MILWAUKEE - Robert Kraig begins the program with observations on Donald Trump's assault on democratic institutions. Some major institutions, such as elite universities, major law firms, and corporate media companies, have tried to cut deals while others have stood their ground. Those that have capitulated have found that giving in only results in more outrageous demands. On the Battleground Wisconsin Podcast this week our theme is the moral imperative to stand and fight at both the national and state level. First, Robert interviews Heather DuBois Bourenane, Executive Director of Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) to discuss the battle for education funding in the state budget. In their discussion, Heather and Robert conclude that the only way to get sufficient school funding and to win BadgerCare Expansion is for Governor Evers to use his veto power to stand and fight. Next, Robert interviews Citizen Action Healthcare Action Coordinator Timothy Faust on the battles for postpartum care, BadgerCare Expansion, and proposed massive cuts to Medicaid to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.

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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered his weekly radio address in celebration of Earth Week, including Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Forest Appreciation Week, in Wisconsin.

The governor and his administration are inviting Wisconsinites to celebrate Earth Week by taking action around their own homes and communities to reduce waste, recycle, conserve water, and take small steps that can have a big impact on helping protect and conserve Wisconsin’s natural resources, improve local neighborhoods and communities, outdoor spaces, and parks, and help respond to and mitigate climate change. A list of five steps Wisconsinites can take to protect the state’s natural resources and celebrate Earth Week, including links to DNR resources to help, is available here.

Donald Trump didn’t just spread a few conspiracy theories — he made them his brand. From birtherism to election lies to QAnon insanity, he dragged America into the gutter for his own ego. He isn’t a hero. He’s Enemy Number One — the greatest threat to truth, democracy, and basic human decency this country has ever seen.

“The League of Women Voters believes that immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business, and employment needs of the United States; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises.”

From Senator Murkowski’s candid admission of internal fear to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s aggressive stance on social services, the GOP’s actions reveal a party more committed to power than to the people it serves.

MILWAUKEE - The boss of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) says 99% of business leaders are “afraid to speak out” against Trump. We discuss why these big business cowards take no responsibility for the neo fascist political party they have supported and financed for their own benefit.

While the corporate elites cower, a Federal judge blocked the deportation of UW-Madison engineering students, one of the first victories against mass deportation of international students. The Milwaukee County Board moved to safeguard due process rights after the ICE arrest at Milwaukee County Courthouse. But one conservative County Supervisors abstains, fearing reprisals from the Trump regime.

As utility shutoff season commences in Wisconsin, we discuss the increasing concern about the future of home energy assistance, which had been disseminated by DOGE, and is so complicated only a third of those eligible in Wisconsin enroll. We preview state legislation being drafted to enact a 2% of income cap utility bills which will be far more effective in reducing the energy burden on hard pressed households.

We welcome State Representative Christian Phelps to discuss shameful Republican state legislation that would add many new hoops to jump through to qualify for Medicaid, forcing many to go without critical health care and long term care. The public reaction to this destructive bill prompted Republicans to put it on hold for the time being, yet another sign that the backlash against proposed national cuts to Medicaid to fund tax giveaways for the rich and the failure to enact BadgerCare Expansion are becoming third rails for the MAGA GOP.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/gb-lambeau-s440.jpgThe 2025 NFL Draft is expected to draw approximately 250,000 attendees during the three-day event and have an economic impact of $94 million in Wisconsin.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/mutual-admire-society-2025-s440.pngTrump's cabinet meetings have become a nauseating, overly rehearsed spectacle of flattery and ego-stroking. We need leaders, not loyalists.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/tariff-toss-2025-s440.pngGoverning Like a Chef Who Doesn’t Know How to Cook

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/laura/supreme-court-hides-2025-s430.pngLaura Kiefert breaks down how the Court’s latest rulings - on mass deportations and mass firings - prove that what’s “legal” isn’t always what’s right.