4/03/2026

ASHLAND - Wisconsin's oldest operating library, reopened on March 23 in Ashland, following an $8 million renovation. The Daily Press reports that Vaughn Library Director Sarah Adams said the project preserved the historic vision while adding system upgrades and a "people-centric" design. The renovation restored historic features, increased natural light, and created new reading, study, and community spaces, including teen/children's areas, meeting rooms, and a kitchen. The two-floor book collection and behind-the-scenes improvements (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and energy efficiency) were also completed. Adams called the project a "celebratory tale of community investment."

4/03/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Parents and advocates in Wisconsin and across the country are demanding legislation be passed to ensure social media safeguards for children. This comes after a landmark verdict last week found Meta and Google liable for a woman’s childhood social media addiction. At a recent press conference, bereaved parents like Victoria Hinks shared how social media experiences harmed their children. She emphasized that the recent verdict against tech giants Meta and Google proves they made conscious decisions to harm children for profit, and parents are not to blame.

                    0:09  "This is a victory and we all feel vindicated, but it has to be coupled with legislation because this could just be like, 'okay, this is just the cost of doing business,' and then they go back to doing it."

Advocates are calling on Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act which mandates a ‘duty of care’ for online platforms to prevent mental health harms and sexual exploitation. Wisconsin lawmakers are considering similar state-level legislation as part of a broader effort to introduce age-related restrictions and address addictive digital features.

4/03/2026

MICHIGAN - In Michigan, more inmates are earning high school diplomas, technical certificates, and college credits than ever before. New state data shows about 4,000 inmates completed programs last fiscal year, up 66% from 2020. Enrollment has also increased, with about 11,000 of the state’s 33,000 prisoners participating. Programs range from high school equivalency to trades like welding and truck driving. The goal is to provide education and vocational training for successful reintegration.