Wisconsin Today

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Start your day by getting up to speed on the biggest Wisconsin stories with WPR's Morning Edition host, Alex Crowe. Find "Wisconsin Today" Monday through Friday wherever you get your podcasts.

Wisconsin Public Radio


    • Aug 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 443 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Wisconsin Today podcast is a captivating and informative show that delves deep into the important issues facing the state of Wisconsin. Hosted by seasoned journalist Sarah Johnson, this podcast offers insightful discussions, interviews with experts, and in-depth analysis of current events. With its well-researched content and engaging presentation style, The Wisconsin Today stands out as a must-listen for anyone interested in staying up-to-date on local affairs.

    One of the best aspects of The Wisconsin Today podcast is its dedication to providing balanced and unbiased reporting. Sarah Johnson consistently strives to present all sides of the story, ensuring that listeners are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of each issue. This commitment to journalistic integrity fosters a sense of trust between the host and the audience, making this podcast a reliable source for news and information.

    In addition, The Wisconsin Today excels at highlighting lesser-known stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream media. By shedding light on these overlooked topics, the podcast brings awareness to important issues affecting Wisconsinites' daily lives. Whether it's exploring environmental concerns, healthcare challenges, or educational reforms within the state, The Wisconsin Today covers a wide range of subjects that are relevant to its audience.

    However, one aspect that can be improved upon is the frequency of episodes. While each episode is well-produced and thoroughly researched, there are often long gaps between releases. This irregular schedule may leave some listeners craving more frequent updates on pressing matters in Wisconsin. A more consistent release schedule would greatly enhance the overall listening experience and keep the audience engaged on a regular basis.

    In conclusion, The Wisconsin Today podcast is an exceptional source of news and analysis for those interested in Wisconsin's local affairs. Through its commitment to balanced reporting and exploration of underreported stories, this show provides valuable insights into important issues affecting the state's residents. Although improvements could be made regarding episode frequency, these minor setbacks do not detract from the overall quality of this informative podcast. Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Wisconsin's current events should definitely tune in to The Wisconsin Today.



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    Latest episodes from Wisconsin Today

    Measles outbreak in northeast Wisconsin, Justice Susan Crawford sworn in

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025


    Nine people in Wisconsin have contracted measles. The first Wisconsin cases come as highly contagious disease is seeing a resurgence nationally. A new state Supreme Court justice takes her place on the bench as the court faces big cases ahead. And, we hear from a mustard-maker whose work won awards at the World-Wide Mustard Competition.

    Wisconsin congressman gets an earful, WPR reporter takes a surfing lesson in Sheboygan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025


    A hostile crowd booed Republican Congressman Bryan Steil at an in-person town hall meeting last night in Elkhorn. A Madison photographer chronicles a pair of cranes who've adopted a gosling. And for our Wisconsin Road Trip series, WPR's own Joe Schulz tried surfing in the "Malibu of the Midwest."

    ACLU report on Wisconsin sheriffs departments and ICE, Milwaukee debates ways to combat rise in downtown violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025


    Six more sheriffs in Wisconsin have signed contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The contracts are aimed at helping the agency identify and deport undocumented people who are being held in local jails. Milwaukee Police offer plans to address a jump in gun violence in a downtown entertainment district, but city council members are skeptical. And a community health clinic has opened in a Racine elementary school.

    Scientists blast EPA greenhouse gas rule changes, Madison singles seek love IRL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025


    Leaders in Wisconsin are speaking out about changes at the Environmental Protection Agency. The Dane County Sheriff says an accused drunk driver should face charges in Wisconsin -- not her native Honduras. Then, a Wisconsin Life story about finding a date in real life instead of an app.

    More people give up their pets to shelters, How Wisconsin communities are spending opioid settlement funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025


    There's been an increase in people giving up their their pets to animal shelters in Wisconsin. The GOP primary for governor won't include former Governor Scott Walker. And a look at how Wisconsin communities are spending their share of a massive opioid settlement.

    Insurance company buys Wisconsin dental practice, Residents back wake boat petition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025


    For the first time, an insurance company has purchased a dental practice in Wisconsin. Some residents are backing a petition to require decontamination of wake boats moving between lakes. And Green Bay Packers fans say farewell to the team's longtime president.

    Tony Evers won’t seek reelection, Democrats and Republicans lining up to run for governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025


    Gov. Tony Evers has made it official. He won't run for reelection. Evers' decision to retire from politics has Democrats and Republicans floating bids to replace him. And, the case against the father of a Madison school shooter will move forward.

    Body of missing college student found, GOP moves to repeal “400-year veto”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025


    The body of a missing college student has been found in the Mississippi River. Republicans are pushing to repeal Democratic Governor Tony Evers' 400-year veto. And, statistics show the number of abortions has been rising in Wisconsin.

    Whitefish harvest lowest in decades, Wisconsin Senate battle shaping up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025


    State regulators say the commercial harvest of whitefish in Lake Michigan has reached its lowest level since 1990. It's early, but the battle for control of the Wisconsin Senate is already shaping up. And, a wrecked boat that became an unlikely Milwaukee landmark is up for auction.

    Bald eagle saved by fish skin graft, Tariffs affect Wisconsin businesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025


    An injured bald eagle in northern Wisconsin was saved by a new skin-grafting technology using skin from a North Atlantic cod. Business leaders say President Trump's tariffs are making things harder for Wisconsin manufacturers. And, the state is warning of an increase in fatal crashes in all-terrain vehicles.

    Governor fundraising, Jack White supports Wisconsin music venue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025


    Gov. Tony Evers isn't saying yet whether he plans to run for a third term. If he does get into the race, he'll be starting out with less money in his campaign chest. Green Bay leaders say April's NFL draft had a bigger impact on the local economy than expected. And, the musician Jack White made an unexpected donation to help out a small Milwaukee music venue.

    Veterans housing fight, firefly sightings growing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025


    Programs providing housing for veterans who are homeless in Green Bay and Chippewa Falls are closing this fall because of funding shortfalls. Some Environmental Protection Agency workers in Wisconsin and Minnesota are among a group of federal employees placed on leave for signing a letter criticizing the Trump administration. And, firefly sightings are up.

    Abortion decision like to lead to new legal challenges, DNR investigate bear attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025


    The state supreme court struck down a law dating to the 1800s that banned almost all abortions in Wisconsin. That decision could open the door to other legal challenges.  The Department of Natural Resources is investigating a rare bear attack. And, Wisconsin has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration over education funding.

    Trump seeks to cut board that investigated Husky explosion, Milwaukee officer laid to rest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025


    President Trump has called for defunding the federal board that investigated a Wisconsin refinery explosion. Some say it would make workplaces less safe. Milwaukee mourns a police officer who was fatally shot. And, Governor Tony Evers talks about the compromises that led to the new state budget.

    UW-Madison closes DEI division, ‘Twirling Jane’ of Kenosha

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025


    The University of Wisconsin-Madison will shutter its division of diversity, equity and inclusion. It's moving most employees to other departments. We'll hear from our politics team on a big Supreme Court decision this week. And, the latest story in our Wisconsin Road Trip series brings us to Kenosha where a 75-year-old baton-twirler is a crowd favorite at Kenosha Kingfish games.

    Educators react to state budget, New GOP candidate for governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025


    The state budget signed last week boosts special education funding. But some educators say it fell short by not increasing general school aid. Plus, a Republican business owner announces a run for governor. Then, a Wisconsin Elections Commission report is sharply critical of a former Madison city clerk.

    Developer plans Dane County data center campus, UW seeks tuition hike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025


    A developer of data centers is planning a massive new project in Dane County. They say it will bring 1,000 construction jobs. Leaders at the Universities of Wisconsin want to raise tuition. And, seven people survive a dangerous boating mishap on the Mississippi River.

    Budget doesn’t include stewardship funds, Medicaid cuts could affect family planning clinics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025


    The $111-billion budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers didn't set aside money for for the state's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Family planning clinics in Wisconsin are facing funding cuts under the massive bill signed by President Donald Trump last week. And, more than half of surveyed fire chiefs in Wisconsin say they're concerned about having adequate staffing.

    Central Wisconsinite breaks kayaking record, Meteorologists decry federal funding cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025


    The state budget lawmakers passed last week came after bipartisan negotiations. Experts say Wisconsin's new voting maps were part of the reason. A man from central Wisconsin has broken a speed record for kayaking. And, Wisconsin meteorologists say federal funding cuts could make storm predictions less accurate.

    The joy of swimming in a lake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025


    In this special holiday edition, a Waupaca County mother recounts teaching her son about the pleasure of swimming in a Wisconsin lake during the summer.

    Wisconsin races to pass budget changes, Supreme Court abortion ruling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025


    Wisconsin lawmakers were in a race with Washington as they passed the state budget last night. Failing could have cost state hospitals millions. We've got details on the state Supreme Court's decision in a key abortion lawsuit. And, could more nuclear power come to Wisconsin?

    Tax cuts, child care funding in state budget; Uber drivers strike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025


    The state budget contains hundreds of millions in child care spending and a $1.5 billion tax cut. Some Wisconsin Uber drivers say they're fed up with low pay. And, a new biotech center is adding hundreds of jobs in Madison.

    State budget deal, Hartford train derailment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025


    Gov. Tony Evers says the new state budget will include one-point-four billion dollars for special education. The governor's office says he's reached a tentative bipartisan deal with Republican legislators. A majority of the Watertown School Board has resigned in the last six months. And, we hear from a Wisconsin comic book artist whose zombie book "Revival" is now a series on the Syfy channel.

    Wisconsin ginseng growers face challenges, Effects of proposed Medicaid cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025


    Proposed cuts to Medicaid could mean more uninsured people in Wisconsin and financial pressure on rural hospitals. Some health policy organizations are speaking out. We've got the latest on the political wrangling over the state budget. And, ginseng growers in central Wisconsin have seen exports to China virtually stop this year.

    Wisconsin Supreme Court won’t hear maps cases, Milwaukee Public Schools lead cleanup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025


    The Wisconsin Supreme Court is refusing to hear challenges to the state's congressional district boundaries. We Energies will keep two aging coal-fired units running at its Oak Creek Power Plant for one year longer than planned. And, teams of painters and cleaners are working to remove lead hazards at 44 schools in Milwaukee this summer.

    Voters weigh in on Evers running again, May home sales down

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025


    A majority of Wisconsin voters think Governor Tony Evers shouldn't run for a third term next year. Home sales in Wisconsin were down for the third straight month in May. And, Microsoft has opened an artificial intelligence lab at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

    SCOWIS sides with regulators on PFAS, Lawmakers pass bills to expand nuclear power

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025


    The Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with environmental regulators in a case challenging the state's ability to require PFAS testing and cleanup. Lawmakers have approved legislation to expand the state's nuclear power industry. And, Wisconsin researchers say they are expecting fewer incoming graduate students this fall.

    UW-Madison announces budget cuts, Hormel sues Johnsonville

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025


    The leader of the state's flagship university directed all departments to cut their budgets between 5 percent and 7 percent next year. Wisconsin's federal lawmakers split along party lines in their reactions to the U.S. air strike on Iran. And, Johnsonville is being sued by a competitor over alleged effort to poach employees and share trade secrets.

    Federal funding delays wildfire-detection tool, Appleton hospital not liable in malpractice trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025


    A Trump administration delay in federal funding means work is stopping on a tool to detect wildfires. An Appleton hospital was found not liable in a high-profile medical malpractice trial. And, beef prices are at an all-time high -- and they're not likely to come down any time soon.

    Dangerous ‘heat dome’ expected in Wisconsin, Door County stargazing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025


    Dangerous heat will move in across Wisconsin this weekend. Lawmakers weigh new security options at the Capitol. And, our summer road trip series continues with a trip to Door County.

    Republicans consider cuts to Universities of Wisconsin, Avian flu testing for county fairs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025


    Republicans in the state legislature are considering an $87 million cut to the Universities of Wisconsin. Lawmakers plan to bring back a proposal that would pay for the state's school voucher program separately from how it funds the public school system. And, as county fair season kicks off in Wisconsin, participants will need to test some dairy cows for avian flu.

    Unanimous SCOWIS sides with Attorney General, Milwaukee teacher’s aid self-deports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025


    In a unanimous decision, The Wisconsin Supreme Court sided with the state's attorney general in a dispute over the power to settle some lawsuits. A Milwaukee teacher's aid has self-deported after losing the latest round in her bid to remain in the country And, Officials in Green Bay are warning a phishing scam is using public records to target people in the community

    Wisconsin farmer sues USDA over diversity programs, Federal budget bill threatens Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin clinics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025


    A Wisconsin farmer is suing the US Department of Agriculture over programs that provide incentives to women and people of color. Wisconsin's Capitol will have new security measures in place after two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes. And, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin could lose half of its revenue if the budget bill passed by House Republicans gets through the Senate.

    WisDems elect new chair, Thousands across Wisconsin join “No Kings” protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025


    Wisconsin Democrats have elected a new chair to replace Ben Wikler, the outgoing chair who turned the party into a fundraising juggernaut. Thousands of people across the state protested the Trump administration over the weekend. And, a new audit shows Milwaukee Public Schools isn't supporting its teachers and doesn't have adequate systems in place for student learning.

    More than 50 anti-Trump protests planned, How public media funding cuts could affect Wisconsin stations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025


    Protests opposing the Trump administration will be held in more than 50 Wisconsin communities tomorrow as part of the national "No Kings" movement. Wisconsin has several public radio and television stations that could be affected by funding cuts passed by the House of Representatives yesterday. And, The Milwaukee County Zoo plans to close it's small mammals building.

    Campaign finance watchdog sues Elon Musk, Madison housing proposals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025


    A new lawsuit claims Elon Musk broke election bribery laws by paying residents millions of dollars ahead of the April election in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's budget writing committee will is turning its attention to public school funding. And, Madison officials are putting forward a new slate of zoning changes.

    Federal budget would cut DNR jobs, effort to open Chippewa Falls treatment center

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025


    Wisconsin could lose 14-million-dollars in federal grants supporting dozens of jobs at the Department of Natural Resources. That's if President Trump's proposed funding cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency go through. Lawmakers want the state to help reopen a western Wisconsin in-patient treatment facility. And, the state announced record-breaking tourism numbers.

    Federal prosecutors say case against Judge Dugan should proceed, Black Hawk Bridge reopens after safety scare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025


    Federal prosecutors say the criminal case against a Milwaukee County judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities should proceed. The state's economic development department will have to cut programs to compensate for a drop in revenue. And, only a tiny percentage of elementary students in Milwaukee are meeting reading targets. A new coalition wants to use state money for early literacy training.

    Tick population numbers, Green Bay coal piles deal approved

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025


    If you've noticed a lot of ticks this year, you're not alone. Early data is showing a slight increase in tick activity this season. The Legislature's budget-writing committee unanimously voted to boost borrowing for state environmental loan programs. And, Green Bay's century-old coal piles could soon be moved under the terms of a deal approved by the Brown County Board.

    SCOTUS sides with Catholic Charities, WPR’s Wisconsin Road Trip series

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025


    A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Catholic Charities can opt out of participating in a state unemployment compensation program in Wisconsin. The 2020 election was a while ago, but its still being fought over in Wisconsin. Our politics team will discuss. And, WPR reporters are taking a road trip! We'll have the first installment of our summer travel series.

    Canadian wildfire smoke affects air quality, State budget negotiations halted

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025


    Smoke from Canadian wildfires is making the air in Southern Wisconsin some of the worst in the nation. Republicans in the state legislature and Governor Evers have called off negotiations on the state budget. And, for the first time ever, Milwaukee's Pride Parade will have a professional athlete as its Grand Marshal.

    State aid withheld from Milwaukee Schools, Democrats introduce gun bills

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025


    Milwaukee Public Schools has missed another deadline to submit financial data to the Department of Public Instruction. And now, additional state aid for this year is being withheld. Wisconsin Democrats are reintroducing gun regulations after Republicans stripped those measures from the state budget. And, an elk was illegally killed in Wisconsin in March. Now conservation groups are offering a reward for information about the person responsible.

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