policy

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

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

January 31, 2025

A still image from a video shows Tehassi Hill seated in front of a U.S. flag to his right and a black picture frame on a wall to his left with a graphic at bottom reading 'Oneida,' 'Chairman Tehassi Hill' and 'Oneida Nation.'

Indigenous

Chairman Tehassi Hill on Trump’s orders and tribal nations

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

January 31, 2025

A still image from a video shows Jane Graham Jennings seated in front of a wall with various framed art and chairs in the background with a graphic at bottom reading 'Wausau,' 'Jane Graham Jennings' and 'The Women's Community of Wausau.'

Budgets

Jane Graham Jennings on impacts of freezes on federal grants

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

January 31, 2025

A mobile prison cell exposes solitary confinement conditions

Social Issues

A mobile prison cell exposes solitary confinement conditions

An activist who served time at Waupun Correctional Institution built and displays a model cell to illustrate conditions of solitary confinement, a practice called disciplinary separation in Wisconsin.

January 30, 2025

Brian Hagedorn faces a microphone while sitting in a high-backed leather chair.

Courts

Hagedorn steps aside in the Act 10 case the Wisconsin Supreme Court could hear

Conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn recused himself in a case over Act 10, which ended collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of public sector workers, noting he drafted the 2011 law while working as chief legal counsel for then-Gov. Scott Walker.

January 30, 2025

Sean Duffy gestures with his right hand while speaking outdoors, with out-of-focus people standing behind him.

Policy

Who is Sean Duffy, the new transportation secretary responding to the DCA plane-helicopter crash?

Sean Duffy, who was just confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Transportation Secretary, quickly emerged as the public face of the federal government's response to the deadly collision between an Army helicopter and American Airlines passenger jet at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

January 30, 2025

Economy

Free IRS Direct File system opens for eligible filers in Wisconsin

A federal program now allows eligible Wisconsinites to directly file their federal taxes online with the IRS in 2025, while a state-level named WisTax allows the free filing of state taxes online.

January 29, 2025

Politics

Democratic Party set to elect a new national chair, and Wisconsin’s state chair is a frontrunner

The Democratic National Committee will elect a new chair on Feb. 1 as it tries to guide Democrats through Republican President Donald Trump's second administration — there are eight people running, with Minnesota's Ken Martin and Wisconsin's Ben Wikler considered the leading candidates.

January 29, 2025

Susan Crawford holds a microphone in her right hand and speaks while standing behind a wood podium with other microphones on its surface and a campaign sign reading Susan Crawford for Justice on its front, with six more campaign signs displayed on a wall behind her, with a speaker on a stand to one side and people seated and facing her in the foreground.

Elections

Republicans criticize Crawford for attending an event for donors to the Democratic Party

Liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, who is running in the 2025 race for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, participated in a briefing for Democratic Party donors that Republicans say shows that she is committed to redrawing the state's congressional districts.

January 29, 2025

Harry Dunn gestures with both hands while sitting at a table with multiple microphones with flags of different media organizations on its surface, with another person seated to the side in a room with windows with open drapes and a U.S. flag in the background.

Elections

Former US Capitol Police officer campaigns against Schimel

Former United States Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who defended against rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, is emphasizing President Donald Trump's pardons in the high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race and criticized Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel over the issue.

January 29, 2025

Brian Hagedorn and Janet Protasiewicz sit in high-backed leather chairs at a judicial bench with a nameplate reading J. Protasiewicz, with a row of empty high-backed wood and leather chairs behind them in a room with marble pillars and masonry.

Politics

Republican lawmakers ask Protasiewicz to step aside in the Act 10 case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has asked that liberal state Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz step aside in a pending case that seeks to overturn Act 10, a 2011 law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most state workers.

January 28, 2025

Side-by-side photos show a building on the left with law enforcement vehicles with illuminated siren lights parked on a street and lawn next to trees and a utility pole, and a building on the right with vehicles parked in a lot next to trees and parking signs.

Education

Madison and Nashville school shooters appear to have crossed paths in online extremist communities

A month after a student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, another killed a classmate at Antioch High School in Nashville — both were active in an internet subculture that glorifies mass shooters and encourages young people to commit attacks themselves.

January 28, 2025 • South Central Region

Tony Evers stands with this hands crossed on the top of a wood podium with a microphone mounted to its surface, with three other people standing behind him on another tier of a wood legislative dais with inlay carvings.

Policy

Republicans propose constitutional amendment to limit Wisconsin governor’s partial veto power

Republican lawmakers in the Wisconsin Legislature have proposed a state constitutional amendment that would eliminate the governor's partial veto powers, eliminating the ability to delete words and rework sentences in bills that spend taxpayer money.

January 27, 2025

Brad Schimel stands and speaks with out-of-focus people standing in the background of a room with the U.S. and Wisconsin flags displayed flat on a wall.

Elections

Asked about Jan. 6 pardons, Schimel says he supports Trump’s presidential powers

Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel says he thinks anyone convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers should serve their entire sentence, but also says he didn't object to President Donald Trump using his power to pardon.

January 27, 2025

In Focus

In Focus with Saghar Homayounpour: 2024 Teacher of the Year

Murv Seymour talks with computer science teacher Saghar Homayounpour at New Berlin West Middle / High School about her passion for teaching, connecting with students and STEM career opportunities.

January 27, 2025

Side-by-side still images from videos show Ron Johnson and Gwen Moore looking at the camera while seated in offices.

Politics

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

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

January 27, 2025

A still image shows Abigail Swetz seated in front of a background with a graphic at bottom reading 'Abigail Swetz' and 'Fair Wisconsin.'

Social Issues

Abigail Swetz on LGBTQ advocates responding to Trump orders

Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Abigail Swetz discusses a Trump executive order declaring only sex assigned at birth will be federally recognized and how LGBTQ advocates are preparing in response.

January 24, 2025

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

Policy

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

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

January 24, 2025

A still image shows U.S. Senator Ron Johnson seated in an office with a graphic at bottom reading 'U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson' and '(R) Wisconsin.'

Policy

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

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

January 24, 2025

Side-by-side images show Tony Evers speaking with an out-of-focus Robin Vos seated in the background and Robin Vos speaking with toile wallpaper and brass light fixture in the background.

Politics

Wisconsin 2025 State of the State highlights from Evers, Vos

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

January 24, 2025

Stephen Nick on transports of unhoused people to Eau Claire

Social Issues

Stephen Nick on transports of unhoused people to Eau Claire

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

January 23, 2025 • West Central Region

Tony Evers speaks into a microphone mounted to a podium at the center of a wood legislative dais with carved front panels, with people seated at multiple rows of wood desks facing him and other people standing in the background in front of two sets of double doors with oval windows, in a room with marble masonry and pillars framing red, white and blue bunting, a digital vote register mounted on a wall, illuminated brass light fixtures, and people seated in a gallery in an upper level.

Politics

Evers emphasizes child care, mental health, gun violence in Wisconsin’s 2025 State of the State address

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used his seventh State of the State speech on Jan. 22 to urge the Republican-controlled Legislature to enact a wide range of Democratic priorities they have rejected in the past, and declared 2025 to be the "Year of the Kid" as the focus of his budget and policy priorities.

January 22, 2025

Donald Trump signs a document while sitting in a high-backed leather chair in a room with the stripes of a U.S. flag, curtain and framed photo in the background.

Courts

AGs from 22 states sue to stop Trump order targeting birthright citizenship in the US

Attorneys general from 22 states, including Wisconsin, have sued to block President Donald Trump's executive order that moves to end a century-old immigration policy known as birthright citizenship guaranteeing that U.S.-born children are citizens regardless of their parents' status.

January 21, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. points with his right index finger while standing and speaking into a microphone, with out-of-focus people standing in the background.

Policy

Republican lawmakers propose changing law to allow state and federal candidates to get off the ballot in Wisconsin

Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin want to change state law to allow candidates to remove their names from the ballot, which would address an issue that arose after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wanted to get off the 2024 presidential ballot in the state but wasn't legally able to do so.

January 21, 2025

Politics

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

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

January 21, 2025

A still image shows Zac Schultz standing in front of the State Capitol rotunda with a graphic at bottom reading 'Zac Schultz' and 'Here & Now.'

Courts

Zac Schultz on Wisconsin’s separation of powers lawsuit

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

January 17, 2025

Philip Rocco on shared revenue shortfall issues in Wisconsin

Budgets

Philip Rocco on shared revenue shortfall issues in Wisconsin

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

January 17, 2025 • Southeast Region

A still image from a video shows Johnathan Temte seated in front of a desk with piles of papers and a bookshelf lined with books and other items.

Health

Seasonal respiratory viruses are peaking for young children

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

January 17, 2025

A still image from a video shows José Pérez speaking into multiple microphones with various media flags on a podium with people standing around him with a graphic at top reading 'Video Courtesy: TMJ4 - Milwaukee.'

Social Issues

Local officials voice concern over mass deportation plans

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

January 17, 2025 • Southeast Region

A still image from a video shows a snow covered street with a yellow barricade reading 'Tribal Roads' with a graphic at bottom reading 'File Footage, 2023.'

Courts

Federal judge orders Lac du Flambeau roads to remain open

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

January 17, 2025 • Northern Region

A carved sign reading Supreme Court and a carving of a scroll with scales stands above a doorway, with a marble pillar with a Composite order capital to one side under a marble pediment.

Courts

Wisconsin Supreme Court pushes back request to release guardianship records

The Wisconsin Supreme Court in a 5-2 decision has rejected an attempt by a conservative activist to obtain guardianship records in an effort to find ineligible voters, ruling a lower appeals court did not follow proper procedure and sending the case back for further action.

January 17, 2025

Social Issues

Chief Andre Sayles on Beloit police and immigration status

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

January 16, 2025 • South Central Region

Bob Uecker holds a Milwaukee Brewers baseball cap up in the air with his right hand, with an out-of-focus person standing behind him applauding.

History

Baseball fans salute the legacy of Milwaukee Brewers voice Bob Uecker, who dies at 90

Bob Uecker, the voice of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers who after a short playing career earned the moniker "Mr. Baseball" and honors from the Hall of Fame, has died at 90 as a beloved member of the baseball community and an enduring pillar of the sport in Wisconsin.

January 16, 2025 • Southeast Region

From left to right, Jill Karofsky, Rebecca Dallet, Ann Walsh Bradley, Annette Ziegler, Rebecca Bradley, Brian Hagedorn and Janet Protasiewicz sit at a judicial dais in a row of high-backed leather chairs, with another row of high-backed wood and leather chairs behind them, in a room with marble masonry and a Wisconsin flag.

Courts

Cases about ‘conversion therapy’ ban, separation of powers heard by Wisconsin Supreme Court

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering whether a legislative committee's rejection of an agency rule that would ban the practice of "conversion therapy" for LGBTQ+ people is unconstitutional.

January 16, 2025

A hand resting on a blonde wood tabletop holds a smartphone showing a screen with a menu of the social media apps Bluesky, TikTok, X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Reddit.

Politics

Wisconsin Democrats adopt Bluesky as the social media landscape continues to split

The reelection of President-elect Donald Trump and his embrace by tech oligarch Elon Musk has accelerated an exodus among online liberals from the social media platform X to a startup named Bluesky, including by multiple Democratic officeholders in Wisconsin.

January 15, 2025

Jim Hoffman and another person, each wearing fluorescent safety vests, stand on either side of a stream among multiple logs spanning its breadth, in wooded area with mostly leafless trees, with a visible beam of sunlight in the foreground.

Environment

How ecosystem engineers are building mock beaver dams to help restore more wetlands in Wisconsin

Beaver dams analogs on small waterways around Wisconsin could help improve water quality, stabilize eroded stream banks, limit flooding and enhance wildlife habitat, but the state's process to get permits for building such structures is expensive and arduous.

January 14, 2025

A metal sign with the words Be Prepared to Show ID framed above and below by lines of four stars stands next to a swinging metal push and pull commercial door handle.

Policy

Wisconsin Legislature puts photo ID on spring 2024 ballot

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly along party lines approved a measure to enact a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID nearly a week after the state Senate did the same, placing the proposal on the state's spring 2024 ballot for voter consideration.

January 14, 2025

Tony Evers sits at a wood table and uses a pen with his right hand to sign a piece of paper in a folder sitting on its surface, with another person seated next to the table and other people standing behind him in a room with wood-paneled walls and a painting in the background.

Policy

Evers creates new Wisconsin violence-prevention office after school shooting

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order creating a state office of violence prevention a month after a school shooting in Madison, and called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass gun control and public safety measures.

January 14, 2025

Sunlight reflects off the dome of a Beaux-Arts style building with marble masonry and multiple gold statutes under a clear sky.

Politics

Power struggle in Minnesota Legislature before the start of its 2025 session echoes the 2011 clash in Wisconsin

The 2024 election resulted in Democrats and Republicans each winning 67 seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and party leaders worked out a power-sharing plan, but after a judge ruled one Democrat didn't live in his district, boycott and recall threats ensued.

January 14, 2025

Brad Schimel stands and speaks into multiple microphones, with out-of-focus microphones, microphone stands and the strips of a U.S. flag in the background.

Elections

TV ad spending begins in Wisconsin’s 2025 state Supreme Court race

Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel is launching a $1.1 million statewide television ad buy, the first spending on TV ads in the high-profile 2025 race for a high court seat.

January 13, 2025

Chad Alan Goldberg and Frederica Freyberg sit facing each other on the Here & Now set.

Politics

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

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

January 13, 2025

A still image shows Dale Knapp seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Dale Knapp' and 'Forward Analytics.'

Social Issues

Dale Knapp on a projected population decline for Wisconsin

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

January 10, 2025

A still image from a video shows Bobby Peterson seated in front of a blurred background with a graphic at bottom reading 'Madison,' 'Bobby Peterson' and 'ABC for Health.'

Health

Bobby Peterson on removing medical debt from credit reports

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

January 10, 2025

A still image shows Chad Alan Goldberg seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Chad Alan Goldberg' and 'UW-Madison Dept. of Sociology.'

Politics

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

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

January 10, 2025

Health

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

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

January 10, 2025 • West Central Region

Christina Hubbell holds a plastic jug of laundry detergent up in the air while standing next to Eric Zieroth inside a room with a washing machine and dryer, a plastic recycling bin, a sink and a wall-mounted paper towel dispenser next to a bulletin board with a calendar and other items pinned to its face, with an open wood door showing a window in an adjacent room.

Social Issues

Wisconsin’s rural homelessness crisis and the ongoing fight to do ‘more with less’

Homelessness in rural Wisconsin, while often unseen, is increasing, yet a grueling funding landscape, among other challenges, poses obstacles for local shelters and rural providers.

January 9, 2025 • Northern Region

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