Tom Kertscher
@tomkertschernews.bsky.social
Wisconsin Watch reporter. Former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Freelancer for Associated Press Sports and Milwaukee Magazine. Author of Al McGuire and Brett Favre sports books. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ohio State University.
The nettlesome problem of safely transitioning foreign-trained medical professionals into jobs in the U.S. is examined by Natalie Yahr and Joe Timmerman of @wisconsinwatch.org through the experience of a family in Wisconsin that fled the war in Ukraine. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
The transplants: 2 doctors fled Ukraine for Wisconsin. They’re still trying to get their careers back.
An anesthesiologist and a cardiologist gave up prestigious careers to save their daughter from war. Nearly four years later, they’re still on the long road to practicing their professions in the Da…
wisconsinwatch.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:10 PM
The nettlesome problem of safely transitioning foreign-trained medical professionals into jobs in the U.S. is examined by Natalie Yahr and Joe Timmerman of @wisconsinwatch.org through the experience of a family in Wisconsin that fled the war in Ukraine. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
A @wisconsinwatch.org story about local government efforts to keep data center proposals quiet was the result of a tip from a reader. If you have a suggestion for something we should consider reporting on, let us know: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Submit a tip to our newsroom
Wisconsin Watch fosters quality of life and democracy by providing vetted information that helps people navigate their lives, shape solutions to challenges and hold power to account. Some of our most ...
docs.google.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:03 PM
A @wisconsinwatch.org story about local government efforts to keep data center proposals quiet was the result of a tip from a reader. If you have a suggestion for something we should consider reporting on, let us know: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
A look by @canarymedia.com at who will pay for the electricity needed to power data centers in Wisconsin. www.canarymedia.com/articles/dat...
Wisconsin debates how to pay for the power-hungry AI boom
Regulators mull the first big utility plan to provide electricity to data centers flocking to the state, igniting disputes over consumer protection and…
www.canarymedia.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A look by @canarymedia.com at who will pay for the electricity needed to power data centers in Wisconsin. www.canarymedia.com/articles/dat...
Reposted by Tom Kertscher
NEWS: DeForest says it will drop controversial $12 billion data center plan.
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
DeForest announces it won’t move forward with controversial $12 billion data center
The village president had said the board had only known about the project for weeks, but records obtained by Wisconsin Watch showed it had been discussed by staff for months.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:52 PM
NEWS: DeForest says it will drop controversial $12 billion data center plan.
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
A data center proposal apparently will be dropped by one Wisconsin community that kept the proposal quiet for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
DeForest announces it won’t move forward with controversial $12 billion data center
The village president had said the board had only known about the project for weeks, but records obtained by Wisconsin Watch showed it had been discussed by staff for months.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:31 PM
A data center proposal apparently will be dropped by one Wisconsin community that kept the proposal quiet for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
We took a look at the question of whether most immigrants arrested by ICE are criminals. Here's what the data show on criminal convictions.
January 27, 2026 at 10:13 PM
We took a look at the question of whether most immigrants arrested by ICE are criminals. Here's what the data show on criminal convictions.
A fact-check by @wisconsinwatch.org based on an immigration claim by @pocan.house.gov. No, most ICE arrestees do not have a criminal conviction. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/immi...
Do most people arrested by ICE have a criminal conviction?
No. Several recent reports have found only about one in four immigrants being detained have criminal convictions.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 27, 2026 at 7:07 PM
A fact-check by @wisconsinwatch.org based on an immigration claim by @pocan.house.gov. No, most ICE arrestees do not have a criminal conviction. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/immi...
Reposted by Tom Kertscher
At least 4 Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, which are being developed in secret despite huge impacts on the economy, land use, energy costs, taxes, the environment & more, @wisconsinwatch.org @tomkertschernews.bsky.social wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers
Massive data center proposals are often developed in secret. Wisconsin has now joined several states with legislative proposals to make the process more transparent.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:51 PM
At least 4 Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, which are being developed in secret despite huge impacts on the economy, land use, energy costs, taxes, the environment & more, @wisconsinwatch.org @tomkertschernews.bsky.social wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
From @wisconsinwatch.org: How local governments keep massive data center developments quiet. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers
Massive data center proposals are often developed in secret. Wisconsin has now joined several states with legislative proposals to make the process more transparent.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 26, 2026 at 12:05 PM
From @wisconsinwatch.org: How local governments keep massive data center developments quiet. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
A quick look by @wisconsinwatch.org on how electricity bills in Wisconsin compare.
www.youtube.com/shorts/GDQnH...
www.youtube.com/shorts/GDQnH...
Have Wisconsin electricity price increases exceeded the Midwest average for 20 years?
YouTube video by Wisconsin Watch
www.youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:28 PM
A quick look by @wisconsinwatch.org on how electricity bills in Wisconsin compare.
www.youtube.com/shorts/GDQnH...
www.youtube.com/shorts/GDQnH...
In under a minute, fully researched @wisconsinwatch.org fact briefs answer with a Yes or No questions that are in the news or public discussions. Our latest: Yes, the majority of Americans use social media to get health information; Yes, Wisconsin imports 15% of its electricity from other states.
January 15, 2026 at 12:01 AM
In under a minute, fully researched @wisconsinwatch.org fact briefs answer with a Yes or No questions that are in the news or public discussions. Our latest: Yes, the majority of Americans use social media to get health information; Yes, Wisconsin imports 15% of its electricity from other states.
@wisconsinwatch.org checks on how much Americans use social media for health information, and what they think of the quality of that information.
January 14, 2026 at 11:57 PM
@wisconsinwatch.org checks on how much Americans use social media for health information, and what they think of the quality of that information.
Footnoted, but a fast read: 150-word fact briefs from @wisconsinwatch.org. Our latest: Yes, Wisconsin imports 15% of its electricity from other states; No, the U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee a postmark on the date you mail something, including your election ballot.
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Footnoted, but a fast read: 150-word fact briefs from @wisconsinwatch.org. Our latest: Yes, Wisconsin imports 15% of its electricity from other states; No, the U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee a postmark on the date you mail something, including your election ballot.
Wisconsin imports a consistent amount of its electricity from other states, @wisconsinwatch.org finds. Electricity rates have long exceeded the Midwest average in Wisconsin, where ratepayers owe $1 billion on stranded assets (power plants that have been, or are scheduled to be, shut down).
January 14, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Wisconsin imports a consistent amount of its electricity from other states, @wisconsinwatch.org finds. Electricity rates have long exceeded the Midwest average in Wisconsin, where ratepayers owe $1 billion on stranded assets (power plants that have been, or are scheduled to be, shut down).
Hey, Green Bay Packers fans: After years of angst, it's OK to (conditionally) love Aaron Rodgers again. www.milwaukeemag.com/aaron-rodger...
It’s Time to Appreciate Aaron Rodgers Again
The Packers QB for a generation largely has himself to blame for lost affection. But as he faces what might be his final game, it’s time to re-embrace him.
www.milwaukeemag.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Hey, Green Bay Packers fans: After years of angst, it's OK to (conditionally) love Aaron Rodgers again. www.milwaukeemag.com/aaron-rodger...
I see that Chicago Bears fans have embraced their answer to the cheeseheads of Green Bay Packers fans. I guess no rivalry is truly epic until each side tries to look more goofy than the other.
January 10, 2026 at 7:26 PM
I see that Chicago Bears fans have embraced their answer to the cheeseheads of Green Bay Packers fans. I guess no rivalry is truly epic until each side tries to look more goofy than the other.
The latest @wisconsinwatch.org fact briefs: No, the U.S. Postal Service does not always postmark your absentee ballot on the day you mail it (potentially risking whether your ballot is counted); No, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did not allow unauthorized immigrants to get taxpayer-funded health care.
January 6, 2026 at 7:47 PM
The latest @wisconsinwatch.org fact briefs: No, the U.S. Postal Service does not always postmark your absentee ballot on the day you mail it (potentially risking whether your ballot is counted); No, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did not allow unauthorized immigrants to get taxpayer-funded health care.
Fact-checking a Wisconsin Reddit thread: Just putting your absentee ballot in the mail does not mean your ballot will be postmarked the same day. That could be crucial, if you live in a state that requires a postmark by Election Day.
January 6, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Fact-checking a Wisconsin Reddit thread: Just putting your absentee ballot in the mail does not mean your ballot will be postmarked the same day. That could be crucial, if you live in a state that requires a postmark by Election Day.
Fact-checking Wisconsin congressman and governor candidate Tom Tiffany: No, a veto issued by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did not give health care to unauthorized immigrants. They are not eligible for federally or state-funded health coverage. wisconsinwatch.org/2025/12/did-...
Did Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers allow unauthorized immigrants to get taxpayer-funded health care?
No. Unauthorized immigrants aren’t eligible for public health benefits in Wisconsin and the veto doesn’t change that.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Fact-checking Wisconsin congressman and governor candidate Tom Tiffany: No, a veto issued by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did not give health care to unauthorized immigrants. They are not eligible for federally or state-funded health coverage. wisconsinwatch.org/2025/12/did-...
Ten of my favorite songs released in 2025:
Natalie Bergman/Gunslinger
Big Thief/Happy With You
Boomershack/Julia
Chaparelle/Devil's Music
Counting Crows/Spaceman in Tulsa
Dropkick Murphys/Who'll Stand With Us
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social/This Is the Killer Speaking
Natalie Bergman/Gunslinger
Big Thief/Happy With You
Boomershack/Julia
Chaparelle/Devil's Music
Counting Crows/Spaceman in Tulsa
Dropkick Murphys/Who'll Stand With Us
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social/This Is the Killer Speaking
December 27, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Ten of my favorite songs released in 2025:
Natalie Bergman/Gunslinger
Big Thief/Happy With You
Boomershack/Julia
Chaparelle/Devil's Music
Counting Crows/Spaceman in Tulsa
Dropkick Murphys/Who'll Stand With Us
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social/This Is the Killer Speaking
Natalie Bergman/Gunslinger
Big Thief/Happy With You
Boomershack/Julia
Chaparelle/Devil's Music
Counting Crows/Spaceman in Tulsa
Dropkick Murphys/Who'll Stand With Us
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social/This Is the Killer Speaking
Some of the 2025 Wisconsin Watch stories that Wisconsin Watch reporters liked best.
‘Secret Santa’ picks: Our favorite stories of 2025
We asked each Wisconsin Watch reporter to pick a favorite story written by another colleague on staff. Here were their picks.
wisconsinwatch.org
December 24, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Some of the 2025 Wisconsin Watch stories that Wisconsin Watch reporters liked best.
Wisconsin utility ratepayers already owe $1 billion for “stranded assets.” Data centers create the risk for more. Wisconsin Watch
reporters explain on WPR.
www.wpr.org/shows/wiscon...
reporters explain on WPR.
www.wpr.org/shows/wiscon...
Residents might be on the hook if data centers flop, Drugged driving, Father-son rock band
Community rate payers might be on the hook if local data center campuses fail. We hear two Wisconsin Watch reporters about their investigation. We also learn how drugged driving is […]
www.wpr.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Wisconsin utility ratepayers already owe $1 billion for “stranded assets.” Data centers create the risk for more. Wisconsin Watch
reporters explain on WPR.
www.wpr.org/shows/wiscon...
reporters explain on WPR.
www.wpr.org/shows/wiscon...
24 concerts in '25. Can't beat the intimacy of @radiomilwaukee.bsky.social studio sessions; loved my first visit to Square Roots fest in Chicago; Lord Huron still one of my favorite live acts; Garbage laid it all out in a farewell-type show; Howl Owl Howl and The Mavericks (separately), pure joy.
December 23, 2025 at 1:29 AM
24 concerts in '25. Can't beat the intimacy of @radiomilwaukee.bsky.social studio sessions; loved my first visit to Square Roots fest in Chicago; Lord Huron still one of my favorite live acts; Garbage laid it all out in a farewell-type show; Howl Owl Howl and The Mavericks (separately), pure joy.
Do unauthorized immigrants have constitutional rights? Is violent crime in the U.S. higher than 25 years ago? Are airline flights the safest mode of transportation in the U.S.? And more durable 2025 fact briefs from @wisconsinwatch.org.
December 22, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Do unauthorized immigrants have constitutional rights? Is violent crime in the U.S. higher than 25 years ago? Are airline flights the safest mode of transportation in the U.S.? And more durable 2025 fact briefs from @wisconsinwatch.org.
