WPR Politics
114 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 89 ratings"WPR Politics" is a weekly podcast about the ins and outs of Wisconsin's political news. Host John K. Wilson and WPR reporters clue listeners into stories they may have missed and tell them what's actually interesting about stories they've already heard a thousand times.
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Episodes
Fear Factors
July 17, 2020 22:30 - 206 BytesUsing fear in political campaigns is certainly nothing new, but against the backdrop of a deadly pandemic, not to mention a national reckoning over systemic racial inequity, it feels like political fear is front and center in 2020, up and down the ballot. You have Republicans on the state and federal levels raising the specters of anarchy and socialism if they aren't kept in power, while Democrats are using the prospects of another term of the Trump administration and a veto-proof GOP majorit...
Power, Complexity, Nuance
July 11, 2020 03:40 - 206 BytesThe Wisconsin Supreme Court issued two significant decisions late this week — broad strokes, the court's conservative majority sided with Republican state lawmakers and against the Democratic governor's administration in cases dealing with separation of powers. But if you look a little closer there's plenty of complexity and nuance to unpack — budgetary vetoes, guidance documents, split decisions. And what good is a politics podcast if not for thoroughly unpacking things like state supreme co...
A Mini Pod With Laur And Jo
July 02, 2020 21:30The WPRPP crew was planning to take the holiday weekend off from podcasting, but there were a couple of major election-related court decisions this week that just had to be talked about. So here's a bite-sized but no-less-full-of-info episode about some judicial happenings that could have significant impacts in November.
A Few Things That Happened This Week
June 26, 2020 20:20We've been off for a couple of Fridays, but boy did we pick a news-filled week to come back — there was a chaotic protest at the state Capitol that left statues toppled and a state senator physically assaulted; both the president and vice president made trips to Wisconsin; Democratic officials announced that their planned presidential nominating convention this summer in Milwaukee would be significantly scaled back; and to top it all off a new Marquette University Law School poll dropped.
Protests, Outrage, Politics, Everything
June 05, 2020 22:15Wisconsin, along with communities across the country, was gripped with protests this week following the death of George Floyd, the black man killed last month in police custody in Minneapolis. It's an enormous story that we can only begin to cover in a single podcast episode, but here's some of what we observed in our reporting this week and how events are playing out in terms of state politics.
Showing And Telling The News
May 29, 2020 23:35Sure we could just tell you about the week's political news — the Wisconsin Elections Commission voting to send out millions of absentee ballot applications to Wisconsin voters; lawmakers and the governor's administration pointing fingers about delays in unemployment insurance payments; or the Wisconsin Supreme Court dismissing a lawsuit about local stay-at-home orders — but where's the fun in that when we can also share some of the random, personal hobbies and items that have been bringing u...
Rounding Up A Good Time
May 22, 2020 22:50Often in the age of the coronavirus, the news has been so big that our podcast episodes have focused solely on those major developments. But that doesn't mean we have to abandon everything from the old world. Yes, this week it's time for a good, old-fashioned roundup episode of the WPR Politics Podcast!
Piecing Things Together
May 15, 2020 21:20The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the Evers administration's "Safer at Home" restrictions this week, transforming the state's response to COVID-19 into a veritable jigsaw puzzle of local policies. And the court's decision itself was no less of a puzzle, with a pile of dissents, concurrences and footnotes. So what does it all mean. We'll talk it through with the help of some early aughts pop rock.
Waiting And Podcasting
May 08, 2020 22:15If you're reading this, it means that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision in a case brought by Republican lawmakers looking to strike down Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' administration's COVID-19 stay-at-home order. The court heard arguments in the case earlier this week, and since then it's been a waiting game, leaving reporters and residents wondering what the conservative-dominated panel will decide, and what it will mean for how the state handles its response to the coron...
Only In Dreams (About Wisconsin's Stay-At-Home Order)
May 01, 2020 22:00This week, the fight between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' administration and GOP lawmakers over the state's COVID-19 stay-at-home rules was on full display in front of the courts, with Evers' side arguing it has the authority to make such orders and Republicans saying they need to be involved in the process. And the court agreed to hear the case. Meanwhile, groups representing state businesses — including bars and restaurants — continued to push their argument for reopening sooner than the gov...
Open Or Close
April 25, 2020 18:20It seems like we say it pretty much every week at this point, but this week the news in Wisconsin state government seemed really big and serious. Not only did Republican lawmakers file a lawsuit fundamentally challenging the way the governor's administration is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, there was also a sizable and intense rally at the state Capitol with protestors expressing anger at the state's response to the virus. And not to mention the outbreak continues to grow. At least this epi...
Is This The New Normal?
April 17, 2020 23:15This week we covered election results that were released almost a week after the election took place; the state Legislature held a partially virtual session with many lawmakers casting votes from home; the governor extended the state's stay-at-home order for several more weeks — each is unprecedented in its own way, but taken together, it leaves one wondering, is this just the new normal for Wisconsin state government in the age of COVID-19?
In COVID Time
April 10, 2020 22:25In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, time itself has a funny way of seeming to move both very slowly and really quickly all at once. And perhaps nowhere was that more visible this past week than in the days surrounding Wisconsin's April 7 election. The Monday before was a time warp where days or weeks worth of news was compressed into a few short hours. And after ballots were cast, voters and elected officials are now waiting out a stretch of six days to find out the results. COVID time does ...
Just A Little More Time (To Figure Out What's Going On)
April 04, 2020 03:45This week, as Wisconsin's election grew ever nearer and the new coronavirus continued to spread in the state, the news seemed to get crazier and more hectic. A federal judge made a ruling, the governor called a special session, Republican leaders pushed back and it's still not entirely clear when and how the election will take place in the middle of a public health crisis.
Unprecedented Times (And The Things That Happen During Them)
March 28, 2020 01:25The spread of the new coronavirus continues to push us forward into new territory; we're truly living in unprecedented times — In Wisconsin, that has meant figuring out what a sweeping "stay-at-home" order from the governor's administration means for residents, while also keeping up with a whole bunch of back and forth about how to conduct the state's election scheduled for April 7. (Hint: There are a lot of lawsuits.)
Like 10,000 Stories
March 21, 2020 01:00What a week it has been. The spread of the new coronavirus has seemingly upended nearly everything globally, nationally and here in Wisconsin, and there are so many parts of the story to cover.
Wisconsin Government In The Age Of The New Coronavirus
March 13, 2020 22:05Wisconsin state government is taking a number of steps as COVID-19 spreads in Wisconsin. From understanding the details of the governor's declared public health emergency this week to delving into the emergency actions by the state elections agency ahead of April 7's presidential primary in Wisconsin, the WPR Politics Podcast has you covered.
Welcome Back To The News
March 06, 2020 23:00This is a Wisconsin politics show, but if you look at the news over the past couple of weeks, there are a bunch of big national and international stories capturing everyone's attention — the rapidly evolving Democratic presidential primary race, COVID-19, and the effect the virus is having on the U.S. and world economies, to name a few. So what is a Wisconsin politics podcast to do? Look at the potential impact of those things on our state news of course!
News Déjà Vu
February 28, 2020 23:35Polls, polls, polls, vetoes and vetoes. Sometimes it feels like the news repeats itself, but the podcast crew is here to help you sort it all out.
When Will WI See You Again?
February 21, 2020 23:55Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the bills that passed the Assembly during its final scheduled session day of 2020? For all those bills we've spent months following, is this the beginning of their journey in the Senate? Or is this the end? Spend a few precious moments with the podcast crew as they try to make sense of it all.
Running Out Of Time
February 14, 2020 22:00With a self-imposed deadline looming to wrap up the legislative session at the Capitol, lawmakers are writing like they're running out of time; they're meeting like they're running out of time; they're voting like they're running out of time. The state government action is non-stop.
Dolla Dolla Bill (At The Wisconsin Capitol) Y'all
February 07, 2020 22:35Gov. Tony Evers calls a special session seeking more funding for Wisconsin Schools; Assembly Republicans announce plans to go big in their efforts to help the state's farmers; and lawmakers look to extend operating hours for bars and restaurants during the Democratic National Convention. All these developments are enough to make one say to oneself: "Cash rules everything around me." This week, the WPRPP enters the 36 chambers.
The Super Bowl ... Of News
January 31, 2020 22:25It's Super Bowl week, but just because most people are anticipating the upcoming gridiron showdown on Sunday, that doesn't mean there isn't Wisconsin politics news to pay attention to. The vice president was in town; the governor signed an executive order creating a redistricting commission, lawmakers debated a divisive package of criminal justice bills and the candidates for state Supreme Court had a contentious debate. What better way to cover it all than with a bowl game of our own?
It's The State Of The State, Folks
January 24, 2020 22:30Gov. Tony Evers gave his second State of the State address this week, and not only did he make big news by calling a special session to help Wisconsin's dairy industry as well as announce an executive order creating a new, nonpartisan redistricting commission, he also used a certain folksy word at least 22 times.
Stay
January 17, 2020 22:15There was a whirlwind of legal action this week in Wisconsin's case surrounding a potential purge of hundreds of thousands of names from the state's voter rolls. Elections officials were held in contempt. The state's high court made a surprising decision. And there were not one but two stays of lower court decisions. Are you excited yet?
Just Get To The Point
January 10, 2020 22:00While the WPR Politics Podcast team is hard at work on our New Year's reslutions, it doesn't mean we can take a break from bringing listeners the news! And this week had its share — the governor giving lawmakers 'homework;" a legislative task force releasing a slate of bills dealing with water quality in a rare show of bipartisanship; and some unexpected retirement announcements that could have electoral consequences. Also: A continued discussion about the intricacies of time travel.
A Visit From The Future
January 03, 2020 22:102020 might just be starting out, but through the wonders of technology, the WPR Politics Podcast crew has rare foresight into the year to come. While playing with time is a dangerous prospect, how can we not let listeners know about possible tax cuts, upcoming elections and political conventions of future?
Wee-oo It Looks Just Like A 2019 Year-In-Review Show!
December 31, 2019 23:25It's time for the annual WPRPP tradition of taking a look back at the year that was in Wisconsin state politics news and somehow shoehorning in a connection to the acclaimed 1994 debut album of alternative rock band Weezer. Enjoy!!!
Last Minute Twists
December 23, 2019 23:50So much for the slow news season. Thanks to Wisconsin's top political leaders, we got some last minute twists in 2019 stories. From Foxconn to the voter purge case to that nasty cut on Luke Skywalker's arm, the podcast crew has you covered.
Hustle And Bustle
December 13, 2019 23:00The holiday season is here with all its cheer, hectic craziness and Yule logs scattered everywhere, but that doesn't mean that Wisconsin politics news has stopped. No, in fact, there was a major report on the Wisconsin National Guard's handling of sexual assault, a significant bill introduced by Republicans to allow medical marijuana and, to top it all off, a fresh batch of Marquette University Law School poll numbers. The hustle and bustle of the season is here.
The 'It's Not Too Early For A Decade In Political News Retrospective' Episode
December 06, 2019 22:40It might be too early in December for a year in review episode but, proportionally, the last few weeks of the year are a much smaller part of the last decade of political news (even if there's a thing or two that could happen between now and Jan. 1, 2020.) Some of us have been in Wisconsin for just part of the last decade, while some have been here substantially longer (looking at you, OMSJ!) With those varying perspective, we take a look at some of the major stories and trends we've seen ove...
Squabbles, Duels And Scuffles: Live From Chippewa Falls
November 22, 2019 23:55If you follow Wisconsin state government at all, you have a pretty good idea that there's a fair bit of fighting going on these days at the state Capitol between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers. But what are the specifics in this era of divided government? — Disputes over cabinet appointments, clashes over celebratory evergreens, jousting over vetoes — here is your rundown to help keep it all straight.
Prepping For 2020: Live From Chippewa Falls
November 22, 2019 23:55Marquette University poll results, a Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate debate and a new lawsuit against the state's voter ID law — pile all those things together and what do you have? A reminder that the 2020 elections are right around the corner. But don't worry, the WPRPP team is here to help you ALWAYS BE PREPARED!
Big Deals, Small Deals, Big-Small-Big Deals
November 08, 2019 22:50This week at the state Capitol saw some news events that turned out to be big deals — both small deals that turned into big deals and big deals that were big deals because of how small they were. And that's not to mention those that seemed like big deals but were really just small deals. Any questions?
Subtle Differences: Live From Waukesha
October 25, 2019 22:15There was no shortage of news this week — a new Marquette University Law School poll, a debate on gun control, a race for congress — but while it was all stuff that's not entirely new, it was ... a little different. And what better way to dig in to something special than over beers with dozens of strangers?
Binge Watching The Court: Live From Waukesha
October 25, 2019 22:15Following the legal challenges to Wisconsin's lame-duck laws is almost like trying to catch up on a long, convoluted movie franchise, but catching up doesn't have to mean spending your whole weekend watching all the sequels to understand the newest release. The WPRPP crew is here to catch you up on the latest case that went before the Wisconsin Supreme Court this week.
Where There's A WILL (There's Some News)
October 18, 2019 22:00Rarely do we spend an entire podcast episode focused on one entity, but this week the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty was central to two major legal happenings in Wisconsin state government. Not only did the conservative organization get word that the state Supreme Court would hear their lawsuit challenging gubernatorial budget vetoes, the also filed a complaint against the state Elections Commission about voter rolls.
The Rules They Are A-Changin'
October 11, 2019 22:05The rules for the state Assembly (or the Senate, for that matter) are rarely the stuff of news. They're the arcane procedural minutiae that govern how the chamber runs. But this week those rules became a topic of intense partisan debate. While majority Republicans said they were making rule changes to accomdate needs of a disabled Democratic lawmaker, Democrats, including the lawmaker in question, said the moves were nothing but a power grab. It was a rowdy rulemaking rumble. In case you miss...
A Tale Of Two Districts + ATTWS: Live From Washburn
September 13, 2019 23:25The 5th District, the 7th District, Attorney General Josh Kaul, the Joint Finance Committee, things possibly coming up before the Legislature, whatever is going on with Foxconn — when you go up north, you go big! In this special live episode of the WPRPP recorded in front of an audience in Washburn, there's not just a rundown of the state's two congressional races, it's also stuffed with some new hot takes on lukewarm older takes in a live installment of About That Thing We Said.
Climbing The Ladder To Congress
September 06, 2019 22:50This week, veteran Wisconsin GOP Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner said he will be retiring from his seat representing the state's conservative 5th District. While not a total shock after more than four decades in Washington, the announcement has sparked some political drama as several Republicans are already considering a bid to replace him.
Process On Process On Process
August 30, 2019 22:10Most of the time as journalists covering state politics, we try to avoid all the nitty gritty process details of how state government works and bring the public the substantive parts of a story — what really matters and why it matters. But sometimes, a story comes along where that isn't possible. This week the story was the process. The process was the story. Lawmakers arm wrestling with the attorney general. A dump of memos. A private lawyer. It's all there, so come along. Also: really good ...
Still Yearning For The Youngs
August 23, 2019 16:25This week the millennial two-thirds of the WPRPP are in charge and we revisit an issue close to our hearts.
The Gun Debate Comes Back To Wisconsin
August 16, 2019 22:20After mass shootings earlier this month in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, policymakers in Wisconsin are facing tough questions about preventing future tragedies.
We Thought We Knew
August 02, 2019 22:35There are some things in state government news, as in life, that you think you know: Wisconsin's gubernatorial veto power is broad; the state Legislature needs the governor's final approval of legislative maps; Napoleon was really short. But what do we actually know?
Walk This Way: A WPRPP Audio Tour Of The Wisconsin State Capitol
July 26, 2019 22:40Welcome to the Wisconsin state Capitol — jewel of Madison and the beating heart of Wisconsin's government. Follow along on our narrated walking tour of this historic building and learn fascinating information from the WPRPP team, both from their years spent working at the Capitol and regurgitated from a much more credible official tour.
Breathe In, A Governor, Breathe Out, A Governor
July 19, 2019 22:50Much like ripples on the surface of a pond, the actions of Wisconsin governors present and past can have far-reaching effects on the world around us. Announcement of a new transportation grant program on one side of the Capitol can lead to veto threats on the other side. And accepting a job offer in Washington can create resonant implications for future Republican election plans years into the future. So, breathe in and breathe out. It's time to meditate on the week's news. In case you missed...
Here Veto Again
July 12, 2019 22:05Last week, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued dozens of partial vetoes to the GOP-authored state budget bill, resulting in, among other things, millions more in K-12 spending. This week, Republican lawmakers upset with how the governor used his veto pen introduced a resolution to limit some of his vetoing power — a veto of a vetoes, if you will. And it turns out there have been pushes to limit Wisconsin governors' veto powers in the past.
Summertime News Explosion
June 28, 2019 22:05It's the time of year for backyard BBQs, cruisin' around with the windows down, playing basketball outside and changing clothes several times a day. But before starting their summer vacations, government institution in Wisconsin and Washington made a whole kiddie pool full of news. And it's the job of the WPRPP crew to analyze it!
You Need To Calm Down So We Can Talk About The News
June 21, 2019 22:25Some major stories that have given the WPRPP a lot of mileage seemingly had turning points recently. The state Supreme Court ruled against plaintiffs seeking to overturn Republican lame-duck laws and the stage budget is being taken up by the full Legislature. But CALM DOWN! There's still plenty of news left to be had from these stories. And plenty to analyze this week.
Go Your Own (Budgetary) Way
June 14, 2019 21:00A little more than three months after Gov. Tony Evers unveiled his state budget proposal, the Legislature's Republican-controlled budget committee wrapped up their work on the spending plan. But as one might expect in an age of divided government, what they passed does not match what the governor called for. Seemingly taking songwriter Lindsey Buckingham's suggestion from back in 1977, they went their own way. So, what are the differences and where do things go next?