LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) - A UW La Crosse grad student is part of a buzz-worthy new study focused on the behavior of a certain type of bee. Austen Kelley explains. Activities around Murphy Library have caused quite the buzz on the UWL campus. Danielle Hudson, a graduate student in the biology department, is working on a study surrounding the behavior of ground-nesting bees. Hudson explains, "So, we're studying solitary ground-nesting bees which are a native bee group that are the most abundant bee group in this area, in the country, and even the world. We're working on catching them as they ..read more

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – UW La Crosse and Habitat for Humanity are working together to help the environment, community, and students who are moving out for the summer. First News at Nine's Dashal Mentzel has more on a program that is being introduced to La Crosse for the first time. The Dumpster diversion program is a partnership between UW La Crosse and Habitat for Humanity. At the end of the semester, students will be able to give items that they no longer need to Habitat for Humanity. AmeriCorps Sustainability Vista at Habitat for Humanity, Kaitlyn Wiehe says “We're going to be bringin ..read more

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) - Gundersen Health System and Bellin Health are announcing a rebranding. The combined health system is changing its name to Emplify Health. This comes after the two health systems finalized their merger of equals in December 2022. Officials say the hospital names will not change right away, but over the next several years. CEO Scott Rathgaber says Emplify Health is more than a name, "It's who we are today and how we will deliver care in the future. Our new brand is built from that legacy and the words empathy and amplify. Our purpose is to inspire people's best live ..read more

MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) - State Democrats also met in Eau Claire today (4/30/24) discussing the $15 million meant to help address the healthcare shutdown. That money has not moved since Evers signed the bill, approving the funds, in February. Democrats are claiming this funding is in limbo because the joint finance committee is not acting to take it. Republicans say the money can be used too broadly after Governor Evers made line-item vetoes to the bill approving the $15 million. We asked lawmakers, if there's such a challenge getting this money approved now, how will they address the shutdo ..read more

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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) - The city of Eau Claire is calling for Hospital Sisters Health System and its CEO to be investigated and prosecuted to the extent allowed by law. In a letter sent to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Eau Claire City Attorney Steve Nick is asking DHS to thoroughly investigate whether HSHS and its leadership have met and can continue to meet obligations to maintain its license at its remaining facilities in Wisconsin. The letter criticizes the way the closures of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals were handled with 60 days or less of notice. Nick say ..read more

ROCKLAND, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) - A Rockland woman is creating opportunities for young kids by becoming an in-home daycare provider. First News at Nine's Dashal Mentzel has more in this month's edition of our Outstanding Educator Series. Josie Wermager has worked in childcare for almost a decade. In May of 2022, she opened up Learning Wagon to bring a local daycare to her 2 daughters and other children in the area, “I wanted to be able to offer high-quality childcare for other families in a rural area like I am in Rockland. Bangor doesn't have much for childcare, they don't have after-school progra ..read more

ONALASKA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Meet Spooky; a free-spirited 5-year-old Chihuahua mix. Spooky loves affection and he's looking for a constant companion. Love is all Spooky wants and love is what Spooky needs to make him feel secure. Spooky would prefer a home with children 8 years of age and up, that can respect his space. Spooky did live with another dog in his previous home and has interactions with cats, so he should do well with other pets, given proper introductions. As his name suggests, Spooky can be a bit nervous and slow to warm to people. However, once he sees you’re ok, he is your f ..read more