Following The Badger Project’s reporting, the Richland Center Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Office have discontinued a minimum $25 fee for records, which experts said was illegal.
Richland Center PD, Richland Co Sheriff change records policy after our story
‘Huge step forward’ – Wisconsin gov signs bills bolstering EMS workforce, funding
Experts say the new laws will strengthen emergency response across the state by funding more educational costs and increasing the payment EMS services get for treating but not transporting patients.
‘Clearly illegal’: Richland Co Sheriff, city PD starting at $25 for all records requests
The law enforcement agencies’ minimum fees, experts say, contradict Wisconsin state law that states any charges for records requests must be tied to a calculation of the actual cost of producing the records.
Waushara County Sheriff must repay $22k plus interest in K9 stipends, board votes
An investigation from The Badger Project found that Sheriff Walter Zuehlke had continued taking a monthly stipend for years after quitting trainings for his law enforcement dog Argo.
Bill to increase penalty for impersonating cops advances in Wisconsin Legislature
A bipartisan bill seeks to change the crime of impersonating a police officer from a misdemeanor to a felony. The move comes after several instances in Wisconsin and the killing of a lawmaker in Minnesota.
Banned statewide, bill allowing traffic cameras in Milwaukee creeps forward
A bipartisan bill in the Wisconsin State Legislature would let the city install traffic cameras to ticket speeders and red light runners. Milwaukee’s top brass has begged lawmakers for the exception.
Waushara Co Sheriff promoted deputy after lewd photos, other bad behavior
Matthew Elliott resigned from the sheriff’s department last month, just days after The Badger Project requested a 2022 investigation into him propositioning colleagues and sending others lewd photos.
Ex-Muskego officer accused of sex assault by fellow cop working at nearby agency
Andrew Sundstrom, a former Muskego Police K9 officer, was accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend, also a cop. He was forced out of the job but not charged and claims the allegations were “manufactured.”
GOP lawmakers want to include state police in law enforcement bill of rights
Wisconsin is one of many states to protect cops through a bill of rights, but it excludes state-employed police. Some lawmakers want to change that, while critics worry they are receiving special treatment.
Musk’s satellite internet company contests Wisconsin’s rural installation plans
The Trump Administration is pushing states to put more federal funding into slower, but cheaper-to-install, satellite internet. Critics fear a giveaway to the companies of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
An Uber driver, a dairy farmer and a therapist walk into the Capitol: Many Wisconsin lawmakers have side gigs
It’s common for legislators, who make about $61,000 a year, to have a second job. The state Senate and Assembly each meet for only part of the year, allowing elected members to seek additional work.
Waushara Co Board launches independent investigation into sheriff’s K9 stipends
An investigation from The Badger Project found Sheriff Walter Zuehlke received more than $25,000 in care payments for his K9 since quitting the law enforcement trainings after he was elected in 2018.
The Badger Project sues Wind Point PD after it refuses records requests
A veteran of that Racine County police department quit in 2023 before the completion of an investigation into his conduct. The Badger Project sued after the department denied its requests for that investigation.
Dem legislators reintroduce bill to protect free speech rights from frivolous lawsuits
The “anti-SLAPP” bill would make it harder in Wisconsin to use costly lawsuits against people for exercising their free speech rights. A similar bill died in 2024 without any Republican support.
Waushara Co sheriff repays $1,200 in county K9 funds he got after dog died
An investigation by The Badger Project found Sheriff Walter Zuehlke continued taking care payments for the dog after it died last year. The Waushara County administrator said it was an oversight.
UW-Madison study: Partisan news sours consumers on political compromise
Right-leaning media users are less likely to support political compromise, a new study suggests. And in general, partisan media consumers tend to see political disagreements as right or wrong.
Waushara Co sheriff pocketed over $20k for K9 partner after quitting trainings
Sheriff Walter Zuehlke stopped training ‘Argo’ in 2019 after his election, but continued taking $400 monthly care checks from the county, even after the dog died, an investigation by The Badger Project found.
NW Wisconsin cop forced out for bad behavior now working at Hayward PD
Officer Matthew Frey resigned in lieu of termination from the Cumberland Police Department after facing dozens of complaints, including cursing at civilians and watching YouTube on duty.
