Mandela Barnes enters Wisconsin’s governor race, some counties turn to AI to handle non-emergency dispatch

A jury has been chosen for the trial of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan next week.

A new lawsuit seeks energy numbers for a Beaver Dam data center planned by the social media giant, Meta. Another Democrat enters the race for governor. And, Wisconsin’s free clinics are gearing up for more patients if Congress can't agree on a way to subsidize health insurance costs. Plus, you can help us close 2025 successfully by making a gift right now at wpr.org/donate.

A growing share of teacher pay is being spent on health care costs. Then, GOP lawmakers consider a bill that would ban local governments from passing so-called "rights of nature" ordinances. And, there's community pushback in Milwaukee to the proposed use of facial recognition by law enforcement. Plus, you can can join more than 40,000 members to support WPR at wpr.org/donate.

A new law aims to crack down on a growing online threat known as sextortion.  State lawmakers are considering a tax break to encourage nuclear energy. Plus, a story from Eau Claire, where the city has its hands full with a flock of aggressive turkeys. And, don't forget to take a minute to support the news you value by making a donation at wpr.org/donate.

Wisconsin health leaders are concerned about changes to the federal guidance on hepatitis B vaccinations for  newborns. The shift changes a policy in place for 30 years. Wisconsin immigration attorneys say they're struggling to keep up with Trump's policy changes. And, a small but increasing number of people are buying Christmas trees that can live on after the holiday.

The Trump administration's reaction to the shooting of two members of the National Guard by an Afghan refugee has left Afghans in Wisconsin facing an uncertain future.a settlement is pending in the state’s case against a Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam over PFAS contamination. And, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is launching a new college focused on Artificial Intelligence.

Members of Wisconsin's Somali community are speaking out after President Trump called them "garbage." The state Supreme Court will hear a legal challenge to sheriffs who hold suspected illegal immigrants in jail at the behest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And, Wisconsin's winter sports industry is rejoicing after early snowfalls blanketed the state.

With more data center developments coming to Wisconsin, a Milwaukee event focused on the potential benefits of the projects, while protesters called for limits. Fewer deer were killed by hunters during the nine-day gun season this year. And, in some communities, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers wants to create a new regulatory system for hemp products.

A familiar name is entering Wisconsin's governor race. Wisconsin's public schools will be getting less money from the state than they anticipated for special education services. And in some communities, people who call non-emergency lines may be answered by AI rather than police dispatchers.

Two lawsuits seeking to redraw Wisconsin's congressional maps involve new legal questions that could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. The state wants to encourage a PFAS-free foam for firefighters. And, we hear from a Wisconsin veteran whose story is told in a new podcast from NPR.