⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Seventh Circuit hears a First Amendment retaliation appeal arising from St. Croix County's no-preference towing rotation. After St. Croix County Deputy Kaitie Leising was killed in the line of duty, Mike's Auto Body owner Michael Barstad sent other local towing operators an email saying a Department of Justice agent had challenged a $374 towing bill. He also urged the towing association's members to work together in dealing with the sheriff's department. After the email reached Sheriff Scott Knudson, the county did not renew Barstad's companies for the next annual rotation. Barstad and Mike's Auto Body sued under Section 1983, alleging retaliation for protected speech. The district court granted summary judgment to the county, finding the email a private commercial grievance rather than speech on a matter of public concern. The appeal asks whether that view was too narrow and whether qualified immunity nevertheless shields the sheriff.

Mike's Auto Body of Glenwood City v. St. Croix County (No. 25-2801) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued September 11, 2026.