Regents name Johnson to lead Universities of Wisconsin (MADISON)
A new president for the UW System. The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents announcing Friday that 57-year-old Tonja Johnson, a senior vice chancellor in the University of Alabama system, will become the next UW system president. Johnson was one of three finalists and will be the first person of color to lead the system since its creation in 1971. In a statement, she said her goal is “to help our remarkable UW universities become even stronger, more connected and more consequential to the future of Wisconsin.” Johnson replaces Jay Rothman, who was fired in April in a unanimous decision by the Regents.
DHS warns partners of phishing (UNDATED)
A state agency warns of a phishing attempt. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is alerting partners they may have been sent an email impersonating a DHS staff member as part of a phishing campaign, attempting to capture credentials and personal information. According to a Friday press release, email content varies, but each impersonates DHS staff members and includes a link to review or submit a bid proposal. That link takes users to a fake Microsoft login page and asks them to enter credentials. DHS will never ask anyone to click a link to enter personal information. Partners who received the email should delete it immediately. Anyone who clicked a link should notify their Information Technology (IT) team immediately.
Teen acquitted of jail death to serve three years for assault (TOMAHAWK)
A teen acquitted of killing a youth counselor will still serve prison time. 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was convicted in Lincoln County Court last week of battery by prisoner in connection with an assault and death at Lincoln Hills Correctional in 2024. A jury found him responsible for throwing soap in a counselor’s face, but found him not guilty of reckless homicide in the death of counselor Corey Proulx. Judge Galen Bayne-Allison on Friday sentenced Hurd to three years in jail and three on supervision. With time he’s already served in the case, he could be on supervision in a year.
Daylight Saving Time changeover perfect time to review you home’s safety (UNDATED)
Now’s the time to check the safety devices in your home. Wisconsin Emergency Management reminds you that the changeover for Daylight Saving Time is the perfect chance to review all of your home’s emergency plans. That includes replacing the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and seeing if your home’s fire extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced. Also check your home first aid kit to see if anything has expired or gone bad, and to update any safety plans in case of evacuation, fires or tornadoes.
Turnout key in battle for Wisconsin Senate (MADISON)
Control of the Wisconsin State Senate could come down to voter turnout on Election Day. UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky says several Senate races are competitive, and midterm elections often hinge on which party does a better job getting supporters to the polls. He notes turnout typically drops from presidential election years, making voter participation especially important. Wisconsin voters will also decide races for governor, the Legislature, and Congress on Tuesday.
Wisconsin hospitals saw rising financial pressures last year (UNDATED)
Wisconsin hospitals faced rising financial pressures last year. A new report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center shows hospital expenses increased more than 9% in fiscal year 2025, while uncompensated care jumped more than 15%. More than 2 million patient visits involved care that wasn’t fully paid for, with charity care accounting for most of the increase. The report also found nearly half of Wisconsin hospitals saw lower operating margins, and more than one in four reported operating losses.
Enrollment in UW System remains steady despite drop in international students (UNDATED)
UW System enrollment holds steady despite a drop in international students. Enrollment at Universities of Wisconsin campuses remains strong this fall. More than 164,500 students are enrolled systemwide, down less than one percent from last year. Officials say much of that decline is due to fewer international students. First-year enrollment remained nearly unchanged at more than 28,400 students. Participation in Direct Admit Wisconsin also grew, with about 7,200 freshmen enrolling through the program. A record 14,579 high school students are taking UW courses through dual enrollment programs.