Act 10 appeal will hinge on April Supreme Court election (MADISON)
A Dane County judge’s ruling overturning Wisconsin Act 10 will likely be appealed to the state Supreme Court. Passed in 2011 by Republicans who controlled the Wisconsin Legislature and signed into law by then Governor Scott Walker, Act 10 put restrictions on what public employee unions are able to negotiate – but made an exception for police and firefighter unions. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost ruled that violates the state constitution. How an appeal fares will hinge on the outcome of the April election for an open seat on the state Supreme Court. Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced earlier this year that she would not seek another 10-year term. Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, a liberal, and former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel, a conservative, are running. A win by Schimel would flip the court’s 4-3 liberal majority and likely mean Act 10 would be upheld.
Prison time for Central Wisconsin man who beat elderly victim to death (STEVENS POINT)
A central Wisconsin man accused of beating Donald Mitchell to death in a Stevens Point parking lot has been sentenced for reckless homicide. Arlin Sangster will serve 20 years in prison and five years on extended supervision for his role in the incident. Investigators say he and two other men, Brandon Boehm and Christian Emerson, were rummaging through Mitchell’s vehicle looking for items of value. Then when the 61-year-old returned to confront them, they beat him and ran off. Mitchell was rushed to a Stevens Point hospital then flown to Wausau where he died the next day. Emerson is scheduled to face a trial in January for his alleged role in the incident, Boehm returns to court for a scheduling conference in two weeks. Both remain jailed.
DHS-backed Wisconsin Wayfinder program helps thousands of family caregivers in first year (MADISON)
A special program aimed at helping Wisconsin residents caring for loved ones hits an important milestone. The Wisconsin Wayfinder program has helped over 22-hundred families and nearly 670 caregivers since it started last year. The program, backed by the Department of Health Services, connects caregivers of children with special needs with resources and experts. It’s designed to help caregivers stay up to date on local services and navigate the healthcare system. If you need support caring for a loved one, find out more online at D H S dot W I dot Gov Slash Wisc Way.
Headliners announced for Summerfest 2025 (MILWAUKEE)
Hip-hop Grammy winning artist Megan Thee Stallion is set to headline the annual music festival in Milwaukee. Special guest Flo Milli will join Megan Thee Stallion at the American Family Insurance Ampitheater on June 28th. James Taylor will be joined by Jason Mraz and Tiny Habits on June 21st at the amphitheater. Other headliners include country music star Lainey Wilson, Cake, and Riley Green. The nine-day festival will include 600 artists. Summerfest 2025 runs over three weekends: June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5.
Remains of 2020 homicide victim found (BRIGHTON)
The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Cassandra Ayon’s remains were found Saturday on private property in the Town of Brighton. Ayon was last seen in the central Wisconsin Village of Unity on October 3rd of 2020. Jesus Contreras-Perez of Mosinee was convicted of charges including first-degree intentional homicide and sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for release in September of 2022. According to the criminal complaint, Ayon’s death culminated in what was described as months of stalking and abuse by Contreras Perez.