Jim Malewitz
@jmalewitz.bsky.social
Managing editor of @wisconsinwatch.org and amateur old man baseball player. Alum: Bridge Michigan, Texas Tribune, Stateline, Iowa Watch.
Following Vanilla Ice's call to collaborate and listen.
Following Vanilla Ice's call to collaborate and listen.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission challenges Madison’s argument that it should not be financially liable for 193 uncounted ballots in the 2024 presidential election because of a state law that calls absentee voting a privilege, not a right. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc... (@votebeat.org)
Wisconsin Elections Commission challenges Madison’s argument on absentee voting
A rare court filing adds to the growing condemnation of the city’s defense against a lawsuit seeking monetary damages for votes that weren’t counted in 2024.
wisconsinwatch.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:51 PM
The Wisconsin Elections Commission challenges Madison’s argument that it should not be financially liable for 193 uncounted ballots in the 2024 presidential election because of a state law that calls absentee voting a privilege, not a right. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc... (@votebeat.org)
Thanks to @mirandadunlap.bsky.social for this news folks can use! wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
Looking for work? Here’s how Wisconsin’s job centers will help you for free
The state’s Department of Workforce Development runs dozens of job centers across Wisconsin, each staffed with people trained to help you in your quest for work. Here’s what to know.
wisconsinwatch.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Thanks to @mirandadunlap.bsky.social for this news folks can use! wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
Queen’s “We are the champions” was playing as I finished my burrito at lunch. Really made me feel like I accomplished something.
February 4, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Queen’s “We are the champions” was playing as I finished my burrito at lunch. Really made me feel like I accomplished something.
Wisconsin and other states are suing to block federal immigration officials from accessing Medicaid records. The dispute has sparked concerns over privacy and the prospect of avoided health care.
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
Can immigration officials access your Medicaid data? What it means for Wisconsin patients
Wisconsin is suing to block federal immigration officials from accessing Medicaid records. The dispute has sparked concerns over privacy and avoided health care.
wisconsinwatch.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Wisconsin and other states are suing to block federal immigration officials from accessing Medicaid records. The dispute has sparked concerns over privacy and the prospect of avoided health care.
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc...
The clinic director blamed artificial intelligence for adding the inaccurate language.
We're back to square one on a proposed harm reduction center in Madison funded by opioid settlement money. CAYA Clinic was selected for the $2.4 million contract, but used misleading language in its proposal, saying it was led by "BIPOC leaders" while its staff is entirely white. buff.ly/Ab4tV6F
CAYA Clinic withdraws from harm reduction center project
CAYA Clinic, chosen by Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) to open a harm reduction clinic on Madison's East Side, has withdrawn from the project and called for the process to restart to…
madison365.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The clinic director blamed artificial intelligence for adding the inaccurate language.
Hey, Northeast Wisconsin! @wisconsinwatch.org will soon launch a newsletter to serve the region, and we’d like your help in naming it. docs.google.com/forms/d/1aMU...
Name Wisconsin Watch's NEW newsletter
Wisconsin Watch is launching an email newsletter focused on northeast Wisconsin. Help us pick its name, and let us know what kinds of stories you'd like to see from Wisconsin Watch as we establish a p...
docs.google.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Hey, Northeast Wisconsin! @wisconsinwatch.org will soon launch a newsletter to serve the region, and we’d like your help in naming it. docs.google.com/forms/d/1aMU...
With its minimum wage frozen at $7.25 since 2009, Wisconsin lags most states, shrinking the buying power of the lowest-wage workers while fueling debate over economic trade-offs. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc... (via @wisconsinwatch.org)
DataWatch: Wisconsin hasn’t raised its minimum wage for 17 years. What does that mean for workers and the economy?
With its minimum wage frozen at $7.25 since 2009, Wisconsin lags most states, shrinking the buying power of the lowest-wage workers while fueling debate over economic trade-offs.
wisconsinwatch.org
February 2, 2026 at 3:07 PM
With its minimum wage frozen at $7.25 since 2009, Wisconsin lags most states, shrinking the buying power of the lowest-wage workers while fueling debate over economic trade-offs. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc... (via @wisconsinwatch.org)
"He stabbed Morales Reyes with a box cutter before stealing the bike and riding away. Scott was arrested hours later. While he was in jail, Scott wrote multiple letters posing as Morales Reyes to state and federal officials threatening to kill Trump at a rally." wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/jury...
January 31, 2026 at 6:34 PM
"He stabbed Morales Reyes with a box cutter before stealing the bike and riding away. Scott was arrested hours later. While he was in jail, Scott wrote multiple letters posing as Morales Reyes to state and federal officials threatening to kill Trump at a rally." wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/jury...
"It wasn’t until the pastor made a final trip to retrace Kalonji’s commute that he spotted his car — a black Ford Fusion — two minutes away from Kalonji’s home. It was parked on Westbrook Street in South Portland. The car was unlocked, he said, and the keys were on the floor."
Evaristo Kalonji, an #asylumseeker from Angola who has no criminal record, vanished from South Portland, #Maine. He turned up in one detention center, then another. Read more from @krstnimg.bsky.social for free below 👇
themainemonitor.org/missing-cong...
themainemonitor.org/missing-cong...
A pastor's search for missing congregant amid ICE activity in Maine
Evaristo Kalonji, an asylum seeker from Angola, vanished from South Portland. He turned up in one detention center, then another.
themainemonitor.org
January 31, 2026 at 5:08 PM
"It wasn’t until the pastor made a final trip to retrace Kalonji’s commute that he spotted his car — a black Ford Fusion — two minutes away from Kalonji’s home. It was parked on Westbrook Street in South Portland. The car was unlocked, he said, and the keys were on the floor."
Nope — Wisconsin’s voter roll figures aren’t a sign of "fraud waiting to happen"
People on Wisconsin’s inactive list aren’t eligible to vote, but their records stay on file indefinitely. That actually helps reduce the likelihood of fraud, election officials say. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
People on Wisconsin’s inactive list aren’t eligible to vote, but their records stay on file indefinitely. That actually helps reduce the likelihood of fraud, election officials say. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
No, Mr. President. Wisconsin’s voter roll figures aren’t a sign of ‘fraud waiting to happen’
People on Wisconsin’s inactive list aren’t eligible to vote, but their records stay on file indefinitely — a practice that actually helps reduce the likelihood of fraud, election officials say.…
wisconsinwatch.org
January 31, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Nope — Wisconsin’s voter roll figures aren’t a sign of "fraud waiting to happen"
People on Wisconsin’s inactive list aren’t eligible to vote, but their records stay on file indefinitely. That actually helps reduce the likelihood of fraud, election officials say. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
People on Wisconsin’s inactive list aren’t eligible to vote, but their records stay on file indefinitely. That actually helps reduce the likelihood of fraud, election officials say. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
“The young Muslim woman detained in a locked Whipple bathroom with three men said she never thought this could happen to her. She saw America as a land of opportunity after a childhood in a refugee camp.” www.startribune.com/no-humanity-... (via @startribune.com - gift link)
January 31, 2026 at 1:35 PM
“The young Muslim woman detained in a locked Whipple bathroom with three men said she never thought this could happen to her. She saw America as a land of opportunity after a childhood in a refugee camp.” www.startribune.com/no-humanity-... (via @startribune.com - gift link)
A Dec. Tom Tiffany campaign ad contains irregularities that “point toward an AI-generated video,” an AI expert told @liamberan.bsky.social of @isthmusmadison.bsky.social.
But it contains no disclaimer that generative AI was used, as is required by Wisconsin law.
isthmus.com/news/news/di...
But it contains no disclaimer that generative AI was used, as is required by Wisconsin law.
isthmus.com/news/news/di...
Disclaimer missing on likely AI-generated Tom Tiffany campaign ad
Though a campaign ad for gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany contains irregularities that ‘point toward an AI-generated video,’ the ad contains no disclaimer, as is required by Wisconsin state law.
isthmus.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:00 PM
A Dec. Tom Tiffany campaign ad contains irregularities that “point toward an AI-generated video,” an AI expert told @liamberan.bsky.social of @isthmusmadison.bsky.social.
But it contains no disclaimer that generative AI was used, as is required by Wisconsin law.
isthmus.com/news/news/di...
But it contains no disclaimer that generative AI was used, as is required by Wisconsin law.
isthmus.com/news/news/di...
A Ukrainian anesthesiologist and cardiologist gave up their careers to save their daughter from war. Nearly four years later, they’re on the long road to practicing their professions in Wisconsin.
Heartbreaking, beautiful storytelling from @wisconsinwatch.org wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
Heartbreaking, beautiful storytelling from @wisconsinwatch.org wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
The transplants: 2 doctors fled Ukraine for Wisconsin. They’re still trying to get their careers back.
An anesthesiologist and a cardiologist gave up prestigious careers to save their daughter from war. Nearly four years later, they’re still on the long road to practicing their professions in the Da…
wisconsinwatch.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:40 PM
A Ukrainian anesthesiologist and cardiologist gave up their careers to save their daughter from war. Nearly four years later, they’re on the long road to practicing their professions in Wisconsin.
Heartbreaking, beautiful storytelling from @wisconsinwatch.org wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
Heartbreaking, beautiful storytelling from @wisconsinwatch.org wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
NEWS: DeForest says it will drop controversial $12 billion data center plan.
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
DeForest announces it won’t move forward with controversial $12 billion data center
The village president had said the board had only known about the project for weeks, but records obtained by Wisconsin Watch showed it had been discussed by staff for months.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:52 PM
NEWS: DeForest says it will drop controversial $12 billion data center plan.
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
The village president had said the board had known about the project for only weeks, but @tomkertschernews.bsky.social obtained records showing it had been discussed for months. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/defo...
The White House’s effort to blame Alex Pretti for the Border Patrol shooting that killed him in Minnesota has renewed a national conversation around gun rights. Here are the parameters for open and concealed carry in Wisconsin. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
Guns and protests: What are Wisconsin’s laws on open and concealed carry?
The White House’s effort to blame Alex Pretti for the Border Patrol shooting that killed him in Minnesota has renewed a national conversation about Second Amendment rights. Here are the parameters …
wisconsinwatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 2:59 PM
The White House’s effort to blame Alex Pretti for the Border Patrol shooting that killed him in Minnesota has renewed a national conversation around gun rights. Here are the parameters for open and concealed carry in Wisconsin. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt runs a free, confidential helpline for borrowers and prospective borrowers. @wisconsinwatch.org spoke to its executive director about wage garnishment, the end of the popular SAVE repayment plan and how to avoid default. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
Student loan borrowers are ‘confused and overwhelmed.’ Here’s what Wisconsinites should know.
The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt runs a free, confidential helpline for borrowers and prospective borrowers. Wisconsin Watch spoke to Executive Director Carole Trone about wage garnishment, …
wisconsinwatch.org
January 28, 2026 at 12:21 AM
The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt runs a free, confidential helpline for borrowers and prospective borrowers. @wisconsinwatch.org spoke to its executive director about wage garnishment, the end of the popular SAVE repayment plan and how to avoid default. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
Muskego man fights court case over writing ‘Jan. 6’ on sidewalk with chalk www.wpr.org/politics/mus...
Muskego man fights court case over writing 'Jan. 6' on sidewalk with chalk
Jim Brownlow wrote "Jan. 6" on the sidewalk outside of of his local post office on the anniversary of the attack in 2025. A month later, police showed up to arrest him for criminal damage to property....
www.wpr.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:43 AM
Muskego man fights court case over writing ‘Jan. 6’ on sidewalk with chalk www.wpr.org/politics/mus...
“Sagging morale and declining standards are a constant theme I picked up, problems that these sources say have been festering long before the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good (and ones that very much contributed to these outcomes).”
I interviewed over half a dozen ICE and Border Patrol agents about Alex Pretti's death and every single one of them blame the Border Patrol agent
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/ice-unloads
www.kenklippenstein.com/p/ice-unloads
ICE Unloads
Immigration officers speak out: “Fuck this.”
www.kenklippenstein.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:18 AM
“Sagging morale and declining standards are a constant theme I picked up, problems that these sources say have been festering long before the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good (and ones that very much contributed to these outcomes).”
How did a $1 billion, 520-acre data center proposed by one of the world’s richest companies go unnoticed in Beaver Dam?
A key reason: In a city that lists “communication matters” atop its core values, officials kept the project hidden for more than a year. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
A key reason: In a city that lists “communication matters” atop its core values, officials kept the project hidden for more than a year. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers
Massive data center proposals are often developed in secret. Wisconsin has now joined several states with legislative proposals to make the process more transparent.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 26, 2026 at 2:59 PM
How did a $1 billion, 520-acre data center proposed by one of the world’s richest companies go unnoticed in Beaver Dam?
A key reason: In a city that lists “communication matters” atop its core values, officials kept the project hidden for more than a year. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
A key reason: In a city that lists “communication matters” atop its core values, officials kept the project hidden for more than a year. wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/wisc...
‘It has to stop now’: Wisconsin communities protest Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/it-h... (via WPR)
‘It has to stop now’: Wisconsin communities protest Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti
In Madison, Oshkosh, Superior and elsewhere, protesters spoke out against federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 26, 2026 at 1:25 AM
‘It has to stop now’: Wisconsin communities protest Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/it-h... (via WPR)
“Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds. I asked the ICE agents if the victim had a pulse, and they said they did not know.”
NEW: Another declaration you have to read! Alex Pretti was shot near the apartment of a doctor, who saw the shooting occur and rushed to provide emergency aid as he lay dying on the street.
They describe what they saw: "The victim had at least three bullet holes in his back."
They describe what they saw: "The victim had at least three bullet holes in his back."
January 25, 2026 at 4:48 AM
“Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds. I asked the ICE agents if the victim had a pulse, and they said they did not know.”
Reposted by Jim Malewitz
Since July, I've tracked at least 2,300 cases in which federal judges have ruled ICE has illegally detained people without bond or due process.
This is one that stands out:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
This is one that stands out:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 25, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Since July, I've tracked at least 2,300 cases in which federal judges have ruled ICE has illegally detained people without bond or due process.
This is one that stands out:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
This is one that stands out:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Checking in with the Libertarians...
Here's the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calling for ICE's abolition.
Here's the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calling for ICE's abolition.
January 25, 2026 at 3:19 AM
Checking in with the Libertarians...
Here's the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calling for ICE's abolition.
Here's the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calling for ICE's abolition.
Alex Pretti, shown performing in a Preble High School play — Green Bay Press-Gazette, May 12, 2006.
January 25, 2026 at 3:07 AM
Alex Pretti, shown performing in a Preble High School play — Green Bay Press-Gazette, May 12, 2006.
"Alex Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he played football, baseball and ran track for Preble High School. He was a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir."
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/man-... (via @apnews.com)
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/man-... (via @apnews.com)
Man killed by Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis was an ICU nurse who grew up in Green Bay
Alex Pretti attended Preble High School, was a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir. He worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and had no criminal record.
wisconsinwatch.org
January 25, 2026 at 1:06 AM
"Alex Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he played football, baseball and ran track for Preble High School. He was a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir."
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/man-... (via @apnews.com)
wisconsinwatch.org/2026/01/man-... (via @apnews.com)