Sarah Lehr

Recent Articles

Suit Challenges Evers’ Partial Veto Hiking School Funding for 400 Years

Suit Challenges Evers’ Partial Veto Hiking School Funding for 400 Years

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce filed suit, arguing veto is unconstitutional.

Evers Picks New Department of Revenue Secretary

Evers Picks New Department of Revenue Secretary

David Casey will replace Peter Barca, who stepped down from cabinet post.

Evers Vetoes Bill Ending Work Permit Requirement for Younger Teens

Evers Vetoes Bill Ending Work Permit Requirement for Younger Teens

Governor cites need to protect 14- and 15-year-olds through work permit process.

Attorney Requests Outside Monitor For Troubled Waupun Prison

Attorney Requests Outside Monitor For Troubled Waupun Prison

New motion asks for end to lockdown restrictions, court-appointed monitor.

Thousands of Immigrants in Wisconsin in Court Without Lawyers

Thousands of Immigrants in Wisconsin in Court Without Lawyers

Facing possible deportation without representation. ‘It’s desperate.'

Evers Vetoes Bill Limiting His Appointment Power

Evers Vetoes Bill Limiting His Appointment Power

GOP plan took away governor's power to fill vacancies in constitutional offices.

State Agencies Could Save Half a Billion Dollars By Moving To More Remote Work

State Agencies Could Save Half a Billion Dollars By Moving To More Remote Work

But administrators first need to tighten up policies to track remote, in-person work.

Judge Agrees To Let Jury See Explicit Videos in Chrystul Kizer Case

Judge Agrees To Let Jury See Explicit Videos in Chrystul Kizer Case

Kizer is charged with killing a man who sexually abused her when she was underage.

Wisconsin Lawsuits to Kick Trump Off Ballot Dismissed

Wisconsin Lawsuits to Kick Trump Off Ballot Dismissed

US Supreme Court ruling declared states lack authority to disqualify Trump.

Evers Signs Child Care Tax Credit

Evers Signs Child Care Tax Credit

After vetoing GOP tax cuts governor approves expanded tax credit for child care expenses.

State Department of Corrections Secretary Retiring

State Department of Corrections Secretary Retiring

Kevin Carr will step down March 8 after five years overseeing prisons.

Bill Would Pay Schools To Buy Gun Detection Equipment

Bill Would Pay Schools To Buy Gun Detection Equipment

Critics raise privacy concerns over systems that use AI and camera feeds.

More Job Applications Coming In For Wisconsin’s Prisons

More Job Applications Coming In For Wisconsin’s Prisons

New class of correctional officers is largest in decades, but vacancies remain an issue.

Legislature Approves Reduction in Educator Licensing Requirements

Legislature Approves Reduction in Educator Licensing Requirements

Republican backers say their aim is easing a workforce shortage

State Granting Professional Licenses More Quickly, Audit Finds

State Granting Professional Licenses More Quickly, Audit Finds

Majority of licenses now granted within two weeks, nonpartisan report finds.

Wisconsin Democrats Restart Push For Comprehensive Sex Education

Wisconsin Democrats Restart Push For Comprehensive Sex Education

Proposal is modeled after state law.

Legislators Raise Limits on Personal Property After Prisoner Denied Bible

Legislators Raise Limits on Personal Property After Prisoner Denied Bible

Two Assembly Democrats oppose bill, saying it won't actually help prison inmates.

Proposals Would Allow Guns In More Churches, More Access To Tasers

Proposals Would Allow Guns In More Churches, More Access To Tasers

Proposals attempt to navigate existing restrictions in state law.

3 Years After Jan. 6 Insurrection Where Do Wisconsin Cases Stand?

3 Years After Jan. 6 Insurrection Where Do Wisconsin Cases Stand?

Nearly a dozen state residents were charged in connection with attack on US Capitol.

New Laws Help Counselors, Physician Assistants Practice In Multiple States

New Laws Help Counselors, Physician Assistants Practice In Multiple States

Next could be interstate agreements for social workers, dentists, dental hygienists.

Sheboygan DA Vows To Appeal Abortion Ruling

Sheboygan DA Vows To Appeal Abortion Ruling

Judge ruled Tuesday that 1849 law doesn't ban abortion.

Dane County Judge Rules 1849 Law Does Not Ban Abortions In Wisconsin

Dane County Judge Rules 1849 Law Does Not Ban Abortions In Wisconsin

Ruling is a win for abortion rights advocates.

Republicans Seek To Abolish Wisconsin Elections Commission

Republicans Seek To Abolish Wisconsin Elections Commission

Power would be transferred to Secretary of State, Legislature's election committees.

GOP Proposal Would Give Businesses Tax Credits For Paying For Child Care

GOP Proposal Would Give Businesses Tax Credits For Paying For Child Care

Proposal would encourage businesses to create their own daycares or pay for outside providers.

State Program Helps Police Connect People in Crisis to Mental Health Experts

State Program Helps Police Connect People in Crisis to Mental Health Experts

$2 million telemedicine pilot program offers grants to local law enforcement agencies.

Plea Deal Reached In Fire Bombing of Anti-Abortion Office

Plea Deal Reached In Fire Bombing of Anti-Abortion Office

Hridindu Roychowdhury will plead guilty to felony charge, with penalty of between 5 to 20 years in prison.

Gov. Evers Announces Easing of Restrictions At Two Prisons

Gov. Evers Announces Easing of Restrictions At Two Prisons

Waupun, Green Bay prisons partially taken out of lockdown. Lawsuit alleges cruel and unusual punishment.

Court Orders Former Judge Roggensack To Produce Records Used To Advise Vos On Impeachment

Court Orders Former Judge Roggensack To Produce Records Used To Advise Vos On Impeachment

Lawsuit challenges shrouded nature of how 3 judges guided Vos on possibly impeaching Judge Protasiewicz.

Fetuses Would Count For Tax Exceptions Under Republican Proposal

Fetuses Would Count For Tax Exceptions Under Republican Proposal

State Senate endorses plan, which also includes per dependent exception increase of $300.

Top Senate Democrat Calls For Changes To Brewers’ Subsidy Deal

Top Senate Democrat Calls For Changes To Brewers’ Subsidy Deal

Agreement expected to need bipartisan support to pass Senate.

Milwaukee Could Get State’s First Reentry Center For Those Leaving Prison

Milwaukee Could Get State’s First Reentry Center For Those Leaving Prison

State-sponsored facility aims to be one-stop shop for resources.

Democrats Say Bills Would Create Better Standards For Jails, Prisons

Democrats Say Bills Would Create Better Standards For Jails, Prisons

17-bill package would establish minimum standards for living standards.

Lawsuit Underway On Absentee Ballot Rules

Lawsuit Underway On Absentee Ballot Rules

Judge hears oral argument on case that seeks to improve absentee ballot access.

Vacancies Declining in Prosecutor, Public Defender Ranks

Vacancies Declining in Prosecutor, Public Defender Ranks

Raises went into effect in July after group warned of "constitutional crisis."

Bill Could Make Drunk Drivers Pay Child Support If a Crash Kills Parents

Bill Could Make Drunk Drivers Pay Child Support If a Crash Kills Parents

Judges could require payments as part of restitution a defendant is required to pay.

State Supreme Court Limits Online Access to Eviction Records

State Supreme Court Limits Online Access to Eviction Records

Two-year limit adopted. Advocates argued records trap renters in poverty.

Vos Won’t Attempt To Impeach Elections Administrator Until Lawsuit Finished

Vos Won’t Attempt To Impeach Elections Administrator Until Lawsuit Finished

Senate President Chris Kapenga has asked the Assembly to start process.

Bill Would Hike Bail For Past Bail Jumpers

Bill Would Hike Bail For Past Bail Jumpers

But ACLU warns it would drastically increase number of people in pretrial detention.

DAs in Milwaukee, Dane Counties Urged to Prosecute Abortion Providers

DAs in Milwaukee, Dane Counties Urged to Prosecute Abortion Providers

Anti-abortion groups accuse Planned Parenthood of flouting state law.

With Lawsuits Pending, Assembly Republicans Approve Redistricting Changes

With Lawsuits Pending, Assembly Republicans Approve Redistricting Changes

Fight over gerrymandering now moves to Senate.

Republicans Advance Income Tax Cut

Republicans Advance Income Tax Cut

Evers promises a veto, calling it a financially 'irresponsible' bill.

Bill Would Make It Harder For Candidates To Be Kicked Off Ballots

Bill Would Make It Harder For Candidates To Be Kicked Off Ballots

Proposal, which touches on a 2022 Milwaukee school board race, would add clarity to signature process.

Republican Proposal Cuts State Income Taxes By Nearly $3 Billion

Republican Proposal Cuts State Income Taxes By Nearly $3 Billion

GOP legislators claim it targets middle class. Democrats dispute this.

Percent of Older Inmates Rising in State, National Prisons

Percent of Older Inmates Rising in State, National Prisons

Number of prisoners in state older than 55 tripled in 20 years, increasing medical costs.

Ron Johnson Calls for Justice Protasiewicz to Recuse

Ron Johnson Calls for Justice Protasiewicz to Recuse

Joins other Republicans calling for Supreme Count member to recuse on redistricting case.

Proposal Would Help Media Outlets Hit With Frivolous, Costly Lawsuits

Proposal Would Help Media Outlets Hit With Frivolous, Costly Lawsuits

Democrats' proposal inspired by lawsuit from GOP senator against Wausau publication.

Bill Requires Judge’s OK Before Prosecutors Could Drop Certain Charges

Bill Requires Judge’s OK Before Prosecutors Could Drop Certain Charges

Law enforcement groups support it, ACLU opposes it.

State’s Crime Labs Processing DNA Evidence Faster

State’s Crime Labs Processing DNA Evidence Faster

Much faster than nationally. But toxicology test turnaround time has gotten worse.

AG Kaul Wants Sealed Catholic Church Records

AG Kaul Wants Sealed Catholic Church Records

Bankruptcy case sealed records, but Kaul says information could help update list of credibly accused priests.

Dane County To Reimburse Employees Traveling for Abortions

Dane County To Reimburse Employees Traveling for Abortions

County 'has to keep up with the many private employers who are offering a similar benefit.'

Wisconsin Has Record Number of Jobs

Wisconsin Has Record Number of Jobs

52,900 more than year prior. Unemployment near record low.

Wisconsin’s False Electors, Kaul In Spotlight After Those in Michigan Charged

Wisconsin’s False Electors, Kaul In Spotlight After Those in Michigan Charged

Attorney General has declined to say whether he's pursuing charges against those that attempted to subvert 2020 election.

Tiffany Far Behind Baldwin In Fundraising

Tiffany Far Behind Baldwin In Fundraising

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin raised $3 million in 2nd quarter of 2023, vs $114,000 for possible challenger, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.

Wisconsin Licensing Division Will See Budget Increase

Wisconsin Licensing Division Will See Budget Increase

The Department of Safety and Professional Services has been criticized for delays.

Wisconsin Summer Nights Are Getting Warmer

Wisconsin Summer Nights Are Getting Warmer

Another consequence of climate change, and one which is likely to add stress for people.

Evers Veto Preserves Medicaid Coverage of Gender Affirming Care

Evers Veto Preserves Medicaid Coverage of Gender Affirming Care

GOP measure blocked coverage of gender reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers.

Kaul Charges Republicans Gutted School Safety Office

Kaul Charges Republicans Gutted School Safety Office

Democratic AG says budget decision leaves less resources 'for keeping our kids safe.'

Campaign Rivals Kaul, Toney Call For Crime Lab Funding

Campaign Rivals Kaul, Toney Call For Crime Lab Funding

Public defenders, district attorneys join coalition's push for more crime lab staffing.

Wisconsin ‘Safe Harbor’ Bill Bans Prosecuting Minors for Prostitution

Wisconsin ‘Safe Harbor’ Bill Bans Prosecuting Minors for Prostitution

Bipartisan legislation intended to aid fight against sex trafficking.

State Getting $7.5M Settlement From Opioid Addiction Treatment Producer

State Getting $7.5M Settlement From Opioid Addiction Treatment Producer

In 2016, Wisconsin joined an anti-trust lawsuit against Indivior, the maker of a drug used to treat opioid addiction called Suboxone.

Wisconsin Joins Lawsuit Against Phone Company That Allows Predatory Calls

Wisconsin Joins Lawsuit Against Phone Company That Allows Predatory Calls

Avid Telecom is being sued by 48 states for allowing billions of scam calls.

State Supreme Court Upholds Marsy’s Law

State Supreme Court Upholds Marsy’s Law

6-1 ruling rejects lawsuit charging that constitutional amendment's wording was misleading.

Former Senator Erpenbach Could Be Confirmed As New Parole Board Leader

Former Senator Erpenbach Could Be Confirmed As New Parole Board Leader

His former Republican colleagues will decide whether he can keep job Gov. Evers appointed him to.

Lawsuit Underway On Validity of Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban

Lawsuit Underway On Validity of Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban

Attorney General Josh Kaul is attempting to get law struck down.

Ex-Cardinal McCarrick Faces Sexual Assault Charge

Ex-Cardinal McCarrick Faces Sexual Assault Charge

1970s incident discovered as result of attorney general's clergy abuse task force.

GOP Congressman Calls For Abortion Exceptions

GOP Congressman Calls For Abortion Exceptions

As Republicans reel from Supreme Court loss Van Orden calls on party to change.

Audit Report Finds State Lags in Monitoring Parolees

Audit Report Finds State Lags in Monitoring Parolees

But Wisconsin Department of Corrections disputes the findings.

Audit Finds Millions of Medicare Funding Unclaimed By Wisconsin

Audit Finds Millions of Medicare Funding Unclaimed By Wisconsin

Republican legislators call for tighter oversight by state departments.

Voters Pass Referendums Expanding Judges’ Power to Set Cash Bail

Voters Pass Referendums Expanding Judges’ Power to Set Cash Bail

Referendums will amend state Constitution. Experts disagree on likely impact.

Sen. Baldwin Pushes For Health Care Coverage For Those Leaving Jail

Sen. Baldwin Pushes For Health Care Coverage For Those Leaving Jail

Medicaid loophole leaves vulnerable people released from incarceration without immediate coverage.

Why Does April Ballot Have Two Bail Proposals?

Why Does April Ballot Have Two Bail Proposals?

Why two constitutional amendments and what impact would they have?

More Than 1.6 Million Wisconsin Residents Need To Renew Medicaid Enrollment

More Than 1.6 Million Wisconsin Residents Need To Renew Medicaid Enrollment

Or they risk losing health insurance coverage. Reinstated requirement part of COVID-19 policy wind down.

Officials Investigating Alleged Racist Taunts at Basketball Game

Officials Investigating Alleged Racist Taunts at Basketball Game

Parents of Beloit high school boys basketball players cite taunting at game in Muskego.

Attorney General Kaul Pushes For More Funding, Hosts Lawmaker Crime Lab Tours

Attorney General Kaul Pushes For More Funding, Hosts Lawmaker Crime Lab Tours

Kaul, law enforcement agencies want faster turnaround for forensic work.

Evers Budget Funds 80 More Staff to Process Occupational Licenses

Evers Budget Funds 80 More Staff to Process Occupational Licenses

Department of Safety and Professional Services has faced criticism for service delays.

Former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank Dies At 67

Former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank Dies At 67

Served for nearly a decade, through COVID-19 pandemic, hailed as strong leader.

DAs Offices Across State Struggle to Hire Attorneys

DAs Offices Across State Struggle to Hire Attorneys

Low pay and a national shortage cause staffing issue, possible 'constitutional crisis.'

Gov. Evers’ Budget Expected To Support His “Year of Mental Health” Declaration

Gov. Evers’ Budget Expected To Support His “Year of Mental Health” Declaration

Budget proposal expected to include millions for expanding mental health programs, including in schools.

State Committee Votes To Allow LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy To Continue

State Committee Votes To Allow LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy To Continue

Republican lawmakers vote to block rule that prohibits widely discredited practice.

FDA Approves Abortion Pill But Wisconsin Left Out

FDA Approves Abortion Pill But Wisconsin Left Out

Federal ruling allows sale by pharmacies, but state's 1849 abortion ban prevents this.

Evers’ Technical College Board Appointees Will Finally Serve

Evers’ Technical College Board Appointees Will Finally Serve

Three Walker board appointees will step down 20 months after their terms expired.

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.

New Maps Could Gain State $1 Billion for Broadband

New Maps Could Gain State $1 Billion for Broadband

Federal infrastructure funding to states depends on FCC internet connectively maps.

Many State High School Students Have Anxiety, Depression

Many State High School Students Have Anxiety, Depression

One third of students report suffering from depression, highest since survey began in 1999.

Harassment or Free Speech?

Harassment or Free Speech?

Wisconsin Supreme Court reviewing case of man currently barred from being near Planned Parenthood nurse practitioner

Crowded Supreme Court Race To Become Partisan Battles

Crowded Supreme Court Race To Become Partisan Battles

Four candidates are running, with the conservative-liberal split of court hanging in balance.

Waukesha Parade Judge To Run For State Supreme Court

Waukesha Parade Judge To Run For State Supreme Court

Walker appointee, Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Dorow, will be fourth candidate in race.

Turkeys Living Good In Wisconsin

Turkeys Living Good In Wisconsin

Huge growth of wild turkeys in Wisconsin with many in cities, suburbs.

State Opioid Deaths Set New Record

State Opioid Deaths Set New Record

1,427 opioid-related deaths in 2021, up 16% over 2020 record and 70% more than in 2018.

Anti-Transgender MPS Counselor Suing To Get Job Back

Anti-Transgender MPS Counselor Suing To Get Job Back

Marissa Darlingh gave anti-trans speech outside Capitol after identifying herself as MPS elementary counselor.

State School Report Cards Show Mostly Positive Results

State School Report Cards Show Mostly Positive Results

95% of districts met or exceeded exceptions. But urban systems lagged behind.

Don’t Disband Elections Commission Says Its Administrator

Don’t Disband Elections Commission Says Its Administrator

Commission is bipartisan by design and must hold public meetings. Michels had suggested eliminating Walker-created commission.

Bernie Sanders Barnstorms Wisconsin

Bernie Sanders Barnstorms Wisconsin

Democrat Socialist campaigns for state Dems in four college towns: Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison and Oshkosh.

Why Wisconsin Election Results Will Come In Late

Why Wisconsin Election Results Will Come In Late

It all comes down to state regulations on counting absentee ballots.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Leader Says Judges Shouldn’t Be Intimidated By Threats

Wisconsin Supreme Court Leader Says Judges Shouldn’t Be Intimidated By Threats

But Chief Justice Annette Ziegler acknowledges “threats are on the rise.”

Campaign Cash: Evers Outraises Michels in Election
Campaign Cash

Evers Outraises Michels in Election

Governor has raised nearly $28 million this year, about $3 million more than his challenger.

Toney Highlights Crime in Attorney General Race

Toney Highlights Crime in Attorney General Race

Republican challenger pushes to handle local Milwaukee crimes, chases election fraud.

Kaul’s Campaign Pushes Abortion Rights

Kaul’s Campaign Pushes Abortion Rights

Democratic Attorney General also pushes gun control, environmental protection in closely fought battle for reelection.

Attorney General Candidates Spar Over Abortion, Gun Control in Debate

Attorney General Candidates Spar Over Abortion, Gun Control in Debate

Race pits incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul against Republican challenger Eric Toney

Early In-Person Voting Begins In State

Early In-Person Voting Begins In State

Even as election lawsuits continue, nearly 260,000 voters across Wisconsin have submitted absentee ballots.

Appeals Court Halts Restriction on Absentee Ballot Spoiling

Appeals Court Halts Restriction on Absentee Ballot Spoiling

Waukesha County judge ruled last week that absentee ballots couldn't be replaced at voter request. Democrats objected.

Judge Dismisses Conservative Group’s Lawsuit Over Biden’s Student Debt Plan

Judge Dismisses Conservative Group’s Lawsuit Over Biden’s Student Debt Plan

But WILL promises to appeal the decision the whole way to the Supreme Court.

Judge’s Ruling Blocks Canceling and Replacing of Absentee Ballots

Judge’s Ruling Blocks Canceling and Replacing of Absentee Ballots

Former AG Brad Schimel, now Waukesha judge, blocks "ballot spoiling."

Conservative Wisconsin Group Sues Over Biden’s Student Loan Proposal

Conservative Wisconsin Group Sues Over Biden’s Student Loan Proposal

Department of Education hopes to open debt relief applications later this month.

What’s Next For Lawsuit Over Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban?

What’s Next For Lawsuit Over Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban?

Attorney General Josh Kaul pursuing lawsuit to block law's enforcement.

Attorney General Seeks Huge Spending Hike

Attorney General Seeks Huge Spending Hike

Calling it a ‘crime-fighting budget,’ Kaul wants a roughly 60% increase in next biennium.

State Is Awash in Election Ads

State Is Awash in Election Ads

Wisconsin is an “epicenter,” national leader in U.S. Senate election ads.

Legislators Okay $31 Million For Opioid Treatment

Legislators Okay $31 Million For Opioid Treatment

Joint Finance makes $3 million change in how Evers planned to spend opioid suit settlement money.