Experts raise concerns about expansion of license plate reader technology (UNDATED)
As some Wisconsin communities drop contracts with license plate reader company Flock Safety, experts are raising concerns about the future of surveillance technology. Texas Christian University criminal justice professor Johnny Nhan says license plate readers could eventually be linked with artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and automated drone technology, creating powerful tracking networks. Meanwhile, researcher Steven Keener of Christopher Newport University says studies show the cameras are more heavily concentrated in higher-poverty and predominantly Black neighborhoods. Both experts say local policymakers will play a key role in setting limits and oversight as the technology continues to evolve.
Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest narrowed to eight (UNDATED)
The field is down to eight in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and BMO announced the Top 8 products advancing in the annual competition after winning head-to-head matchups in the Manufacturing Madness tournament. More than 100 Wisconsin-made products were nominated this year. Organizers say the contest highlights the state’s manufacturing industry, which supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generates more than $73 billion in economic impact. Voting will continue as the field is narrowed toward the championship round.
Domestic violence deaths remain high in Wisconsin despite drop (UNDATED)
Domestic violence deaths remain high in Wisconsin. A new report from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin shows 82 people died in domestic violence-related homicides in 2025, down from a record 99 deaths the year before. Milwaukee County accounted for 42 of those fatalities, about half of the statewide total. According to the report men committed 86% of the homicides, and firearms were used in nearly three-quarters of the deaths. Advocates note Wisconsin saw 40 to 50 domestic violence deaths annually a decade ago, highlighting how elevated the death toll has increased across the state.
Caledonia drops Flock Safety following Tuesday night vote (CALEDONIA)
Another Racine County community drops Flock Safety. Caledonia’s village board voted to drop its contract with the security firm Tuesday night. That follows both the city of Racine and the Racine County sheriff’s department ending their contracts last month. Caledonia police chief Christopher Botsch (BOTCH) says the village will look into other providers for license plate cameras. Earlier this year, Flock attempted to sell Sheboygan officials a 5 year analysis of driver data for city planning purposes which prompted the recent, rapid cancelling of contracts across the state.