Environment News and Investigative Reporting - Wisconsin Watch

An aerial view shows buildings, streets and a river beneath a low layer of haze.

Environment, Forward, Health & Welfare

Wildfire smoke raises air pollution concerns in Rock County, where asthma rates are among the highest in Wisconsin

by Zoey Elwood / Wisconsin Watch August 24, 2026August 21, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Beloit was named the worst U.S. city for air pollution in 2023, but the state has resisted local calls to monitor the air quality there.

Two people sit at a table with a microphone and the presidential seal, in front of a blue backdrop reading "Ratepayer Protection Pledge."

Environment, Government

Trump is blocking billions of dollars of grants that would fix the grid

by Jeff St. John / Canary Media August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

People hold signs reading "HANDS OFF OUR GREAT LAKES! MORATORIUM NOW!" and "PEOPLE OVER PROFITS!" outside the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Data Centers Watch, Environment

Data centers take center stage in Wisconsin governor’s race

by Kari Lydersen / Canary Media August 7, 2026August 6, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A person stands in front of a corrugated metal grain bin with a large tear in its side, while a ladder is attached to the bin and another grain bin is visible in the background.

Environment, Health & Welfare

Grain bin accidents remain deadly. One farmer hopes his family’s story can help.

by Estefanía Pinto Ruiz / KWQC-TV6 News August 4, 2026August 3, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A hazy view of the Wisconsin State Capitol rises above a city street with cars, buildings and trees as smoke reduces visibility.

Environment, Health & Welfare

DataWatch: Wisconsin air pollution reaches record highs as wildfire smoke engulfs the state

by Hongyu Liu / Wisconsin Watch July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

An aerial view shows a residential neighborhood fading into dense smoke that obscures the distant skyline and horizon.

Environment, Health & Welfare

Wildfire smoke brings hazardous air quality in Wisconsin. Here’s how to stay safe

by Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch July 16, 2026July 17, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A ferry carrying vehicles and people creates a wake on a wide river. The vessel displays "Pride of Cassville" and an American flag, with a shoreline town in the background.

Economy, Environment

The Mississippi River built these towns. Now tourism is helping sustain them.

by Madeline Heim / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 15, 2026July 14, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The sun appears as a muted circle behind thick brown-gray clouds.

Census model estimates more than 800,000 Mississippi River basin households lack air conditioning

by Cassandra Stephenson / Tennessee Lookout July 14, 2026July 10, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Two people stand beside a concrete silo while one person's head is inside a small opening; faded painted text on the wall reads "BEWARE OF DOG"

Silos are disappearing from the landscape. One woman wants to hunt them down before they do.

by Jess Savage / Northern Public Radio June 13, 2026June 12, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A person stands behind a produce display in a wooden building with signs reading "Asparagus $5," "Rhubarb $3" and "Micros radish pea $5" visible above vegetables and greens.

Community, Environment

Seymour farmers build organic farming community in northeast Wisconsin

by Astrid Code / Wisconsin Watch June 11, 2026June 10, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A large yellow and brown building with two smokestacks stands behind electrical equipment and power lines under an overcast sky.

Data Centers Watch, Economy, Environment

Wisconsin power plant could benefit from Trump’s $425 million coal push

by Paul Kiefer / Wisconsin Watch June 4, 2026June 5, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A person in a suit and glasses stands at a wooden podium with a microphone.

Environment, Government

Tyco agrees to $10 million settlement with Wisconsin over PFAS water contamination

by Scott Bauer / Associated Press June 4, 2026June 4, 2026 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

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