Wisconsin
Wisconsin Republicans pass parental rights bill but face uphill battle with Democratic governor
Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin passed legislation this week that would give parents the right over their children to determine what name their child is called in school as well as the pronouns associated with their child.
The bill also gives parents and guardians the right to pull their children out of classroom discussions on gender, race, sexual orientation, structural racism, or other topics they find personally or religiously inappropriate.
The bill, which passed 62-35 in the state assembly on Thursday, has an uphill battle in the state Senate. If it garners enough support in the Senate, it will go to Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI), who has vetoed similar legislation in the past. Despite previous challenges, the bill’s sponsor,
Republican state Rep. Robert Wittke told reporters he is hopeful for a different outcome this time.
“At some point in time, we have to get back to the way Gov. [Tommy] Thompson governed, and that was that we do things for what’s best for the families in Wisconsin and not be in that partisan divide continually,” he said.
The bill would also give parents the right to sue the school district if it doesn’t adhere to the proposed changes.
Critics argue the legislation will inflict trauma on children who are gay and transgender if they are prohibited from participating in general or sexual orientation discussions.
“Once again, I’m here on this floor disheartened and discouraged that legislative Republicans are making Wisconsin’s kids political footballs,” Democratic state Rep. Robyn Vining said during debate on the bill. “Culture war after culture war, you’ve taken aim at the LGBTQ+ community. And more recently, you’ve given yourself permission to take aim at kids.”
Democratic state Rep. Melissa Ratcliff argued the bill would open the door to “misgendering, deadnaming, and psychological harm for an already disenfranchised community.”
The hourslong debate got heated after Democratic state Rep. David Considine, a teacher and a parent, suggested, “Parents don’t always know best. Let’s be honest.”
Republican state Rep. Karen Hurd called the comment “a lie from the pit of hell” and said the implication that she, as a parent of five children, didn’t know what was best for them was “offensive.”
Evers vetoed similar legislation in 2022. He said that while parents are the “first and best teachers” children have, he was “vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to sowing division in our schools, which only hurts our kids.”
Parent’s rights bills have been introduced in at least two dozen states, according to tracking by FutureEd.
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Four states have enacted them, including Florida, where the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law forbids “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner.”
Evers and Wisconsin lawmakers did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s calls with requests for comment.
Wisconsin
Cult-classic filmed in central Wisconsin returns to big screen, with enhancements, this weekend
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – A giant spider isn’t actually invading central Wisconsin this weekend.
But an enhanced, big-screen version of the cult-classic 1975 film The Giant Spider Invasion is crawling back into local theaters — and it’s bringing some central Wisconsin nostalgia with it.
The movie was famously filmed in Merrill and Stevens Point, and the updated 2026 release adds enhancements designed for a modern theatrical experience.
What’s new in the 2026 enhanced version?
Executive Producer J.B. Thompson says the team took the original 1975 film and enhanced it for the big screen in 2026, giving audiences a refreshed way to experience a movie that’s long been a Wisconsin oddity — and a point of pride.
Actor and Producer Dan Davies is featured in newly filmed scenes created specifically for this updated release.
Stevens Point’s role in the original film
While much of the film is associated with Merrill, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza says Point also played a major role in the production — another reason the film’s return matters to local history buffs and movie fans alike.
Why does this movie still capture attention 50 years later?
Whether it’s the over-the-top creature feature story, the uniquely Wisconsin filming locations, or the nostalgia of seeing familiar places on screen, the group says the film’s staying power is real — even five decades later.
Screenings this weekend
The enhanced version of The Giant Spider Invasion is set for local screenings this weekend in Central and North Central Wisconsin. To purchase tickets for showings in Stevens Point, Marshfield or Waupaca, click here.
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Copyright 2026 WSAW. All rights reserved.
A Wisconsin man has been arrested in Colorado in connection with a fatal north suburban hit-and-run earlier this year that left a 50-year-old woman killed.
According to the Winthrop Harbor Police Department, Travis Kern, 35, of Pleasant Prairie, turned himself into police in Lakewood Colorado on an arrest warrant. Kern was charged with two felonies, police said, and remains in custody in Colorado pending extradition proceedings.
About 11:10 p.m. on February 26, a pedestrian was struck in the 1400 block of Sheridan Road in Winthrop Harbor by a driver of a vehicle heading northbound. The vehicle then fled the scene, police said.
The pedestrian, later identified as Shanna White, 50, of Waukegan, was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
According to court documents, Kern’s next scheduled court date is set for July 22.
WHITEWATER, Wis. (WMTV) – The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.
Kids from Wisconsin is a traveling show with 22 singer-dancers and 14 band members. The troupe performs across Wisconsin, hosting workshops for kids and helping fundraise for youth arts programs.
This year’s theme is “America’s Soundtrack: The Pulse of a Nation.” The theme honors the 250th anniversary of America and features music by all-American composers, bands and performers.
Kids from Wisconsin bassist and student leader Alex Coller said that range is what makes this year’s tour stand out.
“The theme is really just celebrating American music. And I think it’s definitely one of the most cohesive and like diverse shows I have played with this organization,” Coller said. “Even though its just American music it’s really cool to see. Anyone no matter who you are, or what your musical background is, or whether you like music or not, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”
Kids from Wisconsin’s artistic and choral director, Taras Nahirniak, said audiences won’t want to miss it.
“Find a show near you, you are not going to want to miss this show. It’s just spectacular, the kids are so talented,” Nahirniak said. “We are just finishing up our camp right now, and they are just working their tails off. To really go around the state and show the state what they have.”
The tour premieres Thursday night at Young Auditorium in Whitewater. For tickets, tour dates or to find a show, visit kidsfromwi.org.
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Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.
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