Wisconsin Examiner

Jeff Peterson, a school principal in Racine County, was put on a professional improvement plan by the Raymond School District after the board leadership changed following 2022 elections. In September 2023, the board voted preliminary notice of non-renewal, leading to his dismissal from the building. Subsequently, his personnel file began circulating via a Moms for Liberty Facebook page with claims that he groomed children.

Many Mississippi diabetes patients received regular care through subsidized Affordable Care Act plans, but Congress allowed the enhanced subsidies to expire at the end of last year. This change has left over 200,000 Mississippians without coverage, leading to a rise in uninsured diabetics who face dire medical and financial consequences.

A Stateline analysis found that states implementing strict non-cooperation policies, including Oregon and New York, have the lowest rates of immigration arrests in local jails compared to states that limit or bar sanctuary policies. The data showed high arrest rates generally occurring in states like Wyoming and Alabama. Earlier threats from the Trump administration to target sanctuary states for more street arrests resulted in uneven outcomes.

Midterm elections will serve as a test of policies after two years of unified control of Congress, with only nine states holding the power to determine Senate chamber control. The race for the U.S. Senate involves major policy discussions, including the war in Iran, immigration enforcement tactics, and the rising cost of living. Experts note that key states like Texas, Maine, Ohio, and North Carolina could be won by either candidate.

The Wisconsin Senate has been deemed the most flippable by Democrats, but Sen. Patrick Testin believes Republicans have a clear path to maintaining their 18-seat majority. The fight for control centers on four key districts, including vacancies and races in Milwaukee County and Racine. While Dianne Hesselbein expressed confidence that her caucus expects to flip seats this year, a Marquette poll found that 46% of Wisconsin voters plan to vote for Democrats, compared to 42% for Republicans.

A dozen incarcerated people appeared before Wisconsin’ Commutation Advisory Board to ask Governor Tony Evers for shortened prison sentences. The board reviews applications and makes recommendations to promote rehabilitation. Republican state Sen. Van Wanggaard challenged the process, arguing that Gov. Evers is using "hand-picked, unelected bureaucrats" to second-guess prosecutors and judges.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled that Idaho cannot regulate abortion when a pregnancy poses a threat to a person’s physical or mental health, invoking the 14th Amendment. This ruling, which was appealed by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, could establish nationwide implications for health exceptions in abortion bans and potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Legal historians suggest this development may initiate a “slow erosion” of the rights established by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.

A government report found that fentanyl seizures decreased by 39% during the first year of the second Trump administration as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shifted its focus to immigration enforcement. The DHS Office of Inspector General reported that hours dedicated to fentanyl investigations declined by more than 250,000 hours (31%), while resources for immigration enforcement saw an increase of over 800 percent. Consequently, the OIG recommended that Homeland Security Investigations review staffing levels for appropriate coverage of fentanyl investigations.

Mental health workers report that increasing use of algorithmic tools and declining staffing in departments like Kaiser Permanente's has led to dangerous delays, missed diagnoses, and heightened patient frustration. Experts warn this hasty integration of AI is eroding timely access to appropriate mental health care, prompting calls for greater transparency and regulation.

Data center development has become a major political issue in Wisconsin, leading candidates Tom Tiffany and David Crowley to make competing promises. However, an analysis shows that both candidates have similar stances on regulation while accepting money from data center supporters. Professor Joel Rogers advises politicians to strictly regulate existing projects, inspect approvals against environmental standards, and immediately halt public funding for new facilities.

A Dane County judge denied a request from the Democratic Campaign Committee to remove Michele Magadance Skinner from the November ballot. The lawsuit, which challenged her residency, was dismissed after Judge Jacob Frost ruled that she provided sufficient evidence showing she is eligible to vote and run in Wisconsin.

Some U.S. cities are adopting AI tools to modernize and speed up housing permitting by addressing incomplete applications that cause delays. Federal funding is available through an Innovation Fund, which provides $200 million annually, and HUD grants of up to $3 million for automated systems. To increase efficiency, large cities like Denver have approved contracts for AI platforms aimed at raising the percentage of accepted initial applications.

National veteran homelessness reached a record low of 32,495 veterans in 2025, marking an overall decline since 2010. Despite this national decrease, half the states recorded increases during the January point-in-time count, while another quarter saw declines. Experts credit the long-term reduction to sustained federal investments in housing and mental health services, coupled with increased roles taken by state governments.

Michael Maldonado, 47, has been incarcerated for 31 years for a crime he committed when he was 15 and now seeks commutation from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ Commutation Advisory Board. His sentence relates to the killing of Ruben Borchardt in 1994 during which time the others involved were minors. Maldonado is noted as the only one of three youths who conspired to kill Borchardt who is still incarcerated.

A $140 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration will fund upgrades to 41 Amtrak Charger locomotives for passenger trains. This investment supports Wisconsin rail service connecting it to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. The funding was secured through a joint application involving state agencies across Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, and Washington.

Healthcare advocates criticized U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany for casting a vote on HR 1, which made cuts to Medicaid and federal nutrition benefits over ten years, projected to cut $900 billion to $1 trillion from low-income health insurance plans. Advocates also noted that the bill rejected attempts by Democrats to extend enhanced subsidies through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Dozens of cities and counties are suing fire truck manufacturers, alleging conspiracy to suppress supply, raise prices, and delay deliveries. The lawsuits target major companies like REV Group Inc., Oshkosh Corporation, and Rosenbauer Group for alleged anti-trust violations. Fire departments across the nation report struggling with soaring costs and multi-year wait times for essential equipment.

A 32-year-old Menasha police officer, Cristian Morales, was sentenced to six months in jail and three years of probation for misusing Flock license plate reader cameras for unlawful targeted surveillance. Morales pleaded no contest after conducting seven off-duty searches across a nationwide network using the AI-powered technology. Judge Mark Schroeder criticized the actions, calling them an abuse of authority and an act of "oathbreaking."

Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic nominee David Crowley are campaigning regarding data center construction in Wisconsin. While candidates oppose a moratorium on new AI data centers, both support stringent regulation, including policies that require companies to pay full costs for infrastructure and energy demand. Policy differences include Tiffany's support for repealing a state tax credit and the debate over protecting natural resources versus local community control.

The state Senate Democratic Campaign Committee filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Michele Magadance Skinner from the ballot. The committee argues that she is not a legal resident of Wisconsin, alleging her primary residence is in Georgia. Running for office requires candidates to have lived in Wisconsin for one year and be qualified electors in the district.