The GOP rejected Gov. Tony Evers’ $325 million budget proposal, but Republicans have yet to detail their own vision for fixing a broken system.
Mario Koran / The New York Times and Wisconsin Watch
Mario Koran joined Wisconsin Watch in July 2021. He was a New York Times local investigations fellow and was a 2021 Knight Wallace fellow at the University of Michigan. Previously, he was a west coast correspondent for the Guardian US and covered education for Voice of San Diego, where he was named 2016 reporter of the year by the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Appeal and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and he was a Wisconsin Watch intern in 2013. He holds a BA in Spanish literature and MA in journalism from UW-Madison.
Posted inCriminal justice
Wisconsin rarely grants compassionate release as aging, ailing prisoners stress systems
Increased use of compassionate release could ease costs and crowding with minimal risks to public safety, experts say. But it remains off limits to many prisoners.
Posted inCriminal justice
‘Band-Aid on the problem’: Past raises haven’t fully solved Wisconsin prison staffing problems
Following initial progress, staffing vacancies are again rising in Wisconsin prisons. Improving training, safety and workplace culture would help retain officers, some say.
Posted inCommunity, Criminal justice
Former Waupun prison warden and employees charged in prisoner deaths
Former Waupun warden and eight other prison employees have been charged in connection with multiple prisoner deaths over the past year.
Posted inCommunity, Criminal justice
Inside Waupun Correctional Institution’s ‘nightmare’ lockdown
Prisoners describe unsanitary conditions and a dearth of medical care. Experts say staffing shortages are contributing to lockdowns across the country.
Posted inCommunity, Education
MATC broadens access for Milwaukee students amid historical inequities, dropping enrollment
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers free tuition, debt forgiveness, early credit to make college cheaper and more available to a diverse student population