So the Packers are in first place in the NFC North division heading down the stretch.The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals denies Trump and the Justice Department's request for a stay of the District Court opinion saying that Deutsche Bank and Bank One must give Congress 10 years of financial documents from Trump, his three oldest children, and his businesses. A Federal District Judge denies former White House Counsel Don McGahn's stay of his testimony to Congress. The House Intelligence Committee will release its report on the Ukraine scandal both to the public and to the House Judiciary Committee later today. Meanwhile, the Judiciary Committee will begin its impeachment hearings tomorrow with four academic lawyers opining on impeachable offenses. And it's still morning!

But the Best New Thing in the World Today, to borrow a trope from Rachel Maddow, is the Washington Post's Illustrated Mueller Report. It has a few formatting issues, at least if viewed on an ancient iPad, but is well worth a visit — especially if you did not have the time to read the whole 450 page saga. Go have a look.

And the goodies keep coming. In case you have not already RSVP'd, make sure you don't miss Tipping Point Wisconsin: An Evening with Celinda Lake. Who is Celinda Lake? She's one of the nation's renowned political strategist and pollsters. She'll be here to give what's bound to be a fabulous and insightful talk on the 2020 elections. All eyes will be on Wisconsin much of the coming year. In fact, in the two weeks leading up to the April 7 Non-Partisan Election and Presidential Preference Primary, there are no other primaries in the nation. So Wisconsin will be flooded with Democratic presidential candidates for two whole weeks. You'll be able to hear from some or all of them at the Milwaukee County Democratic Party's Annual Gala dinner scheduled for March 26. (Seating will be limited to 1000 lucky ticket buyers. So snap one up as soon as they become available!)

As for the upcoming elections, Grassroots North Shore is organizing a postcard campaign and I hope a texting campaign to encourage people to vote in the spring primary on February 18, 2020. We're planning the postcard parties now. While we do not yet have specific times, the dates we have chosen are January 13, 15, 21, 23, 27, and 29. There will undoubtedly be dates in early February as well. More information will be coming in the next two weeks. So mark your calendars now and plan to attend one or more of these events next month.

Statewide, the primary will include the Wisconsin State Supreme Court seat. In Milwaukee, there will be a primary for Milwaukee County Executive and Milwaukee City Mayor, as well as a host of judicial races. We will have lots of election information on our site — early voting information for each North Shore community, information about voter registration and how to find out what's on your own ballot — as soon as we get all that data in.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and is looking forward to a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, or whatever holiday you celebrate during the darkest days of the year. I'm personally looking forward to the return of light next year when we will be extremely busy with elections, with selecting delegates to the Democratic National Convention, and with the convention itself right here in Milwaukee in July 2020. Let's make our future brighter than our past!

EVENTS

Tue Dec 3, 2019

Earnell Lucas Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Holiday Reception to support Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas. He has spent the last year working every day to restore trust and integrity to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. Sponsorship Levels: $1000; $500; $250; $100. Suggested Contribution: $50. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated, but not required to attend. RSVP.

Mandela Barnes Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
ELMNT Lounge, 618 N. Water St., Milwaukee
A celebration of the 33rd birthday of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. (NOTE location has been changed.) Contribution levels: Host $1,000; Supporter $500; Friend $250; Guest $100. Suggested contribution $33. RSVP.

Wed Dec 4, 2019

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Thu Dec 5, 2019

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
NOTE: NEW DAY. The Democratic Party's Issues Committee holds its meeting on the first Thursday of each month. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Theo Lipscomb Volunteer Event, 5pm - 7pm
Sprecher Brewing Co., 701 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Join Theo Lipscomb for a special event with friends, family, and supporters! It will kick off the gathering of 3,000 signatures for his campaign to become County Executive. Everyone is invited to attend. Any contribution is welcome, but not necessary. No tickets required. More info.

Fri Dec 6, 2019

Climate Strike Protest, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Zeidler Park, 301 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Strike against the Chase and Wells Fargo Banks, the world's largest funders of fossil fuel industries. Hosted by 350 Milwaukee and allies. More information.

Milwaukee Dems Holiday Party, 6pm - 6pm
Running Rebels Banquet Hall, 1300 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Milwaukee
Please join us for a Holiday Party to support The 4th CongressionalDistrict of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee County Democratic Party. Please RSVP by ordering your tickets today. Donation levels: Individual $20; Supporter $100; Sponsor $200. If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call Terrell Martin at (414) 758-1261.

Sat Dec 7, 2019

BLOC People's Assembly, 12pm - 2pm
Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee
BLOC invites the community to provide feedback in the drafting of its policy platform for 2020. The platform will be drafted during the November 2 and November 9 meetings, and ratified on December 7. More info.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Locust Street & Humboldt Boulevard, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Sun Dec 8, 2019

GRNS Political Strategist Event, 4pm - 6pm
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee
Celinda Lake is one of the Democratic Party's leading political strategists, serving as tactician and senior advisor to the national party committees, dozens of Democratic incumbents, and challengers at all levels of the electoral process. You won't want to miss an evening hearing her deeply researched insights into the 2020 elections! Doors will open at 3: 00pm. Street parking only. This is a fundraiser for Grassroots North Shore. RSVP.

Mon Dec 9, 2019

Tearman Spencer Fundraiser, 5pm - 8pm
Caroline's Jazz Club, 401 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee
Spencer for City Attorney cordially invites you to a night of jazz, with special performances by Manty Ellis & Adekola Adedapo and friends. Suggested levels of support: $50, $100, $250, $500. For more information or to RSVP please contact: [email protected].

Warren East Side Meeting, 5:30pm - 7pm
East Side Library, 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee
East Side for Warren will meet to discuss upcoming events, ways to get involved in the community, and what problems are facing our community! Come learn about how you can get involved with Team Warren! All and any are welcome! RSVP.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr. , Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Tue Dec 10, 2019

Sheldon Wasserman Fundraiser for reelection as County Supervisor, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
3487 N Lake Dr, Milwaukee
Sponsorship rates at $1000, $500, $250, $100, or $50. All donations accepted.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we need. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

Drinking Liberally-Grafton End of Year Party, 6:30pm - 9pm
Water Street Brewery, 1251 Gateway Dr, Grafton
Agenda: None. It's a party.

350 Milwaukee Meeting, 7pm - 8:30pm
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Dec 11, 2019

Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am
Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole. More information and on Facebook.

Grass Roots South Shore, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore meets on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information call James Balk, 414-218-5944.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Thu Dec 12, 2019

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am - 8am
Zoofari Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: none. More information.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Sat Dec 14, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
76th Street & Layton Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month's guest is Jasmine Gonzalez from the CLOSEmsdf Campaign. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Dec 15, 2019

Dems Holiday/Volunteer Appreciation Party, 12pm - 4pm
Black Husky Brewing, 909 E. Locust St., Milwaukee
You are invited to our Milwaukee County Holiday/Volunteer Appreciation Party and we hope to see everyone there. We'll be celebrating the work we've done this year and looking forward to the year ahead! No RSVP required.