A chain link fence topped by barbed wire stands in front of a gravel road and a row of industrial oil storage tanks with the Enbridge wordmark painted on the side of the one in front.

Environment

After years of legal disputes, Enbridge starts Line 5 reroute around Bad River reservation

Energy company Enbridge began clearing trees to begin construction on a new 41-mile segment of the Line 5 oil and gas pipeline to circumvent the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation in northern Wisconsin following years of litigation in federal court.

February 25, 2026

Tamara Thomsen on researching Lake Mendota’s ancient canoes
Tamara Thomsen on researching Lake Mendota’s ancient canoes

Science

Tamara Thomsen on researching Lake Mendota’s ancient canoes

Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen details how researchers determined the age of multiple ancient Native canoes found in Lake Mendota and how two are being preserved.

February 25, 2026 • South Central Region

Wisconsin’s 2026 governor candidates consider state prisons
Wisconsin’s 2026 governor candidates consider state prisons

Elections

Wisconsin’s 2026 governor candidates consider state prisons

Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2026 race for governor of Wisconsin respond to a plan by Gov. Tony Evers to overhaul the state's corrections system and how they would approach the issue.

February 25, 2026

The pillars of a dome of a Beaux-Arts-style building are illuminated by lighting at night, with the leafless branches of different trees in silhouette in the foreground.
The pillars of a dome of a Beaux-Arts-style building are illuminated by lighting at night, with the leafless branches of different trees in silhouette in the foreground.

Courts

A group of schools, teachers, parents and students file lawsuit over how the state of Wisconsin funds education

A coalition of Wisconsin school districts, teachers' unions, advocacy groups, parents, students and others has filed a lawsuit asking the courts to adopt a new education funding system that meets the needs of local districts unless the Legislature and governor enact one "in a timely fashion."

February 24, 2026

Lawrence Plucinski on Lake Mendota’s fleet of ancient canoes
Lawrence Plucinski on Lake Mendota’s fleet of ancient canoes

Indigenous

Lawrence Plucinski on Lake Mendota’s fleet of ancient canoes

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribal historic preservation officer Lawrence Plucinski describes how ancient Indigenous peoples made use of the numerous dugout canoes found in Lake Mendota.

February 24, 2026 • South Central Region

A circular seal showing a stylized Lady Justice surrounded by two sets of three five-pointed stars and the words Wisconsin Court of Appeals is displayed on a frosted window in a wood frame.
A circular seal showing a stylized Lady Justice surrounded by two sets of three five-pointed stars and the words Wisconsin Court of Appeals is displayed on a frosted window in a wood frame.

Courts

A 2026 Wisconsin Appeals Court election was on track to break records until a candidate got kicked off the ballot

Races for state Court of Appeals judges in Wisconsin have gotten more expensive as conservatives and liberals clash in the Milwaukee suburbs, and a spring 2026 race for an open seat in District II was shaping up to exceed previous spending records until one candidate was disqualified.

February 24, 2026 • Southeast Region

Tamara Thomsen on spotting ancient canoes in Lake Mendota
Tamara Thomsen on spotting ancient canoes in Lake Mendota

Science

Tamara Thomsen on spotting ancient canoes in Lake Mendota

Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen explains how more than a dozen ancient Native canoes were identified in Lake Mendota and the possibility there are more to be found.

February 23, 2026 • South Central Region

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

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, Grant Sovern

Here's what guests on the Feb. 20, 2026 episode said about Assembly Speaker Robin Vos not seeking reelection and an immigration system in turmoil.

February 23, 2026

A still image shows Zac Schultz standing in the state Capitol building with two large green stone pillars on either side.
A still image shows Zac Schultz standing in the state Capitol building with two large green stone pillars on either side.

Politics

Zac Schultz on Speaker Robin Vos retiring from the Assembly

PBS Wisconsin senior political reporter Zac Schultz discusses the significance of Republican Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announcing that he will not run for another term in the 2026 election.

February 20, 2026

A still image shows Grant Sovern seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Grant Sovern' and 'Community Immigration Law Center.'
A still image shows Grant Sovern seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Grant Sovern' and 'Community Immigration Law Center.'

Social Issues

Grant Sovern on changes to the US immigration system’s rules

Community Immigration Law Center Board President and attorney Grant Sovern considers broad changes in how the U.S. immigration system operates and what that means for people applying for citizenship.

February 20, 2026