Friday, September 11, 2026·Focal News

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A black stethoscope, blue pen and clipboard are arranged on a white surface.

Local

Wisconsin Black lawmakers’ birth-equity package gets no committee hearing as infant deaths remain sharply unequal

Black babies in Wisconsin died before age 1 at more than twice the rate of white babies in 2024, while seven bills aimed at improving maternal and infant health received no public hearing. The lawmakers behind the proposals say political resistance and a lack of trust in the medical system are costing families vital support.

September 11, 2026