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News Notes: Top 5 for the Week

News Notes: Top 5 for the Week

Here are some of the latest news stories in a quick read format

July 14, 2023 4:48 PM CDT

By: Teri Barr

Do you feel like it’s hard to keep up with the news? There’s so much happening every single day!

Civic Media wants to help you stay up-to-date. Each week we’re going to share some of the latest stories in a quick read format we’re calling News Notes. We’ll also provide links if you want to find even more information.

Let’s get started! Here’s what we consider the Top 5 News Notes for you to get caught up on this week:

  1. Our air quality is not good. Again. It’s pushing the Wisconsin DNR to issue a statewide advisory for the entire weekend. Officials say more Canadian wildfire smoke is going to settle over the state making the air unhealthy for those who have breathing-related medical conditions. The smoke is expected to creep across northwestern counties by late Friday. But if you live in the southern part of Wisconsin, you could feel the impact Saturday and Sunday. The good news? DNR officials say it shouldn’t be as bad as last month. You can read our entire story, here.
  2. Did you know there are billionaires who believe some of Wisconsin’s benefits are too generous?We’re talking about things like unemployment insurance, Medicaid, even how we vote here. And after just one public hearing, the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development and Economic Opportunities voted to pass the bills aimed at cutting benefits to the Republican-controlled Legislature. It sailed through there, too. However, Governor Tony Evers says when the bills land on his desk, he plans to stamp “vetoed” on all of it. It is interesting to note, money does speak loudly in a few other states. Want to learn more? Check out this great report from our news partners at Wisconsin Watch.
  3. Wisconsin residents ARE using the free call, text, chat line for mental health and substance abuse support. A Friday news release shows after one year in operation, the 988 Lifeline has received 91,834 contacts from those needing to talk with someone or find resources for mental health and substance use. The release also indicates close to 98% of those contacts were able to immediately resolve their issues through a call, text, or chat. You can read the rest of the release, here.
  4. There’s always a summer blood shortage, but you can help do something about it. Did you know, if you give one pint of blood — the typical amount donated during a visit — you may help save the lives of THREE people? Giving blood doesn’t hurt. Instead, it will make you feel good knowing you are providing a life-saving difference for others. So, knowing the need doesn’t take a break, Civic Media is supporting #CivicPints, A Blood Donation Challenge. Give blood anytime during July and you could get a prize, too. We have put together the challenge information along with a list of local donation centers to make your giving efforts easy. Here are all the details.
  5. Did you know there’s an unofficial “715 Day” and if you live in the 715 area code, you may find businesses and neighborhoods celebrating on 7-15. That’s Saturday, July 15! We’re borrowing this one from our friends at UpNorthNews who say this started after the Milwaukee area enjoyed success and fun with “414 Day” in April. The UNN crew also asked listeners for a “715 Favorites List.” Here’s just a few of the answers they received: Red Eye Brewing in Wausau, Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in Hayward, and the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls. If you want to learn more about Wisconsin area codes, including which parts of the state received what, and when, there’s a fun read about it, here. By the way, residents in the 920 just received a second area code, dividing the territory by adding the new 274 combination of numbers.

Hope you enjoy our “News Notes.”

Have a great weekend, Wisconsin!

Teri Barr

  • The Ithaca School District Goes to Referendum

    9/14/2024 | Jo Ann Krulatz

    Residents of the Ithaca School District will be seeing a referendum question on the ballot next month. That question will ask the voters to authorize the Ithaca School District to exceed the revenue limit by $1.3 million per year for four years for non-recurring purposes. The reason for the ask is both simple and complex. […]

  • Elijah Vue Has Been Found

    9/14/2024 | Jo Ann Krulatz

    Missing three year old, Elijah Vue, has been found. Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert: Police say a hunter discovered Elijah’s remains last weekend on private property near in the Town of Two Rivers. They were positively identified by the Wisconsin Crime Lab through DNA testing. The 3-year-old was reported missing February 20th of this […]

  • Surface Water Grants Available

    9/14/2024

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will award more than $6 million to local groups to protect and improve surface water. Interested and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for a surface water grant. A pre-application must be submitted by this Sunday (September 15), to compete for a grant in November. Eligible organizations include […]

  • Wisconsin State Senate Candidate Believes Voters Want Change in District 18

    9/13/2024 | Teri Barr

    Democratic State Senate Candidate Kristin Alfheim discusses respectful dialogue, compromise, and problem-solving on the Matenaer on Air show.

  • Two Rivers Police: Elijah Vue has been found

    9/13/2024

    Elijah Vue has been found. The human skeletal remains found in the Town of Two Rivers in Manitowoc County have been positively identified as those of the missing 3-year-old.

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