Swing State of the Union

Politics is the human story behind the headlines: our hopes, disagreements, choices and visions for what comes next. This fall, the American Storytelling Collection brings together six podcasts from the NPR Network that take a closer look at the people, power, conflicts and turning points behind American politics from every angle. Find the collection by searching 'American Storytelling' in Apple Podcasts or the NPR app.

All this season of Swing State of the Union, we've been talking to voters in Wisconsin's swing districts. Today, we look at the races that could decide the make up of the state's next Legislature and Wisconsin's representatives in congress and which party could end up in power after the midterm election.

WUWM invited the candidates for Wisconsin governor to join us to share some of their policy positions ahead of the Nov. 3 election. This bonus episode features an interview with Democratic candidate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and a non-interview with Republican candidate Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany never agreed to a recorded interview. In a non-interview, WUWM shares the candidate’s policy stances as we understand them, paired with the questions we were hoping to ask the person.

According to polls, affordability is the biggest issue American voters are concerned about in this midterm election. We explore what affordability means and its future.

After federal cuts to Medicaid, healthcare is on the minds of many voters. But how do hospitals make money, and who has power over which communities get care?

President Donald Trump has radically reshaped the immigration landscape in the U.S. In this episode, we look at how the shifting legal landscape is impacting migrants seeking safety in the U.S., including Milwaukee’s Rohingya refugee community. 

Wisconsin has a long history of trailblazing new ideas in education. But for many voters, the way it funds its schools is unsustainable. 

Food prices are top of mind for many voters. In this episode, we explore the financial realities facing farmers and the policies shaping Wisconsin — America’s Dairyland. 

Opposition to data centers cuts across party lines, a rarity in Wisconsin politics. But who has the power to say whether a project is approved, or under what conditions?  

Power is up for grabs in Wisconsin. On November 3, voters will elect the state’s next governor, state legislators and congresspeople.

This season on Swing State of the Union, we’re talking with voters in swing districts around Wisconsin. And we’re asking: who has power?

The power to rubber stamp data centers, set food prices and how schools are funded.

These are some of the issues on the minds of voters in Wisconsin and across the nation as they decide who they want to elect in November.

This season is all about figuring out who has the power to improve Wisconsin.

Hosted by Joy Powers and Sam Woods, join us for Swing State of the Union Season 3, a podcast from WUWM, part of the NPR Network. Episodes drop every Wednesday, starting September 16. Listen and subscribe on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.