WPR News

Wisconsin Public Radio has a broadcast and online news staff of more than 20 journalists and web professionals located in seven regions. There are over 20,000 news stories available online.

Dangerous Wind Chills Close Coronavirus Testing Sites In Milwaukee

February 15, 2021 - 10:35am

Multiple weather advisories have been issued across the state. Coronavirus testing sites in Milwaukee will be closed Monday due to dangerously cold wind chills.

Should Wisconsin Change How It Awards Electoral College Votes?

February 15, 2021 - 7:30am

Gov. Tony Evers casting his Electoral College vote in 2020

State Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) wants to award the state’s Electoral College votes by congressional district, instead of the current winner-take-all system. We ask why he wants to make that change for presidential elections and about his thoughts on the state pandemic response.

Lawmakers Debate Upgrading Unemployment System

February 15, 2021 - 7:00am

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Earlier this year, Gov. Tony Evers called for a special session to address major problems with the state’s unemployment system. But Republicans balked at the governor’s proposals. We discuss Wisconsin’s unemployment system with the leader of the state agency that oversees it.

Experts Highlight Issues Ahead For Next State Superintendent

February 15, 2021 - 6:40am

Seven candidates are vying for Wisconsin's top education job, as COVID-19 has pushed conversations around education to the fore.

Marquette University Laid Off 39 In January. Staff And Students Fear More Cuts Are To Come

February 15, 2021 - 5:45am

Marquette University employees and students have expressed anger, fear and confusion over the past year as administrators grappled with a $45 million budget deficit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a drop in enrollment. After 39 staff members were fired in January, campus leaders say more layoffs aren't planned in...

Wisconsin Labs Use Genomic Sequencing To Track Spread, 'Architecture' Of New Coronavirus Strains

February 15, 2021 - 5:45am

Four labs in Wisconsin are working to sequence the genomes of virus samples from around the state to identify and track the spread of new variants.

DHS: 503 New COVID-19 Cases, 1 New Death

February 14, 2021 - 2:20pm

There were 503 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin on Sunday, according to the state Department of Health Services. There was one new death.

DNR To Propose Harvest Quota Of 200 Wolves

February 14, 2021 - 2:15pm

The state Department of Natural Resources says it will propose a harvest quota of 200 wolves when the group's policy board meets Monday to discuss launching a wolf hunt immediately.

Evers Proposes $329M In Economic Development As Part Of Next State Budget

February 14, 2021 - 12:00am

Gov. Tony Evers will propose more than $329 million in new economic development initiatives as part of his state budget proposal on Tuesday.

Economist Says Wisconsin Should Increase Minimum Wage To At Least $10

February 14, 2021 - 6:10am

The federal minimum wage hasn't been increased since 2009, and while some advocates are still pushing for a $15 minimum wage despite recent efforts being stymied by the U.S. Senate, one economist is saying more modest increases are a better course of action.