State news - Pierce County Journal

THE CAPITOL REPORT: A rematch brewing for 2026 attorney general's race

Next year Wisconsin voters will see the first open governor's race since 2010 with Dem Gov. Tony Evers opting against a run for a third four-year term. But contrary to conventional wisdom just a … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 11/5/25

THE CAPITOL REPORT: The 2026 Supreme Court race may be overshadowed this time

The 2026 elections kick off in the spring with yet another high-spending state Supreme Court race on the horizon. But several reasons suggest this won't be a race like the two previous ones that … more

By WisPolitics.com | 10/15/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Governor's race gaining attention

With the 2026 primaries for governor less than a year away, the field is growing, shifting and gaining attention. And why not? This is the first open governor's race since 2010, when Dem … more

By WisPolitics.com | 10/8/25

Fiscal Facts: Sizable increases for Wisconsin tax levies, property values

Gross property tax levies across Wisconsin increased 4.2% 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 … more

10/1/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Legislative Dems and Republicans seek ways to extend the Stewardship program

The bipartisan Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program has been encountering some partisan hits in recent years. So much so that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the GOP-controlled Legislature in the new … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 9/17/25

Audit confirms DNR’s accountable spending; WiWF calls for unity and solutions

POYNETTE — The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (Report 25-15) confirms Wisconsin DNR is managing the Fish and Wildlife Account dollars responsibly and within legislative parameters: the … more

9/17/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Bradley’s exit from 2026 Supreme Court race an early advantage for Dems, insiders agree

Next year’s political calendar in Wisconsin features two big races: contests for the state Supreme Court race and the governor’s office. And they both have something in common: … more

By WisPolitics.com | 9/10/25

If you’re approaching a railroad crossing, look ahead to make sure you have enough room to get all the way across the tracks safely. Sometimes in heavier traffic, a vehicle can get stuck in the middle of a crossing which is dangerous. Remember that trains overhang tracks by at least three feet on both sides.

Wisconsin State Patrol urges safe choices near train tracks

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, … more

9/10/25

In 2018, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin appeared at Lambeau Field to discuss the proposed Go Pack Go Act.

Baldwin, Wied kick off Packers season with push to ensure all Wisconsinites can watch Packers games

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the Packers’ season opener, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI-8) introduced the Go Pack Go Act, legislation to ensure all … more

9/10/25

The storms on Aug. 9, 2025 created a 1,000-year flooding event in southeast Wisconsin. The phrase refers to the probability of an event of that magnitude happening, not the actual frequency of its occurrence.

Fiscal Facts: Flood damage rises with rainfall

Over the past 45 years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in damage caused by flooding, as the climate has warmed, extreme rains have become more common, and urban development has continued. … more

9/3/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Job no. 1 for governor candidates -- name ID

The No. 1 challenge for 2026 gubernatorial candidates will be ensuring Wisconsin voters know them well enough that they can advance to the general election, Marquette University Law School Poll … more

By WisPolitics.com | 9/3/25

Appeals Court affirms state’s role in safeguarding water from ag pollution

MADISON – On Aug. 27, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals for District II issued a decision affirming the authority of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to … more

9/3/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Stalled energy legislation the most lobbied bill in first half of 2025

Stalled legislation that would give incumbent utilities the first shot at building new transmission lines was the most lobbied bill during the first six months of the year, according to numbers … more

By WisPolitics.com | 8/27/25

THE CAPITOL REPORT: As Evers mulls another run, a new GOP candidate joins the 2026 governor field

Will he or won’t he? That’s what insiders are asking these days about Gov. Tony Evers’ decision on whether to run for a third four-year term next year. Devin Remiker, the newly … more

By WisPolitics.com | 7/23/25

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Post-reconciliation bill rhetoric a preview of 2026 campaign themes

President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" is now law -- and the centerpiece of the battle for control of the U.S. House in the 2026 elections. Democrats are banking on it being a big Dem … more

7/16/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Liberal leaning court rejects calls for new congressional district lines

Republicans in general score a win when the state Supreme Court rejected requests to redraw the state’s congressional map. Insiders see the Janesville Republican as perhaps the biggest … more

By WisPolitics.com | 7/9/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Election system has public support

You may hear a lot of griping about elections in Wisconsin. But recent polling suggests a big majority of voters has confidence in the process and trusts the people who run elections. The … more

By WisPolitics.com | 7/3/25

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Wisconsin part of national trend on legislation to restrict foreign land ownership

As Wisconsin lawmakers debate competing approaches to restricting foreign ownership of land, a new study finds similar bills elsewhere are more likely in states with Republican legislative … more

By WisPolitics.com | 6/26/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Move to change congressional maps underway

As predicted after Susan Crawford’s big victory in the state Supreme Court race, a move to change Wisconsin congressional maps is underway. If successful, it seems likely to affect the … more

By WisPolitics.com | 6/18/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Review finds 2024 lawmaker travel worth more than $200,000

Outside groups reimbursed Dem and GOP lawmakers for more than $200,000 in expenses to attend events in the United States and abroad last year, according to a WisPolitics review. Lawmakers listed … more

By WisPolitics.com | 6/11/25