Home

 Wisconsin’s latest statewide test scores are trending down. The state’s Department of Public Instruction yesterday said students did worse on the reading, math, science, and social studies portions of last year’s standardized tests even though fewer students took the tests. Reading and math proficiency is down to 39 percent, social studies proficiency dropped to 49 percent, and science proficiency was the best at 52 percent. But those scores are swayed because fewer students actually took the test. DPI says statewide,

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu are sharing Wisconsin’s new political map. The Republican-drawn map would likely guarantee GOP majorities in both the State Assembly and State Senate. The map would also give Republicans an advantage in Congressional races. The Republican leaders say the map passes all constitutional and legal requirements, while Democrats say they are gerrymandered. There are already lawsuits filed that challenge the Republican-drawn map.

Younger teens in Wisconsin could soon be able to work longer shifts.  The State Senate yesterday quickly approved a plan that would allow people under 16-years-old to work until 9:30 on school nights, and work until 11 p.m. on nights without school. Currently, younger teens can’t work past 7 p.m. during the school year, and 9 p.m. during the summer. The plan still needs to go for a vote in the State Assembly before it can be sent to the governor.

There will be a bit of frost on the pumpkin, but Eau Claire should miss the hard freeze. The city is just north of a freeze warning from the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 40s this morning but will drop into the 30s tomorrow and into the weekend.

A convicted felon who worked as an FBI informant in the alleged attempt to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is pleading guilty to a gun charge.  Stephen Robeson of Wisconsin has pleaded guilty to a separate gun felony.  He received a plea deal from prosecutors that will keep him out of jail, despite admitting to the felony that carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.  Robeson purchased a sniper rifle, but his attorney argued the FBI approved of Robeson “to

The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash of a semi into a swamp off I-90 near New Lisbon.  Police say one person was hurt but the condition of the injured is unknown.  The crash happened around 5:00 this morning and slowed the morning commute with some lane blockage.  All lanes reopened after several hours. 

The UW School of Medicine needs volunteers to study why some people have negative reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines.  Doctors say allergic reactions are rare and seem to affect people who have a history of allergies.  Researchers need volunteers who are highly allergic.  Only people who have not been vaccinated are eligible for the trial and patients must be 12 years old or older.

It’s a friendly wager between the mayors of two cities but bragging rights are really on the line when Wisconsin takes on Iowa October 30th.  The mayors of Altoona, Wisconsin and Altoona, Iowa announced their bet today.  If Iowa beats Wisconsin Mayor Brendan Pratt will send beer from Modicum Brewing along with Badger bratwurst and cheese curds to Mayor Dean O’ Connor.  If the Badgers beat the Hawkeyes O’Connor promises to send Pratt the best steaks and local beer from his hometown of Altoona, Iowa. 

In May of 2020 the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the financial deficits of the Eau Claire County Department of Human Services. The investigation has been met with minimal cooperation and continued unfulfilled requests. The Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of a forensic auditor to work with Detectives. “The taxpayers of Eau Claire County should have confidence in the fiscal responsibility of our county government. We have asked for cooperation numerous times and have been met

You can lace up while getting into the spirit of the season on October 30th at 8:30am in Eau Claire’s Historic Carson Park. Enjoy the scenic routes beginning in Carson Park and support both history museums, Wisconsin Logging Museum and the Chippewa Valley Museum by lacing up a pair of running shoes. Participants have their choice of fitness fun: 5-kilometer run/walk, a 10- mile run, and a kids’ ¼ mile or 1 mile BOO-gie run. Prizes will be awarded for