Briefs
Wisconsin works to distribute monkeypox vaccine to areas where risk is highest, health department says
Wisconsin’s public health providers are working to distribute vaccines to guard against monkeypox, the viral illness that has become the subject of a national public health emergency. The initial focus is on people thought to be most at risk for the illness. The vaccine, which the federal government has been distributing as clusters of the […]
Biden administration proposes changing how monkeypox vaccine is administered
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration began encouraging health care providers Tuesday to change the way they’re administering vaccines to protect against monkeypox, in an attempt to stretch out doses fivefold. The latest shift in strategy comes as the administration races to curtail the spread of the virus, which jumped from 778 cases one month ago […]
National Guard unit ‘discreetly monitored’ Summerfest
The over 445,000 people who flocked to Summerfest along Milwaukee’s lakefront were likely unaware that among them were soldiers from the National Guard’s 54th Civil Support Team (CST). A press release from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs discloses that soldiers from the unit were “discreetly monitoring the large music festival for potential threats.” “We […]
Republicans confirm Milwaukee as 2024 convention city
The Republican Party will hold its 2024 presidential convention in Milwaukee, the party announced Friday, an outcome that was widely expected after Nashville withdrew from the competition to be the convention site. “Milwaukee is a world-class city, and we are eager to see it shine in the spotlight come 2024,” tweeted Ronna McDaniel, Republican Party […]
Contaminated Ashland soil along Enbridge Line 5 under investigation
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is assisting in the investigation of suspected oil-contaminated soil collected along Enbridge Line 5 south in Ashland. According to a DNR press release, an Enbridge contractor reported the soil to the DNR on the evening of Aug. 3. The soil was suspected to have been contaminated near Old Airport […]
Federal officials declare a public health emergency for monkeypox
WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Thursday a public health emergency for the monkeypox virus, which means the federal government can more quickly assist states with distributing vaccines and conducting testing and public health campaigns. “We’re prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this […]
U.S. House Democrats file brief in college affirmative action case
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott of Virginia has filed a brief along with 64 other House Democrats urging the Supreme Court to uphold the role that race plays in college admission policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. “Narrowly tailored admissions policies that recognize race as […]
DNR sets PFAS rules for drinking water, surface water, firefighting foam
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new administrative rules for perfluroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS). Called “forever chemicals,” PFAS and similar chemicals were used in man-made products from non-stick fast food wrappers to firefighting foam for decades. The bio-resistant chemicals don’t break down in nature nor within our bodies, and have been linked […]
Four members of U.S. Senate unveil bipartisan bill ensuring nationwide abortion rights
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of U.S. senators released legislation Monday that would codify Roe v. Wade, ensuring pregnant patients throughout the country once again have the right to an abortion. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Arizona Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said the measure, […]
Stalled U.S. Senate bill on veterans’ burn pit exposure could be revived this week
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate could be on track to advance a bill as soon as Tuesday that would provide veterans exposed to toxic substances overseas with health care and benefits, after a weekend in which outraged veterans camped out on the steps of the Capitol to protest a delay in the legislation. A Senate […]
Another judge orders attorney fees to be paid over Gableman open records suits
A second Dane County judge ordered attorneys fees to be paid to the government watchdog group suing for records related to the review of the 2020 presidential election being conducted by former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman. On Monday, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington awarded $163,000 in fees to American Oversight, which […]
Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again in ‘rebound’ infection
WASHINGTON — The White House announced that President Joe Biden tested positive again for COVID-19 this past weekend in what his physician said represented “rebound” positivity. “The President has experienced no reemergence of symptoms, and continues to feel quite well,” his physician, Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor, said in a letter to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre […]