Plan to expand access to guns in Wisconsin, Study on potential impact of data centers

Wisconsin politicians' response to the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by a federal immigration agent are sharply divided by partisan lines. Wisconsin health officials are rejecting recent federal guidance to reduce routine childhood vaccinations. And, residents of a rural community in Brown County are worried that a sudden flurry of big-dollar real estate purchase offers means a data center could be coming to town.

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering proposals that would expand access to guns in the state, including allowing concealed carry without a permit. There's a push to expand recess time for kids in public schools. And, a new study takes a look at the potential impact of data centers on Wisconsin's water and energy utilities.

Last year, one mayor blocked a data center development in town. Now, the Menomonie City Council has created new restrictions to regulate the industry in their community. the federal government may soon begin garnishing the wages of thousands of Wisconsin residents who are in default on their student loans. And, researchers say young bald eagles in Wisconsin are facing possible health effects from PFAS contamination.

A small community in western Wisconsin may finally be getting PFAS-free water after getting a federal loan to build a municipal water system. Health officials are warning the flu and other respiratory illnesses are spreading quickly in Wisconsin. And, the data center industry's demand for big backup generators is helping a Waukesha-based manufacturer expand.

Child care providers in Wisconsin are waiting on next steps after the Trump administration said it freeze federal child care funding. Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan has resigned after she was convicted of a felony. And, Wisconsin lawmakers share reaction to the capture of the Venezuela president and his wife.

What are the big stories in Wisconsin politics likely to be in 2026? We'll break it down for you. And, Milwaukee singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp reflects on a deeply personal new album. 

A hot sauna may feel just right this time of year. And for some people in Wisconsin, time in the sauna is a way of life. We're revisiting some of our favorite stories of the year, including wave riding with Sheboygan's surfing scene.

Northern Wisconsin's "The Glide" is a skating path through the woods. After a wildly successful first year, it's back again in Boulder Junction.  we'll take you to that skating ribbon. And we've got a story from Wisconsin Life about how tattoos tell one man's life story.

A 14-year-old from Milwaukee is a new host of a Beatles show on satellite radio. He's a non-speaker who learned to communicate through adaptive technology. And, as we continue to look back at some of our favorite stories of the year, we'll take you to the site of what could become a gold mine.

Some of the biggest construction projects announced in Wisconsin this year were for data centers. We hear from WPR's business and economy reporter about the year in data centers. And, as we revisit some of our favorite stories of the year, we'll go to a school district in southwestern Wisconsin that excels at teaching math.