Investigative Reporter
Recent Stories
Data center moratorium moves to Oneida County board
Officials act to get ahead of high-intensity computing facilities
The Oneida County Planning and Development Committee unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development after a public hearing on July 8, sending the measure to the full county board in August for final approval.
Oneida County Human Services seeks guidance on out-of-home placements
Costs soar, but placement numbers are stable
Oneida County officials are confronting a growing mismatch between the cost of out-of-home placements and the county budget, even as the number of children requiring placements has remained relatively stable.
Oneida County zoning pushes data center moratorium to county board
The Oneida County Planning and Development Committee unanimously voted last week to recommend a one-year moratorium on new data centers, sending the measure to the full county board.
Summer, fall bring worries about Powassan virus
Tick-borne virus cases are increasing in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is seeing a notable increase in cases of a rare but potentially devastating tick-borne disease, prompting health officials to warn people about Powassan virus during the summer and into the fall months.
Gas prices ‘rise like rockets and fall like feathers’
The question is whether that’s on purpose
When do high gasoline prices reflect market realities, and when do they become price gouging? That’s the question after President Donald Trump fired off a Truth Social media post last week, followed by off-the-cuff remarks in the Oval Office. In particular, Trump took aim at his one-time allies in the oil industry, accusing big oil companies of taking advantage of the war with Iran to engage in price gouging.
Progressives target school choice in Wisconsin
Lawsuit is more about vouchers than school funding
With legislative efforts by progressives to kill Wisconsin’s school choice programs dead-ended in a Republican Legislature, and with Democratic candidates for governor dancing around the issue, opponents are now turning to the courts to jettison the program once and for all, if they can.
Inflation is back with a vengeance
Midwest feeling the pinch more than most
Inflation is accelerating again across the country, barreling past levels not seen in three years. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May, national consumer prices rose 4.2 percent over the previous 12 months, up sharply from April in a sign that the fight against rising costs is still not won.
Bangstad terminates Minocqua Brewing Company PAC
Super PAC raised more than $2 million since 2021
Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad is shutting down his Minocqua Brewing Company Super PAC, closing its books with no cash remaining, even as allegations about how PAC money was spent continue to be litigated in state court.
Oneida board rejects citizen member for Land and Water Conservation
Board also hires a new finance director
On a 15-4 vote, the Oneida County Board of Supervisors has rejected a proposal to add a citizen member to the Conservation and UW-Extension Education Committee after supervisors questioned whether unelected individuals should serve on county committees beyond those required by state law.
Oneida County tourism tops $400M in economic impact
Another record year in the books for both Oneida and Vilas counties
Oneida County tourism officials reported another record-breaking year for visitor activity in 2025, with visitors spending more than $314 million and generating a total economic impact exceeding $400 million for the first time.