Health Officials Urge Flu Shots After Child Deaths
Three children recently died from influenza. Less than 40% of state has received flu vaccine.
Mar 17th, 2022
Hospital Association Reports Worsening Nurse Shortage
Burnout, violence against healthcare workers driving high job vacancy rates.
Mar 17th, 2022
Wastewater Tests Show Uptick in COVID-19
Too early to tell but increases found in several cities, including Milwaukee.
Mar 16th, 2022
‘You Are Heroes,’ Evers Tells Workers
Governor kicks off statewide tour to thank health and front-line workers who helped battle pandemic.
Mar 15th, 2022
Testing Kids For Lead Poisoning Declined During Pandemic
25% reduction in lead tests in state compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Mar 12th, 2022
Fetal Heartbeat Bill Divides Abortion Foes
Bill banning abortion after 6 weeks may not get passed by Legislature before session ends.
Feb 21st, 2022
State’s First Death From MIS-C Reported
Wisconsin has had 183 cases of rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19.
Feb 19th, 2022
Insurance Companies Oppose Drug Coupon Bill
Insurers don't want coupons for expensive drugs to count against deductibles.
Feb 17th, 2022
Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed
One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.
Feb 9th, 2022
Wastewater Testing Suggests COVID-19 Waning
Wisconsin one of 37 states using sewage analysis as early warning system.
Feb 8th, 2022
Public Health Officials Monitoring Omicron Subvariant
Fewer than five cases of the new variant have been detected in Wisconsin.
Feb 4th, 2022
GOP Lawmakers Push ‘Medical Freedom’ Bills
State legislation protects doctors promoting therapies not approved by FDA for COVID-19 treatment.
Feb 3rd, 2022
Hospital Lawsuits For Unpaid Bills Rising In State
Up 37% since 2001. Black patients, rural patients most likely to be sued.
Dec 8th, 2021
Health Care Providers in Limbo After Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate
More than a quarter of state’s nursing home staff haven’t been vaccinated.
Dec 6th, 2021
Bill Helps Veterans And Hospitals Short on Staff
Bipartisan bill allows veterans with medical training to temporarily practice without a license.
Nov 30th, 2021
Hospitals Relying on Temporary Travel Nurses
Travel nurses work short term contracts, making significantly more than staff nurses.
Nov 19th, 2021
Hospitals Expect to Lose Staff Over Vaccine Mandates
Despite high levels of vaccination, heath systems don't expect 100% compliance.
Oct 14th, 2021
Rural Areas Have Highest COVID-19 Death Rates
Nationwide study finds rural areas have a death rate twice as high as urban areas.
Oct 13th, 2021
Fake Pills Laced With Fentanyl Fueling Overdoses
Law enforcement finding "unprecedented quantities" of counterfeit pills.
Oct 4th, 2021
Suicide Prevention Program For Veterans Expands
Started by gun shop owner, now includes 18 firearms retailers, aims for all 72 counties.
Sep 28th, 2021
College Students’ Pot Use At Historic High
Drinking less, smoking more. 44% reported using marijuana.
Sep 13th, 2021
Hospitals Struggle With Shortage of Nurses
Offering bonuses, hiring temps as nurses ‘run ragged.”
Sep 4th, 2021
State Doctors Warn, Don’t Use Ivermectin
Sen. Johnson ‘endangering our patients’ pushing drug for COVID-19, they declare.
Aug 31st, 2021
Outreach Efforts Getting More Vaccinated
Health clinics, literacy centers reaching out to immigrants and low-income people.
Aug 25th, 2021
Public Health Officials Warn Against COVID-19 Misinformation
U.S. Surgeon General called misinformation a "serious threat to public health."
Aug 10th, 2021
Madison, Dane County Mandate Vaccine For Workers
Public employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing.
Aug 4th, 2021
Help Coming For Long-Haul Covid Sufferers
Biden administration says some symptoms make you eligible for federal disability aid.
Aug 3rd, 2021
Can Health Officials Act Against Delta Variant?
Court decisions, public resistance limit what state and local officials can do.
Aug 2nd, 2021
State Ranks 41st In Public Health Spending
Some hoped pandemic might prompt action on this. Not so far.
Jul 14th, 2021
Broadband Access a Health Issue for Seniors
Wisconsin trails 32 states in percent of those over 65 who have access to high-speed internet.
Jul 12th, 2021
State Officials Target COVID-19 Delta Variant
New tool offers better tracking of vaccinations rates. ‘This variant is less forgiving.’
Jul 10th, 2021
State May Get $65 million in Opioid Settlement
Purdue Pharma reaches $4.3 billion settlement with multiple states.
Jul 9th, 2021
State’s Zoos Will Vaccinate Animals
No COVID-19 infections at Milwaukee County Zoo, but tigers and lions at Bronx Zoo got sick last year.
Jul 7th, 2021
Bill Gives Local Governments Opioid Settlement Money
Some provisions of bill give Legislature more authority over settlement funds.
Jul 1st, 2021
Will Face Masks Remain Post Pandemic?
Some health professionals think face coverings are here to stay.
Jun 27th, 2021
Motorcycle Deaths Up 31% in State
Officials worry about 'risky behavior” on roads which started during low-traffic pandemic.
Jun 23rd, 2021
GOP Bills Ban Vaccine Passports, Work Requirement
Lawmakers also propose ending mandatory COVID-19 vaccines, testing for UW-System.
Jun 3rd, 2021
Report Shows Parks Need More Equity
A nation-wide problem. In Milwaukee persons of color have access to 70% less park space.
May 27th, 2021
Officials Push To Vaccinate Kids 12 to 15
Could help get to herd immunity, officials across state sending consent forms to parents.
May 10th, 2021
State Officials Push Action on PFAS
50 state sites polluted. Evers budget includes $20 million to fight forever chemicals.
Apr 20th, 2021
DOJ Recieves Grant For Sexual Assault Kit Database
New system will track evidence for sexual assault cases. A backlog discovered in 2014 took four years to process.
Apr 15th, 2021
Ad Campaign Launched to Boost Vaccine Confidence
HealthyMKE is running the "Authentic Voices" campaign countywide.
Apr 9th, 2021
Can Education Overcome Vaccine Resisters?
State officials hope to overcome resistance among Republicans, rural residents.
Apr 6th, 2021
Medical Boards Encourage COVID-19 Vaccination
Chiropractic Examining Board differs from medical boards and just encourages colleagues to get vaccinated.
Apr 2nd, 2021
Health Care Workers “Drained” by Pandemic
A new report finds a strained workforce after a year of the pandemic.
Mar 19th, 2021
Studies Link Obesity and Severe COVID-19
And 67% of Wisconsin adults are obese or overweight, state data shows.
Mar 15th, 2021
State Vaccine Registry To Start March 1
Online tool will allow people to schedule shots, get on waiting list for COVID-19 vaccine.
Feb 18th, 2021
State Sees Historically Few Flu Cases
Only 38 influenza cases as of January 30th. COVID-19 mitigation likely reduced the spread.
Feb 11th, 2021
State Sees Second Case of Coronavirus Variant
A case in Waukesha of variant first discovered in UK and believed to spread more rapidly.
Feb 9th, 2021
Evers Plan Seeks Lower Drug Prices
Would limit copayments on insulin and import drugs from countries where they cost less.
Feb 3rd, 2021
Madison Protester Gets Probation on Extortion Charges
Devonere Johnson's arrest sparked further protest in June.
Jan 28th, 2021
Firefighters, Police Next Up For Vaccines
State plan calls for phase 1b to start next week, may also include teachers, correctional workers.
Jan 12th, 2021
Evers Joins 7 Governors Asking for More Vaccine
Governors say the federal government is holding back 50% of produced vaccine.
Jan 8th, 2021
Disputes Over Who to Give Vaccine Slow Process
State panel hashes out who should be next in line, while some say they can't wait.
Jan 6th, 2021
State’s Vaccine Stockpile Could Triple
Federal approval of second COVID-19 vaccine could mean Wisconsin receives 100,000 doses of Moderna vaccine soon.
Dec 16th, 2020
State Panel Must Ration Vaccines
Wisconsin has 450,000 health care workers but first shipment of vaccines numbers just 65,000.
Dec 12th, 2020
All Regions of State Will Get Vaccine
Health care workers will be first to get COVID-19 vaccine under Wisconsin’s plan.
Dec 8th, 2020
53% Get COVID-19 If Someone In Household Infected
New study of families in Wisconsin, Tennessee finds high rate of secondary infection.
Nov 9th, 2020
Stay Home to Reduce COVID-19 Spread, Evers Says
New study shows that reducing contact and travel is effective in curtailing transmission.
Nov 6th, 2020
Appeals Court Hears MacIver Institute Case Against Evers
The MacIver Institute argued before appeals court first amendment rights were violated.
Oct 30th, 2020
Health Departments Overwhelmed by Contact Tracing Work
Some are limiting tracing to high-risk cases, others have patients notifying potential contacts.
Oct 16th, 2020
Drive-Through Flu Shots Being Offered
In Menomonee Falls, West Bend. Advocate Aurora will give free shots in underserved city neighborhoods.
Sep 22nd, 2020
Pence to Janesville “The Choice is Clear”
Vice-president’s speech at Holiday Inn Conference Center says economy is on the ballot.
Sep 14th, 2020
Evers Asks FEMA To Rescind PPE Rules
New federal rules won't cover costs of cleaning personal protection equipment.
Sep 9th, 2020
Pence, Harris Campaign in Wisconsin
Republican Vice President, Democratic VP hopeful talk jobs, economy on Labor Day.
Sep 8th, 2020
Opioid Overdoses Skyrocket During Pandemic
Opioid overdoses are up 117 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Aug 8th, 2020
Despite Pandemic, Many Still Pursuing Medical School
Though some students are worried the shutdown has affected their prospects.
Aug 3rd, 2020
Wisconsin Cities Get Grant Funds for Elections
Milwaukee and four other cities will use the funds to administer elections during the pandemic.
Jul 9th, 2020
Hotels, Vendors Laying Off Workers
In Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, including Miller Park and Lambeau Field.
Jul 8th, 2020
UW Tests Drug For COVID-19 Complications
Clinical trial tor Ruxolitinib testing if drug can slow immune systems gone haywire.
Jul 6th, 2020
State’s Health Care Workers Demand Hazard Pay
As COVID-19 cases rise again, Democratic bill provides increased pay, paid medical leave.
Jun 30th, 2020
Will COVID-19 Vaccine be a Silver Bullet?
UW-Madison Medical School Dean lays out challenges that remain, even if vaccine is developed.
Jun 27th, 2020
41% of State’s Grocery Shoppers Wear Masks
Researchers checked 26 grocery stores around state, women more likely to wear a mask.
Jun 23rd, 2020
State Children May Have Rare COVID-19 Syndrome
A few possible cases. Many states have reported cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
May 30th, 2020
Don’t Put Off Healthcare During Pandemic
The Wisconsin Hospital Association is urging residents to continue seeking medical care.
May 30th, 2020
Staycations More Likely on Memorial Day?
State destinations like Door County, Wisconsin Dells not sure what to expect.
May 24th, 2020
Wear A Mask, Public Heath Officials Say
Now that Evers' Safer-At-Home has ended, health officials plead with the public to take precautions on their own.
May 22nd, 2020
National Pandemic Study Includes State Families
Studying children, how likely to get infected, show symptoms, spread disease.
May 10th, 2020
State Releases Guidelines for Businesses to Use Once Reopened
Guidelines include general advice and industry specific recommendations.
May 8th, 2020
Businesses Prepare for Possible Re-Opening
State hangs in the balance while Supreme Court deliberates Safer-At-Home order.
May 8th, 2020
Froedtert Hospital Testing Remdesivir
10 patients infected with COVID-19 will be treated with drug as part of nationwide study.
May 6th, 2020
Some Non-Essential Businesses Can Open
Evers order says dog groomers, small engine repair, upholsterers, others can reopen with precautions.
Apr 27th, 2020
Hospitals Begin Rescheduling Surgeries Postponed During Pandemic
Medical care not deemed essential was halted in mid-March, saving hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients.
Apr 24th, 2020
State Still Reviewing Triage Guidelines for Ventilators
Committee has more time to decide how scarce medical equipment will be used.
Apr 17th, 2020
Healthcare Workers Want PPE, Sick Pay, Hazard Pay
17 percent of COVID-19 cases statewide are healthcare workers. They are calling on the Legislature to help them.
Apr 16th, 2020
Officials Drafting Guidelines for a Ventilator Shortage
Who gets a life saving ventilator and who doesn't?
Apr 10th, 2020
19 Cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin
Two in Milwaukee County. State’s total up to 19 as of Friday
Mar 14th, 2020
Kaul Calls for More Gun Safety Laws
Molson Coors shootings reignite debate over background checks, red flag laws.
Mar 4th, 2020
Bill Addressing High Drug Prices Advances
Assembly will take up bipartisan legislation, amendments, on Tuesday.
Feb 17th, 2020
GOP Pushes Fetal Personhood
Republican legislators introduce an amendment to the state constitution that gives personhood to fertilized eggs.
Feb 14th, 2020
State Voters Lean Against Medicare for All
Poll shows 47% prefer it while 53% prefer improving Affordable Care Act.
Feb 12th, 2020
CBD Oil Products Rising in Popularity
Sold in everything from lotion to beer to e-cigarettes. Regulators, researchers worry it's gone too far.
Jan 6th, 2020
Why State’s Birth Rate Is Falling
Lowest rate in 44 years. Several reasons, experts say.
Dec 27th, 2019
Rise in Pot Vaping by Teens
Use has doubled in two years nationally. Schools in state see rising problem.
Dec 23rd, 2019
Evers Vetos Bill on Nursing Assistants
Would cut required training hours to get certified. Opponents say it would hurt patients.
Nov 22nd, 2019
Bill Raises Age to Buy Tobacco to 21
Doctors, school officials support raising age to buy e-cigarettes, tobacco products.
Nov 7th, 2019
Evers Pushes Action on Water Quality
After 13 public hearings across state, water quality policy proposals are being drafted.
Oct 20th, 2019
Too Many Wisconsinites Without Health Insurance
Evers' Health Secretary funding effort to increase number of insured.
Oct 2nd, 2019
77% Of E-Cigarette Illness Involved THC Cartridges
Federal officials say most cases involved THC cartridges, but still no information on what exactly is causing the damage.
Sep 30th, 2019
Millions In Health Care Refunds Going Out
Insurance market improving thanks to state reinsurance program.
Sep 25th, 2019
Evers Wants Gun Laws
Governor said he would call a special session if Republicans don't act.
Sep 25th, 2019
State Sees Rise in Unpaid Medical Bills
1.2 billion uncompensated care In 2018, up 7.6% from 2017, says Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Sep 18th, 2019
Vaping-Related Lung Diseases Surging
450 suspected cases of lung disease in 33 states, including 46 in Wisconsin.
Sep 9th, 2019
State Home Construction Lags Behind Economy
Study says new home construction trails rate of inflation, stalling growth in property taxes.
Sep 5th, 2019
WE Energies Won’t Demand Solar Surcharge
Company backs off after announcing its settlement with RENEW Wisconsin.
Jul 16th, 2019
Bill Addresses “Staggering” Cost of Diabetes
Estimated $5.5 billion annual cost for state, 40% of residents projected to get disease.
Jul 12th, 2019
State Rewards Top Child Care Centers
Department Of Children And Families now gives higher payments to higher rated providers.
Jul 5th, 2019
School Groups Divided About State Budget
Happy Evers increased spending, but it’s still short of what’s needed, they say.
Jul 4th, 2019
Evers Seeks Ways to Expand Health Coverage
Governor wants to get more people insurance coverage beyond Medicaid expansion Republicans oppose.
Jun 4th, 2019
State’s Middle Class Hasn’t Rebounded
Study finds 55.7% of state’s households are middle-income, down from 59.7% in 2000.
May 30th, 2019
State To Cover Workers’ Weight-Loss Surgery
Wisconsin will pay for bariatric surgery for state employees starting in 2020.
May 25th, 2019
Survey Shows Public Workers Delay Health Care
Nearly one-third of state’s public employees said they skipped a test or treatment due to deductible costs.
May 23rd, 2019
Democrats Push Automatic Voter Registration
All would be registered when getting drivers license or state ID. Republicans oppose bill.
May 21st, 2019
State Filing Suit Against Opioid Manufacturer
AG Josh Kaul alleges Purdue Pharma ignited the epidemic of drug overdoses, deaths related to Oxycontin use.
May 17th, 2019
GOP Defends Anti-Abortion Bills
Bill offers more restrictions on abortions. Medical professionals oppose legislation.
May 8th, 2019
Bill Allows Pharmacists to Vaccinate Children
In reaction to measles outbreak, lawmakers look to strengthen state’s response.
Apr 22nd, 2019
Bill Speeds Up Health Insurance Appeals
Legislators consider bill in response to citizens' complaints about "step therapy," delays in getting needed pain medicine.
Apr 18th, 2019
GOP Bill Targets Race, Sex-Based Abortions
Doctors punished for abortions done solely because of race, ancestry, sex, conditions like Down syndrome.
Apr 15th, 2019
Mitchell Ranks Higher in Cancelled Flights
Study ranks Milwaukee’s airport 29th of 75 in nation, but better than Chicago’s two airports.
Apr 9th, 2019
Kaul, AGs Warn of More Opioid Problems
Letter from 39 attorneys general warns federal officials that new policy could lead to illegal opioid use.
Apr 2nd, 2019
Opioid Crisis Affecting State Businesses
Survey shows 75% of employers have been impacted by the crisis.
Apr 1st, 2019
Medicaid Work Rules Could Hurt Hospitals
Walker imposed work requirement for Medicaid recipients, could cut state hospitals revenue by 15%, study says.
Mar 25th, 2019
State Officials Meet to Tackle Drug Epidemic
Two-Day conference focuses on opioids, which killed 916 users in 2017.
Mar 18th, 2019
State Trails Nation on School Breakfasts
17% of schools don’t offer breakfasts, putting Wisconsin near bottom nationally.
Feb 18th, 2019
High Court Hears Gun Liability Case
Is website facilitating illegal gun sales liable for Brookfield spa shooting?
Feb 16th, 2019
Opioid Prescriptions in State Down 29%
Doctors writing fewer prescriptions since 2015, but overdoes deaths still rising.
Feb 11th, 2019
Why Don’t Students Want To Be Teachers?
UW Task Force examines reasons for decline in education majors in Wisconsin.
Feb 10th, 2019
Report Finds Growing Physician Job Burnout
Medical Society finds “alarming” level of dissatisfaction, fatigue for state’s doctors.
Feb 4th, 2019
City Gets Mixed Grades on Pre-K Classes
New study of 40 cities finds lots of access to pre-K, but quality is sometimes lacking.
Jan 25th, 2019
25% of Prescribed Antibiotics Are Unnecessary
So says new study. But Wisconsin’s rate of prescribing antibiotics is below national average.
Jan 21st, 2019
Republicans Back Bill on Pre-Existing Conditions
But Evers warns if protections weaker than Obamacare he will veto the legislation.
Jan 16th, 2019
State’s Smoking Rate Hits All-Time Low
But decline is slower for African Americans and low income consumers.
Jan 2nd, 2019
Health Care Costs Rise for Middle Class
New report shows premiums, deductibles cost 11% of family income in Wisconsin
Dec 7th, 2018
State Health Insurance Signups Lagging
Enrollment for federal ACA insurance exchange down 20% this year; two weeks left to enroll.
Dec 2nd, 2018
State Infant Mortality Problem Persists
Health of babies not improving nationally, CDC data shows, with rate nearly twice as high for black infants.
Nov 19th, 2018
Health Care a Big Issue in Election
Key issue in Wisconsin; nationally 46% of House and Senate ads mention health care.
Oct 25th, 2018
Medicare For All Becomes Hot Issue
Many Democrats, including Tammy Baldwin, embrace it, as Republicans condemn it.
Oct 12th, 2018
Both Parties See November Assembly Win
Vos and Hintz both talk about their plans should they run Assembly after election.
Oct 4th, 2018
Big Federal Cuts for State’s Health Care
Second straight year of cuts in Affordable Care Act for Wisconsin, other states.
Sep 16th, 2018
Health Coverage Steady After Decline
State enrollment in Affordable Care Act steady this year after 13% drop in last year.
Sep 5th, 2018
State Has 75,000 Clean Energy Jobs
All 72 counties have clean energy jobs, report shows.
Aug 17th, 2018
The Battle Over ‘Cocaine Mom” Law
Allows drug using mothers to be detained in jail. Opponents plan pickets, social media and forums across state.
Aug 3rd, 2018
Meth A Bigger Issue Than Opioids?
New state report looks at drug use and treatment efforts.
Jul 6th, 2018
College Campuses Going Smoke-Free
National trend includes 23 colleges in state, Marquette and MATC.
Jul 3rd, 2018
Planned Parenthood Sues Trump Administration
Suit by affiliates in Wisconsin, two other states claim changes to Title X program limit the care provided.
May 3rd, 2018
