Wednesday, 5.27
A state legislative committee strips away the 2% pay raises promised to more than 26,000 state workers, imposes a two-year salary freeze and hikes their health insurance premiums. State Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) calls these measures, expected to save $33 million, "quite a morale buster."
Thursday, 5.28
An 18-year-old homeless man, Jeffrey Driver, is charged with substantial battery after allegedly beating a 34-year-old rival for a primo sleeping spot - a doorway on upper State Street.
Friday, 5.29
Madison's Catholic diocese, citing a budget shortfall, abruptly closes its Multicultural Center on Beld Street, which provided food and services to the poor. Shocked supporters question the move, says Madison Ald. Tim Bruer, as "totally conflicting with the spiritual being of the Catholic Church."
Dane County Judge David Flanagan rules that same-sex partners don't qualify for state health care and other benefits. But he says he would have struck down such laws as unconstitutional, were it not for a 1992 appellate court decision that tied his hands. An attorney for those seeking coverage calls it "the best bad decision I've ever gotten."
A car driven by a 15-year-old boy veers out of control and crashes into an SUV on Milwaukee Street when another boy, 14, seizes the steering wheel; one teen passenger is killed and two others are left in critical condition. The drivers face charges including homicide by negligent driving. The SUV driver, 40, is busted for drunk driving, but police say his driving was not a factor.
Monday, 6.1
John Dejung, formerly of Minneapolis, takes over as Dane County's new 911 Center director. He tells the press he's "not going in with a bunch of answers on day one." How about a bunch of questions?
In yet another case of bum-on-bum crime, Dwayne D. Walker, 47, is arrested for punching another man who skipped in front of him at a coveted panhandling spot.
Julie S. Alt, 51, of Madison is sentenced to two years in prison followed by five years of extended supervision for having sex with an inmate while working as a prison guard last year at Oakhill Correctional Institution in Fitchburg. Alt tearfully admits to being "foolish"; her attorney calls her "a mess."
Tuesday, 6.2
A Dane County judge throws out most of the claims in a lawsuit filed by the family and fiancé of Brittany Zimmermann, murdered last year after her 911 call drew no response. Judge Maryann Sumi says the county can't be sued for failing to heed a consultant's recommendations on 911 Center problems.
The Madison Common Council suspends the licenses of two downtown bars, Madison Avenue and Ram Head Rathskeller, for repeated problems, including underage drinking.
Compiled from local media
