Through the state’s open records law, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism received Gov. Scott Walker’s official calendars. Center reporters then created a database of all 4,414 entries.

In recent weeks, two conservative groups have run three television ads praising changes in Wisconsin’s relationship with its public employees. What’s unusual is not the message of the ads, but the tax status of their sponsors.

Robin Vos, R-Rochester, is co-chair of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee and has vast license to shape Wisconsin’s priorities. Some say Vos’ position makes him especially susceptible to special interests seeking to influence the process through campaign contributions. But Vos insists that’s not happening.

An opinion poll conducted by the nonprofit, nonpartisan group Justice at Stake found that Wisconsinites’ confidence in their Supreme Court has nose-dived to 33 percent, down from 52 percent just three years ago.

Wisconsin’s recall elections, spurred by the turmoil over changes that undercut public employee unions, are seen as nationally significant. It’s no surprise they have drawn contributions from across the nation, in amounts large and small.

By Lauren Hasler
Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
COLUMBUS — American Packaging Corp. in Columbus is supposed to be one of the safest places to work. In 2009, the company was recognized as a model of safety when it joined other Wisconsin workplaces, now totaling 49, in a voluntary compliance program run by the U.S. Occupational Safety [...]

Gov. Scott Walker signed the budget June 26, effectively ending the state’s 33-year-old system of providing public funding to candidates who agree to abide by overall spending limits.

News of a physical altercation between two state Supreme Court justices has, ironically, brought the people of Wisconsin together. Everyone, it seems, agrees there is something terribly wrong with our state Supreme Court.