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.
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

A step van with the logo of the City of Racine Clerk's office logo and the words VOTE HERE painted on its side is parked in a parking lot, with trees and a building in the background.
A step van with the logo of the City of Racine Clerk's office logo and the words VOTE HERE painted on its side is parked in a parking lot, with trees and a building in the background.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.'
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
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