State

Gross property tax levies across Wisconsin increased 4.2 percent in 2024, the second largest increase since 2009. In the last 15 years, this increase in levies by all local governments was second only to the 4.6 percent annual increase in 2023.

Total operating spending across all Wisconsin cities and villages increased sharply in 2023 after a period of high inflation, the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2025 Municipal DataTool shows.

Participation in Wisconsin’s registered and youth apprenticeship programs soared to record high levels in 2024 – a welcome development at a time when many industries report shortages of qualified workers.

When the weather turns crisp and kickoff returns, so does one of Wisconsin’s most cherished traditions: The tailgate. For Wisconsinites, the real magic happens hours before the football game even starts.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released an updated report finding that emergency medical services (EMS) in Wisconsin responded to over 140,000 falls in 2024, representing 21 percent of all 911-related ambulance runs in 2024.

As schools across the state settle into another academic year, the Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) are working together to keep students safe and encourage safe driving near buses.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) launched new consumer protection outreach toolkits in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards, honoring exceptional Wisconsin PK-12 educators and school leaders. Nominations can be submitted online at www.kohleducation.org.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds consumers and dealers who are buying a used vehicle to check it carefully for potential flood damage. Water may cause mechanical or electrical issues and affect the overall safety of the vehicle.

Wisconsin is home to 3,300 miles of active train tracks that are essential to the state’s economy and connect travelers to their destinations. Because trains cannot make sudden stops, drivers and pedestrians should be extra vigilant when approaching railroad tracks to prevent serious crashes.