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Content referencing Bill Lueders
Long Waits Undercut Open Records Law
Governments have stalled for months to provide records. Enter the Wisconsin Transparency Project.
Dec 2nd, 2024 by Bill Lueders
Meeting Notice Concerns Mount For SDC Following Layoffs
Organization say its volunteer board has complied, experts say they haven’t.
Jun 21st, 2024 by Meredith Melland
Wisconsin Among Minority of States Shielding Police Data
Suit seeks release of data on officers who face misconduct allegations that get rehired.
May 28th, 2024 by Sam Stecklow
MAGA Republicans Hate Robin Vos
Assembly Speaker confesses he regrets hiring Gableman: 'He was way wackier than I thought.'
Dec 26th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Evers Email Issue Pales Compared to Walker
Both as county exec and governor, Scott Walker systematically evaded public scrutiny.
Nov 28th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Evers Conducted State Business Using Phony Email
Governor's email used name of famed pitcher Warren Spahn.
Nov 27th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits
Legal costs can put publications out of business. Other states' laws help stop this.
Oct 14th, 2023 by Bill Lueders
The Legal Trickery of Robin Vos
Using every pseudo-legal tactic to fight fair maps and muzzle Justice Protasiewicz.
Sep 27th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Proposal Would Help Media Outlets Hit With Frivolous, Costly Lawsuits
Democrats' proposal inspired by lawsuit from GOP senator against Wausau publication.
Aug 24th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
New Open Records Bill Would Overrule Court, Improve Records Access
Bipartisan proposal would allow legal fees to be recovered without a court order.
Apr 27th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Center Dispute Goes National
The Bulwark condemns decision to remove artwork while WTMJ defends it.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Did Brooks Exceed His Authority At Wisconsin Center?
CEO’s decision to remove art works raises questions about governance of public entity.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Opee Awards Honor Open Records Champions
And chastise those who block transparency.
Mar 12th, 2023 by Bill Lueders
Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe
Taxpayers paying for court fights by Vos and Republicans to hide records, pushing total cost to $2 million.
Feb 1st, 2023 by Bill Lueders
Conservative UW-Madison Center Advises School Board Members
Bradley Foundation-funded center's symposium at water park excludes the media.
Jan 9th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Recent Open Records Law Interpretation Bad for Public
Not allowing recoupment of attorney fees could have a chilling effect on record requests, according to a conservative law firm.
Jul 29th, 2022 by Hope Kirwan
Vos Penalized in Open Records Case
Assembly Speaker 'did not respond to four records requests for six months,' circuit court judge states.
Jul 19th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Open Records Law Treated With Contempt
Both Vos and Gableman cited for contempt of court for trashing open records law.
Jul 4th, 2022 by Bill Lueders
High Court Okays Release of COVID-19 Workplace Data
Health officials can identify employers having outbreaks, WI Supreme Court rules.
Jun 8th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Will Release Of Deleted Records Shine Light on Legislature?
Vos releases some 20,000 documents. No group or reporter had ever requested deleted documents.
Apr 11th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
High Court Asked To Remove Eviction Court Records After One Year
Legal aid lawyers say landlords use records to exclude prospective tenants.
Apr 4th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Open Records Imperiled in Wisconsin
Led by Robin Vos, public officials more likely to obstruct open records requests.
Mar 16th, 2022 by Bill Lueders
Use of Paper Ballots Soared in State Senate
Maneuver used in hundreds of bills to bar any debate or amendments to proposed bills.
Mar 13th, 2022 by Henry Redman
Bill Lueders Inducted into Freedom of Information Hall of Fame
The editor of The Progressive, has been a champion for government transparency.
Oct 6th, 2021 by Dee J. Hall
State Lawmakers Want Records of Misconduct Hidden
Assembly members are fighting to keep personal misconduct records confidential.
Jul 29th, 2021 by Bill Lueders
Expunging Criminal Records Gets Broad Support
Police, prosecutors, public defenders, business groups back bill expanding expungement.
Apr 11th, 2021 by Gretchen Schuldt
Open Records Fees Discourage Government Transparency
Public record custodians can charges thousands of dollars to process a public records request.
Apr 2nd, 2021 by Bill Lueders
Bill Would Stop Lawmakers From Deleting Their Emails
Currently, legislators and their staff can delete emails that are public record.
Mar 19th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Lawyers Denounce Attacks on State Justices
They call on state bar, Supreme Court leadership to condemn threatening, anti-Semitic attacks.
Dec 23rd, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
‘I Am Not a Republican Justice’
State Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn discusses his decisions and right-wing attacks on him
Dec 21st, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Justices Face Anti-Semitic, Misogynist Attacks After Trump Ruling
State Supreme Court Justices Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet attacked in post on white-supremacist website.
Dec 18th, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
Both Parties Delay on Open Records
Long delays by state officials to open records requests have been the norm for the last decade.
Dec 2nd, 2020 by Bill Lueders
Tosa Police Use High Fees to Combat Open Records?
Email outlining policy 'a shocking admission of bad faith,' expert says.
Nov 24th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
More Police Transparency Needed
Law allows unnecessary delays for release of data.
Jul 1st, 2020 by Bill Lueders
Public Bodies Find New Ways to Meet
State and local governments meeting virtually; no complaints from public about access.
Apr 6th, 2020 by Bill Lueders
Opee Awards For Open Records Leaders
Plaudits for Abrahamson, others. A “Nopee” for secretive state Legislature.
Mar 16th, 2020 by Bill Lueders
#KeepYourPromise Governor Evers
One month after pledge, Evers shows no progress on government transparency
Oct 9th, 2019 by Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty
Evers Can Do Better On Openness
Evers Administration excludes right-wing news service from receiving media notifications and shutdown a website to track open records requests.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Bill Lueders
Lame Duck Laws Hurting the State
Tying hands of Attorney General stalls 15 lawsuits, could cost taxpayers millions.
Sep 4th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Legislators Use Fees to Keep Records Secret
Charging citizens making open records requests means less scrutiny of government.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jonathan Anderson
The Trashing of Shirley Abrahamson
Why is Brian Hagedorn attacking a legal giant, rather than his opponent in high court race?
Mar 28th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Racine Officials Hid Public Records
And spent $18,000 in taxpayer dollars to do it. The public trust has been violated.
Feb 6th, 2019 by Bill Lueders
Foxconn Covets Intellectual Property Rights
Besides $4.1 billion subsidy, it seeks IP rights of students, faculty, other companies.
Dec 4th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Check Candidates’ Stance on Open Records
If they want your vote, shouldn’t they support transparency in government?
Sep 3rd, 2018 by Bill Lueders
Please Rescind Walker’s Open Records Award
Letter to state Freedom of Information Council cites governor’s poor record on “Openess."
Aug 22nd, 2018 by Arn Pearson, Matt Rothschild and Scot Ross
How Act 10 Hurt State Education
New report shows far-reaching impact of Walker’s “modest requests” for change.
Jun 14th, 2018 by James Rowen
Don’t Chip Away at Open Records Law
Access to public information should not be limited based on who's requesting it.
Jun 5th, 2018 by Bill Lueders
The Strange Race for Supreme Court
Look carefully. Both candidates are not what they claim to be.
Mar 27th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Menard Hit With Class Action Suits
One of the world’s richest plutocrats faces multiple suits for chiseling his workers.
Mar 13th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Opees Honor Good Deeds and Bad
Freedom of Information Council's awards go to Gov. Walker and several journalists.
Mar 9th, 2018 by Bill Lueders
Officials Must Provide Electronic Records
They are covered by open records laws and often easier to use.
Feb 5th, 2018 by John Foust
New Battles Over Open Records
Suits by citizens now trying to restrict public information.
Oct 2nd, 2017 by Bill Lueders
Legislators Can Destroy Public Records
Because they exempted themselves from the open records law they passed.
Jun 30th, 2017 by Bill Lueders
Gilman Halsted, retired Wisconsin Public Radio reporter, named Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog
Over the course of two decades, Halsted became a familiar voice to WPR listeners.
Feb 16th, 2017 by Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
Public’s Trust Abused on Police Videos
Flynn, Barrett gave misleading statements on Sylville Smith video, yet it still hasn’t been released.
Dec 29th, 2016 by Bill Lueders
Walker’s Bizarre Choice for High Court
From a state with countless judges, he picks a crackpot lawyer named Daniel Kelly.
Jul 28th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Some Legislators Still Crave Secrecy
Some routinely destroy correspondence and other materials, making government less open.
Jun 29th, 2016 by Bill Lueders
The Mystery of Abele’s Domes Committee
Who’s serving on his advisory committee? So far, he won’t say.
Apr 14th, 2016 by Virginia Small
John Menard’s Anti-Union Rules
A Menards manager leaks a copy of adamantly anti-union contract used by the company.
Apr 7th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council names “Opee” winners
The awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the cause of open government.
Mar 8th, 2016 by Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council
Walker’s Secretive Governing Style
Since he was County Executive, Walker has devised ever more ways to operate in secret.
Jan 12th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
A Tough Year for Transparency
State leaders have worked to restrict open records and succeeded in several ways.
Dec 29th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Walker Aides Ordered To Avoid State Phones, Email?
Two cabinet members say Huebsch instructed them to use private channels for state business.
Dec 18th, 2015 by Dee J. Hall
Walker’s Assault on Open Records
Walker and Republicans are methodically working to end any scrutiny of their actions.
Dec 17th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Back Open Government? Prove It!
Assembly voted 96-1 for resolution backing open government, but legislators continue to look for ways to limit it.
Oct 1st, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Walker Admits Role in Curbing Open Records
Fitzgerald says governor involved and Walker’s office admits his role. Legislative drafting notes hid the authors.
Jul 8th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
UW Shouldn’t Hide Finalist Names
Provision slipped into budget allows universities to hide names of top candidates for key positions. No other state agencies enjoy this exemption.
Jul 2nd, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Freedom of Information Council Gives ‘Opee’ Awards
Big loser was state Department of Administration; one winner was Milwaukee County Medical Examiner.
Mar 14th, 2015 by Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council
Journalists Sue State Dept of Corrections For Records
Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism requested records on inmate treatment under open records but state won't release them.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
The “We Hate Shirley” Amendment
Republicans' constitutional amendment to end seniority as method to choose chief justice is a shot at Shirley Abrahamson, opponents argue.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
State Spending on Outside Services Soars
Spending on outside contracts was $451 million in 2014, up 56% since 2010, when Gov. Walker took office.
Jan 13th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
State Prisons Reducing Use of Solitary Confinement?
New policy outlined by state official says prisoner "segregation" not effective for disciplining or rehabilitating inmates.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
GAB Judges Return Fire Against Vos
They defend GAB leader Kevin Kennedy, criticize Vos and say no legislative changes in ethics and elections board are needed.
Nov 19th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP
Most of last minute campaign donation may go to Gov. Walker, who made trip to Las Vegas to woo the casino magnate.
Oct 27th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?
New FCC rule may make it easer to track the many thousands of ads that will run this fall.
Aug 27th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Attorney General Race Could Be a Sizzler
Happ's dramatic victory sets up clash between two county DAs.
Aug 25th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Brett Hulsey’s Crazy Campaign for Governor
The unorthodox Democrat says he will be the next governor, but he's invisible in the polls.
Jul 30th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
John Doe Probe is Not About Good vs. Bad
It's really a legal issue that courts must settle: can campaigns coordinate with outside advocacy groups?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Mary Burke, Underdog Millionaire
She's raked in $1.8 million but is still far behind Walker in fundraising.
May 7th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Making Sense of John Doe II
A guide to all the players, issues and judges' rulings.
Apr 30th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Why America’s Roads Are More Dangerous
U.S. and Wisconsin have seen less decline in traffic fatalities than other countries. Why?
Apr 15th, 2014 by Angie Schmitt
The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes
Except the WMC business lobby and Realtors Association, who are glad Walker signed it.
Apr 2nd, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Why Reform of Unemployment Comp Failed
Health care lobbyists kill bill that would have cut program's medical costs.
Mar 27th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Why Open Records Are Important
Moves to make government records less accessible are well-meant -- but wrong.
Mar 19th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Bill Requiring Background Check On Gun Buyers Won’t Pass
92% of poll respondents favor it, but a high percentage of Wisconsin legislators disagree.
Mar 12th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Police Scam Artists
Why does the cop’s union protect officers who rip off taxpayers?
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Don’t Mess with the Press
The state budget bill has huge consequences, but the media is most concerned about its impact on... the media.
Jun 7th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
