UP: Virent Energy Systems. The Madison-based company gets a $46.4 million injection of fresh venture capital to pursue its goal of making biofuel from renewable plant sources. The company plans to use the money to hire additional employees and build a commercial plant to begin making fuel by 2015.
DOWN: UW students. UW President Kevin Reilly recommends the Board of Regents increase tuition by 5.5% next year at the state's 13 four-year universities. The board is set to vote on the increase Thursday. If approved, tuition for UW-Madison students will rise $638 - or roughly 37 cases of beer.
