Scott Walker

Possible Revival For Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee Commuter Rail Line

KRM project, killed in 2011, would connect lakefront communities in southern Wisconsin.

Did Leonard Leo Save Scott Walker?

Federalist Society leader helped elect Wisconsin justices who killed John Doe probe.

Top 10 State Government Stories of 2023

A year filled with surprises and big stories, led by the election of Janet Protasiewicz to Supreme Court.

The Year’s Most Popular Stories

10 stories that had huge readership, and tell us a lot about Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

MAGA Republicans Hate Robin Vos

Assembly Speaker confesses he regrets hiring Gableman: 'He was way wackier than I thought.'

Planned Kohler Golf Course Along Lake Michigan Hits Roadblock

Appeals Court upholds judge’s 2019 decision to overturn DNR permit to fill wetlands.

Wisconsin Has A “Smart Growth” Law To Encourage Housing, But No One Is Enforcing It

Planner Robin Palm has been willing to go to court over a proposal in Wauwatosa.

Will Women Vote for Brad Schimel?

Former Attorney General a formidable candidate for state Supreme Court. Except for a couple issues.

8 Questions About State Government

Think you know how our state Capitol works? Try answering these questions.

Foxconn Will Get State Subsidy For 2022

Qualifies for third round of funding. 'There was never going to be... 13,000 jobs."

Wisconsin Wins Grants To Study Five New or Expanded Rail Routes

Studies will design routes to Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire as well as expanding existing service.

New Act 10 Lawsuit Puts Renewed Focus On Protasiewicz

New Supreme Court judge previously said she disagreed with prior rulings on 2011 law.

Republicans Seek To Abolish Wisconsin Elections Commission

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

Martinez to Become President Emeritus

Schimel Could Be Potent Supreme Court Candidate

He's run up big election totals in key counties and statewide running for attorney general.

Public Unions Challenge Act 10 In New Lawsuit

Seeing liberal control of court, unions seeking to overturn Scott Walker's signature legislation.

Former Attorney General Brad Schimel Running For Wisconsin Supreme Court

Schimel, a Republican, enters 2025 race where conservatives hope to take back control of court.

Evers Email Issue Pales Compared to Walker

Both as county exec and governor, Scott Walker systematically evaded public scrutiny.

Evers Conducted State Business Using Phony Email

Governor's email used name of famed pitcher Warren Spahn.

Environmental Groups Want Evers To Block Lakefront Golf Course Land Swap

Kohler, seeking to build golf course near Lake Michigan, needs land swap with state park.

Proposal Would Eliminate Teen Work Permits

Critics say it would eliminate funding for employer education, compliance monitoring.

Kenosha Hard Rock Casino Plan Again Advancing

Two votes expected to occur this month, reviving previously rejected plan.

Is Legislature Illegally Grabbing Executive Power?

Evers suit charges Legislature has repeatedly violated state constitution.

Brewers Stadium Deal Passes the Legislature

Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign it.

State Republicans Now Pushing Agenda Through Constitutional Amendments

The GOP seeks to lock in policy wins by bypassing courts, governor.

GOP Proposal Adds Voter ID Law to State Constitution

Amendments would prevent state Supreme Court from overturning the 2011 law.

Republican Bullying Isn’t Working

Tactic is backfiring as Democrats and public officials resist.

Why State GOP Turned Against ERIC

Trump and Cleta Mitchell are demonizing elections data system Wisconsin joined via 2016 Republican law.

Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees

Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.

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

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

Why That ‘Iowa’ Redistricting Plan Was Unfair

Wisconsin Republicans' plan did not provide political proportionality.

Republicans Vote Down 4 of Evers’ 5 DNR Board Nominees

But full Senate must still weigh in.

The Power of Wisconsin’s Gerrymander

Recent election results show how entrenched the Republican advantage is.

Senate Votes To Fire Elections Commissioner, Triggering Legal Fight

Republicans vote to fire Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Megan Wolfe, AG Kaul says vote is illegal.

Scapegoating of Meagan Wolfe just the latest attempt to subvert our democracy

3 Scenarios For GOP Threats Against Protasiewicz

Federal and state case law suggest there are no grounds for impeachment.

Legislative Democrats Unveil Agenda To Restore Worker Rights

Bill package includes proposals to undo Act 10, "Right to Work" legislation.

Audit Says WEDC Didn’t Meet Job Creation Goals, Was Slow To Recovery Money

Audit of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation recommends 26 changes.

Burgelis Running for Borkowski’s Common Council Seat

Freshman supervisor will not seek re-election to the Milwaukee County Board.

Senator Agard Statement on Justice Protasiewicz Impeachment Threats by Speaker Vos & Legislative Republicans

Who Will Blink on Brewers Subsidy?

Vos wants a local contribution and Milwaukee officials oppose this. The issue could get very ugly.

Elections Administrator Won’t Attend Her Own Appointment Hearing

Decision based on opinion of Attorney General Kaul, who said there isn't actually an appointment process underway.

National Issues Take Center Stage During GOP Debate in Milwaukee

Despite debate being in swing state, little touched on Wisconsin.

No Trump, But Republican Debate Fills Hotels, Creates Buzz

And draws protesters. Wednesday's event is first debate of 2024 GOP presidential race.

Fourth Coast Films Anticipates Major Film Projects in Milwaukee

Kaul Announces Funding for Office of School Safety

Attorney General reallocates federal ARPA dollars to provide temporary funding.

Foxconn Selling Green Bay, Eau Claire ‘Centers’

Properties for sale for supposed to be innovation centers employing hundreds.

Who Are State Supreme Court’s ‘Rogue Members’?

Ziegler and conservatives have ignored state Constitution in governance dispute.

Brewers Continue Push for Stadium Subsidy

Team threatening to move as Republican legislators craft plan including local tax support.

Former Gov. Scott Walker Says Overturning Act 10 Would Set ‘Horrible Precedent’

Walker says newly-liberal court shouldn't touch his signature policy measure.

Conservative Chief Justice Annette Ziegler Accuses Liberal Majority of Going ‘Rogue’

Claims state Supreme Court liberal majority of holding a 'secret' meeting. Majority says all justices were invited.

American Transmission Co. Hires Former Utility Regulator

Ellen Nowak is now vice president of the company she was once charged with regulating.

Sheriff’s Deputy Is Again Sending Controversial Emails To Politicians

The deputy was suspended in 2021 for sending emails to politicians that identified him as Milwaukee deputy.

Justice Janet Protasiewicz Sworn In, Giving Liberals Control of Supreme Court

Wisconsin court's ideological persuasion flips for first time in 15 years.

Trump a Tough Issue for State GOP

State Republican chairman pushing Trump loyalists to support whoever wins the nomination.

Gov. Evers Keeps Rising in Stature

Becoming a national figure with ever more effective leadership. Just ask the Republicans.

Republicans Outraged By Evers’ Vetoes

Blasting 'trickery' of 'radical governor,' they vow to 'stand up and fight.'

Foxconn Deal Is Still Costing Taxpayers

6 years after deal made, nothing has been manufactured, but price tag keeps rising.

Evers’ Veto Pen Gives School Districts 400 Years of Funding

Trimming budget bill text to let school districts collect an added $325 per student annually.

Republican-Controlled Senate Laying Groundwork To Fire Wisconsin Elections Chief

But Democrat on election board says there is nothing for Senate to actually vote on.

Elections Commission Deadlocks on Executive Director

3-3 vote means Meagan Wolfe will continue as director. Issue could go to courts.

State Leaders, Educators Push Legislators to Fund School Safety

Republicans resist this, though Office of School Safety created in 2018 under Gov. Walker.

The Legacy of Matt Rothschild

Leader of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and former editor-publisher of Progressive Magazine is retiring.

Vos Pushed to End Technical Colleges Taxing Authority

Amendment's author was unknown. Drafting files show Assembly Speaker requested it.

Will GOP Dump State Elections Leader?

Fate of Meagan Wolfe a high stakes decision for state voters, Republican image.

GOP Legislators Boost Road Funding By $1.5 Billion

Budget committee approves proposal that also hikes fees on electric vehicles.

Despite Legal Gay Marriage, Wisconsin Laws Still Centered On Husband and Wife

From birth certificates to court documents, same-sex parents have concerns.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.

“No cause for celebration”

Kaul Charges Republicans Gutted School Safety Office

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

GOP Won’t Staff Crime Lab, Licensing Department At Requested Levels

Bipartisan push for more staffing to resolve problems."You own any issues," says Rep. Goyke to GOP.

In Transfers, Public Schools Often Deny Students With Disabilities

Charter and choice "cherry picking" is well known. But public schools also involved through open enrollment.

Republicans Approve Gov. Evers’ Allocation of $32.6 Million More To Build Milwaukee Youth Prison

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

How Would Widening I-94 Affect City Residents?

Citizens discuss potholes, noise pollution, public transit as state advances freeway plan.

National ‘Scam PACs’ Have State Roots

The operatives running them have connections to Scott Walker, Eric O’Keefe, and conservative groups.

Taxpayers Support Schools That Can Discriminate

Dozens of voucher schools have policies excluding LGBTQ+ and disabled students.

Evers Makes 3 Appointments to DNR Board

All members of Natural Resources Board now appointed by Democratic governor.

Can Bipartisan Effort Save State Arts Funding?

Wisconsin ranks 50th in arts support. Group of 'heavy hitters' hopes to change that.

GOP Legislators Gut Evers’ Budget

On party line vote Legislature's budget committee cuts 545 proposals from governor's proposed budget.

Wisconsin’s Largest Conservation Project Stuck in Limbo

Republicans have blocked access to $4 million to finance $15.5 million project.

Commissioner Julie Glancey Resignation Statement

Liberals Winning State Supreme Court Races

They’ve now won three of last four races by big margins. What the data shows.

Why Republicans Lose Younger Voters

Can Scott Walker lead the way to transforming the party’s aging demographics?

Uihleins Are Now Billionaires

Top Republican donors join state's leading billionaires John Menard and Diane Hendricks.

This Is First Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court In Living Memory

Media says court was liberal 15 years ago. Dead wrong. This is a radical change.

Conservatives Push To Protect Walker-Era Reforms

Seeking constitutional amendments to enshrine Act 10, right-to-work, school choice laws.

Milwaukee Could Benefit From DNC in Chicago

Visit Milwaukee hopes for side tourism to this city by Democratic convention goers.

State Supreme Race Shows Need for Campaign Finance Reform

Now that Republicans got outspent in big money race, will they back any reforms?

Collegiality a Casualty in Supreme Court Election?

Current court members were active in election, could intensify rancor between judges.

Young, Student Voters Turned Out for Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Voters around college campuses overwhelmingly voted for Janet Protasiewicz.

Republicans Can’t Simply Remove a WI Supreme Court Justice

Rep. Knodl’s victory gives Republicans a two-thirds Senate majority, creating speculation about whether they could impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Flip Was Years In the Making

Partisan-style campaigning and waning influence of Republican WOW counties contribute to Protasiewicz victory.

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

Geenen Upsets Brash in Appeals Court Race

Incumbent William Brash loses in a landslide to challenger Sara Geenen.

Janet Protasiewicz Defeats Kelly, Flips Supreme Court For Liberals

Her win creates liberal majority on Wisconsin's high court for first time in 15 years.

How Wisconsin Became Wild West of Campaign Spending

In just 20 years quiet nonpartisan Supreme Court races turned into something ugly.

Protasiewicz Embraces Democratic Issues

If elected, Supreme Court candidate could flip state on abortion, gerrymandering, election laws.

The Life and Times of Dan Kelly

Supreme Court candidate says he is 'boring,' not political. His life and record tell a different story.

$38 Million Spent on High Court Race

$23.7 million by outside groups and $14.6 million by campaigns, with Kelly still behind in total spending.

Dan Kelly: “I’ve Never Convicted Anyone”