Just about everywhere you look shows Phillips’ birth date as Feb. 18, 1924. That includes decades of articles and candidate profiles in the Journal Sentinel archives, Wisconsin Historical Society records, the Wisconsin Blue Book, City of Milwaukee employment records and other sources. Oddly, Wikipedia is the exception; it says 1923. And there’s this: Vel Phillips’ official State of Wisconsin birth record says Feb. 18, 1923.

When a leader such as Ruben Anthony, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, recently visited to update us on Urban League programs and to pitch a grant request, I paused and wondered. How does he persevere in the era of “Make America Great Again” — cynical code for rampant racial discrimination?

If the high-water mark of Republican power came on the day last December that congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump celebrated the passage of the tax bill on the White House lawn, House Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement announcement is a clear sign that Republican clout is receding.

When an honorable man voluntarily leaves office, regardless of the political party, it is a loss for America. Paul Ryan’s departure is an enormous loss for America.

And, as the mid-term elections rapidly approach and Democratic voters around the country appear to be highly-motivated and active, the GOP could be facing a political tsunami in trying to maintain its majority.

Barbara Bush was not a politician but had the first ingredient required—an ability to connect with people. That is what makes us all feel sad upon hearing about her death.

The situation involving Rep. Dale Kooyenga provides a valuable reminder about the importance of the First Amendment, and the heavy price that must be paid when the government abridges that important right.

Sensing a momentous wave, candidates around the country have intensified reaching out.

Wisconsin is a better place for everyone when everyone does well. Unfortunately, while the wealthiest have seen their incomes skyrocket in recent decades, incomes have remained the same for the middle class and those who struggle to make ends meet. For Wisconsin families, it’s becoming harder to make it to the middle class and stay there.

Republicans blocked bill that prevented big box retailers shifting taxes to homeowners.

Judge candidates for governor on how they’d address Wisconsin’s economic chasm.

Throughout her life and with her recent death at 94, Vel Phillips was recognized for achieving many “firsts” as an African American and woman. A champion of civil rights and social justice, Vel Phillips’s life offers a unique and timely look at the intersection of race and gender.

Phillips briefly served as one of the first African-American women chief executives of any state in the nation.

Paul Ryan isn’t just a failure as a political leader; he squandered his chance to be a great one.

City of Milwaukee report on Foxconn’s history is eye opening. Why didn’t state do its due diligence?

In “Two Minutes with Mitch” radio personality Mitch Henck gives his two cents about the connections among President Donald Trump, his lawyer Michael Cohen and Fox News host Sean Hannity.

The Democratic gubernatorial primary winner will face a hard-working successful incumbent who takes nothing for granted and is likely to prove a far tougher opponent than they expect.