Packers’ Jacobs’ initial court appearance moved up (BROWN COUNTY)
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs’ initial court appearance has been moved. Jacobs was scheduled to have his initial court appearance on November 17; however, online court records now show that it’s been moved to Thursday, September 10 at 11 a.m. Jacobs was charged on August 27 with two misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend on May 23 at his home in Hobart. Jacobs had previously been booked into the Brown County Jail on May 26 for six charges including two felony counts of strangulation and suffocation. He was released from custody the next day on May 27 when prosecutors said they were not yet prepared to file charges. Jacobs faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted on both misdemeanors.
Wisconsin’s bear hunting season starts Tuesday (UNDATED)
Wisconsin’s bear hunting season opens Tuesday. The 2026 bear hunting season runs through October thirteenth. More than 34,000 hunters applied for one of just over 15,000 available licenses, while another 106,000 people purchased preference points for future drawings. Wisconsin’s black bear population is estimated at about 24,000 animals, primarily in northern and central parts of the state. Hunters are reminded all harvested bears must be registered by 5pm the day after recovery and require submission of two premolar teeth for research and management purposes.
DATCP seeking applications for food assistance program (UNDATED)
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is accepting applications for its Food Security in Wisconsin grant program. Program manager April Yancer says the funding helps stock pantry shelves with fresh Wisconsin-grown fruits, vegetables, dairy products, proteins and other locally produced foods. Yancer says the program not only helps food assistance organizations meet rising demand, but also creates partnerships between local farmers and food pantries. State officials say the grants support access to healthy, culturally relevant foods. More information is available on the DATCP website.
Manitowoc shuts off city owned Flock Safety cameras (MANITOWOC)
Yet another Wisconsin community shutting off its Flock Safety cameras. Manitowoc announced last week it would deactivate all of the Flock cameras that the city and police department installed as part of its contract. Mayor Justin Nickels says the move does not affect privately owned cameras, and that the city does not have any evidence that data from the cameras was misused. Police chief John Musial (MUSE-eal) adds that the city wants to have respect for the privacy of its citizens but that the department will continue to use “effective tools” to maintain safety.
National Taxpayers Union calls for neutral analysis on data centers (UNDATED)
The head of a conservative tax policy center wants fair treatment for data centers. National Taxpayers Union President Pete Sepp says linking different tax rates to businesses based on what they produce is bad policy for lawmakers. “Saying that: ‘You have to pay a higher tax rate because your business is out of political favor right now,’ is setting up a dangerous situation.” Sepp says data centers can help raise property taxes for their communities, and hopes lawmakers nationwide can balance environmental impacts with the need to keep up with technology. Communities across Wisconsin have been putting a hold on zoning new data centers while waiting for state legislators to come up with rules on their use and construction.
More people in favor of labor unions this Labor Day (UNDATED)
More people are in favor of labor unions this Labor Day. Economic Policy Institute deputy director Jennifer Sherer tells Iowa P B S a recent Gallup Poll found the approval rate for organized labor at 71 percent. The future for public unions in Wisconsin is still in the air as a legal fight over Wisconsin Act 10, which banned collective bargaining for most public unions, makes its way through the courts.