Wisconsin
Responding to post-pandemic norms, more states are lowering test standards
The changes have renewed criticism of a testing "honesty gap" and have sparked calls for states to level with parents about poor student performance in the aftermath of COVID.
Election workers may need to become whistleblowers this fall
Legal groups stand ready to help election workers navigate the legal realities of “see something, say something.”
Eight states to vote on amendments to ban noncitizen voting
It is already illegal under state laws and rare, but Republicans in some states say the language needs to be clearer in their constitutions.
Little-noticed statehouse races could reshape election policies next year
In several swing states, control of legislative chambers—and agendas—is on the ballot in November.
Move over, presidential race. These state governments also are up for grabs.
Thousands of state lawmakers are on the ballot, and control of some statehouses hangs in the balance.
Prevention pays off: How one city may soon end family homelessness
Milwaukee’s community leaders and social services organizations are setting common goals and directing resources toward keeping families from becoming homeless in the first place.
Wisconsin’s ‘Star Trek’ veto and other budget stragglers
With the new fiscal year underway, some states are just now wrapping up their budgets—and it hasn’t been without drama. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup
How One State Tracks Down Cartographic ‘Phantoms’
To improve the accuracy of its maps, the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office is weeding out small rural communities that no longer exist.
A Tiny Wisconsin Town Tried to Stop Pollution From Factory Farms. Then It Got Sued.
"This is standard operating procedure for the Big Ag boys."
Transgender and Nonbinary Candidates for State Legislature are Poised to Gain Ground This Year
Prompted to run by a wave of anti-transgender legislation, they are running for statehouse seats in at least eight states, but remain underrepresented in legislative chambers around the country.
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Interactive Overdose Map Visualizes Evolving Public Health Crisis
Fentanyl remains driving force behind waves of death in Wisconsin communities.
Two States to Seek Nearly $900M in Federal Funds for Bridge Project
They’re looking to tap money from the bipartisan infrastructure law approved last year. “This project is a perfect candidate for this funding,” says the governor of one of the states.
How to Run for Reelection With a Blocked Agenda
After Democratic governors in Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin rode a blue wave into office four years ago, their priorities hit a red wall in their GOP-controlled legislatures. But experts say they still have a shot at winning second terms. Here’s why.
The Rise of the Trump Agenda in This Year's Governors Races
Republicans in a number of key gubernatorial contests want to pursue priorities in state government aligned with the former president's platform. Will the strategy work to win over voters?
An Invasive 'Jumping' Worm Spreads in the US, Threatening Forests
The worm is now showing up in multiple states. Its voracious eating habits could harm native wildlife and plants. Scientists say there isn't a way to combat the pest on a widespread scale.
What Increasingly Partisan and Venomous School Board Races Reveal About Elections
As traditionally nonpartisan school board campaigns become polarized battlegrounds, voters in next week’s Wisconsin races may set the tone for how contentious races across the country will become this year.
How Cities and Counties Are Using $18B in Federal Funds
A new tracker includes information on more than 2,300 projects that 150 big cities and counties are directing American Rescue Plan Act dollars toward.
Surgeons Sometimes Deny Organ Transplants for Disabled Patients. State Lawmakers Are Changing That.
Twenty-nine states prevent doctors from considering a person's disability when determining eligibility for an organ transplant. Wisconsin could join them.
SUV Tragedy in Wisconsin Shows How Vehicles Can Be Used as a Weapon of Mass Killing
Six people were killed and many more were injured after an SUV crashed into a Christmas parade. A terrorism expert explains how vehicles have been weaponized.
5 Midwest States Form Electric Vehicle Pact
They plan to work together building out charging infrastructure and on other issues. The agreement comes after Ford unveiled plans for big electric vehicle investments in another region.
