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Bruce Thompson: The irony of the government shutdown
States that overwhelmingly backed Donald Trump now stand to lose the most in ACA subsidy battle.

Ruth Conniff: Tariffs and Trump’s immigration crackdown take a toll on Wisconsin farmers
If farmers are not already feeling seasick as the Trump administration spins the ag economy around on a cycle of tariffs and bailouts, the administration’s immigration crackdown is also making them queasy.

Alex Dallman: Celebrating October as Manufacturing Month
From agriculture, to computer equipment, to machinery and plastic products – Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry contributes nearly $74 billion to our state’s Gross Domestic Product and provides nearly 500,000 jobs throughout our state, according to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Mark Treinen: Costs shouldn’t be used to deter records requests
Some Wisconsin school districts quoted enormous fees when the Cap Times asked for public records about teachers accused of sexual misconduct.

Dave Cieslewicz: Latest handicap for Wisconsin governor
With Josh Kaul now out of the race for Wisconsin governor, let’s take a look at where we’re at.

Mark Belling: Widen I-94
Western Waukesha County segment’s growing clog is unsafe and slowing economic boom

Jenna Piwowarczyk: Why my generation won’t move on from Charlie Kirk’s death
We still feel the loss heavy on our hearts, but the majority of us are ready to get back out there on the battlefield.

Lee Rasch: Staying silent amid chaos has its own cost. People must be willing to speak up.
Most of us don’t live in political extremes hogging the mic. We trust our neighbors and local leaders. We help one another without hesitation when tragedy strikes. We show up for one another.

John Torinus: Please: More love, less hate from our CEO
What kind of tone is set for the country when our CEO — President Trump -– says with vehemence: “I hate my opponent”?

Gregory Humphrey: Witnessing a betrayal of American ideals with Trump’s military on city streets
We must remember Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s horror. We must remember the Bonus Army. And we must remember that when the government turns its weapons on its own people, it is not protecting the nation. Instead, it is desecrating it.

Bob Lindmeier: Climate denial by the Trump administration is costing lives
Before the government shutdown, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was moving forward with a plan to revoke its longstanding position that climate change is indeed a threat to human health.

Dave Cieslewicz: Kaul’s Catch 22
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced yesterday that he won’t run for governor after all. This makes him the best qualified candidate.

Jessica McBride: Kaul’s record as attorney general
Crime Lab mess, botched victims’ audit & angry mom

Lauren VanDeHey: Wisconsin should mandate coverage for fertility services
One in six people will experience infertility, and the cost of one unsubsidized IVF cycle can exceed $20,000. Furthermore, some may need multiple cycles to achieve a single pregnancy.

Will Flanders and Kyle Koenen: DPI changes on school report cards reflect moving goalposts, not better scores
Before we get into this solution or that, or the debate over more funding or less, let’s start with an honest assessment of the status quo.

Patrick J. Wood: Not them. Us.
On October 10, we observe Homelessness Awareness Day—not to feel good about our awareness, but to commit to action.

James E. Causey: Lee Hawkins’ family history book shows depth of harm from slavery and Jim Crow
The pressing question we must confront is whether America will seek to rectify its historical transgressions by taking tangible steps to ensure the well-being of those still living.

Judith Davidoff: Why the attacks on free speech are working
UW-Madison journalism ethics conference explores the question

David Blaska: Woke just got canceled in prime time
Heading up CBS News, Bari Weiss may make legacy media — if not Must Watch TV — at least less insufferable.

Eileen Harrington: The slash-and-burn approach to government reform
A government reform effort led by Vice President Al Gore, starting in 1993, was ambitious, focused and successful. DOGE has been the opposite.

WisOpinion: ‘The Insiders’ debate who will pay the political price for rising energy costs
The WisOpinion Insiders, Chvala and Jensen, discuss which party has a better message on energy costs facing voters in the 2026 midterm election. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Counties Association and the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.

Rewind: Your Week in Review for July 31
On this week’s episode of “Rewind,” WisPolitics.com’s JR Ross and Wisconsin Public Radio Capitol Reporter Anya van Wagtendonk discuss Mandela Barnes dropping out of the Dem primary for governor, how candidates performed during Tuesday’s debate, an appeal court upholding Act 10 and more.