
Previous Deep Dives
New D-Day exhibit now open at the State Veterans Museum in Madison
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with State Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski about the newly opened exhibit on Wisconsinites who fought and died on D-Day during the invasion of Normandy.
“Adopt, Don’t Shop” this summer when you’re looking for a dog says the Wisconsin Humane Society
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with Angela Speed from the Wisconsin Humane Society about summer dog adoption.
How to prevent scams against elder relatives, with help from the Better Business Bureau
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with Lisa Schiller with the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin on how you can help elderly relatives spot and be ready for scams.
WISDEMS Convention in The Dells this weekend
Wisconsin Democrats gather for their annual state party convention in the Dells this weekend. Bob Hague previews what to expect with UW La Crosse Political Science Professor Anthony Chergosky.
Milwaukee TV station alleges open meetings violation by school district
Milwaukee TV station WTMJ is pursing legal action against the School District of St. Francis over an open meetings law violation. It happened Monday, June 2, when Superintendent Deborah Kerr prevented a reporter and photographer from attending an open board meeting – and threatened to call police. Bob Hague spoke with Bill Lueders, President of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.
Grocers have concerns about federal cuts to SNAP/FoodShare
Wisconsin grocers have concerns about the future of the federally funded FoodShare program, the state’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program The House passed budget reconciliation bill makes deep cuts. Bob Hague spoke with Mike Semmann, President of the Wisconsin Grocers Association.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports FoodShare benefits 700,000 residents. Semmann says that makes it financially viable to keep stores open in some communities
Disability advocates have concerns about Medicaid reforms
Advocates for people with disabilities have concerns about changes to Medicaid Beth Swedeen is Executive Director of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Swedeen says many optional Medicaid programs could be eliminated under the provisions of President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. She spoke with WRN’s Bob Hague.
Spring is wildfire season in Wisconsin — danger is elevated statewide this week
Spring is wildfire season in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises residents that fire danger is elevated statewide this week. DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Catherine Koele says there the dangers of “crown fires” are high in the pine woods of northern Wisconsin
“In these really dry, sandy soil areas, the fires tend to creep up into the trees and then move into the the crowns of the trees,” she tells WRN. “The pine trees and those can be very difficult and challenging to suppress.”
Koele suggests residents in those areas put off any burning for now. “So until things become really green and lush, we’re going to be in it. And we anticipate that we’re going to have this kind of dry stretch over the next week and no significant precipitation in the in the near forecast over the next week.”
So far in 2025, 658 wildfires have burned 2,220 acres of land. It’s important to know fire conditions and burning permit restrictions in your area. Check the DNR website for current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions.
Follow these simple tips to prevent wildfires from getting out of control:
- Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve.
- Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
- Secure dragging trailer chains.
- Report fires early and call 911.
Trump administration cuts mean uncertainty for Head Start in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Head Start providers face uncertainty. Earlier this month, the Trump administration shut down the Head Start regional office in Chicago and fired its employees. Family Forum, Inc. provides Head Start for over 300 families in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties. Executive Director Jeanne Myer says there’s uncertainty about who will review their next grant application, due September 1st. “It’s also still uncertain if it will be accepted and funded. We haven’t had any clear communication on that.”
The programs Meyer oversees are currently funded through November of this year. “I’m still having high hopes that everything is going to be fully funded and will continue to survive.”
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and 40 other Senators are demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff.
Trump plans to eliminate CDC Division of HIV Prevention raise concerns
Media reports that resident Donald Trump plans to eliminate the Division of HIV Prevention at the CDC and cut $1.3B in HIV prevention funding. WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with Bill Keeton, Chief Advocacy Officer at Milwaukee-based Vivent Health, about what that could mean for Wisconsin.
Highlighting 2025 Milwaukee Brewers’ Season Events with Chief Operating Officer Marti Wronski
WRN morning anchor and reporter Ted Ehlen talks with Milwaukee Brewers Chief Operating Officer Marti Wronski. Topics included in the discussion include Marti being the first female COO of a Major League Baseball team, remembering the late and legendary Brewers broadcaster and entertainer Bob Uecker, how the team will salute Ueck during the 2025 season, and what fans can look forward to when they head to American Family Field this year.
UW Madison’s ‘Weather Guys’ concerned about layoffs at NOAA and NWS
Trump administration layoffs at the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have experts concerned. WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with “The Weather Guys,” UW Madison meteorology professors Jonathan Martin and Steve Ackerman. There are NWS offices in La Crosse, Green Bay and Milwaukee Sullivan, and offices in the Twin Cities and Duluth serving western Wisconsin. The number of employees to be let go at the Weather Service and NOAA remain unclear.
Unpacking the Wisconsin Supreme Court race
WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with John Johnson, a research fellow at the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School, about the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Dane County Court Judge Susan Crawford, and former Wisconsin Attorney General and current Waukesha County Court Judge Brad Schimel are running for the seat being vacated by Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.
Pfaff bill would give farmers “right to repair” equipment
A state lawmaker proposes legislation giving Wisconsin farmers the “right to repair” their equipment. State Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) says farmers are currently prohibited from making repairs or having local shops do the work on tractors and combines they purchase. He’s seeking bipartisan sponsors for the bill. Pfaff says it allows the owner of that farm equipment to be able to repair that farm equipment while also protecting the intellectual property of manufacturers.
Bill would impose $5,000 surcharge for convictions related to sex trafficking
WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with state Senator Andre Jacques about his proposal to reintroduce the Human Traff
icking Prevention Act.
Celebrating 51 years of ‘Birkie Fever’
WRN’s Bob Hague talks with American Birkebeiner Executive Director Ben Popp about timely snowfall that’s assisting organizers of the cross-country ski race between Cable and Hayward, the importance of Birkie volunteers, and the legacy of Ernie St. Germaine, a founding skier in the historic race.
New tariffs could mean tough decisions for Wisconsin businesses
WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with James Vanderloo, Head at global freight forwarder OEC Group Milwaukee, who says businesses importing from Canada, Mexico and China are unlikely to take on the costs that come with new tariffs.
Study committee will recommend formation of permanent committee on AI
WRN’s Bob Hague interviewed state Senator Julian Bradley (R- New Berlin) who chaired the Legislative Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence,
UW – La Crosse Political Scientist on State Legislative control
WRN’s Sean Maloney talked to UW – La Crosse Associate Professor of Political Science Anthony Chergosky about what’s at stake in the State Legislature during Tuesday’s election.
Wisconsin hospitals conserving IV fluid after Hurricane Helene damages NC production facility
WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with Wisconsin Hospital Association President and CEO Eric Borgerding, regarding the steps Wisconsin hospitals are taking during a nationwide disruption in the supply of IV fluids. Hurricane Helene damaged a North Carolina factory which makes the fluid.
Report: state’s elder care industry will need to add beds
A new report finds huge challenges looming for Wisconsin’s elder care industry. The number of Wisconsinites 75 and older is expected to increase by by nearly 75% over the next 20 years, according to the study by Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association. Bob Hague spoke with Forward Analytics researcher Kevin Dospoy about the report, titled “On The Brink: Probing the Coming Senior Care Challenges.”
Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39 endorses Harris
DNR asks hunters to test deer for Chronic Wasting Disease
Wisconsin deer hunters should consider testing their deer for Chronic Wasting Disease. Erin Larson is Deer Herd Health Specialist with the Wisconsin DNR. CWD testing remains a priority for the agency.
The Onion is back in print
The satirical news site The Onion, formerly based in Madison, is coming back to print. Raymond Neupert talks with long time writer and editor in chief Chad Nackers on seeing The Onion in newsprint again, and his roots as a Madison native.
Madison Housing Week reflects statewide challenges
WRN’s Bob Hague interviewed Darrin Wasniewski with AARP Wisconsin about Housing Week in Madison and the challenges of creating more housing in communities around the state.
Republican lawmaker urges ‘yes’ vote on Constitutional Amendments
Wisconsin voters will have two referendum questions on the statewide ballot Tuesday, August 13. Both measures would allow for legislative oversight of how Wisconsin governors may allocate federal funding. Both are opposed by Democrats including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with state Representative Tony Kurz (R-Wonewoc), one of the amendment authors.
UW Madison professor says Americans in Russia run risks of being held hostage
The U.S. State Department advises Americans against traveling to Russia. WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with University of Wisconsin Political Science Professor Yoshiko Herrera about the risks for Americans in Russia, and the complex negotiations leading the release of American and European hostages in exchange for Russian criminals.
Statue at Capitol honors Civil Rights pioneer Vel R. Phillips
A statue of groundbreaking civil rights leader Vel R. Phillips unveiled at the Capitol in Madison on Saturday. Her son, attorney Micheal Phillips, said his mom was “tough” and a “fighter.” He also told the crowd gathered at the Capitol that “between now and November, we have got some fighting to do,” and that if Phillips were here, “she would be right on that.” The statue honors the first Black woman elected to the Common Council in Milwaukee, where she led the fight for fair housing. Phillips was also the first Black person elected to statewide office and was the state’s first Black judge.
Marshfield Clinic Research Institute continues to seek ticks collected from citizens
Scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute are asking the public to submit ticks for the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science (TICS). WRN’s Bob Hague spoke with Research Institute executive director Jennifer Meece.
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‘We did our jobs that day’ – J6 officers campaign for Biden, warn against second Trump term
At stops in Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Wausau, and Eau Claire earlier this month, two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 campaigned for President Biden and Vice President Harris. D.C. Metro Office Daniel Hodges and former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn called on voters to hold Donald Trump accountable for his threats to democracy and embrace of political violence. Audio of their remarks at the Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, June 12.
Wisconsin tourism revenue hits record high for second year
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with Travel Wisconsin spokesperson Craig Trost about the bounceback of Wisconsin tourism. You can find out more online at https://www.travelwisconsin.com/
No safe amount: UW professor & Manitowoc native on newest alcohol science
New research shows the safest amount of alcohol is none, with consumption tied to various cancers. Bob Hague interviewed Dr. Noelle LoConte, an oncologist and associate Professor of Medicine at UW Madison.
Wisconsin Umpires Association training director discusses the state of umpiring in Wisconsin
WRN morning anchor and reporter Ted Ehlen talks with the Director of Training for the Wisconsin Umpires Association, David Furru, about the state of baseball and softball umpiring in Wisconsin, the personal qualities that it takes to become an effective umpire, and the non-profit association that provides training and support for umpires around the state.
Recovering substance addict plans walk from Superior to Cudahy to raise addiction recovery awareness
WRN morning anchor and reporter Ted Ehlen talks with Greg Studzinski…a recovering substance abuse addict who learned that long daily walks aid in his recovery. After finishing a 2022 fundraising walk from Green Bay to Cudahy in what he called the “Packer 2 Packer 120”, Greg will next be on a trek of nearly 500 miles, walking from Superior to Cudahy this August to raise funds for substance abuse recovery efforts during his “Lake 2 Lake 500.” Greg talks about planning and preparing for the long walk, and how walking has contributed to his recovery from addiction.
Special Elephant Bobblehead heralds Milwaukee’s hosting of Republican National Convention
WRN morning anchor and reporter Ted Ehlen talks with the co-founder and CEO of Milwaukee’s National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, Phil Sklar, about the special Elephant Bobblehead that his organization has created in observance of Milwaukee’s hosting of the 2024 Republican National Convention. Phil talks about the evolution of the special bobblehead (as well as a special Donkey Bobblehead for August’s 2024 Democratic National Convention down the road in Chicago), the museum itself, how he became so involved with bobbleheads, and why these nodding statuettes have become such a desired collectible worldwide.
Wisconsin Consumer Protection’s Michelle Reinen on ownership of digital media
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with Wisconsin Consumer Protection administrator Michelle Reinen about digital goods and whether or not you actually own those movies and songs you buy online.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has Wisconsin ties
The President of Microsoft has a personal connection to its new AI campus in Racine County. Brad Smith talked about the project’s goals and promise during last week’s groundbreaking in Mount Pleasant.
6th annual Casting4kids fishing tournament
WRN Sports Director Bill Scott talks with former Badger hockey player and coach Mark Osiecki about the 6th annual Casting4kids fishing tournament.
Report: Traffic deaths surge in Milwaukee County while falling elsewhere
Bob Hague talks with Wisconsin Policy Forum researcher Mark Sommerhauser about a new report that finds among Black Residents, Milwaukee County’s vehicle fatality rate is high compared to Wisconsin’s other 71 counties, as well as to similar urban counties in other states.
Wisconsin advocacy group calls for campaign finance reform to curb cost of Supreme Court races
Reporter Raymond Neupert talks with Common Cause in Wisconsin director Jay Heck about the increasing costs of Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin, and what affects that has on democracy.
Duel Cicada broods emerge in rare event. Deep dive with UW-La Crosse biologist.
The cicadas are coming. Learn the details about this fascinating event from University of Wisconsin, La Crosse biologist Barrett Klein.