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Hundreds of Wisconsin Election Offices Fail to Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices

Hundreds of Wisconsin Election Offices Fail to Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices

A significant number of Wisconsin election offices, particularly in smaller municipalities, are not adhering to recommended cybersecurity best practices, according to a Votebeat analysis of state data. Approximately one in three Wisconsin clerks still utilize consumer email accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo for official election business. This practice is prevalent in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents, with most having fewer than 1,000. In contrast, no clerks in municipalities with over 25,000 residents use consumer accounts. Experts warn that using non-government domains makes election offices more vulnerable to phishing attacks and makes it harder for voters to distinguish official communications from fraudulent ones. The state has invested millions in cybersecurity improvements, but smaller jurisdictions often lack the IT resources and funding to transition to more secure government domains.
USA TodayUSA Today
If Republicans get crushed in the midterms, what's their plan B? | Opinion

If Republicans get crushed in the midterms, what's their plan B? | Opinion

Counterintuitive as it sounds, a blue wave on Nov. 3 could be the GOP's silver lining for 2028. The pendulum never stops swinging.
ReutersReuters
Musk has spent $276 million on midterms to help Republicans retain control of Congress

Musk has spent $276 million on midterms to help Republicans retain control of Congress

By Dawn Kopecki NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Elon Musk has spent roughly $366 million in the 2026 US midterm election cycle so far, $276 million of it since July to help Republicans retain control of Congress, even as Democrats' chances of retaking the US House and Senate have improved.
USA TodayUSA Today
Can the midterm campaign trail point to 2028 presidential viability for Democrats?

Can the midterm campaign trail point to 2028 presidential viability for Democrats?

After Clinton and Harris's losses, cautious voters might worry that for Democratic female presidential candidates the third time may not be a charm.
Vote WatchVote Watch
Who Certifies the Result in Idaho, and on What Date

Who Certifies the Result in Idaho, and on What Date

A clear guide to Idaho's multi-step election certification process, explaining who certifies the vote and the legal deadlines they must follow.
Badgers WireBadgers Wire
Wisconsin’s Week 7 opponent rises 10 spots in US LBM Coaches Poll

Wisconsin’s Week 7 opponent rises 10 spots in US LBM Coaches Poll

While the Wisconsin Badgers did not play this past weekend, that did not stop them from receiving several votes in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.
Nittany Lions WireNittany Lions Wire
Updated Big Ten football standings and postseason tracker after Week 6

Updated Big Ten football standings and postseason tracker after Week 6

Indiana and USC are the first Big Ten teams to officially become eligible for postseason play after their wins in Week 6.
1Weather1Weather
Near-Record Warmth in Minnesota Before Big Cooldown

Near-Record Warmth in Minnesota Before Big Cooldown

Minnesota is experiencing near-record warmth on Monday, October 12, 2026, with temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 80s °F (27-29 °C) in southeastern areas, including the Twin Cities. Western parts of the state will see cooler highs in the 60s °F (15-20 °C). A cold front is expected to move through the region later in the day, bringing scattered showers and storms to western and central Minnesota. By Monday night, rain will spread into northern Wisconsin as the front continues eastward. Cooler fall weather will settle in starting Tuesday, with highs dropping into the 50s and 60s °F (10-20 °C).
TrendlineTrendline
Alpine Valley Music Theatre Continues Legacy as Major U.S. Outdoor Amphitheater

Alpine Valley Music Theatre Continues Legacy as Major U.S. Outdoor Amphitheater

Alpine Valley Music Theatre Continues Legacy as Major U.S. Outdoor Amphitheater
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Governor Evers Recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day, Emphasizes Tribal Sovereignty in Wisconsin

Governor Evers Recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day, Emphasizes Tribal Sovereignty in Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers has issued a video message recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Wisconsin. The governor signed Executive Order #50 in 2019 to officially designate this day. In his message, Governor Evers highlighted the historical presence of Indigenous communities in Wisconsin and their significant contributions to the state's culture, economy, and society. He reiterated his administration's commitment to respecting Tribal sovereignty, strengthening government-to-government relationships with the 12 Tribal Nations in Wisconsin, and honoring Treaty Rights. The administration has supported various initiatives, including Tribal language preservation through programs like the Dual-Language Sign Program, investments in educational programs, and efforts to support Tribal food sovereignty and access for elders. Additionally, the state has backed clean energy projects on Tribal lands to enhance energy sovereignty and invested in research and protection of...
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Aspirus Health Opens New Hospital and Clinic in Chippewa Falls Following Previous Closures

Aspirus Health Opens New Hospital and Clinic in Chippewa Falls Following Previous Closures

Aspirus Health has opened a new hospital and clinic in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, featuring emergency care, 10 inpatient beds, and an adjoining primary care clinic. This development comes after the sudden closure of two hospitals, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital and HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, and their primary care network in 2024 by the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). The closures left Chippewa Valley residents with limited healthcare options. Aspirus Health, based in Wausau, recognized the critical need for healthcare services in the area and expedited the construction of the new facility, completing it in just 13 months. The new hospital also provides imaging services, laboratory services, and an on-site inpatient pharmacy, aiming to keep patients within their community for care. Anne Sadowska, vice president and chief administrative officer of Aspirus’ Wisconsin Northwest Division, stated that the facility was planned to restore local access to basic services as quickly as possible.
Vote WatchVote Watch
Who Certifies the Result in Indiana, and on What Date

Who Certifies the Result in Indiana, and on What Date

A clear guide to Indiana's election certification process, explaining which officials certify the vote and the specific timelines they must follow.