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Articles by David Wise
Nurses already face shortages. Entry barriers don't help. | Opinion
It's absurd that the U.S. Department of Education has chosen to exclude nursing from its definition of 'professional degree' programs. Show Caption Hide Caption Nursing left off federal professional degree list again Nursing is excluded from the federal professional degree list and is impacting student loans. Advocates are pushing for change amid a nurse shortage.
Don’t let politics tear Thanksgiving apart. Talk it out. | Opinion
Here’s the unfunny truth: Economists have actually measured that Thanksgiving dinners with mixed political affiliations end 30–45 minutes earlier than those where everyone shares the same party. Show Caption Hide Caption SNL memes aside, you can talk politics at Thanksgiving table | Opinion Kristin Brey and UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs Director Susan Yackee discuss polarization that has encroached on holiday dinners. It’s that time of year.
Here's how President Trump can deliver campaign promise to lower grocery prices | Opinion
A grant-funded initiative, such as Mobile Markets in urban and rural areas, would help lower grocery bills, aligning with Trump’s promise to reduce grocery costs. Show Caption Hide Caption Your Stock the Shelves donations help hungry WI neighbors | Opinion Donations to Stock the Shelves help Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin supply food to pantries in communities served by USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin.
We owe Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley our gratitude | Opinion Original
Daniel R. Suhr In her single ten-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Justice Rebecca Bradley made more of an intellectual impact than many justices make in two or three times that length of service on the bench. As she declines to run again and finishes her tenure, Wisconsinites owe a deep debt of gratitude to the foremost champion of our constitutional rights and liberties on our state courts. First appointed by Gov.
Teacher singing 'monkey birthday song' can turn controversy into a lesson | Opinion
I feel sorry for those who don’t understand how this situation has hurt the child. Thanks to social media, the teacher and the incident involving Legend will be forever linked. I'm surprised to have to say this in 2025, but here we go. Dear fellow Americans: Referring to Black people — whether they are men, women, or children — as monkeys, apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, or anything related to that species is highly offensive and racist.
Lee Hawkins' family history book shows depth of harm from slavery and Jim Crow | Opinion
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 Show Caption Hide Caption Americans who survived Jim Crow didn't have equal protection | Opinion "I Am Nobody's Slave" author Lee Hawkins makes a case for reparations for descendants of the enslaved and those who lived through the Jim Crow era.
After rote outrage over kids in storage unit, we're left with desperate families | Opinion
Depending on how it is measured, Milwaukee ranks as the second or third highest in poverty among the 50 most populous U.S. cities Show Caption Hide Caption See ribbon-cutting ceremony for community fridge at Tricklebee Café ONE MKE, Tricklebee Café, and Metcalfe Park Community Bridges collaborated to bring a community fridge to Tricklebee Café after the closure of Pick 'n Save.
Three men remain missing after Milwaukee floods. The city's response is shameful | Opinion
Milwaukee may never fully understand the extent of the floods' devastation, but we do know that at least three men are unaccounted for. We need to find them. Show Caption Hide Caption Man who lived under Milwaukee bridge lucky to escape alive during flood James Makurat, 54, describes chaotic scene for group that lived under a bridge on the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee when flood waters rose on Aug. 9 Three men from a homeless encampment are missing after a devastating flood in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee's teens need more financial literacy. Here's how they can get it | Opinion
Milwaukee has one of the largest wealth gaps between Black and white residents in the nation, so teaching youth financial literacy helps to close this gap. When I turned 18, my biggest purchase was a $178 class ring, which was a steep climb on my $3.35 hourly job as a busboy at Sizzler Steakhouse. How about you? Was it an expensive pair of shoes or your first car? Well, I was pleasantly surprised to learn today's young adults are being encouraged to think much bigger and to get started right away.
We are called the greatest generation for good reason. Here's why. | Opinion
It is right and important that we remember and grieve with the families, the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, who lost loved ones in America’s wars Sam Berman | Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Show Caption Hide Caption When is Memorial Day? Here's the history behind the holiday. When is Memorial Day? Here's what to know about the holiday's history and meaning. Editor's Note: This is the text of a Memorial Day address delivered in 2016.
Milwaukee students consistently ask for mental health help. We're not listening. | Opinion
Most young people under the age of 18 will experience two traumatic events in their lives. Therefore, providing them with the tools to cope and handle conflict resolution is the key.
Gen Z can save American democracy by signing up to be poll workers in local communities Original
In the Badger State, any 16- or 17-year-old with at least a 3.0 grade point average is eligible to serve as a poll worker Luke Fuszard | Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Show Caption Hide Caption For all Trump's talk of fraud, no evidence 2020 campaign crooked Opinion: Instead of election observers, a much more helpful way to ensure we have an honest election would be to recruit people to be poll workers.
Wisconsin Democrats waffle on Biden as GOP proclaims unity after Milwaukee convention Original
Show Caption Hide Caption Democrats' calls for President Joe Biden to exit presidential race grow As President Joe Biden is recovering from COVID-19, calls are growing for him to exit the presidential race. As Democratic pressure mounts on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, Wisconsin Democrats have continued to walk a fine line. Rep.
'Good luck America': Biden debate performance leaves voters in liberal Madison lamenting choice Original
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden, Trump brush off age concerns at CNN Presidential Debate President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump respond to concerns over their ages in the CNN Presidential Debate. MADISON – Even in Wisconsin's liberal bastion, the capital city of Madison, President Joe Biden's debate performance with former President Donald Trump left voters at a watch party lamenting their choice in the election. Biden's voice was hoarse and raspy from the start Thursday night.
MPS superintendent must return to classrooms to fix Milwaukee's schools | Opinion Original
The next MPS superintendent should have the autonomy to pave the way and be willing to shake things up, and the new board should support this person. Show Caption Hide Caption School board with questions and vote on the MPS corrective action plan School board members with comments, questions and vote on the MPS corrective action plan. Excerpts are from the meeting held on Thursday, June 13.
Allowing guns into the Republican National Convention security zone is worrying | Opinion Original
It's essential to strike a balance between personal freedoms and public safety. These RNC rules fail that test. Show Caption Hide Caption Milwaukee Baird Center $456 million expansion nearing end as RNC looms Downtown's Baird Center will play a key RNC role. A $456 million expansion is almost done What do these things have in common? Fireworks. A shovel. A slingshot. A rocket. Explosives. Umbrellas with metal tips.
Kathleen Gallagher: We remain asleep at the wheel while coastal interests take our money, talent, and ideas.
Show Caption Hide Caption Opinion: Here's why Milwaukee needs to care more about startups Entrepreneurs have an outsized impact on the economic health of a community. Milwaukee has most of what it needs to boost startups. Anna Lardinois, Bill Schulz / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel It’s an uncomfortable, but important truth: The Midwest doesn’t have enough talent or risk capital in the right places to commercialize all its great ideas.
To get the MPS we deserve, start listening to families in Milwaukee for a change | Opinion
It's been a tumultuous week at MPS following the resignation of Superintendent Keith Posley Monday, the firing of the district's comptroller Tuesday and the temporary withholding of state aid Thursday Show Caption Hide Caption Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent Keith Posley resigns The Milwaukee Public School Board accepts the resignation of superintendent Keith Posley on June 3, 2024, at the MPS Central Services building in Milwaukee.
Pro-Palestine or not, we must protect people’s right to peacefully protest | Opinion Original
Videos of protestors being beaten, tear-gassed and aggressively arrested across the county have been going viral on social media Zoe Takaki Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Show Caption Hide Caption Everyone has a stake when peaceful protestors are violently arrested Opinion: Whether you are pro-Palestine or not, you should care that people’s right to peacefully protest is at risk on college campuses across U.S. No matter your take on the pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the...
Biden v. Trump II: The battle of the ages. The election rematch no one wanted. Original
Everyone loves a great rematch. Muhammad Ali lost a 15-round unanimous decision to Joe Frazier in " The Fight of the Century" in 1971. Still, he gained his revenge in the highly-anticipated " Super Fight II " in 1974. The Boston Celtics won the 1984 NBA Finals over the Los Angeles Lakers only to lose a rematch the next year. In tennis, we had John McEnroe vs.
a historically high enthusiasm gap Original
President Biden's trip to Milwaukee March 13 had an obvious political purpose: to mobilize Democrats in a city where turnout could help decide the 2024 election. But the turnout questions for Wisconsin Democrats go beyond Milwaukee this year. A striking enthusiasm gap confronts Biden and his party. We've seen it in national polling. And we're seeing it in Wisconsin, where the enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans reached an all-time high in the Marquette Law School poll earlier this year.
UW Oshkosh chancellor says Universities of Wisconsin system didn't sell out students of color for $800M
OSHKOSH ― At least one administrator doesn't think the Universities of Wisconsin system has "sold out" its students of color. Even after the accepted a deal that restructured 43 diversity positions, believes the campuses are still catering to all of their diverse student groups.
8th District Republicans criticize Mike Gallagher's early departure from Congress Original
NEW LONDON - Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher's decision to leave Congress before the end of his term is drawing criticism from a key group: the Republicans wishing to replace him. The two Republicans running to fill Gallagher's open seat and a third teasing a bid pushed back this weekend on Gallagher's announcement that he will leave Congress by April 19 instead of finishing out his term - a move that will leave the seat vacant until the next election. "I'm disappointed.
Robin Vos slams shadow lobbying effort on electric grid construction bill Original
MADISON - The intense lobbying efforts behind a bill that would have changed regulations for transmission line construction exposed problems with the state's campaign finance laws, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said. "We have very strict lobbying laws in Wisconsin, and we should. Every time a lobbyist meets or talks with a legislator, it's documented, and the public have a right to know - how many hours went into this bill, positive, negative, who lobbied, all those kind of things.
Milwaukee school funding is a lifeline. Students deserve better than more cuts.
With the massive amounts of money being spent by wealthy special interests to influence our politics, it can be hard to determine what's true and what's not. Often the best way to get to the bedrock truth isn't by fact-checking the various claims these special interests make, it's by considering the motivations of the people making them. The current school referendum debate is a perfect example.
Former deputy tried to highlight perceived election system gap Original
The former top Milwaukee election official on trial for using fake names to order military absentee ballots was a hyper-diligent employee who made a naive attempt to redirect attention from conspiracy theories to what she saw as a true gap in the election system, her onetime boss testified Tuesday.
We need to rethink the role of UW-Madison and Wisconsin's economy. Chancellor Mnookin seems to be on the right path
Republican legislators' assault on University of Wisconsin System campuses' diversity, equity and inclusion offices failed to address the problem the politicians purportedly wanted to solve: Ensuring the state's universities, particularly UW-Madison, help grow Wisconsin's economy. Led by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, legislators in 2023 held up $800 million for a new UW-Madison engineering school and employee pay raises - their bargaining chip to force closure of public universities' DEI offices.
The recall of Robin Vos may come up short, just like his favorability in poll Original
You may have heard that there's an attempt to recall arguably the most powerful, and inarguably the most unfavorable Republican in Wisconsin. On Monday, the conservative organizers behind the attempt to recall Wisconsin's Assembly Speaker Robin Vos submitted more than 10,700 signatures to the Wisconsin Elections Commission Then on Tuesday, after an initial review, the WEC determined that the organizers were about 945 signatures short of the 6,850 needed.
President Joe Biden's trip to Milwaukee brings campaign home to the Democrats' crucial 'blue wall' Original
President Joe Biden returned this week to the so-called "blue wall" that was crucial to his 2020 victory as he looks to build momentum for his reelection effort - a two-day trip through Wisconsin and Michigan that began in the battleground of Milwaukee.
What does MPS referendum mean for Milwaukee? What voters need to know.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum is a nonpartisan think tank that has followed the finances of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) for decades. Here, we provide insights on some key financial questions swirling around the April 2 referendum, that asks Milwaukee voters to exceed state revenue limits by up to $252 million over four years. The Forum's more detailed analysis can be found here. at wispolicyforum.org On what basis can Milwaukee Public Schools argue it needs more money?
Conflict over CAFO factory farms comes to metro Milwaukee with a family's expansion plan Original
TOWN OF TRENTON - Nestled between West Bend and Cedarburg, a family of farmers is hoping to win permission for an expansion of their dairy operation, creating a factory farm less than an hour outside of Milwaukee. For the most part, the fight over factory farms, or concentrated feeding operations, has been in rural counties, where neighbors could be half a mile or more away from the expanding facility.
Biden campaign announces Milwaukee headquarters for Wisconsin election push Original
MADISON - President Joe Biden will base its Wisconsin campaign operation out of Milwaukee ahead of the 2024 election, the first time a Democratic presidential nominee has made the state's largest city a state campaign headquarters in at least two decades. Biden campaign officials said Tuesday the move to center efforts in Milwaukee reflects the campaign's focus on Black and Latino voters and suburban women in the Milwaukee area.
Forget the false vote fraud claims. Here's the real reason Trump lost Wisconsin. Original
Did more than 740,000 Wisconsin voters cast fraudulent ballots in 2020? This was the most outlandish claim the Trump campaign asked me to evaluate as part of my contract to look for voter fraud immediately after the election. It also had the simplest explanation for why it was wrong. I determined every single fraud claim that the campaign asked me to review to be false.
Nowhere near the end for Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail, now 66 years old, has come a long, long way, but it still has a long way to go. At latest count, 698 miles of the 1,200-mile trail has been developed into more than 100 permanent segments. That includes four segments in Washington County. Last year was a banner year for the popular trail. At the end of a 10year effort, Sen. Tammy Baldwin succeeded in placing the Wisconsin-only trail into the National Park Service. It is one of 11 such national trails in the United States.
Lead pipes can poison families. How my Wisconsin city is tackling the danger. Original
On November 7, 2023, as I participated in the removal of a lead service line from the Thao family home, I finally witnessed how approaching an infrastructure project with the prioritization of public health and community can change the trajectory of a family, a city, and a nation. "I never really realized that we were drinking out of lead pipes," said Kyle Thao whose grandparents have owned the Wausau home for 46 years.
Tammy Baldwin touts her 'Made in America' law in first TV ad blitz of Senate campaign Original
MADISON - Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is launching her first TV ad of her reelection bid, touting her work to promote "Made in America" manufacturing with bipartisan legislation. The 30-second spot features Wisconsin workers who "forge steel parts that hold up bridges, propel ships and send rockets into space." But for years, China has lowballed prices "so it's been tough to compete," two workers from Scot Forge say in the ad. "We can't let China steal Wisconsin jobs.
Feds investigating alleged smuggling of drugs, cell phones at Waupun Correctional Original
MADISON - The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into an alleged conspiracy within Waupun Correctional Institution to bring in cell phones, illegal drugs and other contraband - a probe that has resulted in the suspension of nearly a dozen prison employees. Wisconsin Gov.
Overdose deaths scar Wisconsin. We'll represent families at State of the Union. Original
In the early hours of a November morning in 2021, Michelle got a call that her son Cade - a freshman in college - had passed away. The night before, Cade had gone out with friends in his dorm and took a pill he thought was Percocet. It turned out to be 100% fentanyl. "He had his entire life ahead of him," his mother said. "He was home from college the weekend before he died talking about changing his major to psychology and how he wanted to travel the world.
Eric Hovde's campaign trolls Tammy Baldwin with bobbleheads tying her to Biden policies Original
MADISON - As President Joe Biden and his allies continue to barnstorm Wisconsin, Republican Senate candidate Eric Hovde is poking at his Democratic opponent's alignment with the president's administration - with a set of bobbleheads. Hovde's campaign launched a website on Wednesday - BobbleBaldwin.com - highlighting U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin's tenure in Washington, D.C., and, in particular, the fact that she has voted with Biden's position 95.5% of the time.
New test could help Wisconsinites identify 'forever chemicals' in their blood
MADISON - Wisconsinites worried about "forever chemicals" now have a new way to test for levels in their blood. Quest Diagnostics released a new test for about $300 that will survey blood for nine different compounds in the PFAS family of chemicals.
After fourth death reported at Waupun prison in eight months, information remains scarce Original
A prisoner who died at Waupun Correctional Institution late last month marks the fourth death at the facility in eight months. Donald W. Maier, 62, who was charged with first-degree murder for the 1985 stabbing death of Benny Scruggs in Wisconsin Rapids, died on Feb. 22, according to Wisconsin Department of Corrections records. DOC declined to comment on Maier's death on Monday. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is investigating his death.
We Energies plans $335 million investment to power to Microsoft's Mount Pleasant data centers Original
We Energies expects to spend about $335 million to build electric distribution infrastructure to serve Microsoft's data center development in Mount Pleasant. A recent filing with the state Public Service Commission seeks to defer accounting for the costs until the project is complete. We Energies in the application said it needs to begin construction by June to meet Microsoft's needs.
Takeaways from First lady Jill Biden's visit to Waukesha Original
WAUKESHA - First lady Jill Biden spoke to a crowd of about 100 women voters in Waukesha on Sunday, continuing Democrats' message that abortion and health care access are at stake in the 2024 presidential election. Biden made Wisconsin the final stop on a weekend tour of other critical battleground states - Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. The first lady is leading the "Women for Biden-Harris" initiative in 2024, an effort to mobilize women voters for the Democratic presidential ticket this year.
Year of retroactive pay for Milwaukee city employees' RNC duties raises questions on council Original
Two top City of Milwaukee officials key to preparations for this summer's Republican National Convention are each receiving retroactive pay of more than $11,000 for their efforts over the last year - plus increased pay through at least the July convention. The raises, which are retroactive more than a year, are in effect after receiving the support of the City Service Commission on Feb. 6.
Tired of schools pushing political agendas? Here's how parents can fight back. Original
This April, thousands of Wisconsin voters will choose who represents them on their local school boards. There are no more pivotal political races than these and no more critical representatives than those members of school boards, determining the future of our nation's leaders in their meetings. Sadly, it has taken a wave of concerned parents at meetings and worried community members running for office to jar the status quo in school districts across Wisconsin.
I agree with Ron Johnson. Close border. We don't care for people already here. Original
America has a border crisis that is engulfing communities thousands of miles away as migrants, many sent in buses paid for by Republican state leaders in Texas and Florida, are arriving in cities with Democrat mayors. Federal agents encountered 2.5 million migrants at the southern border last year, representing a new historic high, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
Milwaukee officer struck by pro-Palestinian protester outside Sen. Tammy Baldwin fundraiser
A Milwaukee police officer was struck while providing security during a pro-Palestinian protest outside a Milwaukee fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Sunday night, sources said. Sources said the officer was hit by one of the protesters after she asked him about his ethnicity. The officer said he had a Palestinian background, and the female demonstrator struck him for apparently not helping with the protest. The officer was injured but not seriously.
Prisons make headlines for abhorrent conditions. Where's the will to fix them? Original
Wisconsin prisons have been in the headlines a lot lately. The stories have exposed abhorrent conditions for inmates and documented long-festering problems. While the crisis has generated months of headlines, it hasn't produced much will to tackle the issues. At the beginning of this month, the New York Times and Wisconsin Watch published a joint investigation on the extreme shortage of correctional officers.
They literally left nursing home patients out in snow and cold. This must end. Original
Just before Christmas, Politico published an article featuring truly shocking and heartbreaking stories from nursing homes in Wisconsin. Nursing home residents being roused from their sleep and told to wait in the snowy cold to be relocated without warning. Seniors with urinary tract infections left unchecked and untreated. Facilities closing left and right. The root of the problem, in this case?
Republican Scott Mayer walks back claims about hiring staff for Senate run. Here's his explanation. Original
WASHINGTON - A day after claiming he's hired about 20 campaign staff, including top management, as he prepares for a potential U.S. Senate run in Wisconsin, Scott Mayer backpedaled. Mayer, a Franklin Republican, walked back his claims to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he was "finishing putting a team together" and he was "halfway" to his goal of hiring 40 people. Rather, he suggested, he has people ready to join a campaign.
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