Friday, August 14: Prisons and mental health, Wisconsin measles outbreak, schools overwhelmed by AI options, misconduct complaint targets judge, feds go after immigrant tuition break
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It was not science-based. It actually contradicts the best available science about how to prevent disease and keep kids healthy.”
– Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, on why a new vaccine order from President Donald Trump contradicts the goal of measles prevention as the state faces a new outbreak of the virus
The Waupun Correctional Institution, Wisconsin's oldest prison. The Department of Corrections has been facing obstacles in implementing a consultant's recommendations for improving mental health care in prison, where nearly half of those incarcerated have a mental illness diagnosis. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)
Nearly half of Wisconsin’s incarcerated people have a mental health diagnosis. Consultants recommended mental health reforms in Wisconsin prisons months ago, but the Wisconsin Department of Corrections says it’s faced obstacles in implementing them. Criminal Justice Project fellow Andrew Kennard delves into the issues raised in a consultant’s report and the reality inside and outside prison walls that get in the way of improvements.
Two measles cases in Southwest Wisconsin have turned into an outbreak, with 13 more confirmed cases and six probable cases of the viral illness, the state health department reported Thursday. Most who fell ill weren’t vaccinated. Erik Gunn reports on the latest findings about the virus in Wisconsin, and the concerns of state health officials that a new order from the White House will thwart effective measles prevention.
As school districts make decisions on which artificial intelligence tools are safe and worth spending thousands or millions of dollars on, some officials feel overwhelmed by the array of choices. Robbie Sequeira of Stateline looks at why many school districts carry the burden of vetting AI vendors on their own.
PLUS:
The Wisconsin Judicial Commission has again filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Supreme Court against Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Scott Woldt, alleging the judge “engaged in misconduct” in threats and disparaging comments directed at lawyers. Criminal Justice Project fellow Frank Zufall reviews the judge’s history.
More from Washington:
ICYMI
Commentary: What does Wisconsin’s chaotic Democratic primary for governor mean for progressive politics? | Ruth Conniff
Wisconsin's top doctor says a new outbreak shows measles is spreading in the state. (Photo by Getty Images Plus)
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