Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Great Lakes Compact.
Great Lakes Water Resources Compact Bill.  The Senate is expected to take up the Great Lakes Compact bill on Wednesday; the Assembly possibly Wednesday but more likely on Thursday.
Wisconsin Legislative Council.  Executive summary of the Great Lakes Water Compact Bill (April 2008 Special Session SB-1).
Alliance for the Great Lakes.  Wisconsin poised to act on Great Lakes Compact. 
Various Environmental Groups.  Historic Great Lakes Compact vote expected tomorrow. 

Legislators/Issues.
Sen. Harsdorf.  Lock up repeat drunk drivers. 

State Officials & Agencies.
Governor Doyle.  Announces steps to reduce racial disparities.  Report of Commission to Reduce Racial Disparities in the Wisconsin Justice System.  Executive Order. 
Reaction
Sen. Coggs.  Applauds executive order on racial disparities.

Governor Doyle.  To lead trade mission to India.
DHFS. Secretary Timberlake observes Women's Health Week.
DFI. Supports first-ever national financial literacy challenge.
Lt. Gov.  Encourages students to "dream big" and sign the Wisconsin Covenant pledge.
Lt. Gov.  Lodi accepts Lt. Governor's Energy Star School Challenge.
Wisconsin Emergency Management.  Keep informed:  Invest in a NOAA weather radio. 
Government Accountability Board.  State chief elections officer to testify before Congress.
WisDOT.  Op Ed Secretary Busalacchi:  Click It or Ticket off on May 19 to boost safety belt use.
WisDOT.  Public information meeting May 19 for WIS 144 in Sheboygan County. 
WisDOT.  Governor Doyle approves I-39/Business 51 interchange improvements.
DNR.  Weekly News Report (Now is the time to test private well water, other stories). 
DNR.  Proposed wastewater treatment plant improvement project for the Town of Lyons Sanitary District #2, Walworth County. 

Statewide.
Wisconsin Realtors Association.  Wisconsin home prices fall modestly as sales decline.
UW Madison.  Real estate conference to examine challenges, opportunities in today's housing markets.
Wisconsin State Journal. USDA: Wisconsin dry hay stocks at lowest level since 1950.
Duluth News Tribune.  New law helps Wisconsin victims of abuse void rental contracts without penalty.
WISTAX. Wisconsin virtual school enrollment growing rapidly.

Energy/Environment.
US Dept. of Energy.  Wind energy could produce 20% of US electricity by 2030. 
WI Environment. Statement on wind energy.
Sen. Feingold.  Praise effort to lower gas prices.
Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance.  New grants to help gas stations install E85 pumps.
Wausau Daily Herald. Lawmakers push biofuels study.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Gas tops $4 at some Milwaukee area stations.
Sauk Prairie Eagle. Gas attendants: Don't shoot the messenger.  

Clean Wisconsin.  Wisconsin enters new era in fight against global warming (memorandum of understanding with United Kingdom).

Education.
DPI.  Twenty-four alternative education grants awarded for 2008-09 school year. 
The Seed Foundation.  Mike D'Amato named new Wisconsin director.
UW Madison.  Alumnae to speak at spring commencement ceremonies.
Rhinelander Daily News.  Committee gets first glimpse of school budget ("We're looking at the destruction of education in northern Wisconsin" - School Board President Chuck Fitzgerald). 
WISTAX. Wisconsin virtual school enrollment growing rapidly.

Health.
Wisconsin Technology Network.  Healthcare 2015:  Without change, it's not a pretty picture.

Business.
Sanimax.  Honored with Governor's Export Achievement Award.

Courts/Legal.
Wisconsin Law Journal.  Appellate decision leaves state's seizure practices in question. 
Cullen Weston Pines & Bach.  Attorney recognized for pro bono service.
State Public Defender.  Board chair Dan Berkos named Leader of the Law.

Local Officials & Issues.
Dane County Exec. Falk. County launches efforts to connect teens with jobs, put former offenders to work.
Dane County Exec. Falk. County committee appointments.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  To fill potholes on city's southwest side.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee County green plan blasted.
Breathe Free Monona. Starts petition drive for quick smoke-free action.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
La Crosse Tribune. Johnson to challenge Kapanke for state Senate seat.

Congress.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on National Police Week.
Rep. Kagen.  Working hard to deliver new  GI bill.
Rep. Kind.  House and Senate to act on Kind plan to lower gas prices by halting purchases for strategic petroleum reserve. 
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.  Supports Farm Bill passage.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kagen to mile-high rescue.
Rep. Baldwin. Seeks fairness for all families (Family and Medical Leave Act)
 

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Senate will take the bill up on Tuesday (at 11 a.m.), the Assembly on Wednesday (at 11 a.m.). The Senate is expected to take up the Great Lakes Compact bill on Wednesday; the Assembly possibly Wednesday but more likely on Thursday.

Great Lakes Water Resources Compact Bill. 

Reaction
Sen. Decker.  Legislative leaders announce budget repair bill.
Speaker Huebsch.  Statement. 
Sen. Fitzgerald.  Will Sen. Decker commit to overriding veto raid on transportation fund? 
Rep. Nass.  Huebsch, Decker and Kreuser fail to fix state budget.  
Sen. Kedzie.  Budget repair pitch:  High and outside.
Sen. Erpenbach.  Pleaded that cell phone "Do Not Call" in budget repair. 
Rep. Pridemore.  Disappointed with budget deal. 

Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.  Applauds inclusion of child care funding in repair bill.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Tobacco, school money in (budget) deal.
Appleton Post Crescent. Editorial: State would benefit by looking at real cuts.

Legislators & Legislative Issues.
Sen. Kreitlow, Rep. Suder.  To lead study committee on renewable fuel.
Sen. Lassa.  Speaks out on fibromyalgia. 
Appleton Post Crescent. Sen. Ellis column: Doyle can't leave bridge work hanging.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  A drinking culture and its carnage. 
Wisconsin State Journal.  State reaches for credit card again. 

Organizations.
League of Women Voters of Kewaunee County.  Sister Guadalupe Munoz and Father Arthur Ribbens to speak on "Immigration: The Human Face" at May 21 dinner.
State Bar of Wisconsin.  New State Bar president seeks stronger justice system. 
Wisconsin Abstinence Coalition.  The Puzzled Solver (prom night).

State Agencies/Officials.
Governor Doyle.  Signs climate change agreement with United Kingdon.
Dept. of Tourism.  Wisconsin protects its share of tourism revenue in 2007.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story. 
Office of Justice Assistance.  Over 200 victims of human trafficking in Wisconsin. 
DATCP.  Potato growers re-elect three board members.
DWD.  Secretary Gassman announces $250,000 US Dept. of Labor grant to help eight western Wisconsin counties develop workforce strategies.
Wisconsin Arts Board.  Announces Percent for Art Mentorship Program.
Dept. of Veterans Affairs.  State edges closer to "right-size" plan for state veterans homes.
Dept. of Commerce.  Village of Greendale delegated to enforce commercial building codes.
Dept. of Commerce.  Waukesha County delegated responsibility for erosion control.
DOJ.  Kewaunee cheese factory and officer pay $100,000 for violating waste water management laws.
WisDOT.  Public meeting scheduled May 21st for WIS 100 (Brown Deer Road) in Milwaukee County. 
WisDOT.  Governor Doyle approves US 45 improvements.
Dunn County News.  State treasurer embarks on college savings tour in northwest Wisconsin. 

Statewide.
Wausau Daily Herald. Number of disabled veterans rising.
Wausau Daily Herald. Wisconsin remains tops in cheese competition with California.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Farms leaving conservation program.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State gets step ahead on GPS tracking.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State tells smokers to cough up taxes.

UW Madison Med Flight.
La Crosse Tribune. Three dead in Med Flight crash; feds begin investigation.
UW Health. Release on Med Flight crash.
Governor Doyle. Statement.
PRNewswire. Air Methods Corp. confirms fatal accident in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin State Journal. Med Flight loss highlights risk to health care workers.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Med Flight helicopter crash kills all three on crew.

Education.
Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice.  Alternative teacher certification oversold. 
UW Stout.  Chancellor addresses UW-Stout graduates.
St. Paul Pioneer Press.  Students cautioned to avoid cell phone, web pitfalls.

Energy/Fuel/Food.
American Lung Association of Wisconsin.  100 years of better breathing, 100 E-85 stations.
Clean Wisconsin/Sierra Club.  Expert and public to demand "no more coal" at Alliant shareholder meeting. 
Wisconsin State Journal.  Green power:  Utilities tap into renewable sources; some are customer owned. 
Oshkosh Northwestern.  Farm, planting costs are up, so groceries should continue to climb. 

Health.
Medical College of Wisconsin.  Rated best in Wisconsin by Charity Navigator. 
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Focusing on women's health all week.
RiverTowns.net.  St. Croix County puts out the smoking light in foster homes. 

Business.
Janesville Gazette.  Editorial:  GM's bad news comes with silver linings.
Janesville Gazette.  Editorial>  Here's why GM should keep plan here open.
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.  Envirotest to close Waukesha facility. 
PRNewswire.  Kalahari Waterpark Resort takes family fun beyond travelers' expectations with 110,000-square-foot entertainment complex.

Local Officials & Issues.
Milwaukee County Treasurer Diliberti. Foreclosure workshop set for May 21.
Milwaukee Rising.  Legal, environmental groups cite numerous flaws in I-94
environmental impact statement, other stories.
Waukesha County Executive Vrakas.  Op Ed:  Conservation is conservative.
Dane County Executive Falk.  Scheduled for May 10-18. 
Kenosha News.  From city hall to the ivy walls (former Mayor John Antaramian). 
Wisconsin Dells Events.  Waterparks working on kidnapping response plan.
Stevens Point Journal.  $565K deficit worries (Portage) County. 

Campaigns/Elections.
Johnson for 32nd Senate District.  Announces candidacy.
State Senate Democratic Committee.  Johnson announces candidacy for 32nd Senate District. 

Tribal Issues.
Appleton Post Crescent. Oneida back higher per capita payouts.

Congress.
Rep. Petri.  New York Times editorial reflects Rep. Petri's thinking (student loans). 
Appleton Post Crescent. New farm bill may have enough backing to override veto.
Appleton Post Crescent. Rep. Kagen Column: Nation fails its principles by denying health care.
Sheboygan Press.  Editorial:  Bring end to railroad antitrust exemption. 
Marshfield News Herald.  Economic stimulus checks cited in new scam. 
 

Friday, May 9, 2008

Budget Repair Bill.
Transportation Builders, Labor Groups. Letter to Speaker on transportation.
Transportation Development Association.  Four days to "Black Tuesday."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Doyle ducks questions on budget. 

Legislators/Legislative Issues.
Rep. Albers.  Will not seek re-election (AD-50).
Sen. Lazich.  Column:  Beware of tax rebate scams.
Rep. Kaufert.  Renews call to strengthen drunk driving laws.
Rep. Wasserman.  Commends Rep. Jeskewitz on her outstanding service.
Tri-County Commerce Association.  Bob Wolfgram:  Rural Wisconsin economy loses champion (Rep. Albers). 
PRNewswire.  MADD calls on Wisconsin lawmakers to pursue tougher drunk driving laws.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Editorial:  Law stops cash-and-carry justice.

State Agencies & Officials.
DOJ. Company agrees to pay $75,000 to settle environmental lawsuit.
DOC. Secretary recognizes winners of 2008 SALUTE award program.
DOT.  Weight restrictions lifted on north central region highways. 
DOT.  US 2 construction update.
DOT.  Adopt-a-Highway crews are sprouting again this spring. 
DWD.  Meeting notices for May 12-16. 
DATCP.  61st Alice in Dairyland to be selected in Sheboygan County May 14-16.
DHFS.  Lyme disease cases rise in Wisconsin. 

WMC.  Business groups take stand to defend Job Creation Act regulatory reform. 
Sierra Club.  Responses to WMC's spin on the mercury rule on WMC's lawsuit.  

Racine Journal Times. Coal plant to get OK to pull in lake water.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Corrections official reviews sick leave use.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Examiner rules politics influenced state lawyer's hiring.
Tomah Journal.  Editorial:  Eight-lane highway drains infrastructure dollars, encourages sprawl. 
RiverTowns.net.  Drug task force funding is drying up.

Organizations.
Wisconsin Policy Research Institute.  High health insurance cost in Wisconsin due to lack of competition.
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.   Onalaska women receives National Mother of Distinction award.

Energy.
Chippewa Herald.  Gas price up 9 cent a gallon overnight. 

Education.
UW System.  Telfer recommended as UW Whitewater chancellor.
UW Madison.  WARF licenses influenza vaccine technology to FluGen.
La Crosse Tribune. Western, UW-La Crosse work on transfer option.
La Crosse Tribune. Nontraditional students turns her life around at Western Technical.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Facebook, states set safeguards against bullying and predators.

DPI.  Two educators receive presidential teaching awards.
Jackson County Chronicle.  Budget challenges at Mel-Min created by soaring energy prices. 

Healthcare.
UW Madison.  Sweeping analysis of research reinforces media influence on women's body image. 
UW Health.  Research challenges current beliefs about vitamin D and bone health. 
It's Time to Breathe Free Coalition.  Michigan Senate approves strong smoke free law.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  Middle ground sought on smoke-free.
Wisconsin State Journal. Doctors encourage insurers to cover diabetes-curing bariatric surgery.

Business.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Manitowoc Co. bid trumped.
PRNewswire.  Air Wisconsin reports April traffic.

Congress.
Rep. Kind. Statement on Farm Bill agreement.
WI Farmers Union. Calls on Congress to pass Farm Bill.
Rep. Kind. Votes to support comprehensive housing legislation.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on Israel's 60th anniversary. 
Sen. Feingold.  Senate passes Feingold-Snowe measure recognizing Women's Health Week. 
Rep. Ryan.  Pork at what price?  The Gas Tax Relief and Earmark Moratorium Act of 2008. 
Rep. Baldwin.  Presses Rice on "unsatisfactory response" regarding State Department LGBT policies.
Rep. Sensenbrenner.  Ethanol mandate is out of date.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Competing House bills use databases to check workers' legal status.
Wall Street Journal.  M.D. congressman (Kagen) goes without health insurance.

Courts.
State Supreme Court.  Today's opinion (State v. Sou W. Her).

Tribal Issues.
Appleton Post Crescent. Oneida considers payouts.

Local Issues & Officials.
Milwaukee Alderman Zielinski.  Fair Trade Coalition to celebrate (World Fair Trade Day).
Greater Milwaukee Committee.  Milwaukee business leaders convene to discuss globalization in the Midwest. 
Milwaukee County Treasurer Diliberti.  Foreclosure workshop set for May 21.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  Celebrates Bike to Work Week with ride to City Hall. 
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  The Barrett Report:  I-94 - striking a better transit balance. 
Madison Mayor Cieslewicz.  Weekly schedule, May 12-16.
Sheboygan Press. Astronauts help generate enthusiasm for Spaceport.
La Crosse Tribune.  Plan keeps churches open.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Kevin Barrett. To run for Congress from 3rd District.  River Falls Journal story. 
La Crosse Tribune. Libertarian planning to challenge Rep. Kind.
Jackson County Chronicle.  Danou announces candidacy for 91st Assembly District. 
Merrill Foto News.   Merrill Democrat enters Assembly race (AD-35). 

Noted.
Racine Journal Times. Class pen pal gets a hero's welcome.
 

Thursday, May 8, 2008

State Agencies/Officials.
Governor Doyle.  Announces appointments to Government Accountability Board. 

Governor Doyle.  Seeks applicants for Jackson County judicial vacancy.
Attorney General Van Hollen.  State attorneys general reach agreement with Facebook to enhance Internet safety.
WisDOT.  Traffic deaths last month were second lowest for month of April.
WisDOT.  Schedules WIS 64 public information meeting for May 22.
WisDOT.  Schedules WIS 29 corridor preservation public meeting for May 21. 
WisDOT.  WIS 54 bridge in Sauk County now open to traffic. 
WisDOT.  Statewide task force to inspect compliance with dump truck safety laws.
DNR.  Pipeline expansion may result in incidental taking of rare turtle. 
DNR.  Outdoor Report for Thursday, May 8. 
DHFS.  Talking with your teen is key to preventing teen pregnancy. 
DWD.  Secretary Gassman announces Grow Grant to train workers in northwest region for jobs in emerging renewable energy sector. 
DOJ.  Dodge County company agrees to pay $150,000 to settle state environmental enforcement lawsuit.

Clean Wisconsin.  DNR issues new permit for "giant fish-killing machine."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Tax dollars;  The sick leave shuffle.

Organizations.
Smoke Free Wisconsin.  Maureen Busalacchi - Celebrate Mother's Day by protecting moms. 
Wisconsin Environmental Law Advocates.  Agreement reached with Portient, Inc.
Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation/National Kidney Foundation.  Yvette Freeman, "ER's" Nurse Haleh Adams, to keynote Women of the World Conference May 10.

Economy/Energy.
Lt. Governor Lawton.  Eau Claire accepts Lt. Governor's Energy Star school challenge. 
Lt. Governor Lawton.  La Crosse accepts Lt. Governor's Energy Star school challenge.
Sierra Club.  Shareholders beware:  Investments in new coal could go up in smoke. 
Wisconsin State Journal.  Gas price up 14 cents a gallon overnight.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  For a cheap ride, try a moped. 
The Capital Times.  American Superconductor nears profit with booming wind business.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Schneider to slow trucks to 60 mph. 

Business.
PRNewswire.  SC Johnson alerts consumers to protect them from a fake check scam.
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.  WARF inks 24th stem cell license. 

Education.
DPI.  Exemplary principals complete participation in urban leadership project.
US EPA.  Awards $37,271 grant to Manitowoc Public School District for clean school bus project.
Milwaukee Public Schools.  School nurses ease barriers to learning (National School Nurses Week.)
La Crosse Tribune. Holmen considers first charter school.
Wisconsin State Journal. Three of four chancellor candidates have ties to UW-Madison.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. Chancellor's Roundtable debates column.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. College of Business initiative creates globalized curriculum.
UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Lobbyists for student issues face financial constraints on campus.

Courts.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.  New report documents special interest pressure on Midwest courts.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Former Supreme Court Justice O'Connor urges education about the judiciary.
Detroit Free Press.  No benefits for gay partners (Michigan Supreme ) Court says.

Local Officials & Issues.
Citizen Action of WI. Rally set for Woodman's employees in Janesville.
Highway J Citizens Groups, UA.  Grassroots citizens rally in support of reducing speed limit on Highway 164. 
Milwaukee County Board Judiciary, Safety & General Service Committee.  Provides valuable services to numerous public and private organizations. 
Milwaukee Alderman Zielinski.  Milwaukee takes World Coffee Break (World Fair Trade Day event). 

Congress.
Sen. Kohl.  Initiates GAO investigation into high food prices at hearing on consolidation in the meatpacking industry.
Sen. Kohl.  "NOPEC" initiative to reduce gas prices included in Senate leadership's energy package.
Sen. Kohl.  Announces $850 million food aid boost for FY08 in supplemental. 
Rep. Moore.  Calls for better mental health treatment for American soldiers.
Rep. Kagen.  Applauds Commerce Department's preliminary determination on light weight thermal paper. 
Rep. Kagen.  Adds more local experience to his congressional staff. 
Rep. Petri.  Honored with an A in English award.
Rep. Sensenbrenner.  Postage increase to affect cost of US Capitol flags. 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State veterans push for new GI bill.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kind, Ryan lose farm bill votes.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
UW Survey Center.  Badger Poll:  Wisconsinites' satisfaction with state and national politics.
Wasserman for 8th Senate District.  Discount generic drug program expands, leaving Wisconsin consumers behind.

Racine Journal Times. Local Democrats received more out-of-state money than Republicans in 2007.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Democratic nomination;  Calling the game.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Fight for uncommitted Democratic Party superdelegates  - including five in Wisconsin - is heating up.
The Capital Times.  John Nichols;  (Kevin) Barrett will shake up 3rd District race. 

Noted.
RiverTowns.net.  Search is on for fabled Lake Pepin monster.
 

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Wausau Daily Herald. Beer tax hike urged.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Democrats may derail budget fix.
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Kreuser wants end to budget repair debate. 
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Warnings on transportation fund raid.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  Wisconsin state workers travel despite warning. 

State Agencies and Officials.
Governor Doyle.  Proclaims State Employee Recognition Day. 
Governor Doyle.  Announces funding for DNASTAR expansion. 
Dept. of Commerce.  Governor Doyle announces funding for LoanSifters, Inc.
Dept. of Commerce.  Governor Doyle announces funding for BWAY Corporation. 
Dept. of Commerce.  Annual visit from overseas directors begins May 12 (international trade team). 
DOJ.  Jones to serve jail time for battering elderly woman to whom she was a caregiver. 
DOJ.  Morris pleads guilty to felony neglect of resident for causing burns to patient in his care.
DATCP.  Local governments receive grants to fund unwanted prescription drug disposal. 
Dept. of Regulation and Licensing.  Orders for February. 
Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial.  18th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Friday. 
Wisconsin Emergency Management.  Get ahead of the storm - invest in a NOAA weather radio. 

Statewide Issues.
UW Survey Center.  Badger Poll:  Opinions on the Iraq conflict after five years. 

Green Bay Press Gazette. Guest column by Margaret Harrington: Rape victims, families celebrate law.
Racine Journal Times. Racine City Council votes to allow electric vehicles.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Sheriff supports E911 cell phone surcharge.
Wisconsin State Journal. State to propose inspecting all new permanent thrill rides.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Its never to late to quit (smoking).
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Corrections officers complain of lax security measures.

Education.
UW System.  UW Madison chancellor finalists named.

WEAC.  WEAC leaders, delegates make pledge to move to action.
DPI.  Wisconsin has three presidential scholars.
UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Four campus staff apply to be Madison chancellor.
Wisconsin State Journal. UW-s Ogg Hall left half razed after state kills contract with demolition company.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Carroll weighs 'university.'

Health.
UW Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention.  Wisconsin expert led effort on new national tobacco treatment guidelines released today.
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Sickness outbreak in eastern Wisconsin. 

Energy/Food.
Sen. Feingold.  Feingold-backed effort to prevent energy market manipulation included in farm bill. 

Public Service Commission.  Agenda for Thursday, May 8 meeting. 

Business.
Wisconsin Technology Network.  Tom Still:  Should V-C owned small businesses receive government grants? 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  UW Madison:  Gravitational pull. 
PRNewswire.  Midwest Air Group reports April performance.
PRNewswire.  Appleton applauds Commerce Dept. decision to sanction unfair imports of lightweight thermal paper from China and Germany. 
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.  Ranks the "smartest" cities in the US  (Madison is #1, Milwaukee #37). 

Courts.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.  Special interest money concerns chief justice.
The Capital Times.  Q&A with Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. 

Local Officials & Issues.
Milwaukee Council Pres. Hines. Calls for action in evaluating Milwaukee's racial disparities.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Ashwaubenon committee votes to ban sex offenders from parks, schools.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Allouez rejects sex offender ban.
Wausau Daily Herald. County panel calls for higher fees.
La Crosse Tribune. Holmen moves closer to selling Star Hill to Lions Club for $600.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Data on inmates available online.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.  School voucher supporters top out-of-state givers. 
Racine Journal Times. Vos announces he'll run for re-election against Flashinski.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Krueger center of GOP probe.
La Crosse Tribune. City employee considers run for top city office.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Editorial:  Voter ID, wrong for Wisconsin. 

Congress.
Sen. Feingold.  Continues call for national affordable housing trust fund.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on the USS Cole investigation. 
Racine Journal Times. Local Democratic Party calls for Ryan to examine interrogation techniques.
Appleton Post Crescent. Thompson, Shalala offer views on health care reform.

Tribal Issues.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Tribes work to create drug task force.
 

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Rep. Bies/Sen. Lasee.  Legislators urge feedback from area small businesses. 
Sen. Jauch.  To hold press conference and listening session with Lac Courte Oreilles members Friday. 
Beloit Daily News.  Editorial:  Don't be bluffed by budget fear. 

State Agencies & Officials.
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. Consumer Alert: Seniors Beware.
Dept. of Commerce.  Invest in America event highlights overseas investment in America. 
DATCP.  State veterinarian Ehlenfeldt honored at UW Platteville commencement. 
Dept. of Tourism.  Governor's Council on Tourism takes meeting "on the road" to southwest Wisconsin. 
Wisconsin State Journal. No exceptions: Wisconsin lobbyists cannot donate to a fundraiser for a legislative aide with cancer.
DNR.  Weekly News Report (International Migratory Bird Day May 10, other stories). 
DNR.  Winsert, Inc. pursues big green goals as a Green Tier participant. 

Statewide.
UW Survey Center.  Badger Poll:  Wisconsin residents' opinions on health care reform.  
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. state leads in prison drug gap.

Organizations.
Wisconsin Counties Association.  e-News (Foth's Good Government Awards). 
WI Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. Survey of Metro Milwaukee reveals working conditions for nurses and quality of care are worsening.
Various Environmental Groups. Weigh in on proposed changes to mercury regulation.
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger. Thermal treatment of PCB paint disputed.
Wisconsin Literacy.  6th annual Celebration of Literacy May 8.
PRNewswire.  FOX News Channel's Brit Hume to emcee Bradley Prize Gala in Washington, D.C.
Natural Resources Foundation of WI/Americorps.  Join forces for largest invasive plant battle in Wisconsin. 

Energy/Food.
Sen. Carpenter.  Letter to Speaker Huebsch, Majority Leader Decker asking for re-evaluation of state fiscal support for ethanol. 
Sen. Kohl.  Urges immediate action for global food crisis. Appleton Post Crescent story.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. GOP group wants curbs on ethanol.
Rep. Ryan.  Moving toward a more coherent energy policy. 
Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance.  New UW-Madison study shows ethanol not responsible for rising food prices.
New Richmond News.  Wisconsin AG Secretary upset with plan to eliminate ethanol subsidies. 

Wisconsin Energy Corporation.  Wisconsin Energy's Klappa to participate in panels at Goldman Sachs 8th annual Power and Utility Conference.

Business.
WMC.  45 companies nominated for environment awards.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Great Wolf CEO resigns.
PRNewswire. Great Wolf Resorts reports 1st Qtr results.
PRNewswire.  AirTran Airways launches Milwaukee expansion with nonstop flights to more destinations.
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Harley's edgy new ads.

Education.
PRNewswire.  Renaissance Learning (Wisconsin Rapids) releases groundbreaking reading habits report. Link to the report. 

UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Regents close to naming UW chancellor finalists.
Wisconsin State Journal. Report: Faculty flight a 'crisis situation' at UW-Madison.
UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Senior Class president charged with misdemeanor theft.
UW Madison.  Alumnae to speak at spring commencement ceremonies.
Wausau Daily Herald. Wisconsin school costs high.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Fox Valley Tech announces new president.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Elmbrook mixes in half-day kindergartners.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. UW safety program criticized.

Courts.
Wisconsin Supreme Court.  Today's opinion:  Nic J. Eichenseer v. Madison-Dane County Tavern League, Inc. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story. 

Local Officials & Issues.
Milwaukee Rising.  Top city officials sign letter opposing expansion of North-South I-94; sections of County Grounds detention basins wash away.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Transit:  Immediate survival.
Dane County Executive Falk.  Releases requirements for the 2009 county budget.  Memo to department heads. 
Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission.  Public listening sessions to provide input for the draft Dane County Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan. 
Milwaukee County Supervisor West.  Statement on the passing of Del Porter.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  To recognize Public Service Recognition Week.
Main Street Milwaukee, others.  Taste of SOHI Friday, May 16. 
Milwaukee County Executive Walker.  Announces March passenger count at all-time high for Mitchell International. 
La Crosse Tribune. County: How much 'green' is jail worth?
Wisconsin State Journal. Expert calls Dane County 911 staffing inadequate
Janesville Gazette.  Editorial:  Rock County 911 offers assurances to residents. 
  .
Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Democratic Party of WI. Local Democrats elected as national convention delegates.
Center for Competitive Politics.  Legislator occupations - change or status quo after clean elections?  Link to full study. 
One Wisconsin Now.  McCain education plan:  All teachers left behind.
Racine Journal Times. Linda Flashinski to challenge Rep. Vos for Assembly (63rd District).

Congress.
Sen. Feingold.  To question counterterrorism nominee about Intel gaps.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on farm bill MILC provision. 
Sen. Kohl.  Lauds stronger MILC provision in farm bill. 
Rep. Petri.  Statement from hearing on aviation emissions. 
Rep. Kind.  Announced Third Congressional District Art Contest winners.
 

Monday, May 5, 2008

Budget Repair Bill. 
Rep. Pridemore.  Encourages colleagues to cut spending to fix the $652 million budget deficit.  LFB memo on unpaid leave. 
Transportation Development Association.  Eight days to "Black Tuesday."
Sheboygan Press. Editorial: Solve budget problem, don't just pass it on.

State Agencies & Officials.
State Treasurer Sass.  Announces results of fourth unclaimed property eBay auction. 
DOJ. Receives victim and witness protection grant to assist in fighting violent crime in Milwaukee.
DOJ. Fassbender receives award for investigative work.
WisDOT.  Public information meeting set for May 14 for WIS 69/92 improvements in Belleville. 
WisDOT.  Public information meeting scheduled May 13 for US 2/WIS 13 intersection in Bayfield County. 
WisDOT.  Public information Meeting scheduled May 15 for WIS 27. 
WisDOT.  Public information meeting scheduled May 12 for US 53 in City of Osseo. 
DATCP.  Governor Doyle declares week of May 18-24 as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. 

Milwaukee Mayor Barrett, others.  Letter to WisDOT urging balanced transportation approach regarding I-94 north/south corridor.
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.  April 2008 Administrative Actions.
Wisconsin State Journal. Was politics a factor in Sass' hiring decisions?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Guards use sick days to inflate salary.

Education.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. Candidate stresses engaging students.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. Candidate thinks global.
Wausau Daily Herald. Justice Bradley: Higher education critical for economic success.
La Crosse Tribune. UW-La Crosse adding program to address student drinking.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Better pay luring UW chancellors.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Waukesha West loses national title by hairbreadth.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  UW Stout designer finds place with sitters and skaters.

Energy.
Customers First!  The Wire (newsletter):  Power breakfast focused on warming, other stories.

Health.
Medical College of Wisconsin.  Receives grant to study retinal cell development. 
DHFS.  You can control your asthma - World Asthma Day. 

Statewide.
Missing Persons Network of Wisconsin.  Receives JJ Keller gift to fund recovery efforts for Wisconsin families. 
Sierra Club, others.  Environmental groups weigh in on proposed changes to mercury regulations.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Officials: Rise in day care complaints due to awareness.
Wisconsin State Journal. Fines can't go to non-profit and anti-crime groups.
Wisconsin State Journal. Falk says limits on surcharges hurt 911 Center.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State-sanctioned killing of mute swans shelved.
Minneapolis Star Tribune.  Brrrr is the word in Wisconsin for the fishing opener.
PRNewswire.  Fire sprinklers where we live, work and play: Building Safety Week is May 5-11.

Business.
Wisconsin Realtors Association.  Realtors return to Capitol Hill - Mid-year legislative meetings to focus on effort to stabilize housing markets.
Plum Creek Timber Company.  Replants about 1.5 million seedlings on
Wisconsin land.

La Crosse Tribune. Kwik Trip is still family-owned and still growing.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Menards breaks new ground.
PRNewswire.  Lands' End announces winners of the 2008 'Teachers Light the Way' Contest.
PRNewswire.  Manitowoc Company directors approve 2 cent quarterly dividend.
Superior Daily Telegram.  Retail sales drop in some counties, not others. 
Wisconsin Ag Connection.  Specialty cheese production sets another record.
Door County Advocate.  Drought expected to affect '08 cherry crop.

Local Officials & Issues.
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Holloway.  Statement on mass transit funding. 
Milwaukee County Supervisor Coggs.  Appointed chair of County Board's Finance and Audit Committee. 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Milwaukee County government:  Time to blow it up? 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Shift sought in water quality focus.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Brown County warrants rack up $1.3 million tab.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Local landfill may be PCB waste site.
Racine Journal Times. Police consider sleek new squads.
La Crosse Tribune. City, county using more cell phones.
RiverTowns.net.  Law enforcement turning up the heat on I-94. 

Noted.
Green Bay Press Gazette. USS Green Bay nears completion.

Congress.
Rep. Baldwin. Dane County Regional Airport secures $9.2 million in federal funds for improvement projects.
Rep. Baldwin.  Cautions seniors on "notch" solicitations. 
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Farm bill negotiators agree to changes in dairy program.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Appleton Post Crescent. Caucus selects six for big vote.
Racine Journal Times. Four people from county will go to Denver.
Wausau Daily Herald. Feingold still not revealing preference for Obama or Clinton.
Tomah Journal.  Editorial:  WE are better than THEM:  It's another form of elitism. 
 

Friday, May 2, 2008

Energy.
Sierra Club.  Alliant Energy double talk to protect public health from mercury disappoints many.
Dairyland Power Cooperative.  Helps fund scope for river observation. 

Local Officials & Issues.
Madison Mayor Cieslewicz.  Weekly schedule May 5-10. 
Dane County Executive Falk.  Weekly schedule May 3-11.
Dane County Youth Commission.  Falk announces 2008 Youth Grants.
Milw. Ald. Davis. Honors sister city agreement with council resolution.
Milwaukee Alderman Donovan.  Cops and kids team up for clean up. 
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  The Barrett Report:  Your government at work for you. 
Wisconsin State Journal. Dane County's grade for particle pollution remains 'D' in annual air quality report.

Healthcare.
Wisconsin Catholic Conference.  Stem cell research must serve all, sacrifice none, bishops say.