Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour visits Oshkosh Defense (OSHKOSH)
During a Monday visit to Oshkosh Corporation, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saw how workers build advanced tactical vehicles
“We don’t have the warriors without the workers. We are all shoulder to shoulder in this arsenal of freedom. The vehicles you make here are used by our warriors all around the world.”
“This company has played a role in every major conflict of the last 80 years since World War II. And I’ve seen your incredible work firsthand downrange, and I know that it saves the lives of American warriors.”
“Oshkosh is a model for other commercial manufacturers to step up when your country needs you. From building the beautiful fire trucks I had the chance to see, to the family of medium tactical vehicles. You’re a model.”
Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour included at stop at Strategic Command Headquarters near Omaha, Nebraska.
Wisconsin challenging new federal conditions on public safety grants (UNDATED)
Wisconsin is challenging new federal conditions on public safety grants. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over immigration-related requirements attached to federal public safety grants. Attorney General Josh Kaul says the administration is illegally using funding as leverage by requiring states to comply with immigration enforcement demands. Wisconsin previously helped block similar conditions on victim services funding. Now, state officials say more than $6 million in grants for law enforcement, crisis intervention and juvenile justice programs could be at risk.
Drivers should pay extra attention as children head back to school (UNDATED)
AAA is urging drivers and riders to slow down and stay alert as students head back to school. Spokesperson Brynna Knapp says motorists should watch for increased activity around schools, including crossing guards, pedestrians, and children who may enter intersections unexpectedly. Knapp also reminds families that e-bikes and e-scooters aren’t toys. With more students using them, riders should wear helmets, obey traffic laws, and slow down near intersections. AAA says patience and caution can help keep everyone safe this school year.
Free vaccinations available as measles cases increase across Wisconsin (UNDATED)
Free vaccination clinics are open as a measles outbreak continues in southern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says free or reduced cost vaccines, including that against measles, are available at clinics and events across the state. D H S has confirmed over 40 cases of the disease across three counties, but says none of the exposures have been in the general public. As of August 20, 2,777 confirmed measles cases were reported in the U.S. in 46 states and the District of Columbia so far this year. You can find a local clinic online at D H S dot W I dot Gov.
Veterans Museum hosting USS Wisconsin progress update (MADISON)
Get a preview of the Navy’s next USS Wisconsin. The future ballistic missile submarine is five years into construction, and the public is invited to hear the latest on its progress at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on Madison’s Capitol Square this Thursday. The event kicks off at 9:15 a.m. with a reading of Governor Evers’ proclamation declaring August 27 as USS Wisconsin Day, honoring the submarine’s hull number, 827. Officials from the USS Wisconsin Association will be on hand to answer questions. On view in the museum gallery will be a casting from torpedo tube and images relating to the boat’s construction. This is the third U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of Wisconsin. The Iowa class battleship is a museum ship moored in Norfolk, Virginia. The first Wisconsin was launched in 1898 and decommissioned in 1920.
Bad River challenging Enbridge Line 5 reroute project permits (BAYFIELD)
More court challenges to a pipeline reroute project in northwestern Wisconsin. Attorneys for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental groups argued before a Bayfield County judge last week, opposing permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 reroute. A partial stay was lifted in early August after halting construction at four waterway crossings. The groups argue the project could permanently damage wetlands and waterways. Enbridge and project supporters point to extensive environmental review completed before permits were issued by the Wisconsin DNR. Next steps will include more briefings regarding the four crossings as well as a future decision by Judge John P. Anderson after reviewing the presented material.
Police Department offers Flock transparency portal (MANITOWOIC)
Manitowoc Police Chief John Musial says his department has a new tool providing more transparency about a controversial piece of technology.
Musial says the Flock Camera transparency portal on the City of Manitowoc website is updated daily with information on how many cameras the city has, how many searches have been conducted, and success stories. He believes it will also dispel myths about the cameras’ capabilities, such a being able to determine races of vehicle operators and tracking people whenever police want. The transparency effort comes as some local governments have chosen not to renew contracts with Flock due to privacy concerns. Some law enforcement officers have been charged with misusing the system, and cameras in some locations have been vandalized.