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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 13h

Judges and prosecutors say underinvestment may be causing Wisconsin’s courts to fall short in delivering justice. Calls to increase funding for the judiciary have grown ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. Read the latest from the NEW News Lab: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 16h

What do Wisconsin's secretary of state and state treasurer actually do? And what do the candidates want to change? Get to know the five candidates running for two statewide offices that often fly under the radar. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 17h

✨️ One week until our free event, the New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin's Workforce ✨️ Hear from employers, education leaders and more about the short-term credentials shaping workforce pathways in the state. Register here: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 28/09/2026

Crypto ATM scams have cost Wisconsin residents big bucks. A new law caps daily transactions at $1,000, requires IDs/receipts and mandates refunds in qualifying cases. Scam reports are down, but lawmakers stopped short of banning the ATMs like other states. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 28/09/2026

Nathan Roberts, owner of G.D. Roberts and Co. Inc., will share what he looks for in new hires, as well as the journey his company has taken with high school apprentices on Oct. 6. Register for our free event on Wisconsin's workforce here: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 27/09/2026

Becky Kikkert of Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin is one of the panelists at our Oct. 6 event. Register today and join us for an important discussion about the short-term credentials shaping Wisconsin's workforce landscape: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 27/09/2026

Enbridge estimates an August gas leak on its Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin will cost at least $15.1 million, according to a newly filed federal accident report. Read more from WPR: wisconsinwatch.org?p=1320957

Aerial view of an emergency response site with a foam‑covered containment area, trucks and heavy equipment beside forest and farm fields, accompanied by a headline reporting Enbridge estimates the northern Wisconsin Line 5 gas leak will cost $15M.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 26/09/2026

The Milwaukee Police Department isn't using generative AI today — but it has already adopted rules for doing so As police and prosecutors weigh AI tools that could help draft reports, defense some are raising questions about accuracy, bias and accountability: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Milwaukee Police Department headquarters with a headline saying the department is considering use of generative AI — it has rules but isn’t currently using it, and observers question implications for criminal cases; Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service logos visible.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 26/09/2026

The alternatives to a four-year degree are multiplying faster than anyone can evaluate them. Register today for a free event focused on how Wisconsin is doing in this new landscape: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 26/09/2026

As Milwaukee develops a new community policing plan, city leaders are looking to Baltimore for lessons on what works — and where the approach can fall short. Read more from @Milwaukeenns.org: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Baltimore police SUV with lights parked under string lights at night alongside a headline saying Milwaukee can learn from Baltimore’s community policing plan, promoting a Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service article about policing lessons.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 26/09/2026

President Trump's promise of a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if his preferred candidates win the mid-terms violates Wisconsin's election bribery law, Jeff Mandell of @lawfwd.bsky.social argues. He says Trump is unlikely to face legal consequences, so it falls on voters to decide what they will tolerate.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 25/09/2026

Layla Merrifield, president of Wisconsin's Technical Colleges, will join us to discuss the New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin's Workforce on Oct. 6 in Madison. Register today: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 25/09/2026

A federal judges's ruling this week means millions of Wisconsinites — immigrant and native-born — won’t have to jump through hoops to prove their legal status before attending classes, seeing a doctor or receiving assistance at a food pantry. Read the story: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 24/09/2026

Literacy Green Bay, a nonprofit that teaches immigrants and refugees English as a second language, took a major blow recently when the Trump administration gutted refugee resettlement programs. They reduced from 15 classes to eight, stopped offering free child care and have a 300-person waitlist.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 23/09/2026

Nursing homes and home health agencies are already experiencing staff shortages, leading them to turn people seeking care away. They say changes to federal immigration policy have made it even harder to fill workforce gaps. Read the latest from the NEW News Lab: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 22/09/2026

Extreme weather events have real costs, according to local elected officials, researchers and community members. Read the latest from the NEW News Lab here: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 22/09/2026

🚨 Help us fight election misinformation. We're testing a new tool called Truth Sleuth that lets you send suspicious claims directly to our fact-checking team. If you spot something that doesn't seem right we'd love to take a look. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

A call to action: become a "Truth Sleuth" by sending suspected election misinformation to Wisconsin Watch, illustrated by a hand dropping a marked ballot into a box and noting Wisconsin Watch’s partnership with the Center for Media Engagement to fact‑check falsehoods.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 21/09/2026

It's a rematch. Democratic AG Josh Kaul and GOP challenger Eric Toney are facing off in a rematch of 2022. They offer contrasting visions of what the attorney general should prioritize. We asked both candidates the same set of questions. Here's what they said: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 20/09/2026

A firearm recently discovered in the Langlade County Courthouse is highlighting the lack of security in rural public buildings. But local officials are reluctant to pass the high cost of upgrades on to taxpayers. More from @thebadgerproject.org: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/many...

Courthouse entrance showing security signs — "All bags & persons subject to search" and a crossed-out gun with "No firearms or weapons allowed" — illustrating concerns about weapon screening at rural Wisconsin courthouses.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 20/09/2026

An MKE County jail tablet was allegedly used to intimidate witnesses, sparking calls to stop issuing them. In this guest opinion, Shannon Ross argues the incident should lead to better security, not the elimination of tools that support connection and learning. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

People in a jail setting seated around a table using secured tablets, paired with the headline "Guest opinion: The debate over jail tablets is missing the point" about tablets' role in supporting communication, education and successful reentry.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 19/09/2026

The “Wisconsin Guarantee” was designed to ease the college-admissions process by automatically admitting top students to UW campuses. But early evidence suggests the law has had little effect on who applies to or enrolls at UW-Madison. More from @captimes.com wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Two people arranging shelving and bedding in a crowded college dorm room during move‑in, illustrating a story about Wisconsin’s college admissions law and its unintended consequences.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 19/09/2026

When it comes to limiting the risks of social media for teens, regulating screen time isn't enough, Stan Gottfredson argues. As Wisconsin lawmakers consider new social media regulations, he says they should focus on features designed to keep users engaged. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Editorial headline arguing Wisconsin should focus on the social‑media features that keep teens engaged, paired with an illustration of several hands holding smartphones showing messages, likes, photos and a video call.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 18/09/2026

Milwaukee Public Schools has spent years trying to address racial disparities in student discipline after a federal investigation. Now the district faces a new federal investigation into whether its efforts improperly consider race. More from @MilwaukeeNNS.org

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 18/09/2026

🧵 The November election could reshape Wisconsin's voting laws before the 2028 presidential race. From our partners at @Votebeat.org: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Voter at a Wisconsin polling booth with an overlaid headline: "How the upcoming midterms could change Wisconsin election policy" and a subhead saying unified state control could reshape voting rules before the 2028 presidential election, with Wisconsin Watch and VoteBeat logos.

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Reposted by Wisconsin Watch

Tom Kertscher @tomkertschernews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Fact-checking claims about the record of Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor.

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Reposted by Wisconsin Watch

Tom Kertscher @tomkertschernews.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Fact-checking claims about the record of David Crowley, the Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 17/09/2026

Local officials, housing advocates and economists say housing cost increases have made it harder for young families to purchase their first home and for renters to make ends meet in northeast Wisconsin. Here's the latest from the NEW News Lab: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/nort...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 17/09/2026

What do credentials really mean in today's workforce? Join Wisconsin Watch and @opencampus.org for a free, in-person event on Oct. 6 exploring how credentials are reshaping education and employment in Wisconsin. Learn more and register: events.wiscotix.com/e/the-new-pa...

Poster promoting "New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin’s Workforce," a public conversation hosted by Wisconsin Watch and Open Campus on Oct. 6, 2026 in Madison, listing four featured speakers, a morning schedule, a QR code for registration, and Ascendium as presenting sponsor.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 16/09/2026

Wisconsin has tried for decades to improve how children learn to read. Will it work this time? In a guest opinion, Jim Zellmer examines WI's latest literacy reforms, and argues that sustained attention and transparent measures of progress will be critical. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Children's bookshelves labeled "middle grade" and "intermediate" in a bookstore, used to illustrate an article about Wisconsin's efforts to improve student reading and literacy.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 15/09/2026

American Transmission Co. is restarting its push for major power grid upgrades to serve the planned Port Washington data center. The utility filed a new application Monday after Wisconsin regulators ordered it to start over. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 15/09/2026

Homelessness in Wisconsin has risen 16% over the past five years, accounting for 5,200 people. Some of them are less visible, living in their cars day to day, taking their kids to school and finding safe places to park at night. Read their stories: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 14/09/2026

🧵 Wisconsin voters will see three proposed constitutional amendments on their Nov. 3 ballots — covering the governor’s partial veto power, religious gatherings during emergencies and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Read our guide or follow below ⬇️ : wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Announcement encouraging voters to learn about three Wisconsin constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, showing a governor signing a document at a desk while children and adults look on.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 13/09/2026

Although the Milwaukee police halted use of facial recognition technology in February, county prosecutors are still handling cases in which police used the technology during investigations. That leaves lingering concerns about the potential for errors: wisconsinwatch.org?p=1320542

A public meeting where an attendee holds an orange sign reading "SAY NO TO FRT IN MILWAUKEE" as residents address a council panel about facial recognition policy and its continued use in Milwaukee’s criminal justice system.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 12/09/2026

In the second installment of its investigation into Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis, the Cap Times explores why state lawmakers have repeatedly failed to act on proposals aimed at saving Black babies’ lives. Read more: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Feature image for article "How a fight to save Wisconsin’s Black babies keeps hitting a dead end," showing a pregnant person with hands folded over their belly to symbolize advocates' struggle to address the state's Black infant mortality crisis.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 12/09/2026

After a Milwaukee election-night error delayed results in the August primary, conspiracy theories quickly spread alleging fraud or vote tampering. Newly released audit logs show no evidence of either. Read more from our partners at @Votebeat.org: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Headline "Milwaukee audit logs show no evidence of election fraud" over a photo of an election worker carrying United States Postal Service ballot trays, with Wisconsin Watch and VOTEBEAT logos.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 12/09/2026

Wisconsin ratepayers faced an estimated $117 million bill over several years to help keep a 60-year-old Michigan coal plant running past its planned retirement. A federal appeals court just overturned the Energy Department order that kept it open. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/cour...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 11/09/2026

Wisconsin's Democratic primary and national polling suggest voters' views on AI data centers may be more complicated than a simple for-or-against debate, Rob Smith and Devan Patel of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy argue in this guest opinion. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Banner reading "Beaver Dam" and "Building for the Future" on a chain-link fence around a snowy data-center construction site, a pickup truck blurred driving past; accompanies an opinion piece about Wisconsin's Democratic primary and data center politics.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 11/09/2026

We know alcohol and driving don't mix. But what about drinking and walking? Nearly 1 in 5 pedestrians killed in Wisconsin crashes since 2017 were suspected of drinking, according to a Wisconsin Watch analysis of state crash data. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Awareness graphic for Wisconsin Watch about risks of walking while intoxicated: a person in jeans holds a multi-pack of Busch Light among a small group, paired with a headline noting alcohol-related pedestrian deaths.

Bar chart showing annual counts of alcohol-impaired pedestrians killed (red) and suspected seriously injured (yellow) in Wisconsin, 2017–2025, with a 2019 peak and lower totals afterward; caption notes suspected alcohol in nearly 1 in 5 pedestrian deaths.

Bar chart of pedestrian deaths in alcohol-involved Wisconsin crashes (2017–25), peaking at 16 deaths for ages 35–39, with elevated counts in 30–34 and 50–54 and much lower counts among teens and those 75+.

Stacked bar chart of injury severity by age for pedestrians in alcohol-involved crashes in Wisconsin (2017–25), showing high proportions of serious or fatal injuries among ages 20–59; caption notes 44.6% of alcohol-suspected pedestrians were seriously/fatally injured vs 21.1% without.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 11/09/2026

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is challenging two state abortion restrictions: the 24-hour waiting period and a law limiting abortion care to licensed physicians, which restricts access to medication abortion through telehealth. More from WPR: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Protester holding a yellow sign reading "REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS" amid a crowd of winter-clad demonstrators at a rally advocating abortion access.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 10/09/2026

After a tornado tore through the Fox Cities, business owners put their work on hold to help their neighbors. They delivered food and supplies and cleared tons of debris. Now, they’re trying to keep it all going while getting their businesses back to normal. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 09/09/2026

We don’t do this work for awards; we do it because we want our journalism to make a difference in Wisconsin. But we’re proud to celebrate this recognition from @journalists.org — and grateful to everyone who makes our work possible. 💛 wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 09/09/2026

Wisconsinites are increasingly turning to 988 for help during mental health crises. Advocates say the suicide and crisis lifeline saves lives. But the state has yet to permanently fund it. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/desp...

Call-center worker using a keyboard and mouse alongside a Wisconsin Watch headline: "Despite bipartisan support, 988 Crisis Lifeline faces funding shortage," noting the service's success and lack of permanent state funding.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 08/09/2026

Wisconsin wages hit a record high — but job growth has ground to a halt. The state’s overall unemployment rate has climbed to 3.3%, while Black unemployment reached 7.2% in the first quarter of 2026. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/repo...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 07/09/2026

After eight years fostering 10 children, McKenna and Celia Olson have closed their foster care license — and begun a new chapter. The Milwaukee couple adopted four children, all of whom have been with them since birth. Read more from @milwaukeenns.org wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/a-ne...

Milwaukee couple smiling and holding their four adopted children—each wearing bright tie-dye shirts—posing together in a sunny park to celebrate their adoption after years as foster parents.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 06/09/2026

After bouncing between jobs, Conner Scott says he finally found a workplace where he wants to stay until retirement. The difference, he writes in this guest opinion, is employee ownership. Read more: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/gues...

Four hands bringing together four colored puzzle pieces to symbolize collaboration and employee ownership, accompanying the headline Guest opinion: Why Wisconsin needs more employee-owned companies.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 05/09/2026

The family of a Milwaukee man falsely accused of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump plans to sue the Department of Homeland Security for $5.5 million. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/fami...

Family members and advocates seated at a press‑conference table speaking to media about plans to sue the Department of Homeland Security after a man was falsely accused of threatening former President Trump.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 04/09/2026

As Wisconsin’s prison population soars to new records, GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany backs expanding prison capacity. Democratic candidate David Crowley favors reducing prison time for nonviolent offenders and investing in rehabilitation. Read more: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/repu...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 04/09/2026

A Milwaukee County judge has tossed out a trespassing citation a Shorewood man received last year for walking past a public beach along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, saying the action was protected by the public trust doctrine. Read more from WPR: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/milw...

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 04/09/2026

Wisconsin has one of the nation’s worst Black infant mortality rates, with nearly 850 Black infants dying statewide between 2015 and 2024. Improving outcomes means supporting families before, during and beyond pregnancy, experts say. More from @captimes.com: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisc...

Neonatal incubator and vital-sign monitor alongside a headline about Wisconsin’s high Black infant mortality crisis that is harming generations.

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Wisconsin Watch @wisconsinwatch.org · 03/09/2026

Milwaukee police say new safeguards for automatic license plate readers will apply to all three systems the department uses — Flock, Genetec & Axon. That follows Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s announcement of restrictions intended to prevent misuse and protect privacy: wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/new-...

License-plate reader camera mounted under a solar panel; news headline reads Milwaukee police: Flock restrictions will apply to other license plate reader systems, reporting the department will add security safeguards; Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service logos.

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