Wisconsin

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan enters plea in first federal court appearance since indictment for blocking immigration arrest

Published

6 months ago

May 15, 2025

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan enters plea in first federal court appearance since indictment for blocking immigration arrest

The Wisconsin judge who allegedly helped an illegal migrant evade immigration authorities pleaded not guilty through her attorney on Thursday.

Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan entered the preliminary plea in federal court, which was surrounded by a swarm of protesters supporting the judge, who has become a symbol of resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

Dugan, 66, was arrested last month after being accused of obstruction of justice and concealing Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz from federal law enforcement.

Stay up to date on the Wisconsin judge who allegedly helped a migrant doge ICE

She is accused of rushing Flores-Ruiz, who is accused of domestic battery, out of her courtroom and encouraging him to use an exit that is not usually available to the public to help him evade immigration agents who were there to bust him.

She has denied wrongdoing in the case, with the defense seeking to have the charges dismissed, arguing that the judge is entitled to judicial immunity for her official acts.

Former US Solicitor General Paul Clement, who is on Dugan’s legal team, has slammed the prosecution as unprecedented and unconstitutional.

Dugan’s lawyers have requested a speedy trial during Thursday’s hearing, which lasted only five minutes.

The high-profile arrest led to outcry from Democrats, with protesters lining up outside the courthouse on Thursday in support of Dugan.

The protesters flashed signs that read, “Free Judge Dungan,” as they also criticized the spade of deportations under President Trump.

Dugan’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 21.

The two charges against Dugan carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin will join lawsuit against USDA to force release of FoodShare funds, Evers says

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Press Room

Wisconsin will join lawsuit against USDA to force release of FoodShare funds, Evers says

Wisconsin is joining a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over FoodShare funding.
The lawsuit aims to force the release of contingency funds before benefits run out on November 1 due to a federal government shutdown.
The USDA recently changed its guidance, stating contingency funds cannot be used for benefit payments.
Wisconsin’s state legislature is unlikely to provide state funding to continue the program.

Wisconsin will join a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to force the release of contingency funding for FoodShare before benefits run dry for thousands of Wisconsin residents on Nov. 1.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers made the announcement Oct. 27 at a roundtable event at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Martin Luther King Branch, where community advocates warned looming cuts to government programs would impact their businesses.

“The good news is, the federal government can (release the FoodShare money),” Evers told reporters. “They can do it; there’s nothing stopping them from doing it. In fact, we’re going to be suing them for not using the funds that they have.”

The forthcoming lawsuit will argue that both USDA and the Office of Management and Budget have previously and recently said that SNAP benefits are an obligation of the United States.

Before Friday, the USDA advised $3 billion worth of contingency funding could be used for administrative costs and benefit payments in the event of a shutdown. But on Oct. 24, the agency issued a new memo saying funding cannot legally be used for such purposes.

The lawsuit is scheduled to be filed just a few days before federal funding for the FoodShare program will evaporate because of the federal government shutdown.

At that point, FoodShare enrollees may use leftover benefits during the month of November but will not receive any new benefits until the government reopens.

Wisconsin and the other states suing the federal government together provide more than 21 million individuals with food assistance, according to Evers’ office.

State lawmakers could create a new state-funded appropriation to keep the program alive as the shutdown continues, but Senate President Mary Felzkowski said this week the Legislature is unlikely to do that, calling the matter a federal issue.

Evers cannot act alone by issuing an executive order to continue the program, his office said, because the state Legislature has the power to appropriate money.

In September, about $116 million in benefits were issued to FoodShare recipients, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

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Wisconsin

A Scenic Waterfall Anchors Wisconsin’s Idyllic Milwaukee Suburb With Shops, Trails, And Creative Charm – Islands

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2025

Press Room

A Scenic Waterfall Anchors Wisconsin’s Idyllic Milwaukee Suburb With Shops, Trails, And Creative Charm – Islands

Anthony Jackson/Getty Images

For an easy getaway from Milwaukee filled with gorgeous natural scenery and artistic spirit, this charming pocket of Wisconsin has it all. Like Westby and its unique Scandinavian flair, Menomonee Falls is one of the best hidden gems in Wisconsin, thanks to its small town charm brimming with history, a thriving local community bursting with artistry, and even a stunning waterfall or two. To reach this adorable suburb, fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is a 35-minute drive from town. Be sure to also spend some time in Milwuakee, which is a lively Midwestern city with beaches, breweries, and bliss. Buses also operate from the airport into the Menomonee Falls area, leaving every 20 minutes and requiring just under an hour ride. However, the closest bus stop is a few miles outside of town, meaning you will then need a taxi or Uber ride into Menomonee Falls.

Menomonee Falls is also easily accessible from other major cities like Madison, which is an hour-and-a-half away by car, and Chicago, which is a roughly two hour drive. Accommodation options are somewhat limited right in Menomonee Falls — but the 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Menomonee Falls Milwaukee is a well-rated choice. Here, enjoy amenities like free breakfast, free parking, a fitness center, and a pool. You’re also just about 30 minutes from Grafton, Wisconsin’s growing Milwaukee suburb with a vibrant downtown, giving you a chance to explore more of the charming Midwest.

Scenic nature in Menomonee Falls

Waterfall, gazebo, and fall foliage in Menomonee Falls

Quinn Kampschroer/Shutterstock

Nature is abundant around Menomonee Falls, so be sure to spend some time outdoors while you’re here. One of the area’s best green spaces is the 16-mile Bugline Trail, which stretches from Menomonee Falls all the way to North Lake in nearby Merton. Along this paved trail, you can still see some of the limestone quarries that date back to the town’s early years.

You don’t need to venture far to see Menomonee Falls’ waterfalls — right within the downtown district, on Main Street, find one of the town’s highlights, the Leper Dam. First constructed in 1851 for a flour mill, the current dam dates back to 1954 and is a must-see. Tucked within the 2.5-acre Mill Pond Park, you’ll also find a picturesque gazebo and occasional outdoor events in this local cornerstone. To visit the town’s namesake falls, head to the 19-acre Lime Kiln Park — apart from the falls, find preserved lime kilns which date back to the late 1800s. And if you’d like to get a more complete look at Menomonee Falls’ rich history, head to Old Falls Village Historical Park and Museum, an 18-acre historical park that features historic homes and buildings, and often other events ranging from reenactments to beer gardens and orchestra concerts.

Menomonee Falls’ vibrant downtown

Tucked within Menomonee Falls’ downtown, you’ll discover an array of enchanting shops and creative corners. One of the town’s most delightful spaces is Poppy & Thyme, where you’ll find all sorts of handmade goods ranging from home goods to bath products. And if you haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for, why not make it yourself? Here, you can make your own custom perfume, candle, or even nail polish, meaning you’ll walk away with a Menomonee Falls souvenir that’s truly perfect for you.

As long as you’re with less than four people total, no need to make a reservation — just feel free to drop in and grab a seat at the make and take bar. If you’re planning to visit on a Saturday though, you still may want to make a reservation, as seats are first come, first served. The Art Lounge is another gem. Here, you’ll get to enjoy a cafe serving up flatbread pizza, cheesecake, beer, wine, and more, alongside an art gallery that offers numerous classes, workshops, and other lively events like music nights. The Art Lounge is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For even more options, take a quick stroll down Main Street, as it’s home to an assortment of boutique stores, restaurants, and other eclectic shops.

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Wisconsin

No. 6 Oregon survives lackluster performance with 21-7 win over Wisconsin

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2025

Press Room

No. 6 Oregon survives lackluster performance with 21-7 win over Wisconsin

EUGENE, Ore. — Jordon Davison ran for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns and No. 6 Oregon overcame a slow start to hand Wisconsin its sixth straight loss with a lackluster 21-7 victory on a rainy Saturday night.

Dante Moore threw for just 86 yards the Ducks (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten), who didn’t score their first touchdown until late in the opening half. Moore left with an apparent face injury in the third quarter.

Wisconsin avoided its third straight shutout with Hunter Simmon’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Lance Mason with 7:57 to go in the game. The touchdown snapped a drought of 11 straight quarters without a point for the Badgers (2-6, 0-5).

Wisconsin was coming off a 37-0 loss at home to Iowa and a 34-0 loss last weekend to No. 1 Ohio State, also at Camp Randall. The Badgers hadn’t gone scoreless in three straight games since 1968.

Given Wisconsin’s struggles, Oregon got off to an uncharacteristically slow start, with just 21 yards of total offense, including minus-16 rushing yards, and just two first downs in the first quarter.

Oregon didn’t manage to score until Davison’s 3-yard touchdown run with 1:07 left in the first half. The Ducks opened the second half with Davison’s 20-yard run for another score to make it 14-0.

Moore took a knock to his face in the third quarter but kept his helmet on after being treated in the medical tent on the sideline. Backup Brock Thomas took over and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gernorris Wilson early in the fourth.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) is sacked by Wisconsin linebacker Mason Reiger (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. Credit: AP/Lydia Ely

Wisconsin was missing many key players because of injuries, including its top two running backs, Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree. The Badgers’ leading tackler, linebacker Christian Alliegro, was also out as were the team’s top two centers, Jake Renfro and Kerry Kodanko and punt returner Tyrell Henry and safety safety Preston Zachman.

Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards has played just one full series since he was hurt in the opener. Simmons, a transfer from Southern Illinois who started the season as the team’s third string quarterback, threw for 86 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Takeaways

The uninspired performance against a team with a lengthy losing streak certainly won’t raise the Ducks’ profile on the national stage. Oregon’s last game at Autzen Stadium was a 30-20 loss to Indiana two weeks ago.