Money & Politics
Secret corporate cash funded posh convention hideaway for Paul Ryan, GOP lawmakers
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Bank records: Comcast, Microsoft, Koch among bankrollers of nearly $1 million ‘cloakroom’ at Republican National Convention in Cleveland
Documenting Hate
Memorial near Wisconsin synagogue defaced with swastikas, pro-Trump graffiti
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A memorial near the Gates of Heaven synagogue in Madison was spray-painted with swastikas and pro-Trump messages in large red letters hours before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Flawed Forensics
DNA tests in Wisconsin murder raise questions amid alleged evidence tampering
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In the Ken Hudson case, experts are puzzled by tests finding no human DNA in the red substance on his left foot. Is it animal blood? A judge has granted more testing.
Documenting Hate
Have you experienced hate or bias? Tell us your story
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The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism is joining ProPublica to collect data and stories on hate and discrimination incidents in our community. Share your story with us here.
Economy
No sanctuary, fewer farmhands: Coping with the Trump agenda in America’s Dairyland
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In Milwaukee County, the debate over ‘sanctuary cities’ continues, while in rural Wisconsin, informal networks form to help immigrants avoid deportation
Flawed Forensics
After 27 years, judge overturns rape conviction, cites flawed FBI hair analysis
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Richard Beranek’s conviction was overturned after serving 27 years in prison for sexual assault. His case is the latest in which flawed hair analysis by the FBI led to a wrongful conviction.
Flawed Forensics
Wisconsin, U.S. used flawed hair evidence to convict innocent people
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FBI admits errors in 90 percent of hair and fiber cases, including 13 in Wisconsin. Such errors are now a factor in one-fifth of all DNA exonerations.
Justice & Safety
Families, experts wary of Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to abolish Parole Commission
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Walker spokesman says Parole Commission change ‘streamlines’ the process for release; an inmate advocate calls the plan ‘cruel, inhumane and immoral’ for thousands awaiting parole.
Immigration
A Syrian family settles in Wisconsin, just before U.S. refugee pipeline closes
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Some worry about President Trump’s immigration policies; local officials assure immigrants they will not be targeted.
Police to Trump, Clinton and Sanders: Pay your bills already
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At least three dozen municipal governments and law enforcement agencies say presidential campaigns have ignored hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding bills stemming from police security for campaign events.
Health & Welfare
Costs of widely prescribed drugs jumped up to 5,241 percent in recent years, joint investigation shows
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Recent nationwide news coverage has focused on the rising cost of EpiPens, but that medicine is just one example of lifesaving drugs with skyrocketing prices.
Economy
No relief from Wisconsin’s 565 percent payday loan interest under new rules
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Payday lenders in Wisconsin charge an average of 565 percent interest for short-term loans. New proposed federal rules to protect consumers will not change that.