Joe Schulz

Recent Articles

Rep. Gallagher’s Supporters Chide ‘Grifters’ Backing His Expulsion

Rep. Gallagher’s Supporters Chide ‘Grifters’ Backing His Expulsion

GOP division as Marjorie Taylor Greene pushes House Speaker to expel Gallagher.

US Rep. Mike Gallagher Will Resign In April

US Rep. Mike Gallagher Will Resign In April

Republican congressman was seen as a rising star, but is now walking away from elected office.

Wisconsin Home Prices Rising Faster Than Median Incomes

Wisconsin Home Prices Rising Faster Than Median Incomes

Since 2010, state has had 67,000 more new households than housing units, report finds.

Rent Increases In Wisconsin Among Top 10 in Nation

Rent Increases In Wisconsin Among Top 10 in Nation

Demand outpaces supply in nearly every category, pushing prices higher and higher.

Wisconsin’s Gender Pay Gap Worse Than the Nation’s

Wisconsin’s Gender Pay Gap Worse Than the Nation’s

State's women make 81% of what men earn. But corporate boards adding more women.

Wisconsin Had Record-High Construction Jobs in January

Wisconsin Had Record-High Construction Jobs in January

Several factors cited, including warm weather and boom in federally funded projects.

Max Security Prison Under Federal Investigation After Drugs, Phones Discovered

Max Security Prison Under Federal Investigation After Drugs, Phones Discovered

Gov. Tony Evers requested Waupun investigation. Prison employees may have committed crimes.

State Officials Hear From Industry, Labor on Embracing AI

State Officials Hear From Industry, Labor on Embracing AI

Goal to make changes without leaving workers behind, they tell governor's task force.

Minority-Owned Businesses Growing in Wisconsin

Minority-Owned Businesses Growing in Wisconsin

Big growth since 1997, but state still ranks last in business ownership by people of color.

FBI Investigating Wisconsin Solar Company For Fraud

FBI Investigating Wisconsin Solar Company For Fraud

FBI sought communications between Sun Badger officials, employees

Wisconsin Home Construction Increased, But More Homes Are Needed

Wisconsin Home Construction Increased, But More Homes Are Needed

Construction hasn't reached pre-Great Recession levels, resulting in higher prices.

Assembly Passes Bill That Would Limit Transmission Line Competition

Assembly Passes Bill That Would Limit Transmission Line Competition

Proposal was the most lobbied on issue in 2023.

We Energies Plans $1.2 Billion Shift From Coal To Natural Gas In Oak Creek

We Energies Plans $1.2 Billion Shift From Coal To Natural Gas In Oak Creek

But environmental groups argue the plan gets in the way of clean energy, climate goals

Who Will Run For Gallagher’s Congressional Seat?

Who Will Run For Gallagher’s Congressional Seat?

Big name Republicans -- and some Democrats -- may run for position.

Green Bay Congressman Mike Gallagher Won’t Seek Reelection

Green Bay Congressman Mike Gallagher Won’t Seek Reelection

Decision comes just after his vote against impeaching Homeland secretary caused a furor.

Murphy To Retire in 2025, Packers Need New CEO

Murphy To Retire in 2025, Packers Need New CEO

Mark Murphy will turn 70, triggering team policy. Led team to Super Bowl, renovated Lambeau, developed Titletown.

Employees Sue Johnson Controls, Claiming Unpaid Commissions

Employees Sue Johnson Controls, Claiming Unpaid Commissions

10 employees owed many thousands of dollars from 'wage theft,' attorney charges.

Most of State’s High-Paying Future Jobs Require College Degree

Most of State’s High-Paying Future Jobs Require College Degree

Report shows over half of jobs paying $50,000 or more will require a bachelor's degree.

Labor Leaders Want 2024 To Be A Big Year for Unions

Labor Leaders Want 2024 To Be A Big Year for Unions

Poll says a supermajority of Americans now say they support unions. Groups hope to deliver more wins for workers.

Remote Work in Wisconsin Declines

Remote Work in Wisconsin Declines

Down 20% in Milwaukee, Madison, but still higher than before pandemic.

State’s Union Membership Up Slightly in 2023

State’s Union Membership Up Slightly in 2023

While rate declined nationally, it rose in Wisconsin from 7.1% of workers to 7.4%.

Inflation Has Declined, But Not Stamped Out, Fed Reserve Official Says

Inflation Has Declined, But Not Stamped Out, Fed Reserve Official Says

His speech to Wisconsin business executives says interest rates are likely near peak.

Wisconsin Trails Neighboring States On EV Charging Stations

Wisconsin Trails Neighboring States On EV Charging Stations

Only Iowa further behind. EV owners say Wisconsin needs more fast charging stations.

Wisconsin’s Largest Solar Park Now Operational

Wisconsin’s Largest Solar Park Now Operational

Badger Hollow, owned by We Energies and two other utilities, has 830,000 panels.

Kenosha City Council Approves Hard Rock Casino Deal

Kenosha City Council Approves Hard Rock Casino Deal

At least three other entities must still endorse deal.

Wisconsin Behind Illinois, Minnesota in Solar Energy

Wisconsin Behind Illinois, Minnesota in Solar Energy

Advocates say a few policy changes could help turn the tide.

UW Regents Fire La Crosse Chancellor Following Porn Revelation

UW Regents Fire La Crosse Chancellor Following Porn Revelation

Unanimous decision comes as Chancellor Joe Grow appeared in pornographic films with his video.

Bill Gives State Regulators More Power Over Utility Construction Plans

Bill Gives State Regulators More Power Over Utility Construction Plans

Advocates say it could reduce costs for consumers. Utilities association opposes it.

Baldwin-Sponsored Bill Funds Local Veterans Service Officers

Baldwin-Sponsored Bill Funds Local Veterans Service Officers

Officers help veterans access services. Bill passed US Senate unanimously.

Froedtert Finalizing Merger With Fox Valley Health Care Group

Froedtert Finalizing Merger With Fox Valley Health Care Group

Froedtert-ThedaCare merger goes into effect Jan. 1, with separate brands remaining.

Wisconsin Made Progress Toward Clean Energy in 2023

Wisconsin Made Progress Toward Clean Energy in 2023

But needs to transition at faster rate to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Property Taxes In Wisconsin Rising

Property Taxes In Wisconsin Rising

But report says state tax credits should help bring this year's hike in line with pre-pandemic levels.

Foxconn Will Get State Subsidy For 2022

Foxconn Will Get State Subsidy For 2022

Qualifies for third round of funding. 'There was never going to be... 13,000 jobs."

Bay View Comic Book Store Acquires “Holy Grail” of Spider-Man Comics

Bay View Comic Book Store Acquires “Holy Grail” of Spider-Man Comics

Rare, 1962 comic book being sold on consignment basis, expected to fetch five-figure sum.

GOP Legislators Push Bills to Double State’s EV Charging Stations

GOP Legislators Push Bills to Double State’s EV Charging Stations

Using federal funds and exempting charging stations from being regulated as utilities.

Lambeau Field Service Workers Seek Union

Lambeau Field Service Workers Seek Union

A National Labor Relations Board-supervised election will be held on Sunday.

How Packers-Themed Beer Became a Statewide Player

How Packers-Themed Beer Became a Statewide Player

A fan site partnered with Gathering Place Brewery to produce 'Carry the G'.

Regulators Approve Utility Rate Increases, Reduce Allowed Profits

Regulators Approve Utility Rate Increases, Reduce Allowed Profits

Utilities across Wisconsin sought to raise electricity prices.

Kohl’s President Leaves After 8 Months On Job

Kohl’s President Leaves After 8 Months On Job

Net sales fell 5.2% year-over-year in latest quarter. CEO remains.

GE HealthCare Consolidating Wisconsin Operations in Waukesha

GE HealthCare Consolidating Wisconsin Operations in Waukesha

Locations in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa with 1,000 workers will be moved in phases.

Wisconsin Has More Demand Than Money For Broadband Expansion

Wisconsin Has More Demand Than Money For Broadband Expansion

$221 million in grant requests is five times the amount the state has available.

Microsoft, State Announce Massive Data Center Expansion, Land Purchase

Microsoft, State Announce Massive Data Center Expansion, Land Purchase

Company will own more land than Foxconn in Racine County business park.

Declining Household Size Creates ‘Mismatch’ Says New Report

Declining Household Size Creates ‘Mismatch’ Says New Report

More homes needed not for more people, but for smaller household sizes.

We Energies Accelerates Plan To Stop Burning Coal

We Energies Accelerates Plan To Stop Burning Coal

WEC Energy Group plans to quit using coal for energy by 2032, three years earlier than prior plan.

State Poverty Below 2008 High, But Still Greater Than 20 Years Ago

State Poverty Below 2008 High, But Still Greater Than 20 Years Ago

New report finds falling manufacturing employment, union membership driving down wages.

Federal Government Designates Wisconsin as Regional Tech Hub

Federal Government Designates Wisconsin as Regional Tech Hub

Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub can compete for up to $75 million in federal funding.

Bill Would Triple Eviction Notice Period For Long-Term Care Facilities

Bill Would Triple Eviction Notice Period For Long-Term Care Facilities

Shift from 30 to 90 days would give more time to find new housing.

Should We Energies Get Another Rate Hike?

Should We Energies Get Another Rate Hike?

Last year residents saw nearly 11% increase. PSC hears from opponents.

Native American Village Unearthed in Oshkosh Road Project

Native American Village Unearthed in Oshkosh Road Project

UWM archeologists are working to document the site.

GOP Senators Introduce Protectionist Transmission Line Bill

GOP Senators Introduce Protectionist Transmission Line Bill

Proposal would make it difficult for competitors to ATC to enter market.

Amazon Expands in Wisconsin As State Joins FTC Lawsuit

Amazon Expands in Wisconsin As State Joins FTC Lawsuit

Company has invested $9.5 billion, created 12,000 jobs in Wisconsin.

More Wisconsin Manufacturers Are Optimistic About State’s Economy

More Wisconsin Manufacturers Are Optimistic About State’s Economy

But annual survey finds hiring and retention remain key concerns.

Froedtert Will Fully Acquire Network Health

Froedtert Will Fully Acquire Network Health

Will buy out Ascension Health's share of insurance provider in 23 counties.

Investments in State Startups Declines

Investments in State Startups Declines

Dollars invested in early-stage Wisconsin companies in 2023 far below 2021 and 2022.

Wisconsin Wins Grant To Replace Troubled Unemployment System

Wisconsin Wins Grant To Replace Troubled Unemployment System

Mainframe software system was burdened with backlogs in 2020, leaving thousands without answers or payment.

Oak Creek Manufacturer Looks to Sell or Close

Oak Creek Manufacturer Looks to Sell or Close

133 jobs at stake. Superior Die Set Corp. says it may have found buyer.

State Utility Will Create Nationally Unique ‘Energy Dome’

State Utility Will Create Nationally Unique ‘Energy Dome’

Alliant Energy wins $30 million federal grant to create energy storage facility.

State Can’t Regulate We Energies $100 Million Project for Microsoft

State Can’t Regulate We Energies $100 Million Project for Microsoft

Critics blame Foxconn law's loopholes, call for legislative fix. 'It's outrageous.'

State’s Elder Care Facilities Face Staffing, Budget Issues

State’s Elder Care Facilities Face Staffing, Budget Issues

Nearly two dozen nursing homes in Wisconsin have closed since 2020.

Partnership Seeks to Make Wisconsin a Regional Tech Hub

Partnership Seeks to Make Wisconsin a Regional Tech Hub

15 consortium members say state's biohealth, manufacturing sectors make it an ideal site.

College Course Teaches Packers History

College Course Teaches Packers History

New, no-credit, online course offers 104 years of Wisconsin pro football lore.

Rep. Gallagher Climbs Green Bay Cell Tower

Rep. Gallagher Climbs Green Bay Cell Tower

Climb comes after Gallagher, a Republican, voted against bill to bring $1 billion in broadband investment to state.

GOP Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Work Permits For Young Workers

GOP Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Work Permits For Young Workers

Proposal would eliminate "red tape" in hiring 14- and 15-year-old workers.

Heat Wave Could Tax Midwest’s Electric Grid

Heat Wave Could Tax Midwest’s Electric Grid

Wisconsin utilities, regulators say state's grid can handle this week's high temperatures.

We Energies Could Delay Shutting Down Coal Plants

We Energies Could Delay Shutting Down Coal Plants

Had planned shutdown of Oak Creeks unit in 2024 and 2025. Now not sure.

Milwaukee Ranks High in Downtown Foot Traffic Recovery

Milwaukee Ranks High in Downtown Foot Traffic Recovery

16th out of 63 major cities studied, better than most in Midwest, in post-pandemic recovery.

Foxconn Selling Green Bay, Eau Claire ‘Centers’

Foxconn Selling Green Bay, Eau Claire ‘Centers’

Properties for sale for supposed to be innovation centers employing hundreds.

American Transmission Co. Hires Former Utility Regulator

American Transmission Co. Hires Former Utility Regulator

Ellen Nowak is now vice president of the company she was once charged with regulating.

Packers Buy The Cheeseheads

Packers Buy The Cheeseheads

Team buys Milwaukee company Foamation, which created the Cheesehead hat.

Concerns About Forced Labor in China Delaying Wisconsin Solar Projects

Concerns About Forced Labor in China Delaying Wisconsin Solar Projects

Customs reviews needed for foreign-made panels that sit in Chicago-area warehouse.

State Health Care Groups Benefitted From State Budget

State Health Care Groups Benefitted From State Budget

Hiking Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and funding education of medical personnel.

Wisconsin Has Developed Technique That Could Recycle Flexible Plastics

Wisconsin Has Developed Technique That Could Recycle Flexible Plastics

Process developed by UW-Madison professor and Green Bay company still in early stages.

State’s Home Prices Up 104% Over Last Decade

State’s Home Prices Up 104% Over Last Decade

Median price rose from $144,000 to $294,000, rising faster then neighboring states.

Many State Businesses Embrace DEI

Many State Businesses Embrace DEI

Future of Wisconsin's workforce depends on attracting young and diverse employees, business experts say.

State’s Utilities Lag on Meeting Emission Reductions

State’s Utilities Lag on Meeting Emission Reductions

We Energies, three other utilities likely to fall short of 2030 goals, PSC report says.

Public Service Commission Could Create New Aid For Low-Income We Energies Customers

Public Service Commission Could Create New Aid For Low-Income We Energies Customers

New programs would help mitigate rising energy bills.

Wisconsin’s 2022 Tourism Broke Records

Wisconsin’s 2022 Tourism Broke Records

$23.7 billion economic impact the highest ever, with most overnight stays.

Record Low Unemployment Gives State’s Workers Bargaining Power

Record Low Unemployment Gives State’s Workers Bargaining Power

Lowest-wage workers have seen the biggest gains from tight labor market.

Commission Approves New Equipment For Wisconsin Elections

Commission Approves New Equipment For Wisconsin Elections

Election Systems and Software approved to sell equipment that replaces Windows 7 based system.

Over 100 Hospitals Push Legislature to Hike Medicaid Funding

Over 100 Hospitals Push Legislature to Hike Medicaid Funding

Citing state budget surplus as 'historic opportunity' to increase reimbursement rate.

Wisconsin Has Nation’s Second Best Small Business Survival Rate

Wisconsin Has Nation’s Second Best Small Business Survival Rate

43% still in business after 10 years. Only Iowa had higher survival rate.

How Will Hospital Mergers Impact Patients?

How Will Hospital Mergers Impact Patients?

Four big mergers in state in six months Will it mean better care? Higher prices?

Wisconsin A Leader In Labor Force Participation

Wisconsin A Leader In Labor Force Participation

State's prime working-age women lead the way.

Wisconsin Homes Becoming Less Affordable, Listings Decreasing

Wisconsin Homes Becoming Less Affordable, Listings Decreasing

Economist predicts supply of homes for first-time buyers won't meet demand for at least the next year.

Birthplace of Republican Party Moving

Birthplace of Republican Party Moving

Little White Schoolhouse in Ripon moved to a new location, fueling anger by GOP leaders.

State’s Utilities Warn That Shutoff Moratorium Ends April 15

State’s Utilities Warn That Shutoff Moratorium Ends April 15

Advocates charge that energy shutoffs will hit low income, mostly minority households.

GOP Bill Allows Community Solar Projects By Private Developers

GOP Bill Allows Community Solar Projects By Private Developers

Current law bars this. Main opponent to proposal is big utilities like We Energies.

State Job Layoffs a Sign of Economic Slowdown?

State Job Layoffs a Sign of Economic Slowdown?

Rise in layoffs so far in 2023. But unemployment in Wisconsin still near historic low.

Foxconn, We Energies Building Solar Farm at Factory Campus

Foxconn, We Energies Building Solar Farm at Factory Campus

2,000-panel installation will produce enough electricity to power 300 homes.

State Sees Rise in Child Labor Complaints

State Sees Rise in Child Labor Complaints

Part of a national trend. 'This is not a 19th century problem — this is a today problem.'

Federal Inflation Reduction Act Could Add 24,000 Jobs in Wisconsin

Federal Inflation Reduction Act Could Add 24,000 Jobs in Wisconsin

While helping state grow its renewable energy, new report finds.

State’s Housing Shortage Worse for Marginalized Groups

State’s Housing Shortage Worse for Marginalized Groups

State needs 140,000 new housing units by 2030, also needs to grow affordable housing.

Wisconsin Lost 106,000 People Under Age of 26 In Last Decade

Wisconsin Lost 106,000 People Under Age of 26 In Last Decade

Wisconsin's population grew over same time, much of it fueled by Dane County.

State Sees Increase in New Businesses

State Sees Increase in New Businesses

500 new businesses per month since summer 2020. Why the rise?

State’s Utilities Investing in Battery Storage

State’s Utilities Investing in Battery Storage

Facilitating storage of solar, wind energy. We Energies valley plant testing battery system.

State’s Union Membership the Lowest Since 1989

State’s Union Membership the Lowest Since 1989

Dropping from about 21% of Wisconsin's workforce to just over 7%.

After 9-Month Strike Racine Tractor Factory, Union Okay Contract

After 9-Month Strike Racine Tractor Factory, Union Okay Contract

Racine’s CNH Industrial and UAW union and factory workers have agreement.

Federal CHIPS Act Could Reduce State Manufacturers’ Shortage

Federal CHIPS Act Could Reduce State Manufacturers’ Shortage

'Every single product we ship will have at least one semiconductor.'

Pandemic Continues To Be A Drag On Wisconsin Office Leasing

Pandemic Continues To Be A Drag On Wisconsin Office Leasing

Mixed data on downtown Milwaukee activity.

State’s Cigarette Sales, Taxes Plummet

State’s Cigarette Sales, Taxes Plummet

Taxes down 44% in 12 years, but outweighed by reduction in medical costs, report says

Across Wisconsin, Zoning Codes Are Increasing Housing Costs

Across Wisconsin, Zoning Codes Are Increasing Housing Costs

One of the barriers to providing affordable housing is restrictive zoning codes that often favor single-family homes.

Green Bay, Fox Valley Want Passenger Rail

Green Bay, Fox Valley Want Passenger Rail

Municipal leaders ask federal authorities to consider rail line from Milwaukee to Green Bay.

How Prohibition Saved the Packers

How Prohibition Saved the Packers

Green Bay flouted the laws prohibiting alcohol and visiting teams loved to come there.

Menominee Tribe Renews Push for Kenosha Casino

Menominee Tribe Renews Push for Kenosha Casino

7 years after Gov. Walker rejected bid, tribal officials now want scaled-down version.

Foxconn Earns $8.6 Million In Wisconsin Tax Credits

Foxconn Earns $8.6 Million In Wisconsin Tax Credits

After agreement revised, Foxconn has now earned $37.4 million in two years.

More State Businesses Embrace Sustainable Practices

More State Businesses Embrace Sustainable Practices

Since pandemic more efforts to cut waste, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions.

Two Major Hospital Mergers Will Impact Wisconsin Residents

Two Major Hospital Mergers Will Impact Wisconsin Residents

Advocate Aurora was approved to merge with Atrium earlier this month. Gundersen and Bellin also merged.

Wisconsin Public Service Plans $451 Million Solar and Battery Project

Wisconsin Public Service Plans $451 Million Solar and Battery Project

850,000 solar panels part of WEC Energy Group's $5.4 billion spending on green energy.

Wisconsin Cities Working To Become More Inclusive Toward LGBTQ+ Community

Wisconsin Cities Working To Become More Inclusive Toward LGBTQ+ Community

Milwaukee, Madison and Racine boast perfect scores from Human Rights Campaign

State’s Rent Prices Down, Evictions Up

State’s Rent Prices Down, Evictions Up

Rents normalizing, declining in October as evictions return to pre-pandemic levels.

State Manufacturers Embrace Automation

State Manufacturers Embrace Automation

High percentage investing in robotics, cloud computing, other technology, citing labor shortage.

State’s Biohealth Industry Growing Quickly

State’s Biohealth Industry Growing Quickly

New report finds sector employs 77,000, has economic impact of $32 billion.

State Tourism Rebounds Since Pandemic

State Tourism Rebounds Since Pandemic

Revenue up 21% in 2021, study finds, but business-oriented travel in Milwaukee hasn't fully recovered.

La Follette Barely Leads Loudenbeck for Secretary of State

La Follette Barely Leads Loudenbeck for Secretary of State

AP hasn't called race. Republican candidate John Lieber leads for State Treasurer.

Wisconsin Led Nation In Using Federal Pandemic Relief to Promote Economy

Wisconsin Led Nation In Using Federal Pandemic Relief to Promote Economy

Evers uses 56% of federal ARPA funds for economic development, helps 6,600 businesses.

Wisconsin Housing Shortage Compounding Worker Shortage

Wisconsin Housing Shortage Compounding Worker Shortage

Shortage of available homes making it more difficult to find workers, raising prices.

State Workforce May Shrink by 2030

State Workforce May Shrink by 2030

Report projects loss of 130,000 workers, unless there is in migration to Wisconsin.

State Sees Increase in Women on Corporate Boards

State Sees Increase in Women on Corporate Boards

Now comprise 26% of Wisconsin's top-50 public corporate boards, huge rise in 20 years.

State’s Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly

State’s Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly

From 3.1% to 3.2%, still near a historic low, as state added 14,400 more private sector jobs last month.

New Report Explores Manufacturing in Wisconsin

New Report Explores Manufacturing in Wisconsin

Companies are optimistic despite challenges with hiring, supply chain delays and inflation.