Income inequality declining in Wisconsin, report shows

Income inequality in Wisconsin is declining as lower-wage workers are seeing faster wage growth, according to a recent report from UW-Madison’s High Road Strategy Center.  The State of Working Wisconsin 2024 report, released ahead of Labor Day, notes this change

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New report details Vista Sands Solar project impact

A large proposed solar project in Wisconsin called Vista Sands would offset more than 1.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution in its first year of operations, equal to the emissions of more than 353,000 vehicles.  That’s according to a recent report commissioned by Pennsylvania-based developer Doral Renewables and

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State getting $830,000 from Marriott settlement, DOJ says

Wisconsin is set to receive more than $830,000 from a multi-state settlement with  Marriott International, Inc., Attorney General Josh Kaul announced.  The payment coming to the state is part of a $52 million settlement related to a data breach of the Maryland-based company’s guest reservation system, according to Friday’s release

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UW economist says off-farm employment key to ensuring WI farm survival

In a new report, a UW-Madison economist calls for creating and maintaining “off-farm employment opportunities” to help ensure the survival of Wisconsin farms. The Division of Extension report was authored by Prof. Steven Deller, with the university’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.  Citing a recent analysis of the latest

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UW-Madison working group issues report on university’s entrepreneurship climate

A report from a UW-Madison working group says the university’s culture around entrepreneurship “emphasizes gatekeeping and risk management,” weakening its ability to attract startup talent.  The university yesterday released a report called “Empowering the Wisconsin Idea: The Future of Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,” authored by a group of

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Chairs of AI task forces discuss potential for job market impacts

DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek and state Rep. Nate Gustafson, R-Fox Crossing, said AI has the potential to improve the jobs market for Wisconsinites. Pechacek said at a recent WisPolitics luncheon in Madison that she thought that AI, like previous important technologies, could reduce “the dull, the dirty, and the dangerous”

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WMC survey finds 69% of businesses affected by higher health care costs

More than two-thirds of Wisconsin employers in a recent WMC survey say higher health care costs are affecting their business, as some businesses cut compensation and capital investments.  Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce recently released its latest Wisconsin Employer Survey, tapping 182 businesses of various sizes by email and traditional mail. 

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Funding announced for companies launched by UW-Madison researchers

Seven projects linked to startups founded by UW-Madison researchers have been chosen for $500,000 in funding from the State Economic Engagement and Development program, supporting further research and technology advancement.  The university’s Discovery to Product program, which coordinates the SEED program, yesterday announced recipients for funding in fiscal year 2025.

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Cybersecurity could be ‘Achilles’ heel’ for manufacturers, report shows

The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity says cybersecurity may be the “Achilles’ heel” for manufacturers as online threats become more sophisticated thanks to AI.  The WCMP recently released its Growth Opportunities in Manufacturing report, ahead of insights from the more in-depth Wisconsin Manufacturing Report being unveiled in early October

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Employment growth projected to continue slowing this year

State employment growth is projected to continue slowing this year before flattening from 2025 to 2027 while personal income is set to grow, according to a new Department of Revenue economic forecast.  After posting employment growth of 2.8% in 2022, Wisconsin had 1.4% growth last year and is expected to

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Expert details ‘nefarious’ uses of AI during study committee meeting

An expert on internet crimes against children warned lawmakers and others about the dark side of artificial intelligence, noting child predators are using the technology for “nefarious” purposes.  The 2024 Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin met yesterday in Wausau, where they heard from

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Residential construction lagging population growth in Madison

Residential construction in Madison is struggling to keep housing affordable for its expanding population, a city planning official says.  Matt Wachter, director of planning and community and economic development for the city, recently discussed affordable housing efforts during a meeting of the Rotary Club of Madison.  Madison’s annual population growth

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UW-Stout students help test, develop cooling system for data centers

UW-Stout students helped test and develop a new liquid cooling system for data centers through internships with nVent, a global company with corporate offices in Minnesota.  Easton Sailer and Evan Pettit, seniors in the university’s computer and electrical engineering program, worked with nVent teams this summer to develop new “high

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Income inequality declining in Wisconsin, report shows

Income inequality in Wisconsin is declining as lower-wage workers are seeing faster wage growth, according to a recent report from UW-Madison’s High Road Strategy Center.  The State of Working Wisconsin 2024 report, released ahead of Labor Day, notes this change marks a “reversal of trends” from the past 40 years

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