Opting out of standardized school tests

A bill at the Capitol makes it easier for parents to opt out of having their kids take certain statewide tests at school. Under the measure, schools would be required to send a letter to parents once per year — listing all scheduled state-mandated standardized...

Mosquito season is under way

The mosquito population is expected to boom in the next week or two, according to Susan Paskewitz, professor of entomology at UW-Madison. Recent rain is a factor and mosquito trapping is an indicator. “Just this week, in the traps coming in, you can see in some...

Opponents decry changes to long-term care

Stephanie from Waukesha has a 22-year-old son with medical issues. She said Wisconsin’s most vulnerable citizens rely on the state’s long-term care system for elderly and disabled people. “We need to know the systems will still be there and continue...

Plan to get rid of Legislative Audit Bureau

Legislation at the Capitol would replace the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau with investigative officials at all state agencies. Representative Dave Craig (R-Big Bend) authored the measure. “What we’re proposing, with the elimination of the audit...

Ward to stay on at UW for 6 more months

David Ward will continue serving as interim senior vice president for academic and student affairs for the University of Wisconsin System. UW System President Ray Cross said David Ward has agreed to stay on for another six months, as UW officials renew efforts to find...

Free admission to Wisconsin state parks

Wisconsinites will have a great opportunity to get in touch with nature this weekend, as the state DNR holds its annual “free fun weekend.” No admission fees necessary at state parks and forests this weekend throughout Wisconsin. Bicyclists and horseback...

Transportation funding remains undecided

Governor Scott Walker has proposed $1.3 billion in new bonding for the state’s transportation needs, but Assembly Speaker Robin Vos on Wednesday said he’s contemplating a transportation budget with no borrowing at all. Walker now says he’s open to a...

Bucks arena announcement expected this afternoon

The governor, legislative leaders, and local leaders are expected to announce a Milwaukee arena financing plan this afternoon. Governor Scott Walker said his hope has been to find agreement among the county, the city, the state, and the private sector to keep the...

Touting health benefits of ‘Complete Streets’

Opponents of a repeal to the “Complete Streets” program are stressing the health benefits of safer streets and sidewalks. “Complete Streets” takes bicyclists and pedestrians into consideration while planning state-funded road projects. Governor...

Landmark tower in Two Rivers comes down (VIDEO)

The former Hamilton Manufacturing company smokestack, which towered over downtown Two Rivers for more than 100 years, is gone. Greg Buckley is City Manager. “The Hamilton name has meant so much through the history of Two Rivers. Not just as an economic factor,...

Oneida tribe recognizes gay marriage

Beginning next month, Wisconsin’s Oneida Indian nation will allow same-sex marriages.  The tribe announced Thursday its business committee unanimously voted in favor of the change. Current Oneida law defines a marriage as between a “husband and...

Deputy rescues driver from burning car (VIDEO)

A Brown County Sheriff’s deputy is being called a hero after rescuing a man from a burning vehicle overnight. Deputies responded to a vehicle on fire on Wednesday at approximately 2:00 am. They arrived to find the vehicle in the ditch with a man inside Deputy...