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Articles by Fiona Hatch
Legal Brief – Priorities USA v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
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Legal Brief – Johnson v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
Wisconsin’s legislative and congressional maps have been a hot button issue in the courts for years, and the state’s congressional map again faced judicial scrutiny in two back-to-back oral arguments before the Wisconsin Supreme Court on September 16th. But today, feature contributor Fiona Hatch takes a look at a group of different gerrymandering lawsuits decided by the same court in 2021 and 2022 that could be a deciding factor in how the justices will rule in Wednesday’s cases.
Legal Brief – Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral argument Wednesday in two back-to-back lawsuits challenging the state’s congressional map. After 8 hours of intense questioning by the justices, it’s worth looking at a 2023 case that was brought up repeatedly during oral argument — and which could be a deciding factor in how the justices vote on the redistricting cases before them this term. Feature contributor Fiona Hatch has the story. Did you enjoy this story?
Legal Brief – League of Women Voters v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
With just under two weeks until the August 11th primary election, Wisconsin’s absentee voting laws have been hot topics in the press and in the courts. Today’s case centers around Wisconsin’s ballot curing process — the process by which absentee voters can fix any errors to their ballot to make sure it gets counted on Election Day. In Wisconsin, absentee ballots have to be returned in a completed certificate envelope to be counted.
Legal Brief – Bashford v. Barstow
Today’s case begins in 1855, the year Wisconsin held its third gubernatorial election. It was a contentious race between Democratic incumbent William A. Barstow and Republican challenger Coles Bashford. In the leadup to the election, Barstow was quickly losing his popularity. Headed into November, Barstow and his aides had planned a failsafe should Bashford take the lead in the post-election. That failsafe was triggered when preliminary results showed Bashford leading by 350 votes.
WisDems 2026 State Convention Wraps, Democrats Call for Unity Ahead of November
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin concluded their 2-day state convention Sunday, where party leaders and candidates across the ballot covered everything from Democratic victories in recent elections, to the party’s agenda heading into the midterms, to individual candidates’ bids for office.
Legal Brief – United Automobile Workers v. Johnson Controls
This week marks the four year anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, more commonly known as the Dobbs decision, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not protect the right to abortion under the 14th Amendment. It was a devastating decision for women’s reproductive healthcare and reproductive rights. But tonight, let’s look at a case that ruled in favor of women’s reproductive rights in a different sector – the workforce.
UW-Madison, RecWell drop Wisconsin Divers Club
The Wisconsin Divers Club will close its doors June 11th, after UW-Madison and UW RecWell announced they would cut the club’s pool access from 10 hours a week to just 2.5. The University’s decision came five months after WDC Founder and Program Director Yahya Radman emailed RecWell to secure the club’s pool space for the 2026-2027 diving season. “It was in September that I got back the confirmation for this upcoming, for this last year that I was in and basically my block stopped at June 11th.
Legal Brief – Wolf v. Walker
This June marks the 11th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges – the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that guaranteed the right to marry to same sex couples nationwide. But tonight, let’s take a look at one of its predecessors that brought same sex marriage to Wisconsin a year earlier. For today’s case, Wolf v. Walker, we begin back in November 2006 with the passage of Wisconsin Referendum 1.
Legal Brief – Hazelton v. Personnel Commission
Good evening and welcome to the Legal Brief – a series where we take a look at some of Wisconsin’s most famous and landmark legal cases. In honor of Memorial Day, let’s take a look at a case out of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals that examined a military policy accused of violating a Wisconsin anti-discrimination law – and limited the state’s ability to intervene. To understand the context, we need to take a walk back to the 1980s AIDS Epidemic in the United States.
Advocates push for community control of Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board
Dozens of community members gathered Wednesday night to discuss Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board, or PCOB. The presentation, given in Hmong and English, was run by – a nonprofit that to advocate for low income communities of color. The group was a prominent voice in 2020, when millions across the country protested the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
Legal Brief – Evers v. Marklein
In this episode of Legal Brief, we’re going to look at a relatively recent case out of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It may seem dull on its face, but its outcome has significant implications on Wisconsin’s separation of powers – and highlights a conflict between the legislative and executive branch that is far from resolved.
Legal Brief: Ableman v. Booth
Welcome to Legal Brief, a series where we take a look at some of Wisconsin’s most famous and landmark legal cases. For our inaugural episode, it seems only fitting to take a look at one of the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s first ever cases – one that had significant state, and national, impact. For this one, we’re going to take it back to 1854 – just 6 years after Wisconsin gained its statehood. Things looked a little different back then, including the state’s court system.
PSC ruling aims to shield ratepayers from data center energy costs
The Public Service Commission, or PSC, met for a special open meeting Friday. It was an unusual meeting for the commission – which regulates Wisconsin’s gas, electric, and water utilities. The PSC typically holds its open meetings on Thursdays, deliberating on a handful of applications for around an hour.
Madison, Dane County Clerks Tout Speedier Ballot Printing Process
With the April 7th election less than a month out, Dane County’s newly revamped ballot printing system could get absentee ballots to voters up to a week earlier. City and county clerks announced Friday that Dane County will work with WPS Data Logistics, a Madison-based processing and printing company, to print the ballots and poll books for the April election. The company had its first test run in February, helping print and process ballots for the county’s first election of the 2026 midterms.
Fundraiser for Senor Machetes Owner Noel Quintana Attracts Crowds of Supporters
Idle chatter filled East Main street Friday night, as members of the community packed into Senor Machetes Mexican Grill. By 5 pm, the line to get a seat in the Capitol-adjacent restaurant was halfway down the block. But the mood was light, and nobody seemed to mind the wait as more and more people filed into the queue and struck up small talk with the parties before them. And that was the line for the food you had to pay for.
Madison Prepares to Kick Off Election Season after Public Voting Equipment Test
With the spring primary just a week away, city of Madison officials are gearing up for the first election of the year. That process kicked off Saturday, when staff gathered at the Madison Public Library in the early morning to test the city’s voting tabulators. Voting machines have been a thing of controversy in recent years, with election officials across the country facing lawsuits and public criticism alike for the use of electronic election equipment.
Iranian Protesters Gather on UW-Madison Library Mall, Call for International Intervention Amid Government Crackdown on Dissent
The weather in Madison was a balmy and sunny 20 degrees on Saturday – a welcome change after days of frigid temperatures and negative wind chills. But the cold hasn’t deterred the Iranian protesters who gathered on UW-Madison’s Library Mall to stand in solidarity with the people of Iran amid a national crackdown on protest in the country. This was their third such protest, and it won’t be the last, according to the group’s organizers. WORT reporter Fiona Hatch was there. Did you enjoy this story?
Democrats introduce “compromise” bill to save Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is under threat after Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature chose not to extend its funding in the current state budget. Originally created by a Democrat-controlled Legislature and signed into law by then-Republican Governor Tommy Thompson, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is a display of long term bipartisan commitment to environmental conservation.
Campus Clash: The Most Distinct Differences Between All 13 UW System Schools
Each University of Wisconsin school offers a unique college experience. Which school is best at what? DID YOU KNOW? There are roughly 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the US, according to US News & World Report. Today’s students are overwhelmed with options.
One Mile or 10 - We Found the Perfect Wisconsin Trail for Every Hiker
Explore Wisconsin’s wildlife and natural beauty at any fitness level! Call us biased, but we think Wisconsin has some of the most underrated hiking trails in the country. And there are certainly a lot to choose from! According to Travel Wisconsin, there are nearly 3,000 miles of trails weaving through our state parks alone. So tie up your laces, grab your loved ones, and get outside. We found the perfect Wisconsin trail for hikers at every fitness level.
Inside Minnesota's First Co-Working Space for Mental Health Pros
Licensed psychologist Christina Hansen Cohen needed an office. But like most white-collar professionals today, she didn’t need it full time; she sees patients in both Minnesota and Florida, and her therapy sessions mix in-person and telehealth. She went looking for a space she could rent part time, but quickly realized that the typical co-working space wouldn’t meet the privacy needs required for mental health services.
Science Museum of Minnesota Lands Largest Donation Ever
The Science Museum of Minnesota is ringing in the new year with a historic $6.5 million gift, the largest in the organization’s history. Gifted by the estate of University of Minnesota advertising professor Dr. William D. Wells, the money will fund the museum’s “chair of science” position, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Regis Shareholder Asks for Board Refresh
Minneapolis-based hair salon franchisor Regis Corp. is in trouble with one of its investors amid mounting financial challenges. Florida-based investment firm Galloway Capital Partners (GCP) has invested in Regis Corp. for over a year and owns 111,800 shares of the company’s common stock, or 4.9% of its outstanding shares, according to a Dec. 28 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Office Envy: PwC Plaza
Until recently, office tower atriums were something of an afterthought—a pass-through space with benches and plants, maybe a water feature. Post-pandemic, as workers remain reluctant to return to the office, companies are looking to the office lobby as a place of added inspiration. When Franklin Street Properties wanted to make the common areas work harder in its PwC Plaza office tower in downtown Minneapolis, they called Studio BV.
U.S. Bank Faces $21M Fine for ‘Illegal Conduct’ During the Pandemic
Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com One of the largest banks in the nation is in trouble with the federal government over its conduct with consumers during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank to pay $21 million in fines for violation of the Consumer Financial Protection Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
McKnight Foundation Signs 20-Year Lease in Downtown Minneapolis
Minneapolis-based nonprofit McKnight Foundation is picking up stakes in 2025, but it’s not moving far. On Monday, Transwestern Real Estate Services announced that McKnight has signed a new lease at 921 Washington Ave. S. in downtown Minneapolis. Transwestern represented the building’s ownership in the deal. The new 50,000-square-foot office is just blocks away from McKnight’s current location above the Mill City Museum, where the nonprofit resided for two decades.
Feds OK NeuroOne Device to Treat Parkinson’s, Other Conditions
After six years of trials and development, Eden Prairie-based NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corp. has received clearance to sell its first product with a therapeutic indication. Last week, the company announced that it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance to sell its OneRF Ablation System, which is designed to treat neurological conditions by recording electrical brain activity and removing targeted regions of tissue.
Highland Popcorn to Open Storefront in February
A Minnesota-based nonprofit selling popcorn and providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities is preparing to open its own storefront. Highland Popcorn, which had initially planned to open on the University of St. Thomas’s St. Paul campus, is now setting up its own shop at the Highland Village Center in St. Paul.
We Tried the Sun Country Fee Waiver Hack
A $44 booking fee that Sun Country started tacking on to every roundtrip ticket in 2022 became a hot topic last week when wrote about it and exposed a workaround: The airline does not charge this fee—$22 per flight segment—on tickets purchased at the airport. Which begs the question: Who buys airline tickets at the airport these days? We decided to find out. I drove to the airport on a bustling Sunday afternoon with the intention of purchasing a ticket.
Sam’s Club to Open Distribution Center in Shakopee
Sam’s Club, Walmart’s wholesale club operation, is opening a new distribution center in Minnesota in early 2024. On Thursday, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer announced plans to open a new multipurpose distribution center in the Shakopee area to help supply around a dozen clubs in Minnesota. The 365,000 square-foot center in Shakopee will open in March at 7400 Hentges Way, and will hire more than 80 new employees.
Norwest Equity Partners Acquires United Sports Brands
Norwest Equity Partners first acquired Shock Doctor back in 2008. Photo courtesy of Norwest Equity Partners Norwest Equity Partners already bought and sold mouthguard maker Shock Doctor years ago. Now, it’s buying back the company along with its new ownership. On Monday, Norwest announced that it has purchased Shock Doctor parent company United Sports Brands (USB) for an undisclosed amount. The deal officially closed Nov. 20.
Local Publisher Aims to Get Kids Excited about Manufacturing
When you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up,“manufacturing” doesn’t tend to come up as often as astronaut, firefighter, or veterinarian. Two employees of Brooklyn Park manufacturer Design Ready Controls saw an opportunity to get kids excited about an essential field of work.
Michigan-based Ascential Technologies Opens Blaine Facility
Interior shot of Ascential Technologies’ new facility in Blaine. Photo courtesy of Ascential Technologies A more than 70-year-old Michigan manufacturer has set up shop in a Twin Cities suburb. On Monday, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Ascential Technologies held a ceremony to mark the opening of its new 100,000-square-foot medical and life sciences manufacturing facility in Blaine. The global company is establishing a presence in the suburb as part of a wider reshoring initiatives.
Inside the Holiday Pop-Up Market Boom
Three years ago, the Dayton’s Project Winter Maker’s Market launched with 28 featured vendors; in 2022, the market grew to 47 local brands. On Thursday, the downtown Minneapolis holiday market in the iconic Dayton’s building will open for the season with a whopping 78 brands. If it seems like holiday pop-ups are bigger than ever this year, producers of the seasonal events say it’s true.
Biggest Season Yet for Holiday Pop-Up Markets
Three years ago, the Dayton’s Project Winter Maker’s Market launched with 28 featured vendors; in 2022, the market grew to 47 local brands. On Thursday, the downtown Minneapolis holiday market in the iconic Dayton’s building will open for the season with a whopping 78 brands. If it seems like holiday pop-ups are bigger than ever this year, producers of the seasonal events say it’s true.
An ‘80s-Era Minneapolis Office Building Gets a Refresh
Sitting in a picturesque neighborhood on the north side of the Mississippi River, the Riverplace corporate campus in Northeast Minneapolis had plenty of potential. But its four aging buildings – one of which dates back to the late 1800s – left a lot to be desired. That prompted Detroit-based developer Crestlight Capital to pour $20 million into a major renovation of all four buildings. The work resulted in a significant cosmetic upgrade to The Studio, one of the four buildings on campus.
The Minnesota Twins Accelerator Program Unveils Third Cohort
The Minnesota Twins’ accelerator program is back for a third year. On Thursday, the team announced its third cohort comprising 10 startups, including three based in Minneapolis. Formally known as the Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars, the program selects cohort members from hundreds of applicants based around the world. Participants join a three-month, mentorship-driven program focused on the future of the sports and entertainment industries.
Minnesota Aurora Is Launching a Second Team
Demand for women’s sports soared this year and is showing no signs of slowing down. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), for instance, this year reported its most-watched season in more than two decades. Media analytics firm Nielsen this summer said that interest in women’s sports is growing at a “meteoric pace.” It’s no small wonder, then, that leaders at Minnesota Aurora FC are launching another women’s soccer team. On Oct.
Polaris CEO on Driving Business Growth Original
On Tuesday, Polaris CEO Michael Speetzen spoke to manufacturers and business leaders at the 2023 Manufacturer’s Summit hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in Northeast Minneapolis. The conference served as a networking and learning opportunity for the manufacturing community and featured two learning sessions on automation and the new workforce landscape.
Herself Health Opens Crystal Clinic
Nine months after launching its first clinic in the nation in St. Paul, Herself Health is expanding its reach in the Twin Cities. The health care startup, which exclusively serves women 65 and older, opened its second clinic in Crystal on Oct 5. Company leaders decided to open another clinic to meet strong demand for services, and there are plans to open even more in the near future.
Businesses in Twin Cities metro brace for 1% sales tax hike | MinnPost
If you’ve noticed the totals on your receipts looking a little higher, it’s not just you: On Oct. 1, sales tax in several Twin Cities area counties rose by 1% under two new bills passed by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year. Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties are all affected by this tax increase. While you might see higher prices on most retail items, food, clothing, and medicine remain exempt from sales tax in Minnesota.
Twin Cities Area Businesses Brace for 1% Sales Tax Hike
If you’ve noticed the totals on your receipts looking a little higher, it’s not just you: On Oct. 1, sales tax in several Twin Cities area counties rose by 1% under two new bills passed by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year. Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties are all affected by this tax increase. While you might see higher prices on most retail items, food, clothing, and medicine remain exempt from sales tax in Minnesota.
$22.5M Renovation Begins at Downtown Minneapolis Business School
A $22.5 million renovation project aims to breathe new life into a nearly century-old business education building in downtown Minneapolis. Last week, Minneapolis College and Metropolitan State University announced that they have begun renovations on their joint business school center on Harmon Place in downtown Minneapolis. The schools are upgrading the building with the help of funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature in its most recent session.
Litt Pinball Bar to Open in Liquor Lyle’s Building Next Month
Litt Pinball Bar, previously known as Tilt Pinball, will officially open its doors in the former Liquor Lyle’s space on Oct. 11. The pinball bar made the opening announcement in an Instagram video posted this weekend. “Over the last year we’ve been working nonstop to transform the space we once knew as Liquor Lyle’s,” Litt employees said in an Instagram announcement video. Last July, Litt reached a deal to buy the Liquor Lyle’s building for $700,000.
Why Some Developers Are Still Skittish About Sustainability
The climate crisis is forcing pretty much every industry and business to reevaluate long-held traditions and practices. Though the transportation industry remains responsible for the lion’s share of greenhouse gas emissions, real estate isn’t far behind. According to figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector accounted for 28% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the nation in 2021, while commercial and residential buildings generated about 13%.
Sleep Number Investor Calls for Board Shake-Up
Minneapolis-based mattress maker Sleep Number Corp. is facing calls to change the makeup of its board after lackluster financial results. In a Sept. 13 letter to Sleep Number’s board, Connecticut-based investment firm Stadium Capital Management pinned recent financial troubles on failures in the boardroom. Sleep Number reported a net loss of $5.4 million in its 2022 fiscal year ended Dec. 31, although it has reported positive income in the first two quarters of this year.
5 Zero-Waste Refill Stores in Wisconsin to Take Your Sustainability Efforts to the Next Level
Ever been to a refill store? Ever heard of one? We explain what and where they are, and why you’ll want to stop by soon! DID YOU KNOW? The average household uses 66 pieces of plastic every day.
Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Is Full of Cancer-Causing Chemicals: Is Yours Contaminated?
Gov. Tony Evers first made PFAS a priority in 2019, which he called “The Year of Clean Drinking Water.” Since then, Wisconsin has made major strides in eliminating the cancer-causing chemicals from its drinking water. What are PFAS? , aka PFAS, are man-made chemicals that have been used in commercial, consumer, and industrial products since the 1950s. They’re found in everything from cookware and food packaging to shampoo, nail polish, and makeup.
Which Wisconsin Dells Waterpark Should You Visit Before Summer Ends?
The Dells is home to 6 of the country’s biggest waterparks, but which is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for… Summer break is over, and a new school year has just begun. But don’t worry–Wisconsin still has a few weeks of warm weather left.
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