Wisconsin News & Current Events | Public News Service

A proposal by Milwaukee City Alder Marina Dimitrijevic would provide 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents, regardless of their gender. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Milwaukee Alder Floats Proposal to Expand Paid Parental Leave

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Like most of the nation, Wisconsin does not have a statewide paid parental leave policy, but in Milwaukee, a three-month paid …

The nonprofit Feeding America says in 2021, about 13 million children in the United States likely lived in households that were food insecure. (New Mom/ISO Republic)

Monday, December 6, 2021

'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Wisconsin's food charities are preparing for a possible spike in demand heading into the holiday season. From the end of federal …

Human service providers say even after a foster contract has been fulfilled, maintaining connections with kids who have aged out of the system can provide much-needed stability as they move into adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 6, 2021

Making the Holiday Season Brighter for Foster Kids Entering Adulthood

MILWAUKEE - With the holidays here, Wisconsin foster families and other mentors are encouraged to maintain close connections with older teens no …

In a statewide survey of Wisconsin school districts, 37% said they were unable to provide students with Wi-Fi cards or hotspots. (Adobe Stock)

New Federal Funds Address Broadband Dilemma for Rural WI Students

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. -- Broadband gaps affect many facets of life, including education. The new federal infrastructure plan includes money to expand …

The Republican-created legislative and congressional maps, passed by the Wisconsin Legislature in November, were quickly vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers, teeing up a legal battle. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court Backs 'Least-Change' Redistricting Plan

MADISON, Wis. -- In a four-three decision this week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court backed a "least-change" approach to redistricting in the state…

Cases of chronic wasting disease among Wisconsin's deer population increased to a 20-year high of nearly 1,600 animals in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Public Can Weigh In on WI Efforts to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease

MADISON, Wis. - The Department of Natural Resources wants Wisconsinites to weigh in on its efforts to address chronic wasting disease. The always-…

Wisconsin's Black infant mortality rate is the highest in the country. Backers of the Build Back Better Act say it's one priority the legislation could address. (Adobe Stock)

Report: BBB Could Help with Maternal Care Needs in WI

MADISON, Wis. - As Congress debates the Build Back Better plan, a new report shows how it could address health coverage needs for children and …

Researchers say the links between experiences of racial discrimination and negative health outcomes are more pronounced for Black Americans than for any other group. (Adobe Stock)

UW Expert: Rittenhouse Verdict Could Add to Pain From Bias

MADISON, Wis. - The Kyle Rittenhouse verdict continues to evoke a range of emotions from the public. A University of Wisconsin expert says the …

Racial justice advocates say there's no good outcome from the Kyle Rittenhouse case because they feel the legal system still enables white supremacy. (Adobe Stock)

Rittenhouse Case Viewed as Symptom of Uneven Democracy

Kenosha, WI - The jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial has announced not-guilty verdicts on all charges in the case. Ground-level activists say the …

Wisconsin needs new political maps before the 2022 elections, but so far, partisan divides are getting in the way of the process. (Adobe Stock)

Evers Vetoes WI Redistricting Maps

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin's heavily-debated redistricting process entered a new phase Thursday, when the governor followed through on his promise to …

Unpaid family caregivers take on many common support roles, such as transportation to their love one's appointments, therapies and daily activities. (Adobe Stock)

WI Family Caregivers Have Helpline Support into 2022

MADISON, Wis. - November is National Family Caregivers Month, and Wisconsin residents are being reminded about an extra resource they can lean on as …

Rittenhouse Case Viewed as Symptom of Uneven Democracy

KENOSHA, Wis. -- In a trial that drew worldwide attention, a Kenosha County jury on Friday acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on all charges related to the …

A recent analysis put Wisconsin 36th in the nation for broadband internet access in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Plan to Boost Broadband Access for WI Families

WAUSAU, Wis. -- In national rankings, Wisconsin has not always fared well in closing the digital divide, especially in rural areas, but advocates of …

Several Wisconsin groups, led by Neighborhood Food Solutions in Dane County, are developing a training and production system that will help Black farmers be more successful with grains. (Adobe Stock)

WI Program Connects Black Farmers to Grain Market

MADISON, Wis. -- Federal data show the farming industry is older and mostly white, and an emerging Wisconsin program could open more pathways by …

Wisconsin's natural landscape is a key tourism draw, but local leaders demanding climate action say changing weather patterns could alter outdoor recreation. (Adobe Stock)

Local Leader: Climate Change Threatens Daily Life in WI

WESTON, Wis. -- In Washington, D.C. and on the other side of the globe, key talks continue surrounding climate-change solutions, and at the local …

An industry group says solar and clean-energy projects have invested $2 billion into Wisconsin's economy. (Adobe Stock)

WI Takes Big Leap in Clean-Energy Pursuit

MILWAUKEE - The clean-energy industry has welcomed its newest member to the "Gigawatt Club." Wisconsin's recognition for advancing such projects comes…

Opponents of political maps proposed by Wisconsin Republicans say they maintain a partisan tone that would allow the party to retain control for another decade. (Adobe Stock)

Gerrymandering Concerns Highlight WI Hearing

MADISON, Wis. -- The public had a chance to weigh in Thursday on new political maps proposed for Wisconsin's legislative and congressional boundaries…

The U.S. is one of only a handful of nations that doesn't have a paid-leave law for workers. (Adobe Stock)

WI Main Street Group to Congress: Don't Overlook Paid Leave

MADISON, Wis. -- Details are still being sorted out in the Biden administration's spending plan for boosting social programs. In Wisconsin, those …

Esther Shekinah is a research agronomist at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, leading a project in Wisconsin to bring more women landowners into the world of conservation. (MFAI)

WI Women in Conservation Take Movement to Next Level

MADISON, Wis. - Efforts continue to close the conservation gap for women landowners in Wisconsin. This week, organizers say the movement is taking a …

Some labor experts estimate that about 300,000 jobs are outsourced annually by companies based in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

WI Senator Target of New Outsourcing Campaign

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- A Wisconsin group that advocates for working families is launching a new campaign, which connects federal policy to the …

Between mid-August and mid-September, there were more than 160 new COVID-19 infections among Wisconsin nursing-home residents. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Ravages WI Nursing Homes, Again

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin is seeing similar COVID-19 patterns in long-term care facilities compared to fall of last year. Advocates for the state's …

Researchers are trying to come with a new mechanism for debunking misinformation being shared online. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting Misinformation: Pumping up News Feeds With Facts

MADISON, Wis. -- How do you fight an onslaught of misinformation surrounding the 2020 election? A University of Wisconsin communications professor …

College student Jasmine Neosh, a member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, is pursuing several areas as part of her academic career, including environmental justice. (Photo courtesy of Neosh)

'Indigibration' Part of Effort to Help Tribal College Students Feel Seen

SHAWANO, Wis. -- Ahead of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, a campaign is being launched to elevate the voices of tribal college students, with a …

States like Wisconsin have created task forces addressing student loan issues. In the meantime, teachers are applauding on overhaul of a federal relief program. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Overhaul Could Provide Student Debt Relief to WI Teachers

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Major changes to the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program could have a big impact on some of …

Under a proposed bill, Wisconsin schools would risk losing state aid if they taught certain concepts about racism. (Adobe Stock)

WI Plan to Ban Certain Race Teachings Sees Backlash

MADISON, Wis. -- When the Wisconsin Senate resumes its session this month, it could take up a bill containing restrictions on teaching philosophies …

Companies behind a proposed natural-gas plant for Wisconsin hope to break ground by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Economics of WI Gas Plant Proposal Questioned

SUPERIOR, Wis. -- Legal proceedings continue involving a proposed natural-gas plant for northwestern Wisconsin. The plans have been approved by state …

Research has shown the average older American takes four to five prescription drugs each month. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: WI Residents Priced Out of Prescription Drug Market

MADISON, Wis. - Prescription drug costs are climbing faster than wages for the average Wisconsin resident. That's according to a new analysis…

Wisconsin's divided government, underscored by claims of gerrymandering, has often seen legal fights over redistricting. (Adobe Stock)

Redistricting: Taking It to the Virtual Streets

HUDSON, Wis. -- A day-long virtual lobby session will be led Monday by Wisconsin's Fair Maps Coalition, so people can share their concerns with state …

Wisconsin has a Hmong population of nearly 50,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Afghan Refugee Effort Prompts Reminders of Hmong Experience

MADISON, Wis. - A Wisconsin military base remains the temporary home of nearly 8,000 Afghan refugees, and it isn't the first time the state has seen …

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

WI Ag Researchers Lift the Cover on Cover Crops

EAST TROY, Wis. - Wisconsin farmers are looking ahead to the fall harvest, and those who use cover crops face a deadline to sign up for a research …

Amid the push for Congress to approve the "Build Back Better" plan, the Biden administration and plan supporters have been adamant about not raising taxes on those earning less than $400,000. (Adobe Stock)

200 Higher-Income Earners Urge Congress to Boost Their Taxes

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Dozens of wealthy Americans from several states, including Wisconsin, are pressuring Congress to boost taxes on higher-income …

In Wisconsin, the average paid caregiver's wage is $10.47 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

WI Caregivers: Poll Underscores Need for 'Build Back Better'

MADISON, Wis. - New polling data from a dozen states, including Wisconsin, show public support for a key part of the Biden administration's economic …

Opponents of GOP-led election investigations in states such as Wisconsin say not only are they facing pushback from watchdogs and politicians from both parties, they also lack public support. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition: WI Headed Down Dangerous Path With Election Probes

MADISON, Wis. -- Arizona has received widespread coverage for its controversial audit of last year's presidential election, and now, a bipartisan …

At the new Wisconsin 9/11 memorial, a support structure that holds a section of steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center. (wisconsin911memorial.com)

Nearly a Decade in the Making, WI's New 9/11 Memorial Ready

KEWASKUM, Wis. -- Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and you don't have to visit New York or the Pentagon to pay tribute…

During a special hunt in February, Wisconsin hunters killed 218 wolves, well above the state's quota of 119. (Adobe Stock)

WI Faces Lawsuit Over Wolf-Hunt Program

MADISON, Wis. - Animal protection groups hope to overturn Wisconsin's controversial law allowing wolf hunts. A newly filed lawsuit follows months of …

A congressional proposal calls for several reforms for private equity firms, including more transparency in financial reporting. (Adobe Stock)

WI Plant Closure Seen as Example for Private-Equity Reform

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- A Wisconsin city that has seen its share of manufacturing jobs leave is experiencing pain again, prompting workers and financial-…

Armed with new census data, Wisconsin leaders are moving forward with redistricting. The new political maps are expected to result in a court fight, but fair-map advocates cite some optimistic signs this time around. (Adobe Stock)

Politics Aside, WI Residents Can Submit Redistricting Input

MADISON, Wis. - Going into the current redistricting cycle, Wisconsin was viewed as a state where political tension would underscore new legislative …

In Wisconsin, 90% of nursing-home residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with just 50% of staff. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — In Wisconsin, 90% of nursing-home residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with just 50% of staff. (Adobe Stock)

Variant Spread Renews Focus on Nursing-Home Vaccinations

MADISON, Wis. -- In Wisconsin and around the U.S., there are growing calls for a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for nursing-home staffs, and a …

Child well-being experts say being positively connected to peers helps young people develop the tools they need to become more confident and successful. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Back-to-School List Should Include Well-Being Awareness

MADISON, Wis. -- The school year is fast approaching, and many Wisconsin students will be headed back to the classroom for the first time in a while…

Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in Wisconsin during last year's presidential election by nearly 20,000 votes. But Trump and his supporters continue to question the outcome. (Adobe Stock)

WI Watchdog: Election Audit Demands Merely "Campaign Fodder"

MADISON, Wis. -- A pro-democracy group said the latest attempt to pick apart Wisconsin's vote totals from the 2020 presidential election doesn't hold …

If approved, WEC Energy Group says its proposed gas storage facilities for southeastern Wisconsin could be operational by late 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Opponents Say 'No Tanks' to WI Gas Storage Facilities

IXONIA, Wis. -- The public comment period has ended, but opponents of proposed natural gas storage facilities in southeastern Wisconsin still hope to …

A new report says the onset of the pandemic saw a drop of nearly 60% in children's visits to U.S. pediatricians. (Adobe Stock)

Pediatricians: Families Should Dust Off Their Wellness Visit Calendars

APPLETON, Wis. - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. With school resuming …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Black farmers own just 0.52% of the nation's farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Over Federal Aid Underscores Barriers for BIPOC Farmers

EAST TROY, Wis. -- Wisconsin is at the center of a lawsuit targeting federal debt relief for farmers of color. The suit was filed this spring by a …

A class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been used in products such as firefighting foam. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Could Restrict WI Cities From Suing Over 'Forever Chemicals'

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin policymakers are looking to provide more aid to towns and cities faced with contamination cleanup of so-called "forever …

The expanded Child Tax Credit will give families an advance on half the sum through monthly payments through December. The rest can be claimed when taxes are filed next spring. (Adobe Stock)

Budget Stabilizer: Child Tax Credit Payments Arrive for WI Families

MADISON, Wis. -- The federal government today begins issuing monthly payments under the expanded Child Tax Credit. Advocates for working families in …

An independent analysis says under Wisconsin's tax relief plan, a typical family could see $115 in annual savings, while higher earners could save close to $1,000. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin Hands Out Tax Relief. But Who Wins?

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin's new two-year budget is not getting a lot of attention for its spending provisions. Instead, the focus is on a major tax …

A new report says with more states raising the minimum age for criminal responsibility, there's been a 60% reduction in teens going through the adult justice system. (Adobe Stock)

Report Prompts New Calls for WI to 'Raise the Age' for Criminal Responsibility

MADISON, Wis. -- In Wisconsin, if a 17-year-old is arrested, they're automatically treated as an adult defendant. There's been a push to "Raise the …

University of Wisconsin researchers estimate the state's gray wolf population sits at about 700, a 30% drop they believe was caused by poaching and a licensed hunt after federal protections were removed. (Adobe Stock)

New WI Study Suggests Even Greater Wolf Population Loss

MADISON, Wis. -- Another Wisconsin wolf hunt is on the horizon, with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials trying to balance concerns from …

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Wisconsin

Milwaukee Alder Floats Proposal to Expand Paid Parental Leave

'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

Making the Holiday Season Brighter for Foster Kids Entering Adulthood

New Federal Funds Address Broadband Dilemma for Rural WI Students

WI Supreme Court Backs 'Least-Change' Redistricting Plan

Public Can Weigh In on WI Efforts to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease

Report: BBB Could Help with Maternal Care Needs in WI

UW Expert: Rittenhouse Verdict Could Add to Pain From Bias

Rittenhouse Case Viewed as Symptom of Uneven Democracy

Evers Vetoes WI Redistricting Maps

WI Family Caregivers Have Helpline Support into 2022

Rittenhouse Case Viewed as Symptom of Uneven Democracy

Infrastructure Plan to Boost Broadband Access for WI Families

WI Program Connects Black Farmers to Grain Market

Local Leader: Climate Change Threatens Daily Life in WI

WI Takes Big Leap in Clean-Energy Pursuit

Gerrymandering Concerns Highlight WI Hearing

WI Main Street Group to Congress: Don't Overlook Paid Leave

WI Women in Conservation Take Movement to Next Level

WI Senator Target of New Outsourcing Campaign

COVID Ravages WI Nursing Homes, Again

Fighting Misinformation: Pumping up News Feeds With Facts

'Indigibration' Part of Effort to Help Tribal College Students Feel Seen

Federal Overhaul Could Provide Student Debt Relief to WI Teachers

WI Plan to Ban Certain Race Teachings Sees Backlash

Economics of WI Gas Plant Proposal Questioned

Analysis: WI Residents Priced Out of Prescription Drug Market

Redistricting: Taking It to the Virtual Streets

Afghan Refugee Effort Prompts Reminders of Hmong Experience

WI Ag Researchers Lift the Cover on Cover Crops

200 Higher-Income Earners Urge Congress to Boost Their Taxes

WI Caregivers: Poll Underscores Need for 'Build Back Better'

Coalition: WI Headed Down Dangerous Path With Election Probes

Nearly a Decade in the Making, WI's New 9/11 Memorial Ready

WI Faces Lawsuit Over Wolf-Hunt Program

WI Plant Closure Seen as Example for Private-Equity Reform

Politics Aside, WI Residents Can Submit Redistricting Input

Variant Spread Renews Focus on Nursing-Home Vaccinations

Experts: Back-to-School List Should Include Well-Being Awareness

WI Watchdog: Election Audit Demands Merely "Campaign Fodder"

Opponents Say 'No Tanks' to WI Gas Storage Facilities

Pediatricians: Families Should Dust Off Their Wellness Visit Calendars

Lawsuit Over Federal Aid Underscores Barriers for BIPOC Farmers

Bill Could Restrict WI Cities From Suing Over 'Forever Chemicals'

Budget Stabilizer: Child Tax Credit Payments Arrive for WI Families

Wisconsin Hands Out Tax Relief. But Who Wins?

Report Prompts New Calls for WI to 'Raise the Age' for Criminal Responsibility

New WI Study Suggests Even Greater Wolf Population Loss