Ruth Conniff: Ben Wikler isn’t running for governor, but he has a few ideas about Wisconsin’s political future
Despite his decision, Wikler is still involved in politics behind the scenes, raising money and helping create an infrastructure to support his party’s eventual nominee for governor as well as Democrats who are trying to win seats in the Legislature and in Congress.
Mark Lisheron: Claims of data center water use are laughably wrong
Lake Michigan not imperiled by water needs
Sarah Beckman: State budget was a milestone for Wisconsin childcare industry. We need long-term fixes.
This budget reflects the commitment to children who will arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, to parents who can stay in the workforce, and to communities that will thrive as a result.
Bill Franks: Group Health Cooperative must recognize vote and end discriminatory practices
We are demanding that the GHC board act upon the unanimous voice of its own diverse members. They must recognize the union immediately, come clean on their anti-union activities and regain the trust of membership by democratizing the cooperative again.
Gregory Humphrey: Children’s public school lunches should be free
Growing up in a home with limited means should have no bearing on making sure the kid has a hot lunch with fellow classmates. As such, the rest of us must find a way to best educate and uplift our youth. That means fully supporting the free meals program.
Scott Walker: Jay Jones texts show folly of public figures letting loose
Messages on private text chains have driven several news stories over the past few weeks. The lesson here is a simple truth: Don’t say things privately that you would be embarrassed to say in front of the whole world.
Jamie Stiehm: Donald Trump and Diane Keaton: boomer opposites
A man and woman, each 79, are in the news this week: President Donald Trump and movie star Diane Keaton. Could they be more different?
Dept. of Natural Resources: Partnerships allow release of first hatchery-reared endangered spectaclecase mussels
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that 177 endangered native spectaclecase mussels were released into the Chippewa River as part of an effort to reestablish a reproducing population. The spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta) was once
Legislative Audit Bureau: Announces the release of report 25-24, Financial Monitoring of Certain Educational Entities
We have evaluated the efforts of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to monitor the financial information of certain educational entities, including school districts, independent charter schools, and private schools in Wisconsin’s Parental Choice programs and in the Special Needs
Legislative Audit Bureau: Announces the release of report 25-23, Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program
Student achievement and other factors determine whether public schools are eligible for transfer into the program. Statutes include separate eligibility criteria for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and all other school districts. No schools have been transferred into the program to
Dept. of Natural Resources: 2025 trapping seasons opening around Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds trappers to prepare for the opening of many furbearer trapping seasons across the state. Wisconsin is home to many furbearer species, and the state’s highly regulated trapping seasons play an
Senate shuffle: James moves to take on Smith in redrawn 31st; Quinn to run in 23rd
Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, announced he will run to represent the 31st SD he was drawn into instead of seeking reelection to the 23rd SD at the end of his current term. Meanwhile, Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, announced he will run for the 23rd SD James currently represents.
Wisconsin Policy Forum: Milwaukee County budget mostly avoids big cuts, but difficult budgets are back
Milwaukee County’s proposed 2026 budget avoids position cuts and service reductions in most departments, but it also shows significant cracks in the county’s recent budget stability. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s proposal calls for a fare increase and significant spending
Dept. of Justice: Wisconsin DOJ and DFI announce final judgment against precious metals firm that defrauded elderly adults
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions today announced that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has entered a final judgment imposing approximately $25.6 million in restitution and an equal
Dept. of Justice: Death Investigation in Waushara County, Wis.
WAUTOMA, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting a death investigation that occurred in the Township of Wautoma, Wis. on the evening of Thursday, October 16, 2025. At approximately 5:25 p.m., a