AI data centers an issue in governors’ race (UNDATED)
Candidates for Wisconsin governor are not too far apart on the issue of AI data centers. Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany says they don’t belong on farmland. Like Tiffany, Democratic Milwaukee County Exec David Crowey, a former supporter of the developments, is talking about protecting taxpayers and utility customers, and the need for local input. UW La Crosse political scientist Anthony Chergosky (chair-GOS-key) notes the race is happening amid strong public opposition to data centers reflected in polling, including the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Neither candidate supports a statewide 12-month moratorium on new data center projects, even as many local units of government are enacting those on their own.
AI degree new offering at Northcentral Technical College (WSAU)
A degree in Artificial Intelligence is among new career paths at Northcentral Technical College. The Wausau school announced seven new programs on Friday, including four video production certificates and an associate’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. The latter will be offered through the school’s IT program and will focus on integrating AI into existing software systems and installing guardrails for privacy, bias, security, and operational risks. The school has also added a firefighter paramedic Apprenticeship program with the city of Wausau, that will allow students to train in both a classroom and professional setting, leading to full paramedic certification. Applications for the programs are open now, classes will start this fall.
Youth football parent admits to tripping child during game (MOUNT PLEASANT)
A youth football parent admits to tripping a 9‑year‑old player. Mount Pleasant police say it happened Saturday, August 22 at Racine Case High School. Video shows a man sprinting onto the field and sweeping the legs of a Racine Youth Eagles ball carrier heading for the end zone. Police say the 41‑year‑old from Milwaukee admitted to tripping the child and was cited for disorderly conduct. A parent followed the man’s vehicle as he left, helping officers locate him minutes later. Officials awarded the touchdown and ended the game early to prevent further tensions between the Eagles and the visiting Milwaukee Colts.
Wisconsin part of coalition that wins major court victory for voting by mail (UNDATED)
Wisconsin wins a major court victory for voting by mail. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is part of a 25 state coalition securing a temporary restraining order from a federal court in Massachusetts. It blocks key components of a Postal Service rule which would have forced states to redesign ballot envelopes, register for a new voter‑tracking portal, and upload voter data ahead of the November 3 midterms. The court found the requirements “practically impossible” to meet in time and warned they could disenfranchise voters because many states have already printed ballots and must begin mailing them as early as this week. Attorney General Josh Kaul calls the ruling an encouraging sign as states seek a broader injunction to halt the rule.
Packers RB Jacobs benched by commissioner’s office (GREEN BAY)
More trouble for Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs. NFL commissioner Roger Goddell announced Sunday that Jacobs is on the league’s Commissioner Exempt List after being charged last week in connection with an alleged attack on his girlfriend. While on the list Jacobs is not on the 53 man roster and is not allowed to attend games or take part in team practice. Jacobs will still receive his NFL salary and can attend team meetings. There’s no indication how long Jacobs will be exempt. He faces misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges in Brown County.
Scammers use entirely legal tools to trick people, says BBB (UNDATED)
You may be surprised to find out that the tools many scammers use to run their criminal networks are entirely legal. Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Spokesperson Lisa Schiller says most of the tech is the same as legitimate sales businesses use. Schiller says laws are in place to prevent spam calls but that they need to be expanded to include tech like text messages. She reminds everyone to report any scams to the B B B or Wisconsin Consumer Protection so experts can keep track of how scams are evolving. A breakdown of how scams are crafted and the technology behind them can be found online at B B B dot org slash Scam Studies.