Power grid demands, Wisconsin spring primary election, Zyn nicotine pouches

Air Date:
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Containers of Zyn, a Phillip Morris smokeless nicotine pouch, are stacked for sale at a newsstand Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in New York. It has stoked debate among politicians, parents and pundits that reflects an increasingly complex landscape in which Big Tobacco companies are aggressively pushing alternative products while experts are divided about their potential benefits and risks. Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo

First up, we learn about the increased demand for energy that is taxing the U.S. power grid. Then, we look at the results of Wisconsin’s spring primary election with a political scientist. And an epidemiologist weighs in on the health debates around a new brand of smokeless nicotine pouches.

Featured in this Episode

  • How data centers and "clean-tech" factories are putting stress on electrical grids

    We talk with a business reporter covering energy transition as well as a UW engineering professor about why our power grids are overtaxed, why it’s getting worse, and what utilities and other entities can do about it.

  • Wisconsin primary reactions and election updates

    A Wisconsin political scientist breaks down results from Tuesday’s wintry spring primary, then we discuss the state of the campaigns going forward.

  • What to know about Zyn nicotine pouches

    The popular new tobacco alternative for young people is nicotine pouches, led by brands like Zyn. We’ll talk to an epidemiology professor about the health concerns that come with the products and the ways brands market them.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Evan Halper Guest
  • Line Roald Guest
  • Lilly Goren Guest
  • Brittney Keller-Hamilton Guest
  • Dean Knetter Executive Producer
  • Tim Peterson Producer
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Tyler Ditter Technical Director

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