Quantcast

The Sconi

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Joins Multistate Coalition to Defend U.S. EPA’s Light-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards

Attorney General Josh Kaul, alongside 23 attorneys general and four cities, has taken a stand in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s final rule for light- and medium-duty vehicles emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. The coalition filed a motion to intervene in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to support the EPA's efforts to set stricter tailpipe emissions standards for harmful air pollutants."In setting high but achievable vehicle emissions standards, the EPA’s final rule is a step forward in addressing climate...

By The Sconi | Apr 29, 2024

Local Government

AG Kaul Opens Public Comment Period for Request for an Attorney General Opinion on Constitutional Amendment regarding Election Officials

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced the opening of the public comment period for a request for an Attorney General (AG) opinion on a constitutional amendment concerning election officials. The request, initiated by the Dane County Corporation Counsel, seeks clarification on the recent amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution regarding election officials.In accordance with the process, the Wisconsin Department of Justice is inviting public input on the proposed AG opinion topics before the opinion is finalized. The AG opinion request document can be...

By The Sconi | Apr 29, 2024

Latest News

Medium xswkul3s1m0tpzahijyg1neki06r

Local Government

Common Cause Wisconsin Supports Clear Rules for Election Observers

By The Sconi | Apr 26, 2024

Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) has expressed its support for the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Draft Election Observer Rule EL 4. In a statement by Jay Heck, the Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin, CC/WI emphasized the importance of establishing clear rules and standards for election observers in the state.Heck stated, "Common Cause Wisconsin supports the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Draft Election Observer, Rule EL 4," highlighting the organization's endorsement of the draft rule. The statement further reiterated CC/WI's backing of the rule in...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Releases Update at Three-Year Anniversary of Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative

By The Sconi | Apr 25, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul of Wisconsin has provided an update on the progress of the Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse Initiative, as the state marks the three-year anniversary of its launch. The initiative aims to address and investigate cases of abuse by clergy and faith leaders in Wisconsin.In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the department's commitment to supporting survivors and conducting independent reviews of abuse cases. He urged individuals with information about clergy and faith leader abuse to come forward, stating, “If you have information about...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Brief Filed Asking Wisconsin Supreme Court to Overrule Ban on Drop Boxes in Wisconsin Elections: Statement from Attorney General Kaul

By The Sconi | Apr 25, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has filed a response brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, arguing against the ban on drop boxes in Wisconsin elections. In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the importance of safe, secure, and accessible voting, stating, "Voting should be safe, secure and accessible — and drop boxes are. Unfortunately, the use of drop boxes has been swept into the broader and baseless attacks on our elections and our democracy."The Attorney General further explained the rationale behind the filing, saying, "Through our filing,...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Urges Congress to Expand Access to Reproductive Health Services

By The Sconi | Apr 24, 2024

On April 24, 2024, Attorney General Josh Kaul, alongside a coalition of 21 attorneys general, called on Congress to pass the Access to Family Building Act to protect the right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) nationwide. The move comes in the wake of a recent Alabama Supreme Court decision that placed essential reproductive health services at risk by classifying frozen embryos used during IVF as people.Attorney General Kaul expressed concern over the necessity of such legislation, stating, "It’s stunning that legislation like this has become necessary." He...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

By The Sconi | Apr 22, 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that this upcoming Saturday, April 27, 2023, is National Drug Take Back Day. Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Cleaning out your medicine cabinet to get rid of unused and unwanted medications can help with the fight against the opioid epidemic.” Wisconsinites are encouraged to participate in the more than 135 events planned across the state, in collaboration with over 248 participating law enforcement agencies.The initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient, and...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded Grants from State Opioid Settlement Funds

By The Sconi | Apr 18, 2024

Twelve Tribal nations, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies have been awarded grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to address the dangers of opioid use in their communities. The projects funded by these grants focus on prevention, intervention, and treatment activities aimed at combating the opioid epidemic.Attorney General Josh Kaul highlighted the importance of law enforcement agencies in the fight against the opioid epidemic, emphasizing the significance of prevention and intervention efforts. Governor Tony Evers acknowledged the...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Office of School Safety Provides Behavioral and Threat Assessment Management Training Ahead of 25th Anniversary of Columbine Shooting

By The Sconi | Apr 17, 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) is conducting a Behavioral and Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) training in Appleton, Wis. as part of preparations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting.Attorney General Josh Kaul highlighted the importance of such trainings, stating, "It has been 25 years since the Columbine tragedy, and, sadly, violence in schools hasn’t gone away. The need to be vigilant about school safety has only become clearer... we must take a proactive approach to keeping kids safe in school."...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Wisconsin ICAC Task Force Conference on Missing and Exploited Children Highlights Increase in Sextortion Cases

By The Sconi | Apr 16, 2024

The 5th annual ICAC Conference on Missing and Exploited Children in Appleton, Wis. has commenced, with a focus on the alarming rise of sextortion cases involving children. Attorney General Josh Kaul expressed the importance of keeping children safe, thanking participants and agencies for their dedication to combating internet crimes against children.Sextortion, a form of child sexual exploitation, was highlighted at the conference. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a significant increase in cases, particularly in financial sextortion...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Announces Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with U.S. DOT

By The Sconi | Apr 16, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has unveiled a new collaboration between Wisconsin and the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) aimed at enhancing consumer protections for airline passengers. The partnership focuses on addressing and resolving consumer complaints against airlines and ticket agents, with a particular emphasis on ensuring compliance with federal aviation consumer protection regulations.Kaul emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Airlines and ticket agents conducting business in Wisconsin must do so honestly and treat...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Death Investigation in Park Falls, Wis.

By The Sconi | Apr 14, 2024

PARK FALLS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating a death in Park Falls, Wis. that occurred on the afternoon of April 13, 2024.At approximately 4:09 p.m., officers with the Park Falls Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near the 600 block of 2nd Avenue North in Park Falls. When they arrived, officers found a deceased adult with multiple gunshot wounds. A handgun was found at the scene. A suspect has been taken into custody."There is no danger to the public at this time," assured the...

Medium azillegals

Local Government

Murderers, Robbers, Child Molesters: An analysis of March 2024 illegal alien arrests in Wisconsin

By The Sconi News Service | Apr 13, 2024

The U.S.-Mexico border has seen 894,469 illegal alien encounters to date in the 2024 fiscal year, according to the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP).

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Officer Involved Shooting in Wisconsin Under Investigation

By The Sconi | Apr 12, 2024

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently looking into an officer-involved shooting that took place in the Town of Grand Chute, Wis. on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024.According to reports, deputies from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash in the 2800 block of W. Prospect Avenue in the Town of Grand Chute. Upon arrival, they encountered an individual brandishing a knife. Despite attempts to subdue the individual with a taser, one deputy resorted to discharging...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Joins Multistate Coalition in Defense of Federal Climate Disclosures Rule

By The Sconi | Apr 12, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a coalition of 19 states in support of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) climate disclosure rules. These rules, which were recently published, mandate that public companies disclose climate-related risks that could significantly impact their business operations.In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "Publicly listed companies should be transparent about their climate-related costs and risks." He highlighted the significance of the rules in ensuring that companies provide...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Supports the EPA’s Listing of Nine PFAS Compounds as Hazardous Constituents

By The Sconi | Apr 10, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul has expressed his support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's move to designate nine PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In a comment letter submitted alongside a coalition of 12 states, Kaul emphasized the importance of taking action to address PFAS contamination.“The EPA’s proposal to list these chemicals as hazardous constituents under RCRA would facilitate the cleanup of PFAS contamination,” Attorney General Kaul stated. “We must use the tools available under state and...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Custom Apparel Business Owner Sued for Unpaid Wages Owed to Former Employees

By The Sconi | Apr 9, 2024

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice, on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, today filed a lawsuit against Jeremy Kruk for unlawful labor practices as it relates to his former custom apparel business, Crushin It Promotions, LLC.“This case alleges that the defendant engaged in unacceptable business practices,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “We will work to ensure that the impacted employees receive what they’re owed.”"Fair workplaces depend on upholding the laws that govern labor practices," Department of Workforce Development...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

AG Kaul Takes Action to Defend Wisconsinites from Predatory Personal Lending Company

By The Sconi | Apr 5, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul of Wisconsin has taken a stand against predatory lending practices by joining a multistate lawsuit targeting Mariner Finance for violating consumer protection laws. The lawsuit alleges that Mariner Finance engaged in deceptive practices by charging consumers for hidden add-on products without their consent, leading to significant financial harm.According to Attorney General Kaul, the lawsuit accuses Mariner Finance of misleading consumers and adding substantial amounts to their loan obligations through undisclosed fees and premiums. In 2019...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Investigation Underway in Officer-Involved Death in Rock County, Wisconsin

By The Sconi | Apr 1, 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is looking into an officer-involved death that took place in Beloit, Wisconsin on Saturday, March 16, 2024.During the incident, Sergeant Lewis, a law enforcement officer with 15 years of service, fired his weapon, striking the suspect, Ray Castro, who was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Sergeant Lewis is currently on administrative leave as part of the department's policy.Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, including the Rock County Medical Examiner’s...

Medium h71gb5iyrcm5d4pbagzujmw44tlg

Local Government

Attorney General Kaul Joins a Coalition Taking Action Against Idaho’s Draconian Abortion Ban

By The Sconi | Mar 29, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul and Gov. Tony Evers have joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in supporting the Biden administration's challenge to Idaho's near-total ban on abortion. In an amicus brief filed in United States of America v. Idaho, the coalition backed the U.S. government's argument that the ban conflicts with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Attorney General Kaul pointed out that the ban not only endangers the lives and health of pregnant individuals in Idaho but also has serious repercussions on the health systems of other states. He...