Wisconsin kicked off 2025 with a celebration of its state park system's 125th anniversary, marked by a First Day Hike at Mirror Lake State Park and a proclamation by Gov. Tony Evers[1]. This milestone highlights the state's rich history of conservation and natural resource protection.

In the political sphere, Republicans maintained control of the Wisconsin Legislature in the 2024 election, despite new district boundaries that Democrats hoped would give them a chance at making major inroads[2]. The election also saw the approval of a Republican-authored constitutional amendment that bars foreign nationals from voting in the state.

On the economic front, Wisconsin is expected to see modest growth in 2025, with personal income projected to rise by 4.6% nominally and 2.5% in real terms after adjusting for inflation[3]. However, GDP growth is expected to slow to 1.6%, and the labor market will experience a slowdown, with employment growth forecasted at just 0.4%.

In terms of community news, the education and health services sector is set to become Wisconsin's second-largest employer, while the leisure and hospitality sector is expected to add over 15,000 jobs with a robust 5.25% growth[3]. However, manufacturing and trade sectors face challenges, with job losses anticipated.

Environmental and weather updates indicate that Wisconsin is likely to become a much warmer state over the next few decades, with average temperatures more like those currently experienced in states hundreds of miles to the south[4]. The state is also expected to become somewhat wetter, with a modest increase in total precipitation and in the number of intense rainfall events.

Looking Ahead:

- The year-long celebration of Wisconsin's state park system's 125th anniversary will continue with various events and activities across the state.

- The impact of new policies and economic shifts on Wisconsin's labor market and industries will be closely watched.

- The state's efforts to navigate climate change and its effects on natural resources will remain a significant focus.

- The 2026 elections will be crucial for Democrats aiming to make further gains in the Wisconsin Legislature.

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Wisconsin enters 2025 with a mix of political, economic, and environmental developments. The state legislature remains under Republican control, despite Democrats making significant gains in the 2024 election under new district boundaries. A Republican-authored constitutional amendment that bars foreign nationals from voting in Wisconsin was also approved by voters[1].

On the economic front, Wisconsin is expected to see modest growth in 2025, with personal income projected to rise by 4.6% nominally and 2.5% in real terms. However, GDP growth is expected to slow to 1.6%, and employment growth is forecasted at just 0.4%, with 82,867 new jobs created between 2023 and 2025[2].

Several new laws took effect on January 1, 2025, including changes to state park and forest admission passes, which are now valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. Electric vehicle owners will be required to pay an excise tax on the electricity they use, and Wisconsin will offer a provisional license to physicians who complete their residency outside the U.S. to address a physician shortage[5].

Environmental projections indicate that Wisconsin is likely to become a much warmer state over the next few decades, with average temperatures more like those currently experienced in states hundreds of miles to the south. The state is also expected to become somewhat wetter, with a modest increase in total precipitation and in the number of intense rainfall events[3].

Looking Ahead, Wisconsin residents and businesses should stay informed about the evolving economic and policy environment. The state's resilience will depend on navigating these shifts thoughtfully and collaboratively. Key sectors such as education and health services, and leisure and hospitality, are expected to undergo significant changes, with the former becoming the second-largest employer and the latter adding over 15,000 jobs. As the state prepares for these changes, it will be crucial to monitor and adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen significant developments across various sectors in 2024. The state legislature concluded its 2023-24 session, introducing a total of 1156 bills in the Assembly and 1088 bills in the Senate, with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers[1].

In the realm of politics, the 2024 Wisconsin State Assembly election was held on November 5, 2024, with Democrats gaining 10 seats, although Republicans retained a majority with 54 out of 99 seats[5]. This election was influenced by new legislative maps drawn following a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in December 2023.

Economically, Wisconsin's real GDP growth for 2024 was revised to 2.4%, a full percentage point higher than initially forecasted in November 2023. Employment growth continued to be strong, with the state's unemployment rate finishing 2023 at 3.4%, below the US rate of 3.7%. The forecast expects the unemployment rate to peak at 3.9% in early 2027[2].

The state experienced varied weather conditions throughout 2024. Spring was warm and wet, alleviating drought conditions and sparking severe weather[3]. Summer saw an intense heatwave, while autumn was marked by extreme warmth and dryness, with September being one of the 10 warmest and driest on record. November delivered near-record warmth followed by winter's icy grip.

Looking Ahead:

- The newly elected members of the Wisconsin State Assembly will take office on January 6, 2025, marking the beginning of the 107th Wisconsin Legislature.

- The state's economic forecast suggests a period of slow growth to bring down inflation to the Fed's desired range, expected to materialize late in 2024 and 2025.

- Environmental and weather updates will continue to be crucial, as the state monitors and responds to changing climate conditions.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen significant developments across various sectors in 2024. The state legislature concluded its 2023-24 session, with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers. Notably, the Republican-led legislature passed joint resolutions that could amend the Wisconsin Constitution, including two binding referendum questions on the April 2nd statewide ballot aimed at making it more difficult for local governments to administer elections[1].

On the economic front, Wisconsin's real GDP growth for 2024 was revised to 2.4%, a full percentage point higher than the November 2023 forecast. Employment growth continued to be strong, with Wisconsin's unemployment rate finishing 2023 at 3.4%, below the US rate of 3.7%. The forecast expects the unemployment rate to peak at 3.9% in early 2027[2].

Weather conditions in Wisconsin varied significantly throughout 2024. The spring was warm and wet, alleviating drought conditions and sparking severe weather. Summer saw an intense heatwave, while autumn was marked by extreme warmth and dryness, placing September among Wisconsin’s 10 warmest and 10 driest Septembers on record[3].

In terms of community news, there have been ongoing efforts in education and infrastructure. The Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate have held various sessions addressing issues such as career and technical education and the strengthening of ties with Taiwan[5].

Looking Ahead:

- The impact of the recently passed legislation and potential constitutional amendments will be closely watched in the coming months.

- Economic trends, particularly employment growth and inflation rates, will continue to be monitored.

- Weather patterns and their effects on agriculture and natural resources will remain a focus.

- Upcoming legislative sessions and committee meetings, such as those covered by WisconsinEye, will provide further insights into the state's policy directions[5].

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Wisconsin has seen a mix of significant political, economic, and environmental developments in recent months. In the political sphere, the 2024 election results underscored the state's tight races, with President-elect Donald Trump winning by less than a percentage point, mirroring the close margins seen in five of the last seven presidential races in Wisconsin[1]. Additionally, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin secured a third term, outpolling Vice President Kamala Harris. The state legislature saw Democrats make gains, flipping four Senate seats and narrowing the Republican majority to 18-15, setting the stage for potential further shifts in 2026.

On the economic front, Wisconsin's real GDP growth for 2024 was revised upward to 2.4%, a full percentage point higher than previously forecast, with employment growth continuing into 2024[2]. However, the forecast also predicts a slowdown in GDP growth in 2024 and 2025, leading to a peak unemployment rate of 4.4% in early 2027.

In environmental news, Wisconsin experienced a year of extreme weather conditions, including a record-breaking warm winter, severe droughts, and intense heatwaves. The state's climate summaries highlighted the dramatic shifts, with November delivering near-record warmth followed by winter's icy grip, and the summer ending with an intense heatwave[3].

In community news, a recent school shooting in Madison has sparked debates over school safety, with discussions on legislative priorities in 2025 focusing on funding for university building projects and Attorney General Josh Kaul's vow to challenge the Trump administration on deportations and other issues[5].

Looking Ahead:

- The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Judges Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford, scheduled for early 2025, will decide the ideological balance of the court.

- Legislative priorities in 2025 will continue to focus on school safety, university funding, and potential legal challenges to the Trump administration.

- The state's economic forecast suggests a period of slow growth to bring down inflation, which will be closely monitored in the coming months.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen significant developments across various sectors in 2024. The state's 2023-24 legislative session concluded in March, with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers. Notably, the Republican-led legislature passed joint resolutions that could amend the Wisconsin Constitution, including two binding referendum questions that appeared on the April 2nd statewide ballot, aimed at making it more difficult for local governments to administer elections[1].

On the economic front, Wisconsin's real GDP growth for 2024 was revised to 2.4%, a full percentage point higher than initially expected. Employment growth continued to be strong, with the state's unemployment rate finishing 2023 at 3.4%, below the US rate of 3.7%. However, the forecast predicts a slowdown in GDP growth in 2024 and 2025, leading to a peak unemployment rate of 3.9% in early 2027[2].

The state experienced a mix of weather conditions throughout 2024. Spring was warm and wet, alleviating drought conditions and sparking severe weather. November saw near-record warmth followed by winter's icy grip, while October was warm and dry, escalating drought conditions. September was remarkable for its extreme warmth and dryness, ranking among Wisconsin's 10 warmest and 10 driest Septembers on record[3].

In community news, the state has been focusing on education and infrastructure projects. The Legislative Council Study Committee on Recodification of Battery Statutes met in December to review and discuss potential changes to battery statutes[5]. Additionally, the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate held various floor sessions throughout the year, addressing topics such as career and technical education, and the strengthening of ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan[5].

Looking Ahead:

- The state is expected to continue monitoring economic indicators, particularly the impact of slow growth on employment and inflation.

- Environmental developments, including the management of natural resources and the response to severe weather events, will remain a focus.

- The outcomes of recent legislative actions, including the potential constitutional amendments, will be closely watched.

- Upcoming legislative sessions and committee meetings will provide further insights into the state's policy directions and community initiatives.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin saw significant developments across various sectors in 2024. The state legislature adjourned its 2023-24 session on March 12, 2024, with over 120 bills signed into law, including contentious measures affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in state government and the University of Wisconsin system[1].

In economic news, Wisconsin employment is projected to grow 0.7% in 2024, with a forecasted unemployment rate peaking at 3.9% in early 2027. The state's personal income increased 4.1% in 2023 and 2024, though real personal income showed no growth in 2023 and is expected to grow 2.0% in 2024[2].

Weather conditions in Wisconsin were marked by extreme warmth and dryness in September, followed by a wet and warm October and November, which alleviated drought conditions. The state experienced severe weather and flooding in southern Wisconsin during July[3].

In education, the University of Wisconsin system faced challenges due to legislative actions, including the elimination of DEI positions in exchange for releasing funds for staff pay raises and infrastructure projects[1].

Looking ahead, Wisconsin residents will be watching for the impacts of the newly passed legislation, particularly on local government elections and the University of Wisconsin system. Additionally, the state's economic growth and employment trends will be closely monitored, especially as the national forecast indicates soft growth through 2027. Environmental and weather updates will continue to be crucial, given the state's recent experiences with drought and severe weather events. The upcoming year will also see continued discussions on education and equity issues, reflecting broader national debates on these topics.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen significant developments across various sectors in recent months. The state's 2023-24 legislative session concluded with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers[1]. Notably, the Republican-led legislature passed joint resolutions that could amend the Wisconsin Constitution, affecting local election administration and democracy[1].

In economic news, Wisconsin's employment is expected to grow 0.7% in 2024, with a forecasted peak unemployment rate of 3.9% in early 2027[2]. The state's personal income increased 4.1% in 2023 and 2024, but real personal income showed no growth in 2023 and is expected to grow 2.0% in 2024[2].

Weather conditions have been particularly noteworthy, with Wisconsin experiencing a warm and wet spring, followed by severe drought conditions in September and October[3]. The state's climate summaries highlight the extreme warmth and dryness in September, placing it among Wisconsin's 10 warmest and 10 driest Septembers on record[3].

In community news, education remains a critical issue, with ongoing efforts to address the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on students, particularly those from underserved communities[4]. However, recent legislative actions have not directly addressed these educational disparities.

Looking Ahead:

- The state will continue to monitor the economic forecast and its implications for employment and personal income.

- Environmental concerns, such as drought conditions and severe weather events, will remain a focus for local governments and residents.

- The upcoming elections will be influenced by the constitutional amendments passed during the legislative session, potentially impacting local election administration.

- Educational disparities and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on students will continue to be a pressing issue for policymakers and educators.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen a mix of significant developments across various sectors in recent months. The state's 2023-24 legislative session concluded with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers, including contentious measures on voting rights[2]. The Republican-led legislature passed joint resolutions that could amend the Wisconsin Constitution, impacting local election administration and democracy.

On the economic front, Wisconsin's employment is expected to grow 0.7% in 2024, with the unemployment rate projected to peak at 3.9% in early 2027, according to the Wisconsin Economic Forecast[3]. The state's manufacturing employment fell by 0.5% in 2023, but overall employment grew 1.4% in the same year.

Weather conditions in Wisconsin have been notable, with a warm and wet spring alleviating drought conditions and sparking severe weather[4]. The summer months saw intense heatwaves and varied rainfall, leading to both drought and flooding in different parts of the state. The fall season continued the trend of warmer-than-normal temperatures, with October being particularly dry and warm.

In community news, there have been no major recent announcements on education or infrastructure projects. However, the state's climate summaries highlight the need for continued vigilance in managing natural resources and preparing for extreme weather events.

Looking Ahead:

- The impact of the recently passed legislation on voting rights and local government powers will be closely watched.

- Economic indicators suggest a period of slow growth to bring down inflation, which will be a key focus in the coming months.

- The state's environmental and weather trends will continue to be monitored, especially as Wisconsin prepares for potential challenges in managing its natural resources. Key developments in these areas will be crucial in shaping the state's future.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Wisconsin has seen significant developments across various sectors in recent months. The state's 2023-24 legislative session concluded with over 120 bills signed into law and 7 vetoed by Governor Evers, including contentious measures that could amend the state constitution to restrict local government control over elections[1].

On the economic front, Wisconsin's employment is projected to grow 0.7% in 2024, with the unemployment rate expected to peak at 3.9% in early 2027. The state's personal income increased 4.1% in 2023 and 2024, but real personal income showed no growth in 2023 and is expected to grow 2.0% in 2024[2].

The state's climate has been marked by extreme weather conditions, with warm and wet conditions in spring 2024 alleviating drought conditions, followed by a dry and warm October that escalated drought conditions again. The summer saw intense heatwaves and variable rainfall, with severe weather events causing damage and flooding in some areas[3].

In political news, the 2024 Wisconsin State Assembly election saw Democrats gain 10 seats, with Republicans set to enter the 107th Wisconsin Legislature with 54 out of 99 seats. The election was significantly affected by new legislative maps drawn following a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision[5].

Looking ahead, Wisconsin faces challenges in maintaining a sustainable state budget, a concern highlighted by a Pew Charitable Trusts report emphasizing the need for long-term assessments and stress tests to prevent structural deficits and temporary shortfalls[4]. The state will also need to address ongoing environmental issues, including drought conditions and severe weather events, while navigating the political landscape following the recent elections. Key events to watch include the implementation of new policies from the concluded legislative session and the impact of the new legislative maps on future elections.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.