Record attendance for 2025 PrideFest (MILWAUKEE)
Milwaukee’s PrideFest reported a record-breaking turnout this year. Organizers of the three-day LGBTQ+ celebration that ran the first weekend of June along Milwaukee’s lakefront announced that the event attracted a record attendance of 46,168. The previous record came in 2019, with just under 46,000 attending. Last year’s count of attendees fell just short of 44,000. In 2025, PrideFest expanded it footprint into the south end of the Henry Maier Festival Grounds and added carnival rides.
Teacher’s aide self-deports to El Salvador (MILWAUKEE)
A onetime Milwaukee Public Schools teacher’s aide from El Salvador says goodbye. Following an order she received last week to self-deport, Yessenia Ruano headed back to her native country with her twin American born daughters as family, friends and supporters joined her at Mitchell International Airport Tuesday. Ruano’s attorney said Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied her stay in the U.S. as her application for a T-Visa for human trafficking victims was being processed. Ruano says she and her daughters will live with her mother in El Salvador.
Three dead, one critically injured in shooting at apartment building (JANESVILLE)
Janeville police are investigating the fatal shootings of three people. Officers responding to the Aspen Square Apartments Tuesday on a report of a “family problem” found three people dead from gunshot wounds. A fourth victim was rushed to a hospital and is listed in critical condition.
Harley-Davidson recalls thousands of Softail motorcycles (MILWAUKEE)
Harley-Davidson is recalling thousands of its motorcycles. The Milwaukee-based company says over 82,000 Softail motorcycles built between 2018 and 2024 are affected. A recall report filed earlier this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that a rear shock adjuster mounting tab could fracture and possibly touch and dig a groove into the rear tire. That could cause the tire to quickly lose pressure. Owners of the motorcycles can expect a letter later this month from Harley-Davidson informing them of the recall.
Elkhart Lake selected as second-best lake in America by USA Today readers (UNDATED)
A southeast Wisconsin lake is selected as second-best in America. Readers of USA Today voted Elkhart Lake second in the nation behind Big Bear Lake in California. The newspaper describes the glacier-formed, spring-fed lake as “crystal clear” with a “gorgeous blue-green shade.” The lake’s concealed coves and plentiful fishing areas are also highlighted. Two other Wisconsin lakes made the top ten – Lake Michigan at number five, and Lake Superior in seventh place.
Man accused of mishandling investors’ funds charged with federal fraud (WAUSAU)
A 63-year-old Wausau man is from more than 120 investors. Investigators say Stanley Pophal took nearly 15 million from those investors and used it to maintain his extravagant lifestyle, purchasing more than 300 snowmobiles. He also took some of the money and made “lulling payments” to investors, making them think they were getting a return for their money. He was arrested on Saturday and made an appearance in US District Court in Madison on Monday, charged with money laundering and fraud. He is being held in jail, and further court action against him is pending.
Hazmat searches conducted in several homes (MADISON)
Two people are in custody as Hazmat searches play out at several homes in Madison. State and local authorities, along with a Hazmat team, searched 2 more residences in Madison on Tuesday. It all began Monday afternoon at a residence on Madison’s west side. 2 people have been taken into custody, including a man arrested on pending charges of attempted murder and stalking. During these searches, law enforcement has blocked off area roads and authorities in Hazmat suits have been carrying out items in boxes. Wisconsin’s Department of Justice did put out a statement saying they are not aware of any deaths in this ongoing, multi-jurisdictional investigation. But they haven’t offered any other details.