Community Initiatives
NEW News Lab
Supporting Local journalism
Northeast Wisconsin Journalism Initiative
Local newsrooms have been the heart of communities. However, news and journalism face increasing challenges. Changes in the way people receive their news have significantly impacted the industry and have created a risk of disinformation, undermining trust in all media. In turn, these changes affect how we all understand the issues facing our communities.
To help address these growing challenges, Microsoft made a commitment to preserve and protect local newsrooms around the nation. Selected as the fifth local news pilot, Microsoft invested $900,000 in the Northeast Wisconsin Journalism Fund, established at the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
Latest stories
As a result of the newsroom collaboration, local stories important to our communities will be available for free publication by other news organizations across the state and nation. Here are the latest stories:
Judges Warn that underfunded courts are falling behind – September 23, 2026, Green Bay Press-Gazette
Federal immigration policy may be worsening Wisconsin’s caregiver shortage, leaders say – September 23, 2026, Wisconsin Watch
Voters, scientists say candidates should dig into environmental issues – September 22, 2026, Green Bay Press Times
Home prices, rents up sharply in Northeast Wisconsin over the last decade – September 11, 2026, Wisconsin Public Radio
Despite bipartisan support, 988 Crisis Lifeline faces funding shortage – September 9, 2026, Wisconsin Watch
Click here to view all NEW News Lab storiesTelling the stories of our community
“Journalism can make a difference. It’s nice to have organizations in the community recognize that and work together with our newsrooms to get our stories out to more people.”
-Benita Mathews, Green Bay Press-Gazette Reporter
Meet the NEW News Lab partners
Six Wisconsin news organizations have partnered to advance in-depth local reporting on topics such as racism as a public health crisis, lack of affordable housing, funding of local schools, or coverage of local judicial systems. The Northeast Wisconsin Journalism Fund awarded grants to the six NEW News Lab participants to support this work.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Journalism Department is an educational partner.