Scott Bauer

Madison police officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson was identified as the officer who fatally shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz during a July confrontation over reports of someone checking parked cars and an alleged burglary attempt. Ruiz’s family and attorney Ben Crump called for charges, while the Wisconsin Professional Police Association urged the public not to prejudge the officers. Baitinger-Peterson and three other officers were placed on paid leave as the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigates; Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne will decide whether charges are filed. The shooting prompted protests over racial justice, and no body-camera footage exists because Madison officers do not wear them.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that guardianship records sought by activist Ron Heuer and the Wisconsin Voter Alliance are not public, blocking their effort to compare individuals deemed incompetent to vote with state voter rolls. The 5–2 decision concluded that state law classifies the documents as confidential, resolving conflicting lower court rulings. Supporters of the decision cited privacy concerns, while dissenting justices argued that voting‑ineligibility forms should be accessible. The case reflects ongoing attempts by some conservatives to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election, despite multiple reviews upholding President Biden’s victory and the absence of pending challenges to the 2024 results.