Wisconsin Watch

In the days after the November presidential election, a petition filed in the Wisconsin Supreme Court alleging mass election fraud called for electoral votes for Trump to replace Biden's. Wisconsin Republican Assembley Speaker Robin Vos ordered an investigation into the state's election results because of claims of "mail-in ballot dumps and voter fraud." These efforts ended up not changing Wiscons...

Coronavirus skeptics in Wisconsin have gathered to protest mask-wearing and lockdown mandates throughout the pandemic. According to public health and communication experts, misinformation campaigns are one factor working against the state's pandemic response. As preperations continue for the coronavirus vaccine to be distributed across the nation, the misinformation that fuels many pandemic denial...

COVID-19 has brought the struggles of the disability community to vote independently to the forefront. Despite the recent efforts to expand voting access through absentee ballots, disability community members and advocates say that different barriers emerged for people with disabilities during the pandemic. Reporting by Nora Eckert in partnership with Votebeat. Originally published on Jan. 12, 202...

Former Police Chief David Couper provides an alternative model to policing protests that respects free speech and curbs violence. Couper worked to improve community relations and build trust in the Madison Police Department during his time as police chief. After a summer of unrest and escalation in Madison, Couper shares his views on where today's police departments are going wrong. Reporting by C...

Republican officials, lawyers, voters, volunteer poll watchers and recount observers dominated the roster of speakers on Dec. 11, 2020. They aired a range of concerns, including perceived bullying at polling places, foreign ownership of voting machines and frustrations with longstanding voting practices in Wisconsin, such as the use of in-person early absentee voting. Reported by Anya van Wagtendo...

Wisconsin Watch presents a recording of our Nov. 12, 2020 webinar — part of the 'Speakeasy: Casual conversations, serious issues' series. Wisconsin Watch reporters and guest panelist Jennifer Epps-Addison hosted a spirited discussion breaking down what happened in Wisconsin during the 2020 presidential election, including how voter turnout compared to the 2016 presidential election and the effect...

Everyone plays a part in amplifying misinformation online, but social platforms will continue elevating emotional posts and bad influencers will keep spewing toxic content — so one thing individuals can do is help family and friends stick up for the truth. Reported by Howard Hardee, election integrity reporter. Originally published on September 25, 2020.

The CDC reccomends staying at home in order to slow the spread of Coid-19. But what happens to those facing eviction? Follow the story of the Pettigrew family as they battle to stay at home. Reported by Bram Sable-Smith (WPR/Wisconsin Watch), Martha Bebinger (WBUR) and Darian Benson (Side Effects Public Media). Originally published September 29, 2020.

A militia member patrolling the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin on Aug. 25 claimed that police on the scene told him they planned to herd demonstrators toward the armed men — and then leave. Reported by Wisconsin Watch's Dee J. Hall on September 5, 2020.

As part of a news service journalism project, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS), Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media are collaborating on the News414 project, which uses innovative technology and research techniques to deliver crucial information to residents, investigate neighborhoods’ most pressing issues and deliver accountability journalism to Milwaukee and the broader public. Listen to...

With school going virtual, access to the internet is more important than ever. Follow the story of the Hellenbrand family. Wisconsin farmers raising four children — ages 11, 9, 8 and 5 — and up to five more children attending their home day care at least for part of the day. Reported by Peter Cameron in collaboration with The Badger Project, on August 25, 2020.

In the world of social media, disinformation travels fast. But how do you spot it? This report focuses on how disinformation in Wisconsin is attempting to discourage Wsiconsinites from voting. Part of the Narrow Margin series by Wisconsin Watch staff, reported by Max Witynski and Jessica Christoffer on August 15, 2020.

Voting during a pandemic is hard. Voting during a pandemic with a disability, is even harder. Follow the story of Don Natzke, a 69 year old visually imparied Wisconsin resident, and his journey to the voting booth. Part of the Narrow Margin series by Wisconsin Watch staff, reported by Enjoyiana Nururdin on August 6, 2020.

In this story, Cap Times public affairs reporting fellow Parker Schorr digs into the fatal consequences that come with Wisconsin drillers disregarding state laws. Read by Wesley Letham. Originally published on April 22, 2020.