The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has called on the Department of Justice to investigate text messages they say targeted and threatened to discourage young people from voting in the November election.

The League of Women Voters says it initially learned of the alleged text campaign on 10 October, when the group received numerous complaints from voters who had received the text. Two people in their 20s who work with the League of Women Voters also received the message, which reads: “WARNING: Violating WI Statutes 12.13 & 6.18 may result in fines up to $10,000 or 3.5 years in prison. Don’t vote in a state where you’re not eligible.”

The rules governing voter eligibility for college students are no different than for any other Wisconsin residents, who are required to have lived at their current address for at least 28 days before the election to vote there.

Some Republican-controlled states have sought to clamp down on student voting, drafting legislation to restrict the use of student identification cards as a form of voter ID and close campus polling places. Most lawmakers justify the measures as a means of preventing voter fraud. Others have openly complained that voting is too easy for college students – who tend to favor Democratic party candidates.

“They basically put the polling place next to the student dorm so they just have to roll out of bed, vote, and go back to bed,” Trump’s former attorney Cleta Mitchell told donors at a retreat in April 2023. During the meeting Mitchell reportedly emphasized the importance of limiting campus voting.

In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers proposed a bill in 2024 that would have required University of Wisconsin campuses to provide information to students on how to vote from their home state.

Debra Cronmiller, the executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, said she hoped for “some accountability for trying to intimidate these voters” and that the apparent mass text was unusual.

“We have been planning as voting rights organizations, as national organizations, for many, many different scenarios of things that could disrupt our election,” said Cronmiller. “I think because we were as prepared as we were, is why we could respond so very quickly to this particular threat.”

In their letter to the attorney general, Merrick Garland, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and the non-profit organization Free Speech for People claimed that the text message had “targeted young voters aged 18-25” and “reached many voters who are part of the University of Wisconsin system”. Now, the letter alleges, “many students and other young voters are fearful that they will face criminal prosecution if they register and exercise their right to vote – because of a malicious, inaccurate text sent by an anonymous party.”

The groups asked the attorney general’s office to investigate and publicize the person or group behind the text messages.

Week 8 of the 2024 Wisconsin high school football season is in the books, and High School on SI has published its fourth computer rankings of the season in the state.

Taking over the No. 1 spot in the 11-man computer rankings this week are the undefeated Stratford Tigers, coming off an impressive 48-20 victory against a tough Amherst opponent Friday. Mount Horeb / Barneveld remained undefeated but has dropped to the No. 2 spot.

A quick look at the 8-man computer rankings shows undefeated Highland retaining the No. 1 position and a 6-1 Gilman team moving up to No. 2.

SBLive’s formula was created using its linear algebra-based ranking algorithm inspired by the Colley Bias-Free Ranking Method. Colley’s Method was created by Wes Colley, Ph.D., an astrophysicist at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. He devised his algorithm to help address the subjectivity and controversy regarding BCS college football selections in the 1990s and early 2000s, using a method that used no subjective variables.

• FAQ: SBLive High School Football Computer Rankings

Here are SBLive’s latest Wisconsin football computer rankings, as of Oct. 14, 2024:

WISCONSIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COMPUTER RANKINGS

>> 11 MAN

>> 8 MAN

— Robin Erickson @sblivesports

LA CROSSE, Wisc. —  On Monday, October 14, 2024, the City of La Crosse hosted its annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration in partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation, marking a day of cultural appreciation, education, and community engagement.

Held at the La Crosse Center and Riverside Park, the event featured a wide range of activities, performances, and educational opportunities, all designed to celebrate the history, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, especially the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a crucial observance that replaces Columbus Day in many areas to honor the true history of Indigenous peoples and acknowledge the impact of colonization. This day encourages people to reflect on Indigenous resilience, contributions to society, and the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and cultural preservation.

The day began with a lacrosse tournament, a sport deeply rooted in Indigenous tradition, at Riverside Park. Following the tournament registration, the day’s educational programming kicked off at the La Crosse Public Library, where Dr. Ariel Beaujot presented A Story of Resistance to Colonization in the City We Now Call La Crosse.

A ceremonial flag raising and proclamation at Pearl Street Walkway further signified the importance of the day, followed by a welcoming address by Jon Greendeer, Ho-Chunk Nation President, at the La Crosse Center.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed various performances, including the Hoocąk Exhibition Dancing and the Majestic Monarch dance team, which brought traditional music and dance to life in South Hall.

Notably, performances by Sampson Funmaker (flute solo) and Irene Keenan Jr. highlighted the depth of Indigenous talent in the arts. The event also featured short educational talks by Josie Lee, Director of the Ho-Chunk Museum & Cultural Center, who discussed the importance of cultural preservation and education.

In addition to performances, the event included several educational components. A native plants and trees identification walk, led by Dr. Alysa Rembsurg, offered a hands-on learning experience about the local flora and their importance in Indigenous culture.

Guests were also invited to explore information booths and listen to readings by Indigenous authors such as Corey Rae White and Irene Keenan Jr., who read from their respective works. The celebration concluded with a performance by Irene Keenan Jr.

By celebrating the traditions, history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, the event promoted greater understanding and respect in the community. As La Crosse continues to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, it sets an example for fostering unity and recognizing the vital role of Indigenous cultures in shaping the future.

About the Author: “Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. “

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com