Wisconsin Today: Morning News

The longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Wisconsin Assembly says he's retiring from the Legislature. Robin Vos, the powerful Republican from Rochester, announced his plans during an emotional speech from the Assembly floor.

The Apostle Islands ice caves opened on Monday, but shut down after just one day. Meanwhile, a study is underway to find potential sites to build nuclear power plants in Wisconsin. And, the state Assembly plans to wrap up its work for the year. That includes votes on two high profile women's health bills that have been blocked for years.

In his final State of the State address, Gov. Tony Evers highlighted the accomplishments of the last eight years but said there is more work to be done. A Wisconsin bill would create a path for victims of sexual extortion to sue in state courts. And, the state's top GOP leaders have agreed on a plan to spend down the state's $2.5 billion dollar budget surplus.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Ice Caves are open at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. And, a national study named Marquette University as one of 41 colleges with large percentages of low income students taking out high-interest loans. Then, we hear from two 70-plus athletes who have been skiing in the American Berkebeiner every year for decades.

A dramatic move by the Trump administration to undo regulations of greenhouse gases could cost Wisconsin billions. A judge's ruling upholds state permits for a controversial oil and gas pipeline. And, we hear from a high school student who says Wisconsin should do more to foster youth entrepreneurship.

A Republican candidate for Congress in Wisconsin was legal counsel for a company alleged to have run a Ponzi scheme. Community members are rallying behind a Madison restaurant owner now in ICE detention. And, WPR's Danielle Kaeding tells us about a Wisconsin native on a year-long quest to eat only what he can forage from the land.

Will Wisconsin's leaders strike a deal to reduce property taxes? Republican leaders in the Senate and the Assembly have different ideas. The state Supreme Court hears arguments about a race-based student retention program. And, state lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize marijuana for the past 13 years, including this year.

A Wisconsin utility is seeking custom electric rates for a data center project. The application hides key details from the public. A Republican leader says a deal on property taxes […]

A judge had harsh words for the Kenosha County District Attorney after he failed to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in court filings. The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison said the university has lost nearly $30 million dollars in federal funds in Donald Trump's second term. And, team USA women's hockey includes six current or former Badgers.

A community group in La Crosse is getting care packages to local Hmong elders who are fearful of immigration enforcement agents. Dual enrollment has been growing in Wisconsin but remains low in Milwaukee. And an Eau Claire native is representing Team USA in three Nordic combined skiing events at the Winter Olympics.