See how scams have evolved with new data from the BBB (UNDATED)
A new long-term study by the Better Business Bureau examines how scammers have changed tactics over the years. Spokesperson Lisa Schiller says while the scams may be the same the tools and methods crooks use to pull them off continue to evolve. “Job scams, business scams. There’s online gambling has really increased lately. Online vehicle purchase scams, very big. Identity theft, sweepstakes scams. I mean, the list goes on and on.” Schiller says scammers have expanded their nets to find victims with AI generated websites and increased use of text messaging to dodge regulations on phone calls. The long term study is available online at B B B dot org slash Scam Studies.
Lawmakers approve sale of a pair of old state office buildings (MADISON)
Sale is approved for two unused state office buildings in Madison. The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted 13-1 on Tuesday to sell General Executive Facilities 2 and 3 to Madison developers for 12 point 6 million dollars. GEF 2 and 3 formerly housed several state agencies including the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Natural Resources. Brad and Mark Binkowski (BIN-cow-ski) plan to demolish GEF 3 to build 100 to 250 apartments and renovate GEF 2 into about 150 units.
Packers leadership discuss Jacobs legal issues (GREEN BAY)
Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt List after being charged last week with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property. General Manager Brian Gutekunst says the team has not seen the video evidence tied to the case, while head coach Matt LaFleur says he believes and trusts Jacobs until proven otherwise. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with Jacobs’ girlfriend in May at his Hobart home. Jacobs is due back in court November 17.
$10 million released to address PFAs contamination in northeast Wisconsin (UNDATED)
Funding is released to address PFAs contamination in northeast Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee unanimously approves releasing $10 million tied to a settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination in Marinette and Peshtigo. That will fund private well testing, new wells, water treatment systems, and blood serum testing for area residents. The settlement stems from decades of firefighting foam testing that allegedly contaminated groundwater near Tyco’s Fire Technology Center in Marinette with” with so-called “forever chemicals” linked to a range of health concerns.
“We have to have an answer” — Evers asked about Flock opposition (UNDATED)
Governor Tony Evers says he’s not ready to endorse a statewide ban on Flock license plate reader cameras, but he agrees lawmakers need to address growing privacy concerns. Speaking in Milwaukee Tuesday, Evers said states across the country are grappling with the issue and noted Minnesota is also taking a close look at possible solutions. Several Wisconsin communities have already ended contracts for the AI-powered camera systems amid concerns over privacy and potential misuse of collected data.
Baldwin defends Head Start during stop (WAUSAU)
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin says Head Start programs need continued federal support after visiting a Head Start facility in Wausau Tuesday. The Wisconsin Democrat says funding for the early childhood education program was cut by the Trump Administration, but lawmakers were able to restore that money. Baldwin says Head Start helps children from low-income families enter school on equal footing with their peers and provides a proven foundation for future success. Supporters call it a critical investment in children’s futures, while the administration says the changes reduce regulations and give local programs more control.