The Badger Project

The Badger Project is a nonprofit organization based in Wisconsin that focuses on nonpartisan journalism supported by citizens. It investigates the actions of public officials and other important issues within the state. As local newspapers continue to decline in number, this initiative seeks to help bridge that gap, even if just a little. Public officials are accountable to the citizens they serve, and their actions should not be hidden from the public eye. To ensure effective governance, we must advocate for transparency. The Badger Project is proud to be a member of the Local Independent Online News Publishers and the Institute for Nonprofit News. We collaborate with local newspapers in Wisconsin to share our stories and reach the communities that are most impacted by our work.

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Disgusted by the huge political spending in Wisconsin? Here’s what you can do.

1 week ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTMore than $50 million was spent in 2023 on the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. More than $80 million in 2025. How much cash will pour into the state next year? And in 2027, 2028 and 2029? The state has an election scheduled for its top court in each of the next four years. The recent campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court smashed the record for most expensive judicial race not only in the state but also in the country.
Wisconsin bans auto manufacturers from selling directly to the public. Here's why. - The Badger Project

2 weeks ago | thebadgerproject.org

Electric vehicle maker Tesla is challenging state laws that ban auto companies from selling to consumers in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin still has highest percentage of woman justices on top state court in U.S.

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

Nonpartisan, nonprofit, investigative journalism in Wisconsin Investigations By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTThe highly politicized race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court has garnered national attention and is once again on track to top spending records. The election could also affect the court’s notable gender makeup.
Buckle up: Wisconsin will have a Supreme Court election every year until 2030

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTWisconsin is in the midst of yet another exorbitantly expensive political race, with record-breaking amounts of cash flooding in to try and influence who will win a seat on the state’s Supreme Court. The race could see $100 million in spending, which would set a new record for the court. It attracted more than $50 million in spending the last time it had a race in 2023, setting the current record. But don’t think you’ll get a break after this one.
Two healthcare systems merged, then closed the only birthing center for miles.

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTSince 1954, women in Waupaca and the surrounding areas could give birth at the local hospital. No longer. Last year, the healthcare system Thedacare that runs the hospital merged with another system, Froedert Health. Last month, that newly-formed healthcare system closed the delivery unit there. The closest birthing center to Waupaca is now more than 30 miles to the northwest in Stevens Point.
Billionaires from both sides flooding Wisconsin Supreme Court race with cash

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTWisconsin is in the midst of another major election, and familiar billionaire megadonors are trying to outdo one another. On Jan. 10, Wall Street legend and bogeyman to the political right George Soros gave the Democratic Party of Wisconsin $1 million. On Jan. 17, Diane Hendricks, chairwoman of ABC Building Supply, gave the Republican Party of Wisconsin $975,000, and another $100,000 a few weeks later. On Jan. 28, Illinois Gov.
Wis Dems lead direct fundraising in court race; GOP (& Elon) lead with super PACs

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTIn what has become the gameplan of both state parties in recent elections, Wisconsin Democrats are winning the direct donation game in this year’s race for state Supreme Court. But Republicans are beating their counterparts in independent spending, using super PACs, organizations that sit apart from the parties and their candidates, which can raise and spend political cash without limit. Mostly with the help of one, high-profile donor.
UPDATED: Top donors (so far) to Susan Crawford, liberal for Wis Supreme Court

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

Nonpartisan, nonprofit, investigative journalism in Wisconsin Politics By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTDane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford, the political left’s candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2025, has reported raising more than $5 million in her campaign so far, thanks in part to $2 million in donations from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
UPDATED: Top donors (so far) to Brad Schimel, conservative for Supreme Court

1 month ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

Nonpartisan, nonprofit, investigative journalism in Wisconsin Investigations By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTWith about a month before the election, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has reported raising more than $3 million for his campaign, according to mandatory campaign finance filings with the state.
Maine capped super PACs donations. That type of law could affect Wisconsin a lot.

2 months ago | thebadgerproject.org | Peter Cameron

By Peter Cameron, THE BADGER PROJECTA new law in Maine aims to make a big change to the state’s campaign finances, and by extension, political advertising. If applied in swing states like Wisconsin, the law could restrict the substantial influence that super PACs, and their billionaire funders, flex on our politics. First Maine’s legislation must survive court challenges.