Wisconsin News & Current Events | Public News Service

Supporters behind Wisconsin's ballot question on bail reform say there are too many people awaiting trial with lengthy criminal records, but opponents say passing the constitutional amendment would exacerbate inequities. (Adobe Stock)

WI Ballot Question Sparks Calls to End Cash Bail

In the coming months, Wisconsin residents will hear plenty of arguments before they vote on a constitutional amendment to change state policy on cash …

A new study says when a wolf pack leader dies, the chances of reproduction for that wolf pack are reduced by 49%. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Wolf Packs Suffer Greatly When One Dies by Human Action

Wolf packs lose their ability to thrive when one of their members dies as a result of human activity, according to a new study that comes amid calls …

Grassroots Campaign Underway for 'Final Five Voting' in WI

Polls often show dissatisfaction among voters with the current political system. An emerging alternative to standard elections is getting some …

Senior advocates point out that family caregivers perform a range of tasks such as shopping, transportation, meal preparation, medication management, wound care and home updates, ultimately saving the state money. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

Wisconsin lawmakers are back in session and have a large budget surplus to work with. Advocates for the state's older residents hope any spending …

Shannon Mingalone, left, and Eve Mingalone are seen in their hoop house at their business Ramshackle Farm in Harvard, Illinois, on Oct. 19, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Coburn Dukehart/Wisconsin Watch)

Despite Obstacles, LGBTQ Farmers Find Fertile Ground in Midwest

By Bennet Goldstein for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Watch-Public News Ser…

State Department of Natural Resources officials say 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties now have documented active eagle nests. (Adobe Stock)

WI Officials Still Investigating Eagle Death

As the New Year takes shape, Wisconsin officials say they are still trying to get to the bottom of a recent death involving a bald eagle and are …

Some student loan scammers will use a website that mimics the U.S. Department of Education or the borrower's loan servicer, and their correspondence may even have tidbits of the borrower's real information, such as the current payment amount. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Borrowers Inundated with Student-Loan Scams

Scammers targeting student-loan borrowers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are shifting into high gear - spurred by the uncertainty surrounding President Jo…

Library cardholders can check out a Madison BCycle pass and a bike helmet at any Madison Public Library. (Adobe Stock)

Bike Libraries Boost Access to Cycling in WI, Elsewhere

By Cinnamon Janzer for Next City.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS chemicals, have been used in a range of products, including firefighting foam. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Hope After 3M Decision on Forever Chemicals

Wisconsin and all other states have seen the effects of so-called "forever chemicals." Those pushing for their removal say 3M's announcement to phase …

Mary Lynne Donohue, co-chair of the Sheboygan County Democratic Party, speaks with Sheboygan City Clerk Meredith DeBruin on Nov. 8 at Democratic Party headquarters in Sheboygan. (Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Watch)

WI's Political Boundaries Tilt Even More to GOP; What Happens Now?

By Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service C…

Fraud experts say scammers are constantly trying to improve the appearance of phony websites and other ways to engage with consumers in their attempts to steal money during busy times like the holiday season. (Adobe Stock)

Scam-Avoidance Warning Fatigue Mounts During Holidays

Holiday shoppers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are starting to face a time crunch in wrapping up their gift lists. As they rush to the stores or sift …

A public health administrator in western Wisconsin says local-level offices have been chronically underfunded for years, limiting their reach in providing prevention tools and other services. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Public Funding Overshadows WI Health Ranking

Wisconsin is 21st in the country when measuring health data, but an annual ranking found the Badger State is behind most other states in funding …

The Department of Natural Resources estimates Wisconsin's wolf population to be around one thousand. (Adobe Stock)

Public Comments Urged for WI Wolf Management Plan

Wisconsin residents have one month left to comment on a new wolf management plan for the state and conservation groups encourage people to express the…

A bill approved by Congress repeals the federal Defense of Marriage Act. That law, passed in 1996, prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. (Adobe Stock)

WI Attorney: Bill Underscores Legal Needs of Same-Sex Marriages

Congress has signed off on a bill that preserves federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. A legal expert in Wisconsin says it …

In the past two years, 12 states saw significant declines in their rate and/or number of uninsured children. Wisconsin held steady at 4%. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Stable Numbers for WI, Concerns Linger Over Kids' Uninsured Rate

A new report found Wisconsin is holding the line in preventing children from going without health insurance, but advocates for families who qualify …

Tamara Loertscher holds her son, Harmonious Ellner, weeks after his birth in 2015. Loertscher was detained and incarcerated in Taylor County, Wis., during her pregnancy after health officials alleged she was using drugs while pregnant, an allegation she denies. (Photo courtesy of Loertscher.)

Policing Pregnancy: WI ‘Fetal Protection’ Law Forces Treatment or Jail

By Phoebe Petrovic for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service …

According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, cover-crop acres in the United States have increased to 10 million. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers Have New Tool to Stay in 'Cover-Crop Game'

Agriculture groups and government agencies aren't slowing down in trying to convince farmers to use more sustainable practices such as cover crops…

The U.S. saw an increase in Black-owned businesses between 2017 and 2019, but their supporters worry the pandemic may have derailed that progress. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Season Perfect Time to Support WI Black Business Owners

The holiday shopping season is here, and people are being reminded about the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, in Wisconsin and …

Each year in Wisconsin, an estimated 5 to 10% of people with prediabetes progress to developing Type 2 diabetes. (Adobe Stock)

Diabetes Prevention Efforts Kick into High Gear in WI

November is National Diabetes Month, spotlighting a disease affecting millions of Americans. In Wisconsin, state health officials say more than 525,0…

While some animals, such as rodents, are not protected by the Animal Welfare Act when it comes to research, others are, including primates. (Adobe Stock)

UW, Other Schools Face Calls to Improve Animal Safety in Research Labs

The University of Wisconsin won a recent legal battle tied to accusations of animal abuse within its research facilities. Activists hope that doesn't …

As part of the federal infrastructure law, the City of Milwaukee was recently awarded nearly $80 million to replace lead water pipes. (Adobe Stock)

One Year In, WI Communities Measure Impact of Infrastructure Law

Yesterday was the first anniversary of the signing of the federal infrastructure law. Groups pushing for support for Wisconsin towns and cities say …

In recent years, Wisconsin Democrats have had some success in statewide elections, but analysts say partisan political maps have made it hard for them to pick up seats in the Legislature. (Adobe Stock)

WI Election Watchdog: Results a Mixed Bag for Democracy

The long-term effects of Wisconsin's redistricting process were once again highlighted in this week's elections. A nonpartisan good-government group …

WI Households Have Ways to Block Heating Bill Sticker Shock

With winter almost here, Wisconsinites are being warned they will not be getting a break on their heating bills this season, and experts pointed out …

In Wisconsin, polling places are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Adobe Stock)

WI Voters Urged to Know Their Rights for Election Day

Heightened political tensions have hovered over this election season. For Wisconsinites headed to the polls tomorrow, voters' rights groups say …

A new poll of rural voters in battleground states found people who

Poll Shows Rural Voters Have Grim Economic Outlook

By Tim Marema and Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonde…

Leading scientists have warned that if utility companies do not quickly ramp up clean energy and retire coal and gas power plants, people across the planet will face an increasingly dangerous future from the effects of climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Report Grades WI Utilities on Clean-Energy Pledges

Utilities across the country are making climate pledges - but they're not always backing them up. That's according to a report that includes grades …

The U.S. government says 65% of Americans who are online receive at least one scam offer. (Adobe Stock)

Cybersecurity Awareness: Staring Down 'Social Engineering' by Hackers

In a digital world, employers often require some form of cybersecurity training. A local government official in Wisconsin is encouraging people not …

Wisconsin is among a dozen states that election experts noted have strict voter ID laws. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Voter ID Law Remains a Focal Point for Pro-Democracy Groups

As policy analysts point out Wisconsin has one of the strictest voter ID laws in the country, a nonpartisan group is carrying out efforts to help …

Last year, more than five million people became new Social Security beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

WI Retirees Hopeful about Social Security Increase

People who receive Social Security payments are eager to see the new cost-of-living adjustment be applied. The highest increase in decades comes as …

While its overall uninsured rate is on the lower end, Wisconsin is among the many states with huge disparities when it comes to health coverage. (Adobe Photo) <br /> <br /><br />

Tips for WI Residents Enrolling in ACA Health Coverage

Wisconsin residents who are looking for a health plan or who want to change their policy can do so starting Nov. 1, when open enrollment through the …

Wisconsin often is seen as a battleground state in national elections. For the midterms, political analysts say election oversight in the Badger State could dramatically change based on outcomes of certain races. (Adobe Stock)

WI Democracy Group: Don't Be Deterred by More Election Chaos

With a few weeks left before the midterm elections, a flurry of legal wrangling continues in Wisconsin over such matters as absentee ballots…

Wisconsin se ve a menudo como un estado de campo de batalla en las elecciones nacionales. Para las elecciones de medio t�rmino, los analistas pol�ticos dicen que la supervisi�n de las elecciones en Badger State podr�a cambiar dr�sticamente seg�n los resultados de ciertas contiendas. (Adobe Stock)

WI Democracy Group: No se desanime con el caos electoral

A pocas semanas de las elecciones de mitad de período, continúa una oleada de disputas legales en Wisconsin sobre asuntos como las …

The Labor Center at the University of California-Berkeley says between 12% and 21% of construction workers across the country are either misclassified as independent contractors or paid under the table. (Adobe Stock)

Construction Worker Protections Part of Union Push in WI

Wisconsin union leaders say the state is seeing more buzz among organized labor after a decade of anti-union laws hindered regional membership…

Not all states have updated their laws to allow public employees such as teachers to qualify for Social Security benefits. Wisconsin is one of the states to have taken such action. (Adobe Stock)

WI Educator: Social Security Vital for Eligible Teachers

Wisconsin is one of 33 states allowing Social Security benefits to be extended to teachers. As the future of the program is debated, a retired …

The manufacturing sector currently employs nearly 475,000 people in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

WI Manufacturing Gains Cheered, With Calls for Policy Commitments

Wisconsin has enjoyed a rebound in manufacturing jobs, and business owners and advocates hope policies they deem effective are prioritized to keep …

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit is $1,542.22. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security Benefits to See Big Jump, But Concerns, Debates Linger

Social Security benefits again could see their highest increase in several decades, but those advocating for beneficiaries in Wisconsin and elsewhere …

No-till farming is considered one of several conservation practices in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

New WI Report Provides Snapshot of Sustainable Farming Efforts

Greenhouse gas emissions have been potentially reduced by 50,000 tons in the state, with the help of Wisconsin farmers supported by a statewide …

According to a new poll, 90% of voters 50 and older in Wisconsin say they're extremely motivated to vote in the November election, with issues such as inflation on the top of their minds. (Adobe Stock)

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Those 50 and older make up more than half of Wisconsin's registered voters, and a new statewide poll shows they want candidates to hear their …

Lack of cultural inclusion in off-reservation schools is seen as one of many barriers for Native American college students in completing their degree. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribal College Highlights Key Milestones

Only 17% of Native Americans are able to continue their education after high school. Tribal colleges hope their efforts to help these students …

Roughly 50% of small-business owners in the United States offer health insurance, but some worry about being able to keep it if costs continue to rise. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Subsidy Extension a Relief for WI Small Businesses

Average Affordable Care Act premiums in Wisconsin would have been 56% higher this year without temporary subsidies from the federal government…

This year, more than 70% of attempts to restrict library resources targeted multiple titles. (Adobe Stock)

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days in a single year due to dental-health problems, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign. (teeth.org.au)

Health Screenings Seen as Important Factor for Student Success

School students across Wisconsin are still getting settled as the new academic year unfolds. And experts say it's important to get them in for a …

Milwaukee's city budget process typically begins in late winter or early spring, and then wraps up with a final vote in early November. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

The budget process for Wisconsin's largest city is ramping up, and there are concerns residents in underserved areas will not receive as much …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Makes 'Forever Chemicals' a Priority With Latest Action

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Wisconsin and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of p…

Supporters of managed grazing say grass-based farms and ranches are an important strategy for introducing new farmers and ranchers to livestock, because they're better for an operation's bottom line. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers to Get New Support for 'Managed Grazing'

Managed grazing is one of several ways farmers can implement climate-friendly practices, and after a lengthy absence, a key source of federal aid has …

There are an estimated 700,000 federal student loan borrowers in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Student Debt Forgiveness: WI Borrowers Urged to Monitor Taxes, Scams

In the coming weeks, applications could become available for student loan forgiveness under the new Biden administration plan. In states like …

Last year, Congress passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. Smaller, rural communities want to be sure they aren't forgotten as those funds are allocated. They're hopeful an economic development provision in the CHIPS Act will even things out. (Adobe Stock)

Pilot Program Within CHIPS Act Could Help with Rural WI Development

A program approved by Congress aims to give rural communities a leg up when applying for federal dollars. Municipal leaders in Wisconsin say this …

Latino workers are getting training in green-energy job skills through a pilot program, but some face roadblocks trying to balance a new career path with maintaining two or three other jobs to support themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Program Works to Bring 'Green' Construction Jobs to Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Latino community has been inundated with job opportunities in the "green" economy thanks to a new pilot program. Elevate, a climate-…

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