Wisconsin News & Current Events | Public News Service

Officials with the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse contended the baby boomer generation has developed consumption patterns exacerbating climate change. Officials said changing patterns, such as making their homes energy-efficient, can help reduce the climate threats they face. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Research project aims to make climate adaptation age-inclusive

From prolonged droughts to intense rain and snowstorms, the Midwest is not immune to climate change threats. An emerging resource aims to place more …

The Wisconsin Policy Forum said the state's teacher turnover rate last year included both the highest levels on record of teachers moving between districts and the second-highest levels of those leaving the profession. (Adobe Stock)

Can collective-bargaining case help with WI teacher shortage?

A lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's collective near-total bargaining ban for most public workers is by some seen as a way to bolster the state's beleagu…

Research work led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute found while massive flood events call attention to cost impacts for state and local governments, increased frequency of mid-scale flood events can wear on rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Taxpayers, like farmers, can get a bang for their buck from conservation funding

If you live in a flood prone community, soil health from nearby farmland may have something to do with it. Ag voices in Wisconsin say government-…

A group of U.S. researchers says particulate matter from coal plants was often put on the same par with other sources of air pollution. However, their review of premature deaths shows coal emissions pose a deadlier health risk. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Air pollution linked to coal plants more deadly than previously thought

Researchers are out with new findings they say show that death rates linked to air pollution from coal plants are underestimated. A Wisconsin …

The past two redistricting cycles in Wisconsin have been mired in controversy over accusations of partisan gerrymandering against Republican leaders, who have controlled the process. (Photo courtesy of state of Wisconsin)

WI Supreme Court hears arguments in high-profile redistricting case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court today takes up a much-anticipated case involving the state's political boundaries. Oral arguments begin in a lawsuit …

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found travel lane width is one of several contributors to the high rates of traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. They urged road engineers to consider narrower lanes. (Adobe Stock)

Could narrower traffic lanes help reduce harmful emissions?

Wisconsin's largest city has seen recent debate over highway expansion plans amid environmental concerns, and a new study suggested for similar …

Just like community libraries, Wisconsin's school libraries blend traditional reading with technology. The Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium says more than 200 K-12 school districts provide more 50,000 e-books and audiobooks to over 400,000 kids, for $1.65 per student. (Adobe Stock)

School libraries no longer just defined by Dewey Decimal System

American Education Week is underway, and those who work with Wisconsin school libraries are highlighting the value they provide to students. School …

Congress averted a government shutdown in September by approving a temporary spending plan. But time is running out to come up with long-term appropriations, and political observers say a lot of uncertainty looms over budget talks. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites warn of negative outcomes if federal programs are cut

Congress has one week to approve a new federal spending plan or risk a government shutdown, and some Wisconsinites are calling on lawmakers to keep …

Conservative-linked groups such as Moms for Liberty have established local chapters in states such as Wisconsin in hopes of getting more supporters elected to school boards. But education observers say voters have had a lukewarm response to the movement. (Adobe Stock)

As other states mull results, recruiting starts for WI school board candidates

While many other states analyze school board races from this week, Wisconsin candidates will soon begin filing paperwork for elections next spring…

Around 74% of adults age 55 and older are susceptible to scams, losing an average of $350 per scam in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury on wire fraud charges over accusations he scammed older residents. It's the latest case …

Experts on vegan diets say non-meat-based holiday roasts can include ingredients such as cranberry, apricot and pumpkin seed stuffing. (Adobe Stock)

Looking ahead to holiday meals? Vegan items could be on the menu

November is almost here, and some Wisconsin households might be planning their menu for upcoming holiday meals. Those who support vegan diets say …

The Inflation Reduction Act, along with other federal legislation, is putting hundreds of billions of dollars toward programs to spur clean-energy usage, but many energy companies aren't using the money. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mixed grades for WI utilities in shifting away from fossil fuels

Some Wisconsin utilities are slow to reduce fossil-fuel dependence, according to new data from the Sierra Club, while others are improving their …

The nonprofit newsgathering organization Climate Central recently analyzed fall warming trends in 244 U.S. cities. Around 89% have seen October nights warm up since 1970. (Adobe Stock)

Long-term warming brings unwelcome treats for Midwest Halloweens

As Halloween approaches, cooler temperatures will spread over Wisconsin, but weather experts said climate change is making October nights in the …

About 345,000 hogs and pigs live on Wisconsin farms, according to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service - Hogs and Pigs report. (Adobe Stock)

WI small-farm advocates push back on CAFOs

Family-farm advocates in rural Wisconsin are pushing back on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, as the livestock industry becomes more …

The Biden administration expects seven new hydrogen hubs to produce 3 million metric tons per year, nearly a third of its 2030 goal. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups advise caution on 'hydrogen hub' initiative

Wisconsin is going to be a part of two new "hydrogen hubs" backers say will generate clean fuel but some environmental groups say it is a mixed bag…

The number of wolves in Wisconsin is estimated at 1,000, up from 200 when the state adopted its first management plan in 1999. (dnr.wisconsin.gov)

Wisconsin's wolf management plan back in the spotlight

The long-awaited Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan is up for adoption next week by the state's Department of Natural Resources, and the board will …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated 9% of women of childbearing age in the United States have high blood pressure. Policy experts say expanding health coverage can open up more access to screenings, helping new moms avoid health complications. (Adobe Stock)

WI remains outlier in not fully extending postpartum Medicaid coverage

Wisconsin lawmakers are in the midst of their fall session and they face renewed calls to approve a plan to help new mothers with limited resources ma…

Wisconsin's political maps have received an

Pushback builds against WI redistricting bill

People advocating for fair political maps in Wisconsin hope to derail legislative efforts to overhaul the redistricting process. Pro-democracy groups …

Los mapas pol�ticos de Wisconsin recibieron una calificaci�n de

Aumenta rechazo al proyecto de ley de redistribución de distritos de WI

Las personas que abogan por mapas políticos justos en Wisconsin esperan descarrilar los esfuerzos legislativos para reformar el proceso de redist…

According to AARP, the U.S. is seeing more older adults nationwide receiving long-term care at home, rather than in nursing homes and other institutions. (Adobe Stock)

WI fares well in long-term care rankings, but issues remain

A new report ranks Wisconsin 15th in the nation for long-term care services but advocates for the people who need care say more could be done…

If FEMA can't carry out its nationwide emergency alert test on the planned date of Wednesday, a backup date of Oct. 11 will be utilized. (Photo courtesy of FEMA)

FEMA alert test brings emergency preparedness into focus

Cell phones around Wisconsin and the rest of the country will be buzzing this Wednesday afternoon for a test of the federal Emergency Alert System and…

Places such as national parks close their gates during a government shutdown, but poverty-fighting groups say those who rely on such programs as nutrition assistance are left in the lurch, too. (Adobe Stock)

Key aid programs tied up in government shutdown chaos

As the federal government nears a shutdown over a budget impasse in Congress, Wisconsin offices that help low-income individuals worry they'll have …

Ag-based organizations say if there's a government shutdown, it would add more stress to those trying to adopt a new Farm Bill because lawmakers could not consult with furloughed USDA staff about the importance of certain programs. (Adobe Stock)

WI ag groups in 'wait-and-see mode' on Farm Bill

The current Farm Bill expires Sept. 30 and with a looming government shutdown, reauthorization does not appear imminent. Wisconsin farm groups say …

Health coverage assistance groups and providers warn that if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that don't suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)

Health coverage experts: Sidestep intimidation, prepare to enroll

The fall season is here, meaning many Wisconsinites will soon make decisions about their health coverage. Experts say early preparation with trusted …

This summer's stretches of smoky air, brought on by Canadian wildfires, have prompted more concern in the Midwest about the arrival of climate-change threats and how cities can respond. (Adobe Stock)

WI Mayor Offers Glimpse into Cities Phasing in Clean-Energy Projects

New polling suggests most Americans support nationwide efforts to boost renewable energy capacity under the threat of climate change, and a local …

Some 80% of female Hispanic voters between ages 18 and 29 voted as Democrats in 2022, as did 89% of African American women in the same age range. (Adobe Stock)

WI Part of Push to Engage With Young Voters

Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a monthlong college tour, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to hear what students are …

In a new poll from the group A Better Wisconsin Together, 66% of Wisconsin voters say they would rather see the Legislature prioritize education rather than seek the possible impeachment of a liberal state Supreme Court justice. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll: Most Voters Oppose Impeaching WI Supreme Court Justice

Following last spring's election, where Wisconsin voted in a liberal justice to the state Supreme Court, Republican leaders are further exploring a …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says nationwide, up to 600,000 eligible people would be turned away from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children under a spending proposal from House Republicans. (Adobe Stock)

WI Families Could See 'Double Whammy' From Budget Policies

Congress is again steeped in a looming budget crisis as lawmakers face a deadline to approve a new government spending plan. In Wisconsin, policy …

Policy analysts say if retail chains flood too many small towns, pushing out Main Street businesses in the process, these communities could lose tourists looking for places like boutiques and independent bookstores. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Report: Steer the 'Big Box' Train Away from Small Towns

Travel through rural parts of Wisconsin and chances are you will pass a "dollar store". A new report says corporate retailers have too much of a …

AARP researchers say nearly 450,000 Wisconsin residents, or 46% of those 65 and older, live in families that rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing From People, Not Politicians, About Social Security

Keeping Social Security afloat without enacting cuts remains a thorny topic in Congress. As those debates continue to unfold, Wisconsin residents …

Student loan payments begin in October, as the federal pause initially prompted by the pandemic ends, and interest on those payments has already resumed. (Adobe Stock)

As Student Loan Payments Resume, New Federal Relief Takes Shape

The pandemic-related pause on student loan payments is ending, and as Wisconsin borrowers resume efforts to chip away at their balance, they're urged …

As of Aug. 15, 2023, the federal government lists 75 disasters in the U.S. and its territories, compared with 55 in the same period last year. Senior advocates under climate change threats, more older adults need to be prepared for a disaster. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Indicates More Older Adults Need Disaster Readiness Plans

Most older adults are not as prepared as they should be to respond quickly in the event of natural disasters, which can strike with little notice…

According to the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, more than half a million children have been disenrolled from Medicaid in just 21 states that post child enrollment data on a more-timely basis. (Adobe Stock)

WI Kids Losing Health Coverage in Medicaid Unwinding

As Wisconsin kids head back to school, families who rely on Medicaid are reminded to ensure their children still have health insurance. States are …

After false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, some states have lowered their risk of threats to democracy by enacting certain safeguards. A new analysis found Wisconsin faces a 'moderate risk' of election denialism. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: WI Has Yet to Eradicate 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in Wisconsin and other battleground states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new …

As more traditional automakers bring electric vehicles to the market, industry analysts say it's going to be a learning curve for dealerships with little EV sales experience to become effective in marketing them to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Sales: Fact vs. Fiction in WI

The auto industry has been dealing with challenges lately, such as higher interest rates, but analysts said there are nuances, and they stressed …

Construction unions say contractors who have tax liens against them should draw more scrutiny over concerns they are mistreating workers. (Adobe Stock)

Labor Leaders: WI Tax Fraud Case Warrants More Scrutiny Over Trades

Construction union leaders in the Midwest hope law enforcement and other entities take notice of the outcome of a tax evasion case involving a Wiscons…

Environmental experts said people living in places like the Midwest were caught off-guard this summer by smoky air from Canadian wildfires, because past policy efforts have improved overall air quality in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Smoky Summer: Tips for WI Residents, Now and in Future

Air quality alerts have resurfaced in Wisconsin, with some areas experiencing the smoky air from Canadian wildfires. Health and environmental …

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, pet owners are urged to go to great lengths to keep their animals cool, including a constant stream of safe drinking water. And experts say you should never assume your pet can swim, and you should monitor them at all times near the water. (Adobe Stock)

During Hotter Stretches, Pets Need to Stay Cool, Too

Next week, parts of Wisconsin will see the return of near 90-degree temperatures. Animal rights voices say as hot stretches become more common…

Officials with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Student Success Through Applied Research Lab are gathering data from colleges and universities across the country as they create a searchable database for Indigenous students seeking financial relief. They hope to have an initial version ready next year. (Adobe Stock)

WI Project to Create Financial Aid Tool for Native College Students

Indigenous college students face many obstacles in higher education, including overwhelming costs and not feeling culturally connected on campus…

Health-Care Industry Prepares for Gen Z and Its Values

Mental-health coverage and using digital devices to communicate with doctors' offices are among the health-care priorities of Generation Z. Providers …

As Trump Case Proceeds, New Legal Fight Looms Over Democracy in WI

This week's indictment of former President Donald Trump has renewed calls to protect core functions of democracy. In Wisconsin, those behind a new …

In the early 1990s, a federal framework for youth apprenticeship programs took shape, and Wisconsin was an early adopter in establishing a state-level program. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: WI Youth Apprenticeship Could Serve as National Model

Wisconsin has the largest and longest-running youth apprenticeship program in the country. And social policy researchers are out with new findings …

A private company is pushing a federal regulatory agency to allow for gambling on the outcome of congressional races. But the organization Common Cause says it poses significant risks of bribery and election manipulation. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Democracy Group: Regulators Should Say "No Dice" to Election Betting

Almost a year before the 2024 election, the question of whether bets should be allowed on congressional races is being debated. The idea has civic-…

While inflation has eased, consumer advocates say certain food costs, for such staples as bread, remain high. (Adobe Stock)

WI Part of National Effort to Rein in Food Costs

Wisconsin is part of a bipartisan effort among law enforcement leaders around the U.S. to beef up and crack down on anti-trust activity within the …

Health equity groups said dental therapists can go out into settings like schools and federally qualified community health centers, and provided much-needed oral health care to underserved populations. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Therapists Touted as Key to Advancing Dental Care Equity

The term "food deserts" is used a lot in the fight against hunger, but groups calling attention to the shortage of oral health care professionals say …

EPA Samples Show How Bacteria Can Ruin a Day at the Beach

A significant percentage of beaches that surround the Great Lakes tested positive last year for potentially unsafe levels of bacteria. Wisconsin is …

Beyond changes to Social Security, a large group of House Republicans in Washington proposes reforms to Medicare critics argued would amount to privatization of the system. (Adobe Stock)

Talk of Social Security Cuts in D.C. Renews Longstanding Concerns

There is renewed debate in Congress over the future of programs like Social Security and Medicare, and Wisconsin voices and advocacy groups are …

As of June, the new Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance program says it has served nine counties around the state, with ten hunger relief sites receiving food deliveries from local farms. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Relief Connections Put Small WI Farms on the Map

A new Wisconsin program strives to create a "win-win" scenario for regional food shelves and independent farmers. This month, a new directory went …

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