SWAT team officers kill suspect in exchange of gunfire (CHIPPEWA COUNTY)
Police SWAT team members shot and killed a suspect in an exchange of gunfire in Chippewa County over the weekend. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice the fatal shooting followed a response to a domestic incident by Chippewa County deputies around 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the Town of Lafayette. The suspect drove away as deputies arrived, did not stop and later crashed. After the crash, the suspect fired at law enforcement, hitting a squad car and an armored vehicle. Two members of the Eau Claire Regional SWAT Team fired at the suspect who died at the scene. Officers involved will be placed on administrative leave while the state Division of Criminal Investigation leads the investigation.
Kaul talks firearms access in wake of school shooting (MADISON)
Attorney General Josh Kaul hopes state lawmakers will address firearms access. In an interview following the Abundant Life school shooting in Madison, the Democratic AG said there are policies he’s advocated for, including the so called “gun show loophole” which allows for the sale of guns by private parties without the background checks required of federally licensed dealers.
Others would include restoring a 48 hour waiting period on handgun purchases and instituting some sort of red flag law. Kaul said that making sure that there are policies in place that keep firearms out of the hands of those who could harm others or themselves should be a priority. With Republicans still in control of both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, the opportunity to advance firearms legislation remains unclear.
WisDOT calling 2024 a successful year(UNDATED)
In 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation moved forward 380 improvement projects valued at more than $1.3 billion. WisDOT also launched four new programs including a driver education grant, electric vehicle infrastructure projects, a bridge inventory program, and its Agricultural Roads Improvement Program. WisDOT launched the new Amtrak Borealis service in 2024, the first passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin in 22 years. The Borealis doubles service between the Twin Cities and Chicago with eight stops in Wisconsin. WisDOT also welcomed Wisconsin’s first female secretary of transportation, Kristina Boardman.
$2 million in grant funding announced for emergency housing across WI (UNDATED)
More than 50 organizations will get funding from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to improve emergency shelters, transitional residences, and extremely low-income housing. Governor Tony Evers says expanding access to affordable housing remains a priority, and the grants will provide critical resources to those who need them and help foster safer spaces for Wisconsinites. Over the last five years, more than 17,000 affordable housing units and more than 26,000 housing units have been built across the state.
Southeast WI police investigate racist fliers (UNDATED)
Police across southeast Wisconsin are investigating after numerous racist leaflets were thrown into people’s yards. Milwaukee police say those leaflets were sealed in plastic bags, and announced a fake mass deportation that would take effect when president-elect Trump was inaugurated. The leaflet also contains a number of hate speech messages aimed at immigrants. Whitewater police also announced they were investigating racist leaflets, but did not post more information on their social media message.
Red Cross holds massive Christmas Eve blood drive (MADISON)
The Red Cross is keeping its doors open for a Christmas Eve blood drive in Madison. The annual blood drive will be at the Alliant Energy Center from 7 am to 1 pm. All are welcome to donate, and you don’t need to make an appointment. The Red Cross says it needs all blood types, but is hoping for Type O donors. To find out more, or make an appointment, visit Red Cross Blood dot Org. Be sure to bring your ID card or a donor card.