11/03/2025

MADISON - Wisconsin became the 36th state to ban student cell phone use during class, following a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Citing concerns about distraction, bullying, and hindered development, Evers, despite preferring local control, joined a rapid trend started by Florida in 2023. The new law, effective July 1, mandates public schools prohibit phones during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies, health, IEPs, or teacher-approved educational use. This reflects a growing consensus on phones’ negative impact on students, though some research conflicts. Most Wisconsin districts already had similar policies. Evers signed it despite some opposition from some Democrats in the Legislature who said controlling gun violence should be a higher priority than banning cellphones.

11/03/2025

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge has put on hold his order that requires elections officials to verify the citizenship of all 3.6 million registered voters in the battleground state before the next statewide election in February. It now appears unlikely that the case will be resolved before elections in February and April. It may remain in limbo beyond the 2026 midterm election. The state Justice Department, headed by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, sought the stay while the case is being appealed. The attorney for two citizens who brought the lawsuit did not object while several other legal issues are pending.

11/03/2025

IRON COUNTY, MI - An accident on Halloween has claimed the life of a 60-year-old pedestrian in Iron County in the Central U.P. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was fatally struck by a vehicle on US-2 near Idlewild Road at approximately 10:15 a.m. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The driver of the vehicle, a 43-year-old woman from Crystal Falls, was unharmed in the collision. This marks the second pedestrian fatality in the area in recent memory, raising concerns about road safety for those on foot. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the circumstances leading up to the accident, and the investigation is ongoing. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.