Scott Milfred
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National opinion editor for Lee Enterprises. Opinion editor for Wisconsin State Journal in Madison, Wisconsin. #independent #wipolitics #opengov
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Articles by Scott Milfred
Watch: How I taught Jasper to fetch the newspaper from the driveway
Meet Jasper. He’s a 1-year-old terrier mix from Underdog Pet Rescue in Madison.
How to teach your dog to fetch the newspaper
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How to teach your dog to fetch the newspaper
Meet Jasper, a 1-year-old terrier mix from Underdog Pet Rescue in Madison, who learned to fetch the newspaper, with advice from trainer Jorge Melara. Watch his progress in the featured video.
That time Gloria Steinem came to Madison to campaign for Al Gore
Ralph Nader "just doesn't get it'' when it comes to women's issues, feminist Gloria Steinem said during a campaign stop for Al Gore in Madison in 2000.
Mandela Barnes knows 'exactly what I'm up against'
Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor from Milwaukee touts bid just weeks before Aug. 11 primary. The winner will take on presumptive Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst.
Mandela Barnes knows 'exactly what I’m up against' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk housing, Ridglan Farms and more with Democratic candidate for governor Mandela Barnes. He says his narrow loss to U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, four years ago is a big reason voters should trust him to win now. kAm“x H6?E E9C@F89 E92E C246 2?5 x 42>6 @FE >F49 DEC@?86C[Q q2C?6D D2JD] Qp?5 F=E:>2E6=J[ 4@>:?8 @FE ` WA6C46?E286X A@:?E D9@CE :?
Sara Rodriguez has 'always been on the front lines'
She talks ICE, affordability and ERs on our latest political podcast
Sara Rodriguez has 'always been on the front lines' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk ICE, affordability and ERs with Democratic candidate for governor Sara Rodriguez. kAm&?>FE6 E96 G:56@ 23@G6 E@ H2E49] ~C =:DE6?
Who’s Joel Brennan? He might be Wisconsin’s next governor | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk with Joel Brennan, one of the least known Democratic candidates for governor with the most executive experience. kAmr=:4< 2?5 F?>FE6 E96 G:56@ 23@G6 E@ H2E49] ~C =:DE6?
Francesca Hong wants to 'get sh-t done' as governor | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk with Democratic candidate for governor Francesca Hong about raising the minimum wage, instituting a wealth tax and smoking cigars with Republicans. kAmr=:4< @? E96 G:56@ 23@G6 E@ =:DE6?] k^Am kAmw@?8 DFCAC:D65 >2?J A6@A=6 3J =625:?8 62C=J A@==D 7@C E96 s6>@4C2E:4 ?@>:?2E:@? 2>@?8 2 4C@H565 7:6=5 @7 42?5:52E6D] qFE 42? 2 56>@4C2E:4 D@4:2=:DE H9@ C6AC6D6?ED E96 F=EC2\AC@8C6DD:G6 xDE9>FD 2?5 t2DE $:56 @7 |25:D@? 2AA62= E@ G@E6CD DE2E6H:56 :?
David Crowley says Republicans fear him most for Wisconsin governor | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On their latest political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk with David Crowley about his bid for Wisconsin governor, which he says the GOP fears because of his broader appeal. kAmr=:4< @? E96 G:56@ 23@G6 E@ =:DE6?]k^Am kAmrC@H=6J H@? C66=64E:@? 2D |:=H2F<66 r@F?EJ 6I64FE:G6 H:E9 gdT @7 E96 G@E6] qFE @?=J k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^=2H]>2CBF6EE6]65F^A@==^a_ae^_a^ad^>=DAgf\C6=62D6^Qm`eTk^2m @7 G@E6CD :? E96 |25:D@? C68:@?
Kelda Roys wants to 'build what comes next' in Wisconsin | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
Milfred and Hands talk with state Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, about her bid for governor. Roys says she's the most experienced leader with results who best measures up against presumptive Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minoqua. "I'm the candidate who can actually say, 'Here's what I've done,' not just 'Here are my ideas that I've never been able to accomplish.'" She touts her endorsement from the state teachers union, her independence and favorite Wisconsin supper club. kAm~?
Wisconsin's connection to Oscar-winning 'One Battle After Another' Original
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Will data centers devour Wisconsin's climate goal? Original
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Wisconsin political predictions for governor, court in 2026 Original
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OUR VIEW: Don’t let AI data centers ruin Wisconsin’s climate goal
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Sean Duffy vs. Elon Musk for control of NASA Original
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Who will be Wisconsin’s next governor? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
Milfred and Hands size up the growing list of candidates for Wisconsin governor on their latest “Center Stage” political podcast. Click the play button above to listen. Our political podcasters agree that one Democrat and one Republican are best positioned for success in party primaries, now that incumbent Gov. Tony Evers has announced he won't seek a third term. So much can happen between now and November 2026, and key to christening a GOP nominee will be President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Madison's 20 mph speed limit is … too ... slow | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Madison's 20 mph speed limit is … too ... slow | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
Milfred and Hands test drive Madison's "20 is Plenty" edict that feels cementy when you actually try to drive that slow on two-thirds of city streets -- not that many if any people ever will for very far. Click the play button above to listen. Sure, driving super slow in theory is safer and makes it easier for a car to stop. But "slow speeders" aren't the problem. Real speeders are.
Ron Johnson's big, beautiful 'no' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Ron Johnson's big, beautiful 'no' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands tout U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's resistance to the House-passed "big, beautiful bill" that would further burden our children and grandchildren with debt. Click the play button above to listen. Johnson's passion for America's financial future is admirable, out political podcasters contend. But the senator from Oshkosh is only half right in focusing on spending while mostly ignoring the cost of tax cuts.
Ron Johnson's big, beautiful 'no' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands get the bottom of Wisconsin's long-overdue legalization of medical marijuana and the stubborn Republican resistance to recreational use -- even though GOP President Donald Trump is for it. Click the play button above to listen. In the last statewide Marquette Law School poll to ask about cannabis in January 2024, 63% of registered voters favored legal marijuana for adults, while only 29% were opposed.
What's the holdup on legal weed in Wisconsin? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands get the bottom of Wisconsin's long-overdue legalization of medical marijuana and the stubborn Republican resistance to recreational use -- even though GOP President Donald Trump is for it. Click the play button above to listen.
What's the holdup on legal weed in Wisconsin? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Wisconsin voters shred Elon Musk's fake cheese Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands dissect Elon Musk’s impact on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and look ahead to next year’s midterm elections in the swing state and beyond. Click the play button above to listen. President Donald Trump's billionaire buddy spent more than $20 million trying to elect Judge Brad Schimel to the Badger State's top court. Musk and Schimel failed in a blowout to Justice-elect Susan Crawford, who won by a quarter-million votes.
Wisconsin voters shred Elon Musk's fake cheese
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Run, Tony, Run? Or done? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Run, Tony, Run? Or done? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze Gov. Tony Evers' prospects for a third term, should he decide to run for governor again next year. Click the play button above to listen. Only one governor in state history -- Tommy Thompson -- has served a third (and part of a fourth) term. Milfred thinks Evers could be well-positioned as the antithesis to President Donald Trump. Hands isn't so sure, suggesting the left is hungry for new faces and younger blood.
What's behind Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands impugn U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy. Click the play button above to listen. The Prairie du Chien Republican wants to throw a federal judge out of office for daring to stall one of President Donald Trump's priorities in court. The New York judge paused the Trump administration's attempt to scour the Treasury Department's payment system, which houses the Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americas.
What's behind Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Ron Johnson vs. Donald Trump on tariffs | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands break down the (so far) polite fray on trade and tariffs between Wisconsin's senior senator and his party's president. Click the play button above to listen. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, calls the tariffs that his president is threatening against Canada and Mexico a tax. President Donald Trump says charging imports on goods from our nation's biggest and closest trading partners will make Americans rich and powerful.
Ron Johnson vs. Donald Trump on tariffs | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
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Jay Rothman on UW funding, free speech, football money, 'Marxist maniacs' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk higher ed with Jay Rothman, the "change agent" president of the Universities of Wisconsin who met with our editorial board last week. Click the play button above to listen. Rothman touts his $855 billion request for increased funding from the Legislature. In many ways, his business-like pitch should resonate with the GOP. Milfred asks about President-elect Donald Trump slamming "Marxist maniacs" on campus.
Wisconsin is still the deep purple state | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze Donald Trump's comeback win for the White House and why Wisconsin voters also chose progressive U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, who in many ways is his polar opposite. Click the play button above to listen. Our political podcasters try to temper lefty Madison's loss by talking up checks and balances as well as states' rights. Milfred loves Trump's flip-flop on electric cars, now that Trump's bromance with Elon Musk has blossomed.
Tammy Baldwin seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin, playing clips from Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin's recent endorsement meeting with our editorial board. Click the play button above to listen. Baldwin discusses her views on abortion, the U.S. debt, fentanyl, bipartisan cooperation and more.
Eric Hovde seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin, playing clips from Republican challenger Eric Hovde's recent endorsement meeting with our editorial board. Click the play button above to listen. Hovde discusses his views on U.S. debt, tax loopholes, fentanyl, marijuana, abortion and more. Hovde, a Madison Republican, is behind in the polls against incumbent Sen.
Why do so many farmers back Trump? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands talk farming and politics with the author of "Land Rich, Cash Poor." Click the play button above to listen. Brian Reisinger, who worked for big-name Republicans such as Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, offers a clear-minded assessment of rural economics, politics and culture, based on his own family's challenges to keep their Wisconsin farm going.
Tim Walz vs. JD Vance in Wisconsin: Who won? Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands assess the Heartland cred of Tim Walz and JD Vance, who both appeared in Eau Claire last week. Click the play button above to listen. The VP candidates talked guns, drugs, inflation, freedom and what's really weird. Our political podcasters play clips and comment on each of the candidate's main points and provocations.
Kamala Harris woos Wisconsin. Will it work? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands play audio clips from and analyze Vice President Kamala Harris' speech last week in West Allis. Our political podcasters also assess her chances of winning Wisconsin in November, now that she's the Democrats' presumptive nominee. Click the play button above to listen. Harris is a far better campaigner than Joe Biden had been in recent months, bringing some needed energy to the ticket, our hosts agree.
Madison's new school leader: 'Zero tolerance isn't zero care' | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands play audio clips from the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board's meeting with Madison's new school superintendent, Joe Gothard. Click the play button above to listen. Gothard, a Madison native, former La Follette High School football coach and principal, left the Capitol City for Minnesota in 2013 and ran the bigger St. Paul, Minnesota, school district. Now he's back for the top job here.
Can a felon win Wisconsin? | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze the impact of Donald Trump's guilty verdicts on his bid to win the crucial swing state of Wisconsin this fall. Click the play button above to listen. Trump had been slightly ahead of President Joe Biden in the latest Marquette Law School poll of statewide voters. Will Trump's convictions for falsifying business records to cover up hush-money payments to a porn star hurt or help his campaign?
Tammy Baldwin vs. Eric Hovde is tighter than it should be | Center Stage with Milfred and Hands Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands analyze Wisconsin's race for U.S. Senate between Democratic incumbent Tammy Baldwin and presumptive GOP nominee Eric Hovde, both of Madison. Click the play button to listen. Our political podcasters react to recent campaign ads, outline the candidates' positions on key issues and assess Hovde's dip into a frozen Lake Mendota. Milfred is surprised Hovde is polling so well.
Hit the brakes on wrong-way car crashes in Wisconsin
It's terrifying to think about: You're driving down the road, and suddenly another vehicle is speeding right at you in your lane. You might have seconds to swerve, or maybe it's already too late. Wrong-way crashes kill innocent people with startling frequency in Wisconsin. Our state has the highest rate of wrong-way driving fatalities in the nation, and simple things are not being done to prevent it, such as more conspicuous signs with flashing lights at confusing highway ramps.
Don't let the cost of Wisconsin's prisons dodge scrutiny
School taxes get a lot of attention from taxpayers, and for good reason. They are the biggest chunk of your property tax bill in cities such as Madison, and the highest expense in the state budget at $7 billion a year. But what about prisons? The cost of locking people up deserves at least as much attention as the price tag for educating them. Wisconsin spends more tax dollars on prisons ($1.4 billion last year) than it does on its universities ($1.25 billion).
6 takeaways from Donald Trump's rally in Green Bay Original
On this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands react to Donald Trump's first visit this year to Wisconsin, the crucial swing state he needs to win in November. Click the play button to listen. Phil Hands, the State Journal's political cartoonist, compares Trump's hardcore devotees to a Grateful Dead following. Scott Milfred, the State Journal's opinion editor, counters Trump's dark take on Whitewater -- both its accuracy and political impact.
State leaders actually got some things done
Who says the politicians at the state Capitol can't cooperate? OK, we have said that - many times - and for good reason. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the Republican-run Legislature can't agree on how to use a $3 billion surplus. Evers set a record for vetoes. During the pandemic, the two sides didn't meet for six months, not even electronically, to seek consensus on public health rules. So let's give credit for some agreement in recent days.
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