DAILY BRIEFING

Standardized test scores dropped across the state during pandemic-ravaged school year and arrests made in missing boy's mother's homicide

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Standardized test scores dropped in Milwaukee and statewide last spring, with participation way down

  • Wisconsin students scored lower and were less likely to participate in statewide tests during a pandemic-ravaged 2020-21 school year, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Instruction.

  • Forward exams, which test students in grades 3-10, were not administered in the 2019-20 school year because of the pandemic. Comparing scores between spring 2019 and spring 2021 for students who took the test, the percentage of students who scored “proficient” or better dropped in every subject area statewide: In English, 39% of test-takers were proficient or better, a 6% drop from 2019; math, 39% of test-takers were proficient or better, a 12% drop; social studies, 49%, a 3% drop; and science, 52%, a 4% drop from 2019.

  • Scores dropped for students in both rural and urban settings, in all corners of the state. But the drops were steeper than average in Milwaukee, where scores were already below state rates.

Arrests made in missing boy's mother's homicide

  • Milwaukee police have two people in custody related to the homicide of Mallery Muenzenberger, according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the situation.

  • The Police Department confirmed to the Journal Sentinel late Wednesday that multiple people had been arrested as part of the investigation and two were still in custody as of Wednesday evening. Police believe the people taken into custody may have knowledge of what happened to Muenzenberger and her son, Major Harris, who has been missing for a week.

  • Major's father, Carlton Harris, said his emotions are wearing thin after police and volunteer searchers have turned up little trace of his son. “It’s been too long and I’m afraid,” he said. “So much time has passed I’m getting angry, I’m getting upset and I’m tired of being humble about my son. I’m begging y’all, please.”

Biden administration reveals COVID-19 vaccination plan for kids 5 to 11: 'We're going to be ready'

  • The shots could be authorized the first week of November. A key Food and Drug Administration advisory committee is expected to make its recommendation on Oct. 26. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention independent advisory committee is set to weigh in during meetings on Nov. 2-3. The recommendations must be approved by both agency heads.
  • Biden administration officials revealed a comprehensive plan to supply enough vaccine for the approximately 28 million children once the shots are approved. The administration estimates that about 15 million doses will be available within the first week.
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden’s chief medical adviser and the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told reporters that vaccinating millions of children ages 5 to 11 will not only protect them against COVID-19 but also stifle community transmission and nudge the country closer to herd immunity. 

A Trump-backed Sean Duffy candidacy would scramble GOP field in Wisconsin governor's race

  • When former President Trump urged Sean Duffy to run for Wisconsin governor over the weekend it scrambled the race and raised the possibility of an intense Republican primary. Duffy isn't saying what his plans are. 
  • By simply raising the idea, Trump has reshaped yet another race. Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has had the primary race largely to herself after longtime lobbyist Bill McCoshen decided not to run after spending months considering a campaign. 
  • GOP sources offer very different assessments on how likely it is that Duffy gets in the race. "He is definitely thinking about it. He’s talking with family and friends and will make a decision soon," one person close to Duffy said. "He obviously has not knocked down the suggestion — he’s taking it seriously." But another source said Duffy's consideration was not "particularly serious."

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The Money

FRANKLIN: Franklin 'doesn't really have a heart,' developer says. But now it has a mixed-use concept to give it one.

CASINO: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino stayed open all night Monday for the first time since March of 2020 when COVID-19 started spreading in the area. The hotel and casino resumed 24-hours-a-day operations Monday, Potawatomi announced in a statement.

The Fun Stuff

GIANNIS: 'Rise,' the movie about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family, will premiere on Disney+ in 2022.

WEEKEND: 5 things you probably should be doing in Milwaukee this weekend, from a Halloween party in Bay View to Brickworld.

HALLOWEEN: Here are 9 extremely Wisconsin Halloween costume ideas, from The Fonz to a fish fry.

The Games

BREWERS: After an offensive letdown led to a first-round playoff exit, the Brewers have dismissed hitting coach Andy Haines.

BUCKS: Nickel - The biggest challenge for the Bucks this season may be weighing work vs. rest.

PACKERS: Silverstein - The Packers need to keep Aaron Rodgers healthy by leaning heavily on the run game.

MORE PACKERS: There are reports that the Packers will sign former Houston Texans defensive end Whitney Mercilus, who would provide the injury-depleted Packers with a pass-rushing boost.

Around Wisconsin

AREA CODES: All Wisconsin phone calls will require dialing the area code starting Sunday.

HUNTING: Wisconsin conservation groups say they were left out of talks on a sandhill crane season and other hunting bills.

ABORTION: Republican lawmakers passed a package of bills Wednesday aimed at limiting abortions in Wisconsin — proposals that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is likely to veto. 

Today in Wisconsin History

On Oct. 21, 1971, President Richard Nixon nominated Shorewood native William H. Rehnquist to the U.S. Supreme Court. Rehnquist served as an associate justice from 1972 to 1986 and as chief justice from 1986 until his death in 2005.

Today's Weather

We squeezed another nice day out of this week yesterday but that ends today. Showers are likely today with a high of 54.

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