State

Interest groups are constantly trying to influence lawmakers and policymakers in Madison. And they spend a lot of money doing it.

Through reports filed by interest groups with the state, we can find out how much is being spent and what topics are being lobbied.

As the nation emerged from the pandemic, a surge in purchasing and economic activity fueled strong growth in Wisconsin’s sales tax revenues. But in recent months this growth has slowed considerably, preliminary 2024 figures show.

At the height of the pandemic, Wisconsin saw a surge of increased participation in a range of outdoor pursuits. And even as the pandemic receded, by 2023, Wisconsinites still were exceeding pre-pandemic rates of participation in pastimes such as fishing and visiting state parks.

As families prepare for another school year, the Wisconsin State Patrol reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention to keep kids safe. Traffic patterns will change as school buses head back out on the roads. Plan ahead and watch for pedestrians at all times.

The Universities of Wisconsin system, which has been rocked by financial problems and closures, is getting a major review from a legislative study committee.

Four independent Presidential candidates filed signatures and paperwork with the Wisconsin Elections Commission in an attempt to be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The deadline was 5 p.m. Aug. 6.

President Joe Biden and his Democrat allies enjoyed a more than 18-to-1 advantage in ad spending in Wisconsin over the past 18 months, even as polls have shown little movement among state voters in his race with Donald Trump, according to Ad Impact.

The overall quality of Wisconsin’s paved local roads has deteriorated modestly since 2010, with Milwaukee having especially poor local road conditions relative to most of the state’s large cities.

Though the high unemployment that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the number of people receiving FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin has not yet returned to 2019 levels. This may reflect a number of factors, from changes to eligibility requirements to reduced stigma and high food prices.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has granted benefits to 1.1 million veterans and their survivors, an all-time record.

In total, VA has awarded $137B in benefits, including $127 billion in compensation and pension benefits, to veterans and survivors this year.