Bill Barth

1 week ago | wnanews.com | Bill Barth

By Bill BarthDownload this column as a Word documentDownload headshotI have visited Benjamin Franklin’s grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Old Ben must be spinning in it right now, his supply of brotherly love seriously tested. The U.S. Postal Service he founded has become – let’s try to say this without profanity – a stumbling mess.

1 week ago | beloitdailynews.com | Bill Barth

None of this should come as a surprise. Beloiters got their first look a few days ago at spending cuts that follow the failed school district referendum. Adjusting the budget is going to be a difficult process fraught with opportunities for conflict. kAm%96 25>:?:DEC2E:@? @FE=:?65 G2C:@FD A@E6?E:2= 4FED] t=:>:?2E:?8 ?:?6 46?EC2= @77:46 2?5 25>:?:DEC2E:G6 A@D:E:@?D 4@F=5 D2G6 S`]c >:==:@?] #65F4:?8 6=6>6?E2CJ D49@@= A@D:E:@?D 3J ac 4@F=5 D2G6 2?@E96C >:==:@?\A=FD] %96 5:DEC:4E 4@F=5 D2G6 S`]e >:==:@?

1 week ago | beloitdailynews.com | Bill Barth

The facts do not seem to be in serious dispute. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan learned that federal immigration agents were waiting outside her courtroom for an individual who was scheduled to appear before her on a separate matter. Dugan confronted agents, and then allegedly allowed the suspect to exit through a non-public area to avoid federal authorities. The suspect was captured after a chase. Subsequently, Dugan was arrested on two federal felony charges for obstructing the agents.

1 week ago | beloitdailynews.com | Bill Barth

I have stood at Benjamin Franklin’s grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Old Ben must be spinning in it right now, his supply of brotherly love seriously tested. kAm%96 &]$] !@DE2= $6CG:46 96 7@F?565 92D 364@>6 — =6E’D ECJ E@ D2J E9:D H:E9@FE AC@72?:EJ — 2 DEF>3=:?8 >6DD]k^AmkAm!6C 9:D H:==[ E96 :?D4C:AE:@? 96 5:C64E65 7@C E96 8C2G6D:E6 C625 D:>A=J[ “q6?;2>:? 2?5 s63@C29 uC2?<=:?]” |2J36 E9:D E9@C@F89=J p>6C:42?

1 week ago | hngnews.com | Bill Barth

Sometimes the solution to a problem presents itself through the absurdity of the alternative. The Capitol Report, produced by the nonpartisan WisPolitics.com, recently filed a story that Democrat Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leadership have been holding talks on cutting a budget deal that would include tax cuts. kAm(:D!@=:E:4D ?@E6D E92E E96 4@?G6CD2E:@?D 2C6 “F?FDF2=]”k^AmkAm(9:49 :D 2? F?56CDE2E6>6?E]k^AmkAmx? 5:G:565 (:D4@?D:? E96 @AA@D:E6 92D 366?