Competing proposals would protect “innocent landowners” — those who didn’t knowingly cause pollution — from liability. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch This story was produced and originally published by Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. It was made possible by donors like you. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican lawmakers continue to dig in their […]
An Ecosystem Engineer’s Vision: Mock Beaver Dams to Restore Wisconsin Wetlands
Beaver-inspired structures could limit flooding and benefit wildlife habitat, but state permitting is arduous. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch Jay Dee Nichols stamped and packed stiff willow branches between maple wood posts, with muffled crunches. At 63, the semi-retired handyman from the Wisconsin city of Black River Falls has trapped beavers before. But he’s never […]
Wisconsin bill Would Limit Local Control Over Animal Welfare
Proponents cite a need to ‘protect our farms.’ Opponents worry the legislation will reach further — eroding environmental and health safeguards. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletters for original stories and our Friday news roundup. Republican state lawmakers are proposing to restrict local authority to regulate Wisconsin farms […]
Kohler Co. Golf Course Plans Along Lake Michigan Dealt Another Setback. Here’s What to Know.
Opponents cheer a court decision finding fault with the controversial project’s plan to fill Wisconsin wetlands. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an editorially independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism in partnership with Report For America […]
The Chairman: How a Plan to Develop Wisconsin’s Largest Pig Farm Upended a Small Town’s Politics
A proposal for a $20 million concentrated animal feeding operation sowed distrust in Trade Lake as opponents accused the town’s chairman of backroom dealings to facilitate construction. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletters for original stories and our Friday news roundup. This is the first story in a […]
Threat to Sue Town in Polk County, Wisconsin, Over Large Farm Regulations Revives Local Control Fight
Backed by a pro-business law group, two Wisconsin residents challenge regulations of concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an editorially independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism in partnership with Report […]
Wisconsin cleanup shifts toxic PFAS burden to Alabama Black Belt
‘Father of environmental justice’ says sending fluorinated firefighting foam to a landfill in the mostly poor, Black town of Emelle perpetuates racism. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch, Sarah Whites-Koditschek AL.com and Dennis Pillion AL.com Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletters for original stories and our Friday news roundup. Five-gallon plastic pails holding a […]
Republican lawmakers reject proposal to help Wisconsin communities access federal grant programs
Gov. Tony Evers signs a budget that excludes his plan to help staff-strapped local governments track and apply for federal infrastructure dollars. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletter to get our investigative stories and Friday news roundup. Editor’s note: A previous version of the story referenced a […]
Midwest drought: Corn and soybeans suffer as forecasters expect no quick relief for farmers
Arid conditions are expected to persist in eastern Iowa and Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. River barges are affected, too. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an editorially independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism in partnership with […]
What EPA’s nationwide PFAS rule means for Wisconsin drinking water
New federal limits on hazardous “forever chemicals” could mean cleaner, safer drinking water. But some residents may see higher utility bills. By Bennet Goldstein Wisconsin Watch A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal issued Tuesday would tighten limits on toxic “forever chemicals” in Wisconsin’s drinking water. If finalized, the rule would establish the first national […]