Olivia Herken
@oherken.bsky.social
š¤ 89
š„ 68
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Covering state government and politics for the Cap Times. Rom-com expert. 20 SPAM cans tall.
Before Wisconsin needs new legislative maps, the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is pushing to establish an independent redistricting commission that would put the job in the hands of residents, not lawmakers. But what would that commission look like? Here are the details:
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What if citizens ā not lawmakers ā drew Wisconsin's legislative maps?
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is pushing to create an independent redistricting commission before legislative maps are redrawn following the 2030 census.
https://captimes.com/news/government/what-if-citizens-not-lawmakers-drew-wisconsins-legislative-maps/article_925ffdb2-a166-4ebf-9f1a-2dc1e40a3e09.html
2 days ago
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Madison-area food banks will have one less way to forecast future changes in food insecurity while they deal with an increasing need among community members, their leaders say.
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Madison-area food pantries say they'll miss federal hunger report
Dane County pantries like Second Harvest Food Bank used a now-canceled annual USDA report to track national trends in food insecurity.
https://captimes.com/news/government/madison-area-food-pantries-say-theyll-miss-federal-hunger-report/article_b4cbd606-3a01-481a-a230-66a7ef9c36ca.html
10 days ago
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As Trump attempts to deploy National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities, including nearby Chicago, Wisconsinites may wonder if any of their cities could be next. Here's an explainer on who controls Wisconsin's National Guard:
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How Trump could deploy Wisconsin's National Guard, explained
As President Donald Trump threatens to send National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities, here's what to know about who controls Wisconsin's military.
https://captimes.com/news/government/how-trump-could-deploy-wisconsins-national-guard-explained/article_5ab1469b-e627-4428-9b39-009a18860625.html?omhide=true
14 days ago
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I spent a day in Door County cherry orchards last week to learn more about the area's history with the fruit. And while the industry has changed a lot over the years, family farms & dedicated visitors are keeping cherries part of Door County's identity. (link to story below!)
3 months ago
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A leading advocate for state child care funding is closing her in-home child care center after 18 years. She and other providers say the funding in the state budget is not enough. "I donāt know of a single program thatās not raising rates," she said.
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Child care received funding in WI state budget, but providers say itās still not enough
'I donāt know of a single program thatās not raising rates, and many are doing between $20 and $50 a week across the state. Thatās not lowering out-of-pocket costs for families,' said one provider.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/education/child-care-funding-wi-state-budget-providers-say-its-not-enough/
3 months ago
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SNAP-Ed, a federal nutrition education program, was creating 'magic' in Wisconsin: introducing kids to new fruits and veggies, helping families save on groceries, and encouraging more physical activity in residents old and young. But that program has now been cut by Trump. More here from me:
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Nutrition education program cut by Trump was creating āmagicā in Wisconsin
SNAP-Ed, a federally funded nutrition education program that accompanied SNAP benefits, was eliminated in President Donald Trumpās budget law.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/features/snap-ed-nutrition-education-program-cut-by-trump/
3 months ago
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WI Rep. Van Orden spreads misinformation online following Minnesota shootings
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WI Rep. Van Orden spreads misinformation online following Minnesota shootings
In social media posts, Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the man who allegedly shot and killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband on June 14 was a liberal, despite reports to the contrary.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/politics/derrick-van-orden-misinformation-online-minnesota-shootings/
4 months ago
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I interviewed a Wisconsin mom who relies on SNAP and WIC to hear what it would mean for her if those programs were cut under Trump's spending bill. She said they are more than just a benefit, but something she needs to survive. More here:
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Wisconsin mom says SNAP is more than a benefit; itās also a need
President Donald Trumpās federal spending bill would make cuts to food assistance programs.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/economy/wisconsin-mom-says-snap-is-more-than-a-benefit-its-also-a-need/
5 months ago
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Every spring, Wisconsin farmers are busy preparing for the summer harvesting months ahead. But after Trump cut funding for a program that connected local farmers with WI food pantries, they've spent this spring being advocates as well. more here from me!
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Trumpās cuts to fresh food grants leave Wisconsin farmers, communities hanging
The Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program was helping to provide locally grown food to food banks across the state.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/economy/trumps-cuts-to-fresh-food-grants-leave-wisconsin-farmers-communities-hanging/
5 months ago
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As Sen. Ron Johnson calls for more federal spending cuts, he said on a conservative radio talk show last week that Medicaid was "money laundering" and "fraud."
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Sen. Ron Johnson calls Medicaid āmoney launderingā and āfraudā
Johnson said the cuts to Medicaid in President Donald Trump's budget bill don't go far enough.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/health-care/sen-ron-johnson-calls-medicaid-money-laundering-and-fraud/
5 months ago
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Wisconsinites on the front lines of the PFAS crisis are exhausted and determined as state Republicans and the Trump Administration stymie efforts to fight the "forever chemicals." More here from me:
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Wisconsinites exhausted over back-and-forth in PFAS fight
Advocates are exhausted and determined as state Republicans and the Trump Administration stymie efforts to fight the 'forever chemicals.'
https://wisconsinindependent.com/politics/wisconsinites-exhausted-over-back-and-forth-in-pfas-fight/
5 months ago
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This week, students at Abundant Life Christian School were supposed to have basketball games and an ugly Christmas sweater spirit day before winter break. But a school shooting that left 3 dead and 6 injured has thrust the community into mourning.
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Madison community unites to mourn victims of Abundant Life Christian School shooting
Three people died, including the shooter, and another six were injured in Wisconsin's deadliest school shooting on record.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/education/madison-abundant-life-christian-school-shooting-vigil-gun-violence
10 months ago
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Scenes from a candlelight vigil held tonight at the Wisconsin State Capitol following the Abundant Life school shooting.
10 months ago
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Swans on Lake Monona!!!! š¦¢āļøš¤āļø
11 months ago
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"My reaction was: It's about time." After a Dane County Judge ruled parts of Act 10 unconstitutional on Monday, educators and teachers' unions are celebrating with cautious optimism. More here from me:
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āItās about time:ā Wisconsin teachers celebrate judgeās Act 10 ruling
The controversial legislation was passed more than a decade ago and stripped public workers in Wisconsin of most collective bargaining rights.
https://wisconsinindependent.com/education/wisconsin-teachers-celebrate-act-10-ruling
11 months ago
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