As our newsrooms grow, it’s worth a reminder of all the places where you can find our free reporting every day.
Posted inEconomy, Government
New vision for passenger rail in southeastern Wisconsin could open job, business markets
The MARK Rail project — short for Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail — has officially launched, replacing the long-discussed KRM commuter rail proposal with a faster, more focused intercity rail plan connecting Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Chicago.
Posted inFact briefs
Has biennial state funding for the Wisconsin DNR dropped by $100 million over 30 years?
Yes. A big part of that is a reduction in debt payments.
Posted inPathways to success
New UW-Madison major will teach students to bridge partisan divides
Young people are flocking to public policy classes at a time when polarization and gridlock can paralyze legislative action. To meet the demand, the La Follette School of Public Affairs will launch its first undergrad major in fall 2026, with a focus on civil dialogue and finding common ground.
Posted inGovernment
Supreme Costs: A condensed version of our series on the ‘obscene’ spending on Wisconsin justices
In a three-part series, Wisconsin Watch examines why our state set back-to-back national records in Supreme Court election spending and what can be done about it.
Posted inHealth & Welfare
Refugee advocates brace for impact from federal limits on food aid
Aid groups wonder how long Wisconsin refugees and asylees will continue receiving FoodShare now that a Trump ban on assistance has taken effect.
Posted inForward, Government
As fundraising email shows, line between nonpartisan and partisan Wisconsin elections continues to erode
A joint appeal from campaigns for Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor and gubernatorial candidate David Crowley blurs the line between judicial and gubernatorial politics.
Posted inForward, Government
Foxconn, Trump’s ‘America first’ factory, is moving to AI. It’s giving lawmakers some pause.
Members of Congress said Wisconsin should first address serious concerns from constituents about manufacturers’ energy and water use, which could strain existing infrastructure and leave consumers footing the bill.
Posted inGovernment
Sick of those state Supreme Court campaign ads, Wisconsin? Here’s how other states avoid them
Polls show Wisconsin prefers to elect justices, but the timing, term limits and vetting of candidates could be different.
Posted inCommunity, Justice & Safety
ICE plans to leave Milwaukee School of Engineering facility
ICE will transition its processing operations from a building owned by the Milwaukee School of Engineering to a new location on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side.
Posted inGovernment
Unlimited donations, weak recusal rules led to record Wisconsin Supreme Court spending
Democrats seek to revive public financing of Supreme Court elections after previous attempts failed.
Posted inCriminal justice
Wisconsin Supreme Court to weigh sheriffs’ cooperation with ICE
The ACLU sued on behalf of the immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera. The lawsuit challenges detention practices in Brown, Kenosha, Marathon, Sauk and Walworth counties.