Investigative Reporter
Recent Stories
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.
County weighs closing boathouse loophole
Oneida County officials are considering changes to the county’s boathouse permitting process after discussing a potential loophole that could allow applicants to clear the shoreland area without ever constructing the boathouse that the permits are intended to authorize.
Oneida County sheriff’s officers: Flock cameras are beneficial
Unreasonable surveillance or tempest in a teapot?
A widening national controversy over the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras has prompted multiple Wisconsin municipalities to abandon the technology amid mounting privacy concerns, but, in Oneida County, where six of the cameras are deployed, sheriff’s department officers say the system has proven to be a valuable tool that saves taxpayer dollars, accelerates criminal investigations and helps locate missing and endangered people.
State agents, police seize alcohol at Minocqua Brewing Company
State DOR, Minocqua PD on-site at MBC in Minocqua, Madison
Agents with the state Department of Revenue (DOR) Division of Alcohol Beverages were on-site at the Minocqua Brewing Company (MBC) Thursday, June 11, and at MBC’s Madison location, seizing alcohol at the establishments over compliance concerns.
Wisconsin’s tourism industry smashed records in 2025
Oneida, Vilas counties see robust growth
Wisconsin’s tourism industry shattered previous records in 2025, generating a record $27 billion in total economic impact, attracting nearly 120 million visits, and producing more than $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue.