🎉 Summer festivals dropping in June

⚡️ Power Struggle for Wisconsin EV Chargers

• State transportation officials say they’re unable to access $63 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds because of the Trump administration’s federal funding freeze, jeopardizing efforts to install 53 electric vehicle charges across the state.
• Fifteen of those chargers, many of which were planned for rural areas, have not been built and cannot move forward during the freeze.
• State officials sued the Trump administration to restore the funds, but the administration says it’s just trying to streamline the project. [🔒WSJ]

👩‍⚖️ Dane County Judge Benched for Misconduct

• The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended Judge Ellen Berz for seven days without pay for violating ethics rules that require judges to remain neutral.
• The suspension stems from two separate incidents, one in 2021 when Berz tried to personally pick up a defendant who did not show up to a hearing. [WPR]

♿️ Disability Advocates Push for Fair Wages

• There is growing support to overturn a centuries-old law that allows some Wisconsin companies to pay less than minimum wage to people with disabilities.
• Wisconsin is one of 34 states with laws for so-called “sheltered workshops,” where an employer can pay a person with disabilities less than a person without disabilities depending on their productivity.
• Some advocates are urging the state to move to a competitive integrated employment model where everyone is paid at least minimum wage, adding that it’s more respectful and promotes independence.
• 🎧 Growing inclusion: Two local disability advocates help us find Madison’s best accessible parks, restaurants, and public spaces. [Cap Times, City Cast Madison 🎧]

One of the perks of becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor is the opportunity to shout out a local business, nonprofit, or some other cool Madison thing you love, and have it featured in our newsletter.

Here are a few things our Neighbors are celebrating this week:

📣 Sue T. is shouting out the Madison Public Art Project and its beautiful new “Siempre Aprendiendo” mural at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. The piece is by artist Richie Morales and translates to “always learning” in Spanish.

📣 Keith N. wants to remind folks to donate extra children’s books to the Madison Reading Project this spring cleaning season.

📣 Gabe L. is celebrating the Capital Area Pickleball Association and its work creating playing opportunities for Gabe and his neighbors Mick W., Bryan G., and Mark B.

We also want to give a big City Cast Madison shoutout to Claire M. who recently became a City Cast Madison Neighbor! Welcome to the squad!

Do you want to share something or someone you love with the City Cast Madison and Madison Minutes fam? Become a City Cast Madison Neighbor today!