Racist texts target Wisconsinites, including kids (UNDATED)
Black students at UW Madison are among many nationwide to receive racist text messages. The texts can vary, some use the “n” word, but all make references to slave catchers and picking cotton. The senders also address the recipients by name. UW Madison police say state and federal agencies, including the FBI and the FCC, are investigating and that any students receiving such a text message can fill out a harassment, discrimination & bias report. It’s not just black adults getting such texts – children are targeted as well – including a 12-year-old girl in Milwaukee, prompting her family to wonder how the senders got her name and information. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has also condemned the racist rhetoric. Attorney General Josh Kaul says anyone who received a racist text should contact law enforcement.
State Supreme Court to hear abortion case (MADISON)
The Wisconsin Supreme Court hears an abortion case today. Abortion access in Wisconsin was blocked for more than a year following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade. Last September, in a case brought by Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul challenging the state’s 1849 law which had been interpreted as a ban, a Dane County judge ruled the law did not broadly apply to abortion. Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski, a Republican, asked the state Supreme Court in February to overturn the ruling. On Monday, the justices hear arguments that will determine whether or not that ruling stands.
Kaul says DOJ ready to defend Wisconsinite’s rights (MADISON)
Attorney General Josh Kaul says the state Department of Justice is prepared to “defend” the rights of Wisconsinites in the wake of election results. Kaul says that if the new Trump administration infringes upon the freedoms of Wisconsinites or attempts to use our system of justice as a tool for vengeance, DOJ ill act to protect the best interests of the people of the state of Wisconsin. Kaul’s remarks on Friday did not specify what that would look like. The AG said it would depend on what actions Trump takes once he enters office.
Teen at elementary school had airsoft guns (KENOSHA)
A weapons incident at a Kenosha school involved airsoft guns. A 13-year-old arrested after what Kenosha police describe as a school shooting threat was in court Friday morning on charges of making terroristic threats. The teen reportedly tried to enter Roosevelt Elementary School around 9:00 Thursday morning, carrying “suspicious bags.” When school staff tried to speak with him, he ran out of the building and was eventually taken into custody. A search warrant executed at the youth’s home Thursday afternoon found several airsoft replica handguns and a replica rifle – but no real firearms. According to police, the teen – a former student – claimed he went to the school to sell candy, but later told a social worker he had gone there to scare students. His mother told officers he had no access to real firearms.
Drowning ‘victim’ faked it (GREEN LAKE COUNTY)
A strange story out of Green Lake County. The sheriff’s office says they are no longer searching for a missing kayaker – instead, they believe the man faked his own disappearance and may be living somewhere in Europe. 45 year old Ryan Borgwardt was last seen on August 12th on Big Green Lake. Authorities believed Borgwardt had drowned, and searched relentlessly for him for 54 days. Last month, investigators learned Borgwardt’s name had been checked by law enforcement in Canada the day after he disappeared in Wisconsin. And Borgwardt had a second passport and had searched online about moving money to foreign banks.
Big buck in grocery store (MADISON)
An unusual shopper at a grocery store in Madison. Madison police say a 10 point buck entered the HyVee store on the east side through open pharmacy doors last Wednesday morning. The buck ran through the store until staff corralled him in the cooler area. Officers and animal control employees were able to barricade parts of the storage area in the back of the store and usher the buck out one of the doors. Madison police say the suspect is free and back out in the wild!
Billions in school referendums approved last week (UNDATED)
A record number of school referendums passed last week. A report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows 3 point 4 billion dollars in school tax increases were approved by voters last Tuesday. The largest among them were a pair of measures in Madison that increased spending by 600 million dollars over the next 21 years. That will go towards operating expenses as well as renovations at elementary and middle schools. Other major increases were approved in Kaukauna, Green Bay, and Janesville.
Move over or slow down for roadside workers (UNDATED)
Wisconsin’s Move Over Law requires drivers to provide a safety zone for law enforcement, emergency responders and maintenance vehicles stopped alongside the road with their emergency lights on. DOT says you can also avoid secondary crashes by being an attentive driver. In 2023, Wisconsin saw 760 secondary crashes resulting in 3 deaths and more than 380 injures. Over the past five years, 60 emergency responders were struck and injured by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in Wisconsin.
Look out for gas leaks as temps drop (UNDATED)
As temperatures begin to drop, keep an eye, and ear, out for signs of a natural gas leak. Those signs could include the smell of rotten eggs, a hissing sound near appliances, or visual cues like blowing dirt, bubbling water, or discolored vegetation. You should also keep exterior vents clear of snow and debris to avoid gas build up in the home. If you smell gas or notice any of these signs, move to a safe location and call 9-1-1.