Politics & Government
Biden’s run-in in Iowa is not a good sign
It’s not a good sign when your candidate starts doing pushups on the campaign trail to show that he’s fit for office. Just ask former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who dropped and ripped off 50 for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board during a contentious Republican Senate primary in 2012, right before he went on to […]
Poor Wisconsinites hit again by food stamp cuts
On Wednesday, the Trump administration finalized a rule change that will make it more difficult for people to get food stamps — a change based around a model created by former Gov. Scott Walker and Wisconsin Republicans. The changes, which will take effect next April, will reduce benefits people can receive food via the Supplemental […]
Mischief likely to result from GOP guidance on voter roll purge
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is asking the state legislature to get involved in a dispute over right-wing Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) efforts to force a voter roll purge in advance of the April 2020 elections. Given the near decade long assault on voter rights by the Republicans who control the state Senate […]
Baldwin-backed bill gives volunteer firefighters housing break
Hoping to attract more rural residents to join their local volunteer fire departments, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and a bipartisan group of Capitol Hill colleagues on Thursday introduced legislation to add volunteer firefighters and first responders to the list of people eligible for federal housing assistance. “These communities cannot afford to move to fire departments […]
Outrage even before report’s release on sex assault in Wisconsin National Guard
A report looking into potentially egregious sexual assault and abuse in the Wisconsin National Guard is now in the hands of Gov. Tony Evers, and will be released to the public, likely early next week. The Wisconsin National Guard has been in the news throughout 2019 for problems with sexual assault and possible punishment of […]
Listen to the children
Policymakers, especially those holding elected office, often have a bad habit of failing to listen to those most impacted by a problem. That failure, of course, usually ends up with ineffective legislation, or no legislation at all, to address whatever the problem may be. Wisconsin high school students are reeling right now, as two students […]
Abuse of power, bribery, obstruction: Democrats’ impeachment plan takes shape
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats are laying out their framework for articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. As the House Judiciary Committee held its first official impeachment hearing on Wednesday, Democrats signaled that they intend to accuse Trump of abuse of power, bribery, obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice. The lawyer for Judiciary […]
Lawyers, tribes raise concerns about adoption bills
A package of bills aimed at streamlining adoption, ensuring more stable lives for adopted children and their new families and expanding the rights of foster parents could produce more litigation, making the process more complex and lengthy, witnesses warned a state Senate public hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday. The cautionary testimony came alongside comments […]
New “Forward On Climate” bills target climate adaptation
A new package of bills introduced by Representatives Greta Neubauer (D- Racine), Dianne Hesselbein (D- Middleton ), Gary Hebl (D- Sun Prairie) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D- Green Bay), is aiming to jump-start Badger State climate policy. Collectively named the Forward On Climate package, the bills focus on financially supporting climate-resistant infrastructure for schools and […]
AG Kaul ups pressure on Assembly to prevent another sexual-assault kit backlog
Among the top issues during the campaign for attorney general of Wisconsin last year was the backlog of untested sexual-assault kits — physical evidence taken from victims after an assault to secure potential DNA criminal evidence. That issue is back in the news this week, as a serial sexual offender, Leroy R. Whittenberger became the […]
Waukesha South High School student shot after bringing gun to school
A seemingly normal morning at Waukesha South High School erupted in chaos Monday Dec 2, when a student was shot by a police officer after brandishing a gun in class. The traumatizing incident ended the school day before noon, with no injuries reported besides the student who triggered the incident. “My heart is with the […]
Trade deal presents political conundrum for Democrats
WASHINGTON — With only a few legislative days left before Congress adjourns for the year, House Democrats are eager to show that they can legislate while also pursuing an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. A massive trade deal represents their best shot at showing they can do so — but passing it would hand […]