Verona

Japanese beetles, first detected near Milan in 2014, are spreading through northern Italy’s vineyards and orchards, damaging plants by eating leaf pulp and weakening production. Farmers report the pests advancing up terraced vineyards, with no natural predators and larvae feeding on grass roots, threatening agricultural output in the Po River Valley.

New Jersey business owners in Verona are criticizing zoning issues, with Danielle Kermizian relocating her business 'The Ground House' to North Caldwell due to challenges in Verona. Kermizian described the zoning process as a 'nightmare' and sought a fresh start elsewhere.

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which supported Wisconsin's natural areas and parks, expired after 37 years due to legislative opposition. Republican legislators in northern Wisconsin opposed the program, citing concerns over property tax bases, while the state Supreme Court ruled against the Joint Finance Committee's process, leading to its expiration despite bipartisan support efforts.

EarnOS, a startup that pays users to engage with brands online to combat AI bots, has raised $18.5 million and launched its app Ero. The app verifies human interaction and rewards users with cryptocurrency, partnering with brands like Nike.

Flock Safety's license plate reading cameras face controversy in Wisconsin as communities like Dane County and Verona drop contracts due to privacy concerns. Misuse by officers, including tracking romantic partners, and activist opposition from groups like Milwaukee4Palestine highlight tensions between surveillance technology and civil liberties.