“A Toast to Tony Earl” recaptured his long public service, but what was so striking about the event, emceed by former ambassador to Norway Tom Loftus, was its congeniality — Democrats and Republicans, friends and even some old political adversaries gathering together to remember old times when you could disagree but not become an enemy.

The longing to be Virginia – the state, that is — is particularly strong in Wisconsin, which on paper has a similar state political setup but little chance of duplicating that Nov. 5 election outcome.

Wisconsin is a state, according to the latest report cards, where (almost) everyone is above average. Despite proficiency rates in that hover around 40% in both math and reading, 87% of schools in the state meet or exceed expectations.

We are appreciative of employers recognizing the value of casting a wider net in their workforce recruitment efforts, and DWD will continue its work to widen and strengthen that net for all Wisconsin workers and employers.

We at AFP do not believe all credentialing and training are unnecessary, but we do believe that these requirements have to make sense and be effective.

Republicans in the state Senate have so completely rigged the system through gerrymandering and voter suppression that they believe they don’t have to act even on popular proposals or bother to tell the public why. It could be their downfall.

Do you remember when Tony Evers vowed to put Wisconsin back on the path of political civility? Any pretense of that pledge died this week when the kinder, gentler liberal told state workers that Republicans are “amoral and stupid” for rejecting Evers’ choice as ag secretary.

They perform better and are supported by most black voters — but opposed by most white Democrats.

Tens of thousands of parents take advantage of Wisconsin’s school choice program in order to provide a better education for their children. If Gov. Tony Evers has his way, though, that choice will be taken away from them.

As more Americans experience the effects of climate change, this could well be Trump’s Achilles heel — and perhaps even Robin Vos will need to answer to his constituents for his pathetic indifference.

Mainstream media outlets are learning what conservative news organizations have known for some time: The Evers Administration is brazenly breaking Wisconsin’s open record laws.

The contrasts between Republican and Democratic behavior at the state and national levels are painfully obvious.

The topics explored by “Information Wars” author Richard Stengel were timely and much in need at a time when forces of illiberal democracy are constantly at work in the nation, and around the globe. The best way to fight back, as Stengel noted, is to be informed and armed with facts.

Everybody is making money — big money — in college athletics except the athletes playing the games. That needs to change.

Costs of housing and health care driving up elderly poverty. Are there solutions?

Senators write wonky plans. Mayors get stuff done. That’s why citizens should consider voting for people who have served as mayors for president.

Wisconsinites led the opposition to World War I, with U.S. Sen. Robert M. La Follette risking his career to challenge President Woodrow Wilson’s absurd arguments for sending the sons of Wisconsin farmers and factory workers into a conflict of kings and kaisers. He decried the propagandistic press that sought to “inflame the mind of our people into the frenzy of war.”

In a historic rebuke, all 19 Senate Republicans refused to confirm Brad Pfaff, who had just started his 11th month as secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Rebranding it “a holiday tree” isn’t an act of inclusivity, it doesn’t avoid offending people, and it’s not in line with the values of the vast majority of Wisconsinites.

In another move to remove all evidence of former Gov. Scott Walker’s tenure in office, Evers has gone back to calling the decorated tree in the Capitol rotunda the Holiday Tree.