Candidates for governor spar over data centers, surplus during first and only debate (UNDATED)
Wisconsin’s candidates for governor clashed over both the state’s budget surplus and proposed data centers during Wednesday night’s debate hosted by WISN. Republican Tom Tiffany says the state’s nearly three-billion-dollar surplus should be returned to taxpayers through long-term tax cuts, while Democrat David Crowley wants some of the money invested in public schools and property tax relief. The candidates also discussed data centers, with Crowley emphasizing local control and environmental protections, while Tiffany called for no subsidies and safeguards against higher utility rates, and also emphasizing local control. Wisconsin voters will decide the race on November 3rd.
WEC reports more than 50,000 first day early absentee voters (MADISON)
Big first day turnout for in person absentee voting in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Elections Commission reported 55,659 in-person absentee voters for Tuesday, exceeding 33,644 on the first day of early voting in 2022 and 34,036 in 2025. Daily absentee ballot report spreadsheets are generated by the WEC system at 7:30 a.m. each day, one broken down by county and another by municipality. Find the reports at https://elections.wi.gov/statistics-data/absentee-statistics.
Corrections impasse as Evers prepares to leave office (MADISON)
Resolving overcrowding and aging prisons will be a job for Wisconsin’s next governor and legislature. Outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers introduced an ambitious corrections realignment plan as part of his 2025-27 Executive Budget over a year ago. It included closing the 125 year-old Green Bay prison and had a total cost projected at $325 million. In a release this week, Evers said costs are now about $585 million with earliest completion in late 2032 and blames Republican lawmakers. But state Senator Van Wanggaard, chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, said Evers’ “plowed ahead” with his plan despite Republican opposition. Wanggaard, who like Evers is not seeking reelection, said when Republicans last fall released agreed to release $15 million for planning the overhaul, Evers rejected an alternative plan to “right size” the prison system.
Saturday is Drug Take Back Day (UNDATED)
Saturday is Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin. You can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications at 136 collection events and 239 participating law enforcement agencies. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is encouraging residents to take advantage of the effort which helps prevent misuse and keeps pharmaceuticals out of rivers and lakes. Information on collection sites is available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Nearly $70 million approved for rural road projects (UNDATED)
Nearly $70 million is approved for rural road projects across Wisconsin. The latest round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants will fund 39 projects in 32 counties, including road, bridge, and culvert upgrades. State officials say the improvements will help move agricultural and forestry products more efficiently to market. The grants are part of a 150 million dollar investment approved in the current state budget to support Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and rural infrastructure.