Category Archives: Uncategorized

The headlines are full of stories about the Trump administration’s aggressive new approach to immigration enforcement. We hear about ICE raids and mass deportations. But there’s another, less publicized policy change that’s making it difficult for immigrants to defend themselves from deportation, even when they have a strong claim for... - MORE -

The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, is now accepting nominations for its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees. Awards are given in six categories: Popee (public openness award): Recognizes extraordinary service to the cause of open... - MORE -

In 2018, a mobile home park owner in Stevens Point lost his operator’s license after submitting falsified drinking water samples to the state, purportedly leaving longtime residents of the park at risk of consuming excess iron and manganese. He appealed. In 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources authorized the... - MORE -

All too often, secrecy and confidentiality carry the day in proceedings of state and local government.  In one recent case, the name “Microsoft” on a state Public Service Commission was redacted – blocked from public view – along with pages and pages of other information. The redactions served no purpose,... - MORE -

In a 2007 ruling known as , the Wisconsin Supreme Court declared that because public school teachers “are entrusted with the responsibility of teaching children,” the public has a clear right to know about allegations of misconduct against educators. I wonder what the justices would think of a school district... - MORE -

This month, for the , the Wisconsin Supreme Court is without Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. It is also without one of its most consistent advocates for transparency in government.  Bradley served three ten-year terms on the court, the last of which expired July 31. During this time, she nearly 600... - MORE -

Last month, the Wisconsin town of Hazelhurst discussion of a proposed ordinance due to a typo. The meeting agenda had incorrectly listed “wake board” instead of the intended “wake boat.” Said town chairman Ted Cushing, “I’m not going to violate the Open Meetings Law.” It was the right call, one... - MORE -