Mississippi’s Senator-elect Scott Colom is UW Law School alum (MADISON)
There’s a UW connection to a historic US Senate win. University of Wisconsin Law School graduate Scott Colom’s successful U.S. Senate campaign in Mississippi contributed to the wave which saw Democrats win majorities in the House and Senate in November’s midterms. Colom defeated Republican incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to the bring Democrats to 55 of 100 Senate seats, the eighth seat flipped by Democrats. Colom graduated from the UW Law School in 2009 and was awarded the 40 Under 40 Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 2020. In an interview with the school’s alumni magazine that year, Colom said his time at the UW Law School “strengthened his resolve to change the criminal justice system from within.” Colom has served since 2016 as a district attorney in Mississippi. He’s the first Democrat elected senator from the state since 1982 and the first Black U.S. Senator from Mississippi since 1874.
Oshkosh Defense receives $31 million order from U.S. Army (OSHKOSH)
Oshkosh Defense has released the details of a new order placed by the U.S. Army. The company has been constructing mine resistant and bulletproof vehicles for the military since 1939, and the latest $31 million order continues that tradition. The Army placed an order for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) M1081 4×4 and 6×6 Cargo vehicles, which are designed to support airborne and rapidly deployable units. Jeff Heggemeier, the Vice President and General Manager, Oshkosh Defense, explained, “The FMTV A2’s flexibility allows it to be adapted to various mission sets, and Oshkosh Defense remains committed to delivering adaptable, reliable vehicles that meet the pace of operational requirements.” This latest batch of vehicles follows more than $75 million in orders received by Oshkosh Defense this year.
New case of bird flu in northern Wisconsin (RUSK COUNTY)
Another case of avian influenza in Wisconsin. DATCP on Thursday confirmed a case of the highly contagious illness in Rusk County in northern Wisconsin. This case was in a backyard flock, and the birds have already been culled to prevent the spread of the illness. Many cases involving outdoor flocks of birds are transmitted by passing migratory birds, and ag officials recommend you keep your own flocks separated from any possible contamination.
Kenosha County man accused of making fake porn of his ex (PLEASANT PRAIRIE)
A Kenosha County man faces the state’s first charges under a new image manipulation law. Police say 23-year-old Tristan Preuss created multiple fake social media accounts posing as his ex-girlfriend, and then used AI powered software to create fake nude images to post to those accounts. Preuss faces 12 counts of posting fake porn of a real person, made illegal last year. Preuss reported confessed to police, saying he didn’t know it was illegal and said he had no reason behind doing it other than his own satisfaction. He’ll be back in court for an initial appearance next month.
BECI powerline developer pushed back timeline (UNDATED)
The developer behind a controversial powerline project in Wisconsin is pushing back its timeline. Midcontinent Grid Solutions is pushing back public engagement on its BECI Project. The company now plans to hold public open houses in the first quarter of 2027 and says it won’t file its state regulatory application before May 1st. “The proposed 190-mile transmission line would stretch from Crawford County in western Wisconsin to Rock County and is intended to strengthen power grids and prevent potential electrical overloads. No final route has been selected. The company says it’s extending the timeline to give landowners and communities more time to ask questions and provide input.
Wisconsin part of $63 million settlement with Family Dollar over alleged overcharging (UNDATED)
Wisconsin is part of a multimillion settlement with Family Dollar over alleged overcharging. Family Dollar has agreed to a $63 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and 17 states, including Wisconsin. According to a complaint, thousands of Family Dollar stores overcharged shoppers, including in low-income communities. In the last five years, state and local regulators cited Family Dollar for thousands of pricing violations, resulting in fines exceeding $3 million. Family Dollar will have to establish a $40 million consumer redress fund payable to eligible consumers and a $20 million discount program for store customers.