WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- With May flowers arriving in Wisconsin and the 2026 election cycle heating up, the battles over free speech, government priorities, and redistricting are gaining intensity. This week, MacIver highlights the real threats to the First Amendment, Attorney General Josh Kaul’s partisan lawsuits, and the ongoing fight to keep map-drawing in the hands of elected lawmakers rather than activist courts.
Spotlight
The Real Threat to Free Speech
Richard Moore cuts through the noise of recent headlines to identify the true danger to the First Amendment: the institutional machinery of government censorship that was quietly built and funded by taxpayers. While the country debates rhetoric surrounding recent events, Moore points to the quiet dismantling of federal censorship infrastructure through key lawsuits as a major victory worth celebrating. He reminds readers that speech must be presumed free, and only narrow, direct threats cross into unprotected conduct—warning against any slide toward punishing unpopular opinions.
Read Richard's piece here.
Deep Dive
Why Does Josh Kaul Keep Suing Trump?
Rebecca Draeger examines Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul’s decision to join more than 40 multi-state lawsuits against the Trump administration since Inauguration Day. From challenging restrictions on gender interventions for minors to opposing education and immigration policies, these actions raise serious questions about the use of state resources, taxpayer costs, and whether the AG’s office is being used for national political battles instead of focusing on crime, consumer protection, and Wisconsin priorities.
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Coming Soon
Wisconsin Redistricting Fight Not Over
Benjamin Yount reports that while a second three-judge panel has pushed back on efforts to declare Wisconsin’s congressional maps unconstitutional, the battle is far from finished. Liberals are expected to appeal, and control of the governorship and legislature in 2026 could still lead to new maps—underscoring the importance of keeping redistricting in the hands of elected representatives, not courts.
You Should Know
Bangstad Enters Democratic Gubernatorial Race
Kirk Bangstad, the Minocqua Brewery owner who recently gained national attention for controversial comments, has officially entered the race for Wisconsin governor as a Democrat. MacIver will continue tracking the growing field and what it means for taxpayers.
Quick Click
Tom Tiffany Questions May Day School Cancellations
Congressman Tom Tiffany was sharply critical of Madison and Sun Prairie schools canceling classes to observe May Day, raising legitimate concerns about political activities creeping into instructional time and priorities in public education.
For Your Commute
The MacIver team takes on the news of the week, including the recent assassination attempt, and quickly go over current and future MacIver projects.
Check out the latest MacIver Report below.
Last Update: May 04, 2026 4:37 pm CDT
