No Unemployment Benefits For Worker Making Homophobic Remarks
Appeals court rules Meijer store employee fired for cause for derogatory remarks.
May 17th, 2022
Committee Opposes Minimum Bail Bills
Rejects Sup. Longdon’s push to support state legislative bills that increase bail.
Mar 20th, 2022
Appeals Court Upholds Injunction Against Abortion Protester
Protester's threats against clinic employee constituted harassment, court rules.
Mar 13th, 2022
80% of State’s Judicial Races Uncontested
39 of 49 judges in state’s circuit and appellate courts face no opposition.
Feb 20th, 2022
Bill Overrules Milwaukee’s No-Knock Ban
The 'search warrants have been demonized by the anti-police mob,’ says GOP legislator.
Feb 14th, 2022
Drug Searches Target Cocaine, Pot, Heroin
Police found drugs in 67% of home drug searches in county in 2019, report finds. Final story in series.
Feb 8th, 2022
75% of Home Drug Searches Target Blacks
90% of Milwaukee County searches in 2019 were in the city. Second in a series.
Feb 6th, 2022
Most Home Drug Searches By Police Use No-Knock Warrants
77% of all searches by MPD in 2019, report finds. First in a series.
Feb 3rd, 2022
Bill Could Terminate Prisoners’ Parental Rights
Courts could take away parental rights of anyone sentenced to at least four years in prison.
Dec 19th, 2021
High Court Considers Juvenile Shackling
Judges call for banning shackling in courts. State Supreme Court seeks public comments on issue.
Dec 16th, 2021
What Covid Did To The Courts
Huge backlog of cases could take years to clear. Big numbers in Milwaukee and biggest counties.
Nov 14th, 2021
Report Finds Continuing Police Bias
ACLU analysis finds racial bias in stop and frisks by Milwaukee police.
Sep 26th, 2021
Judges Ask High Court to Limit Judicial Shackling
'Every weekday, children ages 10 to 17 are brought into juvenile courtrooms in shackles.'
Sep 20th, 2021
Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing
Erik A. Andrade was fired for racist and demeaning social media posts.
Sep 6th, 2021
Evers Signs Bill Getting Tough On Crimes Against Elderly
Longer sentences for elder abuse, other crimes against those 60 or older.
Aug 17th, 2021
Lawmakers Back Milwaukee Youth Prison
Bipartisan group seeks $43 million to fund replacement for scandal-plagued Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.
Aug 4th, 2021
Budget Gives Judges An 11% Raise
Topped by increase of $18,732 in annual salary for state Supreme Court judges.
Jul 12th, 2021
High Court Ruling Restricts Expungements
Decision puts expungement of criminal records “further out of the reach," dissent charges.
Jun 22nd, 2021
State Prison Population Expected To Surge
Report projects a rise to pre-pandemic levels, rising from 19,377 inmates to 23,471 by 2023.
Jun 16th, 2021
GOP Bill Jails More, Costs $1 Billion
Measure would re-imprison anyone who commits a crime while on extended supervision, parole, or probation.
Jun 6th, 2021
Bill Hikes Penalties for Crimes Against “Elders”
Hasher punishment for crimes against those 60 or older, but cost of bill unknown.
May 28th, 2021
Appeals Court Nixes Judge’s Shaming Order
Shoplifter ordered to notify management of her conviction whenever entering a store.
May 16th, 2021
Courts Face Shortage of Defense Lawyers
Backlog of cases delayed during pandemic causes shortage in county courts.
May 11th, 2021
Let the Crowds In
Highlights from state Supreme Court ruling overthrowing state order on bar and restaurant capacity limits.
Apr 19th, 2021
Expunging Criminal Records Gets Broad Support
Police, prosecutors, public defenders, business groups back bill expanding expungement.
Apr 11th, 2021
Why Court Voided Evers Emergency Order
Highlights of the Supreme Court ruling — and the dissent.
Apr 5th, 2021
Arrested at 14, Still in Jail at 40
Kenneth Gray has served 25 years for reckless homicide. Is that long enough?
Mar 28th, 2021
County Criminal Pot Convictions Down 94% Since 2010
But little change in rest of state, with huge racial gap in arrests, convictions.
Mar 28th, 2021
State Must Release Sex Offender Data
Supreme Court rules for defense lawyer who argues DOC has overstated how often offenders commit future crimes.
Mar 14th, 2021
Bill Allows Testimony Via Video, Phone
Opponents say it violates defendants’ right to confront witnesses against them.
Mar 7th, 2021
Evers Proposes $45.8 Million for Milwaukee Juvenile Facility
County looks to build local facility, stop sending juveniles to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
Mar 1st, 2021
Kegel vs. Roth for Circuit Court Branch 3
Two attorneys running for vacant seat answer questions.
Feb 24th, 2021
Bill Gives Pay Parity to Public Defenders
Legislature okays 10% merit raise so state public defenders get same pay as prosecutors.
Feb 23rd, 2021
48 Justice-Related Proposals by Evers
Budget plan packed with proposed changes to state system of justice.
Feb 17th, 2021
Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates
Rep Wangaard seeks to correct ‘mistake’ by Gov. Evers.
Feb 16th, 2021
County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty
8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.
Feb 6th, 2021
Criminal Record Expungement Bill Is Back
Bipartisan bill pushed by Rep. Evan Goyke nearly passed in last session.
Jan 26th, 2021
High Court Upholds Gun Possession Ban for Felons
But state research used to push for this criticized in Supreme Court decision.
Jan 24th, 2021
Federal Stimulus Law Funds War on Pot
COVID-19 relief law includes billions of dollars for drug enforcement efforts.
Jan 12th, 2021
2,000 Object to Redistricting Proposal
272 pages of comments compiled by Fair Maps Coalition oppose state Supreme Court drawing legislative districts.
Dec 13th, 2020
Court Rules for Patients on Medical Records
State appeals court says companies cannot overcharge for copies of medical records.
Nov 23rd, 2020
Appeal Seeks to Block Election Grants
Conservative group opposes $6.3 million in private grants helping pay for elections in five Wisconsin cities.
Nov 9th, 2020
State Prisons Too Secretive About COVID-19
Department of Corrections took months to release numbers, still trying to hide information.
Nov 2nd, 2020
Chisholm Calls Marsy’s Law ‘Unfunded Mandate’
County budgeting $224,000 for new staff to comply with requirements.
Oct 24th, 2020
State Prisons See Biggest Weekly Outbreak
Positive cases up 41%, by 662 cases, in one week.
Oct 14th, 2020
Municipal Court Attendance Way Up
Huge reduction in no shows in Zoom era. Even a court appearance from Saudi Arabia.
Oct 13th, 2020
40% of Kettle Moraine Inmates Have COVID-19
1,612 positive coronavirus tests in state prisons since the beginning of the pandemic.
Oct 7th, 2020
City Leadership Weak on Police Reforms?
Serious reform of race-based stops by Milwaukee police not happening, report on federal court settlement finds.
Oct 5th, 2020
DAs Seek 26% State Budget Increase
District Attorneys want more staff and 10% raise for eligible employees.
Sep 29th, 2020
Police Stops Still Biased, Report Shows
Milwaukee Police stop Blacks eight times more often than whites, Crime and Justice Institute finds.
Sep 26th, 2020
WI Public Defenders Office Wants 40 More Employees
Needs $7.6 million budget hike to handle “exponential increase” in video evidence.
Sep 23rd, 2020
State Prisons Charging Inmates for Masks
Corrections officials say inmates each got three washable masks, must pay after that.
Sep 22nd, 2020
COVID-19 Cases Up 70% in State Prisons
907 positive cases, up from 373 on August 21, prisons in Dodge and Racine counties have worst outbreaks.
Sep 15th, 2020
Judge’s Comments on Guns Sustained
Defendant claims Judge Donald’s sentencing shows bias against gun owners, Appeals Court upholds judge.
Sep 8th, 2020
Republican Senators Offer 8 Police Bills
One requires cities in Wisconsin to maintain current police funding or lose state aid.
Aug 30th, 2020
Court Ruling Limits Expungement
Even minor violations of state corrections' supervision rules make ex-offenders ineligible.
Aug 23rd, 2020
Milwaukee Police Gobble Up City Budget
MPD got 62 cents of every new city budget dollar over last ten years.
Aug 16th, 2020
Police Cuts Could Hit Minority Officers
Milwaukee Police Department’s Black and Hispanic officers tend to have less seniority.
Aug 10th, 2020
12 Years Behind Bars, Now Released
Milwaukee DA will not retry Ladarius Marshall after federal judge finds his constitutional rights violated at age 16.
Jul 21st, 2020
Court Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions
FPC suspended two Milwaukee cops who swore at and manhandled a man walking in the street.
Jul 14th, 2020
Prison Admissions to Rise Amid Pandemic
Pause in admissions ends this month, even as COVID-19 numbers rise.
Jun 6th, 2020
Appeals Court Nixes Post-Polygraph Confession
Officers repeatedly told suspect he failed lie detector but didn’t explain results can't be used in court.
May 26th, 2020
Ruling Limits Involuntary Medication of Inmates
WI Supreme Court says prisoners can’t be forcibly medicated unless they are dangerous.
May 17th, 2020
Inside the State’s Prisons
Inmates talk about prison life during a pandemic when only 1% have been tested for virus.
May 14th, 2020
Court Overturns 2010 Homicide Conviction
Milwaukee police clearly violated suspect’s Miranda rights, federal judge rules.
Apr 28th, 2020
Karofsky Won 17 Milwaukee County Municipalities
Lost only Hales Corners and Franklin by small margins, got 86% in Shorewood.
Apr 19th, 2020
What’s Life Like Inside State’s Prisons?
Contrasting state's official description vs. inmate’s account of prison life during pandemic.
Apr 13th, 2020
Charting the Changes in State’s Prisons
Courts grinding to a halt, 39% drop in locking up those on probation, parole.
Apr 6th, 2020
We Urge Release of Aged, Infirm Inmates
Advocacy groups urge Evers, DOC to expand compassionate release during outbreak.
Mar 22nd, 2020
Deputy City Attorney Accused of Racism
Defense attorney calls for investigation of Deputy City Attorney Jan Smokowicz.
Mar 11th, 2020
Committee Demands Stop-and-Frisk Plan
18 months after court settlement, Judiciary committee wants Fire & Police Commission plan with specific timelines.
Mar 2nd, 2020
Kelly, Karofsky Divide the County
Karofsky wins Milwaukee and North Shore, Kelly wins southern suburbs in high court race.
Feb 24th, 2020
Police Officer Denies Stepping on Sterling Brown
But video shows he did. More testimony from controversial 2018 arrest of Bucks player
Feb 19th, 2020
Morales Hides Policies on Public Protests?
Police procedures offered to Fire & Police Commission on handling demonstrations, rallies are heavily redacted.
Feb 17th, 2020
Fire & Police Commission Okays Probe
To investigate leak of police department video. But who will do investigation and how will it be funded?
Feb 10th, 2020
Bill to Impound Cars Costly for Cities
Republican bill could cost local governments $50 million per year and charge owners of autos that are stolen.
Feb 3rd, 2020
Most Muni Court Pot Cases Charged Blacks in 2019
39% of city’s population is charged with 77% of Municipal Court’s pot possession cases.
Jan 27th, 2020
Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates Part Two
Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part Two
Jan 24th, 2020
Q&A With Circuit Court Candidates
Blomme, Dedinsky and Whitney make their case for election to Branch 5. Part 1 of two-part story.
Jan 23rd, 2020
Officer Threatened to Tow Brown’s Car
In testimony police sergeant admits no legal basis for threats against Bucks player Sterling Brown.
Dec 30th, 2019
FPC Leader Submitted Inaccurate Resume
Aldrete falsely stated she taught a criminal justice course for three years at MATC.
Dec 16th, 2019
Blacks More at Risk for Pot Prosecution
7% of state population but 21% of charges. Cannabis “the drug of the privileged”?
Dec 3rd, 2019
More Details on Tasing of Bucks Player
Officer Bojan Samardzic says he understands why Sterling Brown got upset by police treatment.
Nov 21st, 2019
Morales Blames ACLU Suit for Traffic Ticket Drop
Police Chief says stop-and-frisk settlement caused decline. But some question this.
Nov 18th, 2019
‘Could Have Been Dead People in Walgreens.’
One year later police officer still defends his handling of Bucks player Sterling Brown.
Nov 11th, 2019
Milwaukee Traffic Tickets Down 46%
Ticket-writing jumped in 2018 amid outrage about reckless driving, but way down in 2019.
Oct 30th, 2019
Jailed Shorewood Cop Has New Police Job
Officer Cody Smith falsified documents, lied repeatedly after inmate hung himself in jail.
Sep 20th, 2019
State Defends Juvenile Life Sentences
DOJ lawyers seek to dismiss ACLU suit calling this cruel and unusual punishment.
Aug 29th, 2019
Shorewood Sued Over Inmate’s Suicide
Suit alleges unlawful detention, wrongful death of mentally ill man.
Aug 12th, 2019
85% of County’s Pot Cases Arrest Blacks
And 95% were men. Dane County arrests are even more disproportionate racially.
Jul 29th, 2019
Racial Disparity in U.S. Attorney’s Cases
Local gun cases they pick from District Attorney for federal prosecution slant toward black defendants.
Jul 21st, 2019
Court Finds County Not Liable For Assaults
Polk County Jail officer sexually assaulted female inmates but Appeals Court tosses out $2 million verdict.
Jul 4th, 2019
Absentee Dad Can’t Collect from Son’s Estate
Court rules father won’t get share of $1.4 million legal settlement in death of his son.
Jul 2nd, 2019
Cops Can Use Lying, Trickery, Court Rules
Judges Gundrum, Neubauer approve police deceit to get confession from cognitively challenged man.
Jun 19th, 2019
Pot Arrests Vary Wildly By County
Some outstate counties have far more marijuana charges and felony charges per resident.
Jun 17th, 2019
City Will Borrow for Police Settlement
Milwaukee has borrowed many millions to pay off police legal settlements in last decade.
May 14th, 2019
Will Victoriano Heredia Die In Prison?
Prison for life for crime at age 17. ACLU suit challenges life sentences for teens.
May 9th, 2019
Appeals Court Expands Legal Searches
Suspected drunk driver's car can be searched for other drugs. Hagedorn joins ruling.
Apr 30th, 2019
City Carries Shelton to Victory
Candidate for circuit court judge lost the suburbs, but won city by huge margin.
Apr 5th, 2019
Appeals Court Rules Sperm DNA Relevant
Reverses lower court decision disallowing DNA not from defendant found on bed in sexual assault case.
Apr 3rd, 2019
Shelton Discusses Past Police Encounters
Circuit Court candidate’s experiences point to possible racial bias in the suburbs.
Mar 29th, 2019
Shelton, Jones Pick Best and Worst Cases
Milwaukee Circuit Court candidates pick best and worst Supreme Court decisions.
Mar 26th, 2019
Why Shelton, Jones Want To Be Judge
Candidates for Branch 40 Circuit Court talk about their motivations.
Mar 19th, 2019
Evers Funds Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
Budget has $8.1 million for upgrades, so he won’t close facility as critics have demanded.
Mar 12th, 2019
County’s Felony Cases Down Since 2011
Number of cases rose 30% statewide while declining 2% in Milwaukee County.
Mar 5th, 2019
Judge Gabler Provided False Information
Appointed to bench by Walker after his application falsely described municipal court violations.
Feb 20th, 2019
Tougher Drunk Driving Laws Proposed
Criminalized first offenses and fines that could devastate the poor, ACLU says.
Feb 1st, 2019
County Wins $2.3 Million Grant for Jail Reform
MacArthur grant funds effort to address overcrowding at county jail, House of Corrections.
Jan 29th, 2019
City’s Pot Cases Down 17% Last Year
Milwaukee Municipal Court sees decline in marijuana cases in 2018.
Jan 28th, 2019
Study Calls for Probation, Parole Reform
Wisconsin’s system is “wasting money and wasting lives,” should learn from other states.
Jan 25th, 2019
Trip Down the Aisle Is Very Lo-o-o-ng
Fox Lake inmate has tried for nearly a year to get prison officials to approve his marriage.
Jan 22nd, 2019
1.8 Million Hours of State Prison Overtime
Cost $51 million in 2018, system badly short staffed, Evers seeks reform.
Jan 14th, 2019
Chisholm Supports Fully Legal Pot
But only with adequate implementation and regulatory structures, he says.
Jan 2nd, 2019
Everyone Wants Legal Pot!
A majority in all 19 Milwaukee communities favored legal pot in November referendum.
Dec 31st, 2018
41% of State Inmates Have Mental Health Issues
Critics decry use of prisons as dumping grounds for people with mental health problems.
Dec 14th, 2018
State Investigators Leave Teachers in Limbo
DPI investigations may present due process problems, appeals court judge writes.
Dec 4th, 2018
Wood County Defendants Go Without Lawyers
Common practice in county is to hold preliminary hearings without a defense attorney.
Nov 23rd, 2018
Borowski Transferred to Different Court
Judicial rotation for circuit court judges switches him from court where he caused a furor.
Nov 19th, 2018
Borowski Vacates Contempt Order, Recuses Himself
Judge backs off from case where he had defense attorney handcuffed and imprisoned.
Nov 12th, 2018
Borowski Under Pressure on Contempt Order
Public Defenders Office calls on judge to vacate controversial order and jailing of lawyer.
Nov 9th, 2018
A Sweep for Marijuana Referendums!
On 18 county and city ballots, all approved by up to 88% of voters.
Nov 7th, 2018
Apologize or Resign, Lawyers Tell Judge
Judge Borowski had defense lawyer handcuffed and jailed; state attorneys group outraged.
Oct 31st, 2018
225 Substitution Requests Against One Judge!
All filed in last year against new Circuit Judge Kristy Yang, elected in April 2017.
Oct 18th, 2018
Judge Goes Easy on Violent Cop
Milwaukee police officer kicked subdued suspect in the face, gets fine, 14 days in jail.
Oct 16th, 2018
Appeals Court Revives Girls Prison Lawsuit
Teen girls put in isolation for months, attempted suicide, at state’s Copper Lake facility.
Oct 15th, 2018
42 Days in Jail for Rolling His Eyes
Judge puts defendant in jail for alleged bad attitude. Appeals court overturns decision.
Oct 8th, 2018
Public Defender Pushes $70 Rate for Appointed Counsel
State hourly rate of $40 lowest in nation, indigent defendants often have no attorney.
Sep 24th, 2018
Court Reverses $6.7 Million Rape Verdict
Federal appeals court rules county not liable for employee raping county jail inmate.
Sep 17th, 2018
18-Year-Old Hangs Himself, Lacked Lawyer
Case spotlights state’s constitutional crisis, inadequate funding for appointed counsel.
Sep 13th, 2018
Life Sentence For Juvenile OK, Court Says
Man who killed woman when he was 16 gets life plus 32 years. Appeal court upholds it.
Aug 31st, 2018
Pot Referendums on November Ballot
15 counties, two cities have referendums on legalizing medical or all marijuana use.
Aug 30th, 2018
Appeals Court Gives Immigrant Second Chance
Seventh circuit, based in Northern Illinois, overrules federal government, says law protects asylum seeker.
Aug 28th, 2018
Experts Question Schimel’s School Safety Grants
Sending mental health professionals to training designed for security officers?
Aug 22nd, 2018
16 Court Reforms of Police Department
ACLU stop-and-frisk settlement requires many changes by Milwaukee Police Department.
Aug 14th, 2018
Bail Jumping Charges Soar in Some Counties
Iowa, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties the worst, but Milwaukee has many, too.
Jul 20th, 2018
The Plague of Bail Jumping Charges
134% increase in such charges in state since 2000 may force innocent people to plead guilty.
Jul 12th, 2018
Judge Overrules Traffic Stop Arrest
Milwaukee police officers had no grounds for interrogating driver, appeals judge rules.
Jun 18th, 2018
County Board Okays Pot Referendum
Hope is that advisory referendum will push state legislators to act.
May 25th, 2018
Offense At Age Nine a Felony?
State high court approves adult felony charge though offender then said to be eight or nine.
May 23rd, 2018
Just 13% of City’s Pot Cases Involve Whites
Blacks and Hispanics make up 57% of city population but 86% of pot cases in 2017.
May 15th, 2018
36 Judges Call for Defense Lawyer Pay Hikes
Circuit judges from 18 counties cite difficulties finding lawyers for indigent defendants.
May 13th, 2018
State Incarcerations Surpass National Average
Wisconsin now imprisons a higher percent of people than national average and neighboring states.
May 9th, 2018
Public Defenders Group Backs Higher Lawyer Fees
List of attorneys in state willing to defend indigent clients declines 16% in last five years.
May 3rd, 2018
State Has Lowest Appointed Lawyer Fee
50th in nation for pay to court appointed defense lawyers. Eau Claire judge calls for change.
Apr 30th, 2018
Whites Just 9% of County Pot Arrests
Blacks are 25% of county residents but were 86% of all marijuana arrests in last two years.
Apr 25th, 2018
Attorney Fees Challenge Ashland County
Most lawyers won’t work for $40 per hour, some came from La Crosse, 250 miles away.
Apr 23rd, 2018
State Bar Backs Pay Hike for Appointed Lawyers
Hourly fee for court appointed lawyers so low they can lose money on cases.
Apr 19th, 2018
Low Lawyer Fees a “Constitutional Crisis”?
Judge says defendants wait in jail because attorneys won’t work for state pay of $40 hour.
Apr 16th, 2018
Will Robert Lee Stinson Get Justice?
DNA exonerated him of murder after 24 years in jail, appeals court okays wrongful conviction suit.
Apr 12th, 2018
Dallet Won 313 of 322 City Wards
Screnock won just nine wards, and 25% of Milwaukee’s total vote.
Apr 10th, 2018
Dallet Won in Trumpland
She even won Sauk County, home base of Michael Screnock.
Apr 4th, 2018
MPD Traffic Citations Hit Minorities Heavily
Whites issued just 13% of traffic citations by Milwaukee Police in 2017.
Apr 3rd, 2018
Public Defender Pay At Issue
For decades they’ve earned $40 hour in Wisconsin; federal public defenders get $140 hour.
Mar 30th, 2018
The Judge That Robin Vos Hates
Who is Judge Josann Reynolds, the Walker appointee who ruled he must hold special elections?
Mar 27th, 2018
City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit
Says Chief Flynn retired and practice ended.
Mar 21st, 2018
County’s Felony Traffic Cases Up 21%
2017 increase probably driven by tougher drunk driving laws.
Mar 19th, 2018
Felony Drug Cases Rose 14% In 2017
Opioid use may drive the numbers. Drunk driving felony cases also rose.
Mar 15th, 2018
Can Juveniles Get Life Without Parole?
Appeals Court asks State Supreme Court to decide if that’s constitutional.
Mar 13th, 2018
Prison Bill’s True Cost Much Higher
Vukmir proposal to toughen revocation rules could cost $201 million per year.
Mar 6th, 2018
Justices Differ on Right to Lawyer
High Court majority sides with police, who say suspect waived right, dissent calls that a "fantasy.”
Mar 1st, 2018
Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017
Numbers reflect change in pursuit policy Chief Flynn agreed to adopt.
Feb 26th, 2018
County Jails Handle State Prison Overflow
But they’re “bordeline inhumane,” worse than state prisons, some say.
Feb 20th, 2018
Trump Nominee Has Unjudicial Views
Wisconsin judge nominee Gordon Giampietro dams birth control, gay marriage, public schools.
Feb 16th, 2018
State High Court Restricts Open Records
Ruling makes it harder for unions to determine who has voted in elections.
Feb 9th, 2018
Racine County Prisons Over Capacity
But Oregon prison is even more crowded
Feb 2nd, 2018
GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules
State constitutional amendment opposed by defense lawyers, supported by City of Milwaukee.
Feb 1st, 2018
Voter’s Choice, Burns vs. Dallet
Two Supreme Court candidates answer questions, but Screnock declines.
Jan 19th, 2018
West Allis is Top Debtors’ Prison
Jails more ordinance violators than all other county municipalities combined.
Jan 18th, 2018
Ellsworth Prison at 213% of Capacity
U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that no more than 137% is acceptable.
Jan 11th, 2018
Green Bay Prison To Be Replaced?
Century-old Green Bay and the Oshkosh prison both horribly overcrowded. Part 5 of series.
Jan 3rd, 2018
Bill Hikes Pay For Private Bar Lawyers
If bill passes, attorneys representing indigent defendants in criminal cases would get pay increase.
Dec 27th, 2017
Federal Judge Slams Lawyers in Jail Suit
Suit over baby’s death in county jail has sparring lawyers acting “like fourth graders.”
Dec 21st, 2017
Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records
Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.
Dec 19th, 2017
Columbia Prison at 153% of Capacity
Inmates sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds. Part 4 in a series.
Dec 15th, 2017
Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails
And why Schimel report complaining about investigators could be wrong.
Dec 8th, 2017
Waupun, Taycheedah at 140% of Capacity
Some areas “no longer safe to occupy.” Part 3 of primer on prisons.
Dec 1st, 2017
A Primer on Overcrowded Prisons, Part II
Percent of old inmates with costly medical problems keeps rising.
Nov 24th, 2017
A Primer On Crowded State Prisons
The worst could be Fox Lake prison, at 137% of capacity.
Nov 20th, 2017
Vukmir Bill Will Cause Prison Bed Shortage
State prisons already overcrowded; bill would add 1,800 inmates, cost $57 million per year.
Nov 14th, 2017
Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job
State bill would also let cops union grab power on Fire & Police Commission.
Oct 31st, 2017
County Seeks Overturn of $6.7 Million Verdict
Fellow inmate claims woman who won verdict wasn’t sexually assaulted in county jail.
Oct 24th, 2017
State Won’t Meet Prison Rape Guidelines
Walker commission rejects improvements, kicks issue to long-range study.
Oct 18th, 2017
Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.
Oct 9th, 2017
County Must Pay $6.7 Million Verdict
Judge rules insurer not liable for sexual assault of County Jail inmate.
Oct 3rd, 2017
Legalizing Pot Could Be Windfall For Wisconsin
Legalization could generate $138 million per year in tax revenue beginning in 2021.
Sep 29th, 2017
Republicans Want Activist Judges?
Bill pushes judges to overrule local laws that violate “spirit” of state statutes.
Sep 15th, 2017
Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged
Rep. Goyke’s bill gets bipartisan support, allows retroactive expungement of youthful convictions.
Sep 6th, 2017
Any Whites Nabbed for Pot Possession?
Research of Milwaukee County cases show whites rarely arrested.
Aug 28th, 2017
County, Insurer Fight Over $6.7 Million Claim
$6.7 million awarded to sexually assaulted county jail inmate, will insurance cover it?
Aug 24th, 2017
Who’s Charged for Pot Possession?
Review of cases shows black males mostly charged for a second offense.
Aug 16th, 2017
Council Supports Restricting Asset Forfeiture
Would only be allowed for convicted criminals. Milwaukee police opposed change.
Aug 10th, 2017
Reduce Penalties for Pot Possession
Second offense possession still a felony in Wisconsin.
Aug 7th, 2017
Predatory Loan King Backs Schimel
Rod Aycox, partner of reputed mob figure, gives $2,500 to Attorney General Brad Schimel.
Jul 23rd, 2017
Judge Rules on Lincoln Hills
Drastic cutbacks in pepper spray, mechanical constraints, solitary confinement.
Jul 13th, 2017
5-Year Drop in County’s Felony Cases
Serious crime cases down by 9%, but statewide felony cases rose 18% from 2011-2016.
Jul 12th, 2017
Judge Sets Guidelines for Lincoln Hills
Reducing solitary confinement and use of pepper spray on the list.
Jul 5th, 2017
Lifetime GPS Monitoring Is Legal
State Appeals Court approves lifetime GPS device for former sex offender.
Jun 28th, 2017
Pictures of Youths in Prison
ACLU’s suit documents questionable treatment at Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake.
Jun 20th, 2017
Appeals Court Clarifies Police Custody
State claims a handcuffed man not in “custody.”
Jun 19th, 2017
Raped Jail Inmate Awarded $6.7 Million
But no award from jury for being shackled while delivering her baby.
Jun 8th, 2017
2,030 Strip Searches at Youth Prisons
Just 32 of searches in one year at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake found contraband.
Jun 7th, 2017
Clarke Evading State Law on Jail?
Tells court he’s not in charge of jail medical care; state law says he is.
May 26th, 2017
County Tougher on Misdemeanors
Judges give sentences twice as long with more jailing than other counties.
May 25th, 2017
Sheriff Clarke Loses Key Ruling
Judge won’t dismiss case on shackling of pregnant inmates in county jail.
May 19th, 2017
Dallet May Run for Supreme Court
Judge Rebecca Dallet could oppose Justice Michael Gableman.
May 18th, 2017
County May Settle With Beaten Inmate
County lawyer backs $18,000 payment on County Jail inmate's suit.
May 10th, 2017
County Hikes Jailing Fee for City
Milwaukee, suburbs face big hikes for municipal offenders jailed.
May 9th, 2017
Cocaine Mom Law Struck Down
Federal court says state can’t lock up pregnant women who use drugs, alcohol.
May 3rd, 2017
Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons
State wants 21% hike in fees and more inmates at failing prisons.
Apr 27th, 2017
ACLU Seeks Lincoln Hills Injunction
Wants court to temporarily ban solitary confinement at juvenile prisons.
Apr 20th, 2017
More Horrors at Juvenile Prisons?
Suit charges strip searches at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
Apr 19th, 2017
Jails for the Sick and Elderly
19% of state prisoners now over age 50, up from 5% in 1995.
Apr 13th, 2017
Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year
Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.
Apr 5th, 2017
Wales v. Yang, Closing Arguments
They’re getting nasty, dueling over alleged dirty campaigning.
Mar 29th, 2017
Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?
Walker, Corrections won’t estimate cost of longer prison time for offenders.
Mar 27th, 2017
Bail Jumping Charges Need Reform?
7,034 felony charges in 2016 for violating conditions of bond. Goyke seeks reform.
Mar 23rd, 2017
Another Suit Against Clarke, County Jail
It’s the second suit alleging jail workers shackled pregnant woman inmate.
Mar 21st, 2017
Man Charged for Childhood Crime
State Appeals Court okays adult felony charge for act committed at age nine.
Mar 20th, 2017
Why Gorsuch’s Wrong for Supreme Court
He favors corporations over people and holds radical views.
Mar 13th, 2017
County May Hike Lockup Costs
Would mean higher rate for inmates, municipal ordinance violators, from suburbs, city.
Mar 10th, 2017
Yang vs. Wales; Should Judges Recuse?
Wales says yes if parties to case gave $1,000 donation, Yang undecided.
Mar 8th, 2017
Wales and Yang on Judicial Pay
Two candidates for circuit court consider: should they be paid more?
Mar 5th, 2017
Clarke Could Face Constitutional Claim
Oregon court decision suggests Sheriff is wrongly detaining immigrants.
Mar 2nd, 2017
Clarke Can’t Delay Class Action Suit
Pregnant women shackled in county jail, could be as many as 300 in suit.
Feb 27th, 2017
Judicial Candidates Explain Themselves
The philosophies of circuit court opponents Yang and Wales.
Feb 24th, 2017
Supreme Court Workload Down By 48%
Huge drop in cases handled by state high court. Court of Appeals workload also way down.
Feb 14th, 2017
Clarke Clueless On Department Violations?
In court testimony, Sheriff can’t say how many employees faced criminal charges.
Jan 30th, 2017
Chemical Spraying Used At Lincoln Hills
ACLU suit shows pepper spray used repeatedly, violating state administrative code.
Jan 27th, 2017
Shocking Charges in Lincoln Hills Suit
Youth suffer excruciating pain, shackling, solitary confinement, ACLU suit charges.
Jan 25th, 2017
Municipal Court Cases Drop By 54%
Court handles 75,000 fewer cases than 5 years ago. Are fewer judges needed?
Jan 24th, 2017
City Approves $110,000 Settlement
Suit filed charging excessive police force in ugly 2012 incident.
Jan 21st, 2017
Big Donors Like Justice Ziegler
Unopposed Supreme Court Justice raised $373,106 in campaign donations in 2016.
Jan 19th, 2017
Most Reversed Judge Of The Year
Judge William Gabler had four cases overturned by higher courts in 2016.
Jan 12th, 2017
Four Candidates For Muni Court Judge
Incumbent Judge Valarie Hill faces three challengers and many questions.
Jan 6th, 2017
Justice Ziegler, 37 Judges Unopposed
Just 11 of 48 Circuit Court judges face opponents in April Election
Jan 4th, 2017
The Return Of Michelle Ackerman Havas
Walker appointee to judge rejected by voters now running for a different branch.
Jan 2nd, 2017
Supreme Court Rules Against Open Records
Conservative majority exempts Schimel’s training videos from disclosure.
Dec 30th, 2016
Muni Court Data Withheld From Public?
Judge says data from Warrant Withdrawal Wednesday won’t be publicly released.
Dec 21st, 2016
Judge Hill May Face Three Challengers
Valarie Hill, a judge since 2004, is being challenged for municipal court’s failings.
Dec 16th, 2016
Muni Court Debts Slam One Zip Code
One fourth of residents of heavily black 53206 owe money; “shocking,” says Ald. Murphy.
Dec 13th, 2016
Judge Valarie Hill Faces Challenger
Legal Aid Society attorney Brian Michel will run for Municipal Court, arguing it needs reforms.
Nov 29th, 2016
Four Key Judge Races Coming
Supreme Court Justice Ziegler and three Appeals Court judges running in spring election.
Nov 25th, 2016
Muni Court Indigents Will Get Lawyers
Common Council votes 9-6 to approve funding for new program.
Nov 7th, 2016
Municipal Judges Ignore the Law
Audios show poor defendants aren't informed of right to community service rather than fines and jail.
Nov 1st, 2016
City Could Get Tougher on Defendants
Municipal Court already makes a profit but plan would toughen debt collections, hold cars, attach wages.
Oct 24th, 2016
Prison for Profit?
Department of Corrections seeks shortcut for new prison industries, to make money faster.
Sep 27th, 2016
Decriminalize Pot?
State Public Defender's office recommends decriminalizing marijuana possession.
Sep 22nd, 2016
AG Schimel Attacks Open Records Law
He is appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in an effort to keep two law enforcement training videos secret.
Sep 16th, 2016
School Would Cost $40,000 Per Kid Per Year
Proposed boarding school is part of Common Council’s “Public Safety Action Plan.”
Sep 1st, 2016
How Appeals Court Failed in Dassey Case
Three state judges overruled by federal court allowed ugly miscarriage of justice in Dassey conviction.
Aug 23rd, 2016
District Attorney Election Divided by Race
Swanigan won most majority black wards, Chisholm won everywhere else in county.
Aug 22nd, 2016
Walker Appointee Says God Decides Law
State Supreme Court nominee Daniel Kelly says scriptures trump legal precedent.
Aug 12th, 2016
Sheriff Clarke Seeks 50% Tax Levy Increase
His budget request asks for 206 additional full-time positions, a 29% increase in his staff.
Aug 9th, 2016
Appeals Court Overturns Case, Citing Miranda
Yes, rule can still apply, as court throws out sexual assault charge against 16-year-old.
Aug 3rd, 2016
95% of Wisconsin State Judges Are White
State trails 43 states in judicial diversity, study shows, while near the top in black incarceration.
Aug 1st, 2016
Critics Say WEPCO Proposal Would Over-Charge Customers
Valley plant conversion to gas will mostly serve businesses yet 90% of cost is charged to residential customers, they charge.
Oct 21st, 2013
State Quietly Expands I-94 Project
Reconstruction of I-94 would extend 23% further into city, stretching east to 16th Street, WISDOT says.
Aug 30th, 2013
Citizens, Cut Your Grass!
Common Council is considering a proposal by Ald. Davis with tougher restrictions against overgrown lawns.
Jul 22nd, 2013
Freeway Expansion Could Move South
I-94 could be straightened to run through current Miller Park parking lots. Brewers are open to this option.
Mar 11th, 2013
Double-Decker Freeway For Milwaukee?
Rising 40 feet high, it could be destructive to the Story Hill neighborhood.
Mar 5th, 2013
Books Aren’t Banned Here
Little free libraries are welcome in Milwaukee -- unlike in Whitefish Bay.
Nov 20th, 2012
A City At Risk?
"The community's less safe," says District Attorney John Chisholm, because of staff cuts.
Sep 24th, 2012
How State Ignored Civil Rights
The Department of Transportation flagrantly ignored federal law and the rights of urban minorities.
Sep 13th, 2012
