Wednesday, 4.16
The Associated Press reports that John Mellencamp is unhappy that Gov. Scott Walker is once again using his songs at campaign rallies. Mellencamp has told the governor in the past that he supports union rights, but at a recent rally, Walker nevertheless played "Pink Houses." When you were younger, governor, did they tell you: "Boy, you're gonna be president"?
A Milwaukee couple file a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court, bypassing lower courts, asking it to invalidate Wisconsin's ban on same-sex marriages.
Thursday, 4.17
The state Department of Public Instruction rules that Andrew Harris, a science teacher at Middleton's Kromrey Middle School, can keep his teaching license, despite viewing pornography on a school computer in 2008 and 2009. The Middleton School District originally fired Harris, but an arbitrator overruled the decision and he was reinstated in January. The DPI found Harris' conduct did not meet any legal definition of "immoral" because he did not show the porn to students. The state has since amended its law, but it cannot be applied to Harris' behavior before then. Of course, Harris will still have to face the snickers of scores of middle school kids. Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.
Friday, 4.18
Madison reports that property values are up almost everywhere in the city, with an overall increase of 3.5%. Only a couple of areas saw a slight decrease in value, and the jump in property values leads the state. "Real estate values are recovering in a very significant way in Madison," says Mayor Paul Soglin. "We can expect to see more recovery in future years. It's because of the strength of the people of Madison. This is a desirable place."
The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago finds that Act 10 is constitutional, dealing a blow to unions. The court writes that the law "does not proscribe any conduct by the unions themselves. It does not prohibit the unions from forming. It does not forbid them from meeting. Nor does it prevent the unions from advocating on behalf of their members in any way they see fit."
Monday, 4.21
A Dane County circuit court approves the sale of three closed American TV & Appliance stores, including one on Madison's far east side, to the Pewaukee-based Steinhafels furniture chain. American TV closed all 11 of its stores and declared bankruptcy in February.
The confounding state Rep. Brett Hulsey (D-Madison) announces he is running for governor, telling reporters: "I promise you it will be very entertaining." For him, maybe.
Tuesday, 4.22
A committee recommends that the Common Council appoint Lucas Dailey to fill a council seat vacated by Sue Ellingson, who resigned in March. Twelve people applied for the seat.
