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Was humankind created in Wisconsin?
A 35-mile stretch along Wisconsin’s western border was once the real, actual Garden of Eden, according to a Methodist minister. Though little-remembered, the “scientific” research of the Rev. David Oyer Van Slyke was hotly debated in his day, and his Eden still makes news. “There are a lot of people who would tell you that […]
Wisconsin leaders reflect on what makes them feel grateful
We asked notable people around the state, “What are you thankful for this holiday?” Here are the replies we received: Gov. Tony Evers: After the immense hardships Wisconsinites have endured—including the tragedy in the city of Waukesha on Sunday—Kathy and I believe it’s more important than ever to share what we’re thankful for and to […]
The State of Wisconsin is offering you a great deal on a bridge
You no longer have to go to Brooklyn to buy a bridge. An hour west of Madison are three you can have for the low, low price of free. The historic steel truss bridges connect two islands and the north and south shores of the Wisconsin River at Lone Rock, on Wisconsin Highway 130. The […]
Saving Circus World
The mystery-laden offices of Baraboo’s fabulous Ringling Bros. Circus just won $500,000 for restoration and preservation. That’s the good news. The bad news, and first of several mysteries: Why does a modest, house-like structure — a National Historic Landmark — require the lofty sum of $500,000 for repair? Its interior is only 1,680 square feet, […]
Busiest ever state parks face challenges under new chief
Visits to Wisconsin state parks this year have increased 18% compared to 2020, and increased 36% over pre-pandemic 2019. So far, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has logged more than 9.6 million visits to state parks in 2021. “So it’s just been a huge increase in use of state properties, and it’s great to see,” […]
Day of silence, years of protest: Wisconsin’s LGBTQ history
Today is the 25th annual Day of Silence, when LGBTQ students and allies around the world observe wordless protest against bullying and discrimination. In classrooms that respect the event, reading is a popular alternative to speaking, so it is doubly appropriate that the Wisconsin Historical Society has recently published a history of how enforced silence […]
Ringling Bros. Circus returning
“The Greatest Show on Earth” appears to be coming back. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s parent corporation is looking to hire a casting director for the famed American circus, which closed in 2017. The seven Ringling brothers’ circus was founded in Baraboo, in 1884. Its off-season quarters there have been preserved as Circus World, […]
UW chosen as distribution hub for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine
UW Health will be a regional distribution hub for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, it was announced today. The integrated health system of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has 80 outpatient sites throughout Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. “These vaccines will be going to front-line healthcare workers first, and there are still uncertainties around the quantities we’ll get […]
Wisconsin’s early Thanksgiving history
You may think you know the story: In the 1600s starving Europeans, new to the continent, were rescued with gifts of food from Native Americans, with whom they joined to give thanks. Except this Thanksgiving story didn’t happen near Plymouth Rock. It happened in Wisconsin in 1659, just 38 years after the Pilgrims’ feast. The […]
Assembly restoration preserves chamber’s beauty
Though the Wisconsin Assembly hasn’t met since April 14, a lot of hard, detailed work has been taking place in its State Capitol chamber. After years of planning and months of work, restoration of the Assembly’s beaux arts ceiling will be completed this week, on time and under budget. “To bring it back to what […]
Badger style cartooning is a work of art
The Badger State’s rich cartooning history will be celebrated in an exhibit opening Aug. 8 at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. “Wisconsin Funnies: 50 Years of Comics” will be on display through Nov. 22 at the West Bend museum and Saint Kate — The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee. The split location and timing are intended […]
New information on out-of-town police at Madison protests
Law enforcement from the farthest edges of the state responded to Madison protests of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and systemic racism and violence by police generally. The presence of large numbers of out-of-town cops raises questions about their speedy integration into Madison Police Department command. A local TV reporter appears to […]