Governor Evers signs bipartisan 2025-27 budget (MADISON)
Governor Tony Evers has signed Wisconsin’s 2025-27 state budget. The Democratic governor signed the bipartisan agreement early Thursday morning after it was approved by the state Assembly. The two-year spending plan includes more than $1 billion in tax cuts backed by the Republican majority in the legislature, and increases in spending for the Universities of Wisconsin system, special education and childcare all backed by Democrats. Though four Republicans in the GOP-controlled state Senate voted against the plan, five Democrats joined the remaining Republicans in voting in favor of it, including Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein.
Fugitive on the run since 2007 arrested in Wisconsin (OCONOMOWOC)
A fugitive who has spent over 17 years on the run has been arrested in Wisconsin. Agustin Rivera-Contreras was wanted on a 2007 arrest warrant in Texas for violating the conditions of supervised release and being in the country illegally. He was also under court-ordered supervision for aiding and abetting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. After following a tip submitted in May to a Wisconsin Cold Case Unit, U.S. Marshals found Rivera-Contreras Tuesday at a home in Oconomowoc hiding in a closet under a pile of clothes.
Nine people from Wisconsin accused of involvement in interstate car theft ring (MILWAUKEE)
Nine Wisconsinites accused of being part of a multimillion-dollar interstate car theft ring have been federally charged. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says from 2019 to early 2024, a total of 23 people from six states named in the indictment were involved in the theft of more than 175 high-end vehicles from dealerships, factories and airports including Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. Those charged are also accused of transporting the vehicles across state lines, altering vehicle ID numbers, making fake motor vehicle titles, and selling the stolen cars for money and drugs. All the defendants are charged with conspiracy and face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, with some facing additional charges.
Ex-teacher accused of grooming student gets jail time (KENOSHA)
A former Kenosha teacher accused of grooming a student is heading to jail. 30-year-old Christian Enwright was sentenced Wednesday to more than a year of in jail, with three years of probation. Prosecutors said Enwright sent multiple Snapchat messages to a 14-year-old student, some with sexual implications. He was fired from his teaching job at the Kenosha School of Techology in May of last year. Enright pleaded guilty in April to a dozen misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct. He is also prohibited from contacting the victim or the victim’s family.