The world of politics appears to be more heated and divided today than ever before. But why do party lines and labels like “liberal” and “conservative” mean so much, and how does it affect the state of our country? Find out the answers to these questions and more during “Beyond the Left-Right Divide: Partisan Polarization in the Trump Age” on September 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library’s Wausau Headquarters, 300 N. First St., Wausau.

Michael Wagner, associate professor at UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, will speak about the current political divide happening in the U.S. and the differences of opinion along economic and cultural issues. Wagner will address the consequences of political party identification, voting behavior, political participation, the media, the 2016 election and how the political divide may affect our nation in the future. This event is made possible through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Speakers Bureau.

This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. For more information, call 715-261-7230 or visit https://mcpl.us/events/5163.