Prosecutor won’t charge Musk for election interference (LA CROSSE COUNTY)
A special prosecutor won’t charge Elon Musk for election interference in Wisconsin. La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke declines to file criminal charges against the billionaire on allegations he illegally influenced Wisconsin’s 2025 Supreme Court election. Complaints brought by voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay were referred by the Wisconsin Elections Commission to Gruenke, who doesn’t believe a jury would convict Musk. The complaints referenced social media posts promising million-dollar giveaways tied to a campaign event for conservative candidate Brad Schimel. Gruenke calls an initial post “poorly worded and ambiguous,” while a second apparently recognized a potential violation and corrected it. He also notes that no one received anything of value in exchange for voting.
State unveils roadmap for reducing violence and preventable injuries (UNDATED)
A new roadmap for reducing violence and preventable injuries in Wisconsin. A new Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan from the Evers administration and Department of Health Services is the first in more than a decade. The five-year plan focuses on preventing child abuse, domestic violence, firearm injuries, drug overdoses, and suicides. It also outlines strategies for strengthening partnerships among schools, law enforcement, nonprofits, and public health agencies to improve public safety and reduce preventable deaths. Violent deaths in Wisconsin declined since 2022, with homicides down 19% and gun homicides down 25%.
Cash bond set for hemp store owner accused of selling illegal THC products (JANESVILLE)
A hemp store owner is being held on a $50,000 cash bond after prosecutors accused him of selling illegal THC products. 58-year-old Jerry McCoy, owner of Hemp 1848 stores in Rock and Green counties, faces more than a dozen drug charges. Investigators say undercover officers purchased THC cartridges that tested above legal limits before searches of McCoy’s businesses and home. Authorities say they found illegal THC products in stores and more than 33 pounds of marijuana at his Janesville residence. Prosecutors argued McCoy is a flight risk.
Madison police request $1.2 million for new tasers in 2027 budget (MADSION)
Madison Police are requesting 1 point 2 million dollars for new tasers. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the request is part of the department’s 2027 budget proposal which was submitted before last month’s deadly shooting of Corey Ruiz. Officers unsuccessfully deployed older versions of the less-than-lethal devices in an attempt to subdue Ruiz. He was then shot and killed by officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson. The request will be included in Madison’s capital budget which goes before the Common Council for debate next month.