The railroad company got a lot of federal funding for the station in 2021. But even with rail lines already in place, it could take more than a decade before passenger trains come to Wisconsin’s capital.
Amtrak might open a station in Madison, but not until 2032. What’s taking so long?
State trooper caught drinking on duty in Waushara County facing criminal charge
Robert Bliven, a Wisconsin state trooper, was arrested in September after deputies investigated him for drinking on the job. They charged him with operating a firearm while intoxicated.
MAGA brawler Van Orden moderating (slightly) as he faces tough reelection
Normally synchronized with the president, Rep. Derrick Van Orden has moved to the center on a couple of major issues. Is he worried about his chances in Wisconsin’s most competitive district?
Aggressive stock-trading Wisconsin rep puts at least $1M into safer T-bills
U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, a wealthy businessman elected to Congress in 2024, recently took action to protect against a stock market downturn by purchasing between $1 million and $5 million in U.S. Treasury bills.
“Pervasive, caustic atmosphere” of UW-La Crosse PD has improved, chief says
The police department was knocked for “shoddy record keeping” and a “lack of leadership” in a 2019 investigation. A police chief hired the same year says he’s made major changes to revamp the organization.
Commander cited for disorderly conduct no longer employed by State Patrol
Ex-Captain Daniel Gruebele pleaded no contest to the citation last year. His last day as the commander of the Northeast Region in Fond du Lac came less than a week after The Badger Project reported the incident.
Neenah cop quit last policing job amid accusations of sexist and racist remarks
Derrick Rotta resigned his police position in Menasha in 2024 after being investigated for an allegation that he was “the most racist person at the department.” The Neenah Police Department hired him last year.
The rock ‘n’ roll congressman priest from Green Bay who was benched by the pope
St. Norbert College political science professor Father Robert Cornell hobnobbed with famous musicians, then befriended – and frustrated – powerful politicians from both sides of the aisle in Washington.
Northeast Wisconsin State Patrol head cited by deputies after girlfriend calls 911
Capt. Daniel Gruebele, commander of the State Patrol’s Northeast Region at the Fond du Lac post, was cited for disorderly conduct in the summer after his girlfriend accused him of coercive sexual behavior.
Amid rising home prices, Richland Center residents decry building housing on park
A group of residents says city officials have ignored them in moving forward to build duplexes on a green space in town. Meanwhile, home prices in the little city have increased 76% since 2017.
Waushara County deputy quits sheriff’s office after The Badger Project’s reporting
Scott Schaut first quit a leadership position at the sheriff’s office after The Badger Project requested documents on his job performance. He resigned from the department entirely last week.
Waukesha city cop ousted for OWI, fleeing crash, hired at county sheriff’s office
A veteran of the City of Waukesha Police Department quit in 2023 after he was arrested for driving drunk and knocking down a light pole with his Jeep. The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office hired him in March.
Wisconsin cop fired for offering driver cash after crash still working in policing
The Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department fired Thomas Dammer after he caused a minor collision and didn’t immediately report it. He still works as a part-time police officer in Oconomowoc.
Pass the butter: State legislators want to tighten Wisconsin’s margarine laws
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is pushing to strengthen limits on margarine. The effort is a reminder of a centuries-old squabble between the butter substitute and the state’s ensconced dairy industry.
‘Officer Asshole’ – Chippewa Co cop who quit amid investigation now at nearby PD
Andrew Straszkowski resigned from the Lake Hallie Police Department on the day of a disciplinary meeting regarding his use of force and insubordination. He’s now working at a nearby police department.
Ex-Sauk Co jailer charged with 3 felonies for topless photo of female inmate
A former Sauk County Sheriff’s deputy is accused of snapping the photo from the jail’s video surveillance system without the inmate’s knowledge and then sharing it with a colleague.
The Badger Project asks judge to award lawyer fees after St. Croix County refuses
After initially denying requests, St. Croix County released records regarding a former deputy after The Badger Project sued. But the county has refused to pay the journalism organization’s attorney fees.
Waushara Co Sheriff’s deputy demotes self after inquiry into job performance
Scott Schaut, who had been the department’s night-shift sergeant, was on an improvement plan when The Badger Project requested those records. He resigned from that leadership position shortly after.
