Dane County ends safer smoking program that conflicted with Wisconsin law
For four years, the city and county health department gave out pipes and other supplies to reduce the health risks of smoking drugs. Officials say the program worked. But it conflicted with state paraphernalia law.
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Fact Briefs – bite-sized fact checks of trending claims
Did a proposed bipartisan Wisconsin tax rebate exclude about 30% of filers?
Yes. Many filers wouldn’t have been eligible because they didn’t owe any taxes.
Is Wisconsin’s minimum wage in 2026 the same as it was in 2009?
Yes. Wisconsin is one of 13 states where the minimum wage is equal to the federal $7.25 per hour rate.
public square
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From empty pews to packed programs: A Driftless area church becomes a multigenerational community hub
The transplants: 2 doctors fled Ukraine for Wisconsin. They’re still trying to get their careers back.
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Opinion
Guest opinion: How Congress can reduce deadly falls among older Americans
Legislation would let Medicare patients receive a free falls risk assessment during annual wellness visits.
Guest opinion: After decades in prison, who deserves a chance at clemency?
Wisconsin leaders are debating who in prison should qualify for clemency. A one-size-fits-all approach risks ignoring rehabilitation and growth with age.
Your Right to Know: How to solve high record costs and long delays
Wisconsin’s Open Records Law imposes no deadline on producing records. All it says is they must be produced “as soon as practicable and without delay.”