Where the Midwest Meets the Facts
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Wisconsin Ratepayers, Stranded Power Plants, and the Data Center Boom: A Cautionary Case for Smart Growth
Wisconsin families are burdened with nearly $1 billion in stranded costs from retired coal-fired plants, as highlighted by an investigation. With the rise of data centers, concerns grow over potential overbuilding of energy resources. Responsible growth necessitates accountability, transparency, and proper cost management to avoid repeating past mistakes while supporting economic development.
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Minnesota Child Welfare Reform Hits Constitutional Roadblock, Raising National Questions
A Minnesota child welfare reform aimed at reducing racial disparities in foster care faces constitutional challenges. A court ruling found that the state’s phased rollout violates the Equal Protection Clause, limiting protections based on race. While not entirely struck down, this decision raises significant legal questions about race-based policies in child welfare reform.
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A New Abuse and Neglect Court Comes to Michigan — and Why Wisconsin Should Pay Attention
St. Joseph County, Michigan, is launching a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in 2026 to address child welfare cases linked to parental substance abuse. This family treatment court model focuses on accountability and quick family reunification while raising concerns about access to resources and due process, prompting broader implications for neighboring states like Wisconsin.
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Indiana Republicans Push Back on Trump’s Redistricting Agenda
In December 2025, Indiana Republican senators defied President Trump’s push for a congressional redistricting bill aimed at eliminating Democratic seats. This bipartisan resistance highlighted local priorities over national pressure, revealing a growing tension between state sovereignty and federal influence. The outcome may influence similar political dynamics in the Midwest.
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Bradyn’s Law Is a Wake-Up Call for Wisconsin Parents: Sextortion Is Here, It’s Growing, and It’s Targeting Our Kids
Wisconsin’s Bradyn’s Law, enacted to combat online sexual extortion, establishes strict penalties for offenders, particularly those targeting minors. Motivated by the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Bradyn Bohn, the bipartisan law aims to enhance accountability and empower parents in protecting children. Despite this progress, education and prevention measures remain crucial.
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Wisconsin’s Reading Crisis Deepens: New Report Shows State’s “Science of Reading” Intervention Falling Short
A report from Wisconsin’s Legislative Audit Bureau reveals the state’s K–3 reading intervention program is failing to adequately support struggling students. Key issues include inconsistent screenings, insufficient teacher training, and lack of effective oversight. Parents are concerned about the ongoing literacy crisis, emphasizing the need for urgent and measurable reform in early education.
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Cleveland City Council Says Mayor Bibb Is Slow-Walking ‘Tanisha’s Law’ — Raising Big Questions About Public Safety and Accountability
Cleveland’s “Tanisha’s Law,” intended to replace police with behavioral-health clinicians in non-violent emergency situations, faces internal political strife as council members accuse Mayor Bibb’s administration of delays in implementation. Key concerns include clinician preparedness, public safety, and accountability, highlighting the need for thoughtful reform over mere rhetoric in similar initiatives.
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Indiana’s Redistricting Battle: What the Court’s Ruling Means for Voters, Stability, and 2026
Indiana’s Supreme Court upheld newly drawn legislative maps, rejecting challenges of partisan gerrymandering. The ruling emphasizes the legislature’s authority over redistricting, contrasting with interventions in other states. This decision aims to ensure stable elections and avoid judicial overreach, reinforcing the idea that voters should seek changes through ballots, not courts.
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Mandela Barnes Jumps Into Wisconsin’s 2026 Governor’s Race — But Voters Remember 2022
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, aiming to succeed Tony Evers. His campaign emphasizes affordability and pragmatism, yet his progressive record raises concerns among moderate voters. With a crowded Democratic field and a simplified GOP lineup, the 2026 election is anticipated to be highly competitive.
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