The Cannabis Question
‘Haze’ abounds as Michigan struggles to regulate recreational cannabis
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Writing rules has proven to be challenging; many communities that voted ‘yes’ to legalizing recreational marijuana now say ‘no’ to retail sales.
The Cannabis Question
Pitfalls and promises: States with legalized marijuana see mixed picture
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Even in states such as Colorado where cannabis has been legal for many years, not everyone is on board; New Jersey, New York fail to reach consensus on legalization.
Letters to the Editor
Wisconsin Watch’s ‘new look’
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Your May piece by Natalie Yahr about illegals detained at our border reinforces the growing argument that our media is doing this country no favors by continuing to cover the immigration issue from just one perspective, i.e. “us vs. them.”
The Cannabis Question
Lawmaker’s ‘lonely ship’ filling up as support for legalizing cannabis grows
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Polls and referenda show Wisconsinites are warming to the idea of legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use. But not everyone is on board.
The Cannabis Question
Wisconsin’s new hemp industry blooms; will marijuana be far behind?
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Some growers, boosted by the recent legalization of hemp, say the rapidly expanding industry could pave the way for medical or recreational marijuana.
Your Right to Know
Your Right to Know: Body cam bill balances privacy, openness
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When so much about politics is partisan, one might expect a topic like police body cameras to be contentious, particularly as it relates to public access to recordings.
The Cannabis Question
Marijuana advocates have hope but face hurdles as Wisconsin eyes legalization
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Public support for cannabis is growing, but GOP lawmakers mostly oppose Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to legalize medical cannabis and possession of small amounts.
Your Right to Know
Your Right to Know: Don’t purge records of expunged cases
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Wisconsin legislators are looking to reform current law governing the expungement of criminal records. Among other things, SB-39 would allow those convicted of crimes for which the maximum term of imprisonment is six years or less (including some felonies) to ask a judge to expunge their convictions even if they fail to do so at the time of sentencing, as is currently required. It would also allow those older than age 25 at the time of an offense to request expungement, and expressly provide that an expunged record cannot be considered a conviction for purposes of employment. The standard under present law would be carried forward, which lets judges grant expungement if they determine “that the person will benefit and society will not be harmed.”
The rationale for the bill, which has broad bipartisan support, is to give those who have made minor mistakes a fresh start, including supposedly enhanced employment opportunities. It is one of several current proposals to expand the availability of expungement.
Your Right to Know
Your Right to Know: Democracy depends on open government
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They say what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, but when it comes to public records, the state Legislature doesn’t seem to believe in this principle.
Chronic Wasting Disease
CWD spreads on deer and elk farms as Wisconsin’s control efforts stumble
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Rapidly growing numbers of cases of chronic wasting disease are appearing on deer and elk farms and hunting ranches in Wisconsin at the same time the state has pulled back on rules and procedures designed to limit the spread of the fatal brain disease among its captive and wild deer.
Letters to the Editor
This should be on the front page of national papers
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This letter was written in response to the Center’s Sept. 30, 2018 report titled: Voter ID linked to lower turnout in Wisconsin, other states; students, people of color, elderly most affected.
Your Right to Know
Your Right to Know: Racine case shows folly of official secrecy
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Secrecy in government, compounded by court-ordered secrecy, gives rise to speculation and rumor. That never serves the public interest.