Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris joined by Liz Cheney during campaign stop (RIPON)
Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris campaigned Thursday night in the birthplace of the Republican Party. During her stop in Ripon, Harris says Donald Trump violated the oath to uphold the Constitution by not accepting the results of the 2020 election. Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney says Harris will be able to unite the nation, and she’ll be a president who will defend the rule of law. The visit was Harris’ fifth to the battleground state since launching her campaign in July.
Wisconsin DOJ now in charge of Wausau ballot drop box investigation (WAUSAU)
The investigation into Wausau Mayor Doug Diny’s handling of the city’s ballot drop box is now in the hands of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. DOJ personnel conducted interviews at Wausau City Hall on Wednesday. That’s the same day Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Nick Ramos accompanied several Wausau residents to the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison. Ramos said they’ve asked for a review of Diny’s actions and that he be held accountable if any laws were broken. Diny maintains he did nothing wrong when he wheeled the unsecured drop box into his office nearly two weeks ago. Wausau’s city clerk had the box installed for use this past Monday, and it remains unclear what if any penalties Diny may face. The Wausau City Council will consider a resolution regarding the drop box at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Portage County man faces terrorism charges for allegedly threatening VP Harris, other Dems (STEVENS POINT)
A Portage County man is being held on a high cash bond for allegedly threatening to kill Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats. 56-year-old Robert Arnold allegedly made the threat in a voicemail message to the office of US Senator Ron Johnson. In the message, Arnold threatens Harris, US Senator Tammy Baldwin, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, state Representative Katrina Shankland and a Portage County supervisor who is running for state Assembly. Arnold is being held on a 50-thousand-dollar cash bond and will be back in court later this month to be formally charged with terrorism. His arrest comes as the US Department of Homeland Security warns of a heightened threat environment ahead of the presidential election.
Wis. DOJ can’t access sealed records in MKE Archdiocese bankruptcy case, says judge (MILWAUKEE)
Attorney General Josh Kaul will not be able to use sealed documents from the Milwaukee Archdiocse’s bankruptcy case to investigate sex crimes. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports a federal judge ruled last month that the AG’s office will not be allowed access to records that were sealed a decade ago in the wide-ranging bankruptcy case involving settlements with victims of clergy abuse. Kaul argued the files would remain confidential and not be released to the public, and the archdiocese was failing to provide records in his investigation. Judge Michael Halfenger said the files were sealed to protect victims. He ruled the D O J failed to provide sufficient reason to breach that confidentiality, and did not indicate how it would notify all of the victims whose files were being opened.
GBCI inmate formally charged with alleged hate crime murder of cellmate (GREEN BAY)
Green Bay Correctional Institution inmate Jackson Vogel was ordered Thursday to stand trial for allegedly killing his cellmate, Micah Laureano. Vogel is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for Laureano’s Aug. 27 death at the prison. The charges include hate crime enhancers, as Vogel allegedly targeted Laureano due to his race and sexual preference. Arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 15. Defense attorney Ann Larsen said she anticipates filing a speedy trial demand, which would require a trial within three months of the arraignment. Phyllis Laureano, Micah’s mother, says she is looking into filing a wrongful death civil rights lawsuit, contending Micah should not have been placed in the same cell as Vogel.
UW animal research facility hit with citations (MADISON)
A routine inspection by the US Department of Agriculture on conditions of animals in the care of UW Enzyme Researchers resulted in a handful of citations. The inspection report shows one non-critical and four critical citations regarding human error and several procedures performed on primates. In one critical incident, a group of macaques damaged a door separating them from another group. The primates were able to interact, resulting in injuries. UW – Madison says corrective measures have been taken.
Former correctional at troubled prison officer pleads no contest in connection to deaths of inmates (WAUPUN)
Sarah Ransbottom was initially charged with misconduct in public office but pleaded no contest last week to a lesser charge of violating laws governing state institutions. A criminal complaint alleges Ransbottom signed on record that she had completed cell checks at Waupun Correctional on February 21. Security camera footage showed she hadn’t. Inmate Donald Maier was found dead the following day. Nine people, including Ransbottom and former Waupun warden Randall Hepp, are charged in connection to the deaths of Maier and another inmate.