Newsmakers: Recent Episodes
WisconsinEye
WisconsinEye Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sits down with the newsmakers from around the state to talk in-depth about the issues impacting Wisconsinites.
All published episodes are available on-demand on wiseye.org
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Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, (R) Rochester – 33rd District, the longest serving speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, heads into this new legislative session with a slimmer majority and once again promises for a big tax cut for Wisconsinites, along with no guarantees of big bipartisan compromise. The Speaker sits down for an end […]
Wisconsin’s main 2024 gun deer season is now complete, but some significant changes to how the state manages its deer population are already underway for 2025. While this year’s season was a success by many accounts, the public is asking for change in the north and the DNR is hoping for improved hunter effort in […]
A new legislative session and biennial budget year with a sizable state surplus on the table presents many opportunities to address Wisconsin’s challenges. From a lack of affordable housing and child care to school funding and a workforce shortage, the real question is where policymakers will find agreement. On November 19, 2024, Economist and Researcher Dale […]
One week post-election and the dust is settling on results; and analysts are starting to make predictions about what this means for Wisconsin’s future. On November 11, 2024, two veteran journalists returned to WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers to share their election reflections: Andrew Bahl, State Government Reporter with The Cap Times and Adam Kelnhofer, State Capitol Reporter […]
There is perhaps no more stressful job on election day than that of a county’s chief election officer in a state like Wisconsin. Our election results are not only expected to be close, but heavily scrutinized and likely contested. On November 4, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers welcomes two veteran local election chiefs on the day before […]
For those fed up with incessant election ads and breaking news, there is relief in sight – or is there? Although November 5 is just one week away no one can predict the outcome nor tell us when we will have final results. On October 28, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers features two Wisconsin experts to share […]
The Harris and Trump campaigns are making their final pitches to Wisconsin voters while campaign strategists hope their last minute gambles pay off as they attempt to reach that ever elusive undecided or unenthusiastic voter. Previously, we featured a Republican Party leader, and today on October 28, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers is joined by Devin Remiker, Senior […]
Wisconsin is keeping pollsters scrambling in the final weeks of this election season. It’s anyone’s guess what 2024 will bring, other than a razor thin victory for either party. That’s why both campaigns are ramping up their efforts. We are sitting down with party strategists to understand what that looks like. On October 14, 2024, […]
Wisconsin homeowners and renters are facing an unprecedented affordability crisis, an issue that has been forcing candidates for office from the local to federal level to propose solutions. So will the American Dream of home ownership remain out of reach for many state residents and will renters continue to spend a record percentage of their […]
It’s not an exaggeration to say that every vote counts in Wisconsin’s elections this fall and there’s particularly stiff competition for Wisconsin’s rural voters. Partisan divides have deepened in rural communities over the last decade and candidates are working even harder to speak directly to voter concerns. On September 30, 2024, rural policy experts joined […]
Presidential candidates are making a big push for young voters this election, particularly in states with narrow margins like Wisconsin. Analysts say the youth vote alone could make the difference. But appealing to this diverse and sometimes fickle group can be a challenge. On September 23, 2024, young leaders from both parties join WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers […]
There is perhaps no issue that is more emotional or on which Wisconsinites are more deeply divided this election season than abortion. Polls show us the issue divides along partisan and gender lines and almost everyone has formed an opinion. On September 16, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers featured a conversation with two committed advocates with different […]
Wisconsin voters consistently rank the economy as the number one issue in this upcoming election. However, they disagree on which candidate would handle it better and which parts of the economy matter most. On September 9, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers featured two of Wisconsin’s leading economic experts to explain what voters should look for and how […]
On August 26, 2024, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Director of Strategic Partnerships Erin Richards @emrichards sat down with Luther Olsen, former Republican state Senator and CESA Statewide Network Liaison, and Thomas McCarthy, Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction, to discuss K-12 education issues on the campaign trail. (Brought to you by Nicolet National Bank). Additional coverage is […]
Democrats from across the country and Wisconsin are heading to Chicago next week for the Democratic National Convention running Monday through Thursday. Democrats are riding high on enthusiasm for their new nominee Vice President Harris. But will the energy sustain? On August 16, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers, two veteran journalists who covered the RNC in Milwaukee […]
The status of Wisconsin’s corrections system is shaping up as a major theme for the next biennial budget and legislative session. Recent informational hearings have featured the serious concerns of staff and inmate families in an overcrowded system that has led to deaths. On August 12, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers featured a conversation with Republican Joint […]
The newest Marquette Law School Poll is set to release this week but other national polls are already showing a shift in voter allegiances over the last few weeks, including significant changes in Wisconsin. But what does history tell us about Wisconsin’s swing state status and how things might play out in November? On August […]
Nearly two weeks out from the August 13th partisan primary Wisconsin’s local election officials are scrambling to understand and implement new guidance related to recent court rulings, new election laws and changes to the state constitution. So what has changed at the polls this year and what do voters need to know? On July 29, […]
Polling in Wisconsin and nationally shows decreasing confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court at the same time some are calling for court reforms. Wisconsin policymakers and advocates on both sides of the aisle are also sharing their views on the implications of the court’s most recent decisions. Supreme Court expert and UW-Madison Political Science Professor, […]
On July 11, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson who previewed the Republican National Convention. (Brought to you by Nicolet National Bank).
In just one week an estimated 50 thousand attendees will gather in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. State Democrats will be among those watching and listening closely to convention activities. Two veteran democratic state legislators – Gordon Hintz who is now a Director for the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council and David Crowley who serves […]
On July 1, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with the Director of the Legislative Council, Anne Sappenfield, to provide a study committees overview, including the challenges the legislature hopes members will address. Each even-numbered year of the biennium Wisconsin’s Joint Legislative Council establishes what are known as study committees. These committees, with a […]
The work of the state’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board has shifted in recent years to focus on not just prevention alone but on strengthening families. What might seem like a subtle change is having an impact. Overall the state is reporting fewer referrals to Child Protective Services and a decrease in substantiated allegations […]
Advocates for older adults in Wisconsin say concerning trends across the state’s long-term care system require immediate attention as the population ages. Meanwhile the nursing home industry, facing potential closures, says a new federal staffing rule will have unintended consequences. Today, June 17, 2024, we are joined on WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers by the State’s Long Term […]
On June 10, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh hosted a show highlighting how new legislative districts are playing out this campaign season, and what Wisconsinites need to know. Her guest was WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross. WisPolitics.com has written extensively on district changes throughout the state’s 99 assembly districts and 33 senate districts. You can follow […]
On June 3, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with WisDems Chairman Ben Wikler to preview the 2024 Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s state convention. (Brought to you by Nicolet National Bank).
Polls are showing that even in a midwestern state like Wisconsin, the issue of immigration and border security is near the top of the list for voter concerns this election season. The two main presidential candidates offer vastly different approaches to solving the problem while Congress has failed to pass any solution at all. WisconsinEye’s […]
This upcoming weekend Republicans from throughout the state will gather in Appleton for the party’s annual convention. There’s a lot at stake for Republicans this fall – from a chance to win the White House and take control of the US Senate to holding seats in the state legislature under newly drawn maps. And GOP enthusiasm […]
Next week the State Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a ballot drop box case that could result in them overturning their own decision from less than 2 years ago. Critics of drop boxes say they aren’t secure and erode public confidence in elections; supporters say they improve voter accessibility. Joining WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers on May […]
Recent data shows violent crime rates are going down throughout Wisconsin and across the nation, but law enforcement is dealing with other day-to-day challenges, keeping crime and public safety a top of mind issue in the upcoming election. Joining WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers on April 29, 2024, are two current police chiefs representing different regions of our […]
Wisconsin policymakers are struggling to agree on solutions to address PFAS pollution in drinking water, meanwhile the federal government has just issued even lower standards for the state to meet to ensure water safety. Surveys show Wisconsinites are paying attention, making water quality a key voter issue. On April 15, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers features a […]
A new Governor-appointed Task Force on the healthcare workforce is rushing to meet a 6 month timeline to submit solutions to the Governor while some say the state’s healthcare system is mid-crisis. Last month two Western Wisconsin hospitals closed suddenly – leaving area communities without essential services. State officials describe that situation as a canary in […]
Wisconsinites head to the polls for the state’s presidential preference primary tomorrow – April 2nd – and there is a box on the ballot you may not have noticed before, but it’s getting considerable attention in this election. A group of advocates is encouraging voters to mark “uninstructed” on their ballots. On April 1, 2024, […]
If you have been watching the polls this presidential election year you are likely confused about what they are actually telling us. But one thing is for sure – Wisconsin voters, and voters nationally are unhappy. However, do we know the real reasons why? Taped on March 22, 2024 and published on March 25, 2024, […]
This spring Wisconsin voters are not only being asked to vote for their preferred presidential candidates, but also on two state referendums. On March 11, 2024, join WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh sits down with Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and Dr. Will Flanders, Research Director, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty to […]
Senators gaveled out of the final floor period for the legislative session last week – calling an end to what has been a blur of activity since the first of the year. While there were a few hints of bi-partisan agreement, several promising bills didn’t cross the finish line. Legislators also left Madison with new […]
Tomorrow, March 5 marks Super Tuesday – the day fifteen states head to the polls in the presidential primary. While Wisconsin isn’t one of them, some say the contest could be wrapped up if both former President Trump and President Biden sweep available delegates. Yet the race remains neck and neck in Wisconsin and political […]
We are coming to the end of Black History Month, which has been a full calendar of celebratory events and important discussions statewide, despite continued heated debate in the capitol over the value of racial diversity. On February 26, 2024, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers welcomes Legislative Black Caucus Chair Representative Dora Drake along with Senator LaTonya Johnson […]
Department of Children and Families Secretary Emilie Amundson is in the middle of her second term at the agency as the programs she facilitates have been increasingly in the state spotlight. She and Governor Evers have repeatedly warned about a child care crisis and an industry heading toward collapse, yet despite a record state surplus, […]
A pair of Wisconsin legislators continue to advocate for an issue many wouldn’t see as bi-partisan, the rights of undocumented immigrants. Specifically, Republican Representative John Macco and Democratic Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez introduced a package of bills supporting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA recipients in December. So far, none of the bills have reached […]
Republican Representative Dave Murphy of Greenville has, for several years now, been leading the debate on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and academic freedom on the Universities of Wisconsin campuses. Early in 2024, he continues to challenge the system in his role as chair of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. On February 5, 2024, WisconsinEye’s […]
Members of the Speaker’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence have introduced their report and legislation that they hope strikes a balance between protecting consumers and allowing the AI economy to thrive in Wisconsin. Sometimes referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the explosion of Artificial Intelligence has state legislatures across the country rushing to regulate. […]
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Wisconsin is making progress to protect victims. Eleven bills are making their way through the legislature following last week’s announcement by the Speaker’s Task Force on Human Trafficking that their work has completed. Leaders of the committee admit, this is just a first step; there is still much […]
Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer is leading her democratic caucus during a time of uncertainty, particularly as the State Supreme Court may upend state legislative maps, putting all 99 Assembly districts into question. Her job not only entails pushing for state policy change, but recruiting new candidates. On January 9, 2024, Rep. Neubauer joined WisconsinEye’s […]
WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) to review the past year and look ahead to 2024. Program was taped on December 20, 2023 and published on December 21, 2023.
On December 18, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with former Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and newly elected Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) to review the past year and look ahead to 2024.
School choice and public education advocates across the country are anxiously awaiting a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on whether they will take a case that could change the state’s school voucher program. On December 11, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Julie Underwood, former Dean of UW–Madison School of Education and […]
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu closed out this year’s final floor period with a few significant wins under his belt, including bi-partisan support for repairs to the Brewers stadium and an overhaul of the state’s liquor laws. On December 4, 2023, Senator LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) joined WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh to reflect on what he […]
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments tomorrow, Tuesday, November 21st in a case that has the potential to upend the entire State Legislature. Interested parties will be weighing in on if the state’s current legislative map is constitutional – and if not, what should be done about it. On November 20, 2023, WisconsinEye’s […]
The state Assembly is back in session after a post-budget break and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has been working with his members to pass a series of bills that continue the party’s priorities. Join WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh on on September 13, 2023, as they preview the legislative session.
With the 2024 Republican National Convention set for Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention set for Chicago, the Midwest and in particular Wisconsin will once again be center stage for the 2024 general election. On August 22, 2023, join WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers guest host and Associated Press Capitol Correspondent Scott Bauer, as he talks all things […]
U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District is on August Recess from his work in DC, and was able to join Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh to talk about the state of Congress, his thoughts on the 2024 elections, the economy and more. The conversation ranged from ongoing appropriations bills, to how to prevent […]
Wisconsin’s State Supreme Court isn’t in session but is already making headlines just days after the swearing in of its newest justice, liberal Janet Protasiewicz. Court experts say it is likely the beginning of a heated year as the court has been asked to weigh in on controversial issues like legislative redistricting and an abortion […]
The Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld has been extraordinarily busy since she took the helm of the agency in January 2022. Not only has she led the most recent state biennial budget process, she is working to address state workforce shortages, was put in charge of administering the Governor’s Clean Energy Plan, and, she […]
He has been called the “Master of the Veto” – Wisconsin’s 42nd Governor Tommy Thompson holds the record for partial vetoes issued in a biennial budget at 457. As you’d expect, he has strong opinions about that unique gubernatorial power in light of Governor Evers recent controversial vetoes. On July 24, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers Host Lisa […]
This year’s biennial budget had its share of winners and losers, but there is one issue we have not yet highlighted on this program – an endowment grant for WisconsinEye. The grant – which will match up to $10 million in funds raised by WisconsinEye – was one of the only items to pass the […]
It’s been less than a week since Governor Evers signed the 2023-2025 biennial budget, issuing 51 partial vetoes. So what more do we know now about any fallout and the state’s big winners and losers? Also, which key decisions are still left on the table? On July 10, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers features Anya van Wagtendonk, […]
Crime in Milwaukee has been on a sharp incline following the pandemic – setting records for homicides – but this year’s numbers thus far are more optimistic. Yet, when it comes to violence in Milwaukee, does the data tell the whole story? Experts in the city and county say they are focusing on root causes and solutions that […]
The legislature has been trying and failing since at least 2019 to pass legislation related to regulating PFAS, man-made substances or forever chemicals that can end up in drinking water. This session one bill, Senate Bill 312 and its Assembly companion has some momentum with $125 million of set aside funding in the biennial budget. […]
Historic young voter turnout in recent Wisconsin elections has political party leaders scrambling to ensure they are targeting this segment of the electorate in 2024. This month’s State party conventions featured the voices of young voters who say in a state with slim margins, they have the power to flip results. On June 19, 2023, […]
Republicans statewide are gearing up for their state convention in La Crosse this weekend: on the agenda are trainings, Congressional and state legislative leader panels – and also considerable discussion about 2024. No one knows who may run against Senator Tammy Baldwin and which GOP presidential candidates may be courting Wisconsin delegates. On June 12, […]
This weekend – June 10th and 11th – Democrats from across Wisconsin will gather in Green Bay for their state party convention. They’ll hear from party leaders, participate in training sessions and make plans to re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin and President Joe Biden in 2024. On June 5, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers was joined by Brown […]
The future of the Milwaukee Brewers (American Family Field) in Wisconsin is expected to be the next big budget debate in the state legislature. GOP leaders pulled the Governor’s plan to spend nearly $300 million to help fund necessary repairs to the stadium and lock the Brewers into a contract through 2043, but no one […]
On May 19, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers guest host and CBS 58 Capitol Reporter Emilee Fannon sat down with Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron) and UW-Madison Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Kurt Paulsen to discuss making more workforce housing in Wisconsin.
In the midst of declining enrollment, Wisconsin’s higher education institutions are making the case for increasing their operating budgets and student aid, saying additional funding is crucial to building Wisconsin’s workforce and essential for the health of the economy. On May 15, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh was joined by President of the Wisconsin […]
The end of federal pandemic relief dollars, record inflation, a teacher shortage and increasing student mental health needs are creating a perfect storm in school districts across Wisconsin. The final deal on the next 2 years of education funding is expected to be among the last decisions the legislature’s joint finance committee makes as they […]
On May 1, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers guest-host and CBS 58 Capitol Reporter Emilee Fannon discussed the latest on the topic of shared revenue in this year’s state budget deliberations with Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), Sen. Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow.
On April 24, 2023, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers with Lisa Pugh was joined by Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Thomas McCarthy, Executive Director of the Office of the State Superintendent for a discussion on improving literacy in Wisconsin. Despite Wisconsin’s significant partisan divide – the issue of how to teach reading to children is shaping up […]
The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee will wrap up its public budget hearings next week in Minocqua and Wisconsinites from all corners of the state have been turning out to share their priorities – ranging from K-12 education to local government funding and health care. It is the busy season for advocacy organizations that work to […]
Economists have been predicting a recession, or at least a slowdown for sometime, but Wisconsin is seeing record unemployment and steady job growth, defying national numbers. A strong manufacturing sector has helped the state avoid a downtown thus far, but will growth continue and what are the challenges in coming months and years. On April 10, […]
Solar energy in Wisconsin is still in early stages, but there is marked progress as the state moves toward a goal of carbon-free by 2050. Still, some policymakers say burdensome regulation has kept growth slower than in other states. On April 4, 2023, Newsmakers was joined by two Republican legislators – Senator Duey Stroebel and Representative […]
You wouldn’t know it by watching the news, but there is more than a race for State Supreme Court on the ballot this coming April 4th. Wisconsinites will be asked several questions, including two which would change the state’s constitution. Voters in the 8th Senate District will also weigh in on a race that could […]
Only weeks away from what some are saying is the most influential spring election in the nation, Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler sit down with Newsmakers guest host and CBS 58 Capitol Reporter Emilee Fannon on March 13, 2023 to discuss the race for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court and […]
Joint Finance Committee Co-Chairs Representative Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam and Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green are taking the reins of the biennial budget process now that the Governor has shared his vision. Although they say there are areas of agreement, solutions to some of the states biggest challenges will look quite different in a Republican […]
Governor Tony Evers has introduced his third biennial budget proposal, requesting record spending and highlighting priority areas like K-12 education, tax cuts and shared revenue. There are signs of bi-partisan agreement with some of his ideas, but final amounts and details are months from being settled. Governor Evers joins Newsmakers on March 3, 2023 to […]
Increasing funding to local governments – sometimes referred to as shared revenue – is shaping up to be a featured cornerstone of bipartisan agreement in the next biennial budget – but agreement is not expected without significant compromise. Shared revenue has remained flat for the past decade – and local officials say stagnant funding, combined […]
On February 17, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Janet Protasiewicz, who is running in the upcoming general election for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.
Governor Evers delivers the 2023-25 Biennial Budget Address this Wednesday, February 15th and shortly thereafter the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau digs in, analyzing and summarizing what will be thousands of pages of proposals. Legislators have relied on the agency for the last four and a half decades as they debate the state’s fiscal priorities. […]
As legislators and the public debate ways to manage a projected $7.1 billion dollar budget surplus, join Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh on February 13, 2023 in a conversation with two policy advocates on how they envision the way forward. Our two guests include: Chris Reader, Executive Vice President, Institute for Reforming Government William Parke-Sutherland, Senior Health Policy […]
On January 24, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with legislative Republican leaders Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) ahead of the Governor’s state of the state address.
On January 23, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Dane County Circuit Court Judge Everett Mitchell, who is running in the upcoming primary election for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.
On January 23, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with former Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, who is running again in the upcoming general election.
On January 16, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sits down with Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee) on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a holiday to commemorate the life and accomplishments of the renowned civil rights leader. Rep. Drake discusses continued disparities for Black Wisconsinites and goals of the caucus in the upcoming […]
On January 9, 2023, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Democratic leaders Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) to discuss their agenda for the 2023-2024 legislative session.
On January 3, 2023, Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh sat down with Rebecca Kleefisch to talk about her future plans, lessons learned by the GOP after last fall’s midterm elections and what she thinks makes a good candidate. She ran for Governor this past year, losing in the Republican primary, but Rebecca Kleefisch is not giving […]
On December 20, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Ruth Schmidt, executive director of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, and Dan Rohrbach, CEO of Southwest Health, to discuss the economic impacts of the child care crisis in Wisconsin. Many areas of Wisconsin face a workforce shortage with little relief in sight. While lack of affordable […]
On December 15, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is working against the clock to ensure that critical revenue solutions for the county are on the legislature’s 2023 agenda when they begin meeting in January. The county is facing an imminent fiscal cliff that threatens vital services. […]
On December 5, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Kurt Paulsen, professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Wally Orzechowski, the Executive Director of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program to outline the workforce crisis and offer possible solutions. By all measures Wisconsin’s economy continues to be strong […]
On November 28, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with outgoing State Representative Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport). He was first elected to the state Assembly in 2018 and in the past year became a controversial figure in the Republican Party as one of a handful of GOP members actively supporting decertification of the 2020 election. […]
On November 14, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Shawn Johnson, Wisconsin Public Radio Capitol Bureau Chief, and Matthew DeFour, Wisconsin Watch State Bureau Chief, to share their latest thoughts on Wisconsin’s future. One week post-election in Wisconsin, and some questions still remain unanswered. The armchair quarterbacks have been working overtime analyzing why voters […]
On November 7, 2022, just a day before Wisconsin voters go to the polls in the 2022 mid-term election, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh interviewed Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Paul Farrow and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. November 8th will mark chart topping campaign spending and will be one the most closely watched […]
On October 25, 2022, two weeks out from the November 8th midterm election, we feature a conversation with the Wisconsin Election Commission’s (WEC) current Chair Don Millis and Commissioner and former Chair Ann Jacobs, to ask them what voters should expect and their views on the future of WEC. More information on voting in Wisconsin can […]
On October 10, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Linda Hall, Director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) to discuss how Wisconsin’s children are faring. Concerns about eroding youth mental health had been increasing prior to the pandemic, but signs indicate things are getting worse for kids in Wisconsin and nationwide, One […]
On October 3, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sits down with debate moderators and esteemed WTMJ journalists Shannon Sims and Charles Benson in their Milwaukee studio to discuss how they are preparing for the upcoming U.S. Senate debate and what’s at stake for the candidates and voters. Even though Wisconsin’s elections for Governor and U.S. […]
On September 26, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Anthony Chergosky, Assistant Professor, Political Science – UW-La Crosse, and Rusty Cunningham, Former Executive Editor of the La Crosse Tribune and the Chippewa Herald, to discuss the 3rd Congressional District race. Long viewed as a swing district – Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District race is […]
On September 21, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Wisconsin Association of School Boards Director of Government Relations Dan Rossmiller and the Former President of School Choice Wisconsin, now consultant to the Badger Institute, Jim Bender for a discussion on the state of schools. Education is a top issue for voters heading into November […]
On September 13, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca to share his perspective on state taxes and budget surplus. With a record multi-billion dollar state budget surplus and a healthier than ever rainy day fund, one of the biggest questions before state policymakers currently is whether […]
On August 29, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Director of the Legislative Council, Anne Sappenfield to provide a study committees overview – including the challenges the legislature hopes members will address. Each even-numbered year of the biennium Wisconsin’s Joint Legislative Council establishes what are known as study committees. These committees – with […]
On August 22, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with outgoing State Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh). Rep. Hintz was elected in 2006 and has since served 8 terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He is one of only a handful of state Democrats who know what it’s like to be in the majority party. […]
On August 8, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Paul Farrow and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler to preview the primary election. August 9th marks one of the most watched partisan primaries in the nation, held right here in Wisconsin. With several high profile endorsements and […]
On August 1, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Dan O’Donnell, a conservative talk show host with WISN radio in Milwaukee, and Dave Cieslewicz, a self-described moderate Democrat, blogger and former Mayor of Madison to discuss political viewpoints heading into the primary. Wisconsinites head to the polls in just over a week to […]
On July 25, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with the Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek to discuss workforce issues and how regional solutions are addressing significant labor force challenges. Wisconsin’s economy is facing the same challenges as other states including record-high inflation and workforce shortages, but the state’s strengths and strategies […]
On July 19, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Criminal Defense Attorney and President of the Wisconsin Justice Initiative, Craig Johnson along with Representative Scott Allen, R-Waukesha, to discuss bail reform. Wisconsin is on the way to amending the state constitution to update bail policies following the tragic deaths of six people by […]
On July 11, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Trish Kilpin, Director of the Office of School Safety and Tom Wohlleber, Executive Director of the Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association to discuss school safety in Wisconsin. Recent tragic school shootings are impacting school safety planning efforts throughout Wisconsin. Many schools face significant challenges such as staff […]
On July 5, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh will sit down with Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette University Law School Poll, to discuss recent polling that shows narrowing margins for candidates in Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races and takes the voters’ temperature on issues like abortion rights and gun violence. But how much […]
On June 20, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Patti Jo Becker, Community Living Alliance – Director of Operations, and Lynn Gall, WI Department of Health Services – Family Caregiver Support Programs Manager, to discuss workforce shortage and support for working caregivers. The Wisconsin workforce shortage is worsening in part due to a […]
On June 13, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Representative Lisa Subeck, a Democrat from Madison, and Nicole Safar, Lawyer and Reproductive Freedom Advocate, to discuss abortion in Wisconsin. This is week two in a two-part Newsmakers series discussing abortion issues in Wisconsin in light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision expected this […]
On June 6, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Julaine Appling, president of Wisconsin Family Action, and State Representative Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) to discuss abortion in Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling this month that could overturn Roe v. Wade, removing federal protection to a woman’s access to […]
On May 31, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Wisconsin Farmers Union representatives Sarah Lloyd and Tina Hinchley to share their outlook on the dairy industry and potential policy solutions. June is Dairy Month and Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland, ranks 2nd in the nation for milk production and first for cheese. The dairy industry is […]
On May 24, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) to check in on his work and the future of the party. Rep. Vos of Racine County was first elected to the State legislature in 2004. He is the 75th Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly and is the […]
On May 18, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with outgoing state Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt of Fond du Lac, who was first elected to represent the 52nd Assembly District in November 2010. A career teacher, he’s chaired the influential Assembly Committee on Education since 2015, and is Vice-Chair of the Assembly Committee on Constitution […]
On May 9, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sits down with Dr. Richard Immler, Adult and Child Psychiatrist and Chair of the Wisconsin Council on Mental Health; and Tim Saubers, Certified Peer Specialist and Chair of the Wisconsin Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council to discuss mental health awareness. May is […]
On May 4, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sits down with Senators Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) – two legislators with known PFAS contaminants in their districts. They share their views on this issue, solutions and where there might be bi-partisan agreement as state policymakers and regulators manage a contaminant that has been showing […]
On April 25, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, who is leading the agency at a time of tremendous change. Coming out the pandemic, Wisconsinite’s commuting patterns have shifted dramatically, gas tax revenues are declining sharply and the state is planning for an era of automated […]
On April 20, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with outgoing State Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). Rep. Kerkman was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2000 and is the longest serving Republican currently in the Wisconsin State Assembly. She was sworn in this week as Kenosha County’s first woman County Executive, flipping […]
On April 18, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with the Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary Dawn Crim, who heads the state agency responsible for the credentialing and licensing of more than 240 professions, enforcing building codes and tracking opioid prescriptions. She is also chair of the Governor’s Equity and Inclusion Advisory […]
On April 4, 2022, WisconsinEye Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Governor Tony Evers to discuss why he’s running, how he expects to win over voters and how he responds to his critics. Talk of November mid-term elections is heating up – with many eyes nationally on Wisconsin, including the race for Governor. Wisconsin’s 46th […]
On March 28, 2022, WisconsinEye Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq to discuss the commission’s updates. The PSC has been at the forefront of some of the state’s most significant innovations in the past year – from record investments in broadband expansion to changes in energy policy […]
On March 21, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Paul Krupski, Wisconsin’s Director of Opioid Initiatives, to discuss how the state is tackling the opioid crisis. Wisconsin begins receiving its share of $26 billion in national opioid settlement payments on April 2. Meanwhile opioid overdose deaths continue to rise. The most recent CDC data […]
On March 15, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) to review the past legislative session. Rep. Neubauer, a 30-year-old Democrat from Racine is making history as the state’s youngest Assembly Minority Leader on record and the first openly LGBTQ+ leader. She took the helm of her […]
On March 14, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down for an exit interview with Republican Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) who was elected to the Legislature in 2010 as part of the Tea Party wave and recently announced he’s leaving. The Fox Valley area legislator says his proudest accomplishments include investments in children’s […]
On March 9, 2022, as the State Senate wraps up its session business for this year Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) to discuss her determined advocacy across a variety of issues – from dental care access to medical marijuana and natural immunity. She recently celebrated a significant victory with […]
On March 1, 2022, Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh sat down with Representative Amy Loudenbeck, a Republican from Clinton, Wisconsin who is spearheading the strongest campaign in four decades to unseat current Secretary of State Doug La Follette, a Democrat. Loudenbeck’s campaign is one of nearly two dozen being launched by Republicans nationwide aimed at securing Republican […]
On February 21, 2022, Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh sat down with Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) to talk about her legacy and what she plans to accomplish before her term is over. A lifelong Republican who has spent 25 years in public office, including more than a decade in the state legislature, yet this past […]