CHICAGO — A video played at the Democratic National Convention before former President Bill Clinton's speech took a dig at the unfulfilled promises of the Foxconn deal championed by former President Donald Trump.
"Donald Trump talked a big game about bringing jobs back to America. But it was all talk, like Foxconn," an ironworker narrating the clip says. "Trump talked a massive game about infrastructure. What a joke."
Trump in 2018 famously broke ground at the Mount Pleasant site alongside Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou and then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. A clip of the groundbreaking was included in the Democrats' video that played Wednesday.
At the time, Trump touted the plan for the high-tech campus as "the eighth wonder of the world." A clip of Trump saying the phrase was also included in the DNC video.
Today, Microsoft is building a data center on land that Foxconn had been expected to use for a $10 billion LCD manufacturing plant, PolitiFact reported. Neither the investment nor the jobs fully came to fruition.
In May, President Joe Biden visited Wisconsin to highlight Microsoft's investment in its Mount Pleasant data center, touting it as a "comeback story." "Foxconn turned out to be just that," Biden said during that visit. "A con."
"Infrastructure is just a fancy word for jobs. Not just union workers, but for everyone. Small businesses are booming, communities are starting to thrive again," the ironworker narrator said.
Requiring an ID to vote shouldn't disenfranchise anyone. I need one for doctor appointments, to buy alcohol, cash a check, check in at a hotel, get on a plane, rent an apartment, drive a car. On any given day you can be asked to confirm your identity.
The article also stated that voters (in Ohio) didn't know that the rules had changed. One has an obligation to know certain things, and the rules for voting is one of them.
What does disenfranchise voters is the obnoxious partisan ballot that gets put out for the primaries. If someone wants to vote for a Democrat for office A, a Republican for office B and a Libertarian for office C they should be able to do so.
All the blah-blah-blah from the city "leaders" is worth so much horseshit. They will do absolutely NOTHING about crime because they are criminals themselves. Keep voting for liars, this is what you get.
To recommend a sentence of time served to the judge would be an act of courage and grace. No public purpose is served by incarcerating Kizer any longer.
Diane L. Rosenfeld
Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Chrystul Kizer will be sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to reckless homicide in the death of her pimp, Randy Volar. She was 16 when Volar first met her through Backpage.com, a site that has been shut down for the sex trafficking of women and girls. Volar was twice her age. The case is extraordinary for many reasons, including that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that Kizer can use a defense at trial that could excuse her for crimes committed that are a direct result of trafficking.
The ruling signifies a new understanding of the trauma associated with being a victim of sex trafficking, and changes the valence of this case. Instead of seeing Kizer as simply a cold-blooded criminal, it requires that the court take into consideration how her victimization at such a young age led her to the act.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court said, “Unlike many crimes, which occur at discrete points in time, human trafficking can trap victims in a cycle of seemingly inescapable abuse that can continue for months or even years.” Kizer's young life was rife with abuse; she went from being a gifted violin player to an impoverished sophomore in high school who needed money for school supplies.
DA should use discretion to show seriousness of human trafficking
And now she stands to be sentenced. Given the extremely compelling facts of this case, the most just sentence for her is to consider her sentence as time served. The Kenosha County District Attorney, Michael Graveley, can use his prosecutorial discretion to recommend and the judge to sentence her to time served. He has succeeded in securing a guilty plea; recommending time served will show that the State takes seriously the crime of sex trafficking.
“The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America,” said Robert Jackson, the Attorney General of the United States in 1940. Prosecutorial discretion is a bedrock value of the American justice system. District Attorney Michael Gravely has the discretion to show some grace to Kizer.
Here's why Kizer’s sentence should be time served. From the time she met Volar when she was 16, she was psychologically imprisoned by him through threats, promises, and sexual exploitation. After his death, she was imprisoned by the State, and has endured six more years of hell and punishment for an act that arguably could have been avoided if police had brought charges against Volar for child sexual exploitation when they could have.
Kenosha authorities knew about sex trafficking ring
The Kenosha Police Department had extensive evidence that Volar was operating a child sex trafficking ring at the time of his death. A 15-year-old girl had called 911 for help after fleeing Volar’s house, and was found wandering the street drugged and half-naked on a February night. Police searched Volar’s house ten days later and seized a mountain of evidence, including videos of clearly underaged girls, home videos of Volar sexually assaulting them, bikini bottoms, underwear, and women’s pajamas.
Moreover, there were videos where Volar instructed the girls on performing sexual acts in preparation for them to be sold into prostitution. Kizer was identified as one of the girls in the videos. Despite all this evidence, the police arrested Volar but he was released the same day and no bail was posted. In fact, no case was entered into the system.
The day of Volar’s death, his bank alerted Kenosha police of suspicious financial activity that triggered an alarm for potential trafficking activity. Volar had around $800,000 in his account that was in cryptocurrency, and transactions involving $1.5 million. Yet as far as the public knows, no investigation of this activity has taken place. Although the evidentiary trail might be cold at this point, the photos, videos, computer evidence and bank transactions may lead to other members of the trafficking ring. Bringing these predators to justice would be a great victory for Wisconsin.
Graveley already has won the case; he has secured a guilty plea. To recommend a sentence of time served to the judge would be an act of courage and grace. No public purpose is served by incarcerating Kizer any longer. She does not pose any threat to society. Instead, the state should offer her resources and support to help her reintegrate into society and recover from this horrific tragedy; one for which she has paid dearly in her short life.
Diane L. Rosenfeld Contributed By Diane L. Rosenfeld
Diane L. Rosenfeld is the director of the Gender Violence Program at Harvard Law School and author of the book The Bonobo Sisterhood: Revolution Through Female Alliance.
Sex crimes against children are regularly ignored in Wisconsin. I know, I was the victim of one. The only possible explanation is that the "authorities" are riddled with sex crime perpetrators themselves. Otherwise, why protect these predators? Swine run our government. Pigs who get off on seeing babies made into sex objects. The people who "represent" you are pedophiles who enjoy molesting your children.
UNION GROVE — State ethics officials have started assessing fines against a group that has failed to disclose financial information about its campaign to recall Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission said the first fine of $100 will be followed by additional fines, and possibly litigation.
Reports were due July 15 showing who donated to the recall effort and how the group spent its money.
After 30 days, the state begins enforcement actions to achieve compliance.
Recall organizer Matt Snorek said others in the group are responsible for submitting reports to the state and referred questions to Conrad Reynolds, a Republican from Arkansas who traveled to Wisconsin to help run the recall petition drive, which was based in a storefront office in Union Grove.
As of two weeks ago, Snorek said, Reynolds was back in Arkansas and was preparing the finance reports.
“He said he was working on it,” Snorek said. “He’s got all the records.”
Reynolds could not be reached for comment.
The recall group sought to remove Vos from his state legislative seat after the Assembly speaker refused calls to decertify President Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump in Wisconsin in the 2020 presidential election.
The group registered with the state ethics commission in January under the name “Recall Vos,” and again in March under the name “Racine Recall Committee.” Both committees are required to file campaign finance reports with the state.
David Buerger, staff counsel to the ethics commission, said the recall committees will continue to be assessed fines for the next four months, up to $500 total.
The ethics commission then will consider filing a civil lawsuit asking a judge to order the recall group to submit the reports. The dispute could be settled through a negotiated agreement without litigation, Buerger said, but officials would not agree to waive the financial disclosure requirement.
“Our settlements do not allow them to skip out on the reporting,” he said.
Harley-Davidson, a name synonymous with American motorcycles and the freedom of the open road, is making a move that has left many feeling betrayed and concerned.
Brian Bryant
Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Harley-Davidson, a name synonymous with American motorcycles and the freedom of the open road, is making a move that has left many feeling betrayed and concerned. The company's recent decision to shift some motorcycle production to Thailand is a kick in the teeth to American workers and raises questions about the company's commitment to its roots.
This is not the first time Harley-Davidson has faced criticism for such actions.
Approximately 572 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) lost their jobs when Harley-Davidson closed its Kansas City plant in 2019. At that time, the company claimed that its new facility in Thailand, built in 2018, was established primarily in response to a 31% tariff imposed by the European Union on U.S.-made motorcycles, itself a reaction to tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports under then-President Donald Trump—would only serve the Asian and European markets, assuring that American jobs would remain secure.
The impact of this decision is felt most acutely by our members in places like York, Pa., and Menomonee Falls, Wis. These folks are more than just employees; they are the heart and soul of Harley-Davidson. They take pride in their work, pouring their passion into every motorcycle that rolls off the assembly line. The uncertainty surrounding their jobs is not only a financial concern but a blow to their sense of identity and purpose.
Production move to Thailand feels like a betrayal to loyal customers
Harley-Davidson's decision to manufacture motorcycles overseas and sell them in the U.S. adds insult to injury. It's one thing to shift production to meet demand in other markets, but it's quite another to import those same products back to the very country where the brand was built. This move feels like a betrayal to the loyal customers who have supported Harley-Davidson for generations.
The company's justification for this decision centers on remaining competitive in the global marketplace. While these are valid concerns for any business, they ring hollow when weighed against the human cost. Harley-Davidson's success was built on the backs of American workers, and their loyalty deserves more than just lip service.
This decision also raises questions about the future of American manufacturing. Harley-Davidson is not just any company; it's an American icon. If a brand as deeply ingrained in American culture as Harley-Davidson is willing to shift production overseas, what does that say about the state of manufacturing in this country? It sends a discouraging message to other companies and workers who are struggling to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S.
It's important to acknowledge that the global marketplace is complex and ever-changing. Companies must adapt to survive, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions. However, those decisions should not come at the expense of the very people who have helped build the company's success.
Harley-Davidson's story intertwined with the American dream
Harley-Davidson has an opportunity to reconsider this decision and demonstrate its commitment to American workers. By investing in its U.S. workforce and finding innovative ways to remain competitive, the company can not only preserve jobs but also strengthen its brand and reputation.
The story of Harley-Davidson is intertwined with the American dream. It's a story of hard work, passion, and the freedom to chase one's dreams. It's a story that resonates with people across the country and around the world. The company has a responsibility to honor that legacy and ensure that its actions align with the values it represents.
The road ahead may be challenging, but Harley-Davidson has faced adversity before. By choosing to prioritize its American workforce and invest in the future of manufacturing in this country, the company can not only overcome this latest hurdle but also emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. The choice is theirs, and the world is watching.
Brian Bryant is president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The reason he remains free on bond is that pedophiles have a very strong presence in Wisconsin's legislature and they are treated with respect and entitlement. Swine run the government.
The people who use these vehicles care not one whit about the problems that they cause. When the fire chief is ignored over his concerns about these things, we regular people have no hope.
Although we have more than a month left of summer, the days are already getting shorter.
In fact, Milwaukee saw its last 8 p.m. sunset of the year on Saturday. The city won't see another sunset at or after 8 p.m. until May 8, 2025, according to TimeandDate.com's sunrise and sunset calculator.
So, what will Milwaukee's sunset times look like for the rest of the year? And how many hours of daylight will we see each month? Here's what to know.
How many hours of daylight are there each month?
Here is when the sun rises and sets on the first of each month in Milwaukee:
Aug. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 5:43 a.m., sunset at 8:12 p.m. (14 hours, 29 minutes of daylight)
Sept. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 6:16 a.m., sunset at 7:25 p.m. (13 hours, 8 minutes of daylight)
Oct. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 6:49 a.m., sunset at 6:31 p.m. (11 hours, 42 minutes of daylight)
Nov. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 7:27 a.m., sunset at 5:42 p.m. (10 hours, 15 minutes of daylight)
Dec. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 7:03 a.m., sunset at 4:17 p.m. (9 hours, 13 minutes of daylight)
Dec. 21, 2024 (shortest day of the year): Sunrise at 7:20 a.m., sunset at 4:20 p.m. (9 hours of daylight)
Jan. 1, 2025: Sunrise at 7:23 a.m., sunset at 4:27 p.m. (9 hours, 4 minutes of daylight)
Feb. 1, 2025: Sunrise at 7:06 a.m., sunset at 5:04 p.m. (9 hours, 58 minutes of daylight)
March 1, 2025: Sunrise at 6:27 a.m., sunset at 5:41 p.m. (11 hours, 14 minutes of daylight)
April 1, 2025: Sunrise at 6:33 a.m., sunset at 7:18 p.m. (12 hours, 45 minutes of daylight)
May 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:44 a.m., sunset at 7:53 p.m. (14 hours, 8 minutes of daylight)
June 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:15 a.m., sunset at 8:24 p.m. (15 hours, 9 minutes of daylight)
June 21, 2025 (longest day of the year): Sunrise at 5:12 a.m., sunset at 8:34 p.m. (15 hours, 21 minutes of daylight)
July 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:16 a.m., sunset at 8:34 p.m. (15 hours, 18 minutes of daylight)
When does Daylight Saving Time start and end in Milwaukee?
Daylight Saving Time, the period between March and November when most Americans adjust their clocks forward one hour, ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. At 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, Americans will gain an extra hour of sleep. However, the sun will set more than an hour earlier.
On Nov. 2, the sun will rise at 7:28 a.m. and set at 5:41 p.m. in Milwaukee. On Nov. 3, it will rise at 6:29 a.m. and set at 4:40 p.m.
Daylight Saving Time will return on Sunday, March 9, 2025, shifting the sunset time from 5:50 p.m. on March 8 to 6:51 p.m. on March 9.
This story was produced through a collaboration between the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and science and news group Climate Central. Kaitlyn Weber (Climate Central) contributed data reporting.
For Dr. Emily Walz and her three boys, summer days are normally spent playing outside and digging for bugs. But that all changed last year when wildfire smoke blanketed Wisconsin.
As the Waukesha-based psychiatrist saw the mental health of her patients suffer amid suffocating smoke connected to warming temperatures, she kept her kids — now ages 2, 4 and 7 — indoors and wore a mask even for her hourlong drive to work.
Wisconsin's air last summer was punctuated by alien moonscapes of hazy orange skies, pervasive odors and gasps triggered by tiny smoke particles inside lungs. Days stuck inside were unwelcome reminders of months of isolation during the start of the COVID pandemic, Walz said.
Here's why the current generation of youngsters is full of snowflakes and fairies: they are taught to fail. All of that "wokeness" causes mental health damage. Keep teaching kids that the world is a terrible place and it becomes one. Dying your hair blue and adopting affectations is not an appropriate response to the world's problems.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a statistical dead heat in Wisconsin, according to a Marquette University Law School poll that for the first time measures the updated head-to-head matchup.
Among registered voters, 50% supported Trump and 49% supported Harris. Among likely voters, 50% supported Harris and 49% supported Trump, according to the poll released Wednesday. When polling for President Joe Biden and Trump, Biden was at 42% and Trump at 47% among registered voters.
"Harris, by replacing Biden, has really made up this deficit that had been created with Biden's problem with the debate," poll director Charles Franklin said. "The party obviously just really quickly coalesced around (Harris), and that has boosted people's perceptions of her in terms of favorability."
The new poll surveyed 877 registered voters, between July 24 and Aug. 1. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.6 percentage points. There were 801 likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8 points. Starting next month, the poll will emphasize likely voters as the November election draws closer, Franklin said.
The results released Wednesday are the first installment of the poll since Biden dropped out of the race and Harris became the Democratic nominee. The June poll before his exit showed Biden essentially tied with Trump in Wisconsin, but with lagging voter enthusiasm for Biden.
Harris is an incompetent boob. Speaking of incompetent boobs, what is Biden saying? Is he saying that he's incompetent now, which means he should resign immediately, or is he saying that he'll become incompetent when the election draws near? As for Trump, who wants a criminal for president? Worst choice of candidates ever!
The software developer has purchased 69 acres along Louis Sorenson Road, in Mount Pleasant, for $12.4 million, according to Wisconsin Department of Revenue property records. The seller was Audrey L. Schaefer Family LLC.
Also, Microsoft has purchased a 10-acre tract on that same road for $800,000, according to those land records. The seller was John A. Holmes.
Finally, the company bought a combined 64 acres, from an affiliate of Robert Funk Farms Inc. and a trust linked to Bruce Funk and Vicki Funk, for $14.04 million.
Those purchases come after Microsoft in May bought 32.1 acres at 12721 Louis Sorenson Road for $8.8 million. The seller was an affiliate of development firm Wangard Partners Inc.
A company representative couldn't be immediately reached Friday for information about Microsoft's plans for the land.
The company in December bought just over 1,000 acres of nearby farm land that's being developed for data centers. The three transactions totaled nearly $176 million.
The company paid the Village of Mount Pleasant $63.2 million for 400 acres on Braun Road and Durand Avenue. Also, Microsoft paid the village $36.5 million for 241 acres on County Highway H.
Finally, the company bought 407 acres on Braun Road and Durand Avenue from Creuziger Farms Inc. for $76 million, according to state land records.
Microsoft says it will spend $3.3 billion by 2026 to build the initial phase of its data center development.
But that's merely the architecture for success, Microsoft President Brad Smith told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in May.
Equally important, Smith said, is an investment in training that is expected to help more than 100,000 workers learn cutting-edge AI-related skills, STEM programming for middle school students, summer job opportunities for high school students and tools for business leaders to learn how to most successfully tap the power of artificial intelligence in their operations.
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