Author
Judge rules DNR lacks authority to regulate PFAS
The authority of Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to regulate PFAS (per and fluroalkyl substances) “forever chemicals” that have contaminated drinking water was blocked on Tuesday. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren ruled that the DNR cannot regulate PFAS and other emerging toxic compounds under Wisconsin’s Spills Law. If allowed to stand, the ruling […]
What would the Republican National Convention mean for Milwaukee?
In 2024, the city of Milwaukee could get a second chance to host a national political convention and to reap the economic benefits that almost always come along with such events. Nearly two years ago the city’s convention dreams were dashed when, after Milwaukee won the chance to host the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the […]
First Black alders elected to Wauwatosa common council
For the first time in its history, the city of Wauwatosa’s common council will include African Americans elected to office. Both District 2 Alder Margaret Arney and District 5 Alder Sean Lowe have made history in their races. Arney, who ran unopposed, is Wauwatosa’s first woman of color to serve on the common council. Lowe, […]
Avian influenza outbreaks detected around state
Concerns are growing around the recent spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) throughout the state. More commonly known as “bird flu,” the virus has been detected in Barron and Racine counties among captive poultry flocks. Due to the outbreaks all poultry shows, exhibits and swap meets have been suspended statewide through May 31. Similar […]
Wisconsin communities see uptick in white supremacist activity
In late March, a banner reading “Resist Black Terror” was hung from the Waukesha Transit Center’s parking garage. Quotes from Adolph Hitler were allegedly featured on the banner calling for a new nation for “only white people(s) of good stock,” and promoting a website linked to a recognized white supremacist group. Exactly who was responsible […]
Milwaukee not a bad city for climate change, report finds
How might Milwaukee fare as the climate changes, and parts of the country experience more intense weather? A new analysis by Policygenius, an independent insurance broker and online marketplace, found that the city may actually fare pretty well. The Policygenius analysis, which assessed urban cities across the country, ranked Milwaukee at #6 on the list […]
Baldwin and others blast consulting firm’s work with opioid industry
Sen. Tammy Baldwin has joined a group of other senators, led by Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, calling for an investigation into why a global consulting firm didn’t disclose conflicts of interest related to the opioid industry. McKinsey & Company, a global consulting firm, worked with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on opioid-related […]
DNR resumes management of Native American effigy mound
The Department of Natural Resources will resume management of Lizard Mound County Park in Washington County. For more than 70 years the property, home to one of Wisconsin’s many Native American effigy mounds, has been publicly managed. The DNR managed it from 1950 to 1980, when Washington County took over until late 2021. Effigy mounds […]
Celebration and challenge for Milwaukee’s new chief executive
Milwaukee has elected its first Black mayor, Cavalier Johnson, a historic milestone the gravity of which wasn’t lost on Johnson, or anyone else who gathered at the Hilton Milwaukee Center to watch the results come in. By the time the spring election concluded on Tuesday night, Johnson had garnered 71.69% of the vote. Johnson swept […]
Wauwatosa school district pressured after classroom discussions of ongoing lawsuits
The question of what topics should and should not be discussed in the classroom is a political flash point. But while Wauwatosa’s school district says it hasn’t grappled with debates about so-called critical race theory, or discussions of gender and sexuality in class, one topic has generated complaints. That’s the discussion of the protests for […]
Student activists demand lunch justice in Milwaukee schools
A new campaign pushing for reform in the school lunchroom was launched in Milwaukee Thursday. Organizers from Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), a multicultural social justice organization, rallied outside of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) central office. Joined by allied organizations, the students are calling for food cooked fresh in the school, accommodations for […]
Major dairy farm now required to monitor groundwater quality
A Kewaunee County dairy farm with nearly 8,000 cows must now conduct groundwater monitoring on farm fields, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR announced the requirement Monday, two days after the department modified a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the operation, Kinnard Farms. The permit expires in January 2023. […]