Thursday, 6.7
The Vilas Zoo's harbor seal couple, named Betty and Blacky, debut their new pup for the public. The parents, both 42, are the oldest harbor seal couple to give birth in captivity. Zoo officials say it would be the equivalent of a human couple having a child in their 60s. Hopefully they have babysitters available.
The Dane County Board bans elephant performances at the Alliant Energy Center. However, the ban grandfathers an existing contract with the Zor Shrine Circus, which features elephants, that expires in 2020.
Friday, 6.8
The bodies of Sydnie Kwiatkowski, 15, and Emma Mauer, 16, both students at Stoughton High School, are found in Lake Kegonsa. The girls had gone for a swim Thursday, the last day of classes, at La Follette County Park.
Americans for the Arts reports that arts groups in Dane County helped generate $145.5 million in economic activity in 2010. The amount is almost double what most communities our size spend.
Sunday, 6.10
The First Unitarian Society of Madison dedicates its services to helping Wisconsinites heal from the recall election. See Teddy Nykiel's report.
Tuesday, 6.12
Gov. Walker holds a "brat summit" at the governor's mansion, inviting the entire Legislature for a cookout with brats and beer. The gesture is an attempt to put the contentious recall battle behind them and work on governing again. "This is nice," state Rep. Brett Hulsey (D-Madison) tells the Wisconsin State Journal, but adds, "This is probably something that should have happened a year and a half ago." The governor has not yet tried to make nice with the media, who weren't invited.
Madison Common Council does not renew a liquor license for the Orpheum Theatre, and the city attorney's office says it will pursue legal action against the theater for holding events in the past year without a valid liquor license. See Jay Rath's report on page 15.
The Legislative Audit Bureau reports that eight state agencies that spent millions on economic development initiatives since 2007 have not adequately tracked results.
The UW-Madison administration announces it will give targeted raises to about a third of its faculty in order to boost morale and retain professors in danger of leaving.
The State Journal reports that Madison school superintendent Dan Nerad has been offered a job in Birmingham, Mich., outside of Detroit.
Climate Central reports that Wisconsin is the fourth-fastest warming state in the country, with average temperature increases of 0.616 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1970.
Compiled, in part, from local media.
