2/12/2026

VILAS COUNTY - Spectrum is finishing a multi-year fiber broadband expansion in Vilas and Oneida counties, bringing high-speed internet to over 4,500 homes and businesses in a handful of communities including Manitowish Waters. The expansion also covered all of Manitowish Waters and underserved parts of Eagle River. The service, which includes TV, landline, and cell options, has garnered significant interest. The project received $2,619,798 in funding from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, complemented by private Spectrum investment. Residents can check availability of service at spectrumruralexpansion.com.

2/12/2026

MADISON - The Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Children and Families advanced two bills on Tuesday, aimed at protecting children when they use online platforms and apps.  Assembly Bill 962 and Assembly Bill 963 both target different aspects of children’s online safety.  Assembly Bill 962 creates new requirements for app-store developers and providers. The bill requires app stores to verify the age of someone creating an account, and if the person is a minor, parents would need to provide consent to purchase or download any apps.  Assembly Bill 963 requires major social media platforms to obtain parental consent for minors to use their apps. The bill also prohibits what lawmakers call addictive features, including infinite scrolling and autoplay videos and allows minors and their parents to sue companies that knowingly commit violations for damages.  Both bills are now referred to the Assembly Committee on Rules before a potential Assembly vote. If they pass, they will head to the Senate for the next vote.  Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force data shows the average child uses about 40 apps a day.

2/12/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Michigan is banning smartphones during class time in public schools, starting this fall. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law Tuesday, saying phones distract students and disrupt learning. Students can still bring phones to school and use them between classes and at lunch. Districts will decide how to enforce the rule. Schools also must post their phone policy online and explain enforcement plans. The law does allow basic phones during instruction. It also allows medical devices that operate through smartphones, such as glucose meters. A second law requires schools to create a protocol about when and how students can use a smartphone during an emergency.