Wisconsin Weekend Digest: April 11-12

Your weekend roundup of the top stories in the Badger State

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:00am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of blue, green, and red, conceptually representing the turbulent political climate in Wisconsin.The vibrant political landscape of Wisconsin is captured in a bold, fragmented painting that reflects the state's ongoing debates over issues like redistricting, union rights, and education funding.Madison Today

This weekend's top Wisconsin news includes a Democratic victory in the state Supreme Court race, the results of over 75 school referenda, the firing of the UW system president, the release of a kidnapped Wisconsin journalist, and the legalization of online sports betting.

Why it matters

These stories cover a range of important political, educational, and public interest issues that impact Wisconsin residents. The Supreme Court race, school funding, university leadership, and sports betting legislation all have significant implications for the state's future.

The details

In the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor defeated her conservative opponent, growing the liberal majority on the state's highest court. Voters in Wisconsin were split on the roughly 75 school referenda on the April 7 ballot, with some major districts passing funding measures while others were rejected. The University of Wisconsin system fired its president after he refused to resign, though the specific reasons were not made fully clear. American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who is originally from Wisconsin, was released a week after being kidnapped in Iraq. And Governor Tony Evers signed a bill legalizing online sports betting, with the caveat that the servers must be located on tribal land.

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court election was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The school referenda votes also took place on April 7, 2026.
  • The UW system president was fired on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped last week in Baghdad and released on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Governor Evers signed the online sports betting bill into law on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Chris Taylor

The Democratic-backed candidate who won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, growing the liberal majority on the state's highest court.

Shelly Kittleson

An American journalist originally from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin who was kidnapped in Baghdad last week and released on April 8, 2026.

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who signed the bill legalizing online sports betting in the state.

Barb Kittleson

The mother of Shelly Kittleson, who still lives in the small Wisconsin village of Mount Horeb.

Denise Ehren

A childhood friend of Shelly Kittleson who recalled her courage and determination even at a young age.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This weekend's news highlights the political, educational, and public interest issues that are top of mind for Wisconsin residents, from the state Supreme Court race to school funding and sports betting legislation. The stories also showcase the resilience and courage of Wisconsinites, from the journalist released after a kidnapping to the community-minded natural food store celebrating a major milestone.