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Wausau City Council Faces Controversy Over Proposed Fees and Voting Rights

Wausau City Council Faces Controversy Over Proposed Fees and Voting Rights

In Wausau, the public works director has proposed reintroducing three fees previously rejected by voters: a stormwater utility fee, a garbage and refuse fee, and a vehicle registration fee. These proposals come after the city council repealed an ordinance requiring voter approval for new fees, a move that has sparked debate. The stormwater utility fee would charge based on impervious surfaces, shifting costs from property taxes to those contributing to stormwater runoff. This proposal aims to address the financial burden on homeowners and ensure tax-exempt properties contribute to stormwater management costs. The vehicle registration fee, unlike the others, would generate new revenue without reducing the property tax levy.

Gardner Mayor Discusses Budget and Drought on WGAW Hotline Radio

Gardner Mayor Discusses Budget and Drought on WGAW Hotline Radio

On August 8, 2026, the WGAW Hotline Radio Show featured Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson discussing several pressing issues affecting the local community. The mayor addressed the high cost of employee health insurance, which is a significant concern for the city's budget. Additionally, he spoke about the ongoing drought impacting Gardner and the surrounding areas, highlighting the challenges it poses to local projects and resources. Mayor Nicholson also mentioned the CodeRed program, which is designed to keep residents informed about emergencies and important updates. Furthermore, he announced his campaign for State Representative, emphasizing his commitment to addressing these local issues at a higher level. The radio show, hosted by Steve Wendell, also included segments on various topics such as the Protect Act signed by Governor Maura Healey, and a special report on Cape Cod's history.

Florida Times-Union

Darnell Smith back as City Hall as Mayor Deegan's chief of staff

Darnell Smith back as City Hall as Mayor Deegan's chief of staff

After being Mayor Donna Deegan's chief of staff as executive on loan in 2024, Darnell Smith returns to that role after retiring from Florida Blue.

Former Iraqi Governor Arrested Amid Anti-Corruption Campaign

Former Iraqi Governor Arrested Amid Anti-Corruption Campaign

Ahmed al-Jubouri, the former governor of Iraq's Saladin province, has been arrested on charges of embezzling funds from provincial contracts. The arrest is part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown in Iraq, which has seen the detention of numerous politicians and officials. Al-Jubouri, also known as Abu Mazen, was apprehended in Baghdad and is accused of misusing contract funds alongside businessman Mohammed al-Hajaf. This development follows a series of arrests aimed at addressing long-standing corruption issues in Iraq, with the current government under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi facing pressure to tackle these challenges.

Fort Worth Halts Demolition of Century-Old Grain Silos Due to Funding Shortfall

Fort Worth Halts Demolition of Century-Old Grain Silos Due to Funding Shortfall

The city of Fort Worth has decided not to proceed with the demolition of 100-year-old grain silos in the Worth Heights neighborhood due to a $600,000 funding gap. Although the Neighborhood Improvement Program had allocated $850,000 for the project, the total cost exceeded available funds. As a result, the city will redirect the allocated money to other neighborhood improvement projects. The decision comes years after a 2016 vote to demolish the silos if the property owner did not address the structures.

Fort Worth Redirects Funds from Silo Demolition to Neighborhood Projects

Fort Worth Redirects Funds from Silo Demolition to Neighborhood Projects

The city of Fort Worth has decided not to proceed with the demolition of century-old grain silos in the Worth Heights neighborhood due to budget constraints. Initially, the city had planned to demolish the silos if the property owner did not address the structures, with $850,000 allocated for the project. However, a funding gap of approximately $600,000 has made the demolition financially unfeasible. As a result, the city will redirect the funds to other neighborhood improvement projects, allowing for enhancements in local infrastructure and community services.

Air Quality Alert in Effect Amid Wildfire Smoke in Montana

Air Quality Alert in Effect Amid Wildfire Smoke in Montana

Wildfire smoke has heavily settled across northwest Montana, leading to reduced air quality and visibility. An AIR QUALITY ALERT is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday for multiple counties, including Beaverhead, Flathead, and Missoula, due to elevated particulate levels. Dry and breezy conditions are expected tomorrow, particularly in southwest Montana near Dillon, where wind gusts up to 30 mph are forecast. These conditions may lead to elevated fire weather concerns. A cooling trend is anticipated later in the week, with chances for precipitation and thunderstorms starting Wednesday, especially along the Continental Divide.

Red Flag Warnings and Air Quality Alerts Persist Across Western Montana

Red Flag Warnings and Air Quality Alerts Persist Across Western Montana

Western Montana is under multiple Red Flag Warnings due to critical fire weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds. The warnings are in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday for areas such as the Lincoln Ranger District, East Lolo, Bitterroot, Deerlodge, and the Flathead Reservation. Temperatures are expected to reach around 95°F (35°C) with relative humidity as low as 8%. Winds are forecasted to range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Additionally, Air Quality Alerts are in place for several counties, including Beaverhead, Flathead, and Missoula, due to elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke. Smoke is expected to be densest in northwest Montana, particularly during late evening and early morning hours.

Montana DEQ Issues Air Quality Alert Amidst Widespread Wildfires

Montana DEQ Issues Air Quality Alert Amidst Widespread Wildfires

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for several counties due to smoke from regional wildfires. As of August 7, 2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Dillon, and Libby are considered unhealthy, while other areas like Butte and Missoula are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The smoke is primarily from wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with local fires in the Pioneer and Sapphire Mountains also contributing. The Bobcat Lakes Fire and Sand Creek Fire are among the most active, burning thousands of acres. Weather conditions, including a ridge of high pressure, are exacerbating the situation by trapping smoke in valleys. The forecast suggests that monsoonal moisture may bring some relief next week, but the risk of dry thunderstorms could ignite new fires.

National Park Service Criticizes Past Administrations Over Reflecting Pool Maintenance

National Park Service Criticizes Past Administrations Over Reflecting Pool Maintenance

The National Park Service (NPS) has posted a new sign at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., attributing the pool's maintenance issues to neglect by previous administrations. The sign, which has drawn public attention, states that more than half of the pool's 58 water supply ports were clogged and nonfunctional due to years of neglect. The NPS is currently flushing the pool's piping system, which may temporarily discolor the water. This maintenance effort is part of a broader restoration project initiated by the Trump administration, which has faced various challenges, including algae blooms and peeling paint.

Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General Amidst Concerns Over Justice Department's Independence

Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General Amidst Concerns Over Justice Department's Independence

Todd Blanche, previously President Trump's personal lawyer, has been confirmed as the U.S. Attorney General by a narrow Senate vote of 50-49. The confirmation process was marked by bipartisan concerns regarding the potential politicization of the Justice Department. Blanche, who had been serving as acting Attorney General, faced scrutiny over his past legal work for Trump and his role in controversial initiatives. Despite these concerns, Blanche's confirmation was supported by key Republican senators, who argued that his leadership could bring stability to the department.

Col. Jack Chambers Confirmed as U.S. Marshal for Southern District of West Virginia

Col. Jack Chambers Confirmed as U.S. Marshal for Southern District of West Virginia

Col. Jack Chambers has been confirmed by the United States Senate as the U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia. Chambers, who previously served as the superintendent of the West Virginia State Police, was nominated for the position by President Trump. His confirmation is part of a larger group of nearly 75 nominees approved by the Senate. Chambers takes over from Michael Baylous, who retired earlier this year. Chambers' extensive career in law enforcement, spanning 35 years, has been highlighted by his recent leadership roles within the state police, where he served both as interim and full-time superintendent following the resignation of his predecessor.