UPFRONT: Toney, Kaul meet in attorney general’s debate (UNDATED)
Similar messages on Flock Safety cameras from candidates for state attorney general. On WISN’s UPFRONT, incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul says he’s worried about Wisconsin becoming a surveillance state, and wants to limit how the information from automated cameras can be used by investigators. Republican Fond du Lac district attorney Eric Toney says there need to be guardrails on law enforcement officers who use the cameras for investigations with penalties for those who misuse the tech. Both candidates agree the legislature needs to step in and make a decision on automated surveillance systems rather than forcing local communities to navigate laws and rules on their use. Toney also accused Kaul of facilitating a slowdown in DNA processing at the state crime lab. “We’re starting to see why earlier this year, he’s had a hiring freeze in place over various amounts of time, dating back to 2022, which is probably why these key public safety positions haven’t been filled.” Kaul says Republican leadership in the Legislature has been stifling efforts to expand the crime lab. “I have asked for significant investments in the crime lab and specifically for DNA analysts in each of the last two state budgets. And in each of those budgets, the legislature provided zero additional DNA analysts.” This will be the only televised debate between the two before the November election.
Milwaukee County limits use of communication tablets for some jail residents (MILWAUKEE)
Milwaukee County is limiting features on digital communication tablets at one of two county corrections facilities. County executive David Crowley announced Friday his office is suspending use of online messaging on digital tablets at the Community Reintegration Center. Those tablets are meant for use by jail residents to communicate with family and loved ones among other features, but there have been instances of abuse. Crowley says his order can only extend to the C R C, and that the sheriff’s department must make a call regarding the use of the tablets at the jail. The issue has become a flashpoint in the governor’s race, where Republican candidate Congressman Tom Tiffany says Democrat Crowley dragged his feet issuing a ruling on the tablets until it became a campaign issue.
Madison & Dane Co. fuel Wisconsin population growth (MADISON)
Madison and Dane County lead Wisconsin’s population growth. Numbers released by the state Department of Administration show Wisconsin’s population increased nearly 2.9% as of January 1 compared to the 2020 Census. Dane County saw the largest increase, up 59,861 residents compared to six years earlier, to 621,365 residents for an increase of 10.7%. Madison now has 300,153 residents, an increase of 9.3% compared to 2020. Calumet County grew by 4,801 residents, up 9.15%, St. Croix County added 7,446 residents, up nearly 8%, and Eau Claire County added 7,365 residents up nearly 7%.
Trial set for Javarius Hurd in 2024 death of Corey Proulx at Lincoln Hills (TOMAHAWK)
Trial is set for a man charged in the death of Lincoln Hills youth counselor. Eighteen-year-old Javarius Hurd is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by prisoners in the June 2024 death of 49-year-old Corey Proulx. His trial is set to begin October 19 in Lincoln County Court and is expected to last two weeks. Hurd appeared for a pretrial hearing on Thursday with his defense attorney. Hurd was 16 at the time he allegedly assaulted Proulx and another staff member at the youth prison. Proulx fell, struck his head on pavement and was later declared brain-dead. Another inmate, 18-year-old Rian Nyblom received a five-year sentence in August of last year after pleading guilty to two counts related to Proulx’s death.
Wisconsin Report Shows Gun Violence Remains Major Concern (UNDATED)
A new report from the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort finds gun violence remains a significant public health issue across the state. The group’s latest data shows 735 firearm deaths in Wisconsin in 2024, including 507 suicides. Executive Director Nick Matuszewski says firearm suicides continue to account for the majority of gun deaths and are especially prevalent in rural communities. The report also notes that young Black men are disproportionately affected by gun homicides, while middle-aged and older white men face the highest rates of firearm suicide. The organization is calling on lawmakers to make gun violence prevention a priority during the next legislative session.
Try and candlelit hike at a state park this fall (UNDATED)
Try a candlelit hike at a Wisconsin state park this fall. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting residents to enjoy candlelight hikes, fall festivals and other seasonal events at state parks, forests and recreation areas through October and November. Trails will be lit by candles and torches, with many events also featuring campfires, pumpkin carving, s’mores and family activities. Most locations require a state park vehicle admission pass, and a full schedule is available on the DNR events calendar.