Author: Insights

Across the American South, statues of Confederate generals loomed in public squares, along courthouse lawns, and at the entrances to museums for decades. Those monuments, erected during periods of racial backlash in the early 20th century, once stood unchallenged. In the last few years, however, a widespread movement has drawn attention to the cruelty, oppression, and racism symbolized by the figures. In an era more open to conversations about sexuality and identity, some historical experts have contemplated if certain Confederate leaders might have been gay, or what we would now understand as part of the LGBTQ community. Speculation ranges...

The Trump administration has removed explicit prohibitions against segregated facilities in federal contracts, a change that took effect immediately in March across all civil federal agencies. The shift eliminated a clause that had barred federal contractors from maintaining segregated workplaces, dining areas, and other facilities, a restriction that had been in place for the decades since Jim Crow. The change, outlined in a General Services Administration memo, follows Donald Trump’s executive order on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which repealed a 1965 directive signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. That executive order had required federal contractors to comply with federal...

Wisconsin’s defense industry stands at a crossroads as foreign governments rethink their reliance on American-made military equipment. Companies such as Oshkosh Defense and Fincantieri Marinette Marine are facing uncertainty because Donald Trump’s combative approach to allies has sown doubts about long-term cooperation. That matters to thousands of Wisconsin workers who depend on defense contracts for stable, well-paying jobs. It also matters to the many small businesses across the state that supply parts, materials and services. If allies cut purchases of U.S. weaponry, Wisconsin could lose billions in potential revenue and see entire communities suffer. OSHKOSH DEFENSE FACES UNCERTAIN ORDERS...