Ron Johnson prepares for budget writing role

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Without a reelection of his own to worry about in Wisconsin, Johnson has the freedom to devote himself to being a budget warrior in the waning days of the Republican trifecta.”

– Barry Burden, a professor of political science at UW-Madison

Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is set to take up the gavel as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) — giving Johnson significant sway over federal spending decisions as President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans push to pass a third budget bill before this fall’s midterm elections. Henry Redman reports on a plan that includes voting restrictions and budget cuts in a reconciliation bill avoiding Democratic votes.

Democratic candidates vying for the chance to flip Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional seat for the first time in 16 years made their case during a debate Tuesday night. Baylor Spears covers the contenders — Fred Clark, Ginger Murray and Chris Armstrong — who criticized President Trump and mass deportation and offered differing prescriptions for healthcare reform.

This year, more than half a dozen states have passed new laws reshaping their juvenile legal systems. While some have adopted measures designed to divert more young people from incarceration, others have sought to impose stiffer penalties and expand prosecutors’ authority to pursue adult charges. Amanda Watford of Stateline reports.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, likely broke the law when he gave $1 million checks to voters ahead of the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, the state’s elections commission decided last week. Henry Redman has the details.

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