Thursday, 4.7
A state spokesman confirms that Brian Deschane, a 27-year-old lobbyist's son with no college degree or relevant experience who got a cushy state patronage job, resigned after being demoted because of outrage over the hiring.
Gov. Scott Walker asks the state Supreme Court to lift an order banning implementation of his "budget repair bill." The bill has been blocked by Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi until the question of whether it was passed legally can be resolved.
The Wisconsin League of Municipalities releases a survey questioning whether its members can save as much as Walker says from proposed changes to collective bargaining rights. Dan Thompson, the league's executive director, tells the Wisconsin State Journal, "The governor's methodology simply overestimates the amount of savings, especially in the area of insurance premiums."
Organizers turn in 22,500 signatures in the recall effort against Sen. Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac), making him the second Republican senator to face a probable recall.
Saturday, 4.9
State Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) says she'll challenge Republican Sen. Dan Kapanke in a recall election expected later this year.
Sunday, 4.10
Ten tornados touch down in central and northern Wisconsin, tying a record set in 1984. No one is killed, but the storms cause millions of dollars in damage. Eight of the storms were in the weakest category, but one in Lincoln County reached wind speeds of 140 mph.
Monday, 4.11
Work crews begin tearing up Williamson Street as part of a $6.9 million reconstruction effort scheduled to last until October. Looking on the bright side, Lindsey Lee, owner of Ground Zero coffee shop, tells the State Journal, "This is definitely the summer to enjoy Willy Street on foot and on bike."
Tuesday, 4.12
Gov. Walker, marking his 100th day in office (and what an uneventful time it's been), signs a law to end higher state auto insurance coverage requirements approved two years ago. Walker portrays his move as "consumer protection."
Lawyers representing a sexual abuse victim announce they've served papers in a lawsuit against the Vatican. The alleged abused involved a now-deceased priest at a Wisconsin school for the deaf. Jeff Anderson, the victim's attorney, tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "We really believe that we need to put some heat on the Vatican." Give 'em hell?
Wednesday, 4.13
Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi hears arguments in a lawsuit brought by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk arguing that Walker's "budget repair bill" is invalid on procedural grounds. State Justice Department attorneys argue the suit should be dismissed because the law has not yet taken effect. Sumi says she'll issue a decision in a day or two.
Compiled (in part) from local media
