Medicaid fueling opioid epidemic? New theory is challenged

WASHINGTON — An intriguing new theory is gaining traction among conservative foes of the Obama-era health law: Its Medicaid expansion to low-income adults may be fueling the opioid epidemic.If true, that would represent a shocking outcome for the Affordable Care Act.

Senator Ron Johnson questions whether Wisconsin should bear full $3B Foxconn cost

MILWAUKEE — U.S. Senator Ron Johnson is questioning whether Wisconsin should bear the full $3 billion in financial incentives being considered to lure electronics giant Foxconn Technology Group to the state.Johnson raised the question since Illinois workers would also benefit from the plant, which is expected to be built in southeast Wisconsin near the border.Johnson made the remarks Tuesday, August 15th to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, saying the incentives package state lawmakers are weighing is "a risk worth taking." But he says the question is "should Wisconsin be the one to bear the full three" billion since others will benefit, too.Critics of the deal have questioned whether the state should offer so much in subsidies to the Taiwan-based company.

Senate confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court, will be sworn in Monday

WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Neil Gorsuch to become the newest associate justice on the Supreme Court Friday, elevating Donald Trump's nominee following a corrosive partisan confrontation that could have lasting impacts for the Senate and the court.Vice President Mike Pence was presiding as the Senate voted 54-45 in favor of Gorsuch, a 49-year-old veteran of the 10th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Denver whose rulings make him an intellectual heir to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, whose seat he will fill.

Wisconsin Republicans praise US missile strike on Syria

MADISON — Wisconsin Republicans are praising President Donald Trump's missile strike against Syria.House Speaker Paul Ryan calls the action "appropriate and just." He calls them tactical strikes that "make clear that the Assad regime can no longer count on American inaction as it carries out atrocities against the Syrian people."Sen.

Missouri trooper, ordered to lead security after shooting of Michael Brown speaks in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- A Missouri state trooper on Thursday, April 6th spoke in Milwaukee -- telling the story of the event he calls the most challenging of his career.He was ordered to lead security during protests in Ferguson following the fatal officer-involved shooting of Michael Brown.Captain Ron Johnson spoke at the Harley-Davidson Museum -- the guest speaker at a presentation on diversity and inclusion.PHOTO GALLERYJohnson was in charge of keeping the calm after protesters took to the streets following the shooting.He talked about leadership in times of crisis."My vision was in a tunnel and I say to myself 'how are we going to put out this fire?' And I don't say that from a standpoint of being a fireman.