National issues front and center at first GOP presidential debate

MILWAUKEE — Republican presidential candidates sparred over abortion, economic policy and the ongoing criminal indictments of former President Donald Trump at the first debate of the 2024 presidential cycle in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23 — but despite the event's placement in a critical swing state, Wisconsin-specific issues were absent. Instead, the eight candidates worked to build their individual profiles before a national televised audience and in the absence of Trump, who declined to participate in the event but stands at the head of the pack six months out from...