DPI says election results show K-12 funding needs fixing (UNDATED)
State Superintendent Jill Underly says Tuesday’s election results show K-12 funding needs fixing. Underly says the number of referendums on the ballot indicates that too many school districts are forced to ask taxpayers for more money just to maintain basic operations. She says voters clearly support investing in public education, but argues schools shouldn’t have to rely on recurring referendums to keep the lights on, pay teachers, and provide quality education. Underly is calling on state leaders to pursue meaningful reforms to how Wisconsin schools are funded. Voters weighed in on nearly 80 school referendums statewide.
Wisconsin turning global interest in dairy into new export opportunities (MADISON)
Wisconsin is turning global interest in dairy into new export opportunities. During this year’s World Dairy Expo in Madison, the state hosted more than 130 agricultural delegates from 21 countries. The visitors toured farms, research facilities, genetics operations, and feed businesses across Wisconsin while meeting directly with producers and suppliers. State agriculture officials say the goal is to strengthen trade relationships and create future export opportunities. Wisconsin exported nearly four billion dollars in agricultural, forestry, and food products in 2025.
Big Top Chautauqua faces funding shortfall (BAYFIELD)
An uncertain future for longstanding venue in northern Wisconsin. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is a 900-seat seasonal music venue and performing arts center, located near Bayfield. It’s been hosting performances since 1986, but now a budget shortfall nearing one million dollars is calling the future into question. The nonprofit Ashwabay Alliance plans to sell its Backstage event center and end its contract with StageNorth. Next summer’s Big Top season is also uncertain. The organization has faced ongoing deficits amid declining attendance and rising costs and is seeking community donations and sponsorships to sustain programming and operations.
UW benefactor Tasha Morgridge dies age 93 (MADISON)
A longtime benefactor of the University of Wisconsin has died. Her daughter-in-law said Tashia Morgridge died Friday at age 93. Carrie Morgridge said she was surrounded by family. Morgridge and her husband, John, met at Wauwatosa East High School and attended UW-Madison together. Their donation of $100 million in 2014 was the largest single contribution in the university’s history. They went on to establish the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, Morgridge Center for Public Service and helped fund the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery and Morgridge Institute for Research. The new building housing the College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence is named Morgridge Hall.
High school administrator investigated for child pornography (UNION GROVE)
A school administrator in southeastern Wisconsin is being investigated for possession of child pornography. A search warrant was executed Wednesday morning at the Kenosha County residence of 51-year-old Thomas W. Johnson. Investigators took electronic devices and referred two counts of possession of child pornography to the district attorney’s office for consideration. Johnson, district administrator of Union Grove High School in Racine County, was booked into the Kenosha County Jail. It’s not immediately clear if the child sexual abuse material depicts any students.