Misinformation on social media has presented significant threats to both public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and democracy throughout the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Now, a team of researchers led by University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication Professor Mike Wagner is launching a new project to combat misinformation online. “This project will help determine what corrections of misinformation are effective and get that information to professional fact checkers, who can work in real time to correct misinformation circulating on social media,” Wagner says. “This is a real convergence of different disciplines and methods that allows us to

Madison, Wis. — Today, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Vice Chair Felesia Martin, Milwaukee business owner Becky Cooper, and Dr. John Perryman blasted Ron Johnson for paying virtually nothing in state income taxes in 2017 despite making a minimum of nearly half a million dollars that year. Johnson paid a mere $2,105, which is what a dual income family making $40,000 a year would pay in state income taxes.   See what the speakers had to say, in part, below and watch the full event here.   Vice Chair Felesia Martin: “What’s so outrageous is that so many middle class and

At today’s hearing of the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions, the Wisconsin Bankers Association and member bankers from around the state expressed opposition to Assembly Bill 478, which would provide credit unions with even more tools to grow beyond the intention of their original chartered mission much to the detriment of Wisconsin’s taxpaying banks and citizens. In the early history of the existence of credit unions, they were either employer-based or focused on serving well-defined neighborhoods to serve consumers of modest means, which is the rationale for their income tax-exempt status. It is not difficult today for almost anyone to become

Citizens are welcome to passionately express their viewpoints to their elected officials, but any individual threatening the health and safety of an elected official should be dealt with in accordance with criminal statutes, both state and federal.

Madison, Wis. – Today, Republican Legislators and Hunter Nation – a national grassroots organization of hunters and sportsmen – unveiled legislation to preserve and enhance Wisconsin’s rich sporting heritage. Wisconsin’s hunters and anglers have a tremendous impact on this state as economic drivers and are natural resource partners and good stewards of our God-given habitats and wild game populations. The Wisconsin Sporting Freedom Package will protect their rights and expand hunting and fishing in the state. “The Wisconsin Sporting Freedom Package is a win for the state of Wisconsin because it prioritizes the economic relationship and historic partnership that a state

WISCONSIN — Legislation introduced today by Democratic lawmakers creates the ability for public education sector employees to once again engage in collective bargaining over wages, hours, and working conditions. The following is a statement from For Our Future Wisconsin State Director Peter Drummond: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen time and again how critical our teachers and school employees are to our communities and our state. Teachers and those who work in every aspect of public education have been on the front lines and continue to deliver stellar support to students and their families. Every worker deserves a seat

Contact: Jeff Fleming, jflemin@milwaukee.gov, (414) 286-8580 “A ten-page subpoena from the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections was presented to the Mayor’s Office late this morning. The document is a broadly worded request for information regarding the November 2020 General Election. “The Mayor’s Office has been open and transparent about the administration of elections in Milwaukee and, following consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, will provide an appropriate answer to the Committee.”  

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul is urging citizens to stop engaging in and supporting vigilante activities. Law enforcement officers have seen an uptick in citizens attempting to lure suspected online predators with sting operations that they film and post online. These vigilante-led “sting operations” have the potential not only to put all involved parties and innocent bystanders in danger, but they can also jeopardize law enforcement investigations and eventual prosecutions. “The law enforcement agencies that are part of the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have brought numerous online predators to justice,” said Attorney General Josh

MILWAUKEE – 11th District County Supervisor Joseph J. Czarnezki announced today that he will not seek re-election to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 2022. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent the people of Milwaukee, Greenfield and Franklin as the County Supervisor for the 11th District,” said Supervisor Czarnezki. “I am proud of everything I have accomplished during my brief tenure. While there is much more work to be done, I believe that the progress my colleagues and I have achieved has made Milwaukee County a better and more equitable place to live, work, and

MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), and Focus on Energy join hundreds of energy efficiency advocacy groups and organizations from around the United States to recognize Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. In partnership with the PSC and Focus on Energy, Governor Evers proclaimed the day as Energy Efficiency Day throughout Wisconsin. “Energy efficiency remains by far the most cost-effective way to reduce demand for energy and avoid the construction of costly power plants and transmission lines,” said PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq. “To reach the state and utilities’ shared goals of electricity

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End Citizens United // Let America Vote today endorsed Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes in his campaign for U.S. Senate. Barnes is challenging Senator Ron Johnson (R) in the 2022 election. As a member of the Wisconsin legislature, Lt. Governor Barnes sponsored legislation to crack down on corporate political influence and worked to limit the influence of dark money. He is refusing to accept money from corporate PACs in his Senate campaign, recognizing that the best way to build trust between voters and their elected officials is to take meaningful action against the influence of corporate interests. Since becoming Lt. Governor, Barnes