Investigative Reporter
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Holewinski wins unanimous re-election as Oneida County chairman
Jensen booted from public works committee
Oneida County board chairman Scott Holewinski won an emphatic vote of confidence from the full county board Tuesday as supervisors unanimously elected him to a third term as chairman of the board.
Trump approval drops, skepticism grows on inflation
Prices, war are top issues in Marquette poll
A Marquette Law School national poll released this week shows sharply declining approval ratings for President Donald Trump, with his marks on inflation and the economy cratering and confidence in his leadership imploding.
Power shifts in the politics of autism
Federal policy pivots to environmental causes over genetics
After decades of being on the outside looking in, those who believe autism is driven primarily by environmental factors are now not only on the inside but sitting at the table of federal power, and they are reshaping the national debate over the disorder in ways that are quaking through science, medicine, the media, and public policy.
Bangstad found guilty after a no-contest plea in disorderly conduct case
Judge imposes fine, cites community impact of 2025 incident
A judge in Oneida County circuit court found Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad guilty Tuesday of disorderly conduct, after Bangstad entered a no-contest plea to the charge stemming from a June 27, 2025, incident outside his Front Street establishment.
Taylor handily wins state Supreme Court race
Progressive victory secures 5-2 liberal majority on high court
In an overwhelming victory that cements an already progressive state Supreme Court, liberal appeals court judge Chris Taylor bowled over conservative challenger Maria Lazar Tuesday.
Tiffany takes rival to task on tax on tips, overtime
Bills await Evers signature or veto
With legislation to eliminate state income taxes on tips and on some overtime now sitting on Gov. Tony Evers’s desk, the issue has emerged as a flashpoint in the state’s 2026 governor’s race, pitting presumptive Republican nominee Tom Tiffany against one of the leading Democratic candidates, state Rep. Francesca Hong, and leaving Evers sitting in the political crosshairs.
County weighs $2M transfer as out-of-home placement costs surge
Costs, impacts underscore need for underlying solutions
Oneida County was hit last year with an unexpected surge in out-of-home placement costs for children, and so a resolution to transfer $2 million to cover the overage for last year is now headed to the county board.
Wisconsin Supreme Court contest heads to voters
Progressive Taylor, conservative Lazar struggle for relevance
Election Day is Tuesday, April 7, and, while most people know there’s an open state Supreme Court seat on the ballot, it’s barely generated any interest at the grassroots level. To call the contest subdued would be an understatement.
Senate adjourns without taking up anti-SLAPP bill
Legislation against frivolous lawsuits languishes
A bill to protect journalists, activists, and citizens from costly and frivolous lawsuits designed to silence them failed to reach a vote in the state Senate before it adjourned, halting momentum for legislation that supporters say is a much-needed free-speech safeguard.
Without debate, Oneida County rubber stamps push for new transportation funding
Resolution backs campaign for ‘sustainable’ revenues, bonding for roads
Oneida County supervisors have endorsed without debate a statewide campaign calling for additional transportation funding from the state, approving a resolution Tuesday that urges lawmakers to adopt a “sustainable” funding model for Wisconsin’s roads and bridges.