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Relief Delayed Again for Wrongly Convicted Wisconsinites
Wrongful conviction compensation bill fails despite bipartisan support.
Mar 31st, 2026 by Andrew Kennard
Opioid Treatment In Wisconsin Jails Doubles, Yet Gaps Persist
Most jails now offer at least one addiction medication, but some counties still provide no access.
Mar 27th, 2026 by Frank Zufall
Former Waupun Prison Official Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanors
Jamall Russell charged with neglect after inmate dies of malnutrition.
Mar 16th, 2026 by Andrew Kennard
Man’s Battle to Stay Out of Prison Raises Questions About Probation System
8,100 people in Wisconsin on probation or parole were sent back to prison in 2025.
Mar 2nd, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
Republican Lawmakers Want Death Penalty for Child Sex Crimes
Wisconsin abolished the death penalty in 1853.
Feb 25th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
ACLU Asks Court to Enforce Program for Incarcerated Mothers
State law requires program for women inmates with children under 1 years old.
Feb 16th, 2026 by Andrew Kennard
Fixture Pizza is Closed Indefinitely
Company connected to pizzeria has more than $100,000 in unpaid taxes, owner incarcerated.
Feb 6th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
From Solitary To Soap Prices, Lawmakers Probe Wisconsin’s Prisons
A yearlong review and emotional testimony on hygiene, menstruation and supervision power imbalances frame the latest hearing.
Jan 8th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
Bill Gives Up to $999,000 Payout for Those Wrongly Convicted
Around 72 people have been exonerated in Wisconsin since 1990.
Jan 5th, 2026 by Andrew Kennard
After 24 Years Without a Commutation, Will Evers Act?
Organizers say the outgoing governor has a rare chance to use unilateral clemency powers.
Dec 26th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
GOP Bill Requires Homeless Sex Offenders to Wear GPS Monitors
Opponent charges ordinances on where ex-offenders can live causes homelessness.
Dec 23rd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
After Pioneering Work Release for Prisoners, Wisconsin Goes Backwards
Today, corrections officials don't even know how many prisoners have such jobs.
Dec 15th, 2025 by Natalie Yahr
Bill Would Allow Wisconsin Youth Offenders To Appeal Life Sentences
More than 100 people would be eligible.
Dec 4th, 2025 by Frank Zufall
Report on Wisconsin Prisons Warns of Overcrowding, High Staff Turnover
Raises alarms about solitary confinement of people with mental illness.
Nov 18th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Milwaukee Legislators Draft Bills to Improve State Prison Conditions
16 bills range from rights to sunlight to county-control of jails.
Nov 11th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Building Commission OKs Planning Funds to Reorganize Wisconsin Prisons
$15 million approved despite Republican objections to parts of the plan.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Despite Rapidly Aging Prison Population, Wisconsin Rarely Grants Compassionate Release
Individuals with terminal illnesses or declining health find themselves dying in prison.
Oct 9th, 2025 by Mario Koran and Sreejita Patra
For The First Time, Wisconsin’s Youth Prisons Are Fully Compliant With Required Reforms
Prison system now fully complying with 2017 court order.
Oct 3rd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Man Jailed For Threatening To Blow Up Wisconsin Capitol
Individual, 33, is accused of violating probation, making a terrorist threat
Sep 29th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Why Evers’ Prison Overhaul Plan Died
Ambitious plan to modernize state prison system was 'pencil whipped' to death.
Sep 8th, 2025 by Steven Walters
When Will Green Bay Prison Be Closed?
Evers and GOP legislators can't agree on when or how or what it will cost.
Aug 25th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard
Prison Officials Deny Violating Rights of Green Bay Inmate Killed By Cellmate
Lawsuit alleges state should have intervened because of cellmate's conduct.
Aug 15th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard
Evers Kills Bill That Would Have Made It More Difficult For Felons To Resume Voting
ACLU called proposed restrictions a 'modern-day poll tax.'
Aug 13th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Criminal Justice Reform Advocates Blast ‘Lack of Urgency’ in Closing Green Bay Prison
Budget signed by Evers called for max security facility to close, but governor removed deadline.
Aug 12th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Camp Reunite Connects Kids With Their Incarcerated Parents
See how women in Fond du Lac area prison are reconnected with their children.
Aug 12th, 2025 by Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch and WPR and Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch
Inmate Sentenced For Role in Youth Counselor’s Death at Troubled Prison
Ryan Nybolm receives five-year sentence.
Aug 11th, 2025 by Isiah Holmes
Gov. Tony Evers Vetoes Uber Drivers, Parole Violation Bills
Governor vetoed 5 bills Friday afternoon and signed 17 others, including several related to health care and policing.
Aug 9th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
More Wisconsin Sheriffs Sign-Up To Cooperate With ICE
Participation in controversial 287(g) program nearly doubles.
Jul 31st, 2025 by Rich Kremer
ACLU Report Shows Growth In Immigration Detentions
More than 1,000 detained this year, sheriffs in 12 counties now helping effort.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Isiah Holmes
Some Progress for Wisconsin Books to Prisoners Group
State corrections officials okay second pilot program to get books to inmates.
Jul 28th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard
Raises Haven’t Solved Wisconsin Prison Staffing Problems
'They put a Band-Aid on the problem," says former Waupun guard.
Jul 11th, 2025 by Mario Koran
The Battle Over Books for Wisconsin Prisoners
Advocacy group says Department of Corrections blocking donations of used books.
Jul 9th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
WI Dept of Corrections Will Hold Hearing on 2014 Law’s Reforms
Act 196 created alternatives to revoking probation and parole, but had little impact.
Jul 7th, 2025 by Frank Zufall
State Budget Provides Funding For Milwaukee Highway Patrol
New dollars could allow county to switch funding to courthouse project.
Jul 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators
A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Their Budget Closes Green Bay Prison, GOP Leaders Announce
Evers had called for this. Safety concerns have plagued 127-year-old facility
Jul 1st, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
WI Supreme Court Okays Corrections Officers’ Class Action Suit Over Pay
5-2 decision backs workers in wage case against state Department of Corrections.
Jun 24th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Budget Committee Funds Corrections Far Below What Evers Wanted
Democrats say budget won't fix, reform state prison system as needed.
Jun 18th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Prison Reform Advocates Push for Corrections Ombudsperson
Seeking a GOP sponsor for bill, but 'nobody’s willing to stick their neck out.'
Jun 9th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard
New Legislators Sponsor ‘Wish List’ Bills
You'd be surprised by the range of ideas and proposals by Capitol newcomers.
Jun 9th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Vendor Failure Means Wisconsin Inmates Can’t Buy Food, Other Items
Company part of conglomerate that runs dysfunctional prison phone system.
May 25th, 2025 by Addie Costello
‘Deliberate Indifference’ Caused Waupun Inmate’s Death, Suit Charges
Donald Maier's family sues WI Department of Corrections for wrongful death.
May 6th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Legislature Could Pass Several Budgets
Uncertainty over federal funds could make usual all-inclusive budget impossible.
Apr 21st, 2025 by Steven Walters
GOP Lawmakers Question Budget Requests by UW System, State Prisons
Joint Finance Committee grills leaders of each about requests for increased funding.
Apr 2nd, 2025 by Hope Kirwan
What Exactly Does The Department of Public Instruction Do?
The Underly-Kinser race has brought great attention to a department few understand.
Mar 28th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Michigan Has Turned Prisons Into Vocational Villages
Gov. Evers wants to do the same in Wisconsin. How do they work?
Mar 27th, 2025 by Mackenzie Krumme
Shredding of Mail by Wisconsin Prisons Worries Legal Advocates
Attorneys concerned about confidentiality, delays and missing documents.
Mar 24th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard and Frank Zufall
GOP Bill Could Send Thousands of Wisconsin Residents Back To Prison
Sponsors say changes to the revocation process would target repeat offenders.
Mar 20th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Should State Corrections Workers Be Paid for Pre- and Post-Shift Tasks?
Workers seek class action status in Wisconsin Supreme Court case.
Mar 17th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Two Key Issues Driving County’s Poor Budget Picture
County projects to have $47 million deficit in 2026, but it already faces a 2025 deficit.
Mar 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Judge Orders Wisconsin Prison System to Provide Program for Moms and Babies
1991 law requires this for incarcerated woman who are pregnant or have babies.
Mar 1st, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Evers Budget Removes State Senate Power to Block His Political Appointees
His attempt to overturn lame duck laws passed in 2018 criticized by Republicans.
Feb 26th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Evers Wants Ombudsperson to Oversee Wisconsin Prison System
19 states have one. If funded, office would investigate complaints involving the prisons.
Feb 25th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Prison Reforms Impact Many Legislators
One-third of all districts affected. Evers 'take it or leave it' plan likely to get lots of discussion and review.
Feb 24th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Evers’ Prison Plan Receives Mixed Reviews
Lawmakers divided on $500 million plan, but local officials, advocacy groups like it.
Feb 21st, 2025 by WPR Staff
Evers Calls for $500 Million Corrections Overhaul
Including closing Green Bay Prison, turning Waupun prison into 'vocational village.'
Feb 16th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Dane County Will No Longer Send Immigration Data to the Feds
Some 25 Wisconsin counties accept federal funding to send info on immigrants to ICE.
Feb 5th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Waupun Prison Employees Fired Amid Federal Smuggling Investigation
FBI launched investigation last year into staff conduct.
Jan 31st, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Milwaukee Is Losing a Generation of Black Men To Drug Crisis
Older Black men account for a growing share of Milwaukee drug deaths as fentanyl is mixed into cocaine.
Jan 31st, 2025 by Edgar Mendez and Devin Blake
Wisconsin’s Prisons Receiving Third-Party Review
Six month, $500,000 effort underway. Activists want engagement.
Jan 16th, 2025 by Andrew Kennard
Coalition Launches Campaign to Make Wisconsin Prison, Jail Phone Calls Free
WISDOM pushes for better communication between families and those incarcerated.
Jan 9th, 2025 by Isiah Holmes
‘First of its Kind in Wisconsin’ Collaboration Will Support Disabled Incarcerated Youth
'Break the cycle' program aims to help youth reentering society.
Dec 12th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Wisconsin DOJ Awarded $7 Million for Substance Abuse Treatment
Program provides services to prevent crisis, overdoses or criminal charges.
Dec 11th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Act 10 Ruling Could Be Tough to Overturn
New ruling striking down law is based on argument Republicans have trouble answering.
Dec 9th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Many Issues Raised At Evers’ Budget Listening Session
Concerns include housing costs, prison reform and 'humanitarian crisis' for refugees.
Dec 4th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Sheriff’s Office Responds to Alarming Jail Audit Report
Board will take report up in December. Chairwoman Nicholson and County Executive Crowley call for collaboration on solutions.
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Republicans Replace Senate President, Keep Majority Leader
State Sen. Mary Felzkowski will preside over slightly smaller GOP majority in upcoming legislative session.
Nov 8th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
How Does Election Security Work in Wisconsin?
Election clerks explain how vote tabulating process works.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Advocates Want An Ombudsman For Wisconsin’s Prisons, The State Has Other Plans
Department of Corrections pursuing outside contractor. Lawmakers could complicate both options.
Oct 23rd, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Youth Prison Population Down, Costs Up
State charges counties $1,263 a day to incarcerate youth, up from $301 in 2015.
Sep 28th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Wisconsin Nonprofit Barred From Sending Used Books To Prisoners
Department of Corrections says concern is about drug smuggling, declines to create exception for literacy group.
Sep 27th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
How League of Women Voters Helps People With Criminal Records
Those 'off paper' can vote. 'I’ve had people brought to tears,' advocate says.
Sep 16th, 2024 by Devin Blake
Suspect in Green Bay Prison Death Charged with Homicide, Hate Crime
Suspect told guard he killed cellmate because of race, sexual orientation.
Sep 6th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Should Wisconsin Prisons Have Independent Oversight?
19 states have a prison ombudsman. Oversight could improve prisons, reduce lawsuits.
Sep 2nd, 2024 by Mario Koran
Cellmate a Suspect in Death at Green Bay Prison
Brown County Sheriff's Office investigating the death of a prisoner.
Aug 28th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Despite Decline in Reported Crime, Wisconsin’s Prison Population Is Surging
Crowding is impacting the safety at state's aging prisons. Advocates, opponents talk solutions, pitfalls.
Aug 22nd, 2024 by Nicholas Garton / Cap Times and Jim Malewitz / Wisconsin Watch
Green Bay Prison Has Returned to Normal, Which Is Still Bad
One-year lockdown over but conditions still dreadful. 'The environment is torture.'
Aug 20th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Letters from Evers, Republicans Show Clash on Juvenile Corrections
Battling over court-mandated changes at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.
Aug 17th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Following Counselor Death, Staff, Family Plead for Help At Lincoln Hills
Counselor's family tells Senate death could have been prevented and state failed.
Aug 16th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
Milwaukee Senate and Assembly Races
A handful of partisan primaries will also determine the winner of the general election in November.
Aug 10th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Lawmakers Grill Wisconsin Prison Officials Over Safety, Employee Death at Youth Facility
The eight-hour public hearing followed the death of a Lincoln Hills employee.
Aug 7th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
‘Kickbacks’ Crackdown Will Save Inmates Money on Jail Phone Calls
FCC cracks down on add-on fees, 'kickbacks' to jails and prisons.
Aug 6th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Dodge County Sheriff Investigating Another Death at Waupun Correctional Institution
Death appears to be self-inflicted, sheriff's office says of ongoing inquiry
Aug 5th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Lawmakers Approve Funding, Positions for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center
Joint Finance Committee finally acts after holding up request for six months.
Jul 23rd, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Daughter of man who died in Wisconsin prison pushes forward through despair
Wisconsin families with loved ones who died or are still in the prison system share how their pain turned into advocacy
Jul 18th, 2024 by Jonah Beleckis
Wisconsin’s Prisons Employ Doctors Who Were Censured
Questions about care offered. Many staff physicians were censured by a medical board.
Jul 5th, 2024 by Mario Koran
Surveillance Technology Never Left Milwaukee After the DNC
Police gear acquired 4 years ago will play a role during the Republican Convention.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Families Express Concern With High Prices, Poor Reliability of Wisconsin Prison Phones
‘We pay $2.50 for a visit, and most of the time they won’t connect, or they’ll cut out in the middle of the visit.’
Jun 24th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
ACLU Suit Charges Wisconsin Ignored Law to Support Incarcerated Moms
Says state has failed to offer prison child care program called for in 1991 law.
Jun 17th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
UW, Prisons, MPS Now Capitol’s Top Issues
Evers and GOP legislators disagree. Issues could figure in fall elections.
Jun 17th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Inmate Death Charges Reignite Charge To Close Wisconsin’s Oldest Prison
9 Waupun Correctional Institution staffers are accused of causing inmate deaths
Jun 14th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
New Election Commission Director Approved
Paulina Gutierrez has strong support of mayor, council president and commission staff.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin’s System Lets Few Ineligible Voters on Felony Probation Slip Through
Less than 11 ineligible voters per year. Misunderstandings of the rules a major reason.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Alexander Shur
Council Happy With New Election Chief
'You are honestly one of the smartest people I have ever met,' says one alderman.
Jun 5th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Warden, Eight Staff Charged in Inmate Deaths at Waupun Prison
'These people were not cared for,' said Dodge County Sheriff announcing charges.
Jun 5th, 2024 by Joe Schulz and Sarah Lehr
Judge Kicks Most Inmates Off Waupun Prison Lawsuit
State argued inmates hadn't exhausted internal complaint process before suing.
May 24th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Corrections Driving County Budget Into Deficit
Along with lower tax revenue than projected. '2024 may punch us in the face.'
May 21st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
GOP Senate Hurts Evers’ Talent Searches
Difficult to find cabinet secretaries when Senate keeps firing governor's appointees.
May 20th, 2024 by Steven Walters
The Long Road To End Solitary Confinement in Wisconsin
"The hole" is torture on those confined to it argue opponents at legislative action day.
Apr 26th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Making The Jump From ‘Inmate to ‘Voter’
Andron Lane's long journey to see his voting rights restored.
Apr 25th, 2024 by Devin Blake
