Judith Ruiz-Branch

Chicago

Freelance Writer at Freelance

#Journalist: @PNS_News Then: @QuePasaMidwest @chicagotribune @CrainsChicago @WGNNews @WBEZ @RivetRadio

Articles

Litter to Glitter: Earth Day Cleanup Helps City Shine for NFL Draft

6 days ago | civicmedia.us | Jimmie Kaska |Judith Ruiz-Branch |Jo Ann Krulatz

It’s not often that Earth Day and the NFL Draft collide — but leave it to the friendly folks of Northeast Wisconsin to find a way to put the two together. Earth Day cleanup events will help the city shine when thousands of football fans flood Green Bay during player selection days April 24-26, 2025. And area residents are taking time to tackle beautification projects with some of the same energy they bring to game day.
Proposed bill aims to pay farmers back for disrupted grants

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

A Wisconsin-based nonprofit hopes a new law can help some of its struggling farmers quickly recoup federal grant funds they are owed. The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would order the United States Department of Agriculture to resume paying farmers from previously signed agreements. The Michael Fields Agriculture Institute is one of more than 350 organizations to have signed on to a letter of support to Congress.
IL hopes to continue clean energy boom with new bill

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

As Illinois forges ahead in the clean energy space, legislators and advocates are pushing for what would be the third major climate bill passed in less than a decade. Previous climate legislation helped launch energy equity and green jobs programs that have especially benefited smaller and rural communities. Ethan Minich, site manager for The Camp Grove Wind Farm, has worked in wind energy since 2011. He said more educational opportunities have also helped fuel the boom.
New study: Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat

1 week ago | kiowacountypress.net | Judith Ruiz-Branch

(Illinois News Connection) Click play to listen to this article. A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on smaller farms. Researchers at the University of Illinois studied milk production records from nine Midwest dairy farmers.
You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

2 weeks ago | wxpr.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential disruptions and challenges for millions as the nationwide change takes effect. Starting April 14, seniors applying for retirement benefits or making direct deposit changes must do so online or in-person at a Social Security Administration office as part of a new identity verification process.
New study: Small farms disproportionately impacted by extreme heat

2 weeks ago | publicnewsservice.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

A new study shows how extreme weather conditions negatively affect production yields on Midwest dairy farms, with a disproportionate impact on smaller farms. Researchers at the University of Illinois studied milk production records from nine Midwest dairy farmers. Considering both temperature and humidity when measuring extreme heat, they found farms lose about 1% of milk yield annually because of heat stress, while smaller farms lose closer to 2%.
You won't be able to apply by phone for Social Security starting next week

2 weeks ago | kiowacountypress.net | Judith Ruiz-Branch

Click play to listen to this article. In less than a week, many people will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential disruptions and challenges for millions as the nationwide change takes effect. Starting April 14, seniors applying for retirement benefits or making direct deposit changes must do so online or in-person at a Social Security Administration office as part of a new identity verification process.
You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

2 weeks ago | publicnewsservice.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential disruptions and challenges for millions as the nationwide change takes effect. Starting April 14, seniors applying for retirement benefits or making direct deposit changes must do so online or in-person at a Social Security Administration office as part of a new identity verification process.
Do you do this??

2 weeks ago | civicmedia.us | Teri Barr |Judith Ruiz-Branch |Adam Hess |Stuart Wattles

Blog For as long as I can remember, I have been a fingernail chewer. When you think about it, it is actually really disgusting. And, somehow, I am a germ fanatic at the same time. I know they say that some people chew their fingernails because they are anxious. For me, it must be a subconscious thing. I don’t feel very anxious, but yet anytime I see that my fingernails have grown out a bit, I start chewing on them.
Wisconsin schools cancel local farm partnerships due to federal cuts

2 weeks ago | wxpr.org | Judith Ruiz-Branch

Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $1.13 billion in fiscal year 2025 funds for a pair of programs to help schools, child care centers, and food banks obtain locally sourced foods. After schools and other facilities had begun working out arrangements with local farmers, President Donald Trump’s administration informed them on March 7 that the programs had been canceled, according to Politico.