MADISON, Wis. – Could your significant other help you lose the weight you have gained during the COVID-19 quarantine?  A study at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is looking to answer that question. The study is called Partner2Lose and it is actively recruiting participants to test whether involving a person’s significant other in their weight loss helps or hinders the process. Whether people are working from home, essential workers on the frontlines, at home more because they are in a high-risk group, unemployed or caring for relatives, many people are eating more and exercising less since the

MADISON – Thanks to 20 years of homegrown galactic data, astronomers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Whitewater and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have finally figured out just how much energy permeates the center of the Milky Way. The researchers say it could one day help astronomers track down where all that energy comes from. Understanding the source of the radiation could help explain not only the nature of the Milky Way, but the countless others that resemble it. Writing in the journal Science Advances on July 3, UW-Madison astronomy graduate student Dhanesh Krishnarao, UW-Whitewater Professor of Astronomy Bob Benjamin and Embry-Riddle

MADISON – Effective July 3, 2020, Governor Tony Evers approved ending the declared period of abnormal economic disruption, allowing sellers to resume sale of consumer goods and services without the restrictions outlined in Wisconsin’s price gouging statutes. In March, Gov. Evers issued Executive Order #72. This order announced a public health emergency due to COVID-19 and declared a period of abnormal economic disruption, directing the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to enforce prohibitions against price gouging for consumer goods and services. The end of the abnormal economic disruption declaration means that future price changes will not be

The Latino Leadership Committee Will Consist of State and Local Leaders from Across the Country to Mobilize the Latino Vote Today, Biden for President announced its Latino Leadership Committee, which includes a core group of Latino leaders who will work closely with campaign leadership to engage Latino voters and communicate how Joe Biden will fight for Latino families. The Committee will work closely with campaign leadership to recruit talent in battleground states, provide input on policy initiatives, engage community leaders, and provide input on Latino outreach. Los Angeles Supervisor and former Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and former Colorado United States

UW-MADISON COMMITS TO EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO VOTE The University of Wisconsin-Madison has joined more than 160 colleges and universities in striving for full student voter registration and participation through the nonpartisan All In Campus Democracy Challenge. UW-Madison, which joined the Challenge in 2016, received a platinum seal in 2019 for achieving a student voting rate above 50 percent. Student turnout increased to 52.9 percent in 2018 from 35.6 percent in 2014, thanks in part to university-led efforts to encourage voting. “We encourage our students to stay informed, participate in political conversations, and cast their votes,” said Chancellor Rebecca Blank, who

MADISON, Wis. – Summers make for long, busy days on the 84,000 miles of Wisconsin rivers as residents and visitors load picnics, canoes, kayaks and kids’ toys for memorable fun along the shores and in the waters. This season, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ conservation wardens, local authorities and first responders are urging attention to safety when planning activities near and in rivers. River safety tips stem from a foundational belief of having respect for the river and its shores. Be smart and stay aware because a river’s potential danger is often not visible to the human eye. These potential risks

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) said Friday they are withdrawing a proposed substitute amendment meant to protect taxpayers from the fiscal burden of having to fund an 11th paid holiday for federal employees. Separately, Senator Johnson announced his intention to introduce a modified substitute amendment to achieve the same goal should the Senate decide to celebrate Juneteenth Day by giving federal employees another paid day off. Federal employees already are given 10 paid holidays a year, and the Senate earlier this week was on track to approve, without discussion, debate or even a recorded vote, the

MADISON, Wis. — The following are the statements of A Better Wisconsin Together Executive Director Nicole Safar on the July 4th holiday: “This 4th of July, we celebrate a nation that was born out of people standing up to oppression and that has bettered itself through the courageous protest of so many. “Over the past few months, America has faced unprecedented challenges, but has also shown that the drive for constant betterment and commitment to realizing American ideals remains strong. We acknowledge that people have been treated unjustly since the founding, and we embrace the protests of our past and

Cigarette smoking rates have dropped since Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law went into effect 10 years ago. In 2008, before the law passed, 20% of Wisconsin adults smoked cigarettes. By 2018, the rate had dropped to 16%. High school youth cigarette smoking rates dropped from nearly 21% in 2008 to nearly 5% in 2018. State cigarette taxes were also increased during this time period and contribute to this reduction. “Wisconsin is breathing easier today thanks to this law, but we know there are many people in our state who still smoke,” said DHS Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm. “We urge smokers to