Wisconsin Gov. Evers finally appoints new DNR secretary after yearlong search

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has finally selected a new leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Evers announced Monday that he has appointed Karen Hyun as the agency's secretary. The position has been vacant since Adam Payne quit in early November 2023 after just 10 months on the job. Tensions between the DNR and Republican legislators have run high since Evers first took office in 2019. The GOP has criticized the agency for everything from overregulating pollution to buying too much land for preservation. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu didn't immediately respond to an email Monday inquiring about Hyun's chances of being confirmed. She can serve unconfirmed until the Senate votes to reject her.