The hive news media have a tendency to over hype certain stories.

We don’t do that here. We share the news and events that matter, and we do so in a matter-of-fact way.

As we do in today’s Key Reads.


Families dealing with inflationary hits on the price of groceries, housing and energy better buckle up.

Wisconsin utility companies looking to increase electric and gas rates | WBAY

Consumers may have to reach deeper into their pockets come next year, after two of Wisconsin’s largest utility companies filed for about $800 million in rate increases in the next two years….

For those with WPS, customers could be seeing a nearly 20% increase by 2026, which is about $16 more a month for utilities. We Energies’ customers could see an 18.5% increase by 2026, which is about $24 more a month for utilities….

The Public Service Commission will host hearings on the proposals and are expected to make a final decision later this year. New rates are expected to take effect in January 2025


The hype around these things exceeds even the partial solar eclipse.

Wisconsin cicada invasion: Where and when will you see them | WISN

Cicadas spend 95.5% of their lives underground, emerging for only four to six weeks as adults. You can find them around the world.

What makes this year special is the rare occurrence of when Brood XIII and Brood XIX cicadas will both emerge. This is the first time in 221 years the two species will emerge at the same time.

In Wisconsin, we will only get the Brood XIII, which has been underground for 17 years.

Southern Wisconsin, south of Interstate 94, will be most affected.

They are expected to arrive within a two-to-three-week period starting the last two weeks of May.


If you live in Southeast Wisconsin, we have a great way for you and your family to make sure you remember the meaning and sentiment behind Memorial Day.

Urgent call from DVA: Volunteers needed to place flags at grave sites at Wood National Cemetery | Dairyland Sentinel

Volunteers are needed to place flags on grave sites at Wood National Cemetery prior to Memorial Day.

Flag placement starts at 9 a.m., this Saturday, May 25. 

Volunteers are also needed to remove flags starting at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 28. 

For both days, volunteers should meet at the start time and sign in at the cemetery office at 5000 W. National Ave., Building 1301. Volunteers can park in the gravel area east of the cemetery office.  

For more information about the Memorial Day ceremony, contact Wood National Cemetery at 414-382-5300.


So the bugs may be overhyped. Inflation, though is real. So is our debt to the fallen service members.

Here’s hoping we all react appropriately.