Incorporating energy-efficient features into homes is becoming increasingly popular, as it not only reduces long-term utility costs but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable living. This trend reflects a societal shift towards environmental consciousness, with many buyers and renters willing to pay more for properties equipped with green technologies such as solar panels and UV-resistant window coatings.
The Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) has reported a significant increase in new home construction across the state. Data collected from municipalities show that 3,692 new home permits were issued between January 1 and March 31, marking a 36 percent rise compared to the same period last year. This represents approximately 980 more permits than in the first quarter of 2023.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has released a new report highlighting the detrimental impact of decreasing levels of social capital on Wisconsin communities. Titled "Fraying Connections: Exploring Social Capital and Its Societal Implications," the report delves into the importance of social capital and its implications on various societal issues.Miranda Spindt, WILL Policy Associate, emphasized the significance of social capital by stating, “Loneliness and mental health issues have radically increased in American society and declining social capital is a...
As of April 2024, Wisconsin experienced a 19.5% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 19.9% increase.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has filed a federal Title VI complaint against Northwestern University on behalf of the Young America’s Foundation, citing the University's actions to appease anti-Israel protestors on campus. WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, emphasized the legal implications, stating, “Our message to Northwestern University and any other university is simple: if you do this, we will take legal action."Vic Bernson, Vice President and General Counsel for YAF, expressed strong opposition to the University's actions, calling it "completely...
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) has raised concerns about the potential impact of President Biden's proposed federal budget cuts on public charter schools. A recent study by WILL revealed that public charter schools in Milwaukee outperformed traditional public schools in English Language Arts and math proficiency rates. This highlights the importance of charter schools in providing high-quality education options for at-risk students.In response to President Biden's proposal to slash funding for the Charter Schools Program in the FY 2025 budget, WILL has...
MOUNT HOREB, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an incident that occurred in the Village of Mount Horeb, Wis. on the morning of Monday, May 1, 2024.According to the DCI, the Mount Horeb School District was placed on lockdown due to a safety threat. The Mount Horeb Police Department responded to a report of an individual with a weapon outside the middle school and subsequently used deadly force to address the threat. The subject involved, who was a student from the Mount Horeb School...
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently looking into an officer-involved shooting that took place in the Town of Grand Chute, Wis. on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024.According to the report, Outagamie County Sheriff’s Sergeant Ellis Brooks discharged his firearm, striking William Jae Kil Nelson, 22, who was observed with a knife at the scene. The incident unfolded after deputies responded to a vehicle crash on W. Prospect Avenue in the Town of Grand Chute. Outagamie County Sheriff’s Deputy Noah Yeck attempted...
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is providing resources for online safety as sextortion cases increase throughout the country, including in Wisconsin. Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of protecting children online, stating, "We must keep our kids safe from online dangers."In a recent sextortion case investigated by the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation, a La Crosse man was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Kaul reaffirmed the department's dedication, saying, "The...
In a recent analysis conducted by economists Hanson and Hawley, the potential cost of outlawing fossil fuel heat in Wisconsin has been brought to light. The study compares the operating costs of a conventional gas furnace to a heat pump over a 15-year period, revealing significant differences. According to Patrick McIlheran, the cost implications of such a transition are a crucial consideration for Wisconsinites.The researchers found that operating a conventional gas furnace for 15 years would cost just over $20,000 in today’s terms, while using a heat pump for the same...
Attorney General Josh Kaul, alongside 23 attorneys general and four cities, has taken a stand in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s final rule for light- and medium-duty vehicles emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. The coalition filed a motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to support the EPA's efforts to set stricter tailpipe emissions standards for harmful air pollutants."In setting high but achievable vehicle emissions standards, the EPA’s final rule is a step forward in addressing climate...
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced the opening of the public comment period for a request for an Attorney General (AG) opinion on a constitutional amendment concerning election officials. The request, initiated by the Dane County Corporation Counsel, seeks clarification on the recent amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution regarding election officials.In accordance with the process, the Wisconsin Department of Justice is inviting public input on the proposed AG opinion topics before the opinion is finalized. The AG opinion request document can be...
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has been awarded over $350,000 by a federal court after successfully suing the Biden Administration for race discrimination. The court's decision last month found that the federally run Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) unconstitutionally discriminated against small business owners based on race.In response to the award, WILL President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg emphasized the importance of the legal work performed by the organization, stating, “WILL’s legal work doesn’t come free, and our dedicated lawyers...
Steve Cortes, the president and founder of the League of American Workers (LAW), said poll results released by his organization show Wisconsinites are feeling the impact of the Biden Administration’s border policies.
Following a confirmed case of measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, is working to identify and directly notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) has expressed its support for the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Draft Election Observer Rule EL 4. In a statement by Jay Heck, the Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin, CC/WI emphasized the importance of establishing clear rules and standards for election observers in the state.Heck stated, "Common Cause Wisconsin supports the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Draft Election Observer, Rule EL 4," highlighting the organization's endorsement of the draft rule. The statement further reiterated CC/WI's backing of the rule in...