Mark Riechers
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Articles by Mark Riechers
Field Notes on Climate
This video will be available on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. How Shifting Seasons Impact Amphibians Amphibians and their habitat are highly threatened by climate change. Ami discovers how changes in seasonal weather impact amphibian life cycles, the food web and the entire ecosystem. She meets with experts conducting experiments, volunteers collecting data and actresses performing plays to learn how each of us can make a difference.
Hits and dodges in Wisconsin's lone 2026 debate for governor
Hits and dodges in Wisconsin's lone 2026 debate for governor Shawn Johnson: The candidates for governor meet in their only debate of this campaign. They give us a few answers and they dodge a lot of questions — let’s pick it apart. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk, Zac Schultz and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire. Hey, everyone. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hey. Zac Schultz: Hello.
Grizz Works in Maple brings logs to life with chainsaw carvings
View Transcript Grizz Works in Maple brings logs to life with chainsaw carvings [Chainsaw revs] [Hard rock music] Angela Fitzgerald: Justin Howland is a world-class chainsaw artist and the creative force behind Grizz Works. Justin Howland: We carved competitively, you know, and we would start getting good and we traveled around the country. We carved at a world level for a while.
Bugs, bones and bumps in the night: ‘Wisconsin Life’ as your guide to the state’s spookiest corners
One of the things I learned when I got into journalism was that Wisconsin was far, far weirder than I gave it credit for growing up.
What are the track records of Tom Tiffany and David Crowley?
What are the track records of Tom Tiffany and David Crowley? Shawn Johnson: In the race for governor, the candidates are talking a lot about what they would do if elected, but Tom Tiffany and David Crowley have long records in government. Today, we talk about what they’ve done. Plus, we look at the rematch in the race for Wisconsin attorney general. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk, Zac Schultz and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire.
Shifting fortunes in Wisconsin's tight 2026 governor's race
Shifting fortunes in Wisconsin's tight 2026 governor's race Shawn Johnson: New polling shows Wisconsin’s race for governor remains close, but as you dig into the data, a lot has changed. And new fundraising numbers show Republicans with a massive edge fueled largely by three billionaire donors. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk, Zac Schultz and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire. Hey, everyone. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hey. Zac Schultz: Hello.
How a furniture store in Oshkosh became a portal to another dimension
I can’t stop thinking about the Backrooms. It’s been a chronic obsession with liminal space and how it intersects with the human psyche that started a few years ago when a YouTube series that transmutes the universal feeling of unease being in big, open, seemingly-abandoned spaces into an entire parallel universe lurking just behind the walls of our own.
'Here & Now' Highlights: Sam Cole, Tami Jackson, Jon Jarosh, James Causey
ACLU of Illinois attorney Sam Cole discusses the detention and release of Islamic Society of Milwaukee President Salah Sarsour, who was held for 80 days despite having a green card. Tami Jackson, a policy analyst with the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, explains how Medicaid eligibility changes taking effect in January 2027 will require many enrollees to work 80 hours a month.
Watch Inside Wisconsin Politics How socialism is affecting Wisconsin's Democratic primaries on PBS Wisconsin
How socialism is affecting Wisconsin's Democratic primaries Shawn Johnson: Democratic Socialists pick up three big victories in this week’s New York City primaries. Could that momentum carry all the way to Wisconsin? And the field of Democrats running for governor here finally shrinks. What is the signal about the race? This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson here with Anya van Wagtendonk and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire. Hey, gang. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hey, Shawn.
Watch Inside Wisconsin Politics The fallout from Wisconsin's failed budget surplus deal on PBS Wisconsin
The fallout from Wisconsin's failed budget surplus deal Shawn Johnson: It’s been a week since the budget surplus deal fell apart at the Capitol, and we’re still making sense of the fallout. Today, we talk about how it’s playing out in the governor’s race, more insight on the talks that failed, and more information about what it would mean for the state’s bottom line. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson, here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk and Zac Schultz. Hey, you two.
Watch Inside Wisconsin Politics How much will endorsements matter in Wisconsin's 2026 races? on PBS Wisconsin
How much will endorsements matter in Wisconsin's 2026 races? Shawn Johnson: Do endorsements matter? This week we look at a few examples, including in heated primaries for the 7th Congressional District and the governor’s office, plus the latest Republican Party drama following the Supreme Court blowout. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson, here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire. Hey, gang. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hey, Shawn.
Watch Inside Wisconsin Politics Wisconsin special session intrigue, elections take shape on PBS Wisconsin
Wisconsin special session intrigue, elections take shape Shawn Johnson: Wisconsin Republicans convene a special session on gerrymandering and nothing really happens. But what does it mean that they kept the session open? Plus, another key GOP senator retires and the race for governor picks up steam. This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m Shawn Johnson, here with my colleagues Anya van Wagtendonk, Zac Schultz and Rich Kremer in Eau Claire. Hey, everyone. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hello, Shawn.
Watch Inside Wisconsin Politics Lawmaker retirements, online sports betting and data centers on PBS Wisconsin
Lawmaker retirements, online sports betting and data centers Shawn Johnson: The Wisconsin Senate wraps up its regular business for 2026. What passed, what didn’t, and what can we learn from the way this Senate voted? This is Inside Wisconsin Politics. I’m WPR Capital Bureau Chief Shawn Johnson, here with WPR Capital Reporter Anya van Wagtendonk, WPR Political Reporter Rich Kramer, and PBS Wisconsin Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz. Hey, everyone. Anya van Wagtendonk: Hey, Shawn.
Watch Wisconsin Young Artists Compete The Final Forte 2026 on PBS Wisconsin
Skip to content The Final Forte 2026 Experience the beauty of musical expression and the drama of competition as four young artists vie for top honors in the Bolz Young Artist Competition at the Overture Center. Broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio, students perform with the Madison Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director John DeMain. Copy and Paste the Following Code to Embed this Video: This program is made possible by members of Friends of PBS Wisconsin.
Watch The Look Back Indigenous Copper Technology in the Western Great Lakes on PBS Wisconsin
Indigenous Copper Technology in the Western Great Lakes Taylor and Kacie learn about the deep history of Native copperworking traditions in the area of the western Great Lakes. They talk with an anthropologist, archaeologist and tribal historians from the Red Cliff and Bad River Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Watch From Cuba to La Crosse: Erne's story from 'WPR Reports: Uprooted' on PBS Wisconsin
Maureen McCollum: In the summer of 1980, Ernesto Rodriguez stood on the shores of the Port of Mariel. He was about to board a fishing boat with 80 other people and leave the only home hed ever known: Cuba. Ernesto Rodriguez: And then, when they ask me, You wanna leave Cuba? I go, Yeah, because I dont wanna be there. Maureen McCollum: Ernesto is one of the 125,000 Cubans who left the island as part of the Mariel boatlift.
Watch Bringing 'Stanley and Friends' to life on PBS Wisconsin
Jeff Balke: All the characters have to look the same. Angela Fitzgerald: Jeff Balke carries lots of titles. Animator, creator Colorist.(laughs) Angela Fitzgerald: Jeff is also a selftaught comic artist. Jeff Balke: This is fun. I just, I love the colors. Angela Fitzgerald: In his Milwaukee home office, the essentials include his dog, Benny, Crocs, and crayons. [playful music] Angela Fitzgerald: He also draws on everyday life to create his characters.
Watch A rhino encounter at a 'small but mighty' zoo on PBS Wisconsin
Angela:I’m at the Racine Zoo getting a behind-the-scenes look, checking out their conservation efforts and how they care for the variety of animals here. [playful music] That care happens rain or shine, from little penguins to large lions, with Executive Director Beth Heidorn leading the pack. Beth Heidorn:So, we are part of AZA, which is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Watch Textile folk artist shares tradition and healing on PBS Wisconsin
Ireri Andrea Muiz Ortega:I like abstract forms. Yeah, I think it’s more freestyle exploration, being inspired by nature and colors. My name is Ireri Andrea Muiz Ortega. I’m from Mexico City, and I’m a textile artist. Coming from Mexico, specifically from Mexico City, if you go out to the streets, there are a lot of colors everywhere, you know? Like going to a market, the mercado or a tianguis, like all the fruit, all the sounds even.
Watch Developing local soccer talent in Wisconsin on PBS Wisconsin
Narrator:It’s match time as we visit the Superior City Football Club, homegrown teams who bring the heat to the field. [Upbeat music plays.] Narrator:Started in 2017, General Manager Kaden Bergman has seen the team grow from the beginning. Kaden Bergman:Hi, Mom! So, we are located in Hayward, Wisconsin. We started off in the amateur division of the Duluth League, and then we basically played in Hayward for five years.
Watch Superior City Football Club on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer:The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald:Coming up on Wisconsin Life: Hit the ice in Altoona to learn Crokicurl, a Madison embroidery artist stitching together folk art and community, an art professor from Menomonie turned board game maker, an exchange student finding a home in Monona, and a guide leading tours of a rare old-growth forest in Vilas County. This was the number-one tree in the Northwoods pre-settlement.
Watch Sleep in a WWII warbird in the Wisconsin Northwoods on PBS Wisconsin
Angela Fitzgerald:Flying over northeast Wisconsin, there are endless lakes and forests. And there’s a chance to get a glimpse of something unusual suspended in the trees. Joe Draeger:It does look quite unique from the air. It’s about eight feet wide. I’m gonna guess and say it’s roughly 45 feet long. Certainly unique when you pull in here and you see this DC-3 sitting here in the middle of the woods.
Watch How is AI Revolutionizing Science? on PBS Wisconsin
[gentle music] Devyn McIlraith:Hello and welcome to the Neville Public Museum of Brown County. My name is Devyn McIlraith, and I am the exhibitions manager at The Neville. Tonight, we are welcoming Kyle Cranmer, the David R. Anderson director of the UW-Madison Data Science Institute, who is here through Badger Talks, the speakers’ bureau for the UW-Madison campus. For more information on this great free resource for the state, please visit badgertalks.wisc.edu.
Watch Seasons of science and outdoor fun on PBS Wisconsin
Angela:I’m in Wisconsin Dells, checking out Upham Woods and the natural beauty that’s found here in every season. [gentle music] I dove right in with On-Site and Accessibility Coordinator Rachael Lewandowski-Sarette to learn about their programming. Rachael Lewandowski-Sarette:We have lots of programs that are very seasonally based because we do place-based education.
Watch Food + Farm Exploration Center on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer:The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald:Coming up onWisconsin Life:Check out a Madison program giving trophies a second life, a newspaperman in Brodhead reporting on the moo-vings of the dairy industry, an interactive plant pathway incorporating Menominee language and culture, and a Pulaski teen building his own guitars. That’s all ahead onWisconsin Life.
Watch Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer:The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald:Coming up on Wisconsin Life: We check out snowmobiles racing on…water? [snowmobiles buzz] A pup and his owner spreading joy in Antigo, [resident laughs] a world-renowned classical guitarist in Milwaukee, and a group in Marinette hoping to spot Bigfoot! That’s all ahead on Wisconsin Life.
Watch One portrait speaks a thousand words on PBS Wisconsin
Ben Schumaker:I knew how powerful it feels to study someone’s face and to try to capture every detail of their eyes and their smile to create the most personal form of art to give to that person as a gift. It’s extremely intimate. It looks like an art project, but in truth, the real purpose is trying to bring youth around the world together in a positive way. My name is Ben Schumaker. I’m the director of the Memory Project.
Watch Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass makes art accessible on PBS Wisconsin
Amy Moorefield:We’re at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah, delving into this delicate art. [bright string music] I met up with Executive Director Amy Moorefield to explore how the museum is working to make glass art accessible for all. Angela:I love that, ’cause when you think of glass as an art form, you don’t typically think of necessarily fun, and then the “all” part.
Watch Mentoring the next generation of welders on PBS Wisconsin
Wanda White:Goodbye. Wanda White:Leave everything outside that door… Unidentified Staff:Thank you. Unidentified Staff:Have a good night. Wanda White:You, too. Wanda White:…before you come in here, because you’re gonna easily be distracted, and we wanna keep you focused. So, leave everything outside that door. My name is Wanda White. I am a retiree that came out of retirement so that I can teach welding for students, young high schoolers, who is willing to learn the basic welding techniques.
Watch The Bridge Food and Diaper Bank on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer:The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald:Coming up onWisconsin Life:Check out a glass Christmas tree lighting up Williams Bay. [bright accordion music] Angela Fitzgerald:The woman running the world’s largest accordion museum in Superior. An art project connecting children around the globe. Ben Schumaker:Yeah, looks great! Angela Fitzgerald:And… Speaker:Go ahead whenever you’re ready. Angela Fitzgerald:…a welder igniting a spark for future generations.
Watch James Madison and the U.S. Constitution on PBS Wisconsin
Norman Gilliland:Welcome to University Place Presents. I’m Norman Gilliland. In addition to being the fourth president of the United States, James Madison has become known as the Father of the U.S. Constitution. What was Madison’s concept of democratic politics? How did he expect the checks and balances to work among the three branches of government? What was his approach to the relationship between religion and the government, and how viable is his model of the U.S. Constitution today?
Watch Rocket the therapy dog on PBS Wisconsin
Angela Fitzgerald:Dennis Erickson has had quite the eclectic career. There’s one thing all his jobs have in common. Dennis Erickson:I like bringing joy, I like helping people. Angela Fitzgerald:Now retired, Dennis still works part-time at Eastview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Antigo. Dennis Erickson:Thank you. I initially just wanted to go in there and volunteer.
Jason Puskar: The original prototypes of all these typewriters that the Sholes group made had piano keyboards. [bright music] Kacie Lucchini Butcher: What are we even doing here? Sergio seemed more excited than usual. Cat Phan: I have no idea. All I know is he said to come to Milwaukee right away for some big Wisconsin history news. Sergio Gonzlez: Oh, guys, guys, guys, I’m so happy you’re here. You’re not gonna believe this. I just learned about a Wisconsin invention that’s used all over the world.
Watch She’s Bucky! on PBS Wisconsin
NARRATOR:Roseanne Donovan has always been the life of the party. RoseAnn Donovan:My personality is animated. RoseAnn Donovan:I think if you would ask anyone from back in the day or my current students, everyone would say the same thing. Loud. Energetic, emotional. NARRATOR:In the fall of 1978, RoseAnn and her over-the-top personality enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, officially becoming a Bachelor. RoseAnn Donovan:Did I have any concept of what was to come? I certainly did not.
Watch What Does AI Mean to Our Future? on PBS Wisconsin
Michelle Sweetman:Welcome to SC Johnson’s Golden Rondelle Theater for tonight’s program, “What Does AI Mean to Our Future?” We are delighted to welcome you to SC Johnson’s Golden Rondelle Theater in Racine. My name is Michelle Sweetman, and I am a member of SC Johnson’s Community Affairs team. This historic Golden Rondelle building was originally built for the 1964-’65 New York World’s Fair to show the short documentaryTo Be Alive!The film was a hit. It actually won an Academy Award.
Watch Profiles in Cold War Espionage on PBS Wisconsin
Norman Gilliland: [gentle music] Welcome toUniversity Place Presents.I’m Norman Gilliland. Call him the man on the spot, the individual who gathers information about a place of interest to his government. During the Cold War, that contest between the superpowers, the man on the spot could exert considerable influence, had considerable autonomy, and considerable power, for better or worse.
Watch Helping pets in need on PBS Wisconsin
[birds chirp] Angela Fitzgerald: Like most dog owners, Vicky Van Lare is paid in big, wet kisses. Vicky Van Lare: Thank you, thank you. Angela Fitzgerald: Roxz is her special needs pitbull terrier. Vicky Van Lare: Who’s that? Is that Miss Roxz? Angela Fitzgerald: Roxz is also the face of a Milwaukee charity that helps people and pets get through difficult times. Vicky Van Lare: Is that the blue box? Angela Fitzgerald: Oh, goodness, the blue box is here! Does that mean more donations?
Watch A Conversation with Author Jennifer Chiaverini on PBS Wisconsin
[gentle music] Jennifer Chiaverini:Well, hello everyone. Thank you so much for coming to see me here at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show. I especially want to thank everyone from PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions for inviting me back to speak to all of you on this beautiful autumn day here in Madison, Wisconsin. How many of you have been to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show before? Oh, wow! Oh, I should’ve asked, how many people is this your first time? Oh, a handful of you.
Watch How Wisconsin Became the Cheese State on PBS Wisconsin
Chris Viau: Good evening. On behalf of the Winnebago Extension team, I would like to welcome you to Wisconsin Idea Week. My name is Chris Viau, and I lead this amazing team of outreach educators and support professionals who are embodying the Wisconsin Idea right here in Winnebago County.
Watch Upcycling accolades in Madison on PBS Wisconsin
[playful music] Janet L. Gray: I wanna say that only fun people can work here. You gotta laugh. We have a lot of fun. If you’re too serious, I’m sorry. Trophies, that’s not for you. [chuckles] Hi, I’m Janet L. Gray. I am a volunteer at the Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program. My family owns Total Awards and Promotions, and we’ve been in business for almost 50 years. [groovy music] I proposed the idea that we should be recycling for everyone.
Watch What happens when Bucky goes missing? on PBS Wisconsin
[cheering] [funky music] Bob Miller: The Wisconsin hockey team has caught the imagination of thousands of fans. What do you like about Badger hockey? Speaker: I like winning. [laughs] Speaker: The excitement. Speaker: I like a fight now and then. [laughs] Bob Miller: The story of the acceptance of Wisconsin hockey in Madison is unique. And this is that story.
Watch Bucky Badger shreds a guitar on PBS Wisconsin
[audience applauds] Mike Leckrone: Wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait a minute. Wait, wait a minute. You’re not supposed to come on until later, you know, and cheer the crowd on, but… No, no. [electric guitar riffs] We only have real musicians playing here tonight. You really can’t play that thing, can you? [Bucky plays “If You Want to Be a Badger”] [audience applauds and cheers] Mike Leckrone: I’d expect you to know that song. That’s your song. But you probably don’t know anything else.
Watch Keeping a Swedish candle tradition alive on PBS Wisconsin
Alan Anderson: I have a quote that I printed out. “Tradition is not the saving of ashes. It’s the maintaining of fire.” I loved it. [gentle acoustic guitar music] Alan Anderson: My name is Alan Anderson. All four of my grandparents were born in Sweden. Our family has kept a lot of those Swedish traditions alive just because of that reality. And one of the traditions I have maintained over the years is making a very traditional Swedish Christmas candle called a “grenljus” or branch candle.
Watch Celebrating freedom at Milwaukee's Juneteenth on PBS Wisconsin
Angela Fitzgerald: I’m finding my groove at Juneteenth in Milwaukee with the Northcott Neighborhood House, diving into the action from lively music to local flavors. [groovy music] Angela Fitzgerald: While exploring, I met up with Reginald Jones, who shares a backyard with the festival. Reginald Jones: Back in the mid-1950s, my parents bought a house about 300 yards from where we’re standing. Angela Fitzgerald: Oh, wow. Reginald Jones: So I’m literally at home.
Watch Juneteenth in Milwaukee on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer: The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald: Coming up on Wisconsin Life: Meet a Milwaukee curator showcasing art throughout the city. Curator: Welcome everyone. I will be your guide today. Angela Fitzgerald: A forager unearthing the wild world of mushrooms in Bayfield. Forager: Whoa! Angela Fitzgerald: The family behind a famous fiberglass graveyard in Sparta, and a Windsor woman helping to rescue squirrels. That’s all ahead on Wisconsin Life.
Watch Chasing the Stars at Washburn Observatory on PBS Wisconsin
Norman Gilliland: Welcome to University Place Presents. I’m Norman Gilliland. Perched atop a hill overlooking Lake Mendota in Madison is the Washburn Observatory. It has been observing movements in the sky by stars and planets and other entities since the 1880s. And along the way, it has transformed the way we think about the universe. We’re going to find out how from my guests. And they are Jim Lattis, the director of the UW-Madison Space Place, and Kelly Tyrrell, science writer.
Watch What kind of art was in the trenches during WWI? on PBS Wisconsin
Angela: I’m at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library near Kenosha, learning about their efforts to be recognized as a hub for military history in the Midwest. [rousing marching band music] Angela: I met with Rachel Marcella, Manager of Programs and Events, to discover what visitors can expect when they arrive here. Rachel Marcella: So as soon as they come in, you are right in our exhibit space. So they kinda just get the whole experience.
Watch Pritzker Military Museum & Library on PBS Wisconsin
Announcer: The following program is a PBS Wisconsin original production. Angela Fitzgerald: Coming up on Wisconsin Life: [gavel banging] Meet a Kenosha veteran tracing his family’s history of service. [dialogue sounds] Interviewer: Are you ready for your headliner tonight? Angela Fitzgerald: A seasoned comedian takes the stage in Brookfield. [audience laughs] A teacher building robots on Washington Island. And the organizers of a music festival bringing music in the heart of the Driftless.
Narrator: The New Tech Times, a video magazine for The Electronic Age. In this edition, a family finds that teaching kids by computer takes more than just plugging it in. A review of Exercising by videocassette. Is it hazardous to your health? The LaserDisc and Hollywood animation join forces to save the arcades with a breakthrough in video game technology. All this and more on the New Tech Times.
Watch The 32nd Infantry Division During World War II on PBS Wisconsin
Jenny Pederson: My name is Jenny Pederson, and I am the public programs manager for the Wisconsin Historical Society. And I am very excited and happy to welcome you all here today. A quick note that the opinions or any opinions expressed today during the presentation are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Wisconsin Historical Society staff members or employees. But now we get to the matter at hand, and I am very excited to introduce Mark D.
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