Matt Smith
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Articles by Matt Smith
Push to expand Wisconsin 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum 25 years after attacks
KEWASKUM, Wis. - Americans will pause on Friday to remember 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, including in Kewaskum, home to the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial. "I know it's the 25th anniversary, but you have to understand, for our family and the 2,976 other families, every day is 9/11," said Gordy Haberman, whose daughter Andrea Haberman died in the attacks.
Democrats preach unity at annual corn roast after bruising primary ahead of November
State Sen. Brad Pfaff says Democrats must focus on "bread and butter affordability issues" in order to unite and win in November as he hosted numerous candidates at his annual corn roast at the La Crosse County Fairgrounds. "I think that is front and center," Pfaff said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT" which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics. "One thing that Rep.
Democrats push unity at annual corn roast in western Wisconsin
Democrats pushed a message of unity Wednesday night during the annual and popular corn roast at the La Crosse County Fairgrounds.
Crowley announces policy changes to Flock cameras in Milwaukee County
MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, the Democratic candidate for governor, is calling for more "transparency and accountability" statewide when it comes to the use of Flock cameras and is implementing a number of changes within Milwaukee County targeting the AI tech company and its vast network of cameras that record license plates. Crowley signed an executive order Tuesday, as county executive, announcing changes to the use of Flock cameras in the county.
Sheboygan mayor accuses Flock of violating contract with city, cameras now covered citywide
Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson says the city is pushing to end its contract with Flock, accusing the AI tech company of violating its contract with the city, in what's become the latest move by municipalities taking action against the company that has assembled a vast network of cameras nationwide that read license plates.
Crowley leads Tiffany among likely voters in new Marquette poll
The Marquette University Law School poll was unveiled Wednesday
Crowley, Tiffany weigh in on President Trump's mail-in voting fight
The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way Monday for President Donald Trump to potentially restrict mail-in voting, a move coming from a divided high court just 70 days ahead of the November election. The president's executive order would create a national citizenship list and direct the U.S. Postal Service not to send ballots to anyone who doesn't appear on that list. Both Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates, Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley, weighed in during campaign events Tuesday.
Milwaukee's top election official will appear in first post primary interview Sunday on 'UPFRONT'
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutierrez will appear Sunday on "UPFRONT" in her first interview since "human error" at the city's central count led to delays in reporting the August primary results. "The most important thing that I want voters to understand is that this had absolutely no impact on the accuracy of the election results," Gutierrez said in a clip released Friday. "It had an impact on when those results were posted.
Democratic socialists urge Crowley to adopt some of its policies ahead of November
MILWAUKEE - Days after David Crowley secured a victory over democratic socialist Francesca Hong, testing the power of the growing progressive and democratic socialist movement, the movement in Wisconsin is now signaling the Crowley campaign will need them in November. "It's unlikely Crowley is going to receive the DSA endorsements," Robert Lasica said, the communications coordinator for the Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America chapter.
Crowley has slight edge over Tiffany in first new poll since Tuesday's primary
A new Badger Battleground poll shows David Crowley with a narrow early lead over Tom Tiffany, 48% to 44%. The poll, which was exclusively released Sunday on "UPFRONT" was taken last Wednesday and Thursday among 500 likely voters and commissioned by Platform Communications. It's one of the first snapshots in the race for governor after Crowley beat Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary last week.
Crowley, Tiffany sit down for interviews set to air Sunday on 'UPFRONT'
Democratic nominee David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany discuss the state of the race in interviews set to air Sunday
Hong, Crowley set to test power of progressive movement, Gov. Evers endorsement in Tuesday primary
On the eve of Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor, Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist leading the polls, is set to test the power of a growing nationwide progressive movement while David Crowley tests the political power of outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. "We have been the people-powered grassroots campaign," Hong said Monday night during a final get-out-the-vote rally in Madison.
'We'll be helpful' if Hong wins as he campaigns in final hours for Crowley
Gov. Tony Evers said, "Of course we'll be helpful" if Francesca Hong wins Tuesday's Democratic primary for governor after spending the weekend campaigning for David Crowley. "She's a Democrat, of course we'll be helpful, but that's not going to happen," Evers said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics. "This guy is going to win," Evers said while sitting next to Crowley. "We have a duty," Crowley added.
Crowley campaign argues primary is closer than polls say after Michigan results
MILWAUKEE - Hours after Michigan's close U.S. Senate primary race was called, David Crowley's campaign sent a memo to supporters arguing Wisconsin's Democratic primary for governor is closer than the polls suggest as well, claiming Crowley is closing in on Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist leading in all public and private polling. "Tuesday's results in Michigan should also be a caution for anyone reading August primary toplines," the memo said, which was obtained by WISN 12 News.
Lawsuit filed asking Wisconsin's sports betting law be declared unconstitutional
WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. - The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty filed a new lawsuit Wednesday, asking a judge to declare the new law legalizing sports betting operated through Wisconsin tribes unconstitutional and declare that Gov. Tony Evers has no authority to renegotiate the tribal compacts, a move currently underway.
Hong faces increasing scrutiny and spotlight as candidates battle it out in final week
One week until the high-stakes and high-profile Democratic primary for governor, the candidates crisscrossed the state amid an increasing national spotlight on the race and its frontrunner, democratic socialist Francesca Hong. "There have been, and you have seen, the twists and turns," Joel Brennan said just moments after voting early in downtown Milwaukee Tuesday morning.
Evers tests political power, hitting campaign trail in 11th push to send David Crowley to victory
APPLETON, Wis. - In his first public appearance on the campaign trail since endorsing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers launched an 11th-hour campaign blitz Monday to push Crowley over the finish line in next week's Democratic primary for governor. "We're going to make this happen," Evers told a crowd of supporters in Appleton ahead of next Tuesday's primary election.
Inside the primary debate and spin room, impact on Mandela Barnes dropping out
'UPFRONT' recap: The latest on Barnes' decision and impact of last week's primetime debate
Mandela Barnes drops out of race for governor
Barnes made the announcement in a social media post
Governor candidates in final hours of prep ahead of debate on WISN 12
David Crowley, the Democratic candidate for governor, says voters "aren't worried about tweets" from 2010 linked to an account registered to Crowley that included racist, homophobic and sexist posts. "So this was a Twitter account that was created more than a decade-and-a-half ago, and this is when I created this Twitter account," Crowley said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics.
Democrats sue elections commission asking judge to allow re-voting in primary
MADISON, Wis. - A group of Democratic voters, backed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, is suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission, asking a Dane County Circuit Court judge to force state election officials to rescind guidance saying Wisconsinites cannot request a new absentee ballot if their preferred candidate drops out. "If this Court does not act, the Plaintiffs, and potentially thousands more Wisconsin voters, will be disenfranchised," the lawsuit filed Thursday said.
Supreme Court to weigh whether to suspend Hannah Dugan's law license
The Office of Lawyer Regulation has filed a motion to suspend the law license of former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan.
Democratic candidates react to chaotic whiplash in governor's primary in new 'UPFRONT' interviews
MILWAUKEE - Mandela Barnes said Friday, when learning Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race, the challenge isn't "any different than it was before" in attempting to secure a primary win Aug. 11.
David Crowley considering reentering race for governor after Rodriguez drops out
David Crowley considering reentering race for governor after Rodriguez drops out The move comes after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race Friday. MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is strongly considering reentering the race for governor after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race Friday.
Wisconsin governor candidates report fundraising totals
MADISON, Wis. - The latest highly anticipated fundraising numbers are in ahead of the Aug. 11 primary for governor. The reports follow the bombshell announcement from Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez's campaign, firing her campaign manager for financial mismanagement and previously filing inaccurate finance reports.
Candidates race to meet fundraising deadline, capitalize on Rodriguez campaign crisis
MILWAUKEE - The Democratic candidates for governor are racing to meet the midnight deadline to file their latest campaign finance reports, just days after bombshell revelations upended Sara Rodriguez's campaign with the firing of her campaign manager for major financial mismanagement. All candidates are required to submit reports with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Five Democrats remain in the race, including Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, Francesca Hong and Kelda Roys.
Wisconsin officials refer complaints, say Elon Musk violated law
Wisconsin election commissioners refer complaints, say Elon Musk violated state's bribery law The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to refer the complaints to the Brown County District Attorney MADISON, Wis. - The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission has referred two complaints to the Brown County District Attorney after finding probable cause that Elon Musk violated the state's election bribery law ahead of the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
Moore doesn't rule out endorsing in Democratic primary for governor ahead of Aug. 11 election
Rep. Gwen Moore isn't ruling out endorsing in the Democratic primary for governor ahead of the Aug. 11 election. "It's not going to happen today here on your program," Moore said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics. "I have been very committed to a team nominee, and I think, as I see, and a lot of people have stayed on the sidelines just to let the people speak up.
DOJ warns Milwaukee officials over ICE mask ban
DOJ warns Milwaukee officials over ICE mask ban The Department of Justice sent Milwaukee officials the letter Friday MILWAUKEE - The Department of Justice is warning officials in Milwaukee an ordinance banning federal law enforcement officials from using masks is unconstitutional and "raises the specter of a confrontation between local and federal law enforcement." In a letter obtained by 12 News and signed by Brad Schimel, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of...
Vice president touts fraud efforts, responds to Milwaukee mayor during stop
MILWAUKEE - With the midterm elections in sight, Vice President JD Vance touted the Trump administration's fraud efforts during a stop in Milwaukee on Wednesday, urging supporters to vote for Republicans up and down the ticket and responding to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who criticized the FBI's renewed probe into the 2020 election. "I did get the letter from the mayor of Milwaukee," Vance said in response to a question from WISN 12 News Political Director Matt Smith.
Paul Farrow, Waukesha County executive, dies at 61 after rare cancer
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 61. Under state law, County Board Chairman James Heinrich automatically assumes the duties of county executive in the interim. Farrow was diagnosed in 2024 with mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer. He publicly documented parts of his treatment and recovery journey online.
Ahead of vice president's visit to Milwaukee, mayor blasts FBI's 2020 probe
MILWAUKEE - Ahead of Vice President JD Vance's planned stop in Milwaukee Wednesday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is inviting the vice president to meet while blasting the ongoing federal probe looking into the 2020 presidential election, specifically Milwaukee's nearly 180,000 absentee ballots cast that year.
National landmark status retained for birthplace of Republican Party in Ripon
Rep. Glenn Grothman says the national landmark status for the Little White Schoolhouse in Ripon, known as the birthplace of the Republican Party, remains intact despite previous notifications from the federal government that it was lost. "The update from the National Park Service is really kind of very different from what we were informed a few years ago," Grothman said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics.
Lawmakers demand answers after proposed changes to Medicaid-funded long-term care program
MADISON, Wis. - The co-chairs of the Legislature's Audit Committee are demanding answers from state officials over proposed changes to IRIS, the state's Medicaid-funded long-term care program, just days after a New York lawmaker told Wisconsin officials to "proceed with caution" during an appearance on "UPFRONT." "We have a number of questions about DHS and its oversight of PPL as its chosen vendor," Republican state Sen. Eric Wimberger and state Rep. Robert Wittke said in a letter sent Wednesday.
NY lawmaker warns Wisconsin 'proceed with caution' over Medicaid program change
New York State Sen. James Skoufis is warning Wisconsin officials to "proceed with caution" with changes to IRIS, the state's Medicaid-funded long-term care program. "These are people's lives who depend on these types of programs that we're talking about, and so it's important that any state move judiciously, cautiously, intelligently, with integrity," Skoufis said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics.
Democrat Missy Hughes suspends bid for governor, endorses Sara Rodriguez
Democratic candidate for governor Missy Hughes suspended her bid for governor Monday and immediately endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. "This job is about running the state, and getting things done," Hughes said in a statement announcing her decision. "As you consider what is important to you, I urge you to look beyond the talking points, social media posts, and gilded promises and consider what you think is essential to do the job.
Elections commission chair urges attorney general to intervene to destroy Milwaukee absentee ballots
Right now on Upfront, FBI probe. The FBI has been reaching out. Agents interviewing or attempting to interview election officials in Milwaukee about the 2020 election. Whatever they're searching for, the investigation should be allowed to continue. The questions, the end goal as the FBI has yet to comment publicly. This Sunday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson on the latest and. Wisconsin elections commissioner Don Millis on what the state is watching and the new conversations he's just had.
Packers fire back at Fitzgerald saying fans should be 'offended' by push change broadcasting law
The Green Bay Packers fired back at GOP Rep. Scott Fitzgerald Tuesday, just days after he appeared on "UPFRONT" and dismissed concerns from the team about any potential changes to the league's shared revenue model, calling them "absolutely ridiculous and almost laughable." "Fans should be offended that Fitzgerald then went further, saying our concerns were 'laughable,'" a statement from the Packers said. "What is laughable is that a congressman from Wisconsin is leading this charge.
Fitzgerald, NFL spar over broadcasting deals and streaming push
Fresh off his hearing on Capitol Hill, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald says the NFL may be violating the Sports Broadcasting Act and quickly dismissed any concerns from the Green Bay Packers about any changes to the league's shared revenue model. "That's absolutely ridiculous and almost laughable," Fitzgerald said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics.
How a Wisconsin schoolhouse launched the GOP in 1854
As Americans prepare to celebrate the country's 250th birthday, the birthplace of the Republican Party is traced back to small roots in Ripon, Wisconsin, and a little white schoolhouse that still stands today. It was 1854, and just as the Kansas-Nebraska Act was set to pass, which created the two territories and allowed settlers there to decide whether to legalize slavery, meetings popped up all over the North, including in Ripon.
Trump returns to Wisconsin looking to mobilize GOP in 3rd Congressional District
CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis. - Fred Kappus, chairman of the Republican Party of Eau Claire County, says the race for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District will be challenging, but added stops from President Donald Trump, like on Friday, will help mobilize Wisconsin Republicans. "I think the number that Derrick (Van Orden) had mentioned to me was probably $50 million will be spent on that race," Kappus said.
Senate's top Republican says lawmakers would return to re-vote on tax relief deal if votes flip
MADISON, Wis. - Contrary to what the state Senate's top Democrat said Monday, Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Thursday the chamber would return to Madison to re-vote on the failed tax relief deal if enough votes were there to pass the deal negotiated by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican leaders.
Federal judge weighs whether to reverse conviction for former Milwaukee County judge
MILWAUKEE - Replacing a once-scheduled sentencing date, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman heard oral arguments Wednesday, as attorneys for former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan urged Adelman to reverse her guilty verdict or grant her a new trial. "The lone Court of Appeals in the country to address this issue has said that's not valid and the conviction is overturned," Steve Biskupic argued, one of Dugan's attorneys.
Evers pushes back at Senate's top Democrat for refusing re-vote on failed tax relief deal
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Democratic Gov. Tony Evers blasted the state Senate's top Democrat Tuesday after she said lawmakers will not return to the Capitol to re-vote on the failed tax relief deal. "If their leader is saying no way, my guess is it's going to be no way because she controls what people get to do, who's going to be head of the Joint Finance Committee on the Senate side, and I'm sure she's given promises there," Evers told reporters during a stop in Waukesha.
FBI questions several Milwaukee police officers about 2020 election
MILWAUKEE - FBI agents interviewed several Milwaukee police officers Tuesday, questioning them about the 2020 election and the city's central count location. The intensifying probe comes as Milwaukee's Common Council also voted Tuesday in favor of hiring outside counsel for election-related matters. WISN 12 News has learned two officers were interviewed for a brief time, and the questions centered around central count, where nearly 180,000 absentee ballots were processed.
President Trump scheduled to return to Wisconsin Friday
President Trump scheduled to return to Wisconsin Friday The White House says Trump will stop in Chippewa County CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis. - President Donald Trump is expected to return to Wisconsin Friday, the White House said, and visit Chippewa County "to highlight his strong support for Wisconsin's farmers." This is the president's first trip back to Wisconsin since winning the 2024 election and comes just months ahead of the November midterm elections.
State Senate's top Democrat rejects calls by Speaker Vos to re-vote on failed tax relief deal
The state Senate's top Democrat is rejecting calls by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to return to Madison to re-vote on the failed tax relief deal negotiated by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican leaders.The $1.8 billion deal passed the state Assembly but failed in the Senate last month after all 15 Senate Democrats and three Republicans voted against the plan. "I talked to Sen.
Vos pushes for another tax relief vote ahead of November elections
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is pushing to hold another vote in the legislature after the tax relief deal failed to pass the state Senate, with all 15 Senate Democrats and three Republicans voting against the deal. "I still think we can get it done," Vos said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics. "I think that we should go back in. I've asked the governor's office to try to have us get another attempt to do it.
80% of Wisconsinites say lawmakers should have passed tax relief deal
A vast majority of Wisconsinites, spanning all political parties, say lawmakers should have passed the $1.8 billion tax relief deal negotiated by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican leaders.
Senators defend 'no' votes on tax relief deal ahead of Tuesday's new poll
GOP State Sen. Chris Kapenga, one of three Republicans who voted against the tax relief deal, says Republican leaders never conducted a vote count ahead of the deal being announced publicly. "Absolutely not," Kapenga said on WISN 12's "UPFRONT," which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics.
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