Medicaid & rural care push: U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden and hospital leaders highlighted a CMS-endorsed $9.6 billion Wisconsin Medicaid increase for this year, with claims it boosts provider reimbursement and rural health funding. Health workforce funding: UW System leaders are seeking $90 million to expand training capacity across 13 campuses, aiming to prepare 35,000 health care workers over the next decade. UW research dollars: Universities of Wisconsin also unveiled a $25 million “Cures for Tomorrow” proposal to grow cancer and disease research at UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, and partners statewide. Air quality watch: The EPA will reconsider stricter ozone pollution rules affecting southeast Wisconsin, as state and business groups argue the approach is costly and misses root causes tied to out-of-state pollution. Food safety recalls: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold widely (including Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Whole Foods) due to Salmonella linked to imported peppers. COVID vaccine controversy: Newly released Fauci-era texts show private discussion of potential pregnancy risks (including miscarriage concerns) while public messaging emphasized safety, prompting renewed scrutiny from Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and others. Fertility lawsuit: A Wisconsin woman sued a fertility doctor alleging he used his own sperm, contradicting promises about a “healthy young medical student” donor. Childhood vaccines policy: A new federal executive order would reduce universally recommended childhood vaccines from 18 to 11, shifting some decisions to parents and doctors.