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Wisconsin Communities Face Conflict Over New Transmission Line Projects Amidst Criticisms of Planning Process

Wisconsin Communities Face Conflict Over New Transmission Line Projects Amidst Criticisms of Planning Process

Wisconsin is experiencing significant conflict over the development of new transmission line projects, including Grid Forward, MariBell, and BECI, following the completion of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek (CHC) line in 2024. Communities, particularly in rural areas, express frustration over a perceived lack of early engagement and transparency in the planning process. Research into the CHC project revealed that opposition was primarily driven by concerns about the planning and approval processes, project costs, and insufficient consideration of alternatives, rather than a lack of concern for climate change. Opponents felt that public outreach was merely a formality and that project approval was predetermined. They also suspected the CHC line was facilitating a new renewable energy production zone, a concern validated by the emergence of wind and solar farms and data centers seeking to connect to the CHC. Critics argue that the current planning process, described as 'decades-old,' fails to account for modern e...

Wisconsin trooper released from ICE custody after 'dramatic experience'

Wisconsin trooper released from ICE custody after 'dramatic experience'

A Wisconsin state trooper who came to the U.S. from South Africa as a teen was released from ICE custody. He has a work permit and an asylum case.

Hawkins Ash CPAs Seeks Senior Tax Associate Amidst Regional Expansion

Hawkins Ash CPAs Seeks Senior Tax Associate Amidst Regional Expansion

Hawkins Ash CPAs Seeks Senior Tax Associate Amidst Regional Expansion

US Clean Power Sector Faces Risks Amidst Protectionist Measures Despite Tax Credit Pipeline

US Clean Power Sector Faces Risks Amidst Protectionist Measures Despite Tax Credit Pipeline

US Clean Power Sector Faces Risks Amidst Protectionist Measures Despite Tax Credit Pipeline

Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative File Route Permit for Gopher to Badger Link Project in Minnesota

Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative File Route Permit for Gopher to Badger Link Project in Minnesota

Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative File Route Permit for Gopher to Badger Link Project in Minnesota

The Midterms Could Unleash a New Era of Clean Energy in These States

The Midterms Could Unleash a New Era of Clean Energy in These States

Democrats won long-sought “trifectas” in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. They have big plans for climate action

Wisconsin Infant Dies from Measles Amid Largest Outbreak in Over Three Decades

Wisconsin Infant Dies from Measles Amid Largest Outbreak in Over Three Decades

An infant in Wisconsin has died from measles, marking the state's first measles-related death in over 35 years and the third reported in the U.S. this week. This tragic event occurs amidst Wisconsin's largest measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 431 cases recorded across 13 counties this year. The state's health department emphasizes that the true number of cases is likely higher due to underreporting. Nine individuals in Wisconsin have been hospitalized. Children under five, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant people face a higher risk of severe complications from measles. The state is urging unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated, noting that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective with two doses. The infant's death follows two other measles-related deaths reported this week in Pennsylvania and New York.

BloombergNEF Reports Data Center Demand Driving US Clean Power Growth Amid Policy Challenges

BloombergNEF Reports Data Center Demand Driving US Clean Power Growth Amid Policy Challenges

BloombergNEF (BNEF) reports that surging electricity demand from data centers is significantly reshaping the U.S. power market, acting as a key driver for record clean energy additions. BNEF projects the U.S. will add over 1 terawatt of solar, wind, and energy storage capacity between 2026 and 2036, more than doubling the cumulative capacity from the end of 2025. This growth is primarily fueled by data center electricity demand, with total installed data center capacity in the U.S. expected to reach 194 gigawatts by 2035, up from 47 gigawatts in 2025. While federal tax credits underpin a large pipeline of wind and solar projects, equipment bans, sourcing rules for tax credits, and other policy barriers are increasing project costs and complexity. Despite the push for clean energy, on-site natural gas power remains a lower-cost and dispatchable option for data centers, indicating that not all new electricity demand will be met by renewables.

A once almost-forgotten disease is spiking in the US. See latest numbers

A once almost-forgotten disease is spiking in the US. See latest numbers

The United States has hit another grim milestone amid the resurgence of measles, a disease it had previously eliminated.

Understanding the Components of U.S. Gasoline Prices and Stagnant Federal Gas Tax

Understanding the Components of U.S. Gasoline Prices and Stagnant Federal Gas Tax

The price of a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. is composed of four main factors: crude oil (approximately 50%), refining costs (around 17%), distribution and marketing (about 17%), and taxes (roughly 16%). Crude oil prices, determined by a global market, are the most volatile component and typically drive price fluctuations. The federal gas tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon, has not been raised since October 1, 1993, meaning it has lost significant purchasing power due to inflation over more than 30 years. Similarly, Wisconsin's state gas tax has been frozen since 2006, when indexing to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was eliminated. Gas stations themselves typically have thin margins on fuel sales, making most of their profit from convenience store items.

Wisconsin Farm and Forestry Exports Achieve Record Highs Amidst Tariff Challenges

Wisconsin Farm and Forestry Exports Achieve Record Highs Amidst Tariff Challenges

Wisconsin Farm and Forestry Exports Achieve Record Highs Amidst Tariff Challenges

Wisconsin Reports First Measles Death Since 1990 Amid Rising Cases

Wisconsin Reports First Measles Death Since 1990 Amid Rising Cases

An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died after contracting measles, marking the state's first measles-related death in 36 years. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the fatality but did not disclose specific details about the location or the family to protect their privacy. State health officials confirmed that the coroner listed measles as the cause of death. Kirsten Johnson, secretary of the state health department, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that it was preventable through vaccination. The U.S. had largely eliminated the domestic spread of measles by 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but these rates have recently fallen below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks. As of Thursday, Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases, with all but three occurring in unvaccinated individuals, and nine people have been hospitalized.