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Man killed in St. Croix County standoff identified as Minnesota corrections officer

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A man killed in a weekend standoff in western Wisconsin has been identified as a Minnesota corrections officer. On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Corrections released a statement on Saturday night’s death of 42-year-old Tyler Abel, calling it “tragic and troubling.”

Abel was hired as a corrections officer in April 2022 and worked at the state prison in Stillwater.

Officers responded to Abel’s house in the Town of Star Prairie on a domestic disturbance call. According to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Abel was shot and killed when he exited the home and confronted officers with a rifle.

The sheriff’s deputy and New Richmond police officer who fired their weapons are on administrative leave.

Republican budget writers reject Evers’ broadband funding plan

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At the Capitol, Republicans who control the legislature’s budget committee have rejected Governor Tony Evers’ plan to spend $750 million for broadband expansion. 

“I think it’s wise for the state to not throw more state money at the at the issue when we’ve got an phenomenal amount of federal money coming in,” Joint Finance Committee co-chair, Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) said Thursday. “I would prefer that we wait to see what the federal money is going to do and then come back later on and use additional state money to maybe fill in the holes.”

An Evers spokesperson said “Republicans have absolutely nothing to show for plans to actually address the pressing challenges facing our state.”

In a tweet, Evers called the decision irresponsible.

 

 

 

JFC rejects funding for UW Madison engineering building

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Budget writers at the state Capitol said no to a major investment for UW-Madison on Thursday. Joint Finance Committee Republicans on Thursday rejected Governor Tony Evers’ proposal to spend $355 million on an engineering building on the Madison campus

UW System President Jay Rothman said the new building is the system’s top priority because “to compete and prosper, we must invest in high-demand programs at all our universities.”

In a statement, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said the “building would promote the state’s economic development. It would create significant workforce opportunities. It would propel innovation. And without it, we harm businesses all across Wisconsin.” Nearly half of the project’s budgeted $347 million cost was going to be provided by private funding.

And JFC proposed reducing Evers’ capital budget request of $3.75 billion to nearly $2.4 billion. “We had to reduce an unrealistic capital budget,”  said committee co-chair Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). The committee also approved setting aside $2 million to help Green Bay host the 2025 NFL draft, something requested by lawmakers representing the area.
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Evers raises Pride flag at Capitol – ‘you are welcome here’

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Marking the start of Pride Month, the Progress Pride flag flies over the Capitol in Madison. Wisconsin Veterans Secretary James Bond, a Marine Corps veteran and a gay man, was among the speakers at Thursday’s flag raising. “We raise this flag as a beacon, a reminder to all, you are welcome here at the Wisconsin State Capitol.”

“I live my life looking through rainbow lenses, and with the raising of this flag I hope you realize the beauty of a rainbow after the rainfall,” said Madison West High School sophomore Avi Mack.

With Pride Month underway, the Progress Pride flag flies over the Wisconsin Capitol. Madison West High School sophomore Avi Mack was among the speakers at Wednesday’s flag raising

Governor Tony Evers grew emotional at the event, saying raising the flag lets members of the LGBTQ community know they are welcome at the Capitol.

“Raising the pride flag today sends a message for all those who have only ever wanted to belong. Who’ve had to find their own family. Who’ve never known home. You belong here. You’re family here. You are welcome here.”

Evers initiated flying the pride flag during his first term, and two years ago raised the Progress Pride banner, a redesign celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community and calling for a more inclusive society.

Wisconsin delegation splits in debt ceiling vote

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Wisconsin’s House delegation split over a bill to lift the nation’s debt ceiling in Wednesday’s vote. Democrat Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan joined Republican Tom Tiffany to oppose the bill which House Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House.

McCarthy, facing opposition from right-wing members of his party, was relying on Democrats to help pass the bill, and it passed 314-117 with 149 Republicans and 165 Democrats voting yes.

Moore, who represents the 4th Congressional District which includes Milwaukee, accused Republicans of pushing the U.S. to “the brink of catastrophe unless their demands were met.”

Pocan, who represents the 2nd Congressional District and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said there were too many unanswered questions.

Tiffany, a conservative representing the 7th CD in northern Wisconsin said ahead of the vote, “Wisconsinites sent me to Congress to shrink Washington and grow the American economy, and this bill failed to meet the moment.”

Republican Representative Bryan Steil of Janesville, a member of House Republican leadership, called the bill “the first step in the right direction. These reforms to limit spending, save taxpayers money, and grow the economy.”

The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate, where Republican Ron Johnson opposes it and Democrat Tammy Baldwin is expected to support it. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed the Senate will stay in session until the job is finished.

 

 

 

Grothman: Biden only appointed 5 ‘white guys’ to federal bench

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A Wisconsin congressman says President Joe Biden hasn’t named enough white men to the federal judiciary. Sixth District Republican Glenn Grothman cited a study of Biden’s 97 appointments, in wide ranging comments about affirmative action on the House floor Thursday.

“Of the 97 federal judges I was expecting, maybe 25 or 30 were white guys. Because I know President Biden wasn’t heavy on appointing more white guys. Five of the 97 judges were white guys of those two were gay. So, almost impossible for a white guy who’s not gay to get appointed here.”

According to the American Bar Association, the federal judiciary remains largely white and male. As of 2022, 11% of the 1,409 federal judges were Black, 7.7% were Hispanic, and 30% were female.

Grothman opened his remarks Thursday by addressing the ongoing negotiations over the debt ceiling before pivoting to “white supremacy” and    affirmative action.

 

 

Bill would address rural infrastructure repairs

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Rep. Tranel

A farmer who serves in the Wisconsin state Assembly says a road repair bill under consideration is a good start to fixing rural infrastructure. “Here, we find ourselves with some one-time money. I can’t think of a better use for it because the need is so great.”

Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) testified this week that if the state doesn’t start now, it will never be able to upgrade rural infrastructure.

“We acknowledge that we are not going to be able to fix all 62,000 miles of town road at once, but there are some roads that make a lot of sense to invest in, and the way we decided to go about identifying those roads are roads that have a significant amount of economic activity.”))

Tranel said that some local roads and bridges can no longer handle the weight and wear of hauling ag and forestry products.

If passed and signed by Governor Tony Evers, the state would send $150 million of the projected state surplus to local governments to repair or upgrade restricted or damaged roads important to agriculture.

DNR asks for assistance for turtles during nesting season

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to assist wild turtles during their nesting season. Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species are active from May to late June as they emerge to lay eggs.

Their nesting migration often puts turtles in danger while crossing roads and traveling through residential areas. According to the DNR, female turtles being hit by vehicles is a leading cause of the state’s declining turtle population. In addition, turtle nests are highly susceptible to predators and some people steal eggs from them.

The public can protect turtle nests on their property with nest cages, and by driving carefully on roads near lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Shared revenue bill passes Assembly but remains in doubt

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At the Capitol, Assembly Republicans have passed their shared revenue bill on Wednesday. But Democrats say the measure falls short, and it’s unclear whether Governor Tony Evers and the state Senate are on board.

At a press conference prior to Wednesday’s floor vote on the amended legislation, Speaker Robin Vos was clear that this is take it or leave it. Vos sad the final bill was the result of months of “good faith” negotiations. He said the amended version will provide a guaranteed 15% increase in state shared revenue for every community in Wisconsin.

Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said Republicans haven’t done their due diligence on the measure, calling it “not ready for primetime.” An Evers spokesperson said he hasn’t signed off on any amendment to the bill, which devotes 20 percent of future state state sales tax revenue to local units of government.

On Thursday, state Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu told the Associated Press that caucus would likely strip out a provision that would require approval from voters in Milwaukee to raise local sales taxes. Vos said could kill the bill that the Assembly passed.

ATV & UTV operators urged to ride safely

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Wisconsin ATV and UTV operators are urged to ride safe this season. Jake Holsclaw is Off-highway Vehicle Administrator with the Department of Natural Resources.

“First and foremost, we just want people to remember that, hey, these are like any recreational vehicle and they come with some responsibilities, right? So, we want to make sure that people are aware of how to operate these machines safely. We want to make sure that everybody’s wearing a helmet if at all possible.”

The DNR also recommends all ATV and UTV operators complete a safety course, which is also a requirement for younger operators. And as always, ride sober. Already this year, there have been 5 ATV and UTV fatalities in Wisconsin.

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