News & Commentary

A federal appeals court ruling that said Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional remains intact, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to consider seven petitions asking the nation’s high court to decide the issue.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial Board | We'd still prefer a clear affirmative ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional across the country, but Monday's decision is still a historic moment in affirming the rights of all Americans to enjoy the benefits of marriage.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear any of the marriage equality cases before the justices, including one from Wisconsin, which will result in a massive expansion of opportunities for same-sex couples to legally marry.

Sun Prairie -- Speaking to reporters after a campaign event at a farm here, GOP Gov. Scott Walker said the state was abandoning its fight to keep its same-sex marriage ban. 

The following letter was sent to the Milwaukee Common Council regarding the Public Safety Committee Agenda Item on the prosecution of individuals for marijuana possession.

Written by The Wisconsin Gazette Tuesday, 30 September 2014 09:00

The following letter was sent to the Milwaukee Common Council regarding the Public Safety Committee Agenda Item on the Milwaukee Police Department's intent to pilot a program of using police officer body-worn cameras.

Significant racial disparities exist in marijuana enforcement in the City of Milwaukee.  In 2011, African Americans were over five times more likely to get arrested than white people, despite similar rates of usage.  Even as the total number of arrests decreased slightly from 2010 to 2011, the disparity of Black vs. white arrests increased.  Criminal record for simple possession creates a lifetime of collateral damage.  The punishment should fit the crime.

By Zoe Sullivan