Investigative Reporter
Recent Stories
WXPR CEO: No local newspapers exist in the region
Dick tries to explain why public radio needs federal funding
Given recent federal cuts to public broadcasting, supporters of public broadcasting have been on a crusade to stress how important it is for them to survive in an age of declining newspaper coverage, and this past month Jessie Dick, the CEO of Rhinelander’s public radio station WXPR, made one of the wildest claims yet — namely, that no newspapers remain in its listening area.
Governor Evers won’t seek third term
Conservatives blast policies; Democrats offer praise
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced late last week that he would not seek a third term as governor of Wisconsin, throwing the 2026 race wide open and perhaps opening a window of opportunity for Republicans who no longer face the prospect of dislodging an incumbent.
Bill would provide civil cause of action for harm caused by gender procedures
Extended statute of limitations aims to give teeth to proposed law
GOP lawmakers in the state legislature have introduced legislation they say would hold doctors accountable for irreversible gender procedures on minors, creating a civil cause of action for people injured by such procedures as minors.
Kyle Timmons joins Oneida County board, new human resources director hired
In a unanimous vote, the Oneida County Board of Supervisors confirmed Kyle Timmons as the new supervisor representing the town of Woodruff.
Regents approve UW tuition increases for 2025-26
Republicans blast increases after UW got new state funding
The Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin has unanimously approved a tuition increase of up to 5 percent for the 2025-26 academic year, the universities announced this week. The bump up in cost will be 4 percent at all universities, though individual campuses have an option to add 1 percent, bringing the maximum increase to 5 percent, or an average $382 increase.
State budget increases spending 12 percent
Bipartisan compromise also draws bipartisan criticism
The state of Wisconsin has a new budget, thanks to a bipartisan compromise negotiated by Governor Tony Evers and the GOP legislative leadership, but that leadership needed Democratic votes to muscle the package through the legislature, leaving a lot of stalwarts on the left and right unhappy with the outcome.
Duffy to governors: Cool it with the colors on crosswalks
Transportation secretary: Roads are for safety, not politics
U.S. Transportation secretary and former Northwoods congressman Sean Duffy has launched a national roadway safety initiative emphasizing investments that improve mobility and safety on roadways and reminding state governors that crosswalks are not works of art but safety tools.
In no surprise, Supreme Court overturns 1849 abortion law
Bradley: Progressive majority continues to make political rulings
In a 4-3 ruling two days before the Fourth of July, progressive justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Wisconsin’s 176-year-old abortion ban, saying multiple laws enacted since then had effectively repealed the 1849 statute.
Bangstad arrested, charged for harassment, causing disturbance
Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad has posted a cash bond in Oneida County circuit court after being charged with two misdemeanors — disorderly conduct and bail-jumping — for a disturbance at his Front Street location last Friday, in which six others at the scene were also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
State Supreme Court strikes down Governor’s partial veto
Evers can only partially veto appropriations bills
The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled this week that Gov. Tony Evers exceeded his powers by partially vetoing a bill that contained no appropriations, and it also upheld the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee’s ability to put aside and control money for certain programs.