Here is a recap of the stories from around Wisconsin that were featured by Dairyland Sentinel this week on our website and/or in our free weekday newsletter.
From the electric buzz of the NFL Draft in Green Bay to courtroom controversies and agricultural challenges, this week’s stories show Wisconsinites are navigating triumph, turmoil, and transformation.
Sports Spotlight: Football Fever and High School Game-Changers
Wisconsin’s love for sports shone brightly this week, with Green Bay stealing the show as the host of the 2025 NFL Draft. The city welcomed massive crowds, proving skeptics wrong and sparking dreams of hosting more major events. Local businesses thrived, and the event’s success underscored Green Bay’s cultural and economic vitality.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers kept the momentum going by signing undrafted free agents to bolster their roster post-draft. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as these new talents gear up for training camp, eager to see how they’ll shape the team’s future.
On the high school front, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association made waves by approving name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for student-athletes. This landmark decision could redefine high school sports, offering new opportunities while raising questions about implementation.
However, not all sports news was celebratory. The Brewers got blown out in consecutive games and Bucks fans are reeling from one of the worst collapses in NBA history, leaving star Giannis Antetokounmpo at a crossroads. His looming decision to stay or leave could reshape the franchise and the NBA.
Justice and Controversy: Courts and Corrections Under Scrutiny
Wisconsin’s judicial and correctional systems faced intense scrutiny this week. In Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan amid federal charges alleging she helped an undocumented immigrant evade authorities. The case has ignited debates over judicial ethics and immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Chief Judge Ashley clarified that ICE retains operational leeway in the Milwaukee County Courthouse, adding fuel to the immigration policy fire.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court itself wasn’t immune to controversy. A leak investigation raised alarms over missing digital records, eroding public trust in the judicial process.
Compounding the issue, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s practice of forwarding court documents to her personal email came under fire, further clouding the court’s transparency.
At Waupun Correctional Institution, a troubling saga continued. Former Warden Randall Hepp escaped felony charges in the dehydration death of inmate Donald Maier, receiving only a $500 fine after a plea deal orchestrated by a Gov. Evers appointee.
The Dodge County Sheriff defended the settlement, but public outrage persists.
Adding to the prison’s woes, the mother of another deceased inmate filed a lawsuit, highlighting systemic failures at the facility where seven deaths have occurred since 2023.
Public Safety and Emerging Threats
Public safety concerns loomed large, with severe storms spawning six confirmed tornadoes across Wisconsin on April 29, leaving communities to assess damage and rebuild.
In Madison, authorities uncovered chilling connections to the ALCS shooting, with a Florida man arrested for planning a mass shooting found to have communicated with the perpetrator.
Separately, a California individual tied to a Wisconsin school shooter was barred from owning firearms for three years, reflecting efforts to curb potential threats.
Agriculture and Environment: Challenges and Innovations
Wisconsin’s agricultural sector faced both hurdles and creative solutions. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continued its alarming spread, with 1,786 positive cases in 2024 and new detections in Pierce, Menominee, Chippewa, and Manitowoc counties. The DNR is ramping up sampling efforts, urging hunters to help protect the state’s deer population.
Farmers, meanwhile, pushed forward with corn and soybean planting despite mixed weather conditions, racing against time to ensure strong yields.
On a lighter note, the “rent-a-chicken” trend gained traction, offering Wisconsinites a quirky, sustainable way to secure their own egg supply amid rising grocery costs.
Politics and Policy: Budget Battles and Gubernatorial Ambitions
In Madison, Wisconsin’s projected budget surplus sparked heated debates, with lawmakers split between tax cuts and investments in education and infrastructure.
The Joint Committee on Finance chairs, fresh off their road show, remained coy about the budget timeline, keeping stakeholders guessing.
Looking ahead to 2026, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann threw his hat into the gubernatorial ring, becoming the first major-party candidate to enter the race. His conservative record and tax-cutting legacy will likely shape a competitive Republican primary.
Gov. Tony Evers faced his own challenges, adjusting his stance on guidance discouraging state employees from cooperating with ICE, raising questions about transparency.
He also responded to Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, as immigration tensions simmered.
Republicans, meanwhile, introduced a regulatory reform package aimed at cutting red tape, though critics called it underwhelming.
Education and Innovation: Navigating New Limits
Wisconsin’s educators grappled with a federal order from President Trump restricting AI use in classrooms, raising concerns about stifled innovation. Schools are working to balance compliance with maintaining high educational standards.
Business and Culture: Scandals and Culinary Wins
In the corporate world, Kohl’s made headlines by ousting CEO Ashley Buchanan over ethics violations tied to undisclosed vendor conflicts. Michael Bender stepped in as interim CEO as the retailer searches for new leadership.
On a tastier note, Wisconsin crowned its best burger in a statewide contest, with West Bend emerging as a culinary hotspot.
Health and Administration: Systemic Issues Surface
The Wisconsin Patients Compensation Fund faced scrutiny after examiners uncovered internal administration problems, highlighting the need for reform.
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