The public is invited to examine the first online archive of top state officials’ 2011 financial disclosure forms, now posted on WisconsinWatch.org, the website for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.
Category: Government
Posted inGovernment, Health & Welfare
Wisconsin’s mental health system braces for major cuts under Walker
In interviews with mental health advocates and county and state officials, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism found that Wisconsin’s public mental health system — once viewed as a national model — has become fragmented and underfunded. And many experts fear that as Gov. Scott Walker moves to close the state’s budget deficit, the mental health system will be weakened even further.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Indiana prosecutor resigns over Walker email
An Indiana deputy prosecutor and Republican activist resigned Thursday after the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism uncovered an email to Gov. Scott Walker in which he suggested a fake attack on the governor to discredit union protesters.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Email to Walker suggested faking violence (original story)
After praise for Walker, the email — sent Feb. 19, during union demonstrations against Walker’s budget repair bill — then took a darker turn. It suggested that the situation in Wisconsin presented “a good opportunity for what’s called a ‘false flag’ operation.” [This is the original version of the story which prompted Carlos Lam to resign.]
Posted inGovernment, WisWatch Blog
Another take on the Walker emails
We read with interest the Associated Press story today analyzing the avalanche of emails to Gov. Scott Walker, since we published our story on that yesterday.
Posted inEconomy, Government
Dear Gov. Walker: [SAMPLE LETTER FOLLOWS]
“Governor Walk, Hang in there, the American people are behind you, with you, and praying for you, don`t let those union scum sucking thugs push you around …” A selection of emails sent to Gov. Scott Walker from Feb. 11 to Feb. 18, 2011.
Posted inEconomy, Government
Analysis: Emails favored Walker 2-1
In the week after Gov. Scott Walker announced his plan to dramatically curtail public employees’ collective bargaining rights in the state budget repair bill, a wide majority of the emails to him expressed support, a Center analysis of those emails indicates. But that support was significantly boosted by emails from pro-Walker senders from outside Wisconsin.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Records: At least 45 sex offenders in state’s nursing homes
Donald Henriksen is one of at least 45 registered sex offenders living among other nursing home residents, according to a Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism review of addresses for the state’s nearly 20,000 registered sex offenders and 399 licensed nursing homes.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety, WisWatch Blog
Aviation database reveals frequent safety problems at airports
A six-month examination of more than 150,000 reports filed by pilots and others in the aviation industry over the past 20 years reveals surprising and sometimes shocking safety breaches and close calls at local, regional and major airports throughout the country.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Government
How a polluter gets stimulus money — and avoids environmental review
A state program helped Didion Milling win $5.6 million in stimulus funding to expand its Cambria milling and ethanol plant, which has a history of environmental violations.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Government
Audio slideshow: Citizens against Didion
Neighbors of Didion Milling’s Cambria plant talk about why they have fought the company for years. Main story How a polluter gets stimulus money — and avoids environmental review Nov. 29, 2010 The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School […]
Posted inEnvironment, Government, Health & Welfare
Toxic Legacy: Gas customers may have to eat some costs for plant cleanups
Whoever is deemed responsible for the century-old toxic waste in Ashland, community residents — and others in Wisconsin — will pay for millions in cleanup costs.