Dee J. Hall

Recent Articles

Your Right to Know: End Wisconsin’s Secretive ‘Pocket Veto’
Your Right to Know

End Wisconsin’s Secretive ‘Pocket Veto’

Legislators are able to secretly delay projects they don't like. Transparency is needed.

Your Right To Know: Bill Lueders Inducted into Freedom of Information Hall of Fame
Your Right To Know

Bill Lueders Inducted into Freedom of Information Hall of Fame

The editor of The Progressive, has been a champion for government transparency.

My College Student Debt Is $152,000

My College Student Debt Is $152,000

UWM grad Clint Myrick explains his struggle with payments.

Did Kenosha Cops Push Protesters Toward Militia?

Did Kenosha Cops Push Protesters Toward Militia?

So says militia member after two people killed by armed civilian. Pattern seen in other cities.

Pandemic Reduced Black Vote, Study Finds

Pandemic Reduced Black Vote, Study Finds

Study finds lack of polling places, fear of COVID-19 reduced April turnout of Black city voters by nearly 10%.

Your Right to Know: Bill Prevents Scrutiny of Lottery Winners
Your Right to Know

Bill Prevents Scrutiny of Lottery Winners

Shielding those records could open the door to cheating, conspiring to win millions.

Your Right to Know: Lame Duck Laws All About Secrecy
Your Right to Know

Lame Duck Laws All About Secrecy

Vos and Fitzgerald didn’t even attend the public hearing on their far-reaching legislation.

Your Right to Know: Dems Back More Openness, GOP Mostly Mum
Your Right to Know

Dems Back More Openness, GOP Mostly Mum

Freedom of Information Council survey gets little response from GOP candidates.

Forced to Work for FoodShare

Forced to Work for FoodShare

Is GOP legislation “life changing” or a waste of taxes? Hard to say since Walker vetoed study of program.

Flawed Forensics: Conviction Overturned After Flawed Hair Analysis
Flawed Forensics

Conviction Overturned After Flawed Hair Analysis

Man served 27 years, one of 13 cases in state where DNA proved hair forensics flawed.

Your Right to Know: Officials Shouldn’t Block Twitter, Facebook Users
Your Right to Know

Officials Shouldn’t Block Twitter, Facebook Users

Courts have ruled against blocking certain users of official Facebook pages, Twitter feeds.

After 27 Years, Judge Overturns Rape Conviction

After 27 Years, Judge Overturns Rape Conviction

Case is the latest in which flawed hair analysis by the FBI led to a wrongful conviction

Flawed Hair Evidence Convicts the Innocent

Flawed Hair Evidence Convicts the Innocent

FBI admits errors in 90 percent of hair and fiber cases, including 13 in Wisconsin.

Cruel and Unusual: 28 Years in Solitary Confinement
Cruel and Unusual

28 Years in Solitary Confinement

One Waupun inmate’s incredible story. He is suing the state.

Cruel and Unusual: Plan to Kill Parole Board Criticized
Cruel and Unusual

Plan to Kill Parole Board Criticized

Walker wants one person to make all decisions, plan called “cruel and inhumane.”

The Last Syrian Refugees Arrive

The Last Syrian Refugees Arrive

State has taken in 75,000 refugees since 1970s, but Trump could slam door shut.

Your Right to Know: Release the John Doe II Documents!
Your Right to Know

Release the John Doe II Documents!

The public has a right to know how prosecutors operated and how the courts made their decisions.

Tainted Water: Action Needed on Lead in Drinking Water
Tainted Water

Action Needed on Lead in Drinking Water

City and DNR officials agree on need, Barrett says current approach just a “band-aid.”

Cruel and Unusual: Judge Won’t Halt Force Feeding of Inmate
Cruel and Unusual

Judge Won’t Halt Force Feeding of Inmate

Cesar DeLeon among eight Waupun inmates on hunger strike. Medical groups condemn force feeding.

Cruel and Unusual: State Starts Force Feeding Three Inmates
Cruel and Unusual

State Starts Force Feeding Three Inmates

Corrections officials begin force feedings as solitary confinement protest continues.

Cruel and Unusual: How Colorado Reduced Solitary Confinement
Cruel and Unusual

How Colorado Reduced Solitary Confinement

It’s nearly been eliminated, while Wisconsin has made only a small reduction in solitary confinement.

Cruel and Unusual: Inmate Hunger Strike in State Prisons
Cruel and Unusual

Inmate Hunger Strike in State Prisons

Strike starts at Waupun and Columbia prisons; protests long-term solitary confinement.

Cruel and Unusual: Hunger Strike Against Solitary Confinement
Cruel and Unusual

Hunger Strike Against Solitary Confinement

Some states banned it but not Wisconsin. Waupun inmates plan strike beginning June 10.

Precious Lives: A Debate Over Lincoln Hills Problems
Precious Lives

A Debate Over Lincoln Hills Problems

Critics of trauma-informed care say it led to problems, others say it wasn’t fully implemented.

Precious Lives: Trauma-Informed Care Helps Heal Victims
Precious Lives

Trauma-Informed Care Helps Heal Victims

Approach focuses on victims of childhood trauma, which can help in rehabilitating criminals.

Tainted Water: State Program Targets Aging Lead Pipes
Tainted Water

State Program Targets Aging Lead Pipes

DNR will lead $11.8 million program using federal EPA funds.

Tainted Water: Two State Prisons Have Lead-Tainted Water
Tainted Water

Two State Prisons Have Lead-Tainted Water

Officials say they comply with federal drinking water standards, but others question whether it’s safe.

Tainted Water: Bill Requires Testing Tap Water for Lead
Tainted Water

Bill Requires Testing Tap Water for Lead

State has 176,000 lead service lines that can taint water. Flint situation cited.

Cruel and Unusual: Waupun Ignores Solitary Confinement Rules?
Cruel and Unusual

Waupun Ignores Solitary Confinement Rules?

State Corrections new policy reduces length by 75% but prison still has long confinements.

Walker Aides Ordered To Avoid State Phones, Email?

Walker Aides Ordered To Avoid State Phones, Email?

Two cabinet members say Huebsch instructed them to use private channels for state business.

Should Retail Companies Get Subsidies?

Should Retail Companies Get Subsidies?

Many retail employees make so little they qualify for government assistance

Cruel and Unusual: Going Crazy in Solitary
Cruel and Unusual

Going Crazy in Solitary

Psychologist studied effects of isolation on many prisoners; the findings are grim.

Cruel and Unusual: Making Friends With a Fly
Cruel and Unusual

Making Friends With a Fly

Prisoner's 360 days in "the hole" shows impact of solitary confinement.

Cruel and Unusual: Wisconsin Curbs Solitary Confinement
Cruel and Unusual

Wisconsin Curbs Solitary Confinement

State joins national reform movement, but prisoner advocates say more could be done.

Walker Obstructed Probe of Missing Veterans Funds?

Walker Obstructed Probe of Missing Veterans Funds?

In newly unsealed records, investigators say then-county exec was uncooperative, triggering first John Doe.

More Problems at Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency

More Problems at Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency

Two companies fail after getting $1.4 million from WEDC.

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.

All Four Attorney General Candidates Back Open Records

All Four Attorney General Candidates Back Open Records

They support open meetings rules for lawmakers and full access to online court records.