Get to know Journal Sentinel Trending Politics Reporter Hope Karnopp

Like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's trend policy reporter, Hope Karnopp often tries to understand what is going on in the government and elections through stories and social media videos.

But in a story about the history of Wisconsin's first capital in Belmont, she explains how the state government started – and came where it is.

It's all part of the job for Karnopp, who came to the Journal Sentinel at the end of 2023 after he was reported as an intern of Sentinel in Madison about politics in Madison. Born in Green Bay, completed the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has dealt with presidential campaigns, both national conventions and laws in the head of the regional capitol since entering the Milwauke Newsroom.

Here you can get to know a little more:

Ask: You recently wrote a story about Belmont that was the capital of Wisconsin before Madison. What is your favorite detail from this story?

Answer: My favorite detail was by far the historical society employee who preserved calls from people who believe that they contact the first Capitol Salvage Yard. Apparently you keep the correct phone number on a post-IT note at hand. Sometimes I hear a perfect quote or a perfect anecdote during an interview, and it's like a light bulb in my brain. That was one of them.

It seems as if there was a lot of corruption in history to move the capital. Is there a scenario for resting in which Belmont is still the capital?

The decision only went back to a few votes, so it is certainly possible. I was surprised that Mineral Point was not selected because that was really the booming city at that time. It is astonishing that a person, James Doty, is responsible for what Madison looks like today. It is difficult to present it now as everything else.

Do you think your role is documenting the history of Wisconsin's political landscape, or was this an outlier? What is the central mission of the trend politic reporter?

This is perhaps the only story that I recorded in the Journal Sentinel, but I'm looking back quite a bit. For example, when I wrote about Wisconsin's referendum process, I dug up in the blue book and found some fascinating historical details that have shaped the story.

This is part of my trolling – the analysis of the analysis of what has changed in the entire policy of Wisconsin or how they have remained the same, such as rules for the return of absences. My job is a newcomer in our newsroom and means many different things, including the review of facts that are viral online.

I often explain what is going on behind our traditional politics headlines. When I was in the first choice at 18, I had no idea who or what would be on the ballot. I would like to provide this essential information for readers.

You can write Beat about many funny things in politics, such as a campaign display with a panda suit or legislators who want to make the Brandy old-fashioned. Is it difficult for you to promote the needle, to find appealing stories and at the same time to recognize how big a role can have politics for the lives of everyday citizens?

My philosophy behind these funny stories is to explain politics something serious that the readers did not know before. A Panda ad has to attract attention, but it also shows how candidates have to achieve voters differently in the digital age. Or why the legislators are worried about disturbing the beer or cheese lobby if they select a new state symbol.

Even my stories about specialized license plates go deeper. How do citizens interact with bureaucracy through state DMVs? Where does the money come from to improve the streets where we drive every day?

I try to find stories with great attraction, not political junkies, and I share how the government of the state government works in the process.

What was your way to journalism?

I loved creative writing as a child and filled many notebooks with the first chapters of books that I have never finished. I thought of being a teacher like my mother. I enjoyed my social studies courses in the high school, where we have connected current events with history.

Journalism seemed to be a combination of all these things. I went into college and didn't know exactly what it would bring, but I went to the State News Desk of the newspaper Daily Cardinal student, and the rest was history.

You are from Green Bay, went to school in Madison and now live and now work in Milwaukee. Which of the three largest cities in the state is really the best? Bonus points to say something nice about the big appleton.

Don't let me choose! I love the Pride Green Bay in our packers. Madison is the typical college city and the terrace is one of my favorite places, but I love the upgrade of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee's restaurant scene absolutely blew me away. The people who encourage them to move to Milwaukee are right.

Appleton is underestimated. Great mall, College Avenue Rocks, beautiful river bank. These are three things.

Politics at the moment: complicated! To express the least! Is that stressful? Consternation? What do you say to people who want to know what the job is?

It was a whirlwind in 2024. I treated both conventions and countless rallies. The election season is stressful, but I find it important to provide useful information when voices in Wisconsin are so important. This responsibility can feel how much, but our amazing, supportive team of politics sticks together.

I tell people that politics is largely civil and cooperative at the state level. Rep. Todd Novak conveyed this point in the first Capitol story. I try to emphasize examples of two -party services, which in my opinion most voters, who rarely want to see in headlines.

Name three things that are important to you that have nothing to do with work.

A cup of freshly brewed, moderate coffee in the morning and framed posters from indie rock concerts that I was with my family and they visited Door County.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply