Do you feel like it’s hard to keep up with the news? There’s so much happening every single day!

Civic Media wants to help you stay up-to-date. Each week we’re going to share some of the latest stories in a quick read format we’re calling News Notes. We’ll also provide links if you want to find even more information.

Let’s get started! Here’s what we consider the Top 5 News Notes for you to get caught up on this week:

1. Our air quality is not good. Again. It’s pushing the Wisconsin DNR to issue a statewide advisory for the entire weekend. Officials say more Canadian wildfire smoke is going to settle over the state making the air unhealthy for those who have breathing-related medical conditions. The smoke is expected to creep across northwestern counties by late Friday. But if you live in the southern part of Wisconsin, you could feel the impact Saturday and Sunday. The good news? DNR officials say it shouldn’t be as bad as last month. You can read our entire story, here.
2. Did you know there are billionaires who believe some of Wisconsin’s benefits are too generous?We’re talking about things like unemployment insurance, Medicaid, even how we vote here. And after just one public hearing, the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development and Economic Opportunities voted to pass the bills aimed at cutting benefits to the Republican-controlled Legislature. It sailed through there, too. However, Governor Tony Evers says when the bills land on his desk, he plans to stamp “vetoed” on all of it. It is interesting to note, money does speak loudly in a few other states. Want to learn more? Check out this great report from our news partners at Wisconsin Watch.
3. Wisconsin residents ARE using the free call, text, chat line for mental health and substance abuse support. A Friday news release shows after one year in operation, the 988 Lifeline has received 91,834 contacts from those needing to talk with someone or find resources for mental health and substance use. The release also indicates close to 98% of those contacts were able to immediately resolve their issues through a call, text, or chat. You can read the rest of the release, here.
4. There’s always a summer blood shortage, but you can help do something about it. Did you know, if you give one pint of blood — the typical amount donated during a visit — you may help save the lives of THREE people? Giving blood doesn’t hurt. Instead, it will make you feel good knowing you are providing a life-saving difference for others. So, knowing the need doesn’t take a break, Civic Media is supporting #CivicPints, A Blood Donation Challenge. Give blood anytime during July and you could get a prize, too. We have put together the challenge information along with a list of local donation centers to make your giving efforts easy. Here are all the details.
5. Did you know there’s an unofficial “715 Day” and if you live in the 715 area code, you may find businesses and neighborhoods celebrating on 7-15. That’s Saturday, July 15! We’re borrowing this one from our friends at UpNorthNews who say this started after the Milwaukee area enjoyed success and fun with “414 Day” in April. The UNN crew also asked listeners for a “715 Favorites List.” Here’s just a few of the answers they received: Red Eye Brewing in Wausau, Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in Hayward, and the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls. If you want to learn more about Wisconsin area codes, including which parts of the state received what, and when, there’s a fun read about it, here. By the way, residents in the 920 just received a second area code, dividing the territory by adding the new 274 combination of numbers.

Hope you enjoy our “News Notes.”

Have a great weekend, Wisconsin!

Teri Barr