Wisconsin News & Current Events | Public News Service

The Agriculture Enterprise Area Program, under the Farmland Preservation program, offers additional financial incentives for communities who commit to keeping land in agriculture use for a specified period. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

WI ag conservation program yields farmers' savings

Wisconsin's investment in preserving its agricultural land is offering some solace to farmers and landowners while helping them save money amid a clim…

Experts say scammers blast text messages out in hopes they reach someone who has a car and drives where there may be tolls, where the scenario of owing a fee could be believable. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid toll text scams on the rise in WI

Scam text messages impersonating the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and toll authorities are on the rise, despite the fact Wisconsin does not …

A day before Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested, federal authorities apprehended a former New Mexico judge and his wife on charges related to harboring an undocumented immigrant. (Adobe Stock)

Legal experts call arrest of WI judge 'extreme and unnecessary'

Legal experts and advocates are outraged over the arrest of a Milwaukee judge last week who was charged with helping an undocumented defendant avoid a…

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations at the low end of earning potential in Green Bay include physical and social science jobs, and arts, design, entertainment, sports and media professions. (Adobe Stock).

Smart money management helps WI residents weather uncertain economy

April is Financial Literary Awareness Month and Wisconsinites worried about housing, grocery and transportation costs, or watching their retirement …

About 500,000 children in the U.S. are exposed to lead, disproportionately on poor and Black and brown families. (Adobe Stock)

Experts say lead in Milwaukee schools is an environmental justice issue

As the city of Milwaukee continues to grapple with addressing unsafe levels of lead across public schools, experts are calling it an environmental …

Last year, Wisconsin exported nearly $30 billion worth of goods, down about $4.2 billion from its peak. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Tariffs could worsen WI’s ‘turbulent’ export economy

Exports are important to Wisconsin's economy but a new report found they are facing turbulence between a decade-long decline and the uncertainty of ne…

The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, with more than 50,000 women experience life-threatening complications due to labor and delivery each year. (Adobe Stock)

Maternal death outcomes drop, except for Black women

Today marks the last day of Black Maternal Health Week, a nationally and internationally recognized observance that serves to build community …

There are 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in Wisconsin. Indigenous people make up about 1.5% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal communities see historic turnout at Wisconsin polls

Voter turnout from tribal communities in Wisconsin has increased in recent years, with historic numbers for the state Supreme Court election this …

The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would require the USDA to give a 60-day notice of any agency closures. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is among those who introduced the bill last month. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bill aims to pay farmers back for disrupted grants

A Wisconsin-based nonprofit hopes a new law can help some of its struggling farmers quickly recoup federal grant funds they are owed. The Honor …

Critics of cuts to the Social Security Administration predict they will further strain an already struggling system, possibly depriving some people of being able to access benefits. (Adobe Stock)

You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential …

Wisconsin was set to receive more than $11 million this year from the Local Food for Schools program and about $5.5 million from the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. (Adobe Stock)

WI schools cancel local farm partnerships due to federal cuts

By Josh Israel for the Wisconsin Independent.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Indepen…

The Uplift Wisconsin warmline offers emotional support for people experiencing distress but not in immediate danger, different from a hotline designed for immediate crisis intervention and urgent support. (Adobe Stock)

'Uplift Wisconsin' to end service this week due to federal cuts

"Uplift Wisconsin" is just one of the latest casualties from a $210 million cut in federal health funds to the state. The "warmline" operates seven …

In its 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled spending money for political purposes was protected by the First Amendment. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Blame SCOTUS for money buying elections

Tomorrow's Wisconsin Supreme Court election is now the most expensive judicial race in American history and a new report said ironically, one of the …

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

A local nonprofit with a mission to advance regenerative agriculture is hoping its new video can open up an untapped world of science to a younger aud…

Among other efforts, NOAA has been leading the charge in mapping the bottom of the Great Lakes to improve navigation safety, understand the impact of climate change, locate pipelines and identify fisheries and shipwrecks. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts could put WI weather warnings on ice

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

Gregor Willms assists the Cedarburg High School team in the soil pit at Envirothon 2024. (Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association)

Competition prepares students for environmental science careers

A local event that brings students face-to-face with outdoor habitats is serving to ignite a lifelong passion in some that go on to pursue "green jobs…

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

According to Wisconsin's Judicial Code of Conduct, judges are not required to recuse themselves based on an endorsement or campaign contributions. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WI’s ‘nonpartisan’ Supreme Court race is anything but

Early voting for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race starts next week and, although the seat is technically nonpartisan, both candidates have clear …

Many fusion startups have their sights set on being able to power the electrical grid by the 2030s and 2040s.(Adobe Stock)

As its fusion research continues, WI firm manages to make a profit

By Eric Wesoff for Canary Media.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-P…

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Research: Mass deportations don't create more U.S. jobs

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

Utilities across the U.S. are tasked with meeting various carbon-reduction goals, and with electricity demand soaring, they said natural gas has to be part of the solution, at least temporarily. Clean energy advocates suggested it is not necessary. (Adobe Stock)

As WI considers new gas plant, grid study suggests cleaner options

Wisconsin's largest utility provider is seeking approval for a new gas plant to help meet growing electricity demand, but a new report argues there …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

Even though Wisconsin is considered restrictive in its tuition and financial aid policies for undocumented students, more than 20% of the higher education student body is international, or first-or second-generation immigrants. (Adobe Stock)

WI colleges, universities get advice about ICE on campus

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, he rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making …

Danny Akenson of the group Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin said the corporate consolidation from concentrated animal feeding operations has caused the shuttering of many small farms across the state. Dairy farms in Wisconsin with fewer than 100 cattle have decreased by more than 50% since 2012. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pushes back after controversial CAFO expansion OK'd

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved a permit to expand Ridge Breeze Dairy in Salem despite hundreds of local objections…

The Trump administration is mandating many federal employees work in the office full-time, which puts remote workers who live in rural Wisconsin, far from their office buildings, at risk. (Adobe Stock). <br />

As federal cuts hit Wisconsinites, one group pitches in to help

Communities in Wisconsin are feeling the widespread effects of federal cuts and some organizations are pitching in to help those who have experienced …

President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China earlier this month and the Chinese government imposed 15% counter tariffs on goods imported from the U.S. into China. (Adobe Stock)

WI farmer shares firsthand experience with Trump tariffs

By Olivia Herken for the Wisconsin Independent.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Indep…

Sun Bear Industries coordinates and manages renewable energy projects, connecting tribal governments with contractors specializing in renewable energy. (Adobe Stock)

WI tribal nations working toward energy autonomy

By Robert Chappell for Madison 365.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Madison 365-Public News Ser…

Light therapy can be especially effective for treating seasonal affective disorder, particularly when used in the morning. One study found 61% of patients experienced symptom remission after consistent use. (Adobe Stock)

Winter blues hit Wisconsin along with snow, cold temps

Cold, gray days can seem endless this time of year in Wisconsin and if you are feeling down, you are not alone. Nationwide, up to 6% of the …

A new ordinance allows Accessory Dwelling Units, often called

La Crosse uses AARP grant to inspire housing solutions

The city of La Crosse is hoping a new online design library of Accessory Dwelling Units will help inspire residents to build one. The units have …

Moore says we should not make peace with the moral or fiscal cost of not addressing gun violence as a public health issue. A single homicide in Wisconsin costs taxpayers $2 million per incident and a single non-fatal shooting costs $644,000. (Adobe Stock)

Experts hope WI’s first state violence prevention office will save lives

Support for Governor Tony Evers's first statewide Office of Violence Prevention is gaining momentum, as some safety experts and advocates say they're …

Researchers in industries from food production to textiles to technology are using microbes to make products like bioplastics, biofuel, metals and animal feed. (Adobe Stock)

WI researchers use microbes to transform wastewater

By Carolyn Beans for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reportin…

The Climate-Smart Program includes participating farmers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

New program shows environmental impact of green farming

Some Wisconsin farmers are now able to see the environmental effects from their sustainable farming practices through a new conservation program that …

At Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, 45% of patients use Medicaid to cover their health care services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed one in three children living in rural areas of Wisconsin are insured by the health …

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

Petitioners for the Delevan Lake Watershed Agricultural Enterprise Area hope to promote water quality to protect local surface water and build relationships between agricultural producers and watershed stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin adds more protected ag lands to its count

Wisconsin has just added more than 30,000 acres across two counties to its protected agricultural lands, advancing its commitment to preserve the …

A crew helped Jim Hoffman build beaver dam analogs on his cranberry farm in central Wisconsin. (Jim Hoffman)

WI farmer uses 'mock beaver dams' to restore wetlands

By Bennet Goldstein for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public New…

In 1984, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn started a tradition of volunteering one week a year to Habitat for Humanity. Carter had last volunteered at age 95, just five years before his passing on Dec. 29, 2024. (Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity)

Jimmy Carter’s lasting impact on Milwaukee

As the world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter during the nation's memorial observation, his influence has …

After realizing their limited capacity to implement statutory state conservation programs, Wisconsin replaced the district model in 1982 with a county-based model, which joined overlapping issues like parks and planning with conservation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WI’s conservation model an 'untapped' resource

Wisconsin is the first state in the country to run its conservation programs by county rather than by district. One conservation advocate said …

Wisconsin's gun violence rate is near the national average, with more than 740 people dying from gun violence each year, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Adobe Stock)

Gun-safety advocates call on WI lawmakers to take action

As the new year begins, state lawmakers and officials will continue to grapple with how to prevent school shootings, like the one just two weeks ago …

Two large-scale Wisconsin clean energy projects, the Apple River Solar Project in Polk County and the Darien Solar Energy Center in Walworth and Rock counties, are scheduled for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin ends year on a high note in clean energy

Wisconsin is ending the year on a high note in the clean energy space, with some notables like a first-of-its-kind energy dome and approval for the …

Wisconsin municipal courts issued more than 27,000 arrest warrants and writs of commitment for people who failed to pay fines between Jan. 2023 and Aug. 2024, according to the ACLU of Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

If you have any unpaid traffic or parking tickets, the latest report on Wisconsin's municipal courts said in some areas, you could go to jail if you …

The Farm Bill extension is in effect through Sept. 30, 2025, and includes nearly $31 billion in economic and disaster aid for farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

For WI farmers, Farm Bill extension brings relief, uncertainty

Farmers in Wisconsin may be breathing a sigh of relief going into the new year with the farm bill extension but it may be temporary, as experts said …

Many federal conservation programs received a boost in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, one of the largest investments in climate Congress has made in the nation's history. (Adobe Stock)

Southwest WI farmer unfazed by weather due to conservation practices

A diverse group of Southwest Wisconsin farmers are using federally funded conservation programs to help improve their farms' soil health and resilienc…

Surveys by the National Alliance on Mental Illness have found 64% of people living with some form of mental illness say the holidays tend to make their conditions worse. (Adobe Stock)

Not in a festive mood this holiday season? You’re not alone

If you find yourself in a less than festive mood this holiday season, you are not alone. In Wisconsin, the recent school shooting tragedy in Madison …

As of 2023, Wisconsin is home to over 450,000 small businesses, employing nearly 1 million people.<br />(Adobe Stock)

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration …

Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is currently routed as close as 11 feet to a riverbank caused by flooding and erosion. (Bad River: A Story of Defiance)

Documentary brings WI tribe's pipeline resistance to national stage

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servic…

American martens require very specific living parameters and are hyper sensitive to any changes in their habitat. (Adobe Stock)

WI receives federal funds to recover state’s only endangered mammal

The federal Department of the Interior has awarded the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission more than $800,000 for recovery efforts for Ame…

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