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Where collective bargaining and politics fit into prison staff shortages
Myriad factors are fueling staffing shortages within correctional facilities, as Wisconsin Examiner recently reported. These include working conditions faced by many jail and prison staff and mass incarceration, which has far outpaced the hiring of new staff. Sean Daley, a business agent and member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) […]
Prisons struggle with high attrition and burnout among staff
For jails and prisons across the country, it can be a challenge to retain enough staff necessary to properly run a facility. And for the staff members who are on payroll, the burden can be immense, leading to a variety of negative mental and physical health outcomes. It’s a nationwide pattern from which the state […]
Wildfire risks remain high, with more than 70 fires over weekend
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is heightening concerns around the risk of wildfires across much of the state with warmer weather arriving this week. The department is warning residents to remain vigilant of fires and avoid burning. Over 40 counties are at “very high” fire danger, with another 12 counties having a “high fire […]
Study sounds alarm over decline of world’s reptile species
A study conducted by NatureServe, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Conservation International has revealed that a fifth of all the world’s reptile species are at risk of extinction. Published in the journal Nature, the analysis found that 21% of all reptile species globally are threatened with extinction. Wisconsin has 37 species […]
New ACLU executive director reflects on the struggles facing Wisconsin
Dr. Melinda Brennan became executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin (ACLU) in January. Surveying Wisconsin’s landscape of civil rights and social justice battles, she says it’s crucial to maintain “a very intentional focus on how the issues that we’ve been devoted to for a long time are very tightly intertwined.” At […]
Wisconsinites support pollinators by taking part in No Mow May
Wisconsin’s transition from cold winter weather to the wetter conditions of spring offers many things for residents. Migratory birds return as habitats and ecosystems across the state prepare for warmer days. Pollinators return as well, either coming out of over-winter dormancy or returning from their own migrations. Once May rolls around, some Wisconsin communities make […]
Day 2 of actions for immigrant rights in Wisconsin Capitol
Over 300 immigrant rights activists with Voces de la Frontera and allied organizations gathered in the Capitol on Monday for the second day of the Day Without Latinxs & Essential Workers general strike. “This is a historic day,” said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, addressing the crowd through a megaphone. “This is […]
May Day march shows immigrant rights movement isn’t over
More than 4,000 people assembled on Sunday for an annual May Day march organized by Voces de la Frontera, the immigrant workers’ rights group based in Milwaukee. The march signaled the start of a two-day series of “Days Without Latinxs & Immigrants” actions in Wisconsin and in 17 other states. Starting on Milwaukee’s South Side, […]
National campaign puts its sights on popular police gunfire detection tool
In cities around the country, through networks of audio sensors scattered in a neighborhood, loud sounds like gunfire can be detected and their source triangulated. Called ShotSpotter, the system operates in 125 U.S. cities, including Milwaukee. Police departments and the ShotSpotter company say the system offers real-time intelligence on when and where a gunshot occurs. […]
DNR taking public comment for Portage County CAFO permit
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on a proposal to modify a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit for Gordondale Farms. Located in Portage County about a mile from the Village of Nelsonville, the farm’s permit runs until July 31, 2025. The DNR is re-examining the permit following a Supreme […]
Kinnard Farms sues DNR over water quality requirements
Kinnard Farms, one of Wisconsin’s largest dairy producers, has filed a lawsuit to challenge requirements that the operation test water quality near fields where manure has been spread. The lawsuit, filed on Earth Day against the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), comes weeks after the DNR announced that Kinnard Farms would be required to monitor […]
Wisconsin holds first medical cannabis public hearing
For the Wisconsin Legislature, getting to the point where a conversation about legalizing cannabis could be had in committee has been challenging. It’s a first step legislators finally took Wednesday, April 20, an annual day of celebration for cannabis activists. The public hearing on the legislation (SB-1034), which would legalize medical marijuana, was held in […]