Watch and listen to a preview of “Open and Shut,” the new podcast from Wisconsin Watch and WPR that shines a light on how prosecutors do their jobs — and the danger of allowing that power to go unchecked.
Category: Justice & Safety
Posted inJustice & Safety
She said her husband was abusive. A judge took away her kids and ordered her arrest.
The judge in Julie Valadez’s custody case found her disruptive, questioned her credibility and put out a warrant for her arrest. A rare appellate victory is now giving her case a fresh look, but Valadez still is fighting for her four children.
Posted inJustice & Safety
‘It has been set back years now’: Free calls plan for those who are incarcerated hits a snag in Milwaukee County
A plan for free calls for those jailed at the Milwaukee County House of Correction and the Milwaukee County Jail has been blocked due to budgetary considerations.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Milwaukee eyes driver education to combat reckless driving crisis
Thousands of Milwaukee Public Schools students get low-cost instruction: ‘Our goal is to reach as many students as we can to give them the tools to be a safe driver’
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Justice & Safety
Embattled former UW child abuse pediatrician resigns Alaska position
Parents and caregivers say their lives were upended after Dr. Barbara Knox wrongly diagnosed children’s illnesses or accidental injuries as abuse.
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Justice & Safety
‘We were robbed’: Alaska couple loses custody of kids after erroneous abuse diagnosis from former UW doctor
Experts say former University of Wisconsin Dr. Barbara Knox ignored birth injuries in diagnosing a Fairbanks baby as suffering from child abuse.
Posted inBeyond Bail, Justice & Safety
Wisconsin debates cash bail changes in wake of Waukesha parade tragedy — as some states ditch system entirely
Somewhat lost in a revived debate involving the rights of the accused and protecting the public: Wisconsin’s cash bail system wasn’t created to protect public safety.
Posted inEducation, Environment, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Wisconsin Watch’s best photos from 2021 capture moments of elation, contemplation and joy.
A selection of work from Wisconsin Watch photographers that provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who help us tell our stories.
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Wisconsin caregiver spent eight years, $250,000 in legal bills to exonerate herself from abuse charges
Former University of Wisconsin Dr. Barbara Knox decided a young boy who collapsed at a home day care was abused. A prosecutor and jurors disagreed.
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Child abuse cases sparked by Dr. Barbara Knox rejected by Wisconsin judge, jury and prosecutor
The criminal justice system has repeatedly rebuffed the medical opinions of the former University of Wisconsin child abuse pediatrician.
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Parents recount terror of wrongful child abuse diagnoses from former University of Wisconsin doctor
Seven Wisconsin families faced child abuse investigations triggered by Dr. Barbara Knox — suspicions later rejected by other doctors, police and child welfare officials.
Posted inFlawed Forensics, Health & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Mass exodus at Alaska child abuse clinic as former Wisconsin doctor accused of bullying, misdiagnoses
Alaska CARES hired Dr. Barbara Knox after the University of Wisconsin suspended her in 2019 for allegedly bullying colleagues.