The article discusses the importance of open government and the public's right to know. It is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to this cause. Jacob Resneck, an investigative reporter with Wisconsin Watch, contributes to the column. The article also invites readers to share their opinions on the topic by sending letters to the editor, providing specific instructions on how to do so, including word limit and verification details.

The article discusses three police shootings in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in 2023, including one fatal incident. Despite the officers being cleared of wrongdoing, their identities have not been disclosed, with officials citing undercover work, credible threats, and Marsy's Law, which enhances crime victims' rights. The article mentions the withholding of names in other Wisconsin cases and similar practices in Florida and Ohio. It also covers the challenges and costs associated with obtaining police bodycam footage due to proposed legislation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's guidance on Marsy's Law is criticized for being insufficient, and the article calls for public and press advocacy for police accountability and transparency.

The article discusses the implications of Marsy's Law in Wisconsin, particularly how it affects the transparency of law enforcement. The law, which was passed to protect victims' privacy rights, has led to the withholding of police officers' names in shooting incidents. The article cites several cases where officers' identities were not disclosed, contrasting them with instances where they were. It explores the tension between the public's right to know and the privacy rights of victims, including police officers. The law has bipartisan support but has faced criticism for its impact on defendants' rights and public transparency. Legal experts and civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the broad application of the law and the challenges it poses to the criminal justice system. The article also touches on the history of Marsy's Law and its national implementation, funded by tech billionaire Henry Nicholas III in memory of his sister Marsy.

A Wisconsin Watch investigation revealed that a female police recruit from the Grand Chute Police Department was forced to resign after reporting a sexual assault by two male law enforcement academy classmates. The incident occurred in March 2022, involving heavy drinking and ending at a hotel. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the department decided against criminal charges and forced the woman's resignation within five days. Wisconsin lacks rules for involving outside agencies in such cases, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. Marsy’s Law was cited by the department to withhold details, a practice seen in other Wisconsin police departments. The Fox Valley Technical College found the woman's account credible, resulting in the suspension of the two men from the academy and the loss of their jobs. The article highlights the challenges in prosecuting sexual assaults, especially when alcohol is involved and the victim and perpetrators know each other.

The article discusses the implications of Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment passed in Wisconsin in 2020 to protect victims' privacy rights, on law enforcement transparency. It highlights instances where police officers' identities were withheld from the public after shootings, citing their status as victims under Marsy's Law. The article contrasts different approaches by district attorneys in releasing officers' names and explores the national trend of withholding such information. Civil liberties advocates argue that this practice erodes police accountability, while supporters of the law emphasize victim protection. The article also touches on the financial backing of Marsy's Law by tech billionaire Henry Nicholas III and the ongoing legal challenges to the law's implementation. It suggests that the law's broad application has created complexities and inconsistencies in the criminal justice system, with some officials interpreting the law to shield police officers from public scrutiny.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The male recruit was not charged, and the female recruit was dismissed from her job shortly after the allegation due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch, which reported on a culture of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department, uncovered the assault case during their investigation. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for hiring, was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed by senior officers. The gang flag was removed from the department database after the recruit's hiring. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper. The case raises questions about the effectiveness and potential racial bias of gang affiliation flags.

Outagamie Circuit Court Judge Mark McGinnis is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice for jailing contractor Tyler Barth over a civil dispute involving a courthouse employee. McGinnis ordered Barth to repay a debt within an unrealistic timeframe, leading to his incarceration. The case highlights issues with judicial oversight in Wisconsin, where judges enjoy broad legal immunity. McGinnis has a history of controversial practices and rulings, some of which have been overturned by higher courts. Legal experts question the legality of McGinnis's actions in Barth's case, and Barth has since settled the financial dispute and is considering civil action against McGinnis.

The article discusses the case of Tyler Barth, a contractor from Hortonville, Wisconsin, who was jailed by Outagamie Circuit Court Judge Mark McGinnis over a financial dispute related to a concrete job. The Department of Justice is investigating whether McGinnis used his judicial authority to resolve a civil dispute involving someone he knew personally. The case highlights the limited oversight of Wisconsin judges and the broad legal immunity they enjoy. Legal experts question the legality of McGinnis' actions, as Barth faced no formal complaints at the time of the hearing. The article also details other instances where McGinnis' conduct has been questioned, including his management of a Truancy Court and his business dealings with the state Department of Corrections. Despite these controversies, McGinnis has not faced public consequences. The article underscores the challenges in holding judges accountable for their actions on the bench.

Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis is under investigation by the state after he incarcerated a contractor, Tyler Barth, over an unrelated financial dispute with a courthouse employee. McGinnis, who has a history of controversial actions since his election in 2005, ordered Barth to jail during a felony probation hearing unless he repaid a deposit for a cement job. Legal experts believe this action exceeded his legal authority. The Department of Justice has an investigative file on the incident, but no charges have been filed. McGinnis has faced scrutiny for other issues, including a business relationship with the state probation department and his conduct in Truancy Court. Despite his actions, McGinnis has not faced public consequences. The U.S. Supreme Court grants judges broad immunity, making it difficult to hold them accountable. Barth was eventually released from jail and repaid the deposit, and his case was closed as a civil matter. The article also corrects a previous error regarding the location of an office building owned by McGinnis.

Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis is under investigation for jailing Tyler Barth, a cement contractor, during a felony probation hearing over a financial dispute with a courthouse employee. Legal experts criticize the action, noting criminal hearings should not resolve civil disputes, especially when the judge is acquainted with one of the parties. McGinnis has a history of controversial practices, including micromanaging nonviolent offenders and engaging in business dealings that raise ethical questions. Despite documented missteps and legal overreach, McGinnis has not faced significant consequences. The case highlights the broad legal immunity judges enjoy and the limited oversight mechanisms in Wisconsin. Barth was released from jail after his attorney challenged the legal basis for his incarceration. The Department of Justice's investigation into McGinnis' actions has been ongoing for over a year without updates.

In Winnebago County, Wisconsin, law enforcement officers were involved in three shootings in 2023, one of which was fatal. Despite the officers being cleared of wrongdoing, their identities have not been disclosed, with officials citing undercover work, credible threats, and Marsy's Law, which enhances crime victims' rights. This practice of withholding names is not unique to Wisconsin, as similar cases have occurred in Florida and Ohio. However, the Florida Supreme Court has rejected anonymity for officers in such cases. The article highlights concerns about transparency and accountability, with the Wisconsin Transparency Project questioning the secrecy around officers' identities. Additionally, there is a proposed bill that could make it costly to obtain police bodycam footage. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has provided guidance on Marsy's Law, but some believe it is insufficient. The public and media are urged to demand higher standards of accountability for police officers.

The article discusses the lack of transparency in revealing the identities of law enforcement officers involved in shootings in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing, officials have not disclosed their names, citing undercover work and safety threats. The piece highlights the use of Marsy’s Law to withhold officers' names and compares the situation to similar cases in Florida and Ohio. It also mentions the potential cost implications for accessing police bodycam footage due to a new bill. The article calls for public and press advocacy for accountability and transparency in police actions. The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, through its monthly column 'Your Right to Know', and investigative reporter Jacob Resneck of Wisconsin Watch, emphasize the importance of open government.

Wisconsin Watch reflects on its 2023 reporting achievements, highlighting the work of its reporters in covering state government and politics. Matt Mencarini investigated election fraud, finding the most common violation was voting while on probation for a felony. Matthew DeFour reported on 'adjudicated incompetent' voters casting ballots and a legislative fix in progress. Jacob Resneck covered Republican 'pocket vetoes' and Democratic funding in judicial elections, as well as a case of police using Marsy’s Law to hide an officer's identity. Phoebe Petrovic tackled misinformation, focusing on transgender health care issues. Jack Kelly reported on the transition to liberal control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Republican efforts to amend the state constitution. Wisconsin Watch plans to launch a newsletter called Forward and continue its in-depth political reporting in 2024.

The article addresses the concern about the lack of a public transit advocate in the Wisconsin state Legislature. Despite the perception, Democratic lawmakers, particularly from urban areas like Milwaukee, have been advocating for increased state funding for mass transit. However, they have been in the minority since 2010. Lobbyist Gary Goyke notes the Republican-controlled Legislature's historical opposition to public transit, including the repeal of the state's regional transit authorities in 2011. Funding for mass transit has decreased since its peak in 2011, and recent increases do not account for inflation. Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, is identified as a strong opponent of public transportation. The article also mentions the concerns of Sen. LaTonya Johnson and Rep. Evan Goyke about the need for better transit funding to retain the working population in the state. AJ Wilson from the Wisconsin Public Transportation Association argues that the current funding increase is insufficient.

A 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, reported a possible sexual assault after waking up partially clothed in a hotel bathtub with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity and the woman's claim of being too intoxicated to consent, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without referring charges and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation revealed no clear standard in Wisconsin for when an outside agency should be involved in cases where a police department employee is an alleged crime victim, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also highlighted the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold details from the public. The woman felt betrayed by the department's handling of her case, and criminal justice experts criticized the rapid closure of the investigation. Both male recruits lost their jobs, and the woman eventually graduated from the academy but felt isolated and chose not to attend the ceremony.

The article reports on a case of alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old female police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan, she awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, and suspected she had been sexually assaulted. The Grand Chute Police Department conducted an investigation but decided not to press charges and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation found no clear standard in Wisconsin for when an outside agency should be involved in cases where a police department employee is an alleged crime victim, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The article also discusses the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the lack of professional standards for handling potential conflicts of interest in investigations. The female recruit felt betrayed by law enforcement, and despite a parallel administrative investigation by Fox Valley Technical College finding her account credible, the two male recruits were suspended from the academy and lost their jobs, but were not charged with a crime.

A female police recruit from Grand Chute, Wisconsin, reported a possible sexual assault after waking up partially clothed in a hotel room with two male law enforcement academy classmates from Appleton and Sheboygan. The Grand Chute Police Department concluded within 34 hours that no crime occurred and did not refer charges to the district attorney. The woman was also forced to resign over an unrelated disciplinary review within five days of the incident. Experts criticized the department for not bringing in an outside agency to conduct the investigation due to potential conflicts of interest. Both male cadets left law enforcement but could return to the academy next year. One had a past gang affiliation, which was not disclosed when he was hired. The case highlights issues with Wisconsin's Marsy’s Law, which was cited to deny information requests, and the lack of clear standards for outside agency involvement in police department employee cases. The woman felt betrayed by law enforcement and believed an outside agency should have been involved. A parallel investigation by Fox Valley Technical College found her account credible, leading to the suspension of the male students from the academy.

A female police recruit from Grand Chute, Wisconsin, reported a possible sexual assault after waking up partially clothed in a hotel room with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan. Within 34 hours, the Grand Chute Police Department concluded no crime occurred and within a week, the woman was forced to resign over an unrelated disciplinary review. Experts criticized the department for not bringing in an outside agency to conduct the investigation due to potential conflicts of interest. Both male recruits left law enforcement but could return to the academy next year. One had a past gang affiliation, which was not disclosed when hired by the Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission. The case highlights issues with Wisconsin's Marsy’s Law, which was cited to deny information requests, and the lack of clear standards for outside agency involvement in police investigations. The woman felt betrayed by law enforcement and believed an outside agency should have been involved. A parallel investigation by Fox Valley Technical College found her account credible, leading to the men's suspension from the academy.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details the case of a 21-year-old police recruit who alleged she was sexually assaulted by two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan after a night of heavy drinking. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual contact with one of the men, the Grand Chute Police Department decided not to press charges within 34 hours of the report and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint within a week. Wisconsin Watch's investigation found no clear standard in Wisconsin for when an outside agency must be involved in cases where a police department employee is an alleged crime victim, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also highlights the use of Marsy's Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information from the public. The woman's account was found credible by Fox Valley Technical College, resulting in the suspension of the two men from the law enforcement academy, who also lost their jobs with their respective departments. The article raises questions about the handling of sexual assault allegations within police departments and the transparency of such investigations.

A 21-year-old female police recruit from Grand Chute, Wisconsin, reported a possible sexual assault after waking up partially clothed in a hotel bathtub following a night out with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan. Within 34 hours, the Grand Chute Police Department concluded no crime had occurred and did not refer charges to the district attorney. Five days later, the woman was forced to resign over an unrelated disciplinary review. Experts criticized the department for not bringing in an outside agency to investigate and for the quick closure of the case. Both male recruits lost their jobs, and the woman felt betrayed by law enforcement. The case highlighted issues with Marsy's Law and the lack of standards for police departments to avoid conflicts of interest when investigating crimes involving their own members.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned after being accused of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job shortly after the allegation due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for hiring, was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed by senior officers. The gang flag was removed from the department database by Capt. Steve Cobb after the recruit's hiring. The case has raised questions about the effectiveness and potential racial bias of gang affiliation flags. Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper. Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit news organization, reported on the case and the broader issue of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details the case of a 21-year-old police recruit who alleged she was sexually assaulted by two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan after a night of heavy drinking. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department decided not to press charges within 34 hours and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint within a week. Wisconsin Watch's investigation found no clear standard in Wisconsin for when an outside agency must be involved in cases where a police department employee is an alleged crime victim, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The article also discusses the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the lack of professional standards for handling potential conflicts of interest. The female recruit's account was found credible by Fox Valley Technical College, leading to the suspension of the two men from the law enforcement academy. Both men lost their jobs with their respective departments, and the case raises questions about the treatment of sexual assault allegations within the police force.

The article discusses the case of Tyler Barth, a Hortonville cement contractor, who was jailed by Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis over a financial dispute with a client who had connections within the courthouse. The Department of Justice is investigating McGinnis' actions, but the case has not progressed for over a year. The article highlights the limited oversight of Wisconsin judges and the broad legal immunity they enjoy. It also details McGinnis' history of controversial actions and the lack of public consequences he has faced. Legal experts question the legality of McGinnis' actions in Barth's case, as there was no formal complaint at the time of the hearing. The article also touches on McGinnis' business dealings and past misconduct, including his involvement with a truancy court and training sessions for police officers. Barth was eventually released from jail after his attorney challenged the legal basis for his incarceration.

The article discusses the investigation of Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis, who is under scrutiny for jailing Tyler Barth, a cement contractor, over a financial dispute during a felony probation hearing. The dispute was unrelated to the criminal case and involved a client who worked at the courthouse. Legal experts criticize McGinnis' actions, stating that criminal hearings cannot be used to resolve civil disputes and that judges should not act in cases involving acquaintances. The article highlights McGinnis' history of controversial actions and polarizing judicial style, including his involvement in a truancy court program and a business deal with the state's probation department. Despite numerous complaints and some reversals by higher courts, McGinnis has faced little to no consequences for his actions due to the broad legal immunity judges enjoy. The Department of Justice is investigating the incident, but the outcome remains uncertain. Barth was eventually released from jail and settled the financial dispute, but the experience has raised questions about judicial conduct and accountability.

The article discusses the use of Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment aimed at protecting victims' privacy rights, by police agencies to shield the identities of officers involved in use of force incidents. This practice has been observed in several states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida, and has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates about the erosion of police accountability. The article provides examples of incidents where officers' identities were withheld and contrasts them with cases where the information was disclosed. It also explores the varying interpretations of Marsy's Law by different district attorneys and the challenges it poses to transparency and the rights of criminal defendants. The law, funded by tech billionaire Henry Nicholas III and named after his sister, has been adopted in several states but faces legal challenges and scrutiny over its implementation.

The article discusses the secrecy surrounding the identities of police officers involved in shootings in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, even after they have been cleared of wrongdoing. The article mentions three incidents in 2023, including a fatal shooting by officers from the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Authorities have cited various reasons for withholding names, such as undercover work and credible threats. The article also references Marsy’s Law, which enhances the rights of crime victims, as a rationale for not releasing officer names. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has been criticized for not providing clear guidance on the law. The article highlights concerns about transparency and accountability, especially with a proposed bill that could make it costly to obtain police bodycam footage. The author, Jacob Resneck, is an investigative reporter with Wisconsin Watch, and the column is part of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council's efforts to promote open government.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment, leading to the discipline of 12 officers. The oversight board was unaware of the male recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed due to concerns over effectiveness and potential racial bias. The gang flag was removed from the department's database by a superior officer after the recruit's hiring. Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper and that they are meant to be purged after five years without new information.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, the recruit awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan present. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without referring criminal charges and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also touches on the use of Marsy’s Law by police departments to withhold information and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases involving alcohol. The woman felt betrayed by law enforcement, and the two male recruits lost their jobs but have not been charged with a crime. The article raises questions about the handling of sexual assault allegations within law enforcement agencies and the protections afforded to victims.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment, leading to the discipline of 12 officers. The oversight board was unaware of the male recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed during the hiring process. The gang flag was removed from the department's database by a superior officer after the recruit's hiring. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper. The case raises questions about the effectiveness and potential racial bias of gang affiliation flags.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for hiring, was not informed of the recruit's suspected gang ties before his hiring. The gang flag was removed from the department database by a superior officer after the hiring. The commission members expressed that they expected full disclosure of such background information. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper. Wisconsin Watch uncovered this case while investigating a culture of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department.

The article by Wisconsin Watch investigates the handling of a sexual assault allegation involving a 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, the recruit awoke in a hotel bathtub with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without referring criminal charges and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are alleged crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also brings attention to the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information from the public. The article discusses the broader context of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases. The woman's account was found credible by Fox Valley Technical College, resulting in the suspension of the two male recruits from the law enforcement academy, who also lost their jobs with their respective departments.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned after being accused of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment, leading to the discovery of the Grand Chute case. The oversight board was unaware of the male recruit's suspected gang ties when they approved his hiring. The gang flag was removed from the department database by a superior officer after the hiring. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags to the commission would have been improper. The case raises questions about the effectiveness and potential racial bias of gang affiliation flags.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The incident occurred after both attended Fox Valley Technical College’s police academy. No charges were filed against the male recruit, and the female recruit was dismissed due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment, leading to the discovery of the Grand Chute case. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties during the hiring process, which was later questioned. The gang flag was removed from the department database by a superior officer after the hiring. Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an alleged sexual assault of a female Grand Chute police recruit. The incident occurred less than two weeks after the accusation, and no charges were filed. The female recruit was dismissed from her job shortly after the allegation due to an unrelated investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into a culture of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered the case. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for hiring, was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed by senior officers. The gang flag was removed from the department database after the recruit's hiring. The use of gang affiliation flags has been questioned for their effectiveness and potential racial bias. Sheboygan Police Chief Christopher Domagalski stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, she awoke in a hotel bathtub with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without filing charges and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also touches on the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases involving alcohol. The article includes insights from criminal justice experts and discusses the outcomes for the individuals involved, including the suspension of the male recruits from the law enforcement academy and their subsequent job losses.

The article reports on a Sheboygan police recruit who resigned after being accused of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The male recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member in high school, was not charged with a crime, and the female recruit lost her job due to an unrelated investigation. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment and revealed that the oversight board was not informed of the recruit's suspected gang ties before his hiring. The gang flag was removed from the department's database by a superior officer after the hiring. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper, and they are meant to be purged after five years without new information.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned after being accused of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute, who also lost her job. The Sheboygan recruit's gang affiliation was not disclosed to the oversight board during his hiring process. Wisconsin Watch's investigation into the Sheboygan Police Department uncovered a culture of sexual harassment, leading to the discovery of the Grand Chute case. Public records showed the gang flag was removed from the department database by a superior officer after the recruit's hiring. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for approving new hires, was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties. The police chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper, and they are meant to be purged after five years without new information.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details the case of a 21-year-old police recruit who alleged she was sexually assaulted by two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan after a night of heavy drinking. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department decided not to press charges within 34 hours of the report and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also touches on the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the culture of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department. The woman's account was found credible by Fox Valley Technical College, leading to the suspension of the two men from the law enforcement academy, who also lost their jobs with their respective departments.

The article by Wisconsin Watch investigates the handling of a sexual assault allegation involving a 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, the recruit awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, with two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan present. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without filing charges and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The report also discusses the use of Marsy’s Law by police departments to withhold information and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases. The woman felt betrayed by law enforcement, and the two male recruits lost their jobs but have not been charged with a crime. The article raises questions about the adequacy of investigations and the protection of victim rights within the law enforcement community.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details the case of a 21-year-old police recruit who alleged she was sexually assaulted by two male academy recruits in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, she awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, and later raised the possibility of sexual assault. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual contact with one of the men, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without filing charges and forced her to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlighted the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The case also brought attention to the use of Marsy’s Law by police departments to withhold information and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases involving alcohol. The female recruit felt betrayed by law enforcement and believed an outside agency should have been involved. The two male recruits were suspended from the law enforcement academy and lost their jobs, but they have not been charged with a crime.

The article by Wisconsin Watch investigates the handling of an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old police recruit in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, the recruit awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, and suspected she had been sexually assaulted by two male academy recruits. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the Grand Chute Police Department quickly closed the case without filing charges and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint. Wisconsin Watch's investigation highlights the lack of clear standards in Wisconsin for involving outside agencies in cases where police department employees are crime victims, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The report also discusses the use of Marsy’s Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the challenges faced by the victim in seeking justice. The article raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of internal police investigations and the treatment of victims within the law enforcement community.

The article by Wisconsin Watch details an alleged sexual assault involving a 21-year-old police recruit and two male academy recruits from Appleton and Sheboygan at the Comfort Suites in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. After a night of heavy drinking, the female recruit awoke in a hotel bathtub, partially clothed, and suspected she had been sexually assaulted. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity with one of the men, the Grand Chute Police Department decided not to press charges within 34 hours of the report and forced the woman to resign over an unrelated disciplinary complaint within a week. Wisconsin Watch's investigation found no clear standard in Wisconsin for when an outside agency must be involved in cases where a police department employee is an alleged crime victim, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. The article also discusses the use of Marsy's Law by Wisconsin police departments to withhold information and the challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases. The female recruit felt betrayed by law enforcement and believed an outside agency should have been called in. Both male recruits were suspended from the law enforcement academy and lost their jobs, but no criminal charges were filed. The article raises questions about the handling of sexual assault allegations within police departments and the transparency of such investigations.

The article by Jacob Resneck for Wisconsin Watch discusses the record-breaking fundraising in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, highlighting the significant contributions from a few dozen ultra-wealthy donors. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz's campaign received a notable $18,000 donation from the Amalgamated Transit Union and checks for the statutory maximum of $20,000 from 41 individual donors, including Hollywood figures like Steven Spielberg. Her opponent, former Justice Daniel Kelly, received at least 21 maximum donations and has seen substantial support from outside groups, despite trailing in individual donations. The article also covers the influx of out-of-state donations and the role of political action committees (PACs) and

In Winnebago County, Wisconsin, law enforcement officers were involved in three shootings in 2023, one of which was fatal. Despite the officers being cleared of wrongdoing, their identities have not been disclosed, with authorities citing undercover work and safety threats. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has deviated from its usual practice by not releasing the investigatory file of a fatal shooting by Rice Lake police officers. Winnebago County District Attorney Eric Sparr has invoked Marsy’s Law to justify withholding officers' names. Similar cases in Florida and Ohio have seen law enforcement agencies withhold names, but the Florida Supreme Court has rejected anonymity for officers. The Wisconsin Transparency Project challenges the non-disclosure of officers' identities. Additionally, there is a proposed bill in Wisconsin that could make it costly for the public to access police bodycam footage. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has been criticized for not providing clear guidance on balancing privacy and transparency under Marsy’s Law.

The article discusses the small hamlet of Calgary on Scotland's Isle of Mull, which shares its name with Alberta's largest city in Canada. The region contrasts with Canada's Calgary as it faces population decline and lacks the oil and gas wealth. The story of how Calgary, Canada, got its name from Calgary Bay is recounted, involving Col. James Macleod in the 19th century. The article also touches on the upcoming Scottish independence referendum, with residents and experts like historian James Hunter expressing the need for self-determination, especially in light of the historical hardships faced by the Highlands, such as forced evictions and rural poverty. The sentiment for independence is partly driven by a desire to manage their own affairs, separate from the United Kingdom.

In eastern Ukraine, amidst a tense standoff, local Ukrainians are forming militias like the Donbass Battalion to defend against separatists. The battalion, led by Semen Semenchenko, is a volunteer unit from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, training to combat separatist movements and maintain unity in Ukraine. Despite the Ukrainian Army's failed attempts to pacify the area, these militias are gaining tacit government support. The article details the training, motivations, and experiences of these militia members, who are prepared to sacrifice for their land's security. The presence of these militias, which coordinate with Ukraine's security services, highlights the growing distrust between citizens in Donbass and the interim government in Kiev. The situation is further complicated by the massing of Russian troops on the border and the recent annexation of Crimea by Russia.