Matthew DeFour / Wisconsin Watch
Statehouse Bureau ChiefMatthew 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.
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Justices clashed publicly over rules changes and firing top administrator, but new records highlight key conflict over how quickly court business should move. -
Rep. Dan Knodl’s 8th Senate District victory gives Republicans a two-thirds Senate majority, creating speculation about whether they could impeach Justice-elect Janet Protasiewicz. -
Democrats hope if Janet Protasiewicz defeats Dan Kelly, past conservative decisions lacking a clear rationale will be easier for a liberal court to overturn -
Small number of cases shows why election officials say Wisconsin’s disorganized system for tracking those adjudicated ‘incompetent’ to vote needs a legislative fix. -
The state Department of Safety and Professional Services amassed a $47 million surplus — and agency call center service plummeted — while the Legislature rebuffed Gov. Tony Evers’ asks for more help -
In the wake of the midterm election, Wisconsin Republicans still have a tight grip over the Legislature. Analysts point to political maps drawn by party leaders, noting the districts are more gerrymandered than ever.
