Wisconsin Today: Morning News Wisconsin Public Radio

Gov. Tony Evers has called special elections for a vacant state senate seat and congressional seat. Construction of a controversial transmission line that will run through a national wildlife refuge is underway. Danielle Kaeding will have the latest. And, a ceremonial football is traveled across the state as part of a kick-off event for the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.

Liberal justices on the Wisconsin's Supreme Court voiced skepticism about a ruling that banned most absentee ballot drop boxes. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher has a new job in venture capital. Joe Schulz will have more on Gallagher's career change.
And, after more than three decades, Madison police have identified the skeletal remains of a man who had come to be known as "Chimney Doe."

The majority of Wisconsinites have a negative view of the economy. That's according to a poll released six months before the presidential election. It's likely to be a major issue in the race. Campus leaders in Madison reached an agreement late Friday to remove the encampment of a group of pro-Palestinian protesters. And: Have you been bitten by a tick? Scientists in central Wisconsin are asking you to send it to them in the mail.

Multiple polls in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate Race show Democrat Tammy Baldwin leading Republican Challenger Eric Hovde. A health system with numerous hospitals and clinics in Wisconsin is investigating a cyber attack that interrupted access to some technology systems. And, state forest health experts say it’s likely an invasive tree-killing beetle has spread to every county in Wisconsin.

Negotiations between UW-Madison leaders and students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations stalled. A progressive law firm is urging the U.S Attorney's Office to investigate two Republican campaign operatives for potential civil rights violations. And, a GOP-sponsored refugee resettlement bill sparked controversy in the Eau Claire area. Rich Kremer will have the latest on how local community leaders are reacting.

The state's budget writing committee approved a plan yesterday [Tuesday] to spend thirty-six-million-dollars on opioid use prevention and recovery programs. Republican lawmakers are ordering an audit into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within state government and the Universities of Wisconsin. And, research by the Medical College of Wisconsin led to a recent change in Medicare coverage for patients with a bone marrow cancer. Hope Kirwan will have the details.