Wisconsin Watch values tips from the public about issues affecting people’s lives. That’s what sparked our investigation of rural homelessness.
Author Archives: Matthew DeFour / Wisconsin Watch
Matthew DeFour started in September 2022 as Wisconsin Watch's first statehouse bureau chief. Previously at the Wisconsin State Journal he covered state and local government for 16 years, including four years as state politics editor. He has a BSJ and MSJ from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He was honored by his peers as the 2020 Wisconsin Watchdog of the Year.
Posted inForward, Government
State budget, Supreme Court race top 2025’s political calendar
Here are four storylines we predict that Wisconsin Watch’s statehouse team will be following in the new year.
Posted inGovernment
Democrats flip 14 legislative seats, affirming GOP gerrymander is dead
The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026 in Wisconsin.
Posted inForward, Government
The economy is actually doing pretty well. So why do so many voters say it’s the top issue?
What if when some voters say “It’s the economy, stupid!” they’re actually just expressing a partisan viewpoint? That’s what a close look at Wisconsin polling data from the Marquette University Law School suggests is happening.
Posted inVoter guide
Get informed about the 2024 election with the Wisconsin Watch voter guide
Wisconsin Watch has launched a new voter guide with the goal of providing voters a central hub to find out more about their local candidates for Assembly, Senate and Congress.
Posted inGovernment
‘Wisconsin Media Row’ delivered local, affordable convention coverage
The recently wrapped Republican National Convention in Milwaukee rolled out the red carpet (literally!) for local Wisconsin media outlets. And by most accounts, “Wisconsin Media Row” was a success.
Posted inAsk Wisconsin Watch
Why doesn’t the cost of car registration in Wisconsin depend on miles driven?
Wisconsin funds its state transportation system mostly through a gas tax and various vehicle registration fees. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a proposal to study a mileage-based fee system in 2019.
Posted inForward, Opinion
Your Right to Know: Rights clash in records dispute
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will soon hear a case involving records related to the voting rights of mentally incompetent people. No matter which side wins, the public has in some ways already lost.
Posted inForward, Government
24 Wisconsin news organizations partner for a national convention first
Thanks to a cooperative effort that has been years in the making, local Wisconsin reporters will be seated front and center at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Posted inForward
Check out 10 of our recent data graphics from the Forward newsletter
Every week illuminating data flows through Wisconsin Watch’s mailbox without ever generating a story. So we created “Data Watch” to amplify that statistical info. Here are 10 recent examples.
Posted inForward
Senate to adjourn with election fixes unlikely, leaving conspiracy theories to flourish
The Wisconsin Senate plans to meet Tuesday for the last time this session, and it appears unlikely it will address a pair of election-related issues that, without legislative action, could fuel conspiracy theories come November.
Posted inNews about Wisconsin Watch
How your tips have led to some of Wisconsin Watch’s biggest investigations
Wisconsin Watch is improving the process by which we field tips from the public. We’ve created a Google form that will allow us to better track tips we receive.