Category Archives: Uncategorized

Column: A FOIA fight over immigration records

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 immigration relief.  The Department of… – MORE –

Wisconsin FOIC seeks Opee Award nominations

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 government by an elected or… – MORE –

Column: The problem with the will to secrecy

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 spreading of human waste on… – MORE –

Column: Data center secrecy is unacceptable

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, as the company’s role in… – MORE –

Column: Costs shouldn’t be used to deter records requests 

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 trying to charge $5,600 for… – MORE –

Column: Ann Walsh Bradley and the cause of openness

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 opinions, including quite a few… – MORE –

Morrissey, Kihmm promoted at WKOW-TV

Madison TV station WKOW-TV is promoting two journalists on its news staff. Chloe Morrissey is being named weekend anchor. She was previously serving as a multimedia journalist. Morrissey has been with the station for almost two years. “Chloe is an outstanding journalist and a great team member,” said WKOW-TV News Director Dani Maxwell. “Our viewers… – MORE –

UW’s Center for Journalism Ethics to host ‘Journalism Ethics in a Fracturing World’ conference 

The Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will host its 16th annual journalism ethics conference at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Friday, Sept. 26. The conference is free, open to the public and made possible by generous sponsorships from craig newmark philanthropies, the Evjue Foundation, Podcamp Media, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Wisconsin Broadcasters… – MORE –

Walsh named noon and 4 p.m. anchor on CBS 58

Bill Walsh has been named anchor of the CBS 58 (WDJT-TV) News at Noon and 4 p.m. Walsh takes over for Mike Strehlow, who announced his semi-retirement earlier this summer. Strehlow is stepping back from anchoring newscasts and will continue to serve as host and producer of “CBS 58 Sunday Morning” each week. “I’m honored… – MORE –

Column: When transparency is disregarded

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 that affirms my belief that… – MORE –