The Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled last week that the city of Marinette violated open meetings law on two separate occasions in 2020.

The decision also clarifies when – and how – government bodies should go into closed session.

Tom Kamenick tells host Bill Lueders the main takeaways in this week’s “Transparency Talk.”

Before we turn it over to Bill and Tom, our standard reminder that this segment isn't specific legal advice, but rather a discussion of general legal issues. If you have a particular legal issue, please consult an attorney.

A group of workers fought for their labor rights and empowered themselves after different social and legal battles.

Last week, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council held its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees, at the Concourse Hotel during the Wisconsin Newspaper Association conference.

And though most awards caused celebration, at least one brought about a fiery speech from our very own co-host Bill Lueders. On this edition of “Transparency Talk,” Lueders and open government attorney Tom Kamenick recap a year's worth of winners- and a loser.

Before we turn it over to Bill and Tom, our standard reminder that this segment isn't specific legal advice, but rather a discussion of general legal issues. If you have a particular legal issue, please consult an attorney.

Sean O’Brien is the policy director at Fair Wisconsin, a statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.

He’s running this spring to represent Madison’s far east side on the city council. The district’s current alder Jael Currie isn’t seeking re-election this spring – and O’Brien faces one opponent in Kim Richman.

Ahead of the election on April 1st, O’Brien sat down with our News Producer Faye Parks to introduce himself to District 16 voters.

Image courtesy: Sean O'Brien.

Subtle Desi Traits 31: Immigration and Politics by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Joining Thursday Buzz hosts Tony Castañeda and Eli Wilz is Emmy and Peabody-winning speechwriter and comedy writer Jeffrey Maurer, whose career includes long stints at both the EPA and John Oliver's HBO show Last Week Tonight.

His new project - the political comedy Substack “I Might Be Wrong" promises comedy, politics and swearing in pretty equal amounts. With a background in Politcal Science, Government and International Relations, he's probably a lot more qualified than most who pontificate on politics, and, well, I might be wrong, but his ability to make us laugh might be what we need to stay informed and engaged, instead of enraged.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Maurer.

Kim Richman is running to represent Madison’s far east side on the city council. Now retired after nearly 40 years in the soft drink and food industry, he’s an active board member of the Elvehjem Neighborhood Association.

Richman faces one opponent this spring in Sean O’Brien; current alder Jael Currie isn’t seeking re-election this year.

Sitting down with WORT News Producer Faye Parks, Kim Richman touted his record of community service and his dedication to transparency.

Image courtesy: Kim Richman.

Trump's cutbacks of environmental protections are coming with blinding speed, and his goal to cut the EPA by 65% would threaten clean water programs, rural waste and water projects, work done by the Army Corps of Engineer, funding of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and more. Mary Grant, Public Water for All Director at Food and Water Watch, shows how all the gutting of the federal government programs strive to make the programs fail, to make ripe pickings for privatization.

Trump Cuts To State Keep Money in Wrong Places, Says Rep. Ryan Clancy by WORT 89.9FM Madison

Trump, Musk, and the Republicans in Congress have a goal to cut $800 billion from Medicaid to help pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, and this, says Karen Dolan from the Institute for Policy Studies, will result in cuts to support of poor, food programs, medical care, and undermines the moral values that our current budget supports. Dolan is co-author of a report "The High Moral Stakes of the Policy Battles Raging in Washington" available on the IPS website.