State Wetlands Bill, Peshtigo Fire Reenactment, First Wisconsinites: Politics

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A new bill would change how the state’s wetlands are regulated and developed. We talk to the bill’s author about why he thinks its a necessary measure. Today during “First Wisconsinites,” we learn about Native American politics in the state, from the tribal government system to the first Native American elected to the Madison Common Council. And we talk with a woman playing the role of her grandmother in a reenactment of the 1871 Peshtigo Fire.

Featured in this Show

  • New Bill Would Roll Back Wetlands Protections Unless Federally Mandated

    A new bill in Wisconsin would eliminate state protections for wetlands that aren’t protected by the federal government. The bill could affect about a million acres of wetlands in the state. This proposal comes as President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to pull back federal environmental protections. We talk to the Wisconsin State Senate President about this bill, which he supports.

  • The Peshtigo Fire From A Witness's Perspective

    On October 8, 1871, more than 1,200 people died in the Peshtigo fire. We hear from the descendant of one of the survivors about her story, and the p[rformances that she does based on her ancestor’s diary.

  • First Native American Elected To Madison Common Council [Audio Only]

    We examine politics as part of our series, “First Wisconsinites: Dispatches From Native American Life In Wisconsin Today.” Arvina Martin was elected to the Madison Common Council in April, and she’s the first Native American alderperson. We learn about her experience in politics as a Native American woman.

  • A Look At Tribal Government In Wisconsin [Audio Only]

    We examine tribal government as part of our series, “First Wisconsinites: Dispatches From Native American Life In Wisconsin Today.” We talk to the tribal chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin about his relationship with the local, state, and federal governments.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Roger Roth Guest
  • Barbara Chisholm Guest
  • Arvina Martin Guest
  • Gary Besaw Guest

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