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University of Wisconsin-Madison's ex-diversity officer scrutinized over spending, judgment amid DEI crackdown

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University of Wisconsin-Madison's ex-diversity officer scrutinized over spending, judgment amid DEI crackdown

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s former chief diversity officer displayed a “significant lapse” in judgment and fiscal responsibility, according to a report, as state and federal lawmakers seek to root out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education.

Lavar Charleston was removed from his role as chief diversity officer in January, although he remains as a faculty member, according to local outlet FOX 6.

An internal report revealed that Charleston gave most of his employees raises from 10% to 23% without justification, as state lawmakers were attempting to crack down on DEI initiatives within the Universities of Wisconsin system, FOX 6 reported.

EDUCATION DEPT LAUNCHES WIDESPREAD CIVIL RIGHTS PROBE: A LOOK AT WHAT THE AGENCY DOES AS TRUMP EYES SHUTDOWN

Lavar Charleston was removed from his role as chief diversity officer in January, although he remains as a faculty member. (Getty Images)

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Records also show that Charleston spent $18,000 on massage therapy for students and $21,000 on a conference in the resort city of Lake Geneva, according to the outlet.

In December, Charleston said a former provost directed him to spend a $6 million surplus.

Charleston’s per-employee spending was the highest on campus, according to the internal report.

“In the course of routine financial management practices, and while collecting information in response to the Legislative Audit Bureau’s requests related to DEI expenditures, UW–Madison discovered a troubling set of expenditures in the division managed by Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence LaVar Charleston,” a spokesperson for the University of Wisconsin-Madison said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

NEARLY HALF OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STAFF WILL BE ELIMINATED IMMINENTLY

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Lavar Charleston reportedly spent $18,000 on massage therapy for students and $21,000 on a conference in the resort city of Lake Geneva. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

This included “highly atypical and excessive spending across multiple dimensions – from bonuses and compensation adjustments to travel, supplies and furnishings,” the statement said.

“Once discovered, additional financial and HR controls were put in place in the division and across administrative units while leadership continued internal review,” the spokesperson continued. “The review confirmed poor financial judgment and lack of accountability. As a result, on Jan. 22, Dr. Charleston was removed from his role. An external examination of management controls is set to begin soon.”

This comes as President Donald Trump seeks to end DEI programs across the country, including in higher education.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is among roughly 50 universities being investigated by the Department of Education over accusations of racial discrimination by allegedly excluding certain races from specific programs.

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Lavar Charleston’s per-employee spending was the highest on campus, according to the internal report seen by FOX 6. (Getty Images)

Institutions were warned that they could lose federal money over race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, programs or other activities. The department’s investigation focuses on universities’ partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that encourages Black, Hispanic and Native American professionals to earn business doctorate degrees.

The Trump administration argues that DEI programs exclude White and Asian American students in violation of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

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Detroit, MI

Today in History: June 20, race-related rioting erupts in Detroit

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Today in History: June 20, race-related rioting erupts in Detroit


Today is Saturday, June 20, the 171st day of 2026. There are 194 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On June 20, 1943, race-related rioting erupted in Detroit; federal troops were sent in by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to quell the violence that resulted in more than 30 deaths.

Also on this date:

In 1782, the Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the emblem of the bald eagle.



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Milwaukee, WI

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

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Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20


Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Carín León, 7 p.m.

For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.

— Leslie Garcia Ramirez

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.

In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.

Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.

Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).

— Jay Burseth

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.

Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.

This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.

— Matthew Poulton

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4

Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.

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It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.

One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.

Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.

How to get in free today

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.

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Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

American Family Insurance House

  • 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 2 p.m. — Flipturn

BMO Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
  • 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
  • 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who

Miller Lite Oasis

  • 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
  • 8:30 p.m. — Braid
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
  • 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
  • 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
  • 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM

T-Mobile Stage

  • 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
  • 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
  • 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
  • 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
  • 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
  • 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall

Generac Power Stage

  • 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
  • 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
  • 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
  • 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
  • 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
  • 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice

Uline Warehouse

  • 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
  • 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
  • 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
  • 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
  • 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
  • 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

  • 10 p.m. — Connor Price
  • 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 6 p.m. — Graham
  • 4 p.m. — SM6
  • 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
  • 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn

Aurora Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — Aspen
  • 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
  • 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
  • 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
  • 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
  • 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
  • 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
  • 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
  • 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
  • 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala





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Minneapolis, MN

MERAUDER, JUDGE, ARKANGEL and many more announced for Minneapolis’ Snow and Flurry 2026

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MERAUDER, JUDGE, ARKANGEL and many more announced for Minneapolis’ Snow and Flurry 2026


The lineup has been announced for the 2026 edition of Snow & Flurry, set for October 10th and 11th at Underground Music Cafe in Minneapolis, MN. Judge, Merauder, and Arkangel will headline the two-day event also featuring 25+ more acts in total.

Weekend passes are available now, with single-day tickets and daily lineups to be announced later.

Passes are available here. 

Line up in order of flyer:

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Judge
Merauder
Arkangel
The Killer
Nehemiah
Another Enemy
Awaiting Eschiel
Basic Needs
Blistered Spirit
Blood Stained Concrete
Cudgel
Direct Order
Dose
Enemy Of Man
Enervate
Ethic
Eyes Of Sorrow
Fleshless Body
Lead Spirit
Madman
Meantime
Neolithic
Passion
Self Interest
Shits Creek
Sin Sufrir
Skewed
What Counts
Withdrawal
Wrath Of Sanity
Velocity

 

Search for tours coming to your city here.





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