Friday, 5.4
The state releases a report showing that tourism spending increased 7.6% from 2010 to 2011, for $9.8 billion total. But the increase in spending only brings a .42% bump in employment for the industry.
A Dane County jury finds Geoffrey A. Herling, 52, guilty of first-degree attempted murder for a shootout July 12 at the Road Star Inn in Middleton. Herling's shots narrowly missed Dane County Sheriff's deputies, who fired back, wounding him.
Dane County Circuit Judge Sarah O'Brien sentences Michel Moller, 54, to 45 days in jail and three years' probation for stalking Assistant District Attorney Karie Cattanach and her family. Cattanach had won child-abuse convictions against Moller's wife in 2010.
Saturday, 5.5
With an army of police officers looking on, about 5,000 people celebrate the annual Mifflin Street Block Party. Although the party is much more peaceful than last year, police cite more than 400 people for mostly minor violations.
Sunday, 5.6
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Scott Gunderson, a top political appointee at the state Department of Natural Resources, opted not to report Oconomowoc waste hauler Herr Environmental, accused of dumping human waste in fields, to the Department of Justice. Regulators at the DNR found the pollution threatened to poison nearby wells, but Gunderson requested fines of just over $4,000. Herr funded Gunderson when he served in the state Assembly.
Monday, 5.7
The Associated Press reports that gun sales in the state are skyrocketing, following a national trend. Although there are no precise sales figures, the number of calls for background checks hit a record in February.
Tuesday, 5.8
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett beats Kathleen Falk and two other Democrats to earn a chance at a rematch against Gov. Scott Walker in the June 5 recall election. Barrett promises to "end Scott Walker's ideological civil war." Four Democrats also win primaries in Senate recall races.
Democratic lawmakers warn that the state is in danger of losing federal funds for its Family Care program if it doesn't comply with federal laws by next Monday. Republicans say the state is complying.
Dane County Treasurer Dave Worzala withdraws from the race to replace U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is running for Senate. Three Democratic candidates, state Reps. Kelda Helen Roys and Mark Pocan, and Matt Silverman - remain in the race. Chad Lee is running for the Republican nomination.
Wednesday, 5.9
Gov. Walker agrees to two debates with Tom Barrett; the Democrat had asked for four. The debates are scheduled for May 25 and 31.
Compiled, in part, from local media.
