Swing State of the Union

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.

This is Swing State of the Union — a podcast all about Wisconsin and why it’s so important to U.S. politics.

Since Season 2, politics have dominated the headlines, exemplified by fights for control over every facet of our government. As the second Trump administration tries to assert power over a growing list of government agencies, there have been few obstacles in the way. That is, aside from the courts.

The courts have played a central role in stopping, or legitimizing, President Trump’s policies. Because of this, they are increasingly seen in a partisan light, raising questions about who they serve and how they rule.

Now, another state Supreme Court election is ahead for Wisconsin voters. So, we’ll investigate a couple broad questions about our state courts: How do we hold justices accountable, and how do different justices interpret Wisconsin’s constitution?

In this episode, we explore the different approaches to interpreting the state Constitution. We also hear from the candidates for this year’s state Supreme Court election and learn about their approach to judicial interpretation.

This is Swing State of the Union — a podcast all about Wisconsin and why it’s so important to U.S. politics.

Since Season 2, politics have dominated the headlines, exemplified by fights for control over every facet of our government. As the second Trump Administration tries to assert power over a growing list of government agencies, there have been few obstacles in the way. That is, aside from the courts.

The courts have played a central role in stopping, or legitimizing, President Trump’s policies. Because of this, they are increasingly seen in a partisan light, raising questions about who they serve and how they rule.

Now, another state Supreme Court election is ahead for Wisconsin voters. So, we’ll investigate a couple broad questions about our state courts: How do we hold justices accountable, and how do different justices interpret Wisconsin’s constitution? In this episode, we’ll examine the systems of accountability and explore two cases of judges facing consequences in Wisconsin.

Swing State of the Union is hosted and produced by Joy Powers and Sam Woods. It’s edited by Becky Mortensen and Emily Files with digital support from Valeria Navarro Villegas and Michelle Maternowski. Erin Bagatta designed the logo.

Swing State of the Union is back with some bonus episodes.

In Season 2, we explored the Wisconsin Supreme Court — examining how partisan politics, money and judicial ethics have shaped the court over the last 30 years.

Now, another supreme court election is ahead for Wisconsin voters, though it’s not as high stakes as the last one.

We’ll investigate two broad questions about our state courts: How do we hold justices accountable, and how do different justices interpret Wisconsin’s constitution?

Episodes drop on March 18 and 25. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and watch for Season 3 of Swing State of the Union later this year ahead of the Wisconsin gubernatorial race.

Wisconsin’s 2025 election is here. We learn about the candidates, who’s funding them and what’s at stake.

This year’s race for Wisconsin Supreme Court has already become the most expensive in U.S. history. We explore how we got here.