In the past year, COVID-19 has infected more than half of Wisconsin’s overall inmate population, and the infection rate in correctional facilities is five times higher than the state average. That’s according to a recent analysis from investigative outlet Wisconsin Watch. Protesters and advocacy groups have spent months pushing Wisconsin’s lawmakers to address the crisis. […]
State lawmakers propose package of bipartisan police reform bills
Last week, three state lawmakers put forward a bipartisan package of police reform bills. The package would, among other things, overhaul the state’s use of force reporting procedures and institute a new level of community control over the Madison and Milwaukee Police and Fire Commissions. For more on the recommendations, WORT Producer Jonah Chester spoke […]
Organizers Speak Against Felony Trespass Bill
A bill passed four years ago made it a felony in Wisconsin to trespass on land owned by energy providers. Now, state lawmakers have introduced new legislation to expand on the bill from 2015. The new bill would expand the definition of energy provider to include companies that operate a delivery system for gas, oil, […]
Republicans Run Interference on Local Photo ID Initiatives
Republican lawmakers in the state of Wisconsin have been drumming up support for a bill that restricts the ability of local governments to issue their own photo identification cards. Opponents of the bill say it threatens local control and interferes with a recent initiative designed to increase access to basic services in Milwaukee. Reporter Darien Lamen has more.
