Wisconsin News & Current Events | Public News Service

Researchers found cities with the highest ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live based on the metrics of physical inactivity and mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Two of Wisconsin's largest cities land in the top twenty in a new ranking for parks. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has issued its annual …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends every woman get a well-woman checkup once a year. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts to Women: Put Your Personal Health on the Front Burner

As Women's Health Week continues, experts in Wisconsin and elsewhere are reminding women to prioritize their well-being. The Centers for Disease …

Beyond extending postnatal health coverage, some health leaders say improving paid-leave benefits can help address health complications that pregnant women can face, such as an elevated risk for stroke. (Adobe Stock)

A Spotlight on Stroke Risks for Pregnant Women

Research has emerged about the link between pregnancy complications and a higher risk of stroke, and a Wisconsin health expert suggested it is a risk …

Canada-based Enbridge Inc. operates Line 5, an oil pipeline that stretches 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. (Adobe Stock)

New Court Fight Emerges Over WI Oil Pipeline

A court hearing is scheduled for this week as environmental and tribal advocates continue to voice concerns about an oil and gas pipeline that runs ac…

A trial involving three animal rights activists, charged with their entry into a breeding and researching facility in Wisconsin, is scheduled to begin in November. (Adobe Stock)

Activists Put Spotlight on Treatment of Dogs at WI Research Facility

A Wisconsin court case involving charges against animal rights activists remains in play. Ahead of trial proceedings, various groups are calling …

In a new AARP poll, 43% of respondents said they would be motivated to support political candidates who vow to expand access to family caregiver support and respite services. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll Shows Caregiver Concerns Cross Generations

A majority of U.S. voters say it is important for Congress to expand services to enable seniors to live independently at home. That's according to a …

Siena Chrisman of State Innovation Exchange, Kellon Patey of People's Action and Caitlin Cromwell of Northern Plains Resource Council discuss policy goals at the 2023 Rural Policy Action Summit. (Photo courtesy of Rural Democracy Initiative)

Wisconsin Voices Reflect on Rural Summit

Rural advocates from around the U.S. recently gathered to lay out policy priorities at the state and federal levels in hopes of making smaller …

Last fall, officials from Agra Energy and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh held a groundbreaking for Wisconsin's first commercial facility to turn dairy farm waste into renewable biofuel. (Photo courtesy UW Oshkosh)

UW Partnership Converts Manure to Jet Fuel in Fighting Climate Change

By Anastasia Pirrami for Great Lakes Echo.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

In March 2020, COVID-19 forced schools in 185 countries to close their doors, according to the<br />United Nations. (Adobe Stock)

Teachers' Union Leader Testifies About School Closures During COVID

Earlier in the pandemic, Wisconsin Republicans brought legal challenges to shutdowns meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Three years into the …

Utilities behind the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Wisconsin hope to be in operation by 2027. (Rendering courtesy of Minnesota Power)

Following Energy Trends, WI Regulators Urged to Reconsider Gas Plant

Wisconsin regulators are being asked to take another look at previously approved plans for a proposed natural gas plant. An environmental group …

Newly-compiled data from a policy group showed while sales-tax revenue in Wisconsin has grown, income-tax revenue has decreased. Researchers warned if more tax cuts are pursued for the wealthy, state programs could suffer. (Adobe Stock)

WI Budget Debate: Some Call for Giving Tax Burden the Boot

Another tax season has wrapped up, and Wisconsin researchers found it is a reminder the state's overall tax structure leaves low- and middle-income …

Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)

Beyond Infrastructure, EV Movement Includes First-Responder Training

The auto industry and public agencies are looking ahead to a bigger transition to electric vehicles, and it's not just adding more charging stations…

Several civic engagement groups recently fanned across college campuses in Wisconsin in their effort to motivate young voters ahead of the April 4 election. (Adobe Stock)

Youth Voter Groups Won't Rest After WI Supreme Court Race

Early data show young voters were a driving force in last week's Wisconsin Supreme Court election, and civic engagement groups said they are not done …

Animal protection groups say warning signs of pet maltreatment can include dogs or cats left in yards chained up, looking dirty and in need of food and water. (Adobe Stock)

Animal Cruelty Awareness Month: Family Violence Warning Signs

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and Wisconsinites are urged to be aware of how family violence can affect pets - as well as the need …

According to a study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes 31.9% of its food each year. (Adobe Stock)

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

It's almost an everyday dilemma for consumers - whether to believe a food expiration date. Advocates for cutting waste say there are tips to avoid …

Consumer advocates say it's important for customers to read and understand a financial institution's terms and conditions to know what services are available. (AdobeStock)

Credit Unions Touted as Safe Alternative Amid Industry Concerns

The recent collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus. Customers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are being reminded that there are …

In its first five years, Wisconsin's Solar for Good program has paved the way for installation of 7.6 megawatts of solar power, enough to power 1,500 households. (Adobe Stock)

Solar for Good: Arrays Keep Rolling Out in WI

By Kari Lydersenfor Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

Wisconsin Republicans have weakened the powers of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and his attorney general. Advocates say that has made it harder for the state to pursue environmental cases in court. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court Race Outcome Also Linked to Climate Issues

As the state of Wisconsin analyzes the outcome of this week's state Supreme Court election, environmental advocates are hopeful about what it means …

Campaign contributions for this year's Wisconsin Supreme Court race have more than doubled the previous record for a state-level judicial election. (Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Pexels)

WI Supreme Court Race: Record Spending Leads to Reform Calls

Leading up to this week's election, Wisconsin voters have been inundated with campaign ads for the high-profile state Supreme Court race, and …

The debate over reimagining interstates in urban settings has surfaced in several Midwestern cities, including Milwaukee. (Adobe Stock)

As Climate Money Pours In, Some Urban Freeways May Disappear

A REASONS TO BE CHEERFFUL/SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM NETWORK/WISCONSIN NEWS CONNCECTION COLLABORATION Milwaukee is tied to a wave of freeway removals in th…

In a 2022 national survey of teachers, 74% said climate change will have an enormous impact on students' futures, and it would be irresponsible not to address the matter in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Closing the Generational Gap on Climate-Change Education

A new report warns that the window is quickly closing to prevent the most harmful effects of climate change. As global leaders face pressure to act…

The most recent Farm Bill covered areas such as agricultural conservation, trade and foreign food assistance, farm credit and research. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Research Community Urges Congress to Avoid Farm Bill Delays

The U.S. Farm Bill is up for reauthorization, and Congress faces calls to avoid any delays so certain programs can keep helping farmers and consumers …

Beyond improving soil and farm animal health, agriculture researchers say managed grazing also provides good habitat for pollinators and wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers Hope Grazing Funds Aren't Put Out to Pasture

Congress has been holding hearings on the next Farm Bill, which has major implications for the nation's food system. It also shapes conservation …

Environmental experts say a single teaspoon of sidewalk salt is enough to contaminate five gallons of water. (Adobe Stock)

WI Eyes Deicer Training to Curb Salt Pollution

Spring is almost here, but Wisconsin can't rule out the occasional snowstorm over the next few weeks, potentially resulting in more ice-melting …

In a new AARP report, the work of unpaid family caregivers in Wisconsin is valued at $16.97 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Uptick in Hours, Value of Unpaid Family Care in WI

The economic value of uncompensated family caregiving in Wisconsin has increased by more than $2 billion, according to the latest report estimating …

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, roughly 700,000 Wisconsinites rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Guidance for SNAP Recipients as Pandemic Boost Ends

Wisconsin residents receiving federal food assistance have now seen their final round of emergency aid prompted by the pandemic. Hunger-fighting …

Like many sectors, agriculture is under pressure to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. But policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are providing extra funding, so more farmers can tap into programs that help improve soil health and water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Program Constraints, 'Climate-Smart' Farming Gets Extra Aid

Farmers looking to enhance their range of climate-friendly practices are getting a boost with new federal funding. Wisconsin producers face a tight …

Highways are hot spots for soot, fine particulate matter that has major effects on people's health. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Faces Mixed Response Over Tighter Standards for Soot

The federal government is gathering public feedback on proposed revisions to air-quality standards for soot, and environmental voices in Wisconsin …

A national study from 2022 found a higher percentage of young adults ration their insulin supply, compared to those 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

An Insulin Hurdle Out of The Way, Others Remain

Some older patients with diabetes are now getting easier access to insulin. But there is concern many younger ones are still navigating a difficult …

Sara Wuorinen first contacted the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in Sept. 2021 to become a licensed substance abuse counselor. After 16 months of navigating the state bureaucracy, she still doesn't have the license. (Photo courtesy Derek Montgomery for Wisconsin Watch)

After Rejecting Staffing Requests, WI Republicans Approve DSPS Audit

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

Campaign contributions, fueled by out-of-state donors, are expected to shatter records for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The top two vote-getters in this month's primary will go on to the April election. (Adobe Stock)

Backers of WI Supreme Court Candidates Make Big Push

The race to fill a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat is drawing a lot of regional and national interest. And it's not just analysts; candidates are …

The National Alliance on Mental Illness says one in five college students faces a mental-health condition. (Adobe Stock)

Following MSU Shooting, College Students Reminded to Seek Support

This week's mass shooting at Michigan State University is the latest in a long list of such tragedies to happen on a campus, and students in …

An organizer tosses a chicken at an annual Wisconsin event that has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights advocates. (Photo courtesy United Poultry Concerns)

WI 'Chicken Toss' Event Renews Animal Exploitation Concerns

Later this month, a western Wisconsin town will hold an annual celebration including an event known as a "chicken toss." Animal rights advocates say …

Members of LIUNA Local 464 welcomed President Joe Biden on Wednesday to the Laborers Apprenticeship and Training Center in DeForest, Wisconsin. The latest jobs report shows the unemployment rate fell to 3.4%, the lowest job level since May 1969. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Biden Promotes Jobs Creation at Wisconsin Training Center

President Joe Biden visited the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin on Wednesday to promote his economic agenda and strengthen his ties to wo…

Eye-care professionals say limiting screen time before bedtime, using blue light-blocking filters on your devices, and wearing blue light-blocking glasses can all help protect from potential health risks. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts Amplify Warnings about Blue Light Exposure

With increased use of digital devices and computers in daily life, people are exposed to more and more blue light. Health experts, including a …

Advocates and activists from both the liberal and conservative sides are trying to encourage voter turnout for the upcoming state Supreme Court race, given the impact the outcome will have on the court's ideological balance. (Adobe Stock)

Informational Tour Kicks Off for WI Supreme Court Race

Wisconsin's primary election is two weeks away, and a high-profile state Supreme Court race is on the ballot. Several advocacy groups are behind a …

Projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 40% of all Americans living with Alzheimer's will be Black or Latino. (Adobe Stock)

Black History Month: Shining a Light on Alzheimer's Disparities

With Black History Month underway, Wisconsin researchers and support groups are highlighting the disparities in cases of Alzheimer's disease…

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?