David Michael Miller
Wednesday, 6.11
Brad Schimel, the Waukesha County district attorney running for state attorney general as a Republican, draws flak for failing to investigate an allegation that state Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) allowed a wealthy donor to help draft a bill that would reduce his child-support payments. One Wisconsin Now had asked Schimel to investigate in January. Schimel responded that he didn't see anything wrong: "Why can't a legislator press for legislation that benefits a person who has contributed to their campaign? Isn't that the essence of representative government?" Of ours, unfortunately, yes.
Thursday, 6.12
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a UW-Madison scientist, has created a new flu virus strain similar to the 1918 virus that killed 50 million people. Kawaoka says the work can help scientists identify potential viruses and develop vaccines. What could possibly go wrong?
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb rules that Ho-Chunk Nation must stop offering a video poker game at its Madison casino because it violates the tribe's gambling compact with the state.
Friday, 6.13
Judge Crabb puts a halt, at least temporarily, to same-sex marriages in Wisconsin. She orders the state to stop enforcing an amendment banning same-sex marriages but then stays that order pending appeals.
Saturday, 6.14
Capitol Police officer Michael Syphard allegedly shoves 71-year-old Ann Fleischli, injuring her hand. Fleischli had been gathering signatures at the Dane County Farmers' Market for a petition on a vote over Judge Doyle Square when she was taken into custody. But after realizing she'd been injured, police release Fleischli without charging her. She later files a complaint against the police.
Monday, 6.16
The Madison school board approves a preliminary $402 million budget, but will wait until the fall to finalize employee pay and benefits.
Tuesday, 6.17
A severe storm and at least five tornadoes sweep through the area, damaging numerous homes in Madison, Verona, Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove. Some minor injuries are reported. "Given the extent of the damage in some of our neighborhoods we feel fortunate no one was seriously hurt," says Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. "Many people's lives were changed shortly after midnight, and now we need to do what we can to help them get back on their feet."
