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Content referencing LaTonya Johnson
Key Committee Approves Changes to Knowles-Nelson Reauthorization Bill
'Killing a popular program out of spite does not make a great bumper sticker.'
Feb 17th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Voters Back Legal Weed, Lawmakers Still Say No
Despite public support and booming hemp shops, GOP divisions keep marijuana bills stalled.
Feb 12th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
From Solitary To Soap Prices, Lawmakers Probe Wisconsin’s Prisons
A yearlong review and emotional testimony on hygiene, menstruation and supervision power imbalances frame the latest hearing.
Jan 8th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
Bill to Examine Disappearance, Murders of Black Women Gets Public Hearing
Bill has two Republican co-sponsors. Senate never voted on last effort.
Dec 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Milwaukee Legislators Push Fire Sprinkler Bills After Deadly May Fire
Legislation would provide grants for sprinkler installation, allow municipal regulations.
Oct 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Assembly Republicans Announce Bills to Support Affordable Housing
'We’re talking about small ranch homes, some... built without garages.'
Sep 24th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Bill Would Make Damaging Historical Markers, Statues A Felony
Legislature also consider increasing penalties for human trafficking.
Sep 18th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
New Marquette University Police Unit Fights Reckless Driving
In its first 11 weeks officers have stopped 200 vehicles.
Sep 3rd, 2025 by Steph Conquest-Ware
Two Milwaukee Legislators Proposing Traffic Calming Fund
Proposal calls for $60 million program to combat reckless driving statewide.
Aug 27th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City, County Officials Say More Shelters Needed After Floods
Churches, gyms, schools, residents encouraged to open doors to those in need.
Aug 26th, 2025 by Isiah Holmes
Study Ties Weak State Gun Laws to Child Deaths
Child deaths up 15% in Wisconsin, one of 28 states with most permissive laws.
Jul 27th, 2025 by Edgar Mendez
Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators
A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Bill Gives Milwaukee More Leeway to Impound Recklessly Driven Cars
Proposal passed Assembly, Senate okay likely. Will police use expanded authority?
Jun 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
How State Has Slashed Milwaukee County’s Funding
County would have gotten $1 billion more since 2003 if funding kept up with inflation.
Jun 10th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Asks Again for Red Light Cameras To Nab Speeders
New legislative bill limits where cameras can be placed, how proceeds are spent.
Jun 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Department of Justice Sues SDC
Lawsuit charges former SDC employees owed nearly $360,000 in wages, benefits.
May 24th, 2025 by Meredith Melland
Parties Still Apart on State Budget
Republicans want a meeting with Evers. Democrats criticize GOP Senate bills as minor items.
May 18th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Meet the Legislature’s Fiscal Big Shots
16 members of Finance, mostly Republicans, decide what's in the state budget.
May 12th, 2025 by Steven Walters
GOP Bill Could Cut MPS Funding Over School Police
MPS and city would have to negotiate with Joint Committee on Finance.
May 11th, 2025 by Devin Blake
In A Single Vote, Republicans Strip More Than 600 Items From Evers’ Budget
The cuts include a child care subsidy and funding for a new state Office of Violence Prevention.
May 9th, 2025 by Shawn Johnson
Crowley Supports Replacing SDC
State could de-designate SDC as community action partner. But which local officials must agree?
Apr 30th, 2025 by Edgar Mendez and Meredith Melland
GOP Lawmakers Question Budget Requests by UW System, State Prisons
Joint Finance Committee grills leaders of each about requests for increased funding.
Apr 2nd, 2025 by Hope Kirwan
Legislature Pauses To Remember Jonathan Brostoff
But will it act on proposal to add waiting periods to gun purchases?
Mar 20th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Wisconsin Pays Little Compensation to Wrongfully Convicted
About $5,000 per year of incarceration, $25,000 maximum, stingier than most states.
Mar 4th, 2025 by Khushboo Rathore
Bill Creates Observance Day in Schools for Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips
There are currently 21 special observance days in Wisconsin public schools.
Feb 19th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Republican Bill Would Shield Police From John Doe Investigations
Officer Joseph Mensah, involved in 3 fatal shootings, testifies against Doe probes.
Feb 7th, 2025 by Isiah Holmes
State Office of Children’s Mental Health Confronts Worsening Crisis
Since its creation in 2013, a spike in children with depression or considering suicide.
Jan 13th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
GOP Lawmakers Move Quickly to Enshrine Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law
Early committee hearing to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the April ballot.
Jan 7th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Will Wisconsin Enact a Red Flag Gun Control Law?
The results of the recent election may not help.
Dec 26th, 2024 by Edgar Mendez
Elected Leaders Weigh in On Reopening of Social Development Commission
Mayor Johnson calls for more transparency, Gwen Moore notes challenges it faces.
Dec 22nd, 2024 by Meredith Melland
With Budget Debate Looming, Assembly Fills Remainder of Powerful Finance Committee
Rep. Mark Born and Sen. Howard Marklein will continue to chair JFC.
Dec 19th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Senate Members of Legislature’s Powerful Joint Finance Committee Announced
The 16-person panel is responsible for how Wisconsin spends tens of billions of dollars. Assembly up next.
Dec 5th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Legislative Committee Studying Whether To Create Long-Term Youth Psychiatric Care Facilities
Seventy-eight children were placed out of state for care in 2023.
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Evers, Baldwin Tour Milwaukee and Madison
Democratic governor and senator visit key sites to energize voters on Election Day.
Nov 5th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Lawmakers Grill Wisconsin Prison Officials Over Safety, Employee Death at Youth Facility
The eight-hour public hearing followed the death of a Lincoln Hills employee.
Aug 7th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Regardless of Who Wins Presidency, Health Experts Believe Affordable Care Act Is Safe
Panel of Wisconsin health leaders predicts next president will be focused on prescription drug costs.
Jul 11th, 2024 by Robert D'Andrea
High Stakes, Low Turnout Special Election Tuesday
State senate race pits Dora Drake vs. LaKeshia Myers to replace Lena Taylor.
Jul 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Democrats Running Candidates In All But Two Races
A multi-decade high. But will it matter to their electoral prospects?
Jun 7th, 2024 by Robert D'Andrea
Milwaukee Officials Praise Rescheduling of Cannabis by Biden
New federal policy 'will help reverse longstanding injustices in our legal system.'
May 20th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Future of Lincoln Hills Remains In Limbo
Troubled youth prison needs to meet consent decree terms, or compliance monitoring will follow system to new facility.
Apr 12th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Biden Promotes ‘Life-Changing Improvements’ in Milwaukee Visit
Speech at Pieper Hillside Boys & Girls Club promotes effort to rebuild 6th Street.
Mar 13th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments
Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'
Mar 13th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Republican Committee Rejects DPI Reading Curriculum Recommendations
Stroebel defends shorter list. DPI says legislators didn't thoroughly review curriculum.
Mar 12th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Republican Senator Joins Democrats Against Transgender Sports Bill
Sen. Joan Ballweg cites higher rate of depression, suicide for transgender youth.
Mar 10th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
New Life For Bill Aimed To Help Missing, Murdered Black Women
Committee switch creates pathway to passage, possible task force.
Mar 7th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Milwaukee Leaders Want State To Allow Red Light Cameras
Mayor Johnson, County Executive Crowley say cameras are proven tool for addressing reckless driving.
Feb 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
GOP Bill To Limit John Doe Cases Against Police Passes Legislature
Officers involved in shootings can currently face charges from judges after prosecutors decline.
Feb 16th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Legislative Democrats Renew Push For Paid Family Leave
Proposal aims to provide stability for families, faces uphill fight with GOP.
Feb 15th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
GOP Bill Ends John Doe Cases Against Police Involved in Fatal Shootings
Law being 'abused' by vengeful families, activists, and lawyers, legislator says.
Feb 5th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Proposal Would Expand Silver Alert System To Include Children
Bill is backdoor way to expand Amber Alert system to support finding missing children.
Feb 2nd, 2024 by Evan Casey
Will There Be a City Attorney Race?
Candidates must collect 1,500-3,000 signatures. Where is the incumbent?
Nov 21st, 2023 by Michael Horne
State Democrats Introduce Bill To Limit Book Bans
Proposal would set high standards for instituting ban, seeks cosponsors.
Nov 10th, 2023 by Isiah Holmes
How Proposed Child Care Tax Credit Helps The Wealthy
Under GOP plan the lower the income of a family, the more they must pay out of pocket.
Oct 20th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Groundbreaking For Coggs Center a History Lesson
Trailblazing legislator's legacy continues at new human services building.
Oct 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Advocates Push Legislators To Take Up Gun Background Check Bill
Capitol event features activists, Democrat lawmakers and AG Kaul.
Sep 22nd, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto That Increased School Funding, Assembly Must Act
Gov. Evers called the move "B.S. reckless and wrong."
Sep 15th, 2023 by Corrinne Hess
Legislative Democrats Unveil Agenda To Restore Worker Rights
Bill package includes proposals to undo Act 10, "Right to Work" legislation.
Sep 8th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Mayor Johnson Signs 2% Sales Tax Into Law
"Something huge, something major, something extraordinary," says Johnson of revenue deal, averting fiscal cliff.
Jul 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
County Public Hearing Debates Sales Tax
Most speakers favor sales tax hike, citing the specter of massive cuts to government services.
Jul 12th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Senate Republicans Pass Budget That Cuts Taxes and Democrats’ Policies
Two Republicans join Dems in voting against. "Generational harm," says minority leader.
Jun 29th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Mayor Johnson Touts “One Milwaukee” Vision In State of City Speech
Public safety, an end to reckless driving, more bike lanes, lead lateral replacement and a city government back from the brink.
Jun 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
The Last Hurrah For Rep. Goyke
At his last budget hearing Milwaukee legislator Evan Goyke gets teased and praised.
Jun 25th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Approve $3.5 Billion Income Tax Cut
GOP legislators also approve cutting $32 million from UW System budget as part of DEI cut.
Jun 23rd, 2023 by Shawn Johnson and Anya van Wagtendonk
Evers Celebrates Bipartisan Shared Revenue Law
It will increase state funding to all Wisconsin municipalities by at least 20%.
Jun 20th, 2023 by Rob Mentzer
GOP Legislators Boost Road Funding By $1.5 Billion
Budget committee approves proposal that also hikes fees on electric vehicles.
Jun 17th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Overnight GOP Vote Would End Child Care Program
Advocates say decision would raise costs and cause centers to close.
Jun 16th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills
Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Have Republicans Put Milwaukee Transit On Chopping Block?
Milwaukee legislators oppose move by GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee.
Jun 14th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Assembly, Senate Could Strip Milwaukee Funding From Revenue Bill
Speaker Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu threaten to remove sales taxes for city and county.
Jun 8th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Evers Vision Trashed by Republicans
It's governor's vision vs. 12 Republicans on Joint Finance Committee. Who's right?
May 8th, 2023 by Steven Walters
GOP Revenue Sharing Plan Penalizes Cities
Milwaukee gets 10% hike in funding, rural towns get increase as high at 723%.
May 7th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Center Accused of Censorship
Eliminating literary art installation in preparation for Republican National Convention?
Apr 11th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center Will Destroy Literary Artworks
Nationally unique installation done in 1998. Public board didn't vote on its destruction.
Apr 4th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
DSPS Secretary, Republicans Debate Licensing Staffing, Backlog
Secretary-designee wants to use its revenue to hire staff, Republicans question backlog, push for fewer licenses.
Mar 31st, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Rep. Donovan’s Reckless Driving Bills Approved By Legislature
And: Republicans block rule that bans conversion therapy, allowing controversial practice to continue.
Mar 23rd, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Democrats Hold State Budget Listening Session in Milwaukee
Republican leaders scheduled sessions in four cities in state, but not Milwaukee, Madison.
Mar 14th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Democrats Call For Spindell To Resign After Milwaukee Voting Comments
Republican-appointed elections commissioner said GOP should be proud of suppressing vote.
Jan 19th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Advocates Urge Congress to Pass Maternal Health Care
Pushing for three maternal health care provisions in year-end omnibus bill.
Dec 19th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Residential Treatment Center Opens Downtown
48-bed eating disorder facility in a 7-story building. Plus: All the week's real estate news.
Dec 11th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Everyone Wants to Be Lt. Governor
10 candidates in all, including just two Democrats. Who stands out?
Aug 6th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
State Leaders React to Overturning of Roe
Republicans celebrate, Democrats say they are ‘heartbroken’
Jun 25th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
State Democrats Push Legislation Changing Gun Laws
Republicans have stymied all previous attempts by Gov. Evers and Democratic legislators.
Jun 3rd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
GOP Legislators Reject Evers Tax Rebate, Approve MPS Breakup
Last day of session also passes parental bill of rights, expanded vouchers, replacing Lincoln Hills.
Mar 9th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Democratic Bills Target Teacher Shortage
8 bills raise teacher pay, offer bonuses and same health insurance received by legislators.
Feb 22nd, 2022 by Madeline Fox
State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China
Against vaccine mandates and China and for guns on school grounds.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Evers Surplus Plan Offers Tax Rebate
$150 per person, plus child care tax credit and greater education funding. Republicans dismissive.
Jan 28th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
GOP Lawmakers Try to Strip Evers Power Over Federal Aid
Republican controlled state Senate would change state law to place authority with legislature.
Jan 26th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
GOP Bill Cuts Social Safety Net To Boost Hiring
Republican lawmakers would restrict access to healthcare, food assistance and unemployment insurance.
Jan 19th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Is Third Time The Charm for Red Light Cameras?
Rep. LaKeshia Myers reintroduces bill to allow Milwaukee to use cameras to bust speeders and red-light runners.
Oct 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers Allocates $45 Million To Violence Prevention, Victim Support
Evers joined by Attorney General Josh Kaul and Milwaukee violence prevention leaders for announcement.
Oct 13th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Legislation Aimed At Infant, Maternal Mortality Racial Disparities
Democrats sponsor bills intended to improve, increase access to healthcare for mothers and infants.
Oct 12th, 2021 by Laurel White
Big Changes Needed In Political Districts
Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Kaul Supports Gun Bills Proposed by Democratic Legislators
Bills includes increased background checks and new court orders blocking individuals from gun possession.
Sep 24th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Leaders Celebrate New Mental Health Center
Huge gathering of officials for project lauded as momentous, exciting and historic.
Aug 31st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Evers’ Search for Lt. Governor Hits Snag
His top choices to run for post don't seem to be interested.
Aug 31st, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Evers Replaces GOP Transit Cuts With Stimulus Funds
Milwaukee County Transit System receives $19.7 million.
Aug 30th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Tax Cut Divides Democrats
Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?
Republicans got their way in budget rewrite, but Evers' vetoes loom.
Jul 4th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Tax Cut Has Democrats Playing Defense
Republican proposed tax cut is huge, historic. But benefits skew toward the wealthy.
Jun 28th, 2021 by Steven Walters
