Category: Courts & Justice
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When Elder Care Goes Corporate: Why Privatizing Nursing Homes Feels Like Privatizing Justice
As Wisconsin counties move to sell publicly owned nursing homes to for-profit operators, communities are pushing back—warning that privatizing elder care risks the same profit-over-people failures seen in private prisons and outsourced justice.
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Ohio Family Court Scandal Deepens Trust Crisis in Domestic Relations System
Leslie Ann Celebrezze’s resignation and felony charge for tampering with court records have sparked nationwide concerns about integrity in family courts. Accusations include bias in case assignments and undisclosed romantic ties to a court receiver. The scandal highlights the need for reform in court practices to restore public trust and accountability.
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Minnesota’s Medicaid Fraud Crisis Raises Alarms Across the Midwest
Minnesota faces a massive public-assistance fraud scandal possibly exceeding $9 billion, implicating Medicaid-funded programs. Federal prosecutors highlighted rampant fraudulent billing following the Feeding Our Future scandal. Critics argue state oversight was lacking, leading to harm for legitimate recipients. Neighboring states, like Wisconsin, are advised to heed these lessons to prevent similar issues.
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Wisconsin Judge Convicted of Obstruction Raises Hard Questions About Power, Process, and the Rule of Law
A federal jury convicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan of felony obstruction of justice, reigniting debates about judicial authority and immigration enforcement. Dugan’s actions to shield an undocumented immigrant from arrest raised concerns about a judge’s impartiality and the integrity of the legal system. Appeals are anticipated.
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Minnesota Child Welfare Reform Hits Constitutional Roadblock, Raising National Questions
A Minnesota child welfare reform aimed at reducing racial disparities in foster care faces constitutional challenges. A court ruling found that the state’s phased rollout violates the Equal Protection Clause, limiting protections based on race. While not entirely struck down, this decision raises significant legal questions about race-based policies in child welfare reform.
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A New Abuse and Neglect Court Comes to Michigan — and Why Wisconsin Should Pay Attention
St. Joseph County, Michigan, is launching a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in 2026 to address child welfare cases linked to parental substance abuse. This family treatment court model focuses on accountability and quick family reunification while raising concerns about access to resources and due process, prompting broader implications for neighboring states like Wisconsin.
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Bradyn’s Law Is a Wake-Up Call for Wisconsin Parents: Sextortion Is Here, It’s Growing, and It’s Targeting Our Kids
Wisconsin’s Bradyn’s Law, enacted to combat online sexual extortion, establishes strict penalties for offenders, particularly those targeting minors. Motivated by the tragic suicide of 15-year-old Bradyn Bohn, the bipartisan law aims to enhance accountability and empower parents in protecting children. Despite this progress, education and prevention measures remain crucial.
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