Wisconsin News and Info Daily Tracker

Wisconsin listeners are digging out from the historic Blizzard Elsa, which dumped a record 26.1 inches of snow on Green Bay, the most in 138 years, according to WLUK FOX 11. The storm hampered firefighting at a major business blaze in the city, where heavy snow and roof collapses forced defensive operations, WLUK FOX 11 reports. Cleanup continues amid gusty winds and travel advisories.

In politics, the 2025-26 legislative session ended this week as the Senate gavels out until January 2027, per the Wisconsin Farmers Union. Key wins include bipartisan AB 130 and 131, releasing $125 million from the PFAS Trust Fund for contamination cleanup, water...

Wisconsin listeners are digging out from the historic Blizzard Elsa, which dumped a record 26.1 inches of snow on Green Bay, the most in 138 years, according to WLUK FOX 11. The storm, hitting March 15 and 16, closed roads statewide, pulled plows off secondary routes like State Highway 64 in Marinette County, and complicated firefighting at a major Green Bay business blaze where heavy snow and winds forced defensive operations and roof collapses. Cleanup continues amid gusty winds and a lingering winter weather advisory.

In politics, the state Senate wrapped what may be its final 2025-2026 session on March 17, passing Rep. Dave Armstrongs...

Wisconsin listeners are digging out from the historic Blizzard Elsa, which dumped 26.1 inches of snow on Green Bay, the most in 138 years, according to WLUK FOX 11. The storm from March 14 to 16 stranded dozens of vehicles on highways like I-94, with 50 mph winds complicating travel, as reported by Storm Chaser Aaron Rigsby. Gusty conditions persist under a winter weather advisory until evening, while cleanup begins amid travel not advised warnings across northeast areas. Compounding challenges, a major business fire in Green Bay saw heavy black smoke and roof collapses, with snow hampering firefighting efforts and sending employees home, WLUK FOX 11 notes.<...

Wisconsin's men's basketball team kept fans on edge this weekend, with the fifth-seeded Badgers edging out Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals before falling 68-65 to top-seeded Michigan in a nail-biting semifinal on Saturday at Chicago's United Center, according to Big Ten Network highlights. Players like Austin Rapp with 18 points and Nick Boyd with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists shone brightly, as the team now awaits its NCAA tournament fate during today's selection show on CBS.

In politics, the state legislature wrapped its regular session on March 19 after starting January 13, per MultiState records, amid criticism for...

Wisconsin faces a potential blizzard this weekend in the northeast, where FOX 11 reports up to 1 to 2 feet of snow and winds near 50 miles per hour could create hazardous conditions from Saturday night through Monday. Meanwhile, the state legislature grapples with transparency issues, as WisconsinEye urges bipartisan funding to sustain live coverage of proceedings, noting February's $50,000 support enabled 151 hours of programming. A lawsuit by Law Forward accuses lawmakers of unconstitutional spending on private lawyers from 2018 lame-duck laws.

In business news, the data center boom is fueling growth, with Regal Rexnord securing $735 million in motor orders, Generac reporting a $400 million...

Wisconsin's sports scene is buzzing with excitement as the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team wrapped up a stellar regular season. The Badgers dominated Maryland 78-45 on senior night at the Kohl Center on March 4, led by Braeden Carrington's 18 points including four three-pointers, according to Wisconsin Badgers highlights[1]. They followed with a thrilling 97-93 upset over No. 15 Purdue on March 7 at Mackey Arena, where John Blackwell scored 25 points with five threes and Nick Boyd added 23, securing the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament[3].

In education, the School District of La Crosse broke ground on a new elementary...

Wisconsin enters March with a mix of economic momentum and political maneuvering. Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order 285, calling the state Legislature into a special session on April 14 to pass a constitutional amendment banning partisan gerrymandering, building on fair maps enacted two years ago that ended a decade of extreme bias, according to the governors office. Evers also approved six bipartisan bills, including Assembly Bill 677, which extends statutes of limitations for second-degree sexual assault prosecutions and allows tenants to break leases after sexual assault threats, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 88.

In business news, data centers are driving at least one...

Wisconsin remains a hub of dynamic activity across its urban centers and rural landscapes. In top headlines, FOX6 News Milwaukee reports a chaotic incident in the city involving a stolen car chase that ended in multiple crashes during a confrontation, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges in southeast Wisconsin.[1] Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team delivered a commanding performance against Maryland in their final home game of the season at the Kohl Center, dominating with strong defense, key blocks, steals, and transition plays as noted in Big Ten Network highlights, capping a resilient regular season.[2]

On the political...

Wisconsin is experiencing significant momentum across multiple fronts as the state navigates economic growth, political reforms, and community development initiatives.

On the economic front, Wisconsin companies are capitalizing on the artificial intelligence boom despite no hyperscale data centers yet operating in the state. Wisconsin Watch reports that three major companies have already amassed over one billion dollars in data center-related business. Regal Rexnord, a Milwaukee motor manufacturer, received 735 million dollars in orders from data centers in February. Generac, based in Waukesha, maintains a 400 million dollar backlog for backup generators serving data centers and is acquiring an Illinois engineering...

Wisconsins legislative session wrapped up with notable drama as Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced his retirement amid final votes on key bills, according to the Milwaukee Independent. Lawmakers advanced measures to extend Medicaid funding for low-income mothers and require insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, both passing the Assembly overwhelmingly. A constitutional amendment limiting the governors partial veto power to prevent tax or fee increases cleared both chambers along party lines and heads to voters in November 2026, Ballotpedia reports. Republicans and Governor Tony Evers continue negotiating tax cuts from a $2.4 billion surplus, while the Senate plans March meetings.

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Wisconsin's state legislature wrapped up a contentious session this week, passing measures on online sports gambling, PFAS cleanup, and SNAP funding with bipartisan support, though the Senate must still approve some. DrydenWire reports the Assembly quickly okayed tribal online sports betting via voice vote amid objections over monopoly concerns, with Governor Tony Evers pledging to sign it. Republicans advanced a constitutional amendment to curb the governors partial veto from raising taxes, targeting Evers 2023 400-year veto on school funding, sending it to November ballots, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. The Assembly also tacked on a sandhill crane hunt to a wake...

Wisconsin's legislative session wrapped up dramatically this week, with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announcing his retirement amid votes on key bills. According to Wisconsin Watch, lawmakers passed Gail's Law on a 96-0 vote, requiring insurance to cover breast cancer screenings for high-risk women, and approved $50,000 for WisconsinEye transparency coverage. Republicans advanced a constitutional amendment for voters to curb the governor's partial veto power on taxes, dubbed a 400-year veto fix by WPR, while tax cut talks persist over a $2.4 billion surplus, with Gov. Tony Evers pushing property relief and school aid.

In business and economy, Evers and the...

Wisconsin is experiencing significant momentum across multiple fronts as Governor Tony Evers delivered his 2026 State of the State address this week, outlining ambitious plans for the state's future. The governor announced he will call a special legislative session this spring to advance a constitutional amendment banning partisan gerrymandering, marking a major push to cement fair electoral maps that Wisconsin secured for the first time in over 50 years[6]. Evers signaled he may extend these sessions into August or September if needed to move the amendment forward[2].

The state's economic landscape is transforming rapidly, particularly around technology and data infrastructure...

Wisconsin savored a rare warm spell on Monday, as record temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s drew crowds outdoors in southeast regions, a stark contrast to the heavy snow five years prior, according to FOX6 News Milwaukee. Across the state, the legislature races toward its January 2027 close, with the Assembly advancing bills like AB669 to end race-based preferences in higher education and the SafeGuard Wisconsin package restricting state contracts and research ties to certain foreign countries, as detailed by UW-Madison alumni updates. Governor Tony Evers, in his final State of the State before stepping away from the 2026 race...

Wisconsin's state legislature is racing toward its final sessions, with Republicans in the Assembly passing a bill to eliminate race-based criteria in higher education financial aid programs, replacing them with broader social and economic disadvantage measures to promote meritocracy, according to DrydenWire.com. The measure also eases lawsuits against universities for free speech issues. Meanwhile, GOP leaders remain divided on tax relief from the budget surplus, with Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu pushing $1,000 rebates for married filers and $500 for singles, as negotiations with Governor Tony Evers continue, DrydenWire reports. The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty praised Assembly advances on...

Wisconsin's political landscape buzzes with energy debates and election strategies as the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up. Democratic candidate Joel Brennan unveiled his Defend Our Democracy plan to protect election workers amid federal pressures, according to DrydenWire.com. Lawmakers advanced bills imposing age restrictions on addictive social media apps, led by Rep. Joy Goeben, while debating data center regulations, with Microsoft pledging to be a good neighbor in its 17 southeastern Wisconsin projects. The Badger Project reports a bipartisan push for nuclear power tax credits, authored by Rep. Shae Sortwell, prioritizing it over renewables and awaiting Senate action after strong Assembly approval.<...

Wisconsin is experiencing significant legislative activity and economic development as winter settles across the state. Here's what listeners need to know about recent developments.

Governor Tony Evers has signed five bipartisan bills into law, marking some of the first enacted legislation of 2026. These measures provide wage increases for state workers, including a 2.95 percent general wage adjustment for building trades employees and a 3.0 percent increase for State Patrol troopers and inspectors, according to WisPolitics. The governor emphasized Wisconsin's pro-worker tradition while signing these agreements that match consumer price index increases.

On education funding, Wisconsin Secretary of State...

Wisconsin's political and economic landscape is shifting as the state prepares for significant elections and policy debates this year. Here's what's happening across the state.

The Wisconsin state legislature is gearing up for a consequential 2026 election cycle. According to the 2026 Wisconsin Senate election information, seventeen of the 33 state Senate seats will be contested on November 3, with control potentially shifting to either party. Democrats gained four seats in 2024 and are positioned to compete for a majority this year, their first opportunity to do so since 2012. Key competitive races include districts 5, 17, and 21, where Republicans currently hold seats in areas that...

Wisconsin navigates a mix of steady progress and regional challenges this week. Top headlines include former Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's new role as Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, bringing his acclaimed college schemes to the NFL after leading the nation's top defense in 2021, according to sports analysts on YouTube[2]. The University of Wisconsin women's hockey team holds strong in national polls, while men's programs like UW-River Falls compete fiercely in DI circuits, per USCHO.com reports[3].

In government and politics, state legislators eye budget tweaks amid federal immigration shifts, though no major local decisions surfaced this week...

Wisconsin's state legislature recently approved key investments for the Department of Safety and Professional Services, restoring resources to cut red tape and speed up licensing, a move celebrated by Governor Tony Evers as vital for the workforce, according to WISPolitics. Lawmakers also sent two constitutional amendments to the November ballot: one prohibiting government closure of places of worship during emergencies and another barring discrimination or preferential treatment, passing largely along party lines as reported by Ballotpedia. In business news, the Wisconsin-Japan Strategic Investment Partnership launched to tap Japan's $550 billion U.S. investment pledge, targeting sectors like advanced manufacturing and energy...

Wisconsin's political landscape heats up as 2026 gubernatorial candidates debate Governor Tony Evers' $500 million prison overhaul plan, which has secured just $15 million so far amid partisan divides on reducing capacity and expanding work release for nonviolent offenders, according to PBS Wisconsin. The state legislature, Republican-controlled, advanced two constitutional amendments to the November ballot: one barring government closures of places of worship during emergencies, inspired by pandemic restrictions, and another prohibiting discrimination or preferential treatment, both passing along party lines as reported by Ballotpedia. A third on limiting partial vetoes for taxes awaits final Assembly approval.

In business and economy...

Wisconsin navigates tense politics and booming economic prospects amid regional unrest. Top headlines include sharp reactions to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, with U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, blaming Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on social media for escalating tensions, while Democrats denounced the killing. Protests erupted across Wisconsin in Madison, Superior, Green Bay, La Crosse, and West Allis, drawing hundreds in solidarity with Minnesota amid ongoing ICE operations, according to Wisconsin Public Radio reports.

In government and politics, the state legislature advanced two constitutional amendments for the November 2026...

Wisconsin faces significant developments across multiple sectors as the state heads toward critical decisions on data center expansion, legislative priorities, and economic growth strategies.

The most pressing story involves Microsoft's ambitious $13 billion investment proposal for Mount Pleasant. According to reporting from January 21, 2026, the technology giant submitted plans for 15 additional data centers across nearly 9 million square feet on the abandoned Foxconn site. This expansion would bring Microsoft's total Wisconsin investment to over $20 billion and require approximately 900 megawatts of electricity. The proposal comes just two months after residents in neighboring Caledonia forced Microsoft to withdraw a separate data center project...

Wisconsin braces for a fierce Arctic blast this weekend, with temperatures plunging to highs below zero and wind chills near minus 40 in the northeast, marking the coldest air in years according to FOX 11 meteorologists. Southern regions already saw snow showers earlier this week, with more expected Sunday, as reported by News 3 Now on Channel 3000. Amid the chill, the state legislature kicked off 2026 energetically, passing a Republican-led bill requiring data centers to fund power grid upgrades, which cleared the Assembly 53-44 along party lines despite Democratic concerns over emissions and rushed development, per Urban Milwaukee and WPR. Other measures advanced include...

Wisconsin is experiencing significant changes across education, infrastructure, and government priorities as the new year unfolds.

The state legislature returned to work this week with an ambitious agenda. Governor Tony Evers has urged lawmakers to pursue a massive one billion dollar property tax relief plan while increasing K-12 school funding, according to WisPolitics. The governor's letter also outlined priorities including capping insulin copay costs at 35 dollars, eliminating sales tax on household goods and over-the-counter medications, and streamlining affordable housing development. Last week, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed several measures during its first floor sessions, including legislation addressing public...

Wisconsin enters 2026 with a bustling political landscape as Democrats eye a rare trifecta, controlling the governorship and both legislative chambers for the first time in 16 years, according to the Associated Press. The open governors race draws crowded fields, with candidates like Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez prioritizing health care and child care subsidies, while U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany pushes education reform amid falling reading scores. PBS Wisconsin reports all hopefuls spotlight affordability, from Medicaid expansion pushed by Mandela Barnes to tax cuts favored by Republicans. The Assembly unanimously passed a bill renaming a highway segment the Tom Deal Memorial Highway...

Wisconsin Public Radio reports the state Assembly advanced two constitutional amendments this week, potentially heading to voters in November. One would prohibit government discrimination or preferential treatment in public education and employment, while the other bars closing houses of worship during emergencies. Lawmakers also passed a bill defining grooming as a felony and responded to the Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan case by halting pay for suspended judges.

Governor Tony Evers urged bipartisan action on his 2026 agenda in a letter to legislators, calling for one billion dollars in property tax relief, increased K-12 funding, lower costs for families and...

Wisconsin listeners are navigating a mix of legal challenges, economic shifts, and political tensions as 2026 unfolds. Federal prosecutors indicted Martin M. Muniz-Lara of Greenville for the armed robbery of a Bear Creek bank last October, where he allegedly brandished a firearm, facing up to life in prison according to United States Attorney Brad D. Schimel via DrydenWire[1]. THC businesses brace for a November ban after Congress closed a federal loophole, scrambling to adapt in one of ten states without legal marijuana[1]. Dairy farmers cheered new federal guidelines promoting more milk and cheese consumption, with Edge Dairy Cooperative President Heidi Fischer...

Wisconsin listeners are waking up to a state in motion, where policy debates, economic investments and unusual January weather are all shaping the week ahead. DrydenWire reports that state lawmakers are advancing a bipartisan plan to expand PTSD coverage for first responders, with an Assembly committee unanimously backing a measure to include EMS personnel, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, dispatchers, coroners and medical examiners under existing mental health protections, signaling broad concern for public safety workers’ well-being. DrydenWire also notes a controversial proposal, Assembly Bill 311, that would prevent sex changes from being reflected on birth certificates, intensifying culture-war debates at the Ca...

Wisconsin is starting the new year with politics, infrastructure, education, and winter weather all shaping life across the state. DrydenWire reports that the 2026 race for governor is already underway after Gov. Tony Evers announced he will not seek a third term, prompting Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and several others to jump into what could be one of the largest primary fields in recent memory. According to PBS Wisconsin, Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany is highlighting education performance, energy costs, and tax policy as central issues in the emerging governor’s race. Wisconsin Watch adds that new le...

consin enters 2026 amid robust construction growth and political maneuvering, as major projects signal economic promise while federal uncertainties loom. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed optimism for a Republican gubernatorial win next year, telling Wisconsin Public Radio there is a good chance, while the legislature plans to tackle property tax relief and bipartisan food stamp administration through March. According to Urban Milwaukee, a Trump administration freeze on federal child care funds, prompted by unverified fraud allegations in Minnesota, leaves Wisconsin providers uncertain about future operations.

Business developments dominate, with Microsoft advancing its $7.3 billion data center investments in Racine County...

Wisconsin kicks off 2026 with a mix of legislative changes, booming construction, and chilly weather patterns. New state laws took effect this week, including tax adjustments on income credits and deductions, a 2.5 percent increase in monthly payments for licensed foster parents and kinship caregivers, and a statewide ban on cell phones in schools, already implemented in districts like Superior, according to WDIO.com. Governor Tony Evers highlighted 2025 accomplishments, such as securing over $250 million for the UW System, the largest increase in nearly 20 years, alongside $1.2 billion in capital budget investments for campus infrastructure at UW-Madison, La Crosse, Oshkosh, and others, as noted...

Wisconsin rings in 2026 with a surge of ambitious construction projects fueling economic optimism. The Daily Reporter highlights multibillion-dollar data centers leading the charge, including Microsoft's $4 billion AI facility in Mount Pleasant, set to mirror the $3.3 billion phase opening early this year, and Meta's $1 billion campus in Beaver Dam, employing over 1,000 workers at peak and opening in 2027. Eli Lilly's $3 billion expansion in Kenosha County promises 750 jobs plus thousands in construction, while highway reconstructions like the $1.2 billion I-41 project between Oshkosh and De Pere advance alongside University of Wisconsin-Madison's $400 million engineering hall.

In politics, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos predicts a...

Wisconsin wrapped up 2025 with steady progress across its communities, fueled by major investments and infrastructure wins. Governor Tony Evers completed his sixth annual tour of all 72 counties, championing a pro-kid budget that secured bipartisan funding for child care, K-12 schools, and the University of Wisconsin System, according to the governors office announcement. The state hosted the NFL Draft in Green Bay, drawing 600,000 attendees and ranking as the second-largest in history. In politics, the State Building Commission approved $185 million in projects, including a new Type 1 juvenile correctional facility in Fitchburg to replace troubled Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake sites by 2029, as...

Wisconsin listeners are closing out the year with a mix of political maneuvering, economic shifts, and major infrastructure and education developments that are reshaping the state’s future. WisPolitics reports that Governor Tony Evers has spent recent weeks acting on a series of bills while jockeying begins for the 2026 governor’s race and lawsuits over Wisconsin’s congressional maps move forward in federal court, setting up a volatile political landscape for the coming year. WisPolitics also notes new teaching requirements for Universities of Wisconsin faculty are drawing attention in higher education circles as campuses adjust to changing expectations and tight budget...

Wisconsin wraps up 2025 with a mix of legislative activity, education challenges, and community advancements amid a quiet close to the year. Top headlines include the closure of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus in June due to declining enrollment, with Winnebago County now owning the property including the Barlow Planetarium, which reopened to the public in September, according to FOX 11 News. Budget shortfalls plagued Northeast Wisconsin school districts, such as Green Bay's projected $3.6 million deficit and Appleton's $13 million gap, linked partly to state funding shortfalls in the July budget.

In government and politics, the 2025-2026 legislative session...

Wisconsin enters the final days of 2025 with significant developments across education, infrastructure, and economic growth reshaping the state's future.

Property tax bills continue to frustrate residents statewide. According to Dryden Wire, Wisconsin saw K-12 property taxes rise 7.8 percent, marking the largest increase in 30 years. Most of this burden stems from school funding demands, leaving many households reassessing their budgets as the year closes.

On the political front, 2025 brought dramatic shifts in state leadership. FOX 11 News reports that Governor Tony Evers announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending speculation about his future. The Wisconsin Supreme Court...

Wisconsin moves forward with key infrastructure investments as the State Building Commission approved nearly 185 million dollars in projects statewide. According to Governor Tony Evers office, highlights include construction of a second Type 1 Juvenile Correctional Facility in Fitchburg to support closing Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools by early 2029, converting them into adult facilities while keeping youth closer to home.[4][8] Additional approvals cover Phase IV upgrades at the Milwaukee Readiness Center, roof repairs at UW-Green Bay's Instructional Services Building, and 21 maintenance projects across 13 counties involving agencies like the Department of Natural Resources and UW System.[4][21]

In business and economy...

Wisconsin navigates a mix of political tensions, economic growth, and fiscal pressures this week. Top headlines include ongoing battles over congressional maps, with Law Forward's Jeff Mandell eyeing 2028 for fairer lines rather than 2026 midterms, as he told WISN 12's UpFront[1]. Public broadcaster WisconsinEye has gone off the air due to funding woes[1], prompting Democrats to propose a $2 million taxpayer-funded state replacement[24]. In the attorney general race, Republican Eric Toney criticized Josh Kaul for delays at the state crime lab, citing longer DNA and toxicology wait times[1]. A Dane County judge ruled that Trump aides must face trial in the 2020 fake...

Wisconsin faces a full news slate this week, with major developments in state politics, the economy, community projects, and public safety.

In government and politics, the state’s 2025–26 legislative session is in high gear. LegiScan reports that lawmakers are debating the new executive budget, SB45 and AB50, which set overall state spending priorities.[LegiScan] According to Wisconsin legislative documents, recent measures include a resolution to proclaim November 20 as Wisconsin’s Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2025 and 2026, reflecting ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ policy.[Wisconsin Legislature] WisPolitics notes that Governor Tony Evers has recently taken action on 34 bills, including measures aimed...