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Turbine turmoil, potential fraud, MKE residents want answers on lead in drinking water


Of note: This week we highlight a story by Sarah Whites-Koditschek, Wisconsin Public Radio’s investigative reporting fellow who is embedded in the Wisconsin Watch newsroom. Whites-Koditschek interviewed residents and officials in south-central Wisconsin and energy experts about the proposal to build a wind farm in Green County. The proposal has pitted officials and residents who favor the Sugar River Wind Project against those who fear it will bring visual blight and health problems, although science has yet to confirm such health-related concerns.

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Proposal for 24 wind turbines whips up controversy in rural Wisconsin

Wisconsin Watch — April 14, 2019

As Wisconsin seeks to increase its reliance on renewable energy, a proposed wind power project in Green County is pitting neighbors against one another. Some residents are concerned about the visual and other effects of having turbines on the rural landscape. Others support boosting the state’s use of wind power, which currently generates just 3 percent of Wisconsin’s electricity.

Register of Deeds John La Fave under investigation for fraud schemes worth more than $2.8 million, court filing says

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel  — April 16, 2019

Milwaukee County Register of Deeds John La Fave retired abruptly as federal investigators probe allegedly fraudulent dealings worth more than $2.8 million with two county contractors dating back to 2009.

Groups continue to accuse city of obscuring truth about lead in the water

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service   — April 17, 2019

Last month’s special meeting of the Milwaukee Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee was hailed by Alderman Bob Donovan as a chance to “get to the bottom” of concerns related to the city’s lead crisis. But critics of the city’s handling of the issue continue to raise questions and seek answers.

Latest turmoil for tiny Northwoods district: Felony charges filed against 5 current and former school board members

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel  — April 17, 2019

The charges are the latest for the Mercer School District, which drew national scrutiny after two  girls volleyball coaches let players watch the movie “50 Shades of Grey” on the way to a tournament.

New UW study says Medicaid expansion would save nearly $100 million a year

Wisconsin State Journal — April 18, 2019

A new study from two University of Wisconsin-Madison economists says Medicaid expansion would save Wisconsin nearly $100 million a year, contradicting a report in February that concluded the move would cost the state $600 million.

The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.

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