On Sunday, August 14, after a night of unrest prompted by the fatal police shooting of a black man, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said his review of body camera video of the incident proved the officer had acted appropriately. “The individual did turn toward the officer with a firearm in his hand,” Flynn stated, […]
Tag: open government
Posted inBlogs, WisWatch Blog
After chaotic year, open records advocates cheer progress, honor attorney Robert J. Dreps as Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog
Victories in open government, spearheaded by investigative journalism and citizen activism in a year of unprecedented attacks on government transparency, were celebrated by journalists, members of the public and champions of public records laws at the sixth annual Watchdog Awards Wednesday evening in Madison.
Posted inBlogs, WisWatch Blog
Veteran journalist hopes to keep government accountable
Dick Record witnessed first-hand what he says is the “deterioration” of government transparency during his 40-year journalism career in Wisconsin.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch, Open records
You’re invited: Sign up now for Midwest Watchdog Workshop and Wisconsin Watchdog Awards
Journalists, students and the public are invited for an innovative workshop at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focusing on investigative reporting techniques to hold the powerful accountable. The event will be held April 8 and 9 at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. It is being presented by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Investigative Reporters and Editors.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch, WisWatch Blog
Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award nominations sought from the public
Nominations are being sought for the fifth annual Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award, recognizing an individual’s extraordinary contributions to open government or investigative journalism in Wisconsin.
Posted inOpinion
Your Right to Know: Walker, Burke weigh in on openness
According to Walker, it’s up to the political parties to open their caucuses, which they could do without a change in state law. He’s right on that point, and we’re still waiting.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch, WisWatch Blog
Polling expert Charles Franklin to deliver keynote at WisconsinWatch.orgdog Awards
Charles Franklin, a nationally recognized polling expert, will deliver the keynote address at the fourth annual WisconsinWatch.orgdog Awards.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch, WisWatch Blog
Investigative reporter Umhoefer to receive Wisconsin Watchdog Award
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigative reporter Dave Umhoefer, winner of a Pulitzer Prize for his 2008 investigation into pension padding in Milwaukee County, has been named the 2014 recipient of the Distinguished WisconsinWatch.orgdog Award.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch, WisWatch Blog
Seeking Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award nominations
Nominations are being sought for the 2014 Distinguished WisconsinWatch.orgdog Award, presented annually to recognize an individual’s extraordinary contributions to open government or investigative journalism in Wisconsin.
Posted inGovernment
State agency lags on records compliance
To assess the DOA’s performance, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism analyzed the nearly 200 records requests the agency received in the first six months of 2012. The analysis found the DOA took an average of 24 days to provide records or denials.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety, Money & Politics
State weapons law conceals information
More than 4,000 applicants were denied a Wisconsin concealed carry license and more than 400 had their licenses revoked or suspended in the program’s first 14 months, records show. These included dozens of felons, domestic abusers, illegal drug users and “fugitives from justice.”
Posted inOpinion
Your Right to Know: City leads the way on openness
Public officials sometimes resist sharing the information that forms the path for their actions with citizens and taxpayers. But it’s not “their” business, it’s the public’s business. The public has every right to know the details of government operations.