Public Safety
The week ended with good news out of Beaver Dam via Omaha, Nebraska, where a missing and pregnant teenager was found safe, and a man was arrested in connection with her disappearance. WISN reported the resolution of this tense situation, offering relief to the community. Meanwhile, in Green Lake County, a collaborative effort by state agencies extinguished a 750-acre wildfire, showcasing effective emergency response amid challenging conditions, as detailed by WPR.
Severe winter weather wreaked havoc across Wisconsin, leaving tens of thousands without power. WFRV reported that over 50,000 residents were affected statewide, while WAOW noted that much of Crandon remained in the dark. The situation escalated in the Northwoods, prompting a State of Emergency declaration, according to WAOW. These outages underscored the vulnerability of aging infrastructure as communities grappled with prolonged recovery efforts.
Politics and Governance
Wisconsin’s political landscape saw significant developments this week. The Wisconsin Supreme Court elected Justice Ann Walsh Bradley as its next chief justice on Thursday, as reported by WISC. Meanwhile, Democratic-backed Susan Crawford secured a win in the state Supreme Court race, cementing a liberal majority, per WISC. NBC News analyst Steve Kornacki attributed Crawford’s victory to heightened Democratic voter intensity, though Dairyland Sentinel highlighted her reliance on ActBlue funding, noting ongoing probes.
Elsewhere, the spring election brought mixed results: incumbent Superintendent Jill Underly defeated challenger Brittany Kinser, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, but Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill aimed at reversing Underly’s testing changes, sparking debate, per Dairyland Sentinel. A voter ID requirement will also be added to the Wisconsin Constitution following a referendum, reported by WPR. On the legislative front, the MacIver Institute covered the first hearing for Return to Work legislation and a proposal to grant the Department of Agriculture more “potato policing power,” while a new state budget remains delayed. The Center Square noted Governor Evers’ absence on Election Day, as he prioritized a trade trip to Germany, drawing criticism amid these domestic developments.
Nationally, Reuters reported that the U.S. Supreme Court appears to favor a tax exemption case that could reshape state policy. Closer to home, The Center Square highlighted tensions between Evers and Republicans over a state building plan, while WPR detailed fiscal uncertainty in an audit of federal funds use. The Associated Press also covered the final push by Supreme Court candidates in the 2025 spring election.
Education and Campus Controversies
Higher education made headlines for both achievements and turmoil. Dr. Thomas Gibson was named chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, a move celebrated by the UW System, while WEAU reported on UW-River Falls clinching back-to-back Division 3 Women’s Hockey titles. However, controversy erupted when a professor allegedly flipped a College Republicans’ table, leading to their placement on administrative leave, as reported by the New York Post. WEAU noted that faculty member involved was removed from their role as department chair, reflecting a week of upheaval in academia.
Economy and Workforce
Economic stories painted a mixed picture. The Wisconsin Safety Council announced its Workplace Safety Award winners, spotlighting exemplary businesses in a report from Dairyland Sentinel. Meanwhile, February 2025 employment data was released by Dairyland Sentinel, offering insights into the state’s labor market. WPR emphasized a county advocate’s call to attract younger workers to communities with aging populations, a vital strategy for sustaining rural vitality amid demographic shifts.
Sports
On a lighter note, Packers.com shared five key takeaways from team president Mark Murphy’s remarks at the NFL Annual Meeting, offering fans a glimpse into the organization’s priorities as the offseason unfolds.
