Alexandra Arriaga, Author at Wisconsin Watch

‘I’ll always be grateful’: Support the next generation of investigative journalists

by Alexandra Arriaga December 28th, 2018January 16th, 2024 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

A windowless office is known to journalists across the country as the “Northern Bureau.” It’s where I and other University of Wisconsin-Madison journalism students learned an important lesson about working as an investigative journalist: It’s not as glamorous as it sounds.

Economy

Asian restaurants and Chicago employment agencies accused of exploiting Latino workers in Midwest

by Belle Lin and Alexandra Arriaga October 7th, 2018October 15th, 2018 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

The story, produced in collaboration with the Chicago Sun-Times, explores the practices of Chicago labor agencies that provide Latino workers to Asian restaurants across the Midwest, including in Wisconsin, under what the Illinois attorney general charges are illegal and exploitative conditions.

Cruel and Unusual?, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety

Wisconsin inmates report despair, little counseling in solitary confinement that can stretch on for years

by Alexandra Arriaga April 15th, 2017April 22nd, 2019 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

Prisoners recount suicide attempts, mental harm and lack of services in solitary confinement; former Waupun psychologist describes harsh treatment of inmates.

Cruel and Unusual?, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety

Wisconsin prison officials quietly changed mental health status of inmates in solitary, psychologist says

by Alexandra Arriaga April 15th, 2017April 19th, 2017 Why you can trust Wisconsin Watch

When he returned from a medical leave in early 2016, psychologist Bradley Boivin discovered a troubling pattern among Waupun Correctional Institution inmates who had been held in solitary confinement. Thirteen of his patients’ mental health classifications had been changed without Boivin’s knowledge — and in his opinion, without proper assessment.