Wisconsin Watch, the nonprofit newsroom that has covered the Badger State since 2009, was honored with first‑place explanatory reporting in the small‑newsroom division of the 2026 Online Journalism Awards. Judges praised the three‑part series “Supreme Costs” for turning a complex, data‑heavy topic into clear, engaging journalism.
Why the series mattered
The investigation, edited by State Bureau Chief Matthew DeFour and reported by freelancer Larry Sandler and data reporter Hongyu Liu, examined how Wisconsin set back‑to‑back national records for spending on state Supreme Court elections. In 2025, campaign contributions and independent expenditures reached a staggering $144 million, eclipsing any previous state judicial race.
Through interactive visualizations, detailed data analysis, and video storytelling by Trisha Young, the series showed how races meant to select impartial judges have become national partisan battles. The work also explored potential reforms, offering solutions‑oriented journalism that aligns with Wisconsin Watch’s mission to inform and improve public policy.
Judges’ reaction
Contest organizers noted that judges were “big fans of Supreme Costs — thorough, deep reporting paired with smart visualizations and mixed formats that made an otherwise impenetrable topic accessible, even enjoyable.” They highlighted the series’ comparative analysis and its ability to anticipate readers’ questions, calling the architecture of the story “remarkable.”
Impact on the community
Beyond the award, the series has sparked conversation among voters, advocacy groups, and elected officials about the influence of money in judicial elections. By laying out the scale of spending and its sources, Wisconsin Watch gave citizens the tools to assess whether the current system serves the public interest or undermines the impartiality of the state’s highest court.
“We don’t do this work for awards; we do it because we want our journalism to make a difference in Wisconsin,” the newsroom said in a statement. The recognition, however, underscores the value of rigorous, nonprofit reporting in a media landscape increasingly driven by clicks and sensationalism.
About Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom funded by donations, grants, and membership contributions. It publishes investigative stories, data‑driven reports, and explanatory pieces on topics ranging from environmental policy to public‑health funding. Readers can support the outlet by subscribing to its newsletters or making a contribution.
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
