COVID-19 infection rates in Michigan begin to drop as Gov. Whitmer extends pandemic order to limit business capacity and require masks in public Wisconsin DNR gathers input on new gray wolf management plan following controversy over February’s hunt The Rhinelander District Library opens for the first time in months as vaccination rates increase A program for Phillips police officers offers a monetary incentive for staying fit

In Friday's WXPR midday news: What to do with all those plastic grocery bags? A Rhinelander project has a recycling solution. Contractor tax fraud in Wisconsin may be more severe than you might expect. Eagle River now has an ordinance regulating shipping containers. Wisconsin's unemployment rate remains far below that of the rest of the country.

Michigan expands antibody treatment to cut hospitalizations Harmful chemicals found at Gogebic-Iron County airport prompt PFAS sampling of residential wells in North Ironwood Kwik Trip plans to expand to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Warm temperatures bring signs and sounds of spring

Wisconsin and Michigan pause administration of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine COVID-19 cases rise in Wisconsin among people under the age of 18 Michigan extends workplace virus rules to keep office work remote The Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearing seeks public input

CDC director urges Michigan to “close things down” as COVID-19 cases surge Michigan focuses on vaccinating homebound residents Wisconsin receives less food aid after the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to override Gov. Tony Evers public health emergency Wisconsin health experts express concern about the impact of climate change on health

Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club of Eagle River and Landover ATV/UTV Club of Conover debate trail maintenance Opponents of Michigan’s proposed trans sports ban work to educate people about its dangers Michigan presses White House for more vaccines as COVID-19 cases continue to surge Three Northwoods schools drop mask requirements following the state Supreme Court ruling overturning Gov. Evers’ mask mandate

Plans being put together for fall wolf hunt in Wisconsin Over 3-million COVID-19 shots have been administered in the state Proposal would expand the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program Winter Park & Nordic Center in Minocqua looks to add mountain bike trails

Jill Underly defeats Deb Kerr to become Wisconsin’s next top education official Lincoln and Oneida County voters voted against raising taxes to pay for road maintenance Tax levy increases for school funding were met with a mixed response from Northwoods voters Voter turnout is at standard levels for a spring election as people return to the polls a year into the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s election day in Wisconsin. Voters will select the next state superintendent and determine the winners of local elections for town and school boards. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources launched a new Lake Monitoring and Protection Network to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Gov. Tony Evers declared a State of Emergency because of wildfires across the state Stormy Kromer recognized as one of Michigan’s Top 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses

Canadian National rail line sale could open options for local industry Wisconsin prisons and jails have their lowest population in 20 years Milwaukee mayor proposes holding the Major League Baseball All-Star game in Wisconsin Granite Peak closes its slopes early amid warm weather and a rainy forecast